Mold continues to be in the news, somewhere in the nation, on a daily basis. Mold spores are, literally, everywhere and usually cause no concern. However, when the conditions are right, mold can begin to grow, and if that occurs inside of a home or other structure, it is always a concern and can be a real problem.
The molds that cause problems in homes need just three things to grow:
Food - Anything that used to be alive (wood, cardboard, paper, wool, silk, leather, etc.).
Temperature - These molds thrive in the range of 68°F to 86°F (the same range we typically keep our homes).
Water - Very little is needed. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicates that indoor humidity above 60% is sufficient to allow mold to develop.
Since our homes normally contain a lot of potential mold "food," and are normally kept at a temperature conducive to mold growth, all that is missing is water.
Water is also the most likely cause of damage to property across the nation. It includes everything from overflowing sinks, to leaky or broken pipes/hoses, to drain or sewer back-ups, to over-ground water from heavy rains or river/coastal flooding. If the water is in contact with any form of dirt (remember, flood waters certainly contain lots of "dirt"), then the growth can occur even more quickly since dirt always includes organic material - "mold food."
In all cases, water damage must be remediated quickly and thoroughly or it will result in mold growth. Complete drying, back to normal conditions, is very important since any excess moisture will result in mold growth.
Mold is often seen as obvious "growth" or even "discoloration" on materials like paper or wood. Colors can range from white to orange and from green to brown and black, and it gives off the well-known "musty/moldy" smell.
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC),"The Institute of Medicine (IOM) found there was sufficient evidence to link indoor exposure to mold with upper respiratory tract symptoms, coughing, and wheezing in otherwise healthy people. The IOM also found limited or suggestive evidence linking indoor mold exposure and respiratory illness in otherwise healthy children."
The CDC recommends that all molds found in the indoor environment be eliminated, adding, "Generally, it is not necessary to identify the species of mold growing in a residence, and the CDC does not recommend routine sampling for molds." Since all molds have the potential to cause allergic or allergic like symptoms in people, especially highly susceptible individuals, they should be eliminated whenever they are found. Knowing the name of the mold does not change anything since the same safety precautions should be used whenever remediating mold, regardless of the "name."
Mold Prevention Tips
There is no practical way to eliminate all of the mold spores in an indoor environment. But there are many ways to help control moisture and mold growth in your home. The basic rule is: if you can see or smell mold, take steps to eliminate the excess moisture, and to clean and remove any mold. It is very important to quickly identify and correct any moisture sources before health problems develop.
Stop the Water
• Fix leaks in pipes and any damp area around tubs and sinks so mold spores don't have a growing environment.
• If you rebuild or remodel, do so with water resistant building materials such as tile, stone, deep-sealed concrete, waterproof wallboard, water-resistant glues, etc.
• Prevent seepage of water from the outdoors into your house. It's important to have rainwater from gutters or the roof drain away from the house. The ground around the house needs to slope away to keep the basement and crawl space dry.
• Ventilate any crawl space as much as possible to allow for thorough drying.
Keep It Dry
• Reduce the moisture in the air with dehumidifiers, fans and open windows or air conditioners, especially in hot weather. Do NOT use fans if mold may already exist; a fan will spread the mold spores.
• Try to keep the humidity in your home below 40%.
• In moisture-prone areas, consider easy-to-clean, water-resistant floor coverings, such as vinyl or stone tile.
• Reduce potential for condensation on cold surfaces by insulating.
Dealing with Mold
• If you discover mold, the first step is to find and eliminate the water source, as above.
• Then, if it is a small area (less than about 10 sq ft), and you feel comfortable, clean the mold with a detergent solution and thoroughly dry all materials.
• If it is larger than 10 sq ft, consider calling a professional mold remediation company, such as PuroClean, the Paramedics of Property Damage™. Our well-trained, professional technicians understand and apply industry standard approaches to remediate mold completely, while being as safe for your home and your family as possible.
