"May every day of the new year glow with good cheer and happiness for you and your family"
SERVICE RESPONSE GUIDELINES
Within one hour from notice
of loss, a SERVPRO Franchise
Professional will contact you
to arrange for service.
Within four hours of loss
notification, a SERVPRO Franchise Professional will be on-site to start mitigation services (if necessary).
Within eight business hours,
a verbal briefing of the scope will be communicated to the appropriate person by a SERVPRO Franchise Professional.
*Exceptions may apply under certain conditions, such as a local catastrophic event or storm situation.
RECIPE - Cranberry Orange Cookies
"A nice thing to have around during the holidays, but don't expect them to stay around long. These orange-flavored cranberry cookies are tart and delicious, not to mention beautiful."
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
2 tablespoons orange juice
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups chopped cranberries
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
1/2 teaspoon grated orange zest
3 tablespoons orange juice
1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, white sugar and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg until well blended. Mix in 1 teaspoon orange zest and 2 tablespoons orange juice. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; stir into the orange mixture. Mix in cranberries and if using, walnuts, until evenly distributed. Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets. Cookies should be spaced at least 2 inches apart.
3. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes in the preheated oven, until the edges are golden. Remove from cookie sheets to cool on wire racks.
4. In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 teaspoon orange zest, 3 tablespoons orange juice and confectioners' sugar until smooth. Spread over the tops of cooled cookies. Let stand until set. recipe source
Emergency Ready Profile
The best way to reduce business interruption following a disaster is to plan for it NOW.
Avoid Christmas Hosting Disasters
Christmas Hosting Disasters and How to Avoid Them
Common things that can go wrong when you have holiday guests and learn how to prevent them.
Problem: The kitchen sink clogsChristmas is a busy time of year. The main cause of this clog is the mistreatment of drains during holiday cooking . Avoid the clog-fest this Christmas by following a few simple steps.
How to avoid:
- Fats and cooking oils can solidify in your pipes, so never dispose of them in your kitchen sink.
- Make sure the garbage disposal is running before anything goes in it, and do not send stringy, fibrous, or starchy foods like poultry skins or potato peels down the disposal.
- Don’t try fixing clogged sink drain with chemical drain-clearing products that can harm your pipes. Call your plumber, or if you feel capable, use a snake instead, available at hardware stores.
Problem: The heat goes out.
As the party’s host, you’re supposed to hang guests’ coats—not apologize to them for having to keep them on. A lack of heat can stop a Christmas party dead in its tracks.
How to avoid:
- Replace your furnace filter every 6 months and get a professional in for regular maintenance of your HVAC.
- Check out insulation on refrigerant lines that are leading into your house. Replace missing or damaged insulation.
Problem: The toilet stops up
Toilets have a way of clogging up at the worst times, such as during parties and when you have overnight guests. This is especially true if you have a low-flow toilet.
How to avoid:
- Don’t flush anything other than sewage and toilet paper down the toilet. And there’s nothing wrong with putting up a polite note to remind your guests to do the same. Keep a toilet plunger handy, just in case.
Article Source: http://www.foxph.com/blog/avoid-christmas-hosting-disasters/
Benefits of Air Duct Cleaning
Every homeowner wants to come home to a clean house. To do that, they maintain the interior, exterior and even hire services to repair any broken appliances or units that can affect the quality of the home. Unfortunately, one thing homeowners neglect or do not even realize is the fact of air duct cleaning. Cleaning contains numerous benefits and is an integral part of routine home maintenance.
How Often Should the Cleaning be Done?
Air duct cleaning is typically done once every three to five years - depending on the current condition of the home and the HVAC unit used. Older units can cause more debris and build-up over time, while newer units do not have the same amount of dust, debris and openings to allow vermin to enter.
Cost Savings
Though cleaning is a big upfront price tag, it is important to remember that it is done only once every three to five years; therefore, it pays off overtime. Furthermore, air duct cleaning allows air to move more freely through the ventilation system, which means less strain on an HVAC system and less energy costs to operate it.
Longer-Lasting System
HVAC units will break if they are not regularly maintained. Part of their maintenance is using cleaning services to remove debris and build-up that makes an HVAC machine work harder. With the rising cost of replacement parts or services, it is imperative that homeowners maintain their system to prevent having to repair or even replace an entire HVAC unit down the road.
Air Quality Improvement
With less dust, debris, dander and particles floating through the air, the air will be cleaner, crisper and easier to breathe. This is especially important for individuals who suffer from asthma or allergies and need cleaner air. Members of the family who do not have allergies can still suffer from allergy symptoms when the air is riddled with dust and debris.
Odor Removal
As dust, mold and mildew build up in ventilation and return systems; the home can start to have a stale, musty odor. By cleaning out the ducts using air duct cleaning, these smells are eliminated and often the air cleaning service will utilize a deodorant and disinfectant to make sure the smells stay away after the initial cleaning.
