A Danger in the Night

9/11/2019 (Permalink)

A silent and deadly threat in any home in today's society would be carbon monoxide. An odorless, tasteless and colorless gas that has the potential to take your life as you sleep. Carbon monoxide stems from multiple sources, such as fuel burning appliances, fireplaces, wood burners, water heaters and space warmers. Having at least one carