Winter is Fire Season

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Winter is fire season. According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), the number of residential building fires peaks in December, but is collectively the highest in the three winter months of January, February and March. While cooking fires are the leading cause of all winter residential building fires, the high cost of home heating fuels and utilities have caused many homeowners to turn to wood burning stoves, space heaters and fireplaces as alternate sources of home heating, increasing the risk of home fires from those sources as well.

 "No matter where you live, the winter months bring family get-togethers. Please take extra precautions to keep your families and homes safe during these high risk months."

 A combination of prevention, precautions and good old common sense can help avoid costly and often tragic residential fires. Here are some tips that all homeowners should keep in mind:

 Furnace and Heater Safety Tips

• Ø  Check that furnaces and heaters are in good working condition before using, including controls and emergency shut-offs.


• Ø  Keep electrical space heaters away from water, and trash and other combustibles away from all heaters.


• Ø  Use heaters and other fuel-burning appliances in well-ventilated rooms – and always use the fuel recommended by the manufacturer.

 Fireplace and Stove Safety Tips

• Ø  Have your fireplace or stove chimney inspected annually and cleaned if necessary.


• Ø  Install wood stoves at least 36" from flammable surfaces and on a suitable floor support.


• Ø  Don't use flammable liquids to start a fire and don't keep flammable materials near your fireplace or stove.  Control sparks with a glass or metal screen.


• Ø  Dispose of hot ashes in a metal container. Never discard them inside or near your home.


• Ø  Don't close the fireplace damper if hot ashes remain in the fireplace. The fire may reheat and force carbon monoxide into the house.

 Kitchen Safety Tips

• Ø  Watch that pot! The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking.


• Ø  A rule to live by: Keep things that catch fire away from sources of heat. This includes keeping stovetops, burners and oven surfaces clean.


• Ø  Keep pets and children away from the stove, and keep pot handles turned in.


• Ø  Wear short or tight-sleeved clothing when cooking.


• Ø  Know what to do in the case of a fire, but leave the house promptly if you are not able to quickly smother the fire with a pot lid. Never pour water on a grease fire or attempt to move a burning pot.

 Decorating Safety Tips

• Ø  Purchase a fresh, live tree or a fire-resistant artificial tree, and then set it up away from heat sources. Give live trees a fresh cut and add water to the tree stand frequently.


• Ø  Trim the tree with non-combustible or flame-resistant decorations. Never use lighted candles on your tree or other evergreen decorations. And dispose of wrapping paper, ribbons, etc., after gifts are opened.


• Ø  Don't use electric lights on a metallic tree; check "outdoor" lights for certification; and turn off all lights at bedtime or when you leave the house unattended.


• Ø  Burn candles in fire-safe holders, away from flammable materials and always within sight.

 If a fire does break out with resulting damage to a property, contact a restoration professional immediately. On call 24 hours a day, even on holidays, we provide fast response to properties damaged by fire and smoke that can help minimize property loss, save possessions and contain insurance claims.

 We are available 24/7 throughout the holiday season at 312-453-1500.

 Please have a safe and happy December!

 Regards,

 Scott Majeski

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September is National Indoor Toxic Mold Awareness Month

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With the tremendous rainstorms, mold remains a concern in the Chicagoland area. I caution each of you to stay alert for signs of indoor mold. 

Preventing mold growth indoors is straightforward – mold will not grow without moisture or water. But, if your walls or carpets do get wet, it's important to dry them quickly, within two days. Even though molds are part of the natural environment and play an important role outdoors in breaking down dead organic matter like leaves and fallen trees, inside homes, it's another story. Mold growth indoors can cause serious health problems, allergic reactions and, when left unchecked, even property damage. 

The Center for Disease Control says that all molds should be removed from the indoor environment.

PuroClean offers the following tips from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to help Chicago homeowners protect their families and property from the hazards of indoor mold:

·         Keep moisture out

o   Keep air conditioner drip pans and drain lines clean

o   Clean gutters regularly

o   Make sure that the ground around your home slopes away from the foundation to keep rain water out of your house

·         Keep humidity low

o   Vent appliances such as clothes dryers to the outside

o   Use air conditioners and/or dehumidifiers to keep indoor humidity levels below 60 percent (and ideally between 30 and 50 percent)

o   Clean up spills and leaks immediately – within 24 hours

o   Control condensation by putting insulation around cold water pipes, and, open your windows when practical for ventilation and air flow.

