Hurricane Irene: How You Can Help

Imagine 1200 homes like this all in one cove. This photo was taken by a member of our crew that is currently cleaning up the hurricane damage in the Outer Banks, NC. This is a reality for many home owners today. If you were one of the fortunate ones who is not currently focused on picking up the pieces of a damaged home, then perhaps it's time to see what you can do to help.

Step 1: Call your local Red Cross chapter and ask to volunteer. Labor day is coming up, and what better way to use it? Bring the whole family along, as there's something for everyone to do, including helping with care packages and blood donation drives.

Step 2: Donate blood. The blood supply was already low, but the recent disaster has further increased the need. This is one thing you can do that will directly save lives. How can you say no to that opportunity?

Step 3: Donate money. This is one of the fastest ways you can help hurricane victims. Here are some places to consider donating:

• American Red Cross --  Beginning a large scale relief operation to help people who were in the path of Hurricane Irene. Select "Disaster Relief" in the designated field.


• Americares -- Has stocked crucial supplies should the need arise for an immediate emergency response. To designate your gift to US Disaster Relief, write “Hurricane Relief Fund” in the designation field.


• Direct Relief International -- Hurricane Prep Packs pre-positioned at 39 total locations before hurricane season started in June, with 17 locations across four states in Irene's path equipped to help people affected by the storm. To designate your gift, write "Emergency Preparedness & Response" in the designation field.


• Humane Society -- The HSUS Animal Rescue Team is on the ground in North Carolina, Vermont and other hard hit areas responding where they are needed the most.


• K.I.D.S. -- Kids in Distressed Situations, Inc. (K.I.D.S.) is distributing clothes, shoes and home goods to needy children and families on the East Coast, in NJ & VT.


• Operation Blessing -- Positioned to respond with emergency food, water and other relief supplies for impacted families. To designate your gift, write "Hurricane Relief" in the designation field.


• Salvation Army -- Prepared in the case that Hurricane Irene makes landfall. The Florida Division is equipped with mobile kitchens, shower trailers, field kitchens, and equipment  To designate your gift, write "Disaster Services" in the designation field.

Tips on giving: Do give to an established charity, do designate your gift, don't go through telemarketers, do research and follow up, and do give online.

Follow us on Twitter!

Content credit: KNCI, Network for Good, and Charity Navigator

Sandy Hayden

Happy Trails

As things are finally cooling off a bit, it's time to take in the great outdoors we've been taking refuge from all summer. Whether that's hiking and camping or just an afternoon picnic, remember these simple ways to ensure happy trails.

• Check the weather forecast before heading out for a hike. It's not safe to hike when thunderstorms or heavy snowfall is expected.


• Carry drinking water. Streams, lakes, and springs are not the same as drinking fountains, so don't drink from them without first properly treating the water.


• Observe wildlife... from a safe distance. It's called wildlife for a reason, so don't get too close to wild animals.


• Stay on the trail -- leaving it could result in getting lost. I know you guys who are reading this thinking "getting lost is the adventure," but staying lost, my friends, is a hazard.


• Help prevent food poisoning by keeping cold foods cold and hot foods hot. Perishable items do not belong in a hot car.


• Clean all surfaces and utensils that come in contact with raw meat or meat juices before using them again.


• Wash your hands frequently when preparing food and before serving and eating.


• Keep children away from grills and lighter fluid. Keep grills away from anything that can burn them.


• Be aware of tiny deer ticks. They could carry Lyme disease, so know what symptoms to watch out for! When in potentially infested area, apply insect repellant, wear light-colored, long sleeved shirts, pants, and socks.


• Do not build a fire near tree trunks, fallen trees, or over hanging branches. Always keep the flames at a size you can control.


• When it's time extinguish a campfire, let the flames die down, then break up the coals or logs, spread the pieces, soak them with water, and cover the area with dirt or sand.

Photo credit: http://therepublicofless.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/camping-glow-night2.jpg

Content credit: http://www.ci.dupont.wa.us/files/library/9ed9c444fe7e45c0_o.pdf

Sandy Hayden

Back to School Safety

It's that time again, and the kids aren't the only ones with homework. Parents, it's your turn. Don't let autumn safety "fall" to the side. Instead, talk to your children about how they can be healthy and safe this school year.

