Fun Friday!

We've been talking a lot lately about going green, but now it's time for a green monster smoothie. That's right, we're taking green to a new level. Try this easy recipe, courtesy of Sing for Your Supper (check out this fantastic cooking blog when you get the chance). Before you go running at the sight of green, the blog will tell you that you can't taste the spinach, but you will benefit from its numerous benefits: "Spinach is high in calcium, vitamin A and iron, to name a small few. This smoothie is a great solution for people wanting to get their daily fill of fresh fruits and vegetables; it’s SO good for you."

Green Monster Smoothie

1 banana, roughly chopped
4 or 5 strawberries
1/2 cup fresh blueberries
1 small peach, peeled and roughly chopped
1 heaping cup (or more) fresh spinach leaves, thoroughly rinsed
splash vanilla soy milk
1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
2 teaspoons honey
1/2 cup crushed ice

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Serve immediately.
*this recipe makes a very large smoothie--two could easily share.

Photo Credit: Sing for Your Supper

Sandy Hayden

Fact:

Even a small fire can cause odors in your home for years to come. Any fire in your home is bad. But when you try to clean it up yourself, it can be a disaster. Especially considering that smoke and soot from even a small fire can cause odors that may resurface for years. So, before you risk doing more damage by attempting to clean it up yourself, call us, your local fire, smoke and soot cleanup and restoration experts at SERVPRO.

Photo Credit: http://nocleaning.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/32047941.jpg

HVAC, Whatever That Is

Three and a half months ago I had no idea what HVAC meant. For those who are in my boat, the acronym stands for a very prevalent part of your house: Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning. So maybe you know nothing about HVAC systems, but you know you want one. Dave Lyman of SERVPRO had an informative article earlier this year in "The Goal Digger." Check it out:

HVAC systems, when directly contacted by Category 1 water, can cease to operate, or they can function inefficiently or spread excess humidity throughout both affected and unaffected areas of a structure. If contacted directly by Category 2 or 3 water, they can spread contamination to unaffected areas. Even if an HVAC system is not directly contacted by water, when operating, it can spread humidity or contamination from affected to unaffected areas. Further, microbial growth from other causes can be carried to the interior of HVAC system components where it can accumulate and degrade HVAC component operation.

Since HVAC systems circulate the air that workers and occupants breathe when the system is operating both during and after restoration, it is a critical component in the overall water damage restoration plan. Category 1 water should be drained or vacuumed thoroughly from HVAC ductwork, systems and mechanical components as so as practical. Once excess water has been removed, the system should be thoroughly dried. Mechanical and other system components should be evaluated, and cleaned, as necessary, following NADCA ACR 2006 standards, or similar industry standards. System components should be evaluated for operational safety, repaired if necessary, and place back into operation by a licensed HVAC contractor.

In losses where Category 2 or 3 water has directly entered HVAC systems, especially where internal insulation fiberboard ducting is present, it might not be possible or practical to disassemble, clean and completely decontaminate HVAC ductwork, systems and possibly even mechanical components. In these situations, restorers should contain, disassemble and remove affected HVAC system components, and plan for replacing the system after structural restoration and remediation has been completed.

Before you panic and think, "I don't even know what the categories are, no less how to do all this," let me assure you that you don't have to. That's where we come in. We frequently see customers attempt to clean up after water damages, not realizing what level of involvement is necessary. When it's not just a house, but a home and not just a water damage, but damaged health, call a professional. Call SERVPRO.

Image Credit: http://airconditionerfortlauderdale.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/HVAC-Fort-Lauderdale.jpg

Sandy Hayden

Drink Water to Give Water.

[vimeo http://vimeo.com/29516327]

Commit to doing the 10 Days at 10days.cc

The 10 Days is a campaign where college students and communities across the nation will choose water as their only beverage for 10 Days. The money saved will go to provide 10 Rwandan communities with safe, clean water.

Join with us 10/10/11-10/19/11 and drink to give.