And remember: Simply removing the mold is not enough. If you don't take care of the moisture problem that allowed the mold to grow in the first place, the mold may simply grow back.

If mold does become a problem, PuroClean Property Restoration Specialists works with environmental hygienists and laboratories to help ensure that, after remediation, your home is safe and free from harmful mold growth.

For more information about PuroClean Property Restoration Specialists, please contact me at 312-453-1500. For more information about the hazards and cleanup of indoor mold, please visit www.epa.gov\mold.

Scott Majeski

smajeski@puroclean.com

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Lessons Learned from the Recent Rain Storms

We are finally pulling the last of our equipment from our clients homes and businesses, and finally have time to reflect on the recent rains that created this surge event. I learned a few lessons from these storms and want to share them with you:

1. Relationships matter. I received more than 1,000 calls this summer from potential clients following the many rainstorms. Those people whose names I immediately recognized where those I called back first.


2. Think ahead. Just because you've never needed a property damage restoration firm doesn't mean you won't at some point. Take a few minutes to learn who the best firms are in the industry, and cultivate relationships with them.


3. Help where you can. When appropriate, I advised potential clients how to handle their OWN water removal. Every project doesn't require me to handle the job. But it does require someone to tell you what to do. I helped numerous people by telling them exactly what to do on their own to minimize the damage and save some money.


4. Don't wait!! Recognize when the damage is extensive. There's a big difference between two inches of water and two feet of sewage. Time is critical to keep the current problem from turning from a simple drying project into ripping out drywall, floors, etc.


5. Get a battery back-up for your sump pump! 85% of the projects I handled were standard sump-pump failures.

Most projects were Category 2 (standing, gray water) events. These are easily mitigated and rarely cause heavy damage. However, it only takes a few days to turn a Category 2 event into a Category 3 (standing, black water) event. Mitigation becomes much more difficult, requires additional equipment, more man-power and significantly more money.

Relationships matter!!! It's important to cultivate knowledgeable providers prior to needing them. If you have any questions about what to do the next time there's a surge: call or email me.

Scott Majeski 312.453.1500

smajeski@puroclean.com

PuroClean Property Restoration Specialists

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Choosing the Right Property Damage Restoration Professional is Critical to Disaster Recovery

Insurance policies, emergency evacuation plans, smoke alarms, fire extinguishers – these are the types of things that knowledgeable homeowners put in place to help minimize the losses if a disaster strikes. That is where the preparation stops for most people, because they never fully plan for disasters that might devastate their home or business.

But, the fact is that disasters do happen. A cooking accident, electrical short, a burst pipe, a blocked chimney, a severe storm and other everyday hazards can turn an ordinary day into a nightmare.  Recovering from that nightmare takes the same type of planning and forethought that you put into your disaster-prevention plans.

When disaster strikes, leaving water or fire damage in its wake, you need to act quickly to begin the clean-up, and it is very important that you choose your restoration professional with care. Water and fire damage restoration is a very specialized field, so choosing a firm with a reputation for professionalism, efficiency and quick response is critical.

Use this checklist when selecting a property damage restoration professional.

Make Sure Your Property Damage Restoration Professional:

• ·         Specializes in water and fire damage restoration services. 


• ·         Is licensed and insured.


• ·         Responds immediately when disaster strikes – 24/7.


• ·         Has industry-recognized training certifications (such as IICRC).


• ·         Presents a contract that specifies the work to be done and the price to be charged – before any work is started.


• ·         Offers references from clients who used the same services you require.


• ·         Treats your home, its contents and you with compassion, respect and professionalism.


• ·         Is able to work with your insurance company to complete the claim as quickly as possible.


• ·         Uses "state-of-the-science" equipment and processes to minimize time, damage and disruption.


• ·         Keeps an open line of communication throughout the job, including the clean-up and follow-up process.

If you need property damage restoration services, focus on quality over price. This checklist will lead you to a specialist in fire and water damage restoration, and that's the person you need to restore your home or business back to normal. Cutting corners almost always results in incomplete or substandard work, and then more expensive repairs and more disruption later.

PuroClean Property Restoration Specialists serving the Chicago area specializes in property emergency services. PuroClean certified technicians help families and businesses overcome the devastating setbacks caused by water, fire, mold and other conditions resulting in property damage.

For more information about PuroClean Property Restoration Specialists serving the Chicago area or for additional advice on choosing a property damage restoration expert, please contact Scott Majeski at 312-453-1500 or smajeski@puroclean.com.

Preventing Indoor Mold - warm weather tips on moisture control

With the rain and the coming heat, Chicago area homeowners should worry about mold in their homes during the summer months.  Mold can grow almost anywhere there is moisture and it grows on almost anything: paper, cardboard, ceiling tiles, wood, fabric, insulation, even dust.  It can cause serious damage to a family's home and health if the homeowner doesn't take steps to control and deal with it quickly and effectively.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the key to both preventing and remediating mold in the home is controlling moisture.  Mold cannot grow without moisture, so a homeowner needs to identify and control moisture sources in the home to prevent the spread of mold.

During the warm summer months, we advise homeowners to keep an eye on these seasonal sources of moisture and take steps to control or eliminate them:

• Air conditioner drain pans


• Condensation caused by high indoor humidity or overly cold indoor surfaces


• Outdoor sprinklers set to allow the spray to hit the walls of the home


• Unvented kitchen and bathroom moisture


• Clothes dryers that vent indoors or wet towels and clothing left to dry indoors


• Overwatering house plants


• Moisture from human sources (sweat, wet hair, breath)

These less-obvious moisture sources can be as dangerous as the typical leaks, spills and flooding that most homeowners recognize as potential breeding grounds for mold.  Mold causes a hazard wherever it grows indoors, so homeowners need to be vigilant about controlling indoor moisture. 

Homeowners need to understand how prevalent mold is and how easy it is for mold to find a foothold in the home. You also need to stay on the alert to identify and correct everyday sources of moisture before mold has a chance to grow.

For more information about PuroClean Property Restoration Specialists serving the Chicago area or for additional advice on protecting a home from mold, please contact Scott Majeski at 312-453-1500 or smajeski@puroclean.com.

While Home Prices May Be Falling, Insurance Premiums Are on the Rise

Wall Street Journal - May 26, 2011

By CHAD TERHUNE And ANNAMARIA ANDRIOTIS

Already plagued by stubbornly low home prices, homeowners soon may be facinganother blow: rising insurance premiums.

After five years of relatively stable premiums, some of the country's biggestinsurers have raised rates—or say they plan to. Premiums vary by state, but lastyear, State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co. says it increased homeownersrates 7.3% on average and, this year, has raised them in 18 states, including afew by more than 7%. By contrast, it cut rates in just two states.

In Florida, upscale insurer PURE Risk Management raised premiums 11% this year. Fireman's Fund Insurance Co., a subsidiary of Allianz SE, saysit has started to raise premiums in some areas. For some Pennsylvaniahomeowners, premiums shot up 33% last year.

For homeowners, the increases may seem counter-intuitive. Why are they payingmore to protect a house that may have lost significant value? Insurers saypremiums are partly based on rebuilding costs, not on a home's appraised marketvalue. When energy and building-material costs rise, insurers sometimes raisepremiums, said Mike LaRocco, chief executive of Fireman's Fund Insurance. Evenwith the recent decline in commodities prices, gasoline is up 37% in the pastyear, copper is up about 20% and plywood is up around 8%.

There may be more premium increases on the way, experts say, given the risingtoll of natural disasters, including recent tornadoes and extreme weather in theU.S. and the earthquake and tsunami in Japan in March.

New risk models also are causing insurers to reassess rates, said PUREPresident and CEO Ross Buchmueller. A new hurricane model used widely across theindustry forecasts a higher "wind risk," even for homes far from the coasts,driving premiums higher.

Federal flood-insurance prices may rise as Congress looks to erase theremaining $18 billion deficit from Hurricane Katrina. One congressional proposalwould raise the limit on annual premium increases to 20% from 10% and make itharder for the most flood-prone properties to get coverage. The average floodpremium is about $600 annually; rates go to nearly $6,000 for the highest-riskcoastal properties, the National Flood Insurance Program says.

