campbell soup recipes: 2012

Air Duct Cleaning Benefits

People clean air ducts to maintain a safe and healthy environment, save money as well as to increase its efficiency and these are considered to be some of the most important benefits of cleaning duct work. This is because the duct, like other items in the house, accumulates lots of dust and other foreign element. This leaves indoor air unclean to cause allergies and other airborne diseases. It is therefore important to clean the duct in order to improve the quality of air indoor.

Cleaning the components of an air duct is vital to keep it performing efficiently. This can result in increased energy saving as well as improve the life span of the air duct. It can also reduce the utility bill by a considerable amount. On the other hand, the home will be uncomfortable if the air duct breaks and it is also expensive to repair it and even more costly to buy a new one.

Another one of the benefits to cleaning air ducts is that it prevents allergies by keeping the air dust free. An air duct is a major collector of dust, pet droppings and other contaminants and these key triggers of allergies and respiratory problems such as asthma. It is particularly important to clean air duct in a house where elderly people and kids live since they are vulnerable to allergies.

Duct cleaning benefits also include fresh air in a home. The home will no longer have a musty smell which is created by mold, dust and dirt. The smell can not come out even if a person tries to use fresheners and candles, and it is therefore important to have the duct cleaned regularly in order to keep the air indoors fresh. This way a person will not feel embarrassed to invite guests into their home for fear of what they are going to say.

There are many companies which provide duct cleaning services. Most of them are run by professionals and they provide quality services. However, one must be careful when choosing duct cleaning services to avoid scams. Choose a company which has been in the market for a long time and one which has a good track record. In addition, make sure the company cleans all components of the duct work to avoid spreading contaminants to clean components.

When a person hires duct work cleaning services, they leave a home cleaner and healthier. Once air is circulated inside the vents of the duct work it will no longer carry dust. The home will smell less dusty. People should learn to enjoy a clean and dust free home with companies offering duct cleaning benefits.

It is important to clean an air duct in order to get rid of dust and other elements which can hamper the performance of the duct work. Besides, an air vent that is cleaned regularly has a long life span and it also operates efficiently to save energy. Other air duct cleaning benefits include saving money, preventing allergies and improving indoors air quality.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6805304

Why You Need A Professional Carpet Cleaning

Carpet is an expensive purchase, that's why you need to make sure that you do everything possible to ensure your carpet lasts for years to come. Carpet maintenance includes having your carpet periodically professionally cleaned. This will not only extend the life of your carpet but also protect you and your loved ones from potential health problems.

Types Of Carpeting
There are several different types of carpeting, and some attract and collect dust, dirt, and mites more easily than others. Hand knotted carpets or machine made carpets are especially bad about storing dirt and bacteria, especially if you are in a home with small children or pets. Once these small particles become trapped in your carpet fibers they can then trigger allergies. Don't fret though, because professional carpet cleaners are trained and experienced in determining what type you have and then implementing the best techniques possible to remove all these allergens and health hazards.

Types Of Professional Carpet Cleaning
Professional carpet cleaners use several different methods to clean your carpet depending on how dirty it is and what material it is made from. Some procedure use hot water to extract dirt and debris, while others include dry cleaning. There are also lots of techniques available to remove pet stains and odors, disinfect and sanitize, and treat and removing stains. The reason professionals can get them so much cleaner than you ever could with a DIY rental is because they use very powerful, high quality cleaning agents and machinery. Also, unlike store purchased cleaners, they are specially formulated to clean your rugs with damaging the fiber or fading the colors.

Typically, your carpet cleaning company will begin by professionally vacuuming your floors, and apply a chemical treatment that will loosen dirt and debris for easy removal. Next, they will steam you carpets to deeply penetrate the fibers to the roots and extract all buildup located there. Finally, your professional carpet cleaning company will apply a stain protector. Then it typically takes around 24 hours to dry.

Keep Your Carpets Looking New
Once your carpet has been professionally cleaned you will be amazed at how new and fresh it looks. Plus, it will last for years to come. It is well known that the dirt in your carpet will act like sandpaper removing the outer layer from carpet fibers and setting stains. This will wear your carpet out long before it should! Having your carpets routinely cleaned will prevent this from happening and keep your carpet looking new.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7298158

If you're in need of a professional carpet cleaning call Servpro of Fairfield to schedule an appointment! Protection Treatments are available to extend the life of your furniture, fabrics, and carpet. These treatments also improve the effectiveness of future cleanings by helping to prevent the penetration of soils and stains.