Sandy Hayden

We're "In It 2 Win It"

The Greater Lexington Chamber is launching its “In It 2 Win It” campaign and it’s with you in mind. Trust us, you’re going to want to learn more.

Corporate teams of volunteers are gathering for 8 weeks to extend their reach into the community to sell Chamber memberships and sponsorships through the Chamber’s Total Resource Campaign.

These teams are raising money that benefits their community. When the community prospers, businesses prosper. The Chamber is committed to sustaining our excellent community and to increasing the strength of our local economy.

By becoming a member of the Chamber, you can directly impact your community and economy for the better! Interested in joining? Visit http://www.lexingtonsc.org/ for more info. Joining the Chamber has many benefits, including opportunities to promote your business, saving money, and even resources to help make your work more efficient. If becoming a member isn’t the right option for you, maybe becoming a sponsor is a more appropriate option, as you can partner with the Chamber to make a difference and better your community. Check it out today!

Sandy Hayden

Fun Friday: The Hot List

Courtesy of Columbia SC: Famously Hot I give you a Fun Friday for the South Carolinians (or any upcoming visitors to the area). It's astounding how easily it is to miss out on all a city has to offer, especially for those who live in the area. Columbia, a historic city, has much to offer, from a classic Southern touch to a burst of fresh modernism. So with this Columbia Hot List, I encourage you locals to put on a fresh outlook and be a tourist of your own city. Here are 10 classic and fresh aspects of "Famously Hot" Columbia:

Content Credit: http://www.columbiacvb.com/

Photo Credit: http://www.pbase.com/image/5720263

Sandy Hayden

Disaster Supplies Kit Checklist for Pets

Particularly during September, National Preparedness Month, we hit on topics such as how you can be prepared for an emergency, what you need in your home emergency kit, what to do in quarantine situations, etc. What rarely gets covered, though, is how to keep your pets healthy and happy. Take a look at what you'll need to get the whole family through an emergency situation.

[ ] Food and water for at least three days for each pet, food and water bowls and a manual can opener.
[ ] Depending on the pet, litter and litter box or newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags, grooming items, and household bleach.
[ ] Medications and medical records stored in a waterproof container, a first aid kit and a pet first aid book.
[ ] Sturdy leashes, harnesses and carriers to transport pets safely and to ensure that your pets cannot escape. A carrier should be large enough for the animal to stand comfortably, turn around, and lie down. Your pet may have to stay in the carrier for hours. Be sure to have a secure cage with no loose objects inside it to accommodate smaller pets. These may require blankets or towels for bedding and warmth and other special items.
[ ] Pet toys and the pet's bed, if you can easily take it, to reduce stress.
[ ] Current photos and descriptions of your pets to help others identify them in case you and your pets become separated, and to prove that they are yours.
[ ] Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems and the name and telephone number of your veterinarian in case you have to board your pets or place them in foster care.

Content Credit: http://emergency.cdc.gov/preparedness/kit/disasters/

Photo Credit: http://browndresswithwhitedots.tumblr.com/post/9702231083

Sandy Hayden

3 Common Household Emergencies (And How to Avoid Them)

1. Burst washing machine hose – As rubber washing machine hoses age, they eventually wear down and burst, causing costly flooding. Consider switching to a stainless-steel reinforced hose.


2. Leaky roof – Mother Nature is pretty tough on your roof. Regularly check your roof for missing or damaged shingles.


3. Refrigerator Leaks – Like your washing machine, the refrigerator is a common culprit in home floods. Ensure your water line is unkinked and in good condition.

Photo Credit: New England Roofing

The Pentagon: A Case Study

When water pipes located in the basement of the Pentagon burst early one morning, pouring 1.8 million gallons of water over 565,000 square feet (roughly 17 miles of hallway), SERVPRO Franchise Professionals completed the enormous task of drying the structure in just seven days.