Air duct cleaning has numerous benefits for the home, but the biggest being air quality. Any homeowner who notices a musty odor in their home should have their vents inspected - regardless if they end up having them cleaned.
How Often Should the Cleaning be Done?
Air duct cleaning is typically done once every three to five years - depending on the current condition of the home and the HVAC unit used. Older units can cause more debris and build-up over time, while newer units do not have the same amount of dust, debris and openings to allow vermin to enter.
Cost Savings
Though cleaning is a big upfront price tag, it is important to remember that it is done only once every three to five years; therefore, it pays off overtime. Furthermore, air duct cleaning allows air to move more freely through the ventilation system, which means less strain on an HVAC system and less energy costs to operate it.
Longer-Lasting System
HVAC units will break if they are not regularly maintained. Part of their maintenance is using cleaning services to remove debris and build-up that makes an HVAC machine work harder. With the rising cost of replacement parts or services, it is imperative that homeowners maintain their system to prevent having to repair or even replace an entire HVAC unit down the road.
Air Quality Improvement
With less dust, debris, dander and particles floating through the air, the air will be cleaner, crisper and easier to breathe. This is especially important for individuals who suffer from asthma or allergies and need cleaner air. Members of the family who do not have allergies can still suffer from allergy symptoms when the air is riddled with dust and debris.
Odor Removal
As dust, mold and mildew build up in ventilation and return systems; the home can start to have a stale, musty odor. By cleaning out the ducts using air duct cleaning, these smells are eliminated and often the air cleaning service will utilize a deodorant and disinfectant to make sure the smells stay away after the initial cleaning.
Air duct cleaning has numerous benefits for the home, but the biggest being air quality. Any homeowner who notices a musty odor in their home should have their vents inspected - regardless if they end up having them cleaned.
Looking for experts to solve your air duct cleaning needs? Visit our local service providers website for air duct cleaning [http://www.air-duct-cleaning-batavia.com//] near you.
Understanding Smoke Damage
What is smoke?
To understand smoke damage, you first need to understand what smoke is. In short, fire burns fuel to create heat and light. When the fire is able to burn only part of a fuel source, the tiny particles that comprise the remainder of that fuel source get carried into the air as smoke. For example, high quality candles are "smokeless" whereas low-quality candles are made with wax containing material that cannot be completely combusted by the flame, thus resulting in smoke.
The smoke is carried until one of two things happens: either it encounters a vertical surface (such as a wall) where heat and air currents push it onto the surface, or the smoke cools and falls onto a horizontal surface, such as the floor or furniture.
Of course, ventilation systems can also pull smoke into the air ducts that connect to every room of your house. The smoke from the air being pushed and pulled through the system forces the smoke onto the ducts' surfaces, thus trapping part of it in your ventilation system.
The damage from smoke
The damage most associated with smoke is odor. Even in relatively minor fires, it is common for smoke to get drawn into a home's ventilation system where some it will remain trapped and provide a constant source of odor throughout the house. For this reason, it is almost always essential to hire a restoration company to clean it.
However, smoke damage goes far beyond an unpleasant odor. In most fires, many materials besides wood are burned, including plastics, fabrics, and potentially toxic household chemicals. Because of this, the ash from fires has varying levels of acidity. This can cause damage in the form of corrosion or discoloration. While certain materials are more susceptible to damage in a short period of time, even metals will suffer with prolonged exposure.
Cleaning the damage
A significant house fire will release hazardous chemicals and create an unsafe environment that only a trained professional equipped with proper safety gear should spend time in. Damage to all surfaces will need to be cleaned to restore the home to a safe state, including the walls, floors, attic and crawl spaces.
As for the items in in the house, many can be cleaned by hand using soap and water (or other material-appropriate cleaners). Precious items, such as art, may need to be taken to an appropriate restoration company to prevent additional damage caused by improperly cleaning them.
To understand smoke damage, you first need to understand what smoke is. In short, fire burns fuel to create heat and light. When the fire is able to burn only part of a fuel source, the tiny particles that comprise the remainder of that fuel source get carried into the air as smoke. For example, high quality candles are "smokeless" whereas low-quality candles are made with wax containing material that cannot be completely combusted by the flame, thus resulting in smoke.
The smoke is carried until one of two things happens: either it encounters a vertical surface (such as a wall) where heat and air currents push it onto the surface, or the smoke cools and falls onto a horizontal surface, such as the floor or furniture.
Of course, ventilation systems can also pull smoke into the air ducts that connect to every room of your house. The smoke from the air being pushed and pulled through the system forces the smoke onto the ducts' surfaces, thus trapping part of it in your ventilation system.
