Avoid Holiday Fire Disasters Through Safe Candle Use

http://www.servprolexingtonsc.com/fire-smoke-damage-restoration

Candles lend a special light to the holiday season: Halloween jack-o-lanterns, Thanksgiving dinner tables, Advent wreaths, Menorahs, luminarias, and Kwaanza Kinaras. If not for a seasonal purpose, then perhaps the romantic lighting or the smell of sugar cookies has convinced you that candles are an undeniable asset to ambiance. Whatever the reason, candle safety is important, particularly during the holiday season when their use is particularly common. Here are some basic guidelines to help keep you safe. Commit these to memory and avoid the embarrassment of last year's flaming cheese fondu (the result of a single candle... and might I add, not my fault).

Who

Children should be taught to stay away from lit candles. Try to keep them out of reach of young children and pets. Candle lighting is not an appropriate activity for small children, so keep matches and lighters out of the sight and reach of children.

Where

Burn candles away from drafts, other heat sources, and all flammable objects or materials. In other words, never use candles near windows or exits. Don't place them on Christmas trees, real or artificial (I know, it's tradition, but setting the house on fire isn't). Keep burning candles away from curtains, wrapping paper, paper, combustible decorations and displays (including Aunt Juanita's hair), flammable liquids, and aerosol sprays (please see Aunt Juanita's hair), such as hair spray, which can explode. Never allow a candle flame to touch any glass surface.

When

Don't burn candles for more than four hours at a time. Unattended candles are an invitation to disaster, so don't forget to snuff out candles before leaving the room or going to bed (that's right, falling asleep to candle light: bad idea). Blowing out candles doesn't do the trick: extinguish them by wetting the wick.

And some other quick tips:

• Candles other than jar candles must be used in an appropriate non-tipping, non-flammable holder made of tempered glass or made with a proper glaze.
• Place candles on a safe, heat-resistant dry surface. If possible, place glass chimneys or shades over them.
• For Christmas luminarias, use 15-hour votive candles in holders placed in paper bags filled with at least 2 inches of sand. The candle must be of a size that will allow adequate space between the candle and bag so as not to ignite the bag.
• Remove labels and tags from candles before burning.
• Keep wicks trimmed to 1/4 inch at all times. This inhibits smoking and carbon build-up at the tip of the wicks and provides a cleaner burn.
• Sometimes a layer of liquid wax forms that causes the wick to fall to the side. To maintain an even burn, keep the wick centered. This will also protect the candle holder, since a flame that's too close for too long may crack the holder.
• Keep the wax pool free of foreign objects such as wick trimmings and matches. They will interfere with proper burning and are flammable.
• Extinguish taper or pillar candles when they get within 2 inches of their holders. Discontinue use of candle containers when 1/2" of wax remains.

Content Credit: http://www.tdi.texas.gov/pubs/sfmo/fmcandlesafe.pdf
Photo Credit: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO73qrp0k1YIKpeJTAH1DqZNZrhRR4YFK98wxr4WFrvDADpxNQBjSTdqJHt31Z38EZ7gzn6pbMeRmTwHS604zM-wzIbi1XTQjS6GLiMaBDjoj2FxtBMD_a8F4jAdXtNvGveMLUT47M_XWS/s1600/candle_flame.jpg

Things you need to know about the NEW Google PLUS

Recently, at the Google I/O 2013 conference, Google announced many exciting changes for various parts of its platform.

The bulk of the upgrades this year centered on Google+.

1. Change from one- to multi-column layouts by clicking on the More tab. Three-column layout exists but only for the largest of resolution displays. If you want to take a peek at it, just reduce your zoom on the page. The design is fully mobile responsive.

2. Shift+L will rapidly refresh the stream bringing you to the top and the new posts if you don't want to click the button. There's currently no way to return to auto-refreshing of the page.

3. Infographics will display in a nearly useful size at full length in the new layout. Estimated dimensions 503×930 for desktop viewing. An influx of infographic posts is likely. Keep an eye on ensuring readability.

4. Find an assortment of additional information related to each post by clicking on its "Shared Publicly" or "Shared Privately" link right under the authors name to flip the card over.

5. The "send feedback" form is located at the bottom of the menu under "home." Can't find feedback? Just type the "@" sign when not in a comment box to bring it up.

