ServiceMaster Recovery Services Blog

Tips to maintain a wood burning fire place

info@smrecover.com (Nancy Scifo) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:04:40 +0000

Wood burning fireplaces can be great additions to any home as they provide warmth and look great; however without the proper maintenance can be dangerous and very inefficient. Below are tips from Associated Content - Yahoo on maintaing a wood burning fireplace.

Over 400 Dead, 1600 Injured & $900 million in Damages Every Year

info@smrecover.com (News from SM Recovery Services) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:31:12 +0000

A Season for Sharing in Fire Safety

Fire safety always sounds like common sense. But each year fires occurring during the holiday season claim the lives of over 400 people, injure 1,650 more, and cause over $990 million in damage. According to the United States Fire Administration (USFA), there are simple life-saving steps you can take to ensure a safe and happy holiday. By following some of the outlined precautionary tips, individuals can greatly reduce their chances of becoming a holiday fire casualty.

Preventing Christmas Tree Fires

Christmas Tree Fire Hazards – Movie segments demonstrating how fast a live Christmas tree can become fully engulfed in flames. Special fire safety precautions need to be taken when keeping a live tree in the house. A burning tree can rapidly fill a room with fire and deadly gases.
Selecting a Tree for the Holiday – Needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull back from the branches, and the needle should not break if the tree has been freshly cut. The trunk should be sticky to the touch. Old trees can be identified by bouncing the tree trunk on the ground. If many needles fall off, the tree has been cut too long, has probably dried out, and is a fire hazard.
Caring for Your Tree – Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks. Be careful not to drop or flick cigarette ashes near a tree. Do not put your live tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.
Disposing of Your Tree – Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or woodburning stove. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly. The best way to dispose of your tree is by taking it to a recycling center or having it hauled away by a community pick-up service.

Holiday Lights

Maintain Your Holiday Lights – Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up. Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory.
Do Not Overload Electrical Outlets – Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet. Make sure to periodically check the wires - they should not be warm to the touch.
Do Not Leave Holiday Lights on Unattended

Holiday Decorations

Use Only Nonflammable Decorations – All decorations should be nonflammable or flame-retardant and placed away from heat vents.
Never Put Wrapping Paper in a Fireplace – It can result in a very large fire, throwing off dangerous sparks and embers and may result in a chimney fire.
Artificial Christmas Trees – If you are using a metallic or artificial tree, make sure it is flame retardant.

Candle Care

Avoid Using Lit Candles – If you do use them, make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be easily knocked down. Never leave the house with candles burning.
Never Put Lit Candles on a Tree – Do not go near a Christmas tree with an open flame - candles, lighters or matches.

Finally, as in every season, have working smoke alarms installed on every level of your home, test them monthly and keep them clean and equipped with fresh batteries at all times. Know when and how to call for help. And remember to practice your home escape plan.

If you do have an emergency, always call 911 first. And in case the unthinkable happens, we'll be there to help mitigate, clean-up and restore the damage. Contact ServiceMaster Recovery Services at 800-559-9070.

MMAC/COSBE Disaster Planning Forum: Register Online Today

info@smrecover.com (News from SM Recovery Services) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 18:38:34 +0000

Don't miss Disaster Planning & Recovery: Is Your Business Prepared?

COSBE's Executive Roundtable Programs presents:
Disaster Planning & Recovery:

Is Your Business Prepared?

Tuesday, November 15
4:00 pm - 6:30 pm
University Club of Milwaukee

$25 MMAC Member • $45 Non-Member
Fee includes cocktails, hors d'oeuvres & networking reception

80% of businesses without a contingency plan fail within three years of a disaster. Identifying ALL the risks associated with natural and man-made disasters is essential to protect your business, employees and customer base. Bring your questions for our panel of experts who will provide the steps on how you can protect your investments before, during and after the unimaginable happens.

Panelists:

Tom Precia, President/CEO of Integrated Risk Solutions Inc.
Joe Skotarzak, President of River Run Computers
Mark Cyganiak, President of ServiceMaster Recovery Services

Moderated by:
Mike Malatesta, CEO of Advanced Waste Services Inc.