All this may be a shock to homeowners, who have gotten used to premiums keptstable by the absence of big storms and costly disasters since Hurricane Katrinacaused insured losses of more than $45 billion in 2005. The recession anddecline in home construction also sapped demand for insurance, according toindustry researcher Insurance Information Institute. The average annual premiumfor homeowners' insurance fell 3.8% to $791 in 2008 from 2007, Institute figuresshow. It estimates the average premium rose to $807 last year.

There may be little home owners can do, beyond the usual shopping around.Jack Powers, an independent agent at Gulfshore Insurance in Naples, Fla., sayssome of his customers face rate increases of 20% or more. Still, he advises manyof them to swallow the increases. The alternatives, he says, are smaller,unrated insurers that may not withstand a storm financially.

Roofing rip-offs: Beware of scams, shoddy contractors

Problems with roofers plague consumers across the country. One in three Angie's List members who took an online poll and had roofing work done say they had a problem with their contractor or developed an issue down the line. Of those who detailed their problems, 68 percent mentioned shoddy work as a problem. Others cited trouble with roofing contractors who overcharged them, lacked a license, or took their money and ran.

News reports and attorneys general also warn consumers to be wary of roofing fraud and scam artists. In Jefferson Parish outside New Orleans, for example, a father and son were recently jailed on more than 50 fraud and theft charges for an alleged roofing scam targeting senior citizens.

Property Managers Save Money by Partnering with PuroClean

When property damage occurs,  it is reassuring to know you have the best available help on your side. PuroClean is a leader in property damage restoration and has earned the trust of property owners, insurance professionals and home service providers throughout North America.

PuroClean minimizes restoration costs. Through our responsiveness, skill in the science of drying and mitigation, and our availability to tackle a problem at any hour, further property damage can be prevented.PuroClean’s Property Manager Partnership Program minimizes costs and improve tenant/property owner satisfaction. As the restoration provider of choice for Property Managers throughout the country, PuroClean knows first-hand the challenges you face when property damage occurs.Tenants are back on track quickly, minimizing off-site housing costs and additional inconveniences that arise with property damage.

At the end of any job, we conduct third-party customer evaluations to ensure the highest level of satisfaction. We build lasting relationships with our clients. PuroClean also provides a one-year guarantee on our workmanship and materials.

PuroClean Offers Real World Scenarios for Training

PuroClean recently opened a new state-of-the-science training facility for PuroClean Franchisees as well as insurance professionals, the opportunity to receive IICRC certification in Water Damage Restoration, Fire and Smoke Restoration, Odor Control, Carpet Cleaning, and Carpet Color Repair, in addition to other courses in business and financial management, sales and marketing.

Our new ASD Demonstration Facility offers real world property damage scenarios complete with areas to look through and see inside the walls and attic as well as underneath the property’s structure. Puroclean’s new training ASD Demonstration Facility, also known as our PuroClean Flood House, has a smoke and soot simulator and this training structure looks like, and is similar to, a typical home in North America.

Our new flood house comes complete with property contents such as dishes, furniture, carpeting and other property that allows new agents to get a real feel for restoring a home’s contents after property damage has occurred. Watch PuroClean’s latest YouTube video here about our new training facility here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKn0GOsCnlQ

National Flood Insurance Program Being Reviewed

Property Casualty Insurers Association of America

What To Do After The Storm

“April showers” are sometimes much more than just a bit of rain. Spring weather can include a wide range of weather activity - including serious storms with severe winds that can cause serious structure damage and heavy rainfall that can cause over-the-ground flooding, or even flooding from streams and rivers. The storm season is upon us! If you experience damage of any size, these tips may help you get your home back in order more quickly. Keep this advice handy for quick reference.

INSURANCE
• Call your agent as soon as possible.
• Take photographs of the damage.

GETTING HELP FOR YOUR HOME When checking your home or business for damages, watch out for fallen power lines, standing water that may be electrically charged, and wild animals driven into the open.

Plumbing: Check pipes inside and outside your home (i.e. irrigation systems). Within your home, there are usually shut-off valves in specific areas near toilets and under sinks. If necessary, locate the master valve and shut off all water to your home. If sewage is backing up in the shower or under the toilet, it probably means your main sewer line is clogged or broken. Don’t make the problem worse by using other sinks or toilets. Call a professional for assistance.