6. "What's Hot" is back in the sidebar under home—and temporarily displaying strange gender biases. (It's being fixed.)

7. A Hangout is now any form of group communication = Video Call or Group Chat or Group Calling, etc. This merges its many messaging and calling products.

8. Google has released a standalone Hangout app that replaces Google Chat and allows for text and video chat across Android, iOS, and Chrome.

9. In the right-hand hangout menu, the drop-down menu offers a number of useful options including a link to sign out of hangouts.

10. In the hangout app, the little green bar under someone's photo indicates they are active and online.

11. To start a new hangout on air, you need to first visit the Hangout on Air page and then look halfway down the page on your right for a "Start A Hangout on Air" button that is not very visible.

12. YouTube expands its live-streaming feature to all channels with more than 1,000 subscribers. Learn more.

13. You can now send money through Gmail/Google.

14. When starting a new conversation, the status box loads up front and center with bright classic Google colors.

15. Circle volume control has moved to being under the settings gear in each circle's page.Select More, Standard, or Fewer

16. Major improvements to many of the photo tools can be altered in your settings page.(Unfortunately, being able to edit an image as you upload it and before posting it has vanished.)

The auto enhance is really handy for on-the-fly image enhancing. The ability to upload high-resolution images is fantastic. Lots to love in these changes. (Including the ability to remove the download image button.)

17. Type these "cheat codes" into the chat of a Google Hangout, and watch what happens. So much fun—you've got to love Google Easter eggs. (Only works with Hangouts on Google+ and the Chrome Extension. Not in video calls or mobile.)

Try:

• /ponies (a pony running across chat)
• /pitchforks (an angry mob running across chat)
• /ponystream (ponies running across your local chat)
• /bikeshed (change the background color for everyone)
• /shydino (a shy little dino shows up)
• KONAMI cheat code (use your arrow keys, changes your local background)

18. Promotions—and dare I venture into saying advertising—will be coming soon to the Google+ newsfeed beginning with the new Offers feature.

19. Google Games is going away June 30 in favor of the new Google Play Games service.

Content Credit: http://www.prdaily.com/socialmedia/Articles/14559.aspx

Social media: The new face of disaster response

On Thursday, tornadoes ripped through Texas causing at least nine deaths. As we enter into hurricane and wildfire season, it’s a good time to take a look at how social media has shaped disaster response. During times of crisis, those affected—nearly 1 million people are affected by disasters each year—are beginning to use social networks as a replacement for 911 call centers. In fact, 20 percent of disaster survivors now contact emergency responders via social media. Of those who do, 35 percent reach out to responders on Facebook, and 25 percent on Twitter. When Superstorm Sandy pummeled the east coast last fall, Instagram was a go-to source for people to keep their social networks updated. At its peak, Instagram users uploaded Sandy-related photos at a rate of 10 every second. For more on social media during disaster recovery, check out the infographic from USF’s Online MPA below, which was compiled by PR Daily reader Frankie Rendón of Creative Signals: 





Content Credit: http://www.prdaily.com/Main/Articles/14490.aspx?goback=%2Enmp_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1

SERVPRO/ American Red Cross Disaster Relief

In a few seconds, a disaster can change someone’s life forever. A tornado can ravage your house, leaving your neighbor’s untouched; the fury of flood waters may burst, a levee which has previously held steadfast; a powerful earthquake can topple a home that has stood for more than a hundred years.

In a matter of seconds, you too have the ability to change someone’s life. By making a donation to American Red Cross Disaster Relief, you empower the Red Cross to provide immediate assistance to those affected by disasters down the street, across the country, and around the world.

The American Red Cross cannot do this without your help. American Red Cross Disaster Relief not only supports the costs associated with a disaster response, but also sustains year-round readiness and maintenance costs. Disaster Relief pays for the vehicle fleet, warehouses, Information Technology systems, and volunteer training that must be maintained 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please join SERVPRO^® in their support of the Red Cross and consider a gift to American Red Cross Disaster Relief today by clicking on the link below; your support helps ensure we are ready for the challenges of tomorrow.