(707) 207-0122

Happy Holidays!

Wishing You and Your Family a Safe and Happy Holiday!

"May Peace be your gift at Christmas and your blessing all year through!"

~Author Unknown

Christmas Holiday Fire Safety Tips : Fire Prevention

Christmas always sees an increase in the amount of house fires reported due to things like lights and trees. Get Christmas holiday fire safety tips with help from a goal-oriented health care provider in this free video clip.

How to Choose a Water Damage Restoration Company

Water damage after a burst pipe, rising river, hurricane, overflow, or similar situation often impacts more than the immediate area and also the home's content which might be in its path. The process of restoring a property to its pre-damaged state is referred to as water damage restoration, which many companies specialize in. Any water damage to a home can be a destructive and stressful time, but having it repaired need not be a difficult process.

Here are of the several steps which might help in searching for the right water damage restoration service:

Use the services of a specialist water damage restoration company: In an unfortunate situation like this, it is important that you are able to hire the services of a company that specializes in treating water damaged properties, whether this might be from internal damage (burst pipes) or external damage (floods, storms, hurricanes). It is often the case that certain carpet cleaning companies might claim to offer a water restoration service, however they are likely to lack the required expertise that you would need for such a significant job of this type.

Make contact with several local companies: In the process of searching for the right contractor to hire it is important to contact two or three different companies to determine the type of services that might be available to you. Even in such a distressful situation like this, it is still important to invest the necessary time to establish whether a company is a good hire or not. If able, get personal referrals from family members or friends who might have been in a similar situation, or go online and search for local companies that have a good number of positive comments next to their business name. Finding the right highly trained staff is imperative to having a property dried and restored to a high standard.

Obtain multiple estimates: after receiving several estimates for the repair work, you can compare each of those are side by side to establish which he is able to offer a high standard of work at a reasonable price. A temptation might be there to opt for the cheapest estimate; however it is important to consider all factors in the decision-making process, as it is important that the company is able to offer a qualified team that is able to get the job done the right way.

Don't delay in getting repairs carried out. If placed in a situation where significant water damage has been caused to property, it is important that the work is carried out as soon as possible. Water damage if left is only likely to worsen, which can lead to damage to the integrity of a structure as well as the development of a mold infestation.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7395769

Chocolate Elf Bites

WHAT YOU NEED

4 oz. BAKER'S White Chocolate
1/2 cup butter or margarine, divided
1/3 cup water
1 pkg. (3.9 oz.) JELL-O Pistachio Flavor Instant Pudding
3 cups powdered sugar
2 oz. BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate
2 Tbsp. chopped pistachios

MAKE IT

LINE 8-inch square pan with foil, with ends of foil extending over sides. Microwave white chocolate, 6 Tbsp. butter and water in large microwaveable bowl on HIGH 2 min. or until butter is melted; stir with whisk until chocolate is completely melted and mixture is well blended.
ADD dry pudding mix; stir 2 min. Add sugar, 1 cup at a time, stirring after each addition until well blended. Press onto bottom of prepared pan.
MICROWAVE semi-sweet chocolate and remaining butter in large microwaveable bowl 1-1/2 min. or until butter is melted. Stir until chocolate is completely melted and mixture is well blended; spread over fudge layer in pan. Sprinkle with nuts. Refrigerate 2 hours or until firm before cutting into 36 squares.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

The Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act of 2010, also known as SB 183, is effective as to single-family detached residences on July 1, 2011, and all other residential units on January 1, 2013. It requires that residential property be equipped with a carbon monoxide device when the property has an attached garage or fossil fuel (coal, kerosene, oil, wood, fuel gasses and other petroleum or hydrocarbon products that emit carbon monoxide as a byproduct of combustion) heater or appliance or fireplace. Rules regarding carbon monoxide devices (such as the landlord's obligation to ensure that the devices are operable at the time the tenant takes possession, the landlord's right to enter for inspection, and the tenant's obligation to notify the landlord if the device becomes inoperable) are similar to smoke detector rules.

An open parking garage (as defined in the California Building Code), or an enclosed parking garage ventilated in accordance with the California Mechanical Code, is not deemed to be an "attached garage".

