Archive for Newsline
Fire and Smoke Cleanup Tips
Posted by: | CommentsTHERE IS NEVER A GOOD TIME FOR storm waters to flood your basement or fire to smoke out your customer’s home. But if it seems disasters tend to strike at the worst possible moment, there’s a reason for that. According to statistics gathered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), residential structure fires peak between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. – right when many offices are closing up for the day. Fires don’t respect the 24-hour work day, so why should we? Timely, efficient mitigation is not only the key to keeping costs down, it can also help restore the homeowner’s or business owner’s peace of mind. The sooner restoration and cleanup begins, the sooner you and your customers can resume your everyday lives.
Fire and Smoke Cleanup Tips:
- Limit movement in the area to
prevent further damage. - Keep hands clean. Soot on
hands can further soil
upholstery, walls
and woodwork. - Wash both sides of leaves
on indoor plants. - Change HVAC filters and tape
double layers of cheesecloth
over air registers to stop
particles of soot from getting in
or out of the HVAC system. - Do not attempt to wash walls
or painted surfaces.
USFA Smoke Alarm Tips:
- In standard battery-powered smoke alarms,
the batteries need to be replaced at least
once per year and the whole unit should be
replaced every 8-10 years. - Since smoke and many deadly gases rise
installing your smoke alarms at the proper
level will provide you with the earliest
warning possible. - Always follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
- Install smoke alarms on every level of your
home, including the basement. - For extra safety, install smoke alarms both
inside and outside sleeping areas. - Contact your local fire department on a
non-emergency phone number if you need
help or have questions about fire safety in
your home.
MORE THAN 1.6 MILLION FIRES ARE reported each year in the United States.1 It’s a sobering statistic, especially when you consider the more than 3,600 people who lose their lives in these fires. Everyone knows smoke alarms play a vital role in saving lives, but many homeowners forget to ensure their alarms and detectors are in working order. According to the United States Fire Administration (USFA), no smoke alarms were present in 42 percent of fatal residential structure fires. When smoke alarms were present (58 percent of fatal fires), only 37 percent of those alarms were reported to be working correctly. In spite of recent news reports showing children sleeping through mock-fire alarms, smoke detectors remain the cornerstone of fire safety in the home. To find out the latest safety information from the USFA, read the tips on this page. For more information, go to the USFA’s website at www.usfa.dhs.gov.
Fire Restoration
Posted by: | CommentsTHE HOLIDAY SEASON IS MEANT to be a time spent with loved ones. But whether you prefer to bask in the glow of a warm fire or to relax in a festively decorated home, there are some hazards that could turn the night before Christmas into the nightmare before Christmas.
No matter your reason for celebrating this season, your local SERVPRO® Franchise Professional wants you to be able to enjoy the month of December safely. This issue of the Newsline is dedicated to creating awareness of several potential dangers like that come with holiday decorations.
This issue of the Newsline covers topics such as:
- The potential danger of Christmas
tree fires, including statistics from
the U.S. Fire Administration. - Tips on how to safely use festive
holiday candles around the home,
also including statistics from the
U.S. Fire Administration. - Tips on how to minimize your
risk for the seasonal flu, from the
Center for Disease Control.
Of course, if disaster does strike your home or business during the holiday season, SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. After all, we’ve been helping keep homes merry and bright for more than 40 years.
If your home – like 33 million other households in the U.S. – includes a natural Christmas tree in its holiday decorations, the breathtaking beauty of the decoration comes with a fire risk. Be sure to check out the tips listed below, and see page 2 of this issue for more safety information.
- If your tree is watered regularly,
your risk for Christmas tree
fires decreases significantly. - Keep your tree well away from
open flames – like candles
and fireplaces. - Be sure you don’t overload
power outlets with holiday
lights. Pay close attention to
the manufacturers instructions
on the number of lights you
can string together.
WITH THE ONSET OF THE HOLIDAY season, homeowners and business owners across the country will begin decorating their properties with festive lights, trees, candles and more. While these items can add plenty of charm and cheer, there are a few potential dangers your customers and loved ones should be
aware of during the winter months. Candles alone cause an estimated 15,600 fires each year, causing 1,270 injuries and more than $539 million in property damage.