1. Walk and ride to school safely by remaining aware. Obey traffic signals and lights, walk only on crosswalks, and listen to traffic guards (that means no headphones).


2. If your children bike to school, make sure they wear a helmet. My recommendation: reward safety with an awesome helmet.


3. If possible, walk with your child to and from the bus stop.


4. Keep backpacks light! Your kid's backpack should only be 5-10% of his or her body weight, according to the American Chiropractic Association. A backpack with wheels is easy to use and most importantly reduces back stress. If your child chooses to use a backpack, utilize both straps. Wearing your pack on one shoulder can cause spinal curvature.

*Photo credit: http://www.prlog.org/10415746-attachment.jpg

*Content credit: http://www.ci.dupont.wa.us/files/library/9ed9c444fe7e45c0_o.pdf

Sandy Hayden

Fun Friday!

It's our fourth Fun Friday today and it's time for a little inspiration! Check out some ideas that will make an impact on your house and not your wallet. "Reduce, reuse," my friends.

Wait before you throw those light bulbs out. For a romantic green house feel, try using them for hanging plants or vases.

On your next Saturday morning thrift trip, snatch yourself an old window for a great conversation piece as well as a handsome way to display photos or artwork. You can hang it on the wall or go a step further and make it a table surface. Get creative!

Wood needs a little help? Before shelling out for an expensive product, try shelling a walnut instead.

Wooden cable spool + wheels = brilliance.

Scrap wood? More like chic headboard. A touch of ingenuity (and paint) goes a long way.

Any other cheap n' chic ideas? Submit them in the reply box below! Happy, happy Friday!

Credits: A Well Traveled Woman, Everyday Ebullience, Carrie Leber: the blog, Poppytalk, DIY Ideas, and Apartment Therapy.

Sandy Hayden

Talking Business: Damage Lingers Even When Smoke Clears

Let's talk business. In the corporate world, office downtime can mean bad news for a company. Especially following a devastating fire, the days and weeks that a company's doors are shut mean money lost that may not be recouped. In addition to the loss in productivity, it is not hard to imagine what could become of millions of dollars of computers and other office equipment, having been enveloped in smoke and doused in water.

Expensive electronic equipment is not the only thing damaged when exposed to water and smoke. Conference rooms, tables, chairs, carpeted floors, art, lamps and other employee possessions are among the many office components at risk for fire and water damage. In fact, a fire can and sometimes does mean an untimely end to a once successful business. These critical moments require immediate attention from specialists trained in fire and water restoration. Fast response time can be step one in the eventual recovery of a business.

When we get a call from a business owner who has experienced a fire, we know they are experiencing a whirlwind of fear, frustration and anxiety, which is why we get on site as fast as we can to assess the damage and get to work. SERVPRO is a nationally franchised professional fire and water cleanup and restoration company in Greater Columbia. We also provide professional pack-outs, relocating any damaged documents or equipment to a cleaner environment so they can be restored to preloss condition.

Restoration companies trained in this type of cleanup must also be familiar with the inner workings of the insurance industry. SERVPRO works with agents and adjusters to quickly settle claims and achieve high customer satisfaction. The work that we do to restore equipment and materials, as opposed to replacing them, saves the insurance industry a lot of money each year.

Few companies are able to efficiently get in there and clean electronics after a fire. We happen to be one of them. There are a series of steps we take to ensure that electronics and important documents are properly cleaned and restored. Of course, we can also professional clean the carpets and other saturated items. Chairs may not be expensive compared to computers, but if you have 100 chairs that are soaking wet, the cost of replacement can be quite high. When customers see our green trucks on site, they can rest assured that "green means clean."

*Photo credit: http://photography.nationalgeographic.com/staticfiles/NGS/Shared/StaticFiles/Photography/Images/POD/p/pines-fire-blair-444449-xl.jpg

Sandy Hayden

Hurricane Jargon: Know the Terms

Tropical Depression
An organized system of clouds and thunderstorms with a defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 38 MPH (33 knots) or less. Sustained winds are defined as one-minute average wind measured at about 33 ft (10 meters) above the surface.