Regardless of the circumstances - dealing with mold, water damage, fire/smoke damage, or biohazard remediation - call PuroClean Professional Services, the Paramedics of Property Damage™. For all property damage situations, we are standing by. We will mitigate the loss to prevent further damage and will then provide restoration services to return the property to a pre-loss condition as quickly as possible. PuroClean has a staff of well-trained professional technicians who provide the latest state-of-the-science services to all property damaged from water, fire, smoke, mold, and other disasters.
For help with mold and/or water damage concerns, call immediately!
440-748-7876
330-273-0003
Showing posts with label PuroClean Akron. Show all posts
Showing posts with label PuroClean Akron. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Monday, May 3, 2010
PuroClean Professional Services - NE Ohio Water Damage Restoration Leaders
The primary function of a restoration contractor that performs emergency mitigation services is to handle the claim professionally, expeditiously, and cost effectively. Professional restoration contractors should understand what it means to be professional when conducting their business. They should also understand the importance of prompt response and quick action to limit the scope of the loss. However, a difficult area to institute and control is how to be cost effective. This is especially true when customers are making demands and expecting quick action concerning what is happening to their home and belongings.
Water damage mitigation that is performed by using the PuroClean QuickDry System (PQDS), focuses not only on stabilizing and reducing further damage, but also includes reducing unnecessary services that increase direct costs. Direct costs are labor, time, and materials that contribute directly to the total dollar amount of sustained damage. The PQDS reduces that total dollar volume by enacting tested and proven procedures while performing water damage mitigation services.
Many water mitigators use a light wand extraction which removes some water and may involve moving all or half of the furniture from a room so that the carpet can be pulled back far enough to remove the cushion (pad). The furniture has to be re-moved from the room so that air fans can be placed under the carpet in a corner to “float” the carpet. The concept of floating the carpet with air makes the room difficult, if not impossible, to occupy. This is a major problem in bedrooms where headboards, footboards, and rails need disassembling, and mattresses and box springs need to be carried into a dry, unaffected area. That is, if any dry areas ex-ist. Under the PQDS, furniture in any affected room only needs to be manipulated enough to extract the water. Furniture is then placed on blocks and tabs to prevent the transfer of furniture stain or the development of rust marks. The time and labor saved in performing this function alone is substantial, espe-cially if multiple rooms are involved.
These PQDS procedures include a new extraction technology that enables water to be removed from the carpet and cushion (pad), simultaneously without disengagement of the installation. This extraction removes 90 to 95% of the total liquid moisture available in the carpet and pad. By removing this quantity of liquid moisture, less time is required to evaporate any remaining moisture by airflow and dehumidification. Most projects are completed on the average within three days.
Removing wet carpet from the installation is risky business. Carpets that are totally saturated are more easily damaged when wet than when they are dry. This is due to the fact that the latex binder between the primary and secondary backings is 50% weaker when saturated with water. Even with the best intentions, removing the carpet tension with a knee kicker or pulling the carpet from the tack strip can often cause rips or tears.
If the carpet is not disengaged, the pad is not removed, and the furniture is minimally disrupted, then the entire cost of new cushion, professional power stretched installation, and furniture remanipulation is not required. This results in a tremen-dous direct cost reduction.
The aggravation, frustration, and total inconvenience of the old process must also be considered as an indirect cost reduction. A non-monetary form of indirect cost is the price that one pays in stress and duress when processing a claim incorrectly which creates fear, suspicion, and distrust on the part of the customer and inevitably the insurance adjuster. The PQDS takes these issues and other factors into consideration when mitigat-ing a water loss.
Structurally, the PQDS employs many cost effective philosophies, for example, drying drywall in place. Many schools originally taught that any initial wicking of water into drywall specifically dictated the removal of baseboard molding, both vinyl and wood, as a necessity to dry the lower wall area. Technicians went so far as to poke holes in the wallboard to increase evaporation and ventilation. Some even sprayed water based antimicrobials into the holes increasing the wetness factor. These actions dictated, providing that the area dried properly, that new baseboards will need to be installed and that the entire room or rooms will require painting to correct the damage done to the surface during the demolition.
