Give Your Home a Seasonal Tune-up!

4/21/2023 (Permalink)

When disaster strikes, SERVPRO can help make it “Like it never even happened.”

Local SERVPRO^® franchise professional says routine maintenance can help prevent the common sources of fire and water damage in homes and businesses

Worcester, MA (Grassroots Newswire) April 2023 - Spring is the perfect time to assess the maintenance of your home after the long, cold, brutal winter months. A checklist from the National Center for Healthy Housing (NCHS) outlines what it takes to help ensure your home is healthy – such as keeping it dry, clean, well-ventilated, free from contaminants, pest-free, safe, and well-maintained.

As the disaster remediation specialists at SERVPRO know, unexpected issues can quickly turn your dream home into a nightmare. “While we specialize in cleanup, restoration, and construction after a fire or water loss, we think it’s even more important to do what you can to help prevent these losses in the first place,” says Donny McKendall of SERVPRO of Worcester. “Routine and effective maintenance will help you meet all these healthy home criteria and serves as one of your best defenses against the curveballs that can be thrown at your home.”

While catastrophic events like storm-related wind, water, and hail damage are usually covered by most standard homeowner’s insurance policies, many maintenance-related claims are not – such as leaks over time or mold from lack of ventilation.¹ So, on top of suffering a loss to property, there is a good chance the property owner will be on the hook for the entire cost of remediation and repairs.

To help pinpoint common areas of concern for routine home maintenance, the NCHH developed a Healthy Homes Maintenance Checklist. 

“We deal with the consequences of unfortunate disasters that negatively impact the lives of property owners every day,” says McKendall. “The routine and simple spring maintenance tasks on this checklist can help minimize the types of hazards we specialize in remediating, and they can preempt many of the bigger problems that can cause significant damage to your property.”

Fire

• Clean dryer vents and screens.
• Check electrical equipment for damaged cords.
• Test all ground fault circuit interrupters.

Water and Mold

• Clean downspouts and gutters and ensure they direct water away from your home.
• Look for damaged or failing waterproofing, often caused by storms, such as lifting shingles, loose siding, or leaks around doors and windows.
• Test your sump pump, including the check valve. Clear out floor drains.
• Check hoses for leaks under sinks and on your water heater, washer, and refrigerator water dispenser.

“As a leader in fire and water cleanup and restoration services, SERVPRO understands that there are some things we simply can’t control,” says Rick Isaacson, CEO of SERVPRO Industries, LLC. “The weather is certainly one of those things. In spring, storms may bring flooding rain, lightning-sparked fires, and high winds, all of which can wreak havoc on homes and businesses. That’s why it’s important to take control where we can. Performing timely spring maintenance could be one small step to helping prevent a larger disaster that could permanently impact your family or property.”

SERVPRO specializes in disaster cleaning, restoration, and construction services, helping to remediate damage, making it “Like it never even happened” for both commercial and residential customers.

¹ https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2020-03/ready_document-and-insure-your-property.pdf

SERVPRO Urges Worcester Property Owners to Focus on Disaster Readiness as Spring Approaches

2/23/2023 (Permalink)

The importance of advance planning grows as severe weather and climate events become more frequent

Property damage remediation specialist says the importance of advance planning grows as severe weather and climate events become more frequent

Worcester, MA (Grassroots Newswire) February 9, 2023 - Since Fall 2022, the United States has experienced extreme weather from coast to coast ranging from major rain and flood events to hurricanes and tornadoes to extreme freezing conditions including a “once in a generation blizzard.” As catastrophic weather events impact property owners more frequently, it magnifies the need for disaster readiness ahead of this spring’s storm season.

The National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), reports that from 1980-2022, there were, on average, 7.9 “billion-dollar” events each year. In 2021, there were 20 “billion-dollar” weather or climate disaster events, and 2022 delivered another 18 – each year more than doubling the previous multi-year average.¹

“These statistics are revealing,” says Donny McKendall of SERVPRO^® of Worcester, “but not surprising to businesses like SERVPRO who specialize in disaster response and remediation. SERVPRO franchise owners experience the real-life impact of events like these as home and business owners reach out for help after flooding, fire, wind, and other natural disasters wreak havoc on their properties. That’s why we continue to emphasize the importance of preparing in advance before disaster strikes.”

