Vandalism is Something Occurring in Vacant Homes: Quick Do's and Dont's

From our experience, vandalism often involves spray paint on walls, defacement of furnishings and the spread of noxious substances. Vandalism is one of the most difficult forms of damage to restore. Prompt action can often minimize the effect of vandalism and make restoration more successful.

Do's

• Hose down or wash egg damage from building exteriors as soon as possible.
• Vacuum glass particles from carpet and upholstery.
• Save containers and spray cans that may reveal the composition of inks and pigments.
• Save all wood chips and fragments from furniture, porcelain or art object.

Dont's

• Attempt to remove ink, paint or cosmetic stains; they can be permanently set if not handled properly.

Let me know if you experienced any of this yourself. If you have any additional questions or concerns, check out our website at www.PuroCleanProServices.com

Cleveland & Akron Experts Offer Tips to Reduce Losses from Water and Storm Damage

'Paramedics of Property Damage' Help Relieve Stress of Local Property Owners Suffering from Property Damage

Home owners suffering from water damage are faced with an extremely stressful experience. PuroClean, part of the nation’s fastest growing property damage remediation franchise, is prepared to immediately restore property, relieving the stress of property owners during an extremely vulnerable time.


Water loss and damage is a real threat for property owners. In fact, according to the Insurance Information Institute in the last year, 22 per 1,000 households have entered a claim for water related damage. "These situations are more common than most people think," said George Cruz, owner of PuroClean. "Water damage can often result from weather, such as storms or melting snow, or more often, from common household malfunctions such as pipe leaks, washing machine malfunctions or other plumbing problems."


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


Insurance

o Call your agent.

o Take photographs of the damage.

o Keep all receipts from hotel stays, home repair materials, etc.


Plumbing

o Check pipes on well pumps and irrigation systems.

o If sewage is backing up in the shower or under the toilet, your whole system is backed up. Call a professional and don’t use other sinks or toilets.


Roofing

o If the neighbor’s roof is missing shingles after a storm, you can assume that yours probably is, too.

o If only a few shingles are gone, try to cover the area with a garbage bag. o If you have a large area of ripped tar paper or wood, cover it with a tarpaulin and call a roofer immediately.


Electric

o Most damage to electrical systems comes from water.

o Appliances exposed to water should be serviced before being used again.

o Check for sparks or frayed wires if wires are exposed call an electrician and do not turn on the power.

o If it appears that water has infiltrated your breaker box, call an electrician.

o Avoid fallen and dangling wires or metal fences.

o If a limb has fallen on a power line, turn off the power and call the utility company.

o If a fallen limb touches your property, it becomes your responsibility, but you should not attempt to clear them as they may be tangled in power lines. Call an electrician.


Flooding (Take these steps to minimize damage before the restoration professional arrives.) o Throw out all food, including canned goods, medicines and cosmetics that have been touched by flood water.

o Keep a photographic inventory of anything that must be thrown out.

o Don’t take pets into a flooded area and never let them drink standing flood water.


Miscellaneous

o Turn on air conditioner if damage occurs in summer.

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

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

o Remove any wet fabrics and dry immediately.

o Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.

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

o Turn off the breaker before unplugging appliances.


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 240 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 certified 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 2008, PuroClean trained over 7,200 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/.

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

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.

Christmas Tree Fires

Tips to Prevent Christmas Tree Fires for Property Owners


PuroClean's Paramedics of Property Damage Warn Residents of Dangers of Holiday Fires

The Christmas holiday is traditionally celebrated with lights, candles, wreaths, and Christmas trees to decorate homes. According to the National Fire Protection Association, Christmas trees, both real and artificial, were the first items ignited in an estimated 300 reported home structure fires per year in 2000-2004.

The US Fire Administration offers the following fire safety tips for homeowners:

- When decorating, be sure to check if lights are indoor or outdoor use, not both
- Any string of lights with worn, frayed or broken cords should not be used
- Always unplug Christmas tree lights before leaving or going to bed
- Never use lit candles to decorate a tree, and make sure all lit candles are placed well away from tree branches
- Keep live trees as moist as possible by giving them plenty of water daily. Do not purchase a tree that is dry or dropping needles. If purchasing an artificial tree, be sure it is labeled flame retardant.
- Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, such as fireplaces or radiators. Try to place the tree near an outlet to avoid running long cords, and do not place it where it may block exits.
- Safely dispose of the tree when it begins dropping needles, as dried out trees are highly flammable.

In the event of a Christmas tree fire, it is important for property owners to know what to do (and what not to do) and who to contact once it has been extinguished. PuroClean, known as “The Paramedics of Property Damage,” is a professional mitigation company specializing in property remediation after a home or commercial structure has been damaged by fire and smoke. We experience an increased number of fire mitigation calls around this time of year. The source of many of these fires is commonly attributed to holiday decorations such as Christmas trees. Fire and smoke can very rapidly harm household items, even after it has been extinguished. It is imperative to seek help immediately from a professional restoration company to prevent further damage.

Examples of how quickly fire and smoke can harm property:

- Within minutes plastic and marble surfaces begin to permanently stain
- Within hours metals tarnish, grout stains, fiberglass yellows and furniture yellows
- Within days flooring stains, fabrics are lost and wood furniture finish is compromised

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 215 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 Contact George Cruz at 440-944-7876 or visit www.PuroCleanProServices.com