Residential

units that do not (1) contain fuel-burning heaters, appliances or fireplaces or (2) a garage directly attached to the unit, but which are located in a building with fuel-burning appliances or a garage attached to the building, are not required to install carbon monoxide devices when:

The unit is located more than one story above or below any story that contains a fuel-burning appliance or an attached garage; and
The unit is not connected by duct work or ventilation shafts to any room containing a fuel-burning appliance or to an attached garage; and
The building is equipped to a common area carbon monoxide alarm system that includes all enclosed common area spaces.

Carbon monoxide devices (and smoke alarms) must be located outside each sleeping area (in the immediate vicinity of bedrooms) and on every story of the dwelling, including basements and habitable attics. Split levels are considered one story.

There are two different types of carbon monoxide devices.

Carbon monoxide alarms are stand alone units that have their own built-in power supply and audible device. Carbon monoxide detectors are designed to be used with a fire alarm system and receives its power from a fire alarm panel.

Carbon monoxide devices must be hard-wired with battery back-up:

When a building permit with a job valuation of more than $1,000 is issued for an addition, repair or alteration, and interior wall or ceiling finishes are disturbed; and
For new construction.

If a carbon monoxide device is required, but hard-wiring is not required, either battery operated, or plug-in with battery back-up carbon monoxide devices are allowed. Carbon monoxide devices installed before July 1, 2011 may continue to be utilized, even if they are not an approved carbon monoxide device.

If more than one carbon monoxide device is installed in a unit, all of the devices must be interconnected (so that activation of one alarm will activate all alarms in the unit) if the devices are hard-wired or if a previous method of interconnection exists.

Kimball, Tirey & St. John LLP is a full service real estate law firm representing residential and commercial property owners and managers. This article is for general information purposes only. Before acting, be sure to receive legal advice from a lawyer. If you have questions, please contact your local KTS office. For contact information, please visit www.kts-law.com.

© 2011 Kimball, Tirey and St. John LLP

The Role Of Social Media For Modern Business

Any business owner who honestly believes that social media plays no part in their overall business plan is fooling him or herself, and will in all likelihood not be a business owner indefinitely. For better or worse, the Internet has become a primary tool in advertising and promoting businesses from huge, multi-national corporations to non-profits to small mom & pop restaurants and bars. Even small scale representatives of products such as Avon and Amway, once a door-to-door business, have gone online with their wares in an effort to hit a larger, and hopefully, more receptive audience.

Establishing and building an audience on social networks such as Facebook and YouTube is a critical part of any modern business plan and those who eschew these avenues do so at their own peril. Though this trend has in many places virtually decimated the budgets of traditional print media, it is a trend that shows no sign of slowing anytime soon.

For businesses catering to a younger customer base the importance of social media is particularly critical. Many 30-somethings indicated in study after study that they gleam most of their news, both national and local, from online sources rather than traditional print media or even television.

One recent study shows that about 50 percent of all adults nationwide have watched at least one YouTube video and about 30 percent regularly join and partake of information offered by social networking sites. A slightly lower number regularly log into a new group site.

If you're considering establishing a social media network for your business, it's a good idea to figure out just who your target audience is. Are you trying to reach younger users, or focus more on a more mature audience? Your answers will, to some degree at least, dictate which sites you use to promote your business.

What To Do Now And When The Storm Ends

October 29. 2012 - If Hurricane Sandy hit your home, you've probably lost something, from a few shingles to the whole shebang. If you've planned well, you can keep your losses as low as possible. And if you haven't planned well, you can take action now to minimize your losses in the next disaster.

The best thing you could have done before Sandy struck was make an inventory of your house and your possessions. There's even an app for that if you still want to do it. Go to the Insurance Information Institute's website (www.iii.org/software) and download its home inventory app.

The app lets you enter information on where you bought your possessions and how much they cost. All the information is stored remotely, so even if your iPhone gets swept out to sea, you'll still have a record of what you lost.

Make sure you know your insurance policy number -- and, if possible, where a copy of your policy is. If you haven't read your policy, this is a very good time to review it. "Reading a policy isn't exciting, but it's very important," says John Egan, editor of InsuranceQuotes.com.

Most policies will cover wind damage, and they will cover water damage if a tree crashes into your roof. But flood damage typically requires a separate policy. "There are many people who find out the hard way that flooding can cause a lot of damage," Egan says. Most flood insurance policies kick in 30 days after you sign them. Go to article

Happy Holidays from SERVPRO of Fairfield

Can you believe the Holidays are already upon us? It seems time just goes faster and faster the closer we get to the end of the year.