Because spring weather can be particularly unpredictable, McKendall urges property owners in the Worcester area to take advantage of state, federal and other online resources now to prepare for a possible severe weather event. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) offers tips here² for preparing an emergency kit to have on hand. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers an emergency preparedness checklist here³, and more ideas and tools are available from sources like the Red Cross, the AARP, and others.

According to Rick Isaacson, CEO of SERVPRO Industries, LLC, the number of calls for help and web traffic to SERVPRO.com increased more than 300% after the most recent winter storm event in late December 2022 over the same period last year (12/22/22 – 12/28/22).

“Advance preparation might have helped some of these property owners literally weather the storm with less damage,” said Isaacson. “And for those whose homes or businesses were severely damaged or destroyed in spite of efforts to avoid damage, advance preparation would mean that critical papers, contact numbers, insurance information, and recovery plans would be close at hand. Time spent improving your disaster readiness is time well spent.”

SERVPRO specializes in disaster cleaning, restoration, and construction services, helping to remediate damage, making it “Like it never even happened,” for both commercial and residential customers.

¹ https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/billions/

² https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/features/springweather/index.html

³ https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/FEMA_Red-Cross_Emergency_Preparedness_Checklist.pdf

About SERVPRO

For more than 50 years, SERVPRO has been a trusted leader in fire and water cleanup and restoration services, construction, mold mitigation, biohazard and pathogen remediation. SERVPRO’s professional services network of more than 2,000 individually owned and operated franchises spans the United States and Canada, responding to property damage emergencies large and small – from million-square-foot commercial facilities to individual homes. When disaster strikes, homeowners, business owners and major insurance companies alike rely on SERVPRO to make it “Like it never even happened.”

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Extreme Temperatures Have Led to a Record Number of Burst Pipes and Water Damage Calls

2/9/2023 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO Storm Team is Here to Help!

SERVPRO would like to remind residents and business owners that we are “Here to Help.” Serving the people of this community is our number one priority. Due to the recent frigid cold snap and wave of burst pipes/ water damage it has caused, our current call volume is at a record high. Our goal is to complete each job safely and quickly and get to the next family or business owner in need as soon as we can. To do this, the SERVPRO Storm Team has been activated, it consists of several SERVPRO franchises from different areas of the country who have stepped in to help meet demand. The SERVPRO Storm Team has deployed additional crews and equipment to the most heavily impacted areas.

Please know we are experiencing higher than normal call volumes. Calls will be addressed in the order they were received and we are working to connect you with a local storm team crew as soon as possible.

SERVPRO® Pro: Holiday Safety Travel Tips

11/19/2021 (Permalink)

Many of us have spent a significantly larger amount of time than normal at home over the last year and a half. With the holidays fast approaching, perhaps you are going to visit family or friends. When you intend to travel, taking a little extra time to prepare your house for your absence can keep your home safe, increase your peace of mind while you’re away, and help reduce the chances of unexpected problems.

For example, emptying the fridge and pantry of foods that will perish in your absence is a good practice; consider freezing items that could be saved for later. Throw your items away before your weekly trash pick-up, to avoid critters feasting on your refuse. To ensure that you are aware of any thawing of the freezer, place a cup of ice in there. When you return, if the ice is still separate, the food should be fine. If, however, the ice has melted, that indicates that the contents in your freezer thawed and re-froze, which means you should throw away what was in there.

Set your thermostat for your absence. Consider turning off the water at the main line. If you do turn off the water, remember to run the faucets until they are dry, and flush all the toilets and turn off their incoming water at the base of the tank. If you will be gone awhile, it might be a good idea to turn off your hot water heater as well, or set it to vacation mode, to save energy. 