Following the events of September 11, 2001, SERVPRO Professionals were once more called upon to assist with the cleanup and restoration of the Pentagon. In spite of the emotions and difficulties involved in the restoration effort, we dried nearly 300,000 square feet in addition to providing fire, soot and smoke cleanup and restoration services. Upon completion of the drying assignment, we provided mold remediation services in other sections of the facility. SERVPRO met the challenge and completed the process in just 90 days.

It's time to let us help you make it "Like it never even happened."

Photo Credit: Qwiki

Viva la Green!

What comes to mind when you think about "going green"? Far more energy than you're willing to expend? Time and money wasted? There are many myths about recycling that are commonly accepted (check out Popular Mechanic's article Recycling Myths: PM Debunks 5 Half Truths about Recycling). The truth is that being eco-friendly doesn't have to be a grueling process. Check out these 10 cheap and very doable ways to go green!

1. Be a Friend to Farmers -- Want the best prices on organic produce? You don't have to look too far, just to your local farmers' market. Organic is the best option for your body, the planet and, when you buy locally, your wallet too. Not only do you save money when you buy directly from the organic producers, but you also support local food production.


2. Cleaning for Under a Buck -- Looking for an alternative to harsh household cleaners? Fun fact: you can clean most of your house with a non-toxic cleaner for (usually) less than a dollar! The secret? Baking soda. A little water and baking soda makes the perfect paste for cleaning tubs, sinks, stoves, and other surfaces. It has a whitening effect that is perfect for cleaning grout. Adding a handful to your whites in the wash can even brighten your clothes. It's also a great deodorizer and won't irritate your lungs.


3. Veg Out -- Try eating less meat, particularly red meat. Cows require a lot of feed or grass to survive, pollute water with their waste, and produce a large amount of greenhouse gases. For you and your family eating a lot of meat can be strenuous on your digestive system and disagreeable for your overall health. Since you have to shop for food and make meals anyway, why not change it up and eat vegetarian a few times a week. It's all about habit.


4. Fertilizing with Garbage -- At-home composts make brilliant use of food scraps. Instead of stinking up your kitchen garbage, the scraps go into your compost and create a rich fertilizer for your lawn and garden. Compost is organic, non-toxic, and extremely healthy for plants and the soil. Now doesn't it feel good to give back to the planet with minimal effort?


5. Solar Savings -- Open those blinds and curtains and turn off the lights. Sunlight is free and completely renewable. Not only does sunlight save you electricity, but it's also good for your body. The sun's rays are just the right brightness and spectrum to give you more energy, better regulate your sleep patterns, and improve your mood. Sun equals smiles.


6. Well-contained Lunches -- Be sure to utilize reusable containers for lunches whenever possible. You have a one-time investment on the containers that can save you mucho money. Throwaway baggies and individually packaged lunch items (juice boxes and applesauce cups, for example) are far more expensive than if you filled up reusable containers at home with juice, fruit, and a sandwich. That means that less goes to the landfill too.


7. Slow Your Flow -- While it's great to encourage family members not to waste water, a nearly effortless way to improve on those results and also help your bottom line is to install low-flow fixtures and low-flow toilets. You can easily exchange your showerhead for a water-saving variety that saves a gallon of water a minute. A faucet aerator for the kitchen or bathroom is a cheap replacement and can immediately cut water consumption in half. Low-flow toilets too expensive? Try filling a plastic bottle with water and placing it in the tank of your toilet. This will lower the amount of water used on each flush.


8. Old News is Good News -- Have a package to send? Avoid the expense and waste of bubble wrap. Instead, reach for yesterday's newspaper as packing material. To add extra flare, circle interesting or cute articles.


9. Money in the Miles -- Put on your thinking cap next time you plan errands and schedule them together on a miles-saving route. By strategically combining errands and avoiding unplanned trips to the store, you'll save gas and keep your wallet a little fatter. Plus, you'll be spewing less pollution into the air from your car.


10. These Boots Are Made for Walking -- Are you used to jumping in the car just to pick up milk from the corner store? Before the next time you grab your keys, consider walking instead – to run errands, to get exercise, to go to the park for recreation. Take your children with you. Walking is free, saves energy, produces no emissions (unless you count the production of the clothes and shoes you wear), and keeps you healthy. Viva la green!