Servpro of Fairfield had a very exciting Thanksgiving. Many of our people were in Long Island helping with the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. In fact, most of them are still there and may be for several weeks if not months. Below are a few photos of the devastation our crews witnessed.

It's a great feeling to be part of a company that makes a positive impact in so many people's lives. It's a reminder to be grateful for all that we have.

Happy Holidays from Servpro of Fairfield.

Water Damage Restoration 1 or 2 - Servpro Of Fairfield

Tom with Servpro Of Fairfield shows the process of water extraction in typically home setting. See more at www.servprooffairfield.com

Avoiding Water Damage - Protect Your Home

Anyone who has ever had a severe plumbing problem or has had the misfortune of going through a major storm knows the difficulties that come with water damage. So great is the destruction caused by this life-giving fluid that many homeowners find that the fire department actually does more monetary harm in putting out a blaze than the flames themselves caused. This isn't a slam on fire protection, but a reminder of how destructive water can be to your home. Fixing the problem after the fact can be expensive and difficult, so here are some ways you can protect your home ahead of time.

Outside Water Damage
For many homeowners, their primary source of concern will be flooding from outside the home. There are few ways to prevent a natural disaster, but there are things you can do to make sure your house can stand up to the flooding better than it would have been able to otherwise. One of the best investments of time and money you can make is to make sure your property is designed for excellent drainage. This includes sloping the landscape away from the home so that flooding can't simply pool against the foundation. It also means putting in appropriate gutters to direct rain flow away from the house. Additionally, have your roof professionally inspected so you don't have to worry about surprise leaks.

Plumbing
Of course, water damage doesn't just come from excess rain. In many instances, it comes from within the house itself as the result of faulty plumbing. Slow leaks and sudden bursts alike can cause problems that will be expensive to fix. Not only should you learn how to check your pipes on a regular basis to make sure leaks aren't developing, but also you should have a professional plumber come out and give them a once-over every so often. Don't overlook the hoses leading to your major appliance, either. The ones behind the refrigerator and washing machine deserve specific attention.

Prevention
Some homeowners have gone the extra step to implement systems and tools that will help them prevent water damage. One such example is a shutoff valve easily accessible to everyone in the family. If you have a washing machine that is suddenly flooding your kitchen or a faucet that is spraying everywhere, this is a nice thing to have (assuming you have the presence of mind to hit it in a timely manner). Implementing these types of things in your house will not only give you something to reach for in case of an emergency, but they can also get you discounts on your insurance coverage in many instances.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7378757

Making Your Home Fire-Safe

The following article can be used as a fire safety checklist for your home. By employing all of these great tips you will actually be potentially saving your own life, as well as your families. Here are the best tips to stay fire safe this season.

If you have smokers in your household, make sure that they have a designating smoking area. This doesn't need to be an obvious looking smoking enclosure, it just needs to be somewhere outside that is free from flammable objects and contains clean ashtrays for cigarette butts.

You must eliminate clutter and allow plenty of room for flammable goods. If you have kids around, these places should be out of reach and possible locked. These storage areas must not be exposed to any electricity or heat sources. If flammable goods are kept in a shed outside make sure that there is plenty of ventilation and heat is not trapped.

Make sure that everyone in your household is up to date with the evacuation procedures should there be a need. An evacuation drill should be practiced at least every 6-12 months.

The evacuation process should be aimed at getting everybody out of the house is the fastest possible manner and leaving personal items behind. Following on from this, you should also have all emergency phone numbers clearly displayed next to every phone. The evacuation path must be kept clear and easy to navigate at all times. You must consider any locks, deadlocks, or other obstructions in the path of evacuation and these must be made as easy as possible to navigate.

Ensure that rubbish bins are emptied daily, all clutter is thrown away, and electrical items are put away safely after use. Identifying fire hazards is a skill and you should work on identifying and eliminating all hazards around the home. This is especially easy by removing all clutter in your home that could be considered a threat.

At least two fire extinguishers per average household is usually enough, but these should be clearly marked so that everyone knows exactly here to look. Fire alarms should be carefully placed in fire 'hotspots' around your home. Any fire sprinklers and other fire equipment is advised but not necessary.

You must ensure everything is done to prevent a fire from occurring in your home. A common cause of household fires is due to an electrical issue. Ensure that you have an adequate number of power points available and that you are not overloading them with adapters and multiple appliances if not needed.