Make sure that all exterior windows and doors are locked, including the garage. If you have a hide-a-key, think about moving it inside, or giving it to a trusted neighbor in case of an emergency. If you have a fireplace, close the flue to prevent animals and birds from coming inside from that route.

Aside from ensuring that your home avoids accidental damage in your absence, you want it to appear that you are not gone. Set lights on a timer, ask your neighbors to check on your property, and do not post about being out of town on social media. By following these suggestions, you will be in a good position to enjoy your holiday season!

REPARE NOW: SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH

9/3/2020 (Permalink)

This year for National Preparedness Month, join your community in preparing for emergencies and disasters of all types, and leading efforts to encourage the community as a whole to become more prepared. “Disasters happen” and not only devastate individuals and neighborhoods, but entire communities. Learn how to be prepared.

Make and Practice Your Plan

Do you have an evacuation and shelter-in-place plan? Do you have a plan to communicate with your family before, during and after an incident? Do you have an emergency supply kit? Make sure your family is informed and practiced in your emergency plan. Be sure to sign up for alerts and warnings for your area, and download other necessary apps to stay informed, such as the FEMA app.

Learn Life Saving Skills

Do you or someone in your family know CPR? Could you turn off your natural gas if necessary? Do you know how to take cover in an earthquake? Knowing these lifesaving skills could mean life or death in an emergency situation for you, your family or your neighbors.

Check your Insurance Coverage

Have you reviewed your insurance coverage recently to see if you’re covered in a disaster? Evaluate which hazards are relevant to your area and obtain the appropriate insurance for your home, business, or other property and become familiar with your coverage.

Save for an Emergency

Are you prepared financially in case of a disaster? Does your family have an emergency fund for unexpected expenses after a flood or fire? Check out FEMA’s Emergency Financial First Aid Kit for an in-depth document to help you identify and compile important documents and account information all in one spot. Just search “EFFAK” on fema.gov for the free PDF.

Whether its flood, wildfire or extreme winter weather, we must work together as a team to help ensure our families, businesses, places of worship and neighborhoods are prepared. Contact your local SERVPRO® franchise professionals to find out how they can help make it “Like it never even happened,” if disaster strikes in your life.

September Restoration Newsline Winner

10/13/2016 (Permalink)

Tina Aresenault of Marsh Kemp Insurance

Congratulations to Tina Aresenault of Marsh Kemp Insurance for being our winner of the September Newsline Restoration Contest!  Tina won a gift certificate to Sole Proprietor Restaurant in Worcester.

July Restoration Newsline Contest Winner

7/26/2016 (Permalink)

Karen Gagnon from Coonan Insurance

Congratulations to Karen Gagnon from Coonan Insurance in Oxford, MA for being the winner of our July Restoration Newsline Contest!  Karen won a gift certificate to One Eleven Chop House in Worcester

April Restoration Newsline Contest Winner

5/8/2016 (Permalink)

Chau Lulu of Mid-State Insurance of Worcester, MA

Congratulations to Chau Lulu of Mid-State Insurance for being the winner of the April 2016 Restoration Newsline Contest! Chau won a gift certificate to Longhorn Steak House in Marlboro, MA!

The Restoration Newline contest is for members of the property insurance and management industry.  Please email sfitzpatrick@SERVPROsouthworcester,com for more information or to enter.

What do I put in an Emergency Supply Kit?

5/3/2016 (Permalink)

Having an Emergency Supply Kit is a key component to being prepared for whatever happens.  Here are some recommended items to include:

• Water (one gallon per person per day)
• Food (non-perishable 3-day supply)
• Manual can opener
• Battery operated radio, preferably a NOAA Weather Radio
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Clothing
• Dust masks or bandanas
• Plastic sheeting, garbage bags and duct tape
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Hygiene items
• Important documents; copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account information
• Cash
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container

Contact SERVPRO® of Worcester for more readiness tips and tools, including SERVPRO’s Emergency READY Profile® (ERP). Having an ERP in place for your facility can help minimize business interruption in the event of a disaster. Contact your office today to learn more and be “Ready for whatever happens!”

