Home Emergency Tips

Here at SERVPRO we clean and restore fire and water damage, but our desire is that you never need to call us.

Harmful Waste (Sewage, Bloodborne Pathogens, Etc.)

Here are some home emergency tips:

Do:

-Stay out of affected areas

-Call emergency service personnel if the situation is life threatening.

-Treat all bodily fluids as if they are contaminated

-Turn off the HVAC system if there is sewage damage.

Don’t:

-Attempt cleanup of any kind

-Touch or handle items that might be contaminated with bodily fluids.

-Eat, drink, smoke, apply cosmetics or handle contact lenses in affected areas.

*If exposed to harmful waste, OSHA recommends a post- exposure medical evaluation. Consult your local health department or physician.

Patriotic Dipped Oreo Cookies

These are the perfect treats for Independence Day. After all of the good grilled food, finish off with something sweet and enjoy these great Independence Day themed Oreo cookies!

Ingredients

-24 Oreos

-4 oz White Melting Candy

-2 oz Red Melting Candy

-2 oz Blue Melting Candy

Instructions

• Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
• Melt white candy by heating in microwave for 30 seconds, then stirring and repeating until melted and smooth.
• Dip each cookie in white chocolate and flip to coat. Remove from chocolate allowing excess to drip off and place on lined sheet.
• Allow to set for 15 minutes.
• You can take a knife and shave any excess off of cookies to keep nice shape.
• Melt red candy by heating in microwave for 30 seconds, then stirring and repeating until melted and smooth.
• Dip each cookie in red chocolate to coat one end. Allow excess to drip off and place back on lined sheet.
• Allow to set for 15 minutes.
• Melt blue candy by heating in microwave for 30 seconds, then stirring and repeating until melted and smooth.
• Dip each cookie in blue chocolate to coat opposite end. Allow excess to drip off and place back on lined sheet.
• Allow to set for 15 minutes.

Blog Credit: Patriotic Dipped Oreo Cookies

Spicy Sausage Rolls

This delicious recipe is great for a game day treat! And even though many people prefer beer on game days, wine would be perfect for the appetizer. So on the next game day, pull up this recipe and show your friends and family a great time by giving them some great food!

Ingredients

·       1-2 sheets thawed puff pastry (see notes)

·       1¼lb sweet Italian sausage meat

·       1 medium onion, diced

·       2 garlic cloves, diced

·       1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

·       1 teaspoon freshly ground coriander

·       1 teaspoon sweet paprika

·       1 teaspoon kosher salt

·       ½ teaspoon black pepper

·       ½ teaspoon all-spice

·       1 large egg beaten with ½ tablespoon water

For the dipping sauce:

·       ½ cup low-fat Greek yogurt

·       1 tablespoon Gallo Family Vineyard Pinto Grigio

·       1 teaspoon hot sauce

Instructions

1.     Heat your oven to 400 degrees F. and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.

2.     In a large bowl, combine the sausage meat, onion, garlic, red pepper flakes, ground coriander, paprika, salt, pepper and all spice. Mix well to combine and transfer to your food processor.

3.     Pulse the sausage mixture until the onions break up and the sausage is smooth and almost paste like – about 10-15 pulses.

4.     Transfer the sausage mix to a disposable pastry bag or Ziploc bag with the tip cut off to pipe about ½ inch in diameter.

5.     On a lightly floured surface roll out one sheet of puff pastry so that it is one large piece – about 10-12 inches long.

6.     On the long edge pipe out 4 rows of sausage mix, leaving 1 inch between each section.

7.     Using a sharp knife, cut the puff pastry into 4 sections and roll over the sausage making sure to seal the edges.

8.     Brush the puff pastry logs with egg wash and cut into 1inch sections.

9.     Transfer to the baking sheet.

10.  If using the section sheet of puff pastry repeat the filling instructions. If making sausage balls, roll the leftover meat into 1inch size balls and place on the prepared baking sheet.

