Shopping Injuries

If you're reading this post, then you survived Black Friday. Congratulations. You either stayed in the house or threw some elbows and held your own. We're very proud. 

Shopping-related injuries (for example: slips and falls, back and neck injuries, etc.) account for thousands of personal injury claims each year in the U.S. Aside from the damage done to your wallet, most people do not consider themselves in any particular danger when shopping for clothing, toys, or electronics. Shopping injuries, however, are more common than you think and sometimes even involve a store owner's failure to keep their premises safe or warn of known hazards. 

Types of Shopping Injuries

It comes as no surprise that the rate of shopping injuries tends to increase during heavy shopping seasons, such as the Christmas season (particularly Black Friday). Here are the typical shopping-related accidents that may occur on a store's property:

• Slip and Falls –as a result of wet floors, torn carpets, poorly lit lighting, and escalator malfunctions


• Head and body injuries - from falling objects, retail displays, out-of-reach objects, or other mishaps


• Shopping cart injuries - falls as a result of a cart tipping over


• Overcrowding injuries – as a result of over-crowding hazards, i.e. trampling (this is the one that generally occurs during the Christmas season)


• Parking lot injuries – as a result of a cracked or improperly designed parking lot, or failure to remove ice or snow

Shop Well

While there is a lot the store manager can and should be doing to prevent these injuries from happening, the responsibility to be safe while shopping is yours. So here are some tips to shop like a pro:

• Dress for it: This means that while those ballet flats are precious, if they don't grip the floor, don't wear them out shopping. Choose shoes that fit well and will not slide if you hit a fleshly mopped patch of tiles. And as for high heels? Sure go for it, but don't file a lawsuit when you break your ankle.


• Eat, Drink, Be Merry: Shopping is a grueling thing. Don't starve yourself or let yourself get dehydrated. Accidents happen when you don't pay attention and when you're hungry or dehydrated, it's difficult to be alert. Bring a light snack or two (depending on how long you'll be out) with PROTEIN (meat, cheese, nuts). Try to drink a bottle of water for every hour and a half you're shopping at minimum.


• Keep your eyes open:  Be alert and keep your eyes peeled. Look for things like wet floor, unsteady displays, shelved items that could fall, or any other danger. If you need an item that is out of reach, ask a sales associate for help. They have ladders and rods to reach high-placed items. It's their job to help.


• No Horseplay, Sorry: I agree. After an hour of shopping, I would like to liven things up with a little in-store game or a shopping cart ride. But as mom always said, "that's how people get hurt" (said immediately after pushing friend down an aisle in a cart, throwing a pizza like a frisbee, tag through the clothing section... you remember). Horseplay is never a great idea indoors, but particularly when a shopping area is crowded, injuries are far more common. It's also highly possible to anger another shopper into a rage that initiates a mob stampede that results in several trampling-related injuries. So maybe stick to a nice conversation or even some Christmas caroling?

Happy Shopping! 

Sandy Hayden

Content Credit: http://injury.findlaw.com/personal-injury/personal-injury-a-z/shopping-injuries.html
Photo Credit: http://www.motifake.com/image/demotivational-poster/0912/black-friday-black-friday-customers-stupid-people-hell-demotivational-poster-1260149039.jpg

Choosing a Tree

The difference between the most wonderful time of the year and a call to SERVPRO can be in the choosing of this year's tree. Christmas trees are involved in approximately 400 fires annually, according to the National Fire Protection Association. These typically result in more than a dozen deaths, dozens of injuries, and more than $10 million in property loss and damage. In short: circuiting tree lights are cited as the leading cause.

Since the holiday season has begun, take a few of safety tips courtesy of the State Fire Marshal's Office on choosing and preparing Christmas trees for decoration that will minimize the risk of fire and injuries.

• If you're buying an artificial tree, it should bear the "Fire Resistant" label. While this type of tree can catch fire, it will resist burning and should extinguish quickly.


