What to Do ... and Not to Do in a Water Emergency

Nation’s Experts Advise Property Owners How to Reduce Damage from Water-Related Emergencies

According to the Insurance Information Institute, water damage related incidents resulting from leaks and other “wet” mishaps are the No. 1 reason homeowners file claims with their insurance companies. Property owners can actually minimize damage and significantly reduce safety risks by following expert advice from PuroClean, part of a leading national franchise that specializes in mitigation and restoration services for water, mold, fire, trauma events and other types of losses.

As the “Paramedics of Property Damage,” PuroClean arrives at the scene of a loss and takes the necessary steps to bring the situation under control, preventing it from becoming worse, and finally providing restoration services to help put the property back to pre-loss condition.

“No one thinks that a water damage crisis could ever happen to them, but the unfortunate truth is that every American is impacted by water damage at some point in their life,” said George Cruz, owner of PuroClean. “Most people don’t realize the magnitude of a water-related disaster, and that there are actually some measures they can take themselves before we arrive to protect themselves and their property from further loss.”

To help minimize loss, and prevent further damage while technicians from PuroClean are en route, Cruz suggests property owners follow these guidelines:

- Remove as much water as possible by mopping and blotting the saturated area.

- Wipe furniture to remove excess water

- Place Aluminum foil between furniture legs and wet carpet.

- Prop up wet furniture cushions for even drying

- Lift drapes off flooring, loop through a coat hanger and hang on curtain rod

- Remove wet area rugs

- Turn on air conditioner if damage occurs in summer

- Move valuable paintings, art objects and photos to a safe, dry place

- Open closet doors, furniture drawers and luggage to aid in drying

- Remove any wet fabrics and dry immediately.

- Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature

- Stay out of any rooms where the ceiling is sagging from trapped water

- Turn off the breaker before unplugging appliances

Do Not

- Use your household vacuum to remove the excess water

- Use electrical appliances while standing on wet flooring or carpets

- Enter a room where electrical cords are in water

- Wait to call for professional help. The longer you wait, the more damage will occur

Services provided by PuroClean include water damage restoration, odor control, fire and smoke restoration, sewage clean-ups, debris removal, water extraction, sanitization, crawl space drying, trauma restoration, emergency board-ups, structural drying, wind damage, disinfecting, mold removal and basement drying.

PuroClean’s technology allows people to repair their homes and regain their lives after a disaster. Quickly providing the insurance community and property owners with disaster restoration and mitigation services, PuroClean minimizes loss and prevents additional damage from mold, soot, smoke and odors to structure and contents.

About PuroClean

PuroClean is a leader in property damage restoration and has earned the trust of property owners, insurance professionals and home service providers throughout the United States and Canada since 2001. Backed by a comprehensive network of over 230 franchise offices and a national training and business support center, each PuroClean office responds promptly to property emergencies demonstrating a high degree of professionalism and compassion. PuroClean technicians are thoroughly screened, insured and trained in utilizing the latest in mitigation technology and procedures throughout the remediation process while operating under a strict code of ethics. In addition to serving the needs of property owners, PuroClean offers hundreds of continuing education classes each year to insurance professionals and property service providers nationwide. In 2007, PuroClean trained over 3,500 insurance professionals nationwide helping them earn their continuing education credits. For more information on PuroClean, please contact George Cruz at 866-944-PURO(7876) or visit http://www.purocleanproservices.com/

Cold Weather Can Lead to Frozen Pipes, Property Damage

PuroClean's Paramedics of Property Damage Provide Tips on How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

As winter weather sets in, and cold temperatures cause water to freeze and expand, homeowners are at a risk of damage from frozen pipes. Whether a pipe is plastic or metal, it cannot withstand the pressure caused by the expansion of freezing water.

According to the American Red Cross, pipes that freeze most frequently are those that are exposed to the severe cold, like outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, water sprinkler lines, and water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets. Also, pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation are also subject to freezing. Pipe freezing is a particular problem in warmer regions where pipes often run through uninsulated or underinsulated attics or crawl spaces.

PuroClean, known as “The Paramedics of Property Damage,” is a professional mitigation company specializing in property restoration and responding to water damage emergencies that can be caused by frozen pipes. George Cruz, owner of PuroClean serving Greater Cleveland and Akron, says, “This time of year, we experience an increased number of property emergencies due to frozen pipes.”

To help property owners reduce the risk of frozen pipes, Cruz provides property owners with the following tips:
- Make sure all pipes in unheated areas are insulated

- When it is extremely cold outside, let cold water drip from the faucet because running a small amount of water helps prevent pipes from freezing

- Keep the heat on if you are going away during cold weather

- Keep the thermostat set at the same temperature both during day and night

- Add insulation to basements, attics and garages to maintain higher temperatures

About PuroClean

PuroClean is a leader in property damage restoration and has earned the trust of property owners, insurance professionals and home service providers throughout the United States and Canada since 2001. Backed by a comprehensive network of over 230 franchise offices and a national training and business support center, each PuroClean office responds promptly to property emergencies demonstrating a high degree of professionalism and compassion. PuroClean technicians are thoroughly screened, insured and trained in utilizing the latest in mitigation technology and procedures throughout the remediation process while operating under a strict code of ethics. In addition to serving the needs of property owners, PuroClean offers hundreds of continuing education classes each year to insurance professionals and property service providers nationwide. In 2007, PuroClean trained over 3,500 insurance professionals nationwide helping them earn their continuing education credits. For more information on PuroClean, please contact George at 866-944-PURO(7876) or visit

www.PuroCleanProServices.com

New Year's Resolution: Preventing Property Damage in 2009

PuroClean Offers Expert Advice for Local Property Owners

With the new year just around the corner, PuroClean Professional Services, part of the nation’s fastest growing restoration and remediation franchise, is providing Cleveland and Akron-area home owners with guidelines to protect their property all year long.

"Property damage situations are more common than most people think; simple household mishaps, such as dishwasher, water heater or plumbing malfunctions can cause major damage," said George Cruz, owner of PuroClean Professional Services. "It is important to follow proper procedures and inspect your home on a regular basis."
To help prevent potential property damage, PuroClean suggests property owners follow these inspection guidelines:

• Daily
Inspect ceilings and walls for water staining

• Monthly
Check for drips or signs of water leaking at all supply lines, including sinks, toilets, washing machines, dishwashers, icemakers etc.
Replace or clean air conditioning filters

• Annually
Service HVAC system

• As Needed
Determine source of water-marks on wall or ceiling surfaces
Check for water pooling around the foundation
Clean the gutters and assure water flow from downspouts is directed away from the foundation
When going out of town for an extended period of time, arranged for someone to check on the home daily, consider turning the water supply master valve off

About PuroClean
PuroClean is a leader in property damage restoration and has earned the trust of property owners, insurance professionals and home service providers throughout the United States and Canada since 2001. Backed by a comprehensive network of over 230 franchise offices and a national training and business support center, each PuroClean office responds promptly to property emergencies demonstrating a high degree of professionalism and compassion. PuroClean technicians are thoroughly screened, insured and trained in utilizing the latest in mitigation technology and procedures throughout the remediation process while operating under a strict code of ethics. In addition to serving the needs of property owners, PuroClean offers hundreds of continuing education classes each year to insurance professionals and property service providers nationwide. In 2007, PuroClean trained over 3,500 insurance professionals nationwide helping them earn their continuing education credits. For more information on PuroClean, please contact George Cruz at 866-944-PURO(7876) or visit www.PuroCleanProServices.com