Clutter Can Cause Hazards in Chicago Homes and Offices

Chicago, IL March 10, 2010 – Some of us hate the never-ending task of having to tidy and organize the things in our homes and/or offices. But, according to one local property damage restoration expert, letting things pile up could lead to more than just not having a clear space from which to live or work. It can actually cause injuries and emergency hazards.

"Many may not realize that clutter can actually lead to a number of problematic situations, including falls and other bodily injuries, as well as blocking areas that can prevent one from exiting or entering a building in an emergency" said Scott Majeski of PuroClean Property Restoration Specialists. "The inability to leave a building in an emergency quickly because of cluttered hallways and door entries, or the inability to locate important items like a fire extinguisher, is dangerous. As spring cleaning becomes top of mind for those in the community, we want to offer some tips on how they can de-clutter and make their homes and offices safe"

To prevent injuries and emergency hazards, Majeski suggests the following ways local residents and business professionals can start de-cluttering their homes and offices:

• Start in small increments. When de-cluttering your home or office, it’s best to start with closets or other storage areas first. Once you’ve freed up space in those areas for storage, you can then clear rooms, corners and other open spaces and put leftover items in your now spacious closets. It is better to have items in your closets than in trafficked areas.

• Cut clutter in the kitchen. The kitchen is probably the most common place where fires start. Your kitchen should always be clear of clutter. And, you should make sure you never have flammable objects near the oven and stove area, such as billing statements, grocery lists and other paper items, as well as dish rags, sponges or other flammable kitchen items.

• Trash junk mail. Some of us have an area in our home or office where junk mail and other unnecessary papers seem to pile up. To avoid the collection of unwanted papers, and the potential of a fire hazard, discard of unwanted mail as soon as you get it. Don’t let it pile up. If you receive a lot of bills and bank statements in the mail, consider paying bills and reviewing statements online only.

• Donate, donate, donate. If you find that you have clothes in your closet that you haven’t worn in six months or longer, it’s best to get rid of them. One way to do that is by donating them. Find a homeless shelter in your neighborhood where you can drop them off. Or, consider having a garage sale to sell clothing and other unwanted items at a low cost.

• Got books? Don’t let them collect dust. Some individuals may find that they purchase many books, but end up reading them only once. Instead of letting them collect dust and use up space, have a book exchange party where you can get rid of them, or donate them to your local library. For future reads, consider borrowing books from friends or simply getting your books at your local library instead of purchasing new ones.

PuroClean Property Restoration Specialists 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, according to Majeski.

"Our concern is the safety of the members of our community" Majeski said. "If homes and offices are clear of clutter, individuals can walk around in them safely. And, in emergency situations, they can get out of those places in a quick fashion, while also allowing emergency workers like us to enter the home without having to navigate through clutter. We hope that the tips that we have provided are helpful"

For more information about PuroClean Property Restoration Specialists, please contact Scott Majeski at 312-453-1500.

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 national training and support center, PuroClean 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.

What To Do When You Need to File a Homeowners Claim.

Fire or Homeowners Claims:
1. If there is damage to the building, make any necessary temporary repairs to the building to protect the property from further damage. Save ALL bills as they are a property part of the loss.
2.If there is damage to personal property, list all items that are damaged and, if possible, obtain an estimate for repairs.
3. If a theft occurs, call your local law enforcement agency immediately.
4. Do not sign ANY paper or statements unless requested to do so by a representative of your insurance company.
5. If anyone is injured, do not admit liability or fault. Discuss the accident only with a known representative of your insurance company.

Automobile:
1. Notify the police immediately.
2. Do not admit liability or fault. Discuss the accident only with a representative of your insurance company.
3. Write down names, addresses and telephone numbers of persons involved and all witnesses to the accident.
4. Write down license numbers, make and model numbers of car(s) involved.
5. Promptly notify your insurance agent.

Regardless of the type of policy you have, call your insurance agent after you have a loss. Your agent will help you make appropriate decisions and can direct you to reputable remediation experts.