Tropical Storm
An organized system of strong thunderstorms with a defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 39–73 MPH (34–63 knots).

Hurricane
An intense tropical weather system of strong thunderstorms with a well-defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 74 MPH (64 knots) or higher.

Storm Surge
A dome of water pushed onshore by hurricane and tropical storm winds. Storm surges can reach 25 feet high and be 50–1000 miles wide.

Storm Tide
A combination of storm surge and the normal tide (i.e., a 15-foot storm surge combined with a 2-foot normal high tide over the mean sea level created a 17-foot storm tide).

Hurricane/Tropical Storm Watch
Hurricane/tropical storm conditions are possible in the specified area, usually within 36 hours. Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information.

Hurricane/Tropical Storm Warning
Hurricane/tropical storm conditions are expected in the specified area, usually within 24 hours.

Short Term Watches and Warnings
These warnings provide detailed information about specific hurricane threats, such as flash floods and tornadoes.

*Terms courtesy of http://www.fema.gov/

*Photo credits:

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXqxbyELC7_A5Dh6XobQ0_uGa3TUNDNUzTnS-BnAuh_8ZOkruG5kiWkf9rg-p_FY8AjN12-K8TzQe1va_FeoK4bS8oBWJtNeD6sHtTWgUs9jL_47UX5bGl1PuFKFIPEJyq5I_Lqqt85QI/s1600/hurricane_katrina.jpg

http://weathersavvy.com/hurricane_bonnie_OPT.jpg

http://www.worldaffairsboard.com/attachments/multimedia-jukebox-room/7616d1175836440-hurricane-katrina-revisited-19d25df.jpg

Caution: Contaminated Water

Any water damage in your facility is bad, especially when the water contains potentially harmful bacteria that can affect the health of occupants and the value of your prperty. Toilet overflows, sewage backups and other black water intrusions are more than nasty, smelly messes; these biohazardous damages also introduce harmful microorganisms into your building, as well as the moisture necessary to ensure their continued growth.



Sewage damage poses serious health risks to anyone exposed to the contaminated water. The danger arises from various harmful substances, including parasites, that can cause intestinal disease. Some common risks are hepatitis A, E-coli and Salmonella. This grossly unsanitary water is often referred to as "black water." Building occupants should practice precautionary and safety measures at all times when dealing with the threat of black water.

A mop and common cleaning products may not be enough for black water intrusions. Your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional is trained to safely clean and restore your buliding utilizing the following procedures:

• Identify the source/type of water


• Measure temperature and humidity for drying analysis


• Survey the extent of damage and inspect the premises


• Perform emergency water extraction


• Move and block furniture


• Provide floor service


• Inspect carpet and padding


• Apply necessary treatments including disinfectants and deodorizers


• Utilize and monitor drying equipment


• Dispose of refuse

We understand how disruptive and dangerous contaminated water can be and offer 24-horu emergency response. Under normal circumstances, a trained, uniformed restoration technician arrives onsite within four hours of loss notification to begin emergency mitigation services.



By responding quickly with a full line of water cleanup and restoration services, your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional can help you regain control quickly through proper drying, deodorization and protection of your facility and contents. Abiding by OSHA guidelines and all applicable health regulations, we remove moisture, sewage and contaminants by disinfecting and deodorizing as we safely clean and dry your building and restore contents. Please remember to practice extreme caution when dealing with contaminated water.

*Photo credit to: http://peakwater.org/?p=5860

Sandy Hayden

We're ready for whatever happens. Are you?

The best way to handle an emergency is to be ready before it happens. In no way does this require a worrisome worst-case-scenario mindset, but simply a few steps of preparation.



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the case of a serious emergency, you may be in a situation requiring you to survive on your own. It may be a few hours or even days until help arrives. This is why it is imperative to keep an emergency kit on hand in case of such an emergency. Here are some suggestions for what to keep in your kit:

1. Water – You want enough for three days. Be sure to allow a gallon per person per day.


2. Food – At least a three-day supply of nonperishable food.


3. Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert – Be sure to have extra batteries for both.