11.  Cook the sausage rolls for 25-30 minutes or until the puff pastry is cooked through and golden brown.

12.  Cook the sausage balls for 20-25 minutes.

13.  In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, pinto grigio and hot sauce to make the dipping sauce.

14.  Serve the sausage rolls and balls hot with the sauce on the side.

Blog Credit: Spicy Sausage Rolls

Strawberry Shortcake Cookie Cups

This is seriously strawberry shortcake heaven! They are the perfect dessert for kids after dinner, perfect for parties, and perfect just to whip up and eat on your own! Take a look at this recipe and be blown away that you'll be able to make these delicious strawberry shortcake cookie cups on your own!

Ingredients

·       Refrigerated Sugar cookie Dough

·       Whipped Cream

·       Fresh strawberries

Instructions

·       Preheat oven to 350.

·       Wash and remove stems from strawberries.

·       Form cookie dough into 1" balls. Press each ball into the openings in the muffin pan and press down in the middle with your thumb to form a cup shape.

·       Bake for 12 minutes or until browned.

·       Allow to cool for 10 minutes in the pan then remove from pan.

·       Take a few strawberries and puree them to make a drizzle.

·       Place a strawberry or piece of a strawberry in each cup. - I used half of a small strawberry in each

·       Fill cup with Whipped Cream.

·       Top with a strawberry slice and drizzle of strawberry puree.

Blog Credit: Strawberry Shortcake Cookie Cups Recipe

Pizza Casserole

Who doesn't love pizza and spaghetti?! This is a great casserole idea and don’t forget to add in your favorites to make it your own special recipe! When you want to fix an easy casserole recipe that you know will be a hit, give this dish a try! Your family and friends will love you for this delicious dish!

Ingredients

• 1 (10-ounce) bag of egg noodles
• 1 jar of tomato sauce
• 3 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 1/2 pound hamburger meat
• 1 package of pepperoni

 Instructions

1. Brown the meat and drain the grease.
    
2. Boil Noodles until soft.  Drain the water.
    
3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
    
4. In a 9x13 casserole dish, start layering by first spreading a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom.
    
5. Second layer half of the noodles over the sauce.  Then half of the meat and the rest of the noodles.
    
6. Next layer half of the cheese, the rest of the meat, the rest of the sauce, and then the rest of the cheese.
    
7. Lastly, top with pepperonis.
    
8. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.  After 30 minutes remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes.
    
9. Once it is done baking, take it out and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes.  Enjoy.

Blog Credit: Mama's Pizza Casserole

How Prepared Are You?

How prepared are you for a disaster to strike?

A well equipped disaster supply kit should include, but is not limited the following items:

-Water: 1 gallon per person daily

-Food: 3 to 7 day’s worth of non-perishable or canned food and manual can-opener.

-Bedding: Blankets and pillows

-Clothing: Although the outside temperature may be warm, you may be working and cleaning. To help protect your skin, include pants and long-sleeve shirts

-First aid kit: In the very least, include sanitizers and bandages.

-Cash: Keep some cash and small bills in your supply kit in case 

For more information, visit http://www.servprolexingtonsc.com/disaster-recovery-team

Home Maintenance Checklist

There are tons of ways that you can keep your clean and safe and your SERVPRO team is here to give you tips on how to do so!

Weekly, you can:

1. Vacuum your carpet. (Rule of thumb: vacuum once per week per human inhabitant, twice per pet).
2. Feel plugs/ outlets for warmth. Call electrician if anything appears unusual.

Monthly, you can:

1. Change air filters (if there are no pets, smoking inside the home, or inhabitants with allergies, you may change them quarterly at a MINIMUM).
2. Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms by pushing ‘test’ button.
3. Check faucet and hose connections under sinks and toilets and behind laundry equipment and refrigerator.
4. Look for leaks at shut-off valves.
5. Check walls and ceilings for brown spots. Check painted surfaces for peeling, chipping or blistering. This can be indicative of water damage.
6. Clean dust from molding and baseboards to preserve value.