Image Credit: Mom Goes Green

Content Credit: Cheap Ways to Go Green and Everyday Green

Sandy Hayden

Fun Friday! (Autumn Edition)

This Fun Friday we're taking a look at some great ways to jump into fall and embrace the autumn season!

First and foremost, do yourself a favor and get a pumpkin spice latte. Let's start the season off right. Of course you can patron the infamous Starbucks, where it all started, or you can make your own!

Midwest Living has plenty other crafty pumpkin decorating projects for you to feast your eyes on, but this one is my favorite. Jack-o-lanterns may be exclusively for Halloween, but these pumpkins make great decorations for any part of the cool season.

Go apple picking! Find a good place near you to pick your own and check out these tips before you go!

The greatest reasons that the cool of fall is so warmly welcomed is because the weather is perfect. If your allergies permit, embrace the outdoors and take indoor activities outside: read a book, eat a meal, take a nap, work on a craft, play a game!

Try some fall cooking with a nice recipe for pumpkin soup or apple cider!

Enjoy this beautiful transition to fall! I know that I will. Happy Friday!

Credit: Starbucks, Midwest Living, Jeff Kubina, Autumn Roots, The Day Book Blog, Wholesome Cook, and LUSHLEE.

Sandy Hayden

Autumn Check List

[] Give Space Heaters Space: As the weather gets cooler, space heaters come out of their summer hiding places, and as it turns out, they need space too. Remember to leave at least three feet of space around your heater. Unplug it when it's not being used.

[] Test your CO Detector: During cold weather, your furnace will be running and your windows will be closed. Test the carbon monoxide detector near your home's bedrooms.

[] Never Heat With an Oven: On chilly autumn mornings, avoid the temptation to warm the kitchen with a gas range or an open oven door. The unvented products of combustion can quickly build to toxic levels. Take this as an opportunity to indulge in warm socks and robe.

[] Replace Expired Fire Extinguishers: Make sure that the fire extinguisher in your home is still good. If it has expired or discharged, be sure to replace it promptly. You don’t want to be without this in case of an emergency.

[] Test Your Local Smoke Detectors: If it needs a new battery, then replace it. If the detector still does not function, replace the detector. This one shouldn’t wait til later.

[] Wear Gloves While Doing Yard Work: It is the season for cleaning (isn’t every season?). To help avoid blisters and other hand injuries, be sure to wear gloves while doing yard work.

[] Use Your Legs to Lift Heavy Items: Whether you are putting things away for storage or carrying garbage and yard waste to the curb, be sure to use your legs to avoid back injuries.

Photo Credit: http://ihihomeinspections.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/Brunette-Woman-Playing-with-Leaves-uid-1963766cropped.jpg

Content Credit: http://www.tiu.edu/tiu/security/autumnsafety

Summer's Over but the Yard Work's Not

Yard work does not end simply because summer is over. There’s plenty more to do as the seasons are changing. Here are some safety tips for tackling autumn tasks around your home.

• When lifting heavy bags of mulch, use a wheelbarrow when possible. Remember to lift with your legs and not with your back.


• Be careful when pruning. Pruning from a ladder is especially dangerous, so avoid injuries by pruning on a secure foundation relatively low to the ground.


• To avoid blisters when doing yard work, wear gloves. Easy fix!


• If you are doing a lot of raking, try an ergonomic rake, which alleviates stress on your lower back by allowing you to rake in an upright position. These can be found at most hardware stores and garden centers.

Photo Credit: http://timmeubanks.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/sam_raking_2-copy.jpg

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

Hilarious & Helpful Household Hints

Who says Fun Friday is the only day we can have fun? Check out these hilarious Household Hints brought to you by Gypsy Rose's World. Note: We have not tested these yet! (Yet.)

1. Budweiser beer conditions the hair.

2. Pam cooking spray will dry finger nail polish.

3. Cool whip will condition your hair in 15 min.

4. Mayonnaise will KILL LICE, it will also condition your hair.

5. Elmer’s Glue – paint on your face, allow it to dry, peel off and see the dead skin and blackheads if any.

6. Shiny Hair – use brewed Lipton Tea.

7. Sunburn – empty a large jar of Nestea into your bath water

8. Minor burn-Colgate or Crest toothpaste

9. Burn your tongue? Put sugar on it!

10. Arthritis? WD-40 Spray and rub in, kill insect stings too.

11. Bee stings – meat tenderizer.

12. Chigger bite – Preparation H.

13. Puffy eyes – Preparation H.

14. Paper cut – crazy glue or Chap Stick (glue is used instead of sutures at most hospitals).

15. Stinky feet – Jell-O!!

16. Athletes feet – cornstarch.

17. Fungus on toenails or fingernails – Vicks vapor rub.

18. Kool aid to clean dishwasher pipes. Just put in the detergent section and run a cycle, it will also clean a toilet.

19. Kool Aid can be used as a dye in paint also.

20. Kool aid in Dannon plain yogurt as a finger paint, your kids will love it and it won’t hurt them if they eat it!

21. Peanut butter – will get scratches out of CD’s! Wipe off with a coffee filter paper.

22. Sticking bicycle chain – Pam no-stick cooking spray.

23. Pam will also remove paint, and grease from your hands! Keep a can in your garage for your hubby.

24. Peanut butter will remove ink from the face of dolls.

25. When the doll clothes are hard to put on, sprinkle with cornstarch and watch them slide on.

26. Heavy dandruff – pour on the vinegar!

27. Body paint – Crisco mixed with food coloring. Heat the Crisco in the microwave, pour into an empty film container and mix with the food color of your choice!

28. Tie Dye T-shirt – mix a solution of Kool Aid in a container; tie a rubber band around a section of the t-shirt and soak.

29. Preserving a newspaper clipping – large bottle of club soda and 1/2 cup of milk of magnesia, soak for 20 minutes and let dry, will last for many years!

30. A Slinky will hold toast and CD’s!

31. To keep goggles and glasses from fogging, coat with Colgate toothpaste.

32. Wine stains, pour on the Morton salt and watch it absorb into the salt.

33. To remove wax – Take a paper towel and iron it over the wax stain, it will absorb into the towel.

34. Remove labels off glassware etc. Rub with peanut butter!

35. Baked on food -fill container with water, get a Bounce paper softener and the static from the Bounce towel will cause the baked on food to adhere to it. Soak overnight. Also: you can use 2 Efferdent tablets, soak overnight!

36. Crayon on the wall – Colgate toothpaste and brush it!

37. Dirty grout – Listerine.

38. Stains on clothes – Colgate.

39. Grass stains – Karo Syrup.

40. Grease Stains- Coca Cola, it will also remove grease stains from the driveway overnight. We know it will take corrosion from batteries!

41. Fleas in your carpet? 20 Mule Team Borax: sprinkle and let stand for 24 hours. Maybe this will work if you get them back again.

42. To keep FRESH FLOWERS longer Add a little Clorox, or 2 Bayer aspirin, or just use 7-up instead of water.

Well, like I said, we haven't tested these yet, but comment back if you try (or have tried) any of these! Let us know what works!

Photo Credit: Moody Mommy, Like a Warm Cup of Coffee, New Moon Journal, Little Jenny Wren, and Modern Vintage Homemaking.

Storm Recovery and Prep

Fun Friday: Get Your Organization On

I know! I know! You read the word "organize" and "fun" in the same title and you have lost all trust in me. Hold your horses. I know that organizing is not exactly a sufficient substitute for the birthday clown at your seven-year-old's party. Rather, organizing is the necessary evil in our domestic lives, and since it is necessary, why not jazz it up and make it interesting. So kick the label-maker and the cardboard boxes, because today's Fun Friday is where art and creativity meet functionality. Feast your eyes on these brilliant ideas!