SERVPRO Named to Entrepreneur’s Top 10 Franchise List for 7th Consecutive Year

1/28/2016 (Permalink)

Cleanup and restoration franchisor retains top ranking in restoration services category and climbs to #4 ranking overall in the 2016 Franchise 500 rankings

SERVPRO^®, a cleanup and restoration franchise company, maintains its hold on the top ranking in the Restoration Services industry for the 13^th consecutive year and moves up to the number four spot overall in the 2016 Franchise 500 rankings from Entrepreneur magazine. This is the seventh consecutive year SERVPRO has been included in the magazine’s Top 10 list, standing out in a group of more than 951 franchises that qualified for inclusion in the list.

Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500 selection process uses “objective, quantifiable measures of a franchise operation” to help would-be entrepreneurs identify franchise investment opportunities. Some of the most important factors considered by Entrepreneur in developing the list each year are “financial strength and stability, growth rate and size of the system.”

“It’s exciting to be part of a dynamic organization that continues to grow and strives to always provide superior support for its franchisees, and by extension its customers,” said Donny McKendall, owner of SERVPRO of South Worcester. “The recognition that the company earns year after year in this prestigious list is confirmation of a commitment to excellence that starts at the top and is evident in the service that each franchisee provides to each and every customer.”

According to McKendall, a number of differentiators set SERVPRO apart from the competition and fuel the attractiveness of the company to both existing franchisees and would-be entrepreneurs looking for a strong business opportunity. Key among these are:

·         SERVPRO’s strength as a brand with a national footprint, wide-spread market penetration, laser-focused brand messaging, and the ability to create national partnerships with organizations such as the PGA TOUR and the American Red Cross.

·         SERVPRO’s commitment to being a learning organization, which keeps training and support at the forefront of the company’s culture and philosophy of success and helps franchisees plan, track, and deliver best-in-class services to consumers.

·         SERVPRO’s focus on continued development and support for proprietary software and systems to allow the company’s operational capacity to keep pace with an aggressive growth strategy.

Sue Steen, SERVPRO Industries, Inc., chief executive officer, adds, “One of the potential pitfalls of growing too quickly is outpacing your capacity to train and support the franchisees. SERVPRO^® is a conservative company, and early on we took the time to build a strong system and put the building blocks in place to support growth without sacrificing support to our franchisees.”

“Today,” Steen continues, “as a mature franchise organization with more than 1,700 locations under a single brand, recognition like this makes it clear we are reaping the rewards of having laid a solid foundation and a framework to handle quick growth. As our brand continues to grow, we will continue our winning strategy of supporting and improving upon our infrastructure and investing resources in training and support.” 

SERVPRO^® specializes in fire and water cleanup and restoration services, helping both commercial and residential customers recover from property damage emergencies “Like it never even happened.” For more information about SERVPRO^® of South Worcester, contact them at (508) 757-7885 or stacy@SERVPROsouthworcester.com.

Preparing Your Property For Winter

1/4/2016 (Permalink)

Cold weather can have a huge impact on your home or business if you are not properly prepared. Whether it is heavy rain, freezing temperatures, damaging winds, sleet or snow, all can cause serious and costly property damage. While you cannot control the weather, you can take steps to be prepared, and help take the sting out of winter weather.

To help prevent costly damages due to weather, consider taking the following precautions to protect your property before colder weather hits.