Another point to make is that you should check that you have circuit breaker points installed and that they are all working correctly. These will shut off power to a certain section of your home if power is overloaded. They are a great fire prevention tool.

In conclusion, you must build up awareness to fire hazards and act accordingly to eliminate these hazards. If you can get a two in one fire alarm that also detects carbon monoxide in the air you will successfully eliminate two hazards in one.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5347316

Happy Thanksgiving!

SERVPRO of Fairfield Would Like To Wish You And Your Family A Safe And Happy Thanksgiving!!

Mold Health Issues That Can Be Prevented By A Timely Mold Home Inspection

In a June 2006 report, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated that "excessive exposure to mold-contaminated materials can cause adverse health effects in susceptible persons regardless of the type of mold or the extent of contamination." Could it be that some of the "odd" and nagging symptoms many people have are directly related to mold and they don't even know it? A toxic mold inspection of the home is the only way to answer this question.

Most people couldn't tell you exactly how much mold is in their home, because mold can't always be seen. Mold home inspection technicians know that if it exists in unusually high quantities, it can become a highly hazardous health risk to people who live around it and inhale it. A person's physical reaction to mold will be based on many factors, but mold is known to produce allergic reactions, cause fungal infections and cause poisoning by mytotoxins.

Mold home inspection services test for mold on surfaces, in out-of-the-way places and in the air. Once mold becomes airborne, humans can inhale it, and that can lead to many health problems such as:

Allergic reactions
Congestion
Stuffy nose
Eye, nose and throat irritation
Bronchitis

and more.

Some people are immunocomprimised, meaning their immune systems aren't as good at fighting off allergens as other people's. Research shows that when these people inhale mold, it's possible for the fungus to attach to cells within the respiratory tract and begin to grow. Toxic mold inspection professionals know that mold is often airborne and can be spread throughout a home through its heating and air-conditioning systems.

It's not just immunocompromised individuals who are at risk for developing possible serious health problems from mold: constant and repeated exposure can result in the same issues in "normal" healthy people. Unlike with some other substances on this planet, humans don't develop a tolerance to mold with regular exposure. It's just the opposite. Only a professional toxic mold inspection can determine how much mold people are being exposed to.

But mold doesn't start in the air. Damp, dark areas with poor ventilation are ideal breeding grounds for mold. Add to these areas wet furniture, clothing, bedding, pillows and the like, and a mold outbreak is almost certain to happen. Basements and attics that have been subjected to leaking and water damage are particularly good for breeding mold. You might not even need a toxic mold inspection in some cases: you'll be able to see it and smell it.

You will, however, need a thorough mold home inspection to determine if the mold from the attic or basement has spread. Professional mold remediation companies test for mold and then use a variety to procedures to remove it and safeguard the health of those living in the home.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7325704

State Farm® - Turkey Fryer Fire Danger

When deep frying a turkey, make sure you do it as safely as possible. The Illinois Fire Service Institute and State Farm teamed up to illustrate the fiery dangers associated with common deep frying mistakes.

PUMPKIN PANCAKES

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/2 cups milk

1 cup pumpkin puree

1 egg

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

2 tablespoons vinegar

2 cups all-purpose flour

3 tablespoons brown sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground allspice

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon salt

DIRECTIONS:

In a bowl, mix together the milk, pumpkin, egg, oil and vinegar. Combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, allspice, cinnamon, ginger and salt in a separate bowl. Stir into the pumpkin mixture just enough to combine.

Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake. Brown on both sides and serve hot.

Free CPR Training For Ages 10-18 At United Heart Training Center In Suisun City This Weekend, Nov 17th & 18th

Presented By:

United Heart Training Center

FREE CPR Class

November 17 & 18, 2012

For: Ages 10-18 years old

Time: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

One Harbor Center

Suites 200-240

Suisun City, CA 94585

707-759-5968

A Donation of $10.00 Will Help Provide Manuals for the Classes

ServPro of Faifield Testimonial

When I first stepped into the property at 1333 N. Camino Alto, Vallejo to assess it for sale I was appalled to find it flooded with sewage. This sewage had been all over the unit for some time, and had even dried in place making it very hazardous to others.

ServPro of Fairfield responded quickly to m y call for service. Tom Swain came out the same day I called and had a crew out there to clean up the mess as soon as the bank approved the remediation process.