The PQDS does not initially require removing baseboards when wetness is detected. PuroClean structural dryers are deployed forcing air directly towards the wet walls drying the area in most cases without removing the molding. This direct airflow against the lower wall dries the baseboard, the wallboard, and the framing structure. Many types of insulation, for example, fiberglass batt, will dry as well. Baseboard molding removal would be necessary only if cellulose or rock wool insulation were present. These materials lose loft and respective R value when wet and compressed. Replacement is war-ranted for these materials.
When comparing the old drying procedure and philosophy to the new PuroClean QuickDry System, there is no contest. The direct cost effective savings as well as the indirect time and incon-venience reductions are obvious.
Call PuroClean Professional Services for any additional questions or concerns.
440-748-7876
Water damage mitigation that is performed by using the PuroClean QuickDry System (PQDS), focuses not only on stabilizing and reducing further damage, but also includes reducing unnecessary services that increase direct costs. Direct costs are labor, time, and materials that contribute directly to the total dollar amount of sustained damage. The PQDS reduces that total dollar volume by enacting tested and proven procedures while performing water damage mitigation services.
Many water mitigators use a light wand extraction which removes some water and may involve moving all or half of the furniture from a room so that the carpet can be pulled back far enough to remove the cushion (pad). The furniture has to be re-moved from the room so that air fans can be placed under the carpet in a corner to “float” the carpet. The concept of floating the carpet with air makes the room difficult, if not impossible, to occupy. This is a major problem in bedrooms where headboards, footboards, and rails need disassembling, and mattresses and box springs need to be carried into a dry, unaffected area. That is, if any dry areas ex-ist. Under the PQDS, furniture in any affected room only needs to be manipulated enough to extract the water. Furniture is then placed on blocks and tabs to prevent the transfer of furniture stain or the development of rust marks. The time and labor saved in performing this function alone is substantial, espe-cially if multiple rooms are involved.
These PQDS procedures include a new extraction technology that enables water to be removed from the carpet and cushion (pad), simultaneously without disengagement of the installation. This extraction removes 90 to 95% of the total liquid moisture available in the carpet and pad. By removing this quantity of liquid moisture, less time is required to evaporate any remaining moisture by airflow and dehumidification. Most projects are completed on the average within three days.
Removing wet carpet from the installation is risky business. Carpets that are totally saturated are more easily damaged when wet than when they are dry. This is due to the fact that the latex binder between the primary and secondary backings is 50% weaker when saturated with water. Even with the best intentions, removing the carpet tension with a knee kicker or pulling the carpet from the tack strip can often cause rips or tears.
If the carpet is not disengaged, the pad is not removed, and the furniture is minimally disrupted, then the entire cost of new cushion, professional power stretched installation, and furniture remanipulation is not required. This results in a tremen-dous direct cost reduction.
The aggravation, frustration, and total inconvenience of the old process must also be considered as an indirect cost reduction. A non-monetary form of indirect cost is the price that one pays in stress and duress when processing a claim incorrectly which creates fear, suspicion, and distrust on the part of the customer and inevitably the insurance adjuster. The PQDS takes these issues and other factors into consideration when mitigat-ing a water loss.
Structurally, the PQDS employs many cost effective philosophies, for example, drying drywall in place. Many schools originally taught that any initial wicking of water into drywall specifically dictated the removal of baseboard molding, both vinyl and wood, as a necessity to dry the lower wall area. Technicians went so far as to poke holes in the wallboard to increase evaporation and ventilation. Some even sprayed water based antimicrobials into the holes increasing the wetness factor. These actions dictated, providing that the area dried properly, that new baseboards will need to be installed and that the entire room or rooms will require painting to correct the damage done to the surface during the demolition.
The PQDS does not initially require removing baseboards when wetness is detected. PuroClean structural dryers are deployed forcing air directly towards the wet walls drying the area in most cases without removing the molding. This direct airflow against the lower wall dries the baseboard, the wallboard, and the framing structure. Many types of insulation, for example, fiberglass batt, will dry as well. Baseboard molding removal would be necessary only if cellulose or rock wool insulation were present. These materials lose loft and respective R value when wet and compressed. Replacement is war-ranted for these materials.
When comparing the old drying procedure and philosophy to the new PuroClean QuickDry System, there is no contest. The direct cost effective savings as well as the indirect time and incon-venience reductions are obvious.