• Check your business property for downed tree limbs and branches. Weather, such as wind, heavy rain, ice and snow, can cause branches to fall, which could cause damage to the property and potentially cause personal injuries.
• Roofs, water pipes and gutters should all be inspected to ensure they are in proper order. Gutter downspouts should be directed away from your building. Clear gutters of debris that may have gathered during the fall. Leaves and other obstructions can lead to a damming effect, that can lead to roof damage and interior water problems.
• Inspect property, especially walkways and parking lots, for proper drainage to alleviate flood hazard potential.
• Inspect all handrails, stairwells and entryways to address and correct potential slippery or hazardous areas. Install mats or non-slip surfaces and post caution signs where water could be present.
• Protect water pipes from freezing by simply allowing water to drip when temperatures dip below freezing. If pipes are under a cabinet, leave the cabinet doors open allowing warm inside air to circulate around the pipes. If the building has outdoor faucets, consider shutting water off at the main valve in the basement or crawl space. Once the valve is off, open the outdoor faucet to ensure it drains, preventing any remaining water from freezing in the pipe.
• Ask SERVPRO of South Worcester about completing an Emergency READY Profile® (ERP) for your business. The ERP is a no cost assessment to your facility, and provides you with a plan to get back in business fast following a disaster.

Thanksgiving Safety Tips

11/13/2015 (Permalink)

Each November, families gather to celebrate Thanksgiving by preparing a delicious feast, but if you don’t practice safe cooking habits, your happy holiday could become hazardous very quickly. According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking is the main cause for home fires and injuries, with Thanksgiving being the peak day for cooking-related fires. Review the following safety tips to ensure you can enjoy a safe holiday.

• Never leave cooking food unattended–stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling or broiling food. If someone must leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, they should turn off the stove.
• Check food regularly while cooking and remain in the home while cooking. Use a timer as a reminder that the stove or oven is on.
• Keep the kids away from the cooking area. Enforce a “kid-free zone” and make them stay at least three feet away from the stove.
• Keep anything flammable–pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains—away from the stove, oven or any other appliance in the kitchen that generates heat.
• Do not wear loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking.
• Clean cooking surfaces on a regular basis to prevent grease buildup.
• Purchase a fire extinguisher to keep in the kitchen. Contact the local fire department for training on the proper use of extinguishers.
• Always check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving the home to make sure all stoves, ovens, and small appliances are turned off.
• Install a smoke alarm near the kitchen, on each level of the home, near sleeping areas, and inside and outside bedrooms. Use the test button to check it each month. Replace all batteries at least once a year.

Everyone at SERVPRO of South Worcester wishes you a safe and happy holiday season.

Is it safe to burn leaves?

10/15/2015 (Permalink)

With fall upon us, the question of the safety of burning leaves comes up.  Leaves pile up and bagging them for the city to take away can be a hassle.  Despite the inconvenience, you should not burn leaves.  Burning leaves can cause problems to an individuals’ heath as well as damage to the environment.

When leaves are burned, they can release several gasses and particulates that are hazardous to human health.  There is moisture in leaves which cause them to burn slowly and release soot, dust and other solid materials into the air.  These items, if breathed in, can cause respiratory problems.  Gasses that are released can also cause problems in the bloodstream if inhaled.

The particulates released into the air by burning can cause a serious drop in air quality.  Multiple leaf fires in an area greatly increase this risk.

An easy solution to burning that is actually beneficial to the environment is composting.  By composting leaves, a great soil conditioning agent is created!

For more information please visit the EPA’s website

Fire Prevention Month

10/8/2015 (Permalink)

October is Fire Prevention Month and an excellent time to examine the emergency preparedness plans, for your home and business, including your fire escape plan. Do you have a fire escape plan? Have you changed your smoke alarm batteries within the last year?

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) sets aside a designated week each October to focus on fire prevention. The 2015 focus is “Hear the Beep Where You Sleep.” The NFPA recommends installing smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of your home, including the basement.

Did you know that roughly half of home fire deaths result from fires reported between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., when most people are asleep?* Smoke alarms save lives. If there is a fire in your home, smoke spreads fast and you need smoke alarms to give you time to get out. In fact, having a working smoke alarm cuts the chances of dying in a reported fire in half!

SERVPRO of South Worcester wants you to stay safe and prepare now to ensure you are ready for any disaster.

*Data provided by the National Fire Protection Association.

April Newsline Contest Winner Announced

5/15/2015 (Permalink)

Kristine Durkin from David Kelley Insurance in Spencer, MA

Congratulations to Kristine Durkin from David Kelley Insurance in Spencer, MA for being the winner of our April Restoration Newsline Contest!  Carolyn won a gift certificate to The Boynton in Worcester, MA!