2011 Executive Roundtable Sponsors

2011 Media Sponsor

Questions? Contact STEPHANIE HALL at (414) 287.4124 or shall@mmac.org

MMAC Online | Fuel Milwaukee | Choose Milwaukee
Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce
756 N. Milwaukee St., Ste 400 | Milwaukee, WI 53202
p: 414.287.4100 | f: 414.271.7753

Mark Your Calendar: Disaster Planning for Business Presentation

info@smrecover.com (News from SM Recovery Services) — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 14:14:18 +0000

Expert panel helps you plan for the unimaginable

Mark Cyganiak, president of ServiceMaster Recovery Services, will co-present at the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC) meeting on Nov. 15th. “Disaster Planning & Recovery: Is Your Business Prepared?” is the topic.

According to the Institute for Business and Home Safety, an estimated 25 percent of businesses do not reopen following a major disaster. Identifying ALL the risks associated with natural and man-made disasters is essential to protect your business, employees and customer base. Bring your questions for our panel of experts who will provide the steps on how you can protect your investments before, during and after the unimaginable happens.

Nov. 15th 2011, 4:00pm to 6:30pm
University Club of Milwaukee, 924 East Wells St., Milwaukee, WI 53202
Visit the MMAC website to register today

ServiceMaster’s 866 RECOVER program helps you plan for emergencies before they happen. 866 RECOVER provides a single-source for emergency pre-planning, disaster restoration and reconstruction services.

To learn more about 866 RECOVER or to enroll, email Mark Cyganiak or call 800-559-9070.

Our business is getting you back in business!

How to Prepare for Our Wet, Cold Winter

info@smrecover.com (News from SM Recovery Services) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 18:13:56 +0000

Weatherize Before Excessive Cold & Snow Arrives

It's predicted that El Niña conditions will produce an unusually cold and stormy winter. For some parts of the country that means a frigid climate, for others, lots of rain and snow. Much of the Midwest will likely be punished with both!

Ensure that your home or business is ready for this one-two punch. Use this weatherizing checklist to prepare for winter, help keep your family safe and save money through energy efficiency:

Help Prevent Fires

Furnace. Furnaces older than 15 years might be due for a replacement. For younger furnaces, make sure the furnace filter is clean, the thermostat is working properly and the pilot light is functioning.
Heating ducts. Ducts should be cleaned once every two years. Also consider adding insulation to any exposed ductwork. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a home with central heating can lose up to 60 percent of its heated air before that air reaches the vents if ductwork is not well-connected and insulated, or if it travels through unheated spaces.
Chimney. Before lighting up your fireplace, have the chimney inspected for animals, debris and leaves that may have fallen in. You may also want to install a screen over the chimney opening.

Help Prevent Ice Dams

Gutters, ridge vents and insulation. Gutters should be cleaned to prevent any clogs that would cause rainwater to back up and freeze, making the gutters expand and crack. The ridge vents need to be cleaned as well in order to allow the house to "breath" correctly. Proper insulation and roof ventilation can stop the formation of damaging and costly ice dams.

Keep Heat Inside

Caulking and weather stripping. The average American home has air leaks that amount to a nine-square-foot hole in the wall. To prevent leaks, inspect the caulking around windows and doors and check for cracking and peeling. Also ensure that doors and windows shut tightly and no cold air is coming in due to worn weather stripping.

Keep Outdoor Equipment in Good Repair

Seasonal equipment. You won't need your spring and summer equipment for a few months, so drain the water from garden hoses and air conditioner pipes and the gasoline from the lawnmower and other garden tools. It's also time to pull out the snow shovels and plows to ensure they are ready for use.

Prepare for Emergencies

Smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detectors. Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors once a month. Replace batteries at least once a year.
Emergency kit. When a winter storm strikes, an emergency kit should have all essential materials in one handy place. An emergency kit should include flashlights, candles and matches, a first aid kit, bottled water, non-perishable food and a battery-powered radio. You may want to keep the same emergency kit in the car as well, including a couple blankets.

For more news, information and tips from ServiceMaster Recovery Services, sign-up to receive our monthly newsletter!

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What You Should Know About Fire

info@smrecover.com (News from SM Recovery Services) — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 20:58:41 +0000

Protect Your Family from Fire – October is Fire Prevention Month!