Call PuroClean Professional Services for any additional questions or concerns.
440-748-7876
Monday, February 8, 2010
Freezing Pipes in Ohio
Water is a unique substance. As with most materials, when water cools, its density increases and it settles to the bottom of a container. However, at 32ยบ F, it expands and, therefore, its density decreases! This is why ice floats. This expansion increases the volume of water by about 11% and creates tremendous pressure on its container (between 50,000 and 114,000 psi). Such containers include metal and plastic pipes. No matter the strength of a material, expanding water will cause it to break.
Pipes are especially vulnerable to damage caused by expanding water. Water lines that freeze are usually those directly exposed to severe cold, such as outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, or water sprinkler lines. In addition, pipes in unheated interior areas such as basements, crawl spaces, attics, garages, and kitchen cabinets, and those that run against exterior walls with little or no insulation are also susceptible to freezing.
A number of variables contribute to freeze damage: The type of building construction; The quality and quantity of insulation; The decline in temperature; The direction and force of wind; and other weather-related conditions are all contributing factors.
Buildings that are poorly designed and do not withstand severe weather sufficiently can contribute to their own damage. The type and age of the plumbing system is also a factor. Rust or corrosion weakens pipes, making leaks more likely to occur. When freeze-expansion occurs, corroded pipes will often split open. When thawing begins or when the water is turned back on, damage is typically the result.
During the renovation of older homes, blown-in or foam insulation is sometimes added to wall cavities between interior and exterior wall surfaces and between studs. This process may actually insulate heat away from pipes adjacent to the exterior wall surfaces, making them more susceptible to freezing.
Since most modern plumbing lines are inside walls hidden from sight, a freeze-caused leak is usually discovered only after water has damaged floors, carpet, walls, or ceilings. Occasionally, an occupant hears the sound of spraying water, but by then it may be too late. The leak has already caused some degree of damage.
Regardless of the circumstances — Water damage caused by frozen pipes, Fire & Smoke damage, Biohazard remediation or Mold remediation — call PuroClean Professional Servies, the Paramedics of Property Damage
Call 866-944-PURO (7876) for any questions, comments, or concerns.
www.PuroCleanProServices.com
*** Serving all of Northeast Ohio ***
Pipes are especially vulnerable to damage caused by expanding water. Water lines that freeze are usually those directly exposed to severe cold, such as outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, or water sprinkler lines. In addition, pipes in unheated interior areas such as basements, crawl spaces, attics, garages, and kitchen cabinets, and those that run against exterior walls with little or no insulation are also susceptible to freezing.
A number of variables contribute to freeze damage: The type of building construction; The quality and quantity of insulation; The decline in temperature; The direction and force of wind; and other weather-related conditions are all contributing factors.
Buildings that are poorly designed and do not withstand severe weather sufficiently can contribute to their own damage. The type and age of the plumbing system is also a factor. Rust or corrosion weakens pipes, making leaks more likely to occur. When freeze-expansion occurs, corroded pipes will often split open. When thawing begins or when the water is turned back on, damage is typically the result.
During the renovation of older homes, blown-in or foam insulation is sometimes added to wall cavities between interior and exterior wall surfaces and between studs. This process may actually insulate heat away from pipes adjacent to the exterior wall surfaces, making them more susceptible to freezing.
Since most modern plumbing lines are inside walls hidden from sight, a freeze-caused leak is usually discovered only after water has damaged floors, carpet, walls, or ceilings. Occasionally, an occupant hears the sound of spraying water, but by then it may be too late. The leak has already caused some degree of damage.
Regardless of the circumstances — Water damage caused by frozen pipes, Fire & Smoke damage, Biohazard remediation or Mold remediation — call PuroClean Professional Servies, the Paramedics of Property Damage
Call 866-944-PURO (7876) for any questions, comments, or concerns.
www.PuroCleanProServices.com
*** Serving all of Northeast Ohio ***
Homeowners of Northeast Ohio Give Testimonials on Ohio's Property Disaster Restoration Leader, PuroClean Professional Services
Coping with any kind of property loss can be devastating. It is an experience that affects families on both a material and emotional level with the loss of property as well as the loss of a sense of security and safety.