Their crew made quick work cleaning the unit making it possible for my contractor to replace the floors and cabinets as necessary quickly with in turn shortens the time the property is "out of commission".

I highly recommend ServPro of Faifield to my fellow Realtors to make their REO disasters "Like it never even happened".

Juan Gomez, Realtor
ReMax Gold

THE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CHECKLIST FOR REPAIRING FIRE-DAMAGED APARTMENT UNITS

by John Robinson

On every owner and manager's top ten list of "property management nightmares" is watching fire trucks roll up to a building engulfed in flames. Same is true for the small kitchen grease fire. No apartment fire is welcomed, no matter what size it is.

But once the fire is doused, another possible item on the nightmare list is the time and expense required to clean up and rebuild the burned or smoke-damaged units.

There is a significant amount of cleanup that goes with the remediation. Obviously, a burned or partially destroyed unit will require rebuilding, and that can take weeks, even months. Smoke damage to walls, flooring, fixtures and build-ins like cabinets and book cases, on the other hand, can be remediated usually within a few days.

If you have the misfortune of needing to remediate one or several of your apartment units, here's a high-level checklist to follow to help ensure successful repairs and restoration that leaves residents and property managers happy.

Clean the Walls, Cabinets, and Fixtures

Smoke is almost like grease and needs to be physically removed from surfaces like walls, cabinets, and fixtures. If smoke damage is minimal, chemical sponges can be used to wipe down surfaces and remove soot. A wall with recent and adequate paint, for example, usually can be restored with a simple wipe-down. However, more extensive damage will require repainting or staining with a commercial oil-based stain or paint that blocks odor on a variety of surfaces, including concrete.

Clean the Carpets

If the carpet and padding are savable, they will have to be cleaned after a fire, and there are a number of cleaning agents available (including organic or green) to do the job. For severe smoke odor, the carpet and pad will have to be replaced. for moderate to mild damage, the carpets can be cleaned with normal green cleaning methods. A burned carpet needs to be replaced.

Clean the Air

While much of the smell can be removed by wiping walls and cleaning carpets, residual odor often will be left behind. For that, there are treatments available to thoroughly deodorize the unit. Ozone generators and thermal fogging are effective techniques for removing odors from a smoke-filled apartment and usually can be done in 24 hours or less. Depending on the severity of the damage, either treatment option – or both – will usually do the job.

Ozone generators are machines that emit ozone gas (O3) that attack odor on the molecular level—effectively eliminating odors from not just the air but walls, carpets, cabinets, and fixtures. The machine is plugged in and placed near a return vent for the unit’s heating and cooling system. The fan pushes ozone into the system’s ductwork and throughout the apartment for at least 24 hours.

Thermal fogging is a six-hour chemical counteractive using solvent-based product that attacks carbon-based odors, like those from cigarettes, charred food, and fires. The chemical is thermally fogged throughout the entire unit and looks and acts a lot like smoke.

Because both treatments are toxic, special care needs to be taken when a unit is being remediated. Plants, animals and humans cannot be present during application, and the unit must be aired out for at least 15-20 minutes before being returned to use.

Ozone and thermal fogging treatments are usually necessary even if walls, cabinets, fixtures and carpets are cleaned or replaced.

When a fire disaster strikes, a property manager’s best solution is to follow this checklist and work closely with a fire and smoke remediation specialists to return the damaged unit to a functioning asset.

Source: http://www.propertymanagementinsider.com/the-property-management-checklist-for-repairing-fire-damaged-apartment-units.html

FREE FIRE DAMAGE RESTORATION COURSES

November 13, 2012 9a - 12p

City of Pinole Public Safety Building

Click Here for Details

December 4, 2012 9a - 11a

Hilton Garden Inn - Fairfield

Click Here for Details

TREAT YOUR INSUREDS FAIRLY

Punishing an Insurance Company: Treat Your Insureds Fairly When They Suffer a Loss ... $100,000 Punitive Damage Award Granted Against Insurer

This case is a warning to insurance companies as to the strategy they adopt to defend against their insured's lawsuit over the scope and quantum of insurance coverage arising from a fire loss.

THE ISSUE

Having a disagreement with your insured over the amount of loss arising from a significant garage fire is understandable and even anticipated.