The Restoration Newline contest is for members of the property insurance and management industry.  Please email acooksey@SERVPROsouthworcester.com for more information or to enter.

March Restoration Newsline Contest Winner Announced!

4/15/2015 (Permalink)

Congratulations to Carolyn Burke from TJ Woods Insurance in Worcester, MA for being the winner of our March Restoration Newsline Contest!  Carolyn won a gift certificate to VIA Italian Table in Worcester, MA!

The Restoration Newline contest is for members of the property insurance and management industry.  Please email acooksey@SERVPROsouthworcester.com for more information or to enter.

December Restoration Newsline Contest Winner Announced

1/8/2015 (Permalink)

Angie Rivera of Mid-State Insurance in Worcester, MA

Congratulations to Angie Rivera of Mid-State Insurance for being the winner of the December 2014 Restoration Newsline Contest! Angie won a gift certificate to The Olive Garden in Worcester, MA!

The Restoration Newline contest is for members of the property insurance and management industry.  Please email acooksey@SERVPROsouthworcester.com for more information or to enter.

'Tis the Season for Safety

12/12/2014 (Permalink)

Pretty lights and decorations add to the feel of the holiday season, but if they are not used properly your holidays can go from festive to frightening quickly. Fortunately, by following a few simple safety tips, you can greatly reduce the fire risk in your home or business this holiday season.

• Place Christmas trees, candles, and other holiday decorations at least three feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, portable heaters, radiators, and heat vents.

• Purchase flame retardant metallic or artificial trees. If you purchase a real tree, make sure that it has fresh, green needles that aren’t easily broken. Keep live trees as moist as possible by giving them plenty of water.

• Make sure that light strings and other holiday decorations are in good condition. Do not use anything with frayed electrical cords and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

• Always unplug tree and holiday lights before leaving home or going to bed.

• Never use lit candles to decorate a tree. Always extinguish candles before leaving the room or going to bed.

• Use only sturdy tree stands designed not to tip over. Keep curious pets and children away from Christmas trees.

• Keep anything that can catch on fire—pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains—away from your stove top.

• Designate one person to walk around your home to make sure that all candles and smoking materials are properly extinguished after guests leave.

• Smoke alarms save lives. Install a smoke alarm near your kitchen, on each level of your home, near sleeping areas, and inside and outside bedrooms if you sleep with doors closed. Use the test button to check it each month. Replace batteries at least once a year.

SERVPRO® of South Worcester wishs you a safe and happy holiday season!

November Restoration Newsline Contest Winner Announced!

12/8/2014 (Permalink)

Olivia Cepeda of Worcester Community Housing Resources

Congratulations to Olivia Cepeda of Worcester Community Housing Resources for being the winner of the November 2014 Restoration Newsline Contest! Olivia won a gift certificate to Dino's Restaurant in Worcester MA!

The Restoration Newline contest is for members of the property insurance and management industry.  Please email acooksey@SERVPROsouthworcester.com for more information or to enter.

Training and Experience You Need!

8/12/2014 (Permalink)

A mop and common cleaning products may not be enough for serious water intrusions. SERVPRO of South Worcester Franchise Professionals are trained to safely clean and restore your building, 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.
• Apply necessary treatments (disinfectants/deodorization).
• Utilize drying equipment and monitor drying.
• Dispose of refuse.

Worcester Summer Safety Tips

7/2/2014 (Permalink)

Each year, families and friends across the country enjoy the summer months with barbecues, camping trips, or by cooling off in a pool or lake. In order to enjoy these occasions, it is important to keep safety top of mind to ensure you have fun in the sun.

According to a recent study by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, nearly 9,600 Americans are injured by fireworks each year. Another 5,000 are injured by charcoal/wood-burning and propane grill fires. A grill should always be supervised when in use. Keep children and pets a safe distance from the grilling area to prevent accidental burns or tipping of the grill. 