• If you're buying a natural tree, buy the freshest you can find. A fresh tree is green, needles are hard to pull from branches and when bent between your fingers, needles do not break. The trunk butt is sticky with resin, and when tapped on the ground, the tree should not lose many needles.


• Watch out for trees with a greenish cast to their trunks and branches; many growers spray trees with green paint to make them look more appealing.


• Cut at least one inch off the trunk's base to expose fresh wood for better water absorption. A tree will absorb as much as a gallon of water or more in the first 24 hours and one or more quarts a day thereafter. A seal of dried sap will form over the cut stump in four to six hours if water drops below the base of the tree, preventing the tree from absorbing water later when the tree stand is refilled. If a seal does form, another fresh cut will need to be made.


• To maximize freshness and minimize fire risk, keep the tree outdoors for a few days in a bucket filled with water before bringing it indoors to decorate. The tree stand should hold at least one gallon of water.


• Because heated rooms dry out natural trees rapidly, keep the stand filled with water; check the water level daily. A six-foot tree will absorb one gallon of water every two days.

Sandy Hayden

Content Credit: http://www.tdi.texas.gov/pubs/sfmo/fmchoosetree.pdf
Photo Credit: http://favim.com/orig/201108/26/christmas-tree-photography-snow-tree-weather-Favim.com-130939.jpg

Let's Have a Parade!

We're ready for the Batesburg parade!

Thanksgiving Safety

With Thanksgiving just a few days away, take a minute and watch these turkey tips on having a successful and safe Thanksgiving!

Food Safety Tips for you:



Safety Tips for your pets:

And the Winner Is...

KEM OLIVER with RelyLocal! Congratulations to Kem! He has won a $50 Target gift card and a spotting kit! Thanks for all who entered!

Inspecting Holiday Lights

Whether you've been coupon trimming, dethawing, cleaning, or just salivating, I'm willing to bet your sights are on the turkey. But what about the day after? It's a likely bet that the half of you who aren't braving the Black Friday crowds will be home pulling out the garland, the stockings, the creepy singing figurine, and most of all the lights.

Holidays lights certainly make the season brighter, but these romantic little twinkles are actually responsible for one-fifth of the injuries from holiday decorating treated in hospital ER's (according to US Consumer Product Safety Commission--CPSC--reports). If electric shock and fire is not on the menu this season, then I recommend continuing through some basic safety precautions with us. All it takes to examine light sets for possible defects is a few extra moments.

For All Types of Christmas Lights

After ensuring they're unplugged, check the string of lights for frayed insulation, loose connections, and exposed bare wires. Repair (if possible) or discard sets displaying these potential trouble spots.

Check all light sockets and make sure that none of them are broken or cracked. If sockets are damaged, throw the light set away. After examining each set, place it on a non-flammable surface and plug it in for 10-15 minutes before decorating. If the set is not working properly, or if bulbs don't light, repair or discard it. Be sure to unplug the set when decorating.

Do not cover bulbs with decorations not supplied with the set. It may not be designed to handle the increased heating and could melt (potentially exposing live parts).

For Miniature Christmas Lights

When it comes to miniature bulbs, be sure to use bulbs with the same voltage rating (e.g. a 3 volt bulb to replace a 3 volt bulb) to prevent overheating, melting and possible fire. Bulbs are not marked individually with a voltage rating, so save the voltage information on the bulb packaging. It's worth it to prevent the danger resulting from using a bulb the incorrect voltage.

Quickly replace burned out bulbs; the remaining bulbs burn brighter and hotter for each burned out bulb. Light sets with bulbs that burn out rapidly or sets that show signs of melting around bulbs are early indications of defective or incorrect lamps. Do not use these sets.

It's common to tightly wrap or bunch miniature lights together in a cup or pot for special effects. Unless the set is designed or recommended for this use, the heat generated by bunching the lights together may result in melting, which could expose live parts. Christmas lights are created to decorate trees and objects where bulbs are separated and their heat is not concentrated.