Quarterly, you can:

1. Check inside basement walls for dampness or water stains.
2. Check to make sure crawl space vapor barrier is in good condition and placed correctly.
3. Examine outside vents and gutters. Make sure properly sealed and clear of obstruction. Recheck vents during and after a snowstorm.
4. Check condition of caulking around sinks, bathtubs, and showers. For extra protection, replace with long-lasting material such as silicone or latex.
5. Clean dirt and dust from around furnaces, air grills and ducts.
6. Have dryer vent cleaned by professional or remove lent with leaf blower to prevent clogging or fire damage. Check vent if clothes aren’t drying properly.

Bi-Annually, you can:

1. Have carpet cleaned by professional cleaner to preserve fabric or warranty.
2. Practice fire escape plan with family. Identify off-site meeting location/shelter.
3. Pull back floor insulation in basement or crawl space to check for leaks, wood damage around supply pipes.

Annually, you can:

1. Change batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Clean detectors/vacuum each grill.
2. Have property inspected and treated for termites by professional technician.
3. Check roof for damaged shingles and flashing.
4. Replace washer/dryer and refrigerator hoses (steel braided hoses are recommended).
5. Have AC unit serviced by professional technician. Condensation drain lines need to be checked for clogging to prevent water damage.
6. Have fireplace inspected and cleaned by professional chimney sweeper.
7. Drain garden hoses and store for winter.

Long Term Reminders:

1. Every 5 years, have ducts cleaned by professional technician.
2. Every 25 years, replace roof shingles.

More general safety tips include:

•  Store emergency contact information (police, fire dept., hospital, etc.) in physical and digital locations. Free apps are available as a resource (see servpro.com/ready).
• Keep rescue ladder(s) for multi-story homes.
• Keep fire extinguisher in kitchen and on every floor. Have all house dwellers practice use.
• Plug a rechargeable flashlight into socket close to bed. May also be used to signal first responders.
• Trim back branches from roof and chimney to prevent fire or structural damage.
• Regularly clean fireplace ash pit.
• Never burn green wood. Burn only dry, well-seasoned hard wood that has been split properly.
• Use dryer sheets when drying clothes to reduce spontaneous combustion. Let clothes cool off before transferring.
• If a rotten-egg type smell is detected, check pipes for possible gas leak.
• Set water heaters no higher than 120 degrees. Keep combustible and flammable material away from heater.
• Consider a sprinkler system in home to prevent fire damage.
• Never plug more than one high wattage appliance in single outlet.
• Keep carpet stretched and healthy to prevent tripping on wrinkles. If wrinkled, check for delamination by pulling carpet back from corner of room. Delaminated carpet is not repairable and must be replaced.

In case of water damage, you should know what to do and what not to do until help arrives. SERVPRO’s got your back. Here are our tips:

DO:

• Shut off the source of water if possible or contact a qualified party to stop the water source.
• When access to the power distribution panel is safe from electrical shock, turn off circuit breakers in wet areas of the building.
• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushion for even drying.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Any painting, art object, computers, document and other material that are valuable or sensitive to moisture should be relocated to a safe, dry place.
• Use wooden clothespins to keep furniture skirting off damp floors.
• Hang draperies with coated hangers to avoid contact with wet carpeting or floors.
• Hang furs and leather good to dry separately at room temperature.

DON’T:

• Enter rooms with standing water where electrical shock hazards may exist.
• Enter affected areas if electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers or electrical equipment are exposed to water. Always avoid electrical shock hazards.
• Leave books, newspapers, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors to cause staining.
• Leave oriental rugs or other colored rugs on wet wall-to-wall carpets to cause staining.
• Use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water, possibly causing electrical shock or damage to the vacuum cleaner.
• Use TVs or other appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors, especially not on wet concrete floors.
• Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet.
• Enter rooms where ceiling is sagging from retained water.

Professional Wellness Month

June is Professional Wellness Month!

Photo Credit: June: Professional Wellness Month-Reboot Your Life

Professional wellness is about promoting a healthy work environment, building relationships among employees, and improving personal work performance. Employers should show they care about each employee’s well-being, encourage less stressful professional practices, and help employees become more efficient.