But when that disagreement turns to litigation, the insurer has to refrain from engaging in a "high handed litigation strategy" to pressure the insured into settling their claim. The insurance

company cannot put a "gun to the head" of their insured by raising the stakes in litigation when that same strategy did not factor into the initial assessment and adjustment of the claim.

In the case of Brandiferri v. Wawanesa Mutual Insurance, et al., 2012 ONSC 2206 (CanLII), the Court awarded a $100,000 punitive damage award against Wawanesa Mutual Insurance for taking an aggressive litigation strategy which appeared to be designed to raise the stakes against the homeowner and pressure them to settle.

WHY THIS MATTERS

If your house is significantly damaged by smoke, you will probably be reliant on your insurance company to help you out.

If the insurance company does not dispute that the fire was an innocent accident, then the only issue remaining is the scope and amount of your loss.

For example, these are examples of typical questions that you will face:

How much will it cost to repair or clean your house?
How much will it cost to clean or replace your furniture? Your clothes?
How much will you receive to find alternative living arrangements?
If there are big differences in the cleaning or repair estimates between your contractors and the insurance contractors, then whose estimate will prevail?
What exactly are you entitled to receive under the policy

money to buy new clothes stained / smelling from smoke or just to have those clothes dry cleaned?
The quality of materials to repair or re-build your house?

How To Handle Kitchen Fires

By Diana Rodriguez, Medically reviewed by Lindsey Marcellin, MD, MPH

Kitchen fires can spring up quickly; do you know what to do first? Learn when to use a fire extinguisher, when to smother a fire, and when to call the fire department.

According to the most recent government statistics available, there are more than 150,000 kitchen fires in the United States yearly, with hundreds of people killed and thousands more injured. Cooking mishaps cause up to 90 percent of kitchen fires, and most of those are grease fires. Those frightening statistics lead up to one big question: Do you know what to do when a kitchen fire flares? Should you first reach for the fire extinguisher or for the phone to call the fire department?

Grease Fires in the Kitchen

Grease fires belong in a class by themselves and should not be handled like any other kitchen fire. Rule No. 1: Never pour water on a grease fire. The best way to handle a grease fire is to smother it, if possible, and let it die out. Follow these specifics:

Whenever you're cooking, have an oven mitt, a potholder, and a lid that fits your pan all on hand and ready to grab in case fire sparks.
If grease catches on fire in your cooking pan, quickly put on the oven mitt, then place the lid over the pan to smother the fire. Try to slide the lid over the flames as opposed to dropping the lid down from above.
Turn off the burner and leave the pan exactly where it is so that it can cool.
Never move the pan, never carry it outside or put it in the sink, and don't lift the lid until the pan has turned cool.

Oven, Microwave, and Electrical Fires

Fires can happen anywhere in the kitchen — near an electrical outlet, in the microwave, or in the stove. Here are some tips to help you know what to do in case of any of these kitchen fires:

Oven fires. Immediately close the oven door and turn it off. If the fire doesn’t go out right away, call the fire department. Have the oven inspected and repaired before you use it again.
Microwave fires. Close the microwave door and keep it closed. Turn the microwave off and unplug it if you can do so safely. Leave it closed and don't use it again until you can have the appliance checked out by a technician.
Electrical fires. Prevent electrical fires by not overloading your electrical outlets with appliances. If a fire starts, use a fire extinguisher; never douse it with water. Always call the fire department for an electrical fire, even if you have already put it out with the fire extinguisher.

Using a Fire Extinguisher on Kitchen Fire

Every kitchen should be equipped with a fire extinguisher. Get one that's labeled as safe to use on any kind of fire, and keep it within easy reach.

If a fire starts, you won't have time to stop and read the directions. Become familiar with these tips to understand how to use a fire extinguisher on a small kitchen fire:

First, remove the pin from the fire extinguisher — it won't work if you don't.
Point the extinguisher toward the base of the fire, not the top of the flames.
Holding it by the handle, press down on the lever on the fire extinguisher; just let go when you want to stop.
Spray horizontally back and forth across the fire until it's extinguished, remembering to aim low.

Baking soda is also an important ingredient in any kitchen, and not just for baking cookies. If a fire breaks out on an electric stovetop or if you don’t have anything available to smother a grease fire, grab a box of baking soda and pour it generously on the flames. Baking soda will help to extinguish a small fire, but you may need several boxes of it. Never use flour to put out a fire, as it can make the flames worse.