SERVPRO^® is proudly partnering with the American Red Cross to ensure communities are prepared before disasters strike and to support our neighbors in Oklahoma during this time of disaster.  We invite SERVPRO^® Franchisees, employees, friends, and family to join us in supporting the Red Cross to aid businesses, schools, organizations, and individuals in responding to disasters.    

http://american.redcross.org/servproindustries-pub

Red Cross Helping Tornado Victims Across the Midwest

More severe weather expected today; people urged to get ready now.

WASHINGTON, Monday, May 20, 2013 — The American Red Cross is helping people in the Midwest with shelter, food, relief supplies and emotional comfort after tornadoes over the weekend destroyed homes and left thousands without power.

As many as 26 tornadoes were reported in Oklahoma, Kansas, Illinois and Iowa, according to the National Weather Service. Hardest hit is Oklahoma, where severe tornadoes ripped through several counties, destroying or damaging hundreds of homes and leaving as many as 35,000 in the dark. The Governor declared a state of emergency in 16 counties. The Red Cross is supporting first responders and is providing shelter, food, distributing relief items and clean-up supplies and working with local and state officials to ensure people get the help they need.

The Red Cross is also helping in Kansas, Iowa and Missouri, where storms left more than 71,000 people without power. Meanwhile, the response continues following last week’s tornadoes in Texas, where the Red Cross is still operating shelters and providing food, relief items as well as health and mental health services.

MORE STORMS POSSIBLE Meanwhile, the National Weather Service warns that the threat of severe weather continues today for millions of people in communities from Texas to the Great Lakes, moving eastward as far as the Gulf Coast and Northeast on Tuesday and Wednesday.

“These are dangerous storms and we urge people to monitor the situation closely and be alert for severe weather warnings in their community,” said Trevor Riggen, vice president of Disaster Operations and Logistics for the Red Cross. ”Tornado warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property and people should be prepared to go immediately underground to a basement, storm cellar or an interior room (closet, hallway or bathroom)."

TORNADO SAFETY The Red Cross urges everyone to get prepared now in case severe weather and tornadoes threaten their community. They should watch for tornado danger signs such as dark, often greenish clouds, a wall cloud or cloud of debris, large hail, funnel cloud or a loud, roaring noise. People should pick a safe room in their household where loved ones and pets can gather, such as a basement, storm cellar or interior room on the lowest floor with no windows. Mobile homes are not safe during tornados. If someone is in a mobile home, they should get to the nearest sturdy building or shelter immediately - do not wait until the tornado is visible. If someone is caught outdoors, they should seek shelter in a basement, shelter or sturdy building.

DOWNLOAD TORNADO APP The free Red Cross Tornado App, available in English or Spanish, includes important features like a high-pitched siren and tornado warning alert that signals when a NOAA tornado warning has been issued. The app, found in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store for Android by searching for American Red Cross, also includes an all-clear alert that lets users know when a tornado warning has expired or has been cancelled. Content is preloaded so users have access to critical information even without mobile connectivity, including locations of open Red Cross shelters and one-touch “I’m safe” messaging to let loved ones know they are okay through social media outlets.

AFTER THE TORNADO The Red Cross has steps people should follow to stay safe as they begin to return to their neighborhoods. First, they should return home only when local authorities say it is safe to do so and listen to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio for updated information and instructions. Other safety steps include:

Watch out for fallen power lines or broken gas lines and report them to the utility company immediately.

Stay out of damaged buildings.

Wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and sturdy shoes when examining their home for damage.

Use flashlights when examining buildings – do not use candles.

If someone smells gas or hears a blowing or hissing noise, open a window and get everyone out of the building quickly.

More information about what people should do to stay safe before, during and after a tornado is available on the Red Cross web site.

Contact: Public Affairs Desk, Telephone: (202) 303-5551, FOR MEDIA ONLY

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visitredcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

http://www.redcross.org/news/press-release/Red-Cross-Helping-Tornado-Victims-Across-the-Midwest

Partners in Disaster Relief 2nd Annual Golf Classic

Despite a gloomy weather report the day prior, the Second Annual SERVPRO/ American Red Cross Golf Classic featured cool spring temperatures coupled with live music, fresh gumbo and tournament festivities at Golden Hills Golf and Country Club on April 29^th.  Most notably, $11,027 was raised for a charity that returns .91 on the dollar to the local community for disaster relief efforts.  Thanks to the great support of sponsors like Sunbelt Rentals, Carpet One and Sam’s Club, the donation amount significantly increased from the $7000 raised in 2012.