4. Flashlight and extra batteries


5. First aid kit


6. Whistle – This is valuable for signaling for help.


7. Dust mask – This helps filter contaminated air.


8. Moist toilettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation.


9. Wrench and pliers to turn off utilities.


10. Can opener – This is only necessary if you have canned food in your food supply.


11. Local maps


12. Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger


13. Waterproof matches

*Photo courtesy of http://www.presentationmagazine.com/newimages/be-prepared-510.jpg

Fun Friday!

Happy Friday! We've spent the last two Fridays learning how to make awesome household items. This week it's time to have a little fun...

[vimeo http://vimeo.com/27548112]

Sandy Hayden

The Facts.

Fact: Restoration through mitigation is less expensive than replacing!

Mitigation requires quick action. The faster a SERVPRO Franchise Professional arrives on-site to perform cleanup and restoration, the better the results--including lower claim costs.

Lower recovery costs: the SERVPRO System helps save money.

• Emergency Mitigation Services help minimize additional property damages.


• Restoration versus replacement of contents saves heirlooms and money too.


• Restorable contents will be cleaned and deodorized to preloss condition when possible.

Myth-busting: Flash Flooding

So you're getting cozy with this fall-like weather and thoughts of hurricanes are the farthest from your mind. Rain? Blistering heat? What's that? I know, I've been there. This is what we call weather denial: "the weather is absolutely perfect and it's never going to change." Many of you are delightfully proclaiming that it's time for a pumpkin spice latte (granted, it's always time for a pumpkin spice latte) and a good scarf. Well, on the bright side, autumn is not too far away. But because this is humid subtropical Columbia, South Carolina, we have some heat and rain to get through (yes, this cool spell will end, I'm afraid) before the leaves truly fall.

Maybe it's that weather denial hitting strong, but this summer has seemed one of epic proportions for rain and storms. As we're in the thralls of hurricane season, there's plenty more where that came from. It's time to get the facts straight. We've touched on lightning myths before, so next up is flash flooding.



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. My condolences to all my truck-driving, mud-sloshing Southern boys.

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, so check your coverage!

*Photo credit: Yauheni Attsetski

Sandy Hayden

Don't Let Mold Mold Your Health

In all of yesterday's allergy talk we touched briefly on the topic of mold. Excessive amounts of mold and certain types of mold may present health concerns. Water damages in particular can cause mold growth in your home or business, therefore it is important to have your water damages cleaned promptly and professionally. It's a do-it-yourself age, my friends, but some things are more important to have done right.

So check your home for the following signs of the presence of excessive mold:

• The presence of visible mold (shocker, I know).


• Strong, musty odors (yeah, that's not just the way your house smells).


• Any evidence of past moisture problems that might have caused undetected mold growth (spotting on the ceiling, anyone?).


• Excessive humidity (hellllllo South Carolina).

If you think you might have a mold problem, call your local SERVPRO (for us in Cayce/West Columbia and Lexington that's 803-755-9774) or dial 1-800-SERVPRO.

In most water damage situations mold growth is not a problem, and we can safely restore your home or business to preloss condition. The need to address the presence of mold can only be determined by an on-site, indoor environmental inspection.

In some situations an indoor air quality professional will be required to create a restoration plan for your home. SERVPRO is experienced at carrying out the assigned plan and working to make it, well, "Like it never even happened."

Photo Credit: http://mlmcored.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/a96718_a469_sneezing.jpg

Sandy Hayden

Fall Allergies (But It's Only August!)

As I walked outside yesterday I felt the pounding in my temples, the pressure in my cheeks, that feeling in my nose and the itchy, itchy eyes... "It can't be! It's only August!" If your allergies are like mine, you might have had the same conversation with yourself recently.

Each year as the flower pollen finally leaves, another pollen hits the stage: ragweed. And guess what month this yellow flowering weed begins pollinating... yep, August. Even if this little guy isn't growing where you live, its pollen can travel hundreds of miles on the wind.

Another allergy culprit is mold. With easily airborne spores, it thrives in damp places, inside or out. So whether it's those damp leaves in the yard or the puddles collecting in your basements and bathrooms (ahem, 803-755-9774), your allergies might be mold-related.