The damage from smoke
The damage most associated with smoke is odor. Even in relatively minor fires, it is common for smoke to get drawn into a home's ventilation system where some it will remain trapped and provide a constant source of odor throughout the house. For this reason, it is almost always essential to hire a restoration company to clean it.
However, smoke damage goes far beyond an unpleasant odor. In most fires, many materials besides wood are burned, including plastics, fabrics, and potentially toxic household chemicals. Because of this, the ash from fires has varying levels of acidity. This can cause damage in the form of corrosion or discoloration. While certain materials are more susceptible to damage in a short period of time, even metals will suffer with prolonged exposure.
Cleaning the damage
A significant house fire will release hazardous chemicals and create an unsafe environment that only a trained professional equipped with proper safety gear should spend time in. Damage to all surfaces will need to be cleaned to restore the home to a safe state, including the walls, floors, attic and crawl spaces.
As for the items in in the house, many can be cleaned by hand using soap and water (or other material-appropriate cleaners). Precious items, such as art, may need to be taken to an appropriate restoration company to prevent additional damage caused by improperly cleaning them.
Written by the owner of http://www.lonestarrestoration.com/ This article can be reproduced in whole or in part, providing this byline is included along with a followable link to http://www.lonestarrestoration.com/.
Understanding Mold and Water Damage Coverage
Homeowners insurance is not only important for securing your home and valuables, it can be extremely important for your peace of mind. Unfortunately, choosing the right company to purchase your insurance from can be confusing and frustrating.
There are several important exclusions from the basic homeowner's policy that every homeowner should be aware of. Mold is one of the most prominent. In many humid and wet climates, most homeowners are almost assured to run into mold problems at some point. It is important that you take steps to minimize or even prevent damage if possible.
Mold can be insidious, and has many sources. A burst pipe, damage from a storm, or rising water can cause mold, or even improper ventilation can lead to an infestation of mold. No matter the source, insurance coverage for either mold or water damage varies a great deal with different policies, or can be excluded altogether. Some insurers offer ten thousand dollars of limited coverage, but a higher amount is available for those who are interested. Any changes have to have been approved by the States Office of Insurance Regulation.
Some ways to limit the damage, or prevent it are:
- Address any source of moisture immediately if at all possible
- Quickly see to any reasonable and necessary repairs
- If feasible, remove any moisture. If the damage is severe enough, call a water extraction company.
- If possible, move soiled items to a secure and dry area
- Pull up wet rugs or carpets as soon as possible
- Increase air circulation around wet areas
No matter what steps you take, keep detailed and accurate records, including receipts. Take photographs from every possible angle to document the damage, even during repairs. Retain any damaged articles unless your insurance company instructs you to dispose of them. Speak with your agent or broker to give verbal and written notice of the damage. Then you can determine if your loss is covered and by how much.
It is in your best interest to prevent or decrease the amount of damage as much as possible, especially when mold is involved. Insurance claims that include mold damage are significantly higher than those without. Certain molds pose not only a risk for property damage, but significant health risks as well. Many individuals have a negative reaction to mold spores, and some types of mold will cause a reaction in anyone exposed.
Protect your home, and your family. Minimize the potential for mold damage by securing your home from flooding or excess moisture. In the event that you incur water damage beyond your control make sure to take the appropriate steps in handling any further damage. Make sure you read your insurance policy carefully so that you know your options concerning water or mold damage. If you have any questions or concerns make sure to speak with your agent or broker.
There are several important exclusions from the basic homeowner's policy that every homeowner should be aware of. Mold is one of the most prominent. In many humid and wet climates, most homeowners are almost assured to run into mold problems at some point. It is important that you take steps to minimize or even prevent damage if possible.
Mold can be insidious, and has many sources. A burst pipe, damage from a storm, or rising water can cause mold, or even improper ventilation can lead to an infestation of mold. No matter the source, insurance coverage for either mold or water damage varies a great deal with different policies, or can be excluded altogether. Some insurers offer ten thousand dollars of limited coverage, but a higher amount is available for those who are interested. Any changes have to have been approved by the States Office of Insurance Regulation.
Some ways to limit the damage, or prevent it are:
- Address any source of moisture immediately if at all possible
- Quickly see to any reasonable and necessary repairs
- If feasible, remove any moisture. If the damage is severe enough, call a water extraction company.
- If possible, move soiled items to a secure and dry area
- Pull up wet rugs or carpets as soon as possible
- Increase air circulation around wet areas
No matter what steps you take, keep detailed and accurate records, including receipts. Take photographs from every possible angle to document the damage, even during repairs. Retain any damaged articles unless your insurance company instructs you to dispose of them. Speak with your agent or broker to give verbal and written notice of the damage. Then you can determine if your loss is covered and by how much.
It is in your best interest to prevent or decrease the amount of damage as much as possible, especially when mold is involved. Insurance claims that include mold damage are significantly higher than those without. Certain molds pose not only a risk for property damage, but significant health risks as well. Many individuals have a negative reaction to mold spores, and some types of mold will cause a reaction in anyone exposed.