December is the peak month for candle fires, and Christmas day is the peak day. More than half of all candle fires start because the candle is set too close to a combustible material. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, Christmas trees account for an estimated 200 fires annually and cause more than $6 million in property damage. These fires can be easily prevented simply by keeping your live tree watered.
The USFA has a fascinating, side-by-side video posted on its website (www.usfa.dhs.gov) comparing a adequately watered Christmas tree next to a dry, neglected tree. Within a mere 40 seconds of ignition, the dry tree has erupted into flames and consumed all oxygen in the room. By comparison, the “wet tree” resists the ignition, evenwhen a propane torch is applied.
Safety Tips
- Use sturdy, safe candle holders placed on a
surface where they cannot be easily
knocked down. - Never leave a burning candle unattended.
- Never leave a candle lit while sleeping.
Consider using battery-operated,
flame lesscandles. - Be careful not to splatter wax when
extinguishing a candle. - Use flashlights rather than candles for
emergency lighting. - Keep your Christmas tree well watered.
- Do not purchase a tree that is dry or
dropping needles excessively. - If you purchase an artificial tree, be sure it
is labeled as fire-retardant. - Always unplug or switch off lights when
leaving the house or before going to bed. - Do not use strings of lights that are worn,
frayed, manually spliced or broken. - Do not link more than three light strands,
unless the directions indicate it is safe.
Connect strings of lights to an extension
cord before plugging the cord into the
outlet. Make sure to periodically check
the wires – they should not be warm to
the touch.
WITH WINTER COMES THE ANNUAL FLU season, and this year the flu is causing much more concern than usual. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists the flu as a serious disease. Each year in the United States, an average of 200,000 people are hospitalized and 36,000 people die from seasonal flu complications.
The health experts at the CDC are all providing the same advice: proper hygiene is a powerful public health preventative measure. For a partial list of the CDC’s preventative tips, see the list in the next column. For a full list, visit the CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/flu.
Safety Tips
The CDC recommends a yearly seasonal flu vaccine as the most important step in protecting against seasonal influenza. Take everyday preventative actions.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue
when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue
in the trash after you use it. - Wash your hands often with soap and water.
If soap and water are not available, use an
alcohol-based hand rub.
Take flu antiviral drugs if your
doctor recommends them. - Antiviral drugs can make illness milder and
shorten the time you are sick. They may
also prevent serious flu complications. - Antiviral drugs are not sold over-the-counter
and are different from antibiotics. - For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if
started within the first 2 days of symptoms.
Fire Damage Restoration
Posted by: | CommentsA BACKDRAFT OF EMOTIONS often sweeps over the owners after a fire ravages a business or home. Fear, uncertainty, stress and doubt about the future of the property can overwhelm the owner long after the flames have been extinguished and the smoke has cleared. So after the first wave of heroes have rescued the property, let your local SERVPRO® Franchise Professional help you restore it. With the industry-approved training to employ rapid response, the utmost professionalism, cutting-edge technology and open communication, we strive to restore not only the home or business, but the customer’s peace of mind, as well.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) offers the following eye-opening statistics on fires:
- 515,000 structure fires were
reported in the United States
in 2008. - $12.3 billion in property damage
occurred in structure fires. - One structure fire was reported
every 61 seconds.
ALL HAS ARRIVED, AND AS THE HOLIDAYS draw near, it is important for you and your customers to be aware of the increased risk of fires in the home.
Did you know there are more residential fires on Thanksgiving Day than any other day of the year? The National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) found that from 2002-2003, an average of 5,200 fires occurred on Thanksgiving Day, causing $21 million in property damage.
Not surprisingly, the leading cause of these Thanksgiving fires was cooking accidents. Most of these fires were started on the stove or in the oven, and a leading factor proved to be residents leaving their food unattended while cooking. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reported that in 2005, fire departments responded to 146,400 home fire damage situations that involved cooking equipment, resulting in more than $870 million in property damage.
Read on for tips to help keep your family and your customers safe this season.
Safety Tips
- Stay in the kitchen when you are frying,
grilling or broiling food. If you leave the
kitchen, even for a short time, turn off
the stove. - Keep anything that can catch fire -
potholders, towels or curtains – away
from your stovetop. - Have a “kid-free zone” of at least 3 feet
around the stove and areas where hot
food or drink is prepared or carried. - Always keep an oven mitt and lid nearby
when you’re cooking. If a small grease
fire starts in a pan, put on an oven mitt
and smother the flames by carefully
sliding the lid over the pan. Turn off
the burner. - Never use a wet oven mitt, as it presents
a scald danger if the moisture in the mitt
is heated. - Have a smoke alarm installed in your
kitchen. Ensure it is in working order.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, more than 4,000 Americans die and another 20,000 are injured in fires each year. It’s a sobering statistic, but there are steps you can take to help keep your loved ones safe during such an emergency.