Let's not forget dust while we're on the subject of common allergen. Dust particles are extremely prevalent during humid summer months, but when you turn your furnace on for the first time they make a reappearance.

If you've got allergies, you know the drill: runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing (I've heard two different coworkers sneeze since I began writing this article), coughing, itchy eyes and nose, and those dark circles under the eyes. (WebMD has a one-minute video on distinguishing between colds and  allergies if you're unsure.) Particularly for those who suffer from asthma, allergies can be far more than a slight annoyance. There are many medications that can help relieve the symptoms, but there's also a lot you can be doing. Consider easing fall allergies in the following ways:

• Stay indoors with windows and doors shut while pollen is at its peak (10 am - 3 pm) to avoid being exposed to your allergy triggers. Keep track of the pollen count in your area by visiting the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology website.


• Before you turn on your furnace for the first time of the season, have your heating ducts cleaned (remember to get those ducts in a row). Particles of mold and other allergens often get trapped in the vents over the summer and will soon be released when you crank the heat.


• Use a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter in your heating system to get rid of pollen, mold, and other particles in the air.


• Use a humidifier to keep your air between 35 and 50% humidity.


• Wear a mask while raking leaves to avoid inhaling mold spores. Masks are valuable while doing any activities that you know aggravate your allergies (mowing the grass, cleaning the house, etc.)


• Bathe your pets. Seriously, if you have pets that visit both the indoors and outdoors, they are pollen carriers too. Try washing them once a week (or even more often) to remove the pollen from their fur.


• Purchase a neti pot. This is a small container filled with warm salt water used to flush nasal passages, which can temporarily relieve allergy symptoms.


• Clean with dust-trapping cloths. Using a feather duster is cute, but you're just moving dust and pollen around. Instead try an electrostatic dust cloth, which traps dust and some allergens in the cloth. If your allergies are so bad that cleaning seems an impossible task, maybe it's time to hire a professional (hint hint).


• And my personal favorite, drink peppermint tea. If the deliciousness of this hot beverage isn't enough to inspire you to get drinking (I'm sure you've got a steaming cup right now, what am I saying?), then how about the essential oil that acts as a decongestant? Substances in peppermint contain anti-inflammatory and mild antibacterial properties as well. Added benefit of drinking it hot: the steam provides relief from clogged noses.

But don't take my word for it.

Sandy Hayden

Fun Friday!

Happy Friday! In the spirit of a penny saved is a penny earned, check out this recipe for homemade laundry detergent, brought to you by Why Not Sew (my domestic playground).

*It is advised to use these utensils for detergent making only.

You will need:

1 bar of soap (any kind you want)
1 cup of Borax
1 cup of washing soda
a big pot ( that holds more than 2 gallons)
a grater
a funnel
a long spoon
2 empty gallon jugs/containers

Grate your bar of soap into your pot.

Fill the one gallon jug and pour water into the pot with grated soap. Cook until the grated soap dissolves.

Add the Borax and washing soda.

Bring to a boil. It will coagulate.

Turn off the heat. Add 1 gallon of cold water. Stir well.

Pour 1 gallon of your detergent into each container. A funnel helps tremendously.

Now you have 2 gallons of homemade laundry detergent. 1/2 cup per load is suggested. With the prices of detergent being outrageous, a batch of this goes a long way.

This won't make many, if any, suds. Suds don't necessarily mean something is cleaned. This detergent cleans wonderfully!

$6.00 per 576 loads isn't half bad...

Sandy Hayden

Got in a wreck last night. How you can learn from my mistake:

To be overly simple, my job is to write about safety. To be honest, I generally think of myself as someone who balances safety and fun quite well. We've all heard the statistics on cell phones and driving (if you haven't, I'll refresh you soon). Forget statistics, we've driven a lane over from them or been stuck behind them as they, heads down, don't budge at the green light. Or perhaps we've been that person (confession: guilty, very). According to Nationwide, driving while distracted is a factor in 25% of police reported crashes. Driving while using a cell phone reduces the amount of brain activity associated with driving by 37% (Carnegie Mellon). Had I heard these particularly stats before yesterday I would have thought, "yeah, people (other people) really shouldn't drive distracted," aka. they can't handle it but I can. If you're honest with yourself, you might relate to this mindset.