Protect your home, and your family. Minimize the potential for mold damage by securing your home from flooding or excess moisture. In the event that you incur water damage beyond your control make sure to take the appropriate steps in handling any further damage. Make sure you read your insurance policy carefully so that you know your options concerning water or mold damage. If you have any questions or concerns make sure to speak with your agent or broker.
Robert Colucci represents 37 homeowners insurance in FL companies. Click or call 352-200-2066 today for your next homeowners insurance in Florida policy.
Water Damage Restoration and Cleanup Solutions
If there's been any water damage on your commercial or residential property, you should not wait and should immediately call in professionals from a reputable water restoration company. In some cases, you can do restoration on your own, but there is too much risk to take it up as a DIY project. Let's have a close look at the services provided by a water restoration company.
* Available 24/7
Professional water restoration companies operate on 24/7 basis. Time is really important when it comes to water damage restoration and any delay can dramatically increase your losses resulting in additional restoration expenses. If flooding has been due to any burst pipe, shut off the water supply and immediately call in professionals as soon as you can. If flooding is due to a sewage backup, floods, hurricanes, or roof leakage, you should not wait even for a second and call water restoration company to minimize your losses.
* Expert help with insurance claims
The water restoration company can do much more than water cleanup and restoration in your home or office. They will assign you an insurance specialist who will prepare your paperwork and help you in the entire insurance claims process. Even though claiming insurance for any property damage seems easy, but insurance company will do everything possible to give you a lower amount than required. With the professional help from an insurance specialist, you will save lot of time and stress and will get the check that will easily cover all your restoration expenses.
* Professional equipment
Water restoration companies use commercial grade equipment and tools, such as blowers, portable water extraction units, dehumidifiers, pumps, humidity and moisture gauges, fans, truck mounted extraction units and so on. All these equipments will help in removing water and will restore your home or office within hours.
* Technical know how
This is where water restoration companies offer the most value. You may take hours to learn and research to figure out best restoration plan for your property while professionals with years of hands on experience will immediately go to work and will restore your property in the most cost effective and efficient way. They will also advise you on potential issues with the construction of your building that might lead to future water damage issues.
Therefore, in conclusion, it's best to call a professional water restoration company as soon as any water damage occurs on your property. The sooner you'll call them, the lesser your losses will be. These companies also guarantee that their estimates will be accepted by your insurance company. That means, you won't spend anything from your pocket by hiring these professionals.
* Available 24/7
Professional water restoration companies operate on 24/7 basis. Time is really important when it comes to water damage restoration and any delay can dramatically increase your losses resulting in additional restoration expenses. If flooding has been due to any burst pipe, shut off the water supply and immediately call in professionals as soon as you can. If flooding is due to a sewage backup, floods, hurricanes, or roof leakage, you should not wait even for a second and call water restoration company to minimize your losses.
* Expert help with insurance claims
The water restoration company can do much more than water cleanup and restoration in your home or office. They will assign you an insurance specialist who will prepare your paperwork and help you in the entire insurance claims process. Even though claiming insurance for any property damage seems easy, but insurance company will do everything possible to give you a lower amount than required. With the professional help from an insurance specialist, you will save lot of time and stress and will get the check that will easily cover all your restoration expenses.
* Professional equipment
Water restoration companies use commercial grade equipment and tools, such as blowers, portable water extraction units, dehumidifiers, pumps, humidity and moisture gauges, fans, truck mounted extraction units and so on. All these equipments will help in removing water and will restore your home or office within hours.
* Technical know how
This is where water restoration companies offer the most value. You may take hours to learn and research to figure out best restoration plan for your property while professionals with years of hands on experience will immediately go to work and will restore your property in the most cost effective and efficient way. They will also advise you on potential issues with the construction of your building that might lead to future water damage issues.
Therefore, in conclusion, it's best to call a professional water restoration company as soon as any water damage occurs on your property. The sooner you'll call them, the lesser your losses will be. These companies also guarantee that their estimates will be accepted by your insurance company. That means, you won't spend anything from your pocket by hiring these professionals.
We offer a wide range of services to our clients with highly trained staff that are always ready to assist you whether its a big or small project. In this case, we can guarantee that we provide an excellent service and customer satisfaction. Your safety is our main goal. Call us today and find out how 911 Restoration can help you in your home restoration from disaster. We are here to be your tool as a solution to your problem.
FREE Cleaning & Restoring Smoke Damaged Contents C.E. Credit Course
Be our guest at our FREE Cleaning & Restoring Smoke Damaged Contents C.E. Credit Course! We will also be collecting gently used and new coats for Coats For Kids AND~~~~ we have FABULOUS PRIZES!!!!
Hope to see you there!. Please reply to RSVP.