Exercise at Work

It’s hard to find time to exercise, especially for those of us who work in an office. Exercising at work may seem impossible, but it’s one option for staying fit and keeping your energy up. It takes some creativity, but there are opportunities to exercise at work if you pay attention. All it takes is a little planning and some inspiration to squeeze in a little movement all day long.

 

The Basics

You probably know a few tricks for staying active at work. Taking the stairs when you can, parking further away from the door and walking around the office when you can are good places to start. Beyond that, there are a few other options to keep you moving:

·        Sit on an exercise ball instead of a chair. This will strengthen your abs and back and you’ll work on your posture without even trying.

·        Set an alarm to go off every hour to remind you to stand up and move around. Even if you just swing your arms or take a deep breath, you’ll feel more alert.

·        Use the restroom on another floor and take the stairs

·        Use a pedometer and keep track of how many steps you take. Aim for 6,000 to 10,000 steps a day.

·        Leave something important in your car (your lunch, your briefcase, etc.) so you have to run out to get it (and take the stairs)

·        Deliver documents or messages to co-workers in person rather than by email

·        Go to the mall for lunch and park on the opposite end of the food court. Don’t forget to buy something healthy.

·        Get a headset for your phone so you can move around while you talk.

Be creative. Any movement is better than none, so don’t feel like you have to do sprints all day long. Adding short bouts of exercise throughout the day will help you burn more calories and will also reduce stress so you can easily smile at your boss when she piles more work on you.

Credit to: June is Professional Wellness Month

Let's Talk Lightning

Photo Credit: http://cosmicconvergence.org/?p=1109

Some people think lightning never strikes the same place twice. However, lightning often strikes the same place twice. Reportedly, the Empire State building is struck nearly 25 times a year. It is also believed that lightning only poses a threat when it’s cloudy or raining. The truth is lighting often strike more than three miles outside of a storm and has been known to travel as far as 10-15 miles before striking the ground. Many people are confused by the term “heat lightning” and think it occurs as the result of a very hot summer day. The term “heat lightning” is used to describe lightning from a thunderstorm too far away to be heard. 

For more information, visit http://www.servprolexingtonsc.com/

Educating Kids About Fire

Photo Credit: http://servprograndjunction.blogspot.com/

Have you educated your kids about fire safety? Do you know how to talk about fire safety with your kids? Here are a few tips.

-Keep matches and lighters in a secured drawer or cabinet.

-Have your children tell you when they find matches and lighters.

-Develop a home fire escape plan. Practice it with your children and designate a meeting place outside.

-Supervise young children closely. Do not leave them alone even for short periods of time.

-Take the mystery out of fire by teaching children that fire is a tool, not a toy.

-Teach children the nature of fire. It is FAST, HOT, DARK and DEADLY!

-Demonstrate how to stop, drop to the ground and roll if their clothes catch fire.

-Show children how to crawl low on the floor, below the smoke, to get out of the house and stay out in the case of fire.

-Teach children not to hide from firefighters, but to get out quickly and call for help.

National Rivers Month

June is National Rivers Month!

Photo Credit: National Rivers Month

Did you know that more than 250,000 rivers and streams run throughout America? Together, these waterways flow for nearly 3.6 million miles, providing drinking water to over 65% of Americans. The Outdoor Industry Association reports that nearly 175 million Americans ages six and older participated in outdoor activities on local waterways. Together, they pump more than 86 billion dollars into the economy every year!

But the truth is you can’t put a price tag on a river-especially when illegal dumping, litter, sewage and industrial runoff threaten the communities and ecosystems that depend on them. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that more than 290 million scrap tires are produced in the United States each year. That’s enough tires to circle the Earth 1.6 times! Unfortunately, many of these tires, along with other unwanted items, are dumped into rivers every year. To give you an idea, National River Cleanup^®volunteers removed more than 36,000 tires from local waterways in 2012 alone.

In honor of National Rivers Month, we’re calling all paddlers, fishermen, outdoor enthusiasts and humans alike to organize or volunteer with National River Cleanup. By participating in a river cleanup, you help preserve these invaluable resources that make life on Earth possible. So what are you waiting for? There’s never been a better time to give back to the rivers that do so much for us!

Credit to: June is National Rivers Month!