For Christmas Light Sets with Standard-Size Bulbs

Examine each light bulb for improper assembly. If the glass readily separates from the bulb's base, the bulb should not be used. Check each bulb for protruding wires from the solder tip at the bulb's base or at the side of the bulb where the glass meets the base. If you find wire protrusions, repair the defect by cutting as much of the protruding wire off as possible. Check each bulb for excessive or irregular solder at the bottom and side of each bulb base, which may prevent complete insertion of the bulb into the socket. Bulbs in this condition should not be used.

Inspect carefully the interior of each light socket. Light sets with standard-size bulbs often have bulb-holders with two metal tabs inside each socket. With the set unplugged, check to see if tabs are used. If they are, there should be a side tab and a center contact at the bottom. If these two metal parts come together when a bulb is inserted, or if these two parts are both upright, a short circuit will occur when the set is used. If you are not sure that the tabs in the socket are correctly located, have a knowledgeable repair person check the set before you use it.

In short, be observant while you get your lights out this year and be sure to test before using them.

Sandy Hayden

Content Credit: Texas.gov
Photo Credit: Christmas Lights Close Up, LED Christmas Light Sets, and Getty Images.

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I think you do.

And here's how: comment HERE. The more comments, the better your chance of winning!

Fun Friday: Thanksgiving Edition

I originally made today's post on food safety for Thanksgiving and then I realized that food safety, being less fun and therefore not appropriate for Fun Friday, could wait. Instead, here are some fun holidays goodies I found this year to get the Thanksgiving atmosphere just right.

First, the music. You may already have your ipod filled with holiday music, but if you're holding out until after Thanksgiving to listen to those Christmas tunes, then you may want something to set the ambiance. That might be anything from jazz to country, but in our home, we're fans of folk. This year Mumford & Sons will certainly be in the mix at my house: 

If you're a fall fanatic like myself, then you will love this idea. Courtesy of MarthaStewart.com, these colorful leaves are dipped in wax, preserving their color through the season and beyond. Cluster a group and suspend them in front of a window to greet visitors. Stands of monofilament keep them from falling a second time.

What you will need: colorful leaves, bleached beeswax (BLBEES -- $6.99 per 8 oz. by Enkaustikos -- fineartstore.com), double boiler, monofilament (34568437 -- $4.19 -- createforless.com), and clothespins.

This next idea comes to you from Sweet Verbena (an awesome blog for you crafties). For a light dessert, mix spice cake (or yellow cake) mix and a can of pumpkin (no liquids or other ingredients) and bake. These tasty muffin/cupcakes have a hint of pumpkin flavor and are incredibly moist, a perfect addition to your feast! Click the link for more information or other great ideas involving everything from the kitchen to your closet!

This is currently my favorite idea for a day of Thanks and food. Combine the two! This idea comes from Beauty and Bedlam. Before preparing the meal, give visitors a small piece of paper and have them write what they are thankful for. As you're rolling your crescents, put one written thanks in each one. As you eat, you can learn what people around you are thankful for--it's like homemade fortune cookies, but even more fun!

If this last idea from The Pastry Affair doesn't have your mouth watering, then you must be sleeping. Here we have the greatest dessert on the face of planet earth... A pumpkin spice latte cheesecake. You heard me correctly. You will need cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, eggs, canned pumpkin, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ground ginger, and espresso powder for this beaut. For the detailed recipe, click the link above.

And there you have it. Your thanksgiving will be fail-free. Happy Friday!

Sandy Hayden

To Rake or Not to Rake?

Just days ago you were all looking out of your windows at the flame red and orange trees thinking how gorgeous Thanksgiving would be this year and aren't you fortunate that you're hosting it at your house this year! Then you woke up this morning and looked outside. Where is the Clemson orange? The luscious red? The festive yellow illuminating every branch!? And then you saw it. In leafy heaps showered over your lawn. It has happened. The view is barren and--oh no--the yard work ahead is daunting.

You might fall into the category of those who got an early start on raking, only to wake up the next morning with a fresh covering of leaves on your hard labor. Raking is an annual chore that falls devilishly close to Thanksgiving. It can be grueling, especially as we age. Knowing when and how to rake, though, can save hours of work. What's more, having the proper tools can aid in the work.