When to Call the Fire Department for a Kitchen Fire

So when should you call 911, and when should you try to fight a fire yourself? Never hesitate to call the fire department. But if it's a small, contained fire, you should follow the above tips to try to extinguish it while waiting for help to arrive.

You should also be sure to get your family out of the house, and if the flames rise and spread, you should get out, too. Kitchen fires that start small and can be quickly contained or extinguished are one thing, but roaring fires aren't something you should attempt to tackle. Remember safety first: Keep yourself and your family protected, and call for help.

Source: http://www.everydayhealth.com/healthy-home/general-safety/tips/how-and-when-to-fight-cooking-fires.aspx

Servpro Of Fairfield

Tom talks about the objectives of Servpro of Fairfield. A leading fire, water and smoke damage restoration company. See more at http://www.servprooffairfield.com

Why Do You Need Mold Remediation?

Have you recently noticed that the walls in your house have developed black patches in the corners? Beware, because those spots or patches might be mold. Most people feel that mold is harmless as it is just a fungus and can't cause harm in any way. But this is assuredly not true.

The most common reason for mold to grow in your house is due to excess moisture or water damage. The air in your home will become contaminated as a major part of the mold is air borne. It can cause the following reactions:

* Itching

* Asthma attacks

* Allergies

* Skin rash

* Constantly watery eyes

* Gastrointestinal problems

* Nausea

* Headache

* Feeling numb in the hands and limbs

Can you imagine what will happen if you and your family members are constantly breathing in this air for days? If your house has an air duct system, the air inside the house is trapped from going outside. As time passes, the inhaling of impure air will have serious repercussions on your health. It is essential that you provide a clean and safe environment for the people living in your house, especially if there are small children.

If you have found dirty black patches manifesting itself on the walls of your home, you should call a mold remediation service without any further delay. These firms have qualified and trained inspectors on board who will visit your property and survey the extent of damage. It is very important to locate the source of the mold so that the issue can be addressed in the proper manner. This can only be done by a person who has several years of experience in the relevant field. The mold remediation team will then resort to the usage of various methods by which they will eliminate the fungus and stop the situation from recurring.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5677451

The Importance of Regular Air Duct Cleaning

It is safe to say that nearly all of the time, most homeowners don't give their air ducts a single thought. After all, the air ducts aren't very visible in many homes (except for in some basements, perhaps). And, as long as the air ducts are doing their job reasonably well -- carrying cool air through the home in the summertime and distributing warm air during the winter--homeowners tend to ignore them.

This is not wise. Disregarding the air ducts in your home can lead to many problems-many of which could end up costing you a great deal of money in the long run. Regular cleaning of the air ducts can help homeowners to avoid several possible difficulties. Here are a number of reasons why it is important to have the air ducts in a home cleaned on a regular basis:

As air travels through the ducts, dirt and dust also travel through. This debris-which can include pieces of cotton lint, paper fibers, and other materials--accumulates in the junctures of two pieces of ductwork. This is a fire hazard, and only becomes more dangerous when homeowners fail to get regular cleanings.

The debris that accumulates in the air ducts over time can cause some ducts to become clogged, either fully or partially. When ductwork is clogged, it is much less efficient-and, therefore, uses a great deal more energy. This increases the homeowner's expenses for energy and is also not good for the environment.

When ductwork becomes clogged, the machinery will have to work harder in order to force the air through. This means that it is much more likely that machinery parts may begin to fail. The homeowner may have to replace parts like igniters, thermostats, or even motors far earlier than he would have if he had gotten regular air duct cleanings.

Ducts that are in need of cleaning make the home less comfortable to live in. This is because these ducts tend to hold in dampness during humid weather and hold in heat during cold weather (the debris absorbs any dampness or any heat and holds it).

If exterior vent outlets are not cleaned on a regular basis, it is likely that they will become popular entryways for insects, rodents, and birds. These insects and animals may even climb into the ductwork and die there, adding to the clogged debris.

People who suffer from allergies may find that their symptoms become worse as time goes on if their home's ductwork isn't regularly cleaned. This is because common allergens like dust mites and pollen gather in the congested ducts and are trapped there -- and then they are spread throughout the home via the air conditioning and/or the heat. Certain types of bacteria can thrive in ductwork as well, causing people to have issues with respiratory problems.

With all of these potential difficulties, the importance of regular air duct cleaning should be quite evident. Regular cleaning of the ductwork will help make for a healthy home.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2935370