Help protect your family, home & business from fire by understanding the facts about fire from the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA):

Home Fires

One home structure fire was reported every 87 seconds in 2009.
On average, seven people die in home fires every day. Adults 65 and over face the highest risk of fire death.
In 2009, U.S. fire departments responded to 362,500 home structure fires. These fires caused 12,650 civilian injuries, 2,565 civilian deaths, and $7.6 billion in direct damage.

Escape Planning

According to an NFPA survey, less than one-fourth of Americans have developed and practiced a home fire escape plan.
Almost three-quarters of Americans do have an escape plan; however, less than half actually practiced it.
One-third of American households estimate they would have at least 6 minutes before a fire in their home would become life threatening. The time available is often less. And only 8% said their first thought on hearing a smoke alarm would be to get out!

Smoke Alarms

Roughly two-thirds of home fire deaths happen in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. About one in five smoke alarm failures was due to dead batteries.
Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire by 50%.
In fires considered large enough to activate the smoke alarm, hardwired alarms operated 91% of the time, while battery powered alarms operated only 75% of the time.

Home Fire Sprinklers

Automatic fire sprinkler systems cut the risk of dying in a home fire by about 80%.
Home fire sprinklers can contain and may even extinguish a fire in less time than it would take the fire department to arrive on the scene.
Sprinklers are highly effective because they react so quickly in a fire. They reduce the risk of death or injury from a fire because they dramatically reduce the heat, flames and smoke produced, allowing people time to evacuate the home.

Cooking

Cooking equipment is the leading cause of home structure fires and associated injuries, and was tied for the third leading cause of home fire deaths.
Unattended cooking was by far the leading cause of these fires.
Households using electric ranges have a higher risk of fires than those using gas ranges.
Children under five face a higher risk of non-fire burns associated with cooking than being burned in a cooking fire.
Nearly half (45%) of microwave oven injuries seen at emergency rooms in 2009 were scalds.
U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 155,400 cooking-related home fires each year between 2005-2009, causing an average of 390 deaths, 4,800 injuries and $771 million in direct property damage.

Heating

Fires involving heating equipment peak in December, January and February, as do deaths from these fires. Overall, homes fires and home fire deaths are also more common in the cooler months of the year.
Heating equipment was the second leading cause of all reported home fires and home fire deaths.
The leading factor contributing to heating equipment fires was failure to clean, principally creosote from solid fueled heating equipment, primarily chimneys.
Half of home heating fire deaths resulted from heating equipment too close to things that can burn, such as upholstered furniture, clothing, mattresses or bedding.
U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 64,100 heating-related home fires each year between 2005-2009, causing an average of 560 deaths, 1,620 injuries and $904 million in direct property damage.

Smoking Materials

The risk of dying in a home structure fire caused by smoking materials rises with age.
In recent years, Canada and the United States have required that all cigarettes sold must be "fire safe," that is have reduced ignition strength and less likely to start fires.
U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 18,900 smoking-relate home fires each year between 2005-2009, causing an average of 660 deaths, 1,270 injuries and $492 million in direct property damage.

Electrical

41% of home electrical fires involved electrical distribution or lighting equipment.
53% of home electrical fires involved other known types of equipment, including ranges, washers/dryers, fans and space heaters.
During 2005-2009, electrical distribution and lighting equipment was involved in the ignition of 23,400 home structure fires, on average, per year. These fires caused an average of 390 deaths, 970 injuries and $822 million in direct property damage.

Candles

On average, there are 35 home candle fires reported per day.
Roughly two-fifths of these fires started in the bedroom.
More than half of all candle fires start when things that can burn are too close to the candle.
During 2005-2009, candles caused an average of 12,900 home fires, 140 home fire deaths, 1,040 home fire injuries and $471 million in direct property damage.

If you suffer a fire at your business or home, contact ServiceMaster Recovery Services at 800-559-9070. We'll provide immediate response to help minimize residual fire damage even after the visible fire damage in done. We are ready to respond 24/7/365.

Ever Had a Disagreement Over Restoration Industry Terms?

info@smrecover.com (News from SM Recovery Services) — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 17:11:51 +0000

Do you understand the common language to use in estimates, contracts & invoices?