Having a written, practiced plan for escape is essential in the workplace and at home. The following are several fire escape planning tips suggested by the U.S. Fire Administration.
Safety Tips
Make a plan. Remember, every second counts.
Practice your plan. Make sure you, your employees and
your family are well-versed in escape
routes from every area of your home
or business. Practice leaving the property
with your eyes closed, feeling your way out.
Leave immediately.
Don’t stop for possessions or keepsakes.
Exit as quickly as possible, but if the
smoke has already grown thick, crawl
low and keep your mouth covered. The
smoke contains toxic gases that can
disorient or overcome you.
Never open doors that are hot to the touch.
When you come to a closed door, use the
back of your hand to see if the door is hot
to the touch. If it appears the fire is on
the other side of the door, leave it shut
and find another escape route.
Designate a meeting place outside and take attendance.
Designate a meeting location away from
the building, but not necessarily across the
street. For example, meet under a specific
tree to make sure no one gets hurt looking
for people who are already out of the
structure. Designate a person to go to
next door to call 911.
Tips and statistics reproduced from NFPA’s Web site, © NFPA (2009).
Smoke Restoration
Posted by: | CommentsTHE UNITED STATES HAS A FIRE problem. With an average of more than 1.6 million fires reported per year in this country alone between 1998 and 2007, the numbers tell a harrowing tale. An average of 3,695 Americans lost their lives and more than 19,000 were injured annually during that same time period as result of fires.
This issue of the Restoration Newsline is dedicated to raising awareness to the angers of fire. Inside this Newsline you ill find fire prevention tips, fire escape device and more information on how to prevent costly secondary smoke damage to your possessions should a fire strike your home or business. If a fire does damage your property or the property of a client, consider he following steps to help prevent additional damage until your local SERVPRO® Franchise Professional arrives:
- Limit movement in damaged areas.
- Keep hands clean to prevent the
spread of soot and dirt particles. - Brush vacuum loose soot particles
from upholstery, drapes and carpet. - Change your HVAC filter.
- Tape double layers of cheesecloth over
your air registers.
The following are several tips that could potentially save your life or the life of a loved one should a fire break out in your home or business.Restoration Newsline .
Look for more fire escape planning tips in next month’s issue of the Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home.
- Test smoke alarm batteries every month and change them at least once a year.
- Consider installing a 10-year lithium battery-powered smoke alarm.
- Practice finding your way out of the house with your eyes closed, crawling or staying low and feeling your way out of the house.
- Remember to escape first, then notify the fire department.
In 2007, THE MOST RECENT YEAR statistics are available, 1,557,500 fires were reported in the United States. These blazes caused 3,430 deaths and 17,675 civilian injuries while costing more than $14.6 billion in damage. Though some fires are unavoidable acts of nature or unpredictable accidents, many fires in the home and workplace are avoidable. The following tips, courtesy of the National Fire Protection Association, can help reduce the likelihood of a fire in your business or home.
10 Key Fire Safety Tips
- Watch your cooking: Stay in the kitchen if you are frying, grilling or broiling food. Never allow young children around the stove or oven, especially if they are not closely attended.
- Give space heaters space: Keep space heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn.
- Smoke outside: If you must smoke inside, have a sturdy, deep ashtray. Never smoke in bed.
- Keep matches and lighters out of reach: Keep matches and lighters in high cabinets, preferably under a child lock.
- Inspect electrical cords: Replace cords that are cracked, damaged, have broken plugs or have loose connections.
- Be careful when using candles: Keep candles at least one foot from anything that can burn. Blow them out before you leave the room or go to sleep.
- Have a fire escape plan: Make a fire escape plan and practice it at least twice a year.
- Install smoke alarms: Install alarms on every level of your office or home and inside bedrooms. Interconnect nthem so they all sound at once.
- Test smoke alarms: Test alarms once per month. Replace batteries once per year or as needed.