Last night I was driving home: music off and cell phone in hand (but not in use by any means). I dropped my phone and reached my free hand to grab it. I don't even remember taking my eyes off the road, but the next thing I know I'm airborne only to come crashing to the ground in a deep ditch, taking out a sign and leaving a trail of car parts behind me. As my car finally comes to stop, I find myself shaking violently. That happened so easily! was all I could think. It didn't feel risky and I didn't think I was distracted. And that's how it goes, folks. This was my first car accident.

According to Distraction.gov, there are three types of distraction: visual (taking your eyes off the road), manual (taking your hands off the wheel) and cognitive (taking your mind off what you are doing). Distracted driving is any non-driving activity that has the potential to distract him or her from the primary task of driving and increase the risk of crashing. Texting is the triple threat, as it involves all three.

Other distracting activities include:

• Using a cell phone


• Eating and drinking


• Talking to passengers


• Grooming


• Reading, including maps


• Using a PDA or navigation system


• Watching a video


• Changing the radio station, CD, or Mp3 player.

I was truly fortunate that the ditch wasn't deeper to flip my car, that no one was walking on the side of the road for me to hit, that a car wasn't driving by when I overcorrected... had one detail been different last night my life or someone else's could have been changed forever.

20 percent of injury crashes in 2009 involved reports of distracted driving (NHTSA), but drivers who use hand-held devices are four times as likely to get into crashes serious enough to injure themselves (Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety).

Sandy Hayden

We like celebrating birthdays because we're family here.

[caption id="attachment_234" align="aligncenter" width="584" caption="Luna is 1 today!"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_232" align="aligncenter" width="584" caption="We had to celebrate."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_233" align="aligncenter" width="584" caption="Not a huge fan."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_231" align="aligncenter" width="584" caption="At least Rylin was a good sport."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_229" align="aligncenter" width="584" caption="They were expecting cake."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_230" align="aligncenter" width="584" caption="Very disappointed at the lack of cake."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_228" align="aligncenter" width="584" caption="Happy Birthday Luna!"][/caption]

The Science of Drying

I know, the s-word makes me want to close the browser too... "science." Maybe I should have entitled this "The Art of Drying" instead for those who struggled their way through grade school biology and chemistry. Fear not, readers! Label this article under the tiny mental filing cabinet labelled "Fun Science" and insert it in between Bill Nye and Mythbusters.

The knowledge of psychrometrics ("the field of engineering concerned with the determination of physical and thermodynamic properties of gas-vapor mixtures" -- thanks Wikipedia) is essential to restoring a structure to its preloss condition. Where the average Do-It-Yourself homeowner (guilty) or business owner might be tempted to grab a few beach towels to mop up the mess and place a box fan or two around the damaged area, your local SERVPRO Franchise Professionals follow strict, industry-approved standards to help lower the chances of any secondary damages.

Just for starters, a trained restorer will:

• Inspect the building to detect every component that is wet, preventing damage from happening because wet components were overlooked.


• Measure how much moisture is in wet materials and monitor whether the materials are drying properly.


• Speed up Mother Nature by using professional drying equipment.

So what exactly does "speed up Mother Nature" mean? A wet building can often dry naturally because our environment always seeks equilibrium. When materials are wet, moisture will naturally move to drier air at the surface of the material -- but only if the air is, indeed, drier. The only problem is nature takes a long time, and secondary damages occur while the building is drying out.

For this reason, your local SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have been trained to use top-of-the-line equipment to help the drying process, including equipment to help dry hardwood floors, tough-to-reach spaces inside walls (pictured botom-left) and much more. We also use state-of-the-art monitoring equipment (pictured bottom-center) and a proven scientific process to help speed the drying of your home or business.

The bottom line? Your local SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have the training and equipment to help make it "Like it never even happened."

There, that wasn't so bad, was it?

Sandy Hayden

How SERVPRO Is Different from Other Restoration Vendors

• SERVPRO is the national leader in Fire & Water Cleanup & Restoration.


• SERVPRO uses only state-of-the-art equipment.


