What is going on?

Well if many of you were wondering what was going on with our blog, and why has it been inconsistent let me give you an update. On March 12, 2013 I gave birth to a healthy baby boy that weighed 6lbs 11oz that goes by the name of Brian. He is the most precious thing and his dad and I are very blessed. Now I am back at work and into the full swing of things which means we will go back to FUN FRIDAYS! Also we are doing FRESH new things so be on the look out. Don’t forget to find us on twitter @servprolexsc

Brian comes to visit servpro

-Denea Duran

Pizza Hut Supporting the Red Cross

Several local Pizza Hut restaurants are supporting the Red Cross throughout the month of April. During the month, Pizza Hut will be offering a special meal deal, where a percentage of sales will go directly to the Red Cross. If you’d like to contribute to the cause but don’t want the special deal, you’ll have the opportunity to purchase a “Heroes” point-of-sale poster for a minimum $1 donation. This poster will be displayed all month to commemorate your generosity. Be sure to dine at Pizza Hut this month! http://bit.ly/1164ghw

Get Your Ducts in a Row

 

Ventilation systems can often be the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality because many people allow HVAC systems to operate for some time without much attention or upkeep.

Your HVAC system could be circulation odors, dust and other contaminants throughout your home or business. Keeping the HVAC system and ductwork clean can potentially extend the life span of the equipment by allowing it to operate at peak condition, which can in turn save you money and give you cleaner air to breathe.

SERVPRO will inspect your HVAC system and ductwork and make recommendations about the best way to address any indoor air quality concerns. Benefits of serving HVAC unit include:

-Helps to restore peak energy efficiency

-May help to eliminate offensive odors.

-Help reduce the potential for mold growth

 For more information on duct cleaning or to set up a written inspection and estimate call

SERVPRO of Cayce/ West Columbia and Lexington today at 803-755-9774

 

-Denea Duran

 

 

 

Flood Safety

According to FEMA, “Floods are America’s number one natural disaster and can happen anytime, anywhere.” Floods are consistently the most common, costly and deadly natural disaster Americans face each year. In fact 90% of all natural disasters in the U.S. involve flooding.

 

Before A Flood

 

Educate Yourself

After getting flood insurance, there are several things you can do to minimize losses in your home and ensure your family’s safety.

1. Safeguard your possessions.
Create a personal flood file containing information about all your possessions and keep it in a secure place, such as a safe deposit box or waterproof container. This file should have:

• A copy of your insurance policies with your agent’s contact information.
• A household inventory: For insurance purposes, be sure to keep a written and visual (i.e., videotaped or photographed) record of all major household items and valuables, even those stored in basements, attics or garages. Create files that include serial numbers and store receipts for major appliances and electronics. Have jewelry and artwork appraised. These documents are critically important when filing insurance claims. For more information visitwww.knowyourstuff.org.
• Copies of all other critical documents, including finance records or receipts of major purchases.

2. Prepare your house.

• First make sure your sump pump is working and then install a battery-operated backup, in case of a power failure. Installing a water alarm will also let you know if water is accumulating in your basement.
• Clear debris from gutters and downspouts.
• Anchor any fuel tanks.
• Raise your electrical components (switches, sockets, circuit breakers, and wiring) at least 12 inches above your home’s projected flood elevation.
• Place the furnace, water heater, washer, and dryer on cement blocks at least 12 inches above the projected flood elevation.
• Move furniture, valuables, and important documents to a safe place.

3. Develop a family emergency plan.

• Create a safety kit with drinking water, canned food, first aid, blankets, a radio, and a flashlight.
• Post emergency telephone numbers by the phone and teach your children how to dial 911.
• Plan and practice a flood evacuation route with your family. Know safe routes from home, work, and school that are on higher ground.
• Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to be your emergency family contact.
• Have a plan to protect your pets.

For more information on emergency preparation, talk to your insurance agent or visitReady.gov.

 

During A Flood

Here’s what you can do to stay safe during a flood:

• If flooding occurs, go to higher ground and avoid areas subject to flooding.
• Do not attempt to walk across flowing streams or drive through flooded roadways.
• If water rises in your home before you evacuate, go to the top floor, attic, or roof.
• Listen to a battery-operated radio for the latest storm information.
• Turn off all utilities at the main power switch and close the main gas valve if advised to do so.
• If you’ve come in contact with floodwaters, wash your hands with soap and disinfected water.