Use a tray to utilize more vertical space in your cabinets. Be sure to put a gripping material (like non-slick rug gripper) on both sides of the tray to keep glasses from sliding.

Use a door rack inside your cabinet to store cleaning supplies.

Who says labeling has to be dull? Make things interesting with scrabble pieces to label your kitchen.

Use tension curtain rods as dividers for cupboard shelves.

All it takes is two boards to convert a cabinet into a functional wine rack!

Got a drawer full of recipes? Stick them in clear scrapbook pages and a fun notebook and make your own cookbook!

Drawer organizers are very handy, but they often don't have the right dimensions for your needs. Make your own by assembling tins in your drawer.

Need a place to store jewelry? Icing tips make for great ring storage.

Organization means to utilize the space you have. Go vertical in your bathroom by using a coatrack for towels.

With the holidays around the corner, you might be regretting last year's choice of wrapping paper storage. Make it better for next year by using an old hamper for storage.

Also check out these two awesome articles from Real Simple: Organizing for Your Personality and How to Recycle Anything!

Credit: Better Homes and Gardens, Better Homes and Gardens, Better Homes and Gardens, Home Made Simple, Martha Stewart, Martha Stewart, Martha Stewart, Martha Stewart, Real Simple, Real Simple

Sandy Hayden

5 Tips on Cooking in a Hurricane

While perusing one of my favorite cooking blogs, The Kitchn, I found an oh-so-appropriate article about how to cook in a hurricane! Very exciting day when food blogging and homeowner safety blogging merge. So without further ado, check out The Kitchn's 5 tips to cooking when anticipating (or experiencing) a hurricane:

1. Know your food safety facts! Have a thermometer in your fridge and freezer so you can make sure the freezer stays at 0°F or below and the refrigerator stays at 40°F or below. If your power goes out, the freezer will be OK for about 24 to 48 hours, provided that it is packed full and you don't open the door. The fridge, on the other hand, will only keep things safe for about four hours. Click here for more food safety tips courtesy of the USDA. 


2. Stock up on ice and dry ice. If your power goes out, if your fridge and freezer are stocked with ice or dry ice, this will prolong the life of the food inside. (Again, make sure you have a thermometer to check! Don't ever check food's safety by tasting it.)


3. Light your kitchen. Make sure your kitchen is well-supplied with light, whether that's candles, flashlights, a battery-operated floodlight, or something else. It's hard to be safe in the kitchen if you can't see when cutting bread or cooking an egg on your gas stovetop. Make sure there are light sources in the kitchen (don't count on any sunlight).


4. Make food ahead of time that doesn't need to be refrigerated. Some ideas: Muffins and quick breads for breakfast. Chana masala and other bean stews for lunches and dinners. Also stock up on cured meats, hard cheeses, good bread, beer, wine, olives, pickles, fruit, tomatoes, and crunchy vegetables for snacks.


5. Gather together with others. A long hurricane can be a crashing bore. After you've watched the newscasters get knocked over a few times by the wind, you're left with nothing but a slow, seemingly interminable wait for the storm to pass. Then the power goes out, and the internet, and you can't even amuse yourself with technology. It's time for old-fashioned get togethers. Some of my most memorable hurricane moments involve gathering with friends by candlelight, making the most of the long hours with card games, homemade food and old-fashioned fun. Batten down the hatches with a few friends and amuse yourselves. It's actually a good time to do a big cooking project, too, especially if you have a gas stove (not electric) and can bake bread or make tamales. Think about making a huge batch of homemade pasta, to be frozen after the storm, for instance, or tomato sauce.