If you enjoy lounging by the pool or going for a boat ride to cool off from the summer sun, make sure you exercise caution, especially when children are present. Only swim in approved areas and supervise children at all times when near the water. 

The summer season should be a time to make memories and enjoy the great outdoors. The following tips, provided by the National Fire Protection Association, will help keep you safe all summer long. 

• When using a charcoal grill, only use starter fluids designed for barbecue grills; do not add fluid after coals have been lit.
• When using a gas grill, ensure the hose connection is tight; check hoses for leaks. Applying soapy water to the hoses will easily and safely reveal any leaks.
• Always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved PFD (personal floatation device) when boating, jet-skiing, tubing or water-skiing. Air-filled swimming aids, like water wings or inner tubes, are not substitutes for approved PFDs. An adult should always supervise children using these devices.
• Be sure to extinguish all smoking materials and shut down motors and heating devices before fueling a boat. In case of a spill, wipe up fuel and check for fuel leakage and odors. 
• When camping, always use a flame retardant tent and set up camp far away from the campfire. Only use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns inside the tent, not liquid-filled eaters or lanterns.
• Always build a campfire down wind from the tent area. Clear vegetation and dig a pit before building your campfire. Always extinguish the fire before going to sleep or leaving the campsite. To extinguish, cover with dirt or pour water over the fire.
• Store liquid fire starter (not gasoline) away from your tent and campfire and only use dry kindling to freshen a campfire.
• Consider leaving firework use to trained professionals. Stay back at least 500 feet from professional fireworks displays.

SERVPRO® of South Worcester wishes you a safe and happy summer!

Teaming up to help you be READY!

2/18/2014 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO Franchise System is teaming up with the American Red Cross to help business and homeowners across the nation get READY for any disaster. 

The American Red Cross Ready Rating™ program is a free, web-based program designed to help businesses, organizations and schools become better prepared for emergencies. Through the Ready Rating program website, readyrating.org, property owners complete a 123-point self-assessment of their level of preparedness for weather-related or other emergencies. The Ready Rating assessment also offers tips and best practices to help improve their level of preparedness. 

“Through the generosity of SERVPRO®, the Red Cross will help empower workplaces to re-open more quickly after natural or man-made disasters such as water main breaks, medical emergencies, power outages, tornados, floods and hurricanes through the Ready Rating Program,” said Tom Heneghan, manager of Business Continuity Programs for Red Cross.

“Up to 40% of businesses never re-open their doors after such disasters; SERVPRO’s partnership will enable more businesses, schools and organizations to become better prepared. We are excited to have SERVPRO® join us in community outreach efforts to educate and highlight the importance of community preparedness in neighborhoods across the country.”

“This partnership just makes perfect sense,” said Rick Isaacson, Executive Vice President of Servpro Industries, Inc., “and truly completes the readiness equation for businesses and other property owners. The Red Cross Ready Rating Program allows individuals to assess their readiness for a disaster, so they can take all necessary steps before disaster strikes to protect their property from damage and loss. But, when disaster does strike, knowing what to do and who to call saves time–and fast response is key to minimizing damage and downtime. That’s where SERVPRO’s Emergency READY Program can help. Together, these two programs offer maximum peace of mind to businesses and other organizations.”

With SERVPRO’s Emergency READY Program, your local SERVPRO® Franchise Professional will establish an Emergency READY Profile® (ERP) for your facility. The ERP is a comprehensive document containing critical information about your business, including emergency contact information, shut-off valve locations and priority areas. In the event of an emergency, the ERP can help minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action in place for your facility. The ERP is a no-cost assessment; all it requires is a little time, making it a great value that could save you time and money in the future.

The time to prepare for a disaster is before it happens. Taking steps to make your property as secure as possible, then having a plan to deal with the aftermath if disaster does strike is just good business sense. For more information about SERVPRO’s Emergency READY program, visit servpro.com/ready. Call your local SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals to learn how to develop an Emergency READY Profile® for your business and BE READY.