- Install sprinklers: Sprinklers can help maintain and sometimes even extinguish fires, giving your local fire department a better chance of saving your property.
Water Damage
Posted by: | CommentsWHEN A NATURAL DISASTER threatens a community, it is often too late to take the necessary steps to prepare homes, businesses and family members for the situation. Whether it’s a blizzard, flood damage, water damage from a hurricane or wildfire, disasters of all types often give little to no warning before they strike.
That’s why the Department of Homeland Security sponsors the Ready Campaign and recognizes National Preparedness Month (NPM) this time each year. As a coalition member of NPM, your local SERVPRO® Franchise Professional wants you to be prepared should a man-made or natural disaster strike your local area.
In this edition of the Newsline you will find:
- An Emergency Supply Checklist.
- A message from Rebecca Marquis,
- Acting Director of the Ready Campaign.
- Emergency Contact Cards.
- Directions on how to find more
information on preparedness.
You can enable your business to be its best by getting yourself and your customers ready for Mother Nature’s worst.
Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit:
- Water, one gallon per person per day
- Food, non-perishable
- Infant formula and diapers
- Pet supplies
- Manual can opener
- Battery operated radio, preferably a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Bedding
- Clothing
- Dust masks or bandanna
- Plastic sheeting, garbage bags and
duct tape - Wrench or pliers
- Local maps
- Hygiene items
- Important documents such as
copies of insurance policies,
identification and bank account
information - Cash
- Fire Extinguisher
- Matches in a waterproof container
YOU MAY THINK YOU HAVE ENOUGH supplies in your pantry to make it through an emergency, but if you have to evacuate,do you have a to-go emergency kit that is easy to grab at a moment’s notice? If an emergency occurs, you might assume you can simply call your spouse or children to see if they’re okay, but what if the phone lines are jammed with others doing the exact same thing? When it comes to you and your loved ones, is having a plan that’s “good enough” good enough?
The Ready Campaign and Citizen Corps encourage you to take a few extra minutes this month to plan for any emergency. September is National Preparedness Month (NPM) and a good reminder that we all have a responsibility to protect ourselves, our families and our communities. Emergencies will happen, but taking action now can help us minimize the impact they will have on our lives.
This year, NPM focuses on changing perceptions about emergency preparedness and helping Americans understand what it truly means to be Ready. Preparedness goes beyond fire alarms, smoke detectors, dead-bolt locks and extra food in the pantry. Being Ready includes: getting an Emergency Supply Kit; making a Family Emergency Plan; being informed about emergencies and their appropriate responses; and getting involved in community efforts such as Citizen Corps.
Throughout September, activities and events will take place across this country to highlight the importance of emergency preparedness and promote individual involvement, such as first aid trainings,town hall meetings and much more.
For more information on NPM or for help getting your family, business or community prepared, visit www.ready.gov, www.listo.gov or www.citizencorps.gov, where you’ll find free preparedness resources such as Family Emergency Plan templates,Emergency Supply Kit Checklists, and much more, or call 1-800-BE-READY. The Ready Web site also has special sections for kids (Ready Kids) and small- to medium-sized businesses (Ready Business).
Flood Damage Restoration
Posted by: | CommentsNATURAL DISASTERS OFTEN STRIKE without warning, leaving behind a
trail of unfathomable destruction and devastation. Though none of
Mother Nature’s disasters are entirely predictable,few storms strike with the unexpected
ferocity of flash floods. This issue of the Newsline focuses on information and safety
tips for the United States’ most common and deadly disaster. Unexpected emergencies like flash floods call for immediate action. First responders, such as local police and fire departments,
often must intervene for the safety of their residents as flood waters rise. But after
the flood waters have subsided, your local SERVPRO® Franchise Professional knows
immediate reaction to the disaster can be just as important.
Utilizing our 1-4-8 Service Response
Guidelines, your SERVPRO® Franchise
Professional strives to:
- Contact you or your insured within
1 hour from notice of loss to arrange
for service. - Be on-site to begin mitigation services
within 4 hours of notification. - Provide verbal briefing of scope to
the appropriate agent, resident or
business owner within 8 business
hours of on-site arrival.
MYTH
Large cars and sports utility vehicles
should be able to navigate in
deeper flood waters.
TRUTH
Just two feet of swiftly moving
flash flood water is enough to
float most vehicles – even larger
cars and trucks.