We understand that responding to property emergencies is more than restoring the damage. Behind every loss is a homeowner who needs consolation or a business owner who is struggling to minimize downtime.
With nearly 20 years of experience in property mitigation and restoration, PuroClean Professional Services has earned a reputation as "The Paramedics of Property Damage." We do more than clean up after a property disaster. In response to every emergency, we provide a combination of exceptional property mitigation services delivered with an equal degree of compassion. We help rescue homes. We put businesses back on their feet. We help you get back to your life.
We are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide emergency mitigation services.
866-944-PURO (7876)
"I would recommend them to others" - M. Harper (Akron)
"Very helpful and professional. I would recommend them without any hesitation" - A. Lux (Westlake)
"Absolutely outstanding - very professional, would definately recommend to anyone. Service was way beyond my expectations" - J. Szpak (Hinckley)
"PuroClean did a great job by responding to our needs. They took their time and did a thorough job as well as kept us informed about the progress of the clean-up. They came by everyday to check the water levels and moved equipment around. I would recommend them to someone who may experience the same problem" - D. Dickens (Northfield)
"Very professional and compassionate. Great communication and updates. Every question was answered promptly. Highly recommended" - M. Swenskie (Seville)
"Your company has the best customer service I have ever experienced! I always have to fight with companies to get what I asked for. You guys go above and beyond! I have told everyone I know how great you are! Thanks so much! Everyone at PuroClean was great. Starting with Emilio with that late night call and picking up the keys. Mark, George, and Isaac for coordinating with HVAC and electricians to be met at the house when I couldn't be there. You all were compassionate with the situation and did everything to make it easier to me. I have never been treated so well, it made a horrible situation the best experience I have had in customer service! Excellent follow-up!! Thanks!" - T. Berg (Chardon)
"The team from PuroClean were very respectful and compassionate to our needs. They presented themselves in a presentable manner. We were very pleased with their prompt and experienced professionalism" - K. Sidel (Strongsville)
We understand that responding to property emergencies is more than restoring the damage. Behind every loss is a homeowner who needs consolation or a business owner who is struggling to minimize downtime.
With nearly 20 years of experience in property mitigation and restoration, PuroClean Professional Services has earned a reputation as "The Paramedics of Property Damage." We do more than clean up after a property disaster. In response to every emergency, we provide a combination of exceptional property mitigation services delivered with an equal degree of compassion. We help rescue homes. We put businesses back on their feet. We help you get back to your life.
We are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide emergency mitigation services.
866-944-PURO (7876)
"I would recommend them to others" - M. Harper (Akron)
"Very helpful and professional. I would recommend them without any hesitation" - A. Lux (Westlake)
"Absolutely outstanding - very professional, would definately recommend to anyone. Service was way beyond my expectations" - J. Szpak (Hinckley)
"PuroClean did a great job by responding to our needs. They took their time and did a thorough job as well as kept us informed about the progress of the clean-up. They came by everyday to check the water levels and moved equipment around. I would recommend them to someone who may experience the same problem" - D. Dickens (Northfield)
"Very professional and compassionate. Great communication and updates. Every question was answered promptly. Highly recommended" - M. Swenskie (Seville)
"Your company has the best customer service I have ever experienced! I always have to fight with companies to get what I asked for. You guys go above and beyond! I have told everyone I know how great you are! Thanks so much! Everyone at PuroClean was great. Starting with Emilio with that late night call and picking up the keys. Mark, George, and Isaac for coordinating with HVAC and electricians to be met at the house when I couldn't be there. You all were compassionate with the situation and did everything to make it easier to me. I have never been treated so well, it made a horrible situation the best experience I have had in customer service! Excellent follow-up!! Thanks!" - T. Berg (Chardon)
"The team from PuroClean were very respectful and compassionate to our needs. They presented themselves in a presentable manner. We were very pleased with their prompt and experienced professionalism" - K. Sidel (Strongsville)
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
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/
Monday, January 12, 2009
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
- 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.comTuesday, December 9, 2008
Homeowners & Business Owners Should Be Alert of Winter Fire Risks
PuroClean’s Paramedics of Property Damage Provide Tips to Property Owners to Prevent Cold Weather Fires
During the winter months, the majority of the country experiences colder and wetter weather conditions, increasing the need for structural heating and causing the peak season for heating fires. According to FEMA, heating fires account for 36 percent of residential home fires in rural areas every year. When a fire occurs, PuroClean is called to the scene, usually by a local insurance agent, to bring the situation under control, prevent it from becoming worse, and finally, to provide restoration services to help put the property back to pre-loss condition.