Disagreements over restoration industry terminology in contracts, scopes of work, estimates, reports and invoices can lead to conflicts that must be resolved by legal proceedings. Clear, concise communication involves a common understanding of terms. Suppliers, insurance adjusters, consultants, clients and contractors can often speak different languages. An accepted glossary of industry terminology is very important because, whenever two parties dispute the meaning of a term, the one that has relied on an accepted standard definition has a far greater chance of prevailing.

See the Glossary of Industry Terms (courtesy of the Restoration Industry Association) to help your understanding of restoration industry language. You'll also find links we've posted to many other disaster restoration resources.

Fifth-Graders Learn Importance of Disaster Preparation

info@smrecover.com (News from SM Recovery Services) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 13:52:16 +0000

Wisconsin Emergency Officials Help Teachers Prepare Students for Disasters

For the second year, fifth graders will learn how to prepare for disasters and react to emergencies thanks to a special program being taught once again in schools across Wisconsin. The Student Tools for Emergency Planning (STEP) is a turn-key classroom curriculum for teachers to prepare students for various emergencies, including tornadoes, flooding and storms. STEP also shows students how to put together an emergency kit and develop an emergency plan with their families.

Educators: Apply to Participate

Through Oct. 28, 2011, educators can go to the ReadyWisconsin website to apply to participate in the no-cost program. Participating schools will be announced on Nov. 7.

Last year's pilot program was an overwhelming success. State emergency officials aim to have 5,000 students involved this year.

STEP is sponsored by Wisconsin Emergency Management; the Department of Public Instruction; the Office of Justice Assistance; the Center for School, Youth and Citizen Preparedness; and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Does Your Business Have an Emergency Preparedness Plan?

Part of any strong business plan is preparing for emergencies and natural disasters.

866 RECOVER is a no-cost program offered by ServiceMaster Recovery Services. It provides a nationwide single-source for emergency pre-planning, disaster restoration and reconstruction services. 866 RECOVER ensures you'll receive fast emergency response 24/7/365.

Business owners, risk managers and facilities managers who want to create a comprehensive disaster recovery plan should enroll in 866 RECOVER.

Priority emergency service to minimize business interruption
Pre-loss contingency planning assistance
Post-loss clean-up and reconstruction

866 RECOVER customers, both local and nationwide, receive priority service. Enroll in the program now to ensure that ServiceMaster Recovery Services is familiar with your business and can respond with the proper manpower and equipment specifically for your site.

To learn more about 866 RECOVER or to enroll today, email Mark Cyganiak or call 800-559-9070.

Our business is getting you back in business!

Walk/Run With Us! Autism Fundraiser Sept. 11

info@smrecover.com (News from SM Recovery Services) — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 18:14:09 +0000

Dylan's Run/Walk for Autism is Sept. 11th at Milwaukee's Summerfest Grounds

2011 marks the 11th year for Dylan's Run, a fundraiser for the Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin which provides support and programming for individuals on the Autism Spectrum and their families.

The Opening Ceremonies kick-off at 9:45am. ServiceMaster Recovery Services is sponsoring "Team Mia Rocks." After the run/walk, stay for the 25th Annual Indian Summer Festival.

Our team hopes to see you there! If you can't join us to walk or run, please consider a donation to help fund autism research and outreach programs. Thank you!

Plan for Emergencies Before They Happen

info@smrecover.com (News from SM Recovery Services) — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 19:55:38 +0000

Part of any strong business plan is preparing for emergencies and natural disasters. Do you have a plan? Do you and your employees know who to call?

866 RECOVER – a no-cost program offered by ServiceMaster Recovery Services – is the answer. 866 RECOVER provides a single-source for emergency pre-planning, disaster restoration and reconstruction services.

Business owners, risk managers and facilities managers who want to enhance their disaster recovery plans should enroll in 866 RECOVER. We'll help you get back to business quickly with:

Comprehensive services including pre-loss contingency planning assistance
Priority emergency loss mitigation response
Post-loss clean-up and reconstruction

866 RECOVER provides for 24/7/365 emergency response, both locally and nationwide. 866 RECOVER customers receive the priority service needed to minimize business interruption. Enroll in the program now to ensure that ServiceMaster Recovery Services is familiar with your business and can respond with the proper manpower and equipment specifically for your site.

To learn more about 866 RECOVER or to enroll today, email Mark Cyganiak or call 800-559-9070.