Photo Credit: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJEO8iTUSEK_RDq3W-IlEu6de3hU8d5FhYyS-ISnFZEei6NgW97G8fmtQW1L3I5RaU3p-nHhL7zKlqA87GX8JtXCVDi79qFHPiTvI1LUANvLaGoXBSJoTPBA2i2DCo2FElInT2sUqHmlA/

Content Credit: The Kitchn

From Wildfires to Hurricanes: Here's Why You Want SERVPRO

In the midst of of the drought-related wildfires that are devastating the West and the hurricane-induced water and wind damage hitting the East Coast, people everywhere are having to make tough decisions about where to go from here. Particularly in large-scale disasters, being taken advantage of is a threat that faces many homeowners. On the other hand, taking on fire and water damage cleanup yourself can be overwhelming and not entirely possible without the right equipment. So take it from a neighbor you can trust: here are 7 reasons to choose SERVPRO.

Timely mitigation is key to controlling damage, downtime and recovery costs. The  training of your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional will help limit damage and get your facility back in operation quickly. You can count on our nationwide coverage, full line of restoration services, and the 1-4-8 service guidelines.

They key to a good relationship is good communication. With SERVPRO, you'll know what is happening every step of the way. From the first telephone call within the first hour following damage notification, until the job is complete, we are dedicated to effectively communicating with you. You will be aware of the job status and the progress toward project completion.

Jobs are documented with itemized estimates, digital photographs, signed work authorization forms and regular progress reports. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals, utilizing technology developed for documenting insurance claims, electronically collect and store project information which is accessible to you via a secure e-mail link 24 hours a day. Upon project completion, a signed customer satisfaction form is the final piece of information entered into the file.

When fire, water or mold damage strikes a commercial facility, it has a negative impact on everyone -- the owner, the management team, employees, tenants and even customers. Even small fire or water damages must be addressed quickly in order to limit secondary damage. We understand the urgency in responding to your facility or home following a disaster. By arriving quickly, mitigating damage to the structure and contents, and providing effective cleanup and restoration services, we will get you back in business as soon as possible.

We help you save money: Emergency mitigation services help minimize secondary damages; proper restoration versus replacement of contents is less expensive; faster recovery lessens loss; pre-approved pricing and procedures; and comprehensive cleanup and restoration services help prevent future problems and potential liability risks.

Commercial properties probably have an emergency exit plan in place with illuminated signs leading occupants to safety and even facility maps strategically placed to identify alternate routes out of the building. But have you developed a thorough Contingency Plan? Is the emphasis on the first 24-48 hours, to help you get back in your building as quickly as possible?

Your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional can provide you assistance in developing an Emergency Response Profile. As part of a well-thought-out Contingency Plan, your Emergency Response Profile will contain information you need in the event an emergency situation occurs.

An added advantage to utilizing SERVPRO in the development of your Emergency Response Profile is the opportunity to coordinate a preferred provider relationship including pre-arranged pricing and procedures for handling emergency response for your facility before damage occurs.

We have the solution to your cleanup needs. Utilizing the right equipment and supplies, SERVPRO can handle all of your cleanup needs. In addition to our superior fire, water and mold restoration services, we provide cleanup services for those special needs that surpass the capabilities of your regular maintenance staff: Fire, Smoke and Soot Cleanup and Restoration; Water Removal and Dehumidification; Crime Scene, Biohazard and Vandalism Cleanup; Mold Mitigation and Remediation; Contents Claim Inventory Service; Air Duct and HVAC Cleaning; Carpet and Hard Floor Cleaning and Care; Stain Removal, Stain Resistance Applications; Odor Identification and Deodorization; and Upholstery and Drapes: Wet or Dry Cleaning Methods.

In the event of a major catastrophe, SERVPRO has a nationwide Large Loss Response Team comprised of trained and equipped professionals capable of responding to your facility. While most systems have a waiting list, you get priority service with SERVPRO. Call us today to find out how.

Each of SERVPRO's over 1,400 nationwide Franchises is independently owned and operated by trained professionals committed to providing the highest level of emergency cleanup and restoration services and customer satisfaction. What this means to you, the commercial property owner or manager, is that should fire, water or mold damage occur in one of your local facilities or a facility across the country, a SERVPRO Franchise Professional will provide quality professional service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.