PuroClean Breaks Ground on State-of-the-Art Training and Demonstration Facility.

Ft. Lauderdale, FL (March 1, 2010) - PuroClean Academy, the training school of the nation's fastest growing property emergency services franchise company, has earned Approved School status from The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).

More than 300 PuroClean franchise owners across the country now have access to a variety of IICRC approved courses at the company’s headquarters in Tamarac, FL, where technicians can turn for IICRC approved training and certification in the categories of Water Damage Restoration, Fire and Smoke Restoration, Odor Control, Carpet Cleaning, and Color Repair.

“The IICRC S500 certification is the Cadillac of designations in the cleaning and restoration industry,” said John Capponi, CR, PuroClean’s Vice President of Operations. “Our training processes for franchise owners and technicians have always been in accordance with the industry’s highest standards, but now we're able to proudly display the official IICRC Certification Mark to represent our level of commitment to service excellence.”

PuroClean franchise owners and technicians who attain IICRC certification will be in alliance with the highest industry standards in all areas of the restoration business, from documenting and monitoring services and performance to maintaining proper invoicing procedures.

“IICRC certified professionals are highly respected by their customers and industry peers,” said Mike Reed, IICRC Instructors and Schools Committee Chairman.

In conjunction with securing IICRC approval for its training school, PuroClean will break ground in late February on a new Applied Structural Drying (ASD) Demonstration Facility. The new facility will include a classroom, as well as a state-of-the-science flood house, where all franchise owners and their employees will receive practical application of IICRC guidelines in applied structural drying and smoke and soot remediation, within a controlled environment.

The ASD facility will also be used for the research and development of new equipment and demonstrations to insurance industry professionals interested in increasing their competency and capabilities in property restoration. Construction on the facility is set to be completed later this summer.

PuroClean’s New CEO Builds on Momentum; Prepares Fast-Growing Franchise for the "Big Leagues".

FranchiseWorks.com | Property Damage Restoration Franchise PuroClean’s New CEO Builds on Momentum; Prepares Fast-Growing Franchise for the "Big Leagues". Respected Restoration Industry Veteran Lauren Reid Set to Take Nation’s "Paramedics of Property Damage" to New Level.

Ft. Lauderdale, FL (February 2010) – Following a record-setting year for franchise growth and revenue, PuroClean, the nation’s fastest growing emergency services and property damage restoration franchise, took another major step forward with the appointment of Lauren John Reid to CEO.

Reid, a noted veteran with a track record of success in the restoration industry, has a clear vision and will work with the Leadership Team to develop a strategic plan to make PuroClean the No. 1 choice of insurance companies for property damage emergency mitigation services for homes and commercial businesses, as well as large-scale natural disaster and catastrophic clean up projects.

His impressive resume includes 17 years at Munters Corporation, Moisture Control Service (MCS) Division, a global leader in structural drying and emergency restoration services. During his tenure at MCS, Reid worked with Global and Regional Insurance firms, Government and Fortune 500 clients as a partner in the restoration and mitigation process. He was involved with numerous high-profile water damage and restoration projects, including the firm’s 120 projects in Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

“I was attracted to PuroClean by their phenomenal leadership team and a solid foundation of best practices in franchising, training and operations,” Reid said. “They have a strong and growing group of eager, young franchisees looking to make their mark on the industry.”

Company founder Rory O’Dwyer said Reid possesses the ideal skill set, leadership qualities and restoration industry experience to help franchisees make that industry “mark” – sooner than later.

“Reid knows exactly where to focus our time and capital investments to take us where we need to be,” O’Dwyer said. “That includes solidifying best practices, standardizing training and operations, and preparing our franchisees to demonstrate to the insurance industry that they are equipped to handle major national accounts and disaster recovery.”