After A Flood

• If your home has suffered damage, call your insurance agent to file a claim.
• Check for structural damage before re-entering your home to avoid being trapped in a building collapse.
• Take photos of any floodwater in your home and save any damaged personal property.
• Make a list of damaged or lost items and include their purchase date and value with receipts, and place with the inventory you took prior to the flood. Some damaged items may require disposal, so keep photographs of these items.
• Keep power off until an electrician has inspected your system for safety.
• Boil water for drinking and food preparation until authorities tell you that your water supply is safe.
• Prevent mold by removing wet contents immediately.
• Wear gloves and boots to clean and disinfect. Wet items should be cleaned with a pine-oil cleanser and bleach, completely dried, and monitored for several days for any fungal growth and odors.

47th Annual Carolina Classic Home & Garden Show

The Home Builders Association of Greater Columbia (HBAGC) presents the 47^th Annual Carolina Classic Home & Garden Show at the SC State Fairgrounds Friday, March 8 through Sunday, March 10, 2012.

The Carolina Classic Home & Garden Show is the largest home and garden exhibition in the Midlands. Over 250 construction, home improvement, and outdoor product exhibits are displayed within and outside of the Cantey, Ellison, Moore, Ruff and Hampton Buildings.

Educational seminars are offered daily by exhibitors on a variety of topics such as home building, remodeling, crawl space maintennance, and gardening. All seminars are free to attend with admission to the show.

What:

Clyde Nettles Roofing Presents the 47th annual Carolina Classic Home & Garden Show

Hosted by the Home Builders Association of Greater Columbia

See over 250 exhibitors with products and services for your home and garden.Exhibitors List here.

Educational Seminars offered daily. See schedule here.

Couponing Workshops presented by Southern Savers. See schedule here.

Register to win prizes from exhibitors. More information here.

Wine Walk on Friday, March 8 from 5p – 8p. More information here.

When:

Friday, March 8 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Saturday, March 9 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, March 10 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Admission:

Tickets are $6/person at the gate during hours of operation.

> Kids 14 and under enter free every day

> Ages 62 and older enter free on Friday, March 8

Senior Day and Expo Information here

> Active Military members enter free Saturday, March 9 (with I.D.)

Where:

All five buildings and outdoor areas of the SC State Fairgrounds in Columbia, SC.

Vehicles enter through Gate 6 located on George Rogers Blvd., near Williams-Brice Stadium.

Before you leave, make sure to stop by our booth in the Moore building for some goodies to take home!

10 key Fire Safety Tips

Though some fires are unavoidable acts of nature or unpredictable accidents, many fires in the home and workplace are avoidable. The following tips, courtesy of the National Fire Protection Association, can help reduce the likelihood of a fire in your business or home.

 -Watch your cooking

Stay in the kitchen if you are frying, grilling or broiling food.

 -Give space heaters space

Keep space heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn.

 -Smoke outside

If you must smoke inside, have sturdy, deep ashtray. Never smoke in bed.

 -Keep matches and lighters out of reach

Keep matches and lighters in high cabinets, preferably under a child lock.

 -Inspect electrical cords

Replace cords that are cracked, damaged, have broken plugs or have loose connections.

 -Be careful when using candles

Keep candles at least one foot from anything that can burn . Blow them out before you leave the room or go to sleep.

 -Have a fire escape plan

Make a fire escape plan and practice it at least twice a year.

 -Install smoke alarms

Install alarms on every level of your office  or home and inside bedrooms. Interconnect them so they all sound at once.

 -Test smoke alarms

Test alarms once per month. Replace batteries once per year or as needed.

 -Install sprinklers

Sprinklers can help maintain and sometimes even extinguish fires, giving  your local Fire Department a better chance of saving your property.

 

 

Fun Friday: Starbucks Edition

Who wants to spend $6 on a coffee drink, when you can make it at home! (it happened to be my favorite Starbucks drink)

I am so happy I found this recipe. The weekend is the perfect time to experiment with different recipes. I hope this made your day like it did mine!

 Starbucks Mocha Frappuccino

3/4 cup double-strength coffee

3 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 cup low-fat milk

2 cups ice

3 Tbls. Hershey’s Chocolate

 Optional:3 Tbs whipped cream

MOCHA Version:

For this version, add 3 tablespoons Hershey’s chocolate syrup to the original recipe and prepare as described. Top each glass with whipped cream, if desired.

CARAMEL Version:

For this version, add 3 tablespoons of caramel topping to the original recipe and prepare as described. Top each glass with whipped cream and drizzle additional caramel over the whipped cream.

 Content Credit: http://womenlivingwell.org/2012/03/homemade-starbucks-mocha-frappuccino/

Photo Credit: http://womenlivingwell.org/2012/03/homemade-starbucks-mocha-frappuccino/

 

-Denea Duran