When to Rake

If your grass is growing, keep on mowing. Mowing will effectively mulch the first falling leaves of fall into your lawn, providing nutrients for growth. Once the grass has stopped growing, though, it's raking time.

Where to Rake

Leaves that have fallen under trees and shrubs can be left alone--they will compost by themselves, breaking down into a mulch and benefiting the trees and shrubs. Open areas, however, need to be raked. A thick carpet of leaves can kill a lawn by blocking the sunlight needed for spring growth as well as taking far too long t break down. The areas where the leaves are blown and gather into deep piles (along the foundation of your home, for example) need some raking.

The Proper Rake

As I'm sure you've noticed, the standard (old-fashioned) rakes get clogged, causing frequent stops. Newer rakes are available with variations in the design so as not to clog as often. Noticed hand fatigue? Try a thicker handle. Comfort grips prevent hand-slippage and help reduce blisters. If you have back trouble, ergonomically designed rakes are good options for you (check online from Home Depot or Lowe's).

How Often to Rake

You don't need to rake with every fresh sprinkle of leaves, but if you wait too long, your work will be difficult and time consuming (an ergonomically designed rake will help with back pain, but if you're spending hours out there it might be unavoidable). Spread out the raking during the season. You should end up raking your lawn somewhere between 3 and 5 times, depending on the size of the lawn.

Disposing of Leaves

Composting leaves is a great way to dispose of them naturally. They can be spread on top of a vegetable or flower garden plot and mixed with other composting ingredients to give the garden a lift. You can also start a compost pile in a remote area of your yard, but if composting is not an option, bag the leaves in yard waste disposal bags, use a wheel barrow to haul them to the curb or burn them in a safe area (bon fire, yes please). Of course, all of these options depend on the rules in the area where you live for disposing of leaves.

Health Tips

According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, in 2004 more than 12,000 Americans were seen for injuries related to raking leaves. Avoid injuries by wearing gloves to protect your hands and skid-resistant shoes to prevent falls. Always bend and lift with your knees, not your back. Avoid repetitious movements that can cause fatigue and strain. Try not to twist as your rake (varying your movements can prevent these types of problems). Start and finish your raking sessions with some muscle stretches and warming up (you laugh, but it works like a charm). When you're finished, give yourself a cool down period to help your muscles relax.

Happy Raking!

Sandy Hayden

Content Credit: eHow Home
Image Credit: HDR Spotting, The Penalty Box and Southern States

Oyster Roast Recap!

We had an incredible time at the Oyster Roast last week! Check out some photos. For more, please visit our Facebook page. We also need help tagging our friends, so if you see someone you know, please tag them for us. We would greatly appreciate it!

Sandy Hayden

A GIVEAWAY!

That's right. It's time for a blog giveaway. You can have three total entries. To qualify you must live (or work) in Lexington County. What you have to do: subscribe to the blog (click "sign me up" on the right), like the Facebook page (you can also do that on the right), and/or answer the following two questions: a) how did you hear about our blog? b) what would you like to see more of on the blog?

Now here is the tricky part, you must then comment on this blog post (see the comment box below) telling us each entry that you did. Each entry needs to be in a separate blog comment.

A winner will be chosen at 12am November 22, so you have a week to enter and tell your friends and family!

Sandy Hayden

FUN FRIDAY

We're in all caps today because this Fun Friday is a particularly girly and lovely one. Now hold on men, where are you going!? This post may hold the secret gift to woo your wife, your girlfriend, or your future girlfriend. So don't go anywhere because nothing is more romantic than a hand-made gift (come back, come back, it's easy). Particularly one for pampering her. Today, I present to you several different recipes for body scrubs! Men: A body scrub is a gritty and yummy-smelling substance that is used to exfoliate the skin (think soft, smooth skin). These make the perfect little gift or stocking stuffer, so with the holidays around the corner, you won't want to miss this one. 