Roofing: Check your roof for missing shingles. Even if only a few shingles are lost, do not risk life and limb by going onto your roof. Call a professional roofer, contractor or handyman. They have the skills, tools and equipment to do the job safely and properly. Have them do a temporary “fix” to stop rain coming in, until a permanent solution can be arranged.

Electrical: Most damage to electrical systems comes from water. Appliances exposed to water should be disconnected from their power source and serviced before being used. Check for frayed wires and watch for sparks. If you have structural damage or see exposed wires, call an electrician. Keep the power off – there is the possibility of electrocution if you turn the power on yourself. Exterior breaker boxes are typically rain-tight but may not withstand a major storm – if you suspect water has infiltrated the box, call an electrician before turning on the power. Avoid metal fences - they may carry a charge from fallen or dangling utility wires. If a limb or tree has fallen on a power line near your house, turn off the power and call the utility company. If the limb touches your property, it becomes your responsibility. Call an electrician. Do not attempt to cut or clear fallen trees that are around power lines.

FLOODING
For flooding problems, your best plan is to call a professional restoration company. If you decide to do-it-yourself, here are some tips that may help: because of contaminants (such as sewage, oil, pesticides, etc.), take precautions and wear boots, gloves, eye protection, and a respirator; minimize the damage by removing standing water (pump or squeegee the standing water and use a vacuum only if it’s a true wet-dry vacuum); remove everything absorbent that has been contaminated by flood water (carpeting, carpet padding, furniture, drapes, etc.); use air movers and dehumidifiers to dry out the area; throw away all medicines, cosmetics, and foods - even canned goods - if they have been submerged in floodwaters; check for hidden moisture behind wallboards, and take out damaged portions to avoid mold; and clean floors and cabinets by washing them with detergent, then disinfect with a disinfectant from the grocery or hardware store. Remember, keep a photographic (or video) inventory of anything you must throw out.

FIRING UP THE CHAINSAW
Don’t! Felling a broken tree or clearing away a large downed tree can be dangerous. A professional should be contacted.

AUTOMOBILES
Automobiles can easily be damaged by floodwaters, tree limbs, or falling debris. If an automobile is damaged: notify your insurance agent; cover broken windows if the car appears salvageable; and list valuables in your car that have been lost or damaged.

SCAM - ALERT
Unfortunately, storms and natural disasters bring out those who take advantage of the situation. But by following a few practical guidelines, you can help protect yourself from additional loss: try to work with local or known contractors (verify with the Yellow Pages); don’t pay for work until it is finished and you are satisfied (if a reasonable down payment is required, get a written contract detailing all the work to be performed); pay with a check or a credit card. Beware of a contractor who tries to pressure you. If an offer is only good “now or never,” find someone else. Obtain written estimates for all proposed work that include proposed scopes and prices. Also, beware of charity scams that might use a storm to make their pleas for donations more plausible; only give to organizations you know and recognize.

Regardless of the circumstances – damage from storms or floods, or damage from fire, smoke or even mold, call your local PuroClean office at 312-453-1500, the Paramedics of Property Damage™. We are standing by to mitigate the loss and prevent further damage, and to provide restoration services to return the property to a pre-loss condition as quickly as possible. We have professional, well-trained technicians who provide the latest state-of-the-science services to all property damaged from water, fire/smoke, mold, and other disasters.

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Speaking Of Property Damage Restoration With Lauren Reid, CEO of PuroClean | PropertyCasualty360

Speaking Of Property Damage Restoration With Lauren Reid, CEO of PuroClean PropertyCasualty360

10 Hidden Home Insurance Credits

When looking for ways to save on home insurance, many homeowners stop at a smoke detector, a security system and a multiline discount for insuring your home and vehicle with the same company.

http://finance.yahoo.com/insurance/article/112018/10-hidden-home-insurance-credits?mod=insurance-home

PuroClean Mobilizes "Dream Team" to Respond to Catastrophic Property Emergencies

PuroClean Mobilizes "Dream Team" to Respond to Catastrophic Property Emergencies

PuroClean to Open New State of the Art Property Restoration Training Facility

Florida-based PuroClean, which specializes in property emergency restoration services, announced plans to open a new Applied Structural Drying (ASD) Demonstration Facility.

The company said the facility is only the 17th training center of its kind in the world.