MYTH
Flash floods occur only along
rivers and streams.
TRUTH
Flash floods can occur nearly
anywhere – even in urban areas.
MYTH
Homeowners insurance policies
cover flood damage.
TRUTH
The vast majority of these policies
do not cover flood damage.
The Facts on Flash Floods
FLOODS ARE THE MOST COMMON AND costly natural disaster in the United States.
According to running up a $2.4 billion-per-year tab in average annual losses from 1994-2004.1
While some of Mother Nature’s more demonstrative displays, such as hurricanes, tornados and
earthquakes, get more public attention, floods are the number one weather-related killer in the
U.S.
Flash floods are the most dangerous kind of flood, because they combine the nearly unstoppable
force of a flood with deadly unpredictability and speed. According to the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), more than half of all flash flood fatalities are related to
automobiles.
The truth is as simple as it is tragic:
Just six inches of fast-moving flood water can knock a grown man off his feet, and just two feet
of water can cause a car to begin floating. Should a flash flood strike your area, your local
SERVPRO® Franchise Professional wants you to be equipped with the following tips to help keep
you safe.
SAFETY TIPS:
- You cannot outrun a flash flood. Get to
higher ground! - Stay away from and keep children away
from drainage ditches and storm drains. - Never drive into water covering the road.
You do not know how deep it is or if the
road underneath the water has been
washed away. - If your vehicle stalls, leave it immediately
and seek higher ground if it is safe to do so. - Be especially cautious at night when it is
difficult to recognize flood dangers. - Do not attempt to cross flowing water if
the water is above ankle level.
Top 11 States for Flood Losses:
State Total Payments
1 Louisiana $15,891,996,906
2 Texas $4,923,448,292
3 Florida $3,516,835,046
4 Mississippi $2,832,195,417
5 Alabama $926,650,675
6 New Jersey $851,817,897
7 North Carolina $769,765,536
8 Pennsylvania $738,974,655
9 New York $595,700,712
10 Missouri $541,425,803
11 California $479,760,187
The Dangers of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
UNINTENTIONAL CARBON MONOXIDE poisoning claims more than 500 lives and sends over 15,000 people to the emergency room each year in America, according to a study by the Center for Disease Control. Carbon monoxide, or CO, is an odorless and colorless gas that is toxic to humans and animals. Because humans cannot detect CO with their senses, carbon monoxide can kill you before you are aware it is affecting you. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, low levels of CO exposure cause mild effects that are often mistaken for the flu. These symptoms include headaches, dizziness, nausea and fatigue. Carbon monoxide can come from several sources including charcoal grills, motor vehicles, wood burning fireplaces and generators.
SAFETY TIPS
- Install at least one CO alarm with an
audible warning alarm near the sleeping
areas of your home. Ensure the alarm has
been evaluated by a recognized laboratory,
such as the Underwriters Laboratories (UL). - Have a qualified professional check all
fuel-burning appliances and furnaces at
least once per year. - Never use a charcoal grill, hibachi or a
power generator in an enclosed space, like
a garage. Even if the door is open, the CO
may not be properly ventilated. - Never keep a car running in the garage.
- Never use a range or oven to help heat your home.
Damage Restoration
Posted by: | CommentsFire & Water – Cleanup & Restoration
Call the cleanup team that’s faster to any disaster:
With SERVPRO®, it’s not just an empty tag line. It is a commitment from each SERVPRO® Franchise Professional to be there when you or your customers need them most. Whether you are a small business owner who has to close your doors after a minor fire damage or a property manager dealing with a widespread disaster, the SERVPRO® System has the resources to respond quickly, efficiently and effectively.
The sooner help arrives, the sooner restoration begins. The sooner restoration begins, the sooner you or your customers can resume life and business as usual. Your local SERVPRO® Franchise is just the tip of the iceberg. Should a major disaster, such as a flood or wildfire, exhaust local resources, SERVPRO’s Storm Teams remain constantly at the ready. These elite teams have responded to everything from Hurricane Katrina in 2005 to the San Diego wildfires in 2007 to the Iowa floods in 2008.
Should fire damage, water damage or mold damage strike – no matter the size – give your local SERVPRO® Franchise Professional a call. Backed by a proven, time-tested system of Franchises more than 1,400 strong, we’ll help make your property disaster “Like it never even happened.”