Last year alone, PuroClean opened 89 new damage restoration franchise locations and reported more than $90 million in revenues, up from $68 million in 2008. Most impressive were sales gains at existing franchise locations, up an astounding 31 percent from 2008 to 2009. The company also debuted a new Canadian headquarters, opened its 300th franchise location and achieved the highest customer experience performance rating in the industry, with a 93 percent Net Promoter Score®.

Reid joins PuroClean as the company embarks on another major step, the construction of an Applied Structural Drying (ASD) Demonstration Facility. The new facility, set for completion later this year, will include a classroom, as well as a state-of-the-science flood house, where all franchise owners and their employees will receive practical application of IICRC guidelines in applied structural drying and smoke and soot remediation, within a controlled environment. PuroClean Academy, the company’s official training school for franchise owners, has recently earned Approved School status from The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).

EPA Lead Rule: Affecting Remediation, Renovation and Remolding Projects in Chicago

In April 2008 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) passed a rule that will significantly impact the remediation, renovation and remodeling industry. The Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (RRP) changes how contractors can work on certain buildings constructed before 1978.

Effective April 2010, work done on a house or child occupied facility built before 1978 rule may apply regardless of who owns the facility or who is paying for the work.

The RRP requires two separate certifications and specific training.

Certified Firm: The actual company that performs the work must be a Certified Firm. This is a relatively simple administrative process.

Certified Renovator: The Certified Renovator is a named individual who works for a Certified Firm. A Certified Renovator must be assigned to each project and must be present on the job site for certain specific phases of the job. A Certified Renovator may not delegate these specific responsibilities to a non-certified person. The Certified Renovator is also responsible for training all non-certified workers who will be doing actual work on the project. However, non-certified workers may not perform the specific duties required of the Certified Renovator.

EPA's RRP website (www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovation.htm) has more information on the rule. The site also has a handbook to help contractors understand the RRP. Called the Small Entity Compliance Guide to Renovate Right, this document guides you through the RRP without having to read the actual regulation.

Steps for Preventing Frozen Pipes in Chicago

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 32º 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 can occur.

During 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.

Surprisingly, pipe freezing can be a particular problem in the warmer climates of southern states. In these areas, buildings may not be adequately constructed for cold weather conditions. Pipes often run through non-insulated or under-insulated attics, crawl spaces, or walls. If the temperature drops below freezing for even a day, these pipes may freeze and break.

In northern climates, many people go south for the winter. They “winterize” their homes by draining the plumbing system and adding antifreeze to plumbing fixtures. This is an excellent prevention procedure and greatly reduces the possibility of frozen pipes.

Draining of a plumbing system should be thorough and complete. If water lines sag or bow, there may be low spots that are difficult to drain completely. To be most effective, compressed air should be used to blow out the lines. If not properly done, some amount of water will remain in the low points of the lines that can freeze.

Damage generally occurs when the water supply is turned back on. 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.

Winter wind, snow, and ice storms frequently damage electric power lines and equipment, resulting in interruptions of electric power. Most heating systems depend on electricity, and when the power goes off, so does the heat. In severe cold weather, this can result in extensive freeze damage before power is restored.

Following are some tips to help prevent damage from frozen pipes when away from your home for more than a day or two:

1. Shut off the water supply and drain pipes or appliances.
2. Have someone you trust check your home about once per week if you are away.
3. Have emergency numbers handy such as a plumber, electrician, roofer, and PuroClean in case something does go wrong.
4. Protect pipes, fittings, and appliances against freezing with insulation or heat strips.
5. Have your HVAC system serviced before leaving if you will be away for an extended period of time.
6. Set your thermostat no lower than 55 degrees.
7. Before leaving turn off your water heater. (See owner’s manual for procedures.)
8. Install storm windows and/or close shutters to keep in heat.
9. Clean gutters and downspouts to ensure proper water drainage.
10. Service sump pump to ensure proper operation. Adding a backup power source is prudent.
11. Unplug all nonessential electric appliances.
12. Inform local police if you will be out of town.