Citrus Salt Scrub

What you will need: 
1 cup sea salt 
1/4 cup almond oil 
(can substitute olive oil or vegetable oil)  
1/2 tsp lemon juice (or zest)  
1/2 tsp orange zest


Mix: First mix the oil and sea salt together. Add a bit of oil at a time, you may not need all that is called for! Add orange zest. Drizzle the lemon juice over the salt and oil mix. You do not want too much lemon juice, or else your mixture will become a watery consistency. Enjoy!

Rosemary Mint Scrub

What you will need: 
1 1/2 cups Sugar
1/2 cup Kosher or Epsom Salt
1 cup Carrier Oil, such as Fractionated Coconut Oil
5-10 drops Rosemary Essential Oil
5-10 Drops Peppermint Essential Oil

Mix: In a medium bowl, combine the sugar, salt, and fractionated coconut oil. Stir until well mixed. Add 2 drops each of rosemary and peppermint pure essential oil. Stir until the scent is evenly distributed throughout the sugar and salt mixture. Add the scrub to a jar and tighten the lid to seal.

Soothing Lavender Scrub

What you will need:
1 cup organic cane sugar
1/3 cup celtic sea salt
1/2 cup organic coconut oil
2-3 tablespoons almond oil
1 tablespoon Vitamin E
Lavender Essential Oil

Mix: Start with a recycled jar, and then add a little bit of the salt, sugar, coconut oil {one at a time so you can control the consistency} and then add the rest of the ingredients. You can also make a nice sugar scrub with 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil and essential oil.  For a brown sugar scrub, try 2 cups brown sugar, 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1/4 cup honey and 1 teaspoon of vanilla.

Brown Sugar Oatmeal Scrub

What you will need:
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup ground oatmeal (not the instant kind)
1/4 cup pure honey
3/4 - 1 cup oil (extra virgin olive, jojoba, grapeseed, or sweet almond)
1/4 tsp essential or fragrance oil (optional)

Mix: Whisk all the ingredients together in a bowl or clean container. In the shower, use gentle circular motions to buff the scrub onto your body and thoroughly wash it off with warm water.

Honey and Oil Scrub

What you will need:
3 tbs olive oil
2 tbs organic honey
1/2 cup sugar

Mix: Pour olive oil and honey into the jar. It helps if you pour the oil in first because the honey doesn't stick to your tablespoon. Add sugar and stir with a chopstick or clean utensil.

Coffee Scrub

What you will need:
1 cup ground coffee (any kind will do)
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup olive oil
1 tbs fresh ground cinnamon (use a coffee grinder to pulverize 2 cinnamon sticks or try ground cinnamon from a jar)

Mix: Blend all of these ingredients together in an airtight container (like a mason jar with a screw top lid -- very pretty and will look nice).

Happy Friday and you're welcome.

Sandy Hayden

Content and Image Credit: Citrus Salt Scrub, Rosemary Mint Scrub, Soothing Lavender Scrub, Brown Sugar Oatmeal Scrub, Honey and Oil Scrub, and Coffee Scrub.

Happy Birthday Mike Whittles

We spent last month here on the blog and on twitter recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but we want to take time to point out one of our personal heroes who is battling cancer. Mike Whittles is a SERVPRO individual who truly knows how to make every day count.



"Am I that special? No. I am not. My fellow cancer survivors are that special. My coaches are that special. My co-workers are that special. My daughter Jess spending one night a week with our grandson, extra-special. My Servpro family is that special. Reassuring Nick that it’s okay to be at school, that’s special. My eighty something year old parents and sister are that special. My football players are that special. My wonderful illness and my wonderful cancer have brought out the best in just about everyone that I am surrounded by. I don’t like having an illness but I like what it brings out in me and I like what it brings out in others. It seems like I only see the good in people so in a way, I thank cancer (although I still want to destroy it!)