We at PuroClean have commonly been referred to as “The Paramedics of Property Damage.” We are a professional mitigation company specializing in property remediation after a home or commercial structure has been damaged by fire and smoke. Structural heating such as fireplaces or furnace malfunctions are a common cause of many of the fire mitigation calls we receive in the winter months.
With more than one-third of Americans using fireplaces and other fuel-burning appliances as a primary heat source, take note of the following tips to help reduce the risk of winter fires:
• Keep fireplaces clean
- Have chimneys inspected and cleaned annually by a certified chimney specialist
- Clear the area around the hearth of debris, decorations and flammable materials
- Always use a metal screen with fireplaces and leave doors open while burning
• Burn fuels safely
- Never use flammable liquids to start a fire
- Only use seasoned hardwood, not soft or moist wood
- Build small fires that produce less smoke
- Never burn boxes, trash or debris in a fireplace
- When building a fire, place logs at the rear of the fireplace
- Never leave a fire unattended, extinguish it before going to bed or leaving the house
- Soak hot ashes in water and place them in a metal container outside
• Protect the outside of your home
- Stack firewood at least 30 feet away from your home
- Keep the roof clear of pine needles, leaves, etc.
- Cover chimney with a mesh screen spark arrester
- Remove branches hanging above the chimney, flues or vents
If property is damaged by a fire, it is important to call a fire restoration professional immediately. Cruz said the faster the response, the greater the chance of saving property and possessions and minimizing insurance claims.
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 or Emilio Soli at 866-944-PURO(7876) or visit www.PuroCleanProServices.com.
During the winter months, the majority of the country experiences colder and wetter weather conditions, increasing the need for structural heating and causing the peak season for heating fires. According to FEMA, heating fires account for 36 percent of residential home fires in rural areas every year. When a fire occurs, PuroClean is called to the scene, usually by a local insurance agent, to bring the situation under control, prevent it from becoming worse, and finally, to provide restoration services to help put the property back to pre-loss condition.
We at PuroClean have commonly been referred to as “The Paramedics of Property Damage.” We are a professional mitigation company specializing in property remediation after a home or commercial structure has been damaged by fire and smoke. Structural heating such as fireplaces or furnace malfunctions are a common cause of many of the fire mitigation calls we receive in the winter months.
With more than one-third of Americans using fireplaces and other fuel-burning appliances as a primary heat source, take note of the following tips to help reduce the risk of winter fires:
• Keep fireplaces clean
- Have chimneys inspected and cleaned annually by a certified chimney specialist
- Clear the area around the hearth of debris, decorations and flammable materials
- Always use a metal screen with fireplaces and leave doors open while burning
• Burn fuels safely
- Never use flammable liquids to start a fire
- Only use seasoned hardwood, not soft or moist wood
- Build small fires that produce less smoke
- Never burn boxes, trash or debris in a fireplace
- When building a fire, place logs at the rear of the fireplace
- Never leave a fire unattended, extinguish it before going to bed or leaving the house
- Soak hot ashes in water and place them in a metal container outside
• Protect the outside of your home
- Stack firewood at least 30 feet away from your home
- Keep the roof clear of pine needles, leaves, etc.
- Cover chimney with a mesh screen spark arrester
- Remove branches hanging above the chimney, flues or vents
If property is damaged by a fire, it is important to call a fire restoration professional immediately. Cruz said the faster the response, the greater the chance of saving property and possessions and minimizing insurance claims.
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 or Emilio Soli at 866-944-PURO(7876) or visit www.PuroCleanProServices.com.
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