• Training of SERVPRO professionals at the national, regional, and local levels is constantly reinforcing the highest standards.


• SERVPRO presents professionally uniformed field personnel.


• SERVPRO employs experienced and certified technicians.


• SERVPRO provides a professional service fleet.


• SERVPRO offers Full Service mitigation and construction services.


• SERVPRO has the resources of a national company in times of large disasters.


• SERVPRO franchises are held to a higher standard by the National Headquarters.

Fun Friday!

I've decided the blog needs a little spice to its life. Hello readers, meet Fun Friday! Every Friday we're going to vacation from safety tips and explore more fun things.

Today's is a little craft is geared toward the eclectic. I've been working on making a little bistro chalkboard for my kitchen, and it's easier than you might think.

*Image courtesy of Notes from the Heartland

What you'll need:

• Frame (thrift store, dinged up is ok--it makes it look more vintage)


• Piece of plywood to fit the frame


• Sanding block (optional)


• Primer


• Spray paint of your choice of color (optional)


• Chalkboard spray paint


• Wood glue

You may very well find a frame that you love just the way it is. In my case, I found an old, brown ornate frame from the thrift store. I loved it, but I wanted it to be off-white, like in the image above, so I began this project by spray painting my frame. 

When spray painting, make sure not to hold the can too close to the surface being painted. It is better to do several light coats of paint than one or two heavy coats. Allow paint to dry before applying another coat. I ended up giving my frame 3 coats. When you have finished painting the frame, leave it to dry for at least 8 hours undisturbed.

If you have a sanding block, sand the edges of the plywood until they are smooth. Before using the chalkboard paint, prime the plywood. Primer is simply a white paint that prepares the surface on which you are painting by ensuring better adhesion of paint to the surface, increasing the durability of the paint, and providing protection for the plywood underneath. So apply one or two coats of primer to the plywood and let dry.

When the plywood is dry, apply the first coat of chalkboard paint. Remember to be careful not to apply an overly thick coat. I applied 3 coast of chalkboard paint to my plywood board. Let this dry.

Once all is dry, apply wood glue to the edges of the plywood and set into the frame, applying pressure until the glue has dried.

Lastly, enjoy! Colored chalk is particularly fun if you have a neutral-colored frame. I have found that pink chalk can be a little difficult to erase, so you may have to use a wet rag rather than an eraser for certain types of chalk.

Happy Friday!

Sandy Hayden

The Facts on Wildfires and What You Can Do

From coast to coast, wildfires across the country have been making national news. Thousands of acres, homes and businesses have suffered and even faced destruction in lights of these flames.

Southern California isn’t the only area of the country that faces this threat. 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. In fact, South Carolina ranked number 8 in the nation for number of wildfires in 2008. Though thousands of wildfires are started every year by natural causes—lightning strikes for example—many more are man-made disasters. Returning to the 2008 statistics, 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.

Through 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.

• 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 inside 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.

*Statistics provided by the National Interagency Fire Center.

Sandy Hayden

Ten of the Most Dangerous Household Items

Day after day I tell you safety tips, what to do in emergency situations, ways SERVPRO can help, etc. It's not that I want to be a downer by bringing up worst case scenarios and I certainly don't want you to view your home as a danger zone; rather, my intention is to get you to consider small preparations you can make to avoid infinitely more regret.

That being said, today take a brief moment to look at some items in your house that could be extremely dangerous if misused. According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, 93% of possible poisonings take place at home. It’s unavoidable having poisonous household products, but buying them only in small quantities, discarding unused extras, and keeping them out of the reach of children are helpful ways to make your home safer.

Knowing what is dangerous is half of the battle, so that you can be extra cautious with such products. Ten of the most dangerous household items are as follows:

1. Antifreeze


2. Bleach


3. Drain cleaner


4. Furniture polish


5. Gasoline


6. Insecticide


7. Iron-containing vitamins


8. Medicine


9. Nail polish remover


10. Windshield wiper fluid

Again, be sure to keep these items in small quantities and to dispose of unneeded products. And always keep them out of the reach of children!