Regardless of the circumstances — frozen or leaking pipes or any water damage, fire/smoke damage, biohazard remediation or mold remediation — call PuroClean Property Restoration Specialists, 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. Our technicians are well-trained professional who provide the latest state-of-the-science services to all property damaged from water, fire, smoke, mold, and other disasters.

Scott Majeski
312-453-1500
www.PuroCleanChicagoLand.com

Drywall investigation expands into US products

By BRIAN SKOLOFF, Associated Press Writer Brian Skoloff, Associated Press Writer – Wed Nov 25, 5:21 pm ET

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – A federal probe of tainted Chinese drywall has broadened because a small number of homeowners are reporting that American-made drywall is causing some of the same problems: a sickening, sulfurous stench and corroded pipes and wiring.

"We are not limited in the scope of our investigation to just Chinese drywall," said Scott Wolfson, spokesman for the Consumer Products Safety Commission, which is conducting the largest investigation in its history after thousands of homeowners complained and filed lawsuits.

The vast majority of complaints still center on China-made gypsum board imported during the recent U.S. housing boom, when domestic building materials were in short supply. And the commission's investigation is focused mainly on the imported drywall, Wolfson said.

But sporadic reports are surfacing from owners of homes built with American drywall, and the symptoms they report are similar to those reported with the Chinese drywall: a rotten-egg odor that makes occupants sick, corrosion of copper pipes, and ruined TVs and air conditioners.

Researchers do not know for certain what causes the chemical reactions, but an MIT scientist said the mixture of gypsum and cellulose, combined with the humid atmosphere, releases sulfurous gases, causing corrosion of copper, brass and silver.

"The only solution is removal of the drywall," Thomas Eagar, an MIT professor of materials engineering, wrote in his report.

Several lawsuits have now been filed against American drywall manufacturers, including National Gypsum and Atlanta-based Georgia-Pacific Corp.

Georgia-Pacific declined to comment on the litigation, but spokesman James Malone said the company had heard no such complaints until now.

Attorney Brian Warwick, who is suing Georgia-Pacific in federal court on behalf of two Florida homeowners, said his clients also heard the reports about Chinese drywall and assumed their homes were built with the imported materials.

He believes reports of tainted U.S. building materials will increase as homeowners realize the problem is not just with some Chinese wallboard.

"All the media keeps focusing on is China, China, China," he said. "So how many people are just dismissing their claims because they see they don't have Chinese drywall, and think they don't have tainted drywall?"

Reports of tainted Chinese drywall began to surface last year, and homeowners who bought houses with the imported materials have filed hundreds of lawsuits against builders, suppliers and manufacturers.

In a report issued Monday, the Consumer Products Safety Commission said its studies found a "strong association" between the Chinese drywall and corrosion. The agency also said it found a possible link between health problems and high levels of hydrogen sulfide gas emitted from the wallboard, coupled with formaldehyde, which is commonly found in new houses.

The commission also recently made public a separate 44-home investigation into homeowner complaints, listed on its Web site as a probe into "imported drywall." In fact, 10 of those homes had American drywall.

Still, complaints about U.S. drywall are greatly outnumbered by those regarding Chinese imports.

Of roughly 2,100 complaints received by the commission, about 25 involve homeowners who reported issues with American wallboard, Wolfson said. That is not enough data to make a determination.

A University of Florida study conducted for CBS News tested new samples of U.S. drywall, new samples of the Chinese material and Chinese wallboard from problem homes.

The scientists found that most of the new U.S. samples released sulfur fumes, but at a lower level than the Chinese product taken from homes. However, the study also found that some American product had higher emissions than some of the new Chinese material.

Spurlock, of National Gypsum, said the company was "quite puzzled" with the University of Florida study.

Some experts have suggested that some homes may have been built with a combination of Chinese and American drywall, but since not all of the wallboard imported from China was labeled, it's impossible to tell what's what. The only solution in that case would be for homeowners to tear the house down to the studs and test everything.

Another theory is that bad Chinese wallboard could be contaminating other materials in the house. The federal government is also looking into that.