FROM COAST TO COAST IN 2009, wildfires across the country have already been making national news. The Jesusita fire in Southern California and the large fire in South Carolina burned nearly 30,000 acres and destroyed more than 150 homes and businesses. These areas of the country aren’t alone. In 2008, 29 states had more than 10,000 acres scorched by wildfires, as a total of 5.2 million acres burned across the country. Though thousands of wildfires are started every year by natural causes – such as lightning strikes – many more are man-made disasters. In 2008, 8,856 fires were attributed to lightning strikes, while humans caused 70,093 fires. Man-made wildfires can be more dangerous than natural fires, because they tend to occur in more populated areas.
Though we may never be able to eliminate wildfires, there are steps we can take to help lessen the danger of damage to our homes and businesses. As a National Preparedness Coalition member, your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional encourages you to follow these safety tips, courtesy of FEMA.
The Facts on and What You Can Do
*Statistics provided by the National Interagency Fire Center.
Safety Tips
- Always build fires away from nearby trees
or shrubs. - Create a 30-foot safety zone around the
house or business, clearing all flammable
and combustible objects. - Remove debris from under decks and
insides gutters. - Prune branches and shrubs within 15 feet
of chimneys and stove pipes. - Replace highly flammable vegetation such
as pine, eucalyptus, junipers and fir trees
with lower growing, less flammable species. - Check with your local garden store or fire
department for suggestions. - Use fire-resistant siding.
Top 10 States for Wildland Fires in 2008 Source: Insurance Information Institute (www.iii.org)
Rank State Fires Acres Burned:
1 Texas 16,713 1,570,586
2 California 5,812 1,339,839
3 Oklahoma 5,572 196,563
4 Georgia 5,454 23,081
5 North Carolina 4,414 95,938
6 Alabama 3,103 32,447
7 Florida 2,939 156,102
8 South Carolina 2,626 15,751
9 Mississippi 1,898 27,399
10 Arizona 1,850 85,496
FIREWORKS CAN BE A FESTIVE AND fun way to celebrate holidays. In the United States, no holiday is more widely celebrated with the colorful displays of pyrotechnics than the Fourth of July.
However, each year in July, thousands of people – both adults and children – are injured by fireworks while celebrating. According to a U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission study conducted in 2006, emergency departments treated more than 9,200 fireworks-related injuries from June 16 to July 16 (2006). Sparklers accounted for one-third of the injuries to children under the age of 5 in the same time period. Children under 15 accounted for 36% of the estimated injuries.
Since a large percentage of the injuries from fireworks are related to illegally made fireworks,
the American Pyrotechnics Association (APA) encourages consumers to only use legal,
approved fireworks. Of course, even then, the fireworks must be used as directed in a safe
and responsible manner.
Though a professional fireworks display is the safest way to enjoy the aerial displays, the
National Council on Fireworks Safety suggests the following tips for a fun, safe fireworks display.
- Only use fireworks outdoors.
- Be aware of and obey all local laws
regarding the use of fireworks. - Children under 16 should only use
fireworks under adult supervision. - Always have a bucket of water or a hose
nearby. If conditions are excessively dry,
do not use fireworks. - Alcohol and fireworks are a bad mix.
- Parents should pay special attention to
children using sparklers. Sparklers can
reach temperatures up to 1,800 degrees
Fahrenheit. - Children should not throw or play games with sparklers.
Disaster Restoration
Posted by: | CommentsRestoration Newsline
SUMMER IS UPON US, AND THAT means another hurricane season has begun. Though this issue of the Restoration Newsline will focus on raising awareness and giving safety advice for hurricanes, these tips apply to all types of disasters – whether earthquakes, floods, tornadoes, blizzards or wildfires. SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals want to spread the same message no matter which corner of the country you call home: Be prepared! It is never easy to be ready for the unpredictable, but now is the time to ensure your business and your customers are prepared for a natural disaster situation. Inside this Newsline, you will find:
- Basic hurricane and disaster safety information.
- A list of recommended items for your disaster supply kit.
- Steps on what you can do now to prepare, as well as directions to more resources.
Whether you live in the gulf coast, the west coast or anywhere in between, contact your local SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals. They can provide preparedness resources to help you protect your home, business and loved ones. Just give us a call, and leave the restoration to SERVPRO®.