The tournament was hosted by SERVPRO franchises in the Midlands (Lexington, Dutch Fork and Richland County), and featured a shotgun start of 26 teams composed of four players. The tournament included 15 tent sponsors, live music by Shawn DeSpain of Palmetto Moon (and friends), breakfast by Petite Caterer and dinner provided by J Gumbo. Plans are being made with the Red Cross for an even bigger and better tournament at Gold Hills in 2014. If you are interested in participating in next year’s golf tournament, “Like” our page on Facebook. We will update regularly on how to get involved. 

More Photos



A Heartfelt Thank You to our Leading Sponsors:

Hurricane Preparedness Week: May 26th- June 1.

Hurricane Preparedness Week: May 26^th- June 1.

According to FEMA, “Floods are America’s number one natural disaster and can happen anytime, anywhere.” Floods are consistently the most common, costly and deadly natural disaster Americans face each year. In fact 90% of all natural disasters in the U.S. involve flooding.

Two keys to weather safety are to prepare for the risks and to act on those preparations when alerted by emergency officials. These are essential pieces to the Weather-Ready Nation.

Refer to the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) ready.gov/hurricanes for comprehensive information on hurricane preparedness at home and in your community.

Highlights on how to prepare and take action are available below:

• Gather Information
• Plan & Take Action
• Recover
• Resources

Gather Information

Know if you live in an evacuation area. Assess your risks and know your home's vulnerability to storm surge,flooding and wind. Understand National Weather Service forecast products and especially the meaning of NWSwatches and warnings.

Contact your local National Weather Service office and local government/emergency management office. Find out what type of emergencies could occur and how you should respond.

Contacts

Keep a list of contact information for reference.

• Local Emergency Management Office
• County Law Enforcement
• County Public Safety Fire/Rescue
• State, County and City/Town Government
• Local Hospitals
• Local Utilities
• Local American Red Cross
• Local TV Stations
• Local Radio Stations
• Your Property Insurance Agent

Risk Analysis

Online hazard and vulnerability assessment tools are available to gather information about your risks.

• Check your hazards risks with FEMA's Map Portal.
• Rate your flood risk with the FloodSmart.gov portal.

Plan & Take Action

Everyone needs to be prepared for the unexpected. Your friends and family may not be together when disaster strikes. How will you find each other? Will you know if your children or parents are safe? You may have to evacuate or be confined to your home. What will you do if water, gas, electricity or phone services are shut off?

Supplies Kit

Put together a basic disaster supplies kit and consider storage locations for different situations. Help community members do the same.

Emergency Plans

Develop and document plans for your specific risks.

• Protect yourself and family with a Family Emergency Plan   
• Be sure to plan for locations away from home
• Business owners and site locations should create Workplace Plans
• Make sure schools and daycares have School Emergency Plans
• Pet owners should have plans to care for their animals. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention offer information on animal health impacts in evacuation shelters.
• Prepare your boat and be aware of marine safety if you are on or near the water.

Health & Environment

Follow guidelines to guard your community's health and protect the environment during and after the storm.

• Review the Centers for Disease Control's (CDC) health considerations before, during, and after a storm.
• Remember to follow the U.S. Food & Drug Administration's (FDA) food and water safety guidelines during disasters.
• Review the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suggestions for health and environmental safety in disaster preparedness.

Evacuation

• Review the FEMA Evacuation Guidelines to allow for enough time to pack and inform friends and family if you need to leave your home. FOLLOW instructions issued by local officials. Leave immediately if ordered!
• Consider your protection options to decide whether to stay or evacuate your home if you are not ordered to evacuate.

When waiting out a storm be careful, the danger may not be over yet...

Be alert for:

• Tornadoes – they are often spawned by hurricanes.
• The calm "eye" of the storm – it may seem like the storm is over, but after the eye passes, the winds will change direction and quickly return to hurricane force.

Recover

• Wait until an area is declared safe before returning home.
• Remember that recovering from a disaster is usually a gradual process.