Sandy Hayden

Keep It Clean: Laundry 101

The washing machine and clothes dryer can be helpful amenities to any household, but when used incorrectly, they are often found to be the cause of many fire and water damages, as well as shocks and electrocution. So how do you make your house a home with so many household items presenting dangerous risks?

The Dryer

The greatest problem with dryers is their inevitable collection of lint, which is highly combustible. It is crucial to empty the lint screen frequently, but many dryer users do not consider that lint does not just collect on the filter. At least once a year, check where the exhaust hose connects to the dryer (after unplugging the machine). After disconnecting the hose, clean lint from the opening of the dryer and from inside the hose. A shop vacuum is helpful for this. Don’t forget to clean out the exterior vent as well. When using your dryer, be sure to avoid drying clothing that may have flammable materials on it (i.e. gasoline). If the clothing must be dried, wash it more than once before running it through the dryer.

The Washing Machine

Washing machines are the culprit for many homes’ water damage. Check your supply hoses regularly for cracked or frayed material. These hoses can bust if left unchecked. In addition to replacing the hoses, flood stopping units are also available. Lastly, like all major appliances, make sure your washer and dryer are both properly grounded. Make sure your fuse or breaker switch is the right size.

Sandy Hayden

The Home You Can't Replace

Here at SERVPRO we talk about protecting your home frequently. Our hope is that we can help you prevent most disasters and recover quickly from those that you can't anticipate. We want where you live to be safe and healthy, but what about the home you can't replace? Taking care of your body is even more important than homeowner tips, and that starts with your skin.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the US. More than 3.5 million skin cancers in over 2 million people are diagnosed annually.

One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime.

Over the past 31 years, more people have had skin cancer than all other cancers combined.

Skin cancer isn't reserved for the tanning bed regulars or the fair skinned. That being said, I just wanted to pass along some information from the Skin Cancer Foundation on how you can protect your skin in the midst of all these summer activities (and even in the off-season).

Use a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher whenever you spend time outdoors.

• This applies to all outdoor activities: athletics, shopping, picnicking, walking or jogging, gardening, even waiting for a bus.


• Use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day. For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.


• Apply liberally and evenly to all exposed skin. The average adult in a bathing suit should use approximately one ounce of sunscreen per application. Not using enough will effectively reduce the product's SPF and the protection you get.


• Be sure to cover often-missed spots: lips, ears, around eyes, neck, scalp if hair is thinning, hands, and feet.


• Reapply at least every 2 hours, more often if some of the product may have been removed while swimming, sweating, or towel-drying.


• Choose a product that suits your skin and your activity. Sunscreens are available in lotion, gel, spray, cream, and stick forms. Some are labeled as water resistant, sweatproof, or especially for sports; as fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, or especially for sensitive skin or children.

Cover up.

• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Tightly woven fabrics and dark colors, such as deep blue and black, or bright colors, such as orange and red, offer more protection. If you can see light through a fabric, UV rays can get through too. Water makes fabrics more translucent, so do not rely on a wet T-shirt.


• A broad-brimmed hat goes a long way toward preventing skin cancer in often-exposed areas like the neck, ears, scalp, and face. Opt for a 3-4 inch brim that extends all around the hat. Baseball caps and visors shade the face but leave neck, lower face, and ears exposed.


• UV-blocking sunglasses with wraparound or large frames protect your eyelids and the sensitive skin around your eyes, common sites for skin cancer and sun-induced aging. Sunglasses also help reduce the risk of cataracts later in life.

Seek the shade.

• Be aware, however, that sunlight bouncing off reflective surfaces can reach you even beneath an umbrella or a tree. Never seek a tan.


• There is no such thing as a healthy tan. A tan is the skin's response to the sun's damaging rays.

Stay away from tanning parlors and artificial tanning devices.

• The UV radiation emitted by indoor tanning lamps is many times more intense than natural sunlight. Dangers include burns, premature aging of the skin, and the increased risk of skin cancer.

Protect your children and teach them sun safety at an early age.

• Healthy habits are best learned young. Because skin damage occurs with each unprotected exposure and accumulates over the course of a lifetime, sun safety for children should be a priority.

*Don’t forget to fill out the poll on our home page about how you heard about SERVPRO. We’d love to hear from you!

Sandy Hayden