HURRICANES ARE ONE OF NATURE’S fiercest and least predictable forces. Though it can be nearly impossible to forecast severe storms in advance, a group from Colorado State University (led by long-time hurricane prognosticator Dr. William Gray) predicts an average hurricane season in 2009. The team anticipates 12 named tropical storms between June 1 and November 30. Six of those storms are predicted to become hurricanes, and two are expected to develop into intense or major hurricanes (Saffir/Simpson category 3, 4 and 5). The same group predicts there is a 54 percent chance a hurricane will make landfall on a U.S. coastline. Due to the unpredictable nature of hurricanes, it is important to take steps now to protect yourself, your business and your family. Even areas far removed from the coastline may feel the impact of the side effects of a major hurricane, such as spin-off tornadoes, storm surges and flood damage The following tips are designed for safety in hurricane conditions, though many of the
precautions also apply to any severe storm situation.
1.Plan your escape route early.
Find out where the nearest official shelter
is in your area. The Red Cross or local
government can give you this information.
Keep a good map in your car in case you
are forced to seek an alternate route on
your way out of town.
2.Take inventory of your personal property.
Make a detailed list of your possessions
and back it up with photos or video
footage. Keep one copy in your home
and another in a separate location, in case
the storm damages the original copy. For
help with your business or home contents
inventory, contact your local SERVPRO®
Franchise Professional.
3.Take steps to protect your home.
Hurricane-force winds can turn landscape
materials into missiles that can break
windows and doors. Trim weak branches
off of trees and replace gravel/rock
landscaping with shredded bark.
Also consider buying the materials needed to brace garage doors and windows in advance, since many of these items may be in high demand when a severe storm is forecasted.
ELECTRICAL OUTLETS CAN BECOME dangerous when overloaded. Though it may be easy to simply plug in another power strip or extension cord when adding equipment, the wiring in some buildings often isn’t capable of supporting too many high-powered electronic appliances. Older office buildings and homes, in particular, often suffer from lack of electrical outlets. The temptation is to simply add a power strip or plug in an extension cord from across the room. Even in newer office buildings and homes, it can be all too easy to overload a single outlet with power-hungry machines such as computers, printers, scanners and monitors. So what’s the big deal? When an employee or resident overloads an electrical outlet, that means more current is running through the outlet than it can handle. This causes the outlet to overheat, which may lead to an electrical fire. According to a 2008 National Fire Protection Association study, electrical distribution and lighting equipment are involved in more than 24,000 home structure fires per year. These fire damage result in an average of 320 deaths per year and an estimated $700 million in property damage per year.
If an electrical fire should occur in your office or home, get safely away from the fire and call your fire department immediately. If you choose to use an extinguisher on the fire, never let the fire get between you and a safe exit, and never use water to extinguish an electrical fire. The risk of electrical shock is far too great. Class C fire extinguishers
use a non-conductive extinguishing agent and should not cause electrical shock. To help prevent this and other electrical hazards, refer to the list below (provided by Electrical Safety Foundation International).
- If you must use a power strip, use a namebrand
product from a reputable retailer. - Low-quality or counterfeit power strips
may contain wiring that isn’t adequate to
carry the load. - Place power strips where there is plenty
of air circulation to disperse the heat. - Never attempt to plug grounded (threeprong)
cords into an ungrounded (twoprong)
outlet. - Do not bind, kink or knot electrical cords.
Keep cords close to a wall to prevent the
risk of tripping.
Mold Mitigation
Posted by: | CommentsThis is good information on mold from the EPA. Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any organic substance, as long as moisture and oxygen are present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, foods, and insulation. When excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or unaddressed. It is impossible to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment. However, mold growth can be controlled indoors by controlling moisture indoors.
To learn how we remove mold visit our Mold Mitigation and Remediation page or call us today for a free estimate at 1-800-675-0190, or email us through our contact page.
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The Key to Mold Control is Moisture Control.
It is important to dry water damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth. If mold is a problem in your home, clean up the mold and get rid of the excess water or moisture. Fix leaky plumbing or other sources of water. Wash mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely. Absorbent materials (such as ceiling tiles & carpet) that become moldy may have to be replaced. For more information about mold visit epa.gov. If you would like a free estimate call us immediately at (800) 675-0190 or email us through our contact page, and we will start the mitigation process.