Sometimes I think, what if I had just been in a deadly car accident with no warning, no goodbyes? This healing time, when it seems I can do little more than sleep, is heartwarming and for me when I close my eyes, knowing that I am enveloped in God’s arms and holding onto the warmth and power of friendship and family, I am special. YOU are that special."  -Mike Whittles

The great thing about SERVPRO is that it provides an opportunity to have an extended family. I've known Mike all of my life (literally). Though he probably has a better memory of those very early years, I DO remember spending time playing with Jessica (Mike's daughter) and the rest of the SERVPRO kids at convention. Jessica was like a cousin and Mike an uncle.. making for exactly 4 large family get togethers a year (Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and Convention). During high school and college graduation, as well as my brother's wedding this year, my SERVPRO family was just as present as my blood relatives.

Point being, we are incredibly blessed being a part of this system. Every year since I can remember, I've been surrounded by hard working, sincere, loving mentors who have taught me that there is no other way to live than to make every day count. I am very encouraged to know that there are countless others in my SERVPRO family, besides Mike, that would live with the same amount of passion and purpose given the grueling circumstances. Because it's not about the cancer. It's about being thankful and counting blessings. It's about always using the life you've been given for the greater good. And it's inspiring.

Thank you, Mike. Thank you for being a great father figure and leader just as my parents have been. I hope this is one of your happiest and fulfilling birthdays yet!

With lots of love from Tia, Taylor, Marty, Angie and the rest of the SERVPRO clan

The Last Year

[vimeo http://vimeo.com/31869641]

It's been a pretty good year, I'd say.

Sandy Hayden

8 Eco-Friendly Laundry Tips

Why wait to make a New Years resolution to go green in the laundry room? You might find it's easier than you think! Check out these great tips on how it's done:

Control the Temperature

About 90% of the energy associated with doing laundry involves just heating up the water. Simple fix: Just turn that dial to cold.

Wash Full Loads

Even the most energy-efficient loads use 40 gallons of water. Reducing the number of loads you do each week will save water and money. If you find yourself doing eight or more loads of laundry each week, skipping just one will save over 10% on your laundry costs.

Upgrade to Energy Efficient Washer and Dryer

This is not permission to go out and replace your current machine that’s running just fine. (But nice try!) If you’re in the market for a new washer or dryer, buying an energy efficient model can save both water and energy (and did I mention lower your bills).

Switch to Natural Detergents and Stain Removers

Natural products tend to be free of chlorine bleach, synthetic fragrance, dyes, and optical brighteners. What's in them? They’re usually plant (not petroleum) based, contain biodegradable surfactants, and are often specifically formulated to perform well in cold water. Be sure to read the fine print when shopping.

Choose Non-Chlorine Bleach

Use in the home isn’t quite as detrimental for the environment as industrial use (like bleaching paper), but chlorine bleach can irritate skin and eyes. Most non-chlorine bleach is hydrogen peroxide. You can buy branded versions, or just stick to the 3 percent version sold in drug stores. And doing so will really add up. In fact, if every U.S. household replaced just one 64–ounce bottle of chlorine bleach with non-chlorine bleach, we could prevent 11.6 million pounds of chlorine from entering our environment.

Rethink Dryer Sheets

The chemicals (including synthetic fragrances) found in conventional dryer sheets and fabric softeners are similar to what is found in conventional detergents. They’re largely questionable for human health and the environment. Plus, don’t even think about recycling those dryer sheets. Either skip them entirely or choose eco-friendly ones like Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day lavender dryer sheets.

Hang Clothes to Dry

Keeping your clothes out of a dryer extends their life (my little fashionistas), reduces energy use, and cuts costs. Whether indoors or outside, line drying can be done year round. Just don’t put dark colors in bright sunlight or they’ll fade. Bonus: Indoor rack drying during the winter doubles as a humidifier.

Make Your Own Laundry Products

The only real way to know what’s going into your laundry is to whip up your own solutions. Use safe-for-the-environment ingredients that are already in your pantry like vinegar, lemon juice, hydrogen peroxide, and baking soda. Many of these DIY formulas have been used for generations and get the job done. (For those of you who didn't see, we posted the money-saving recipe here.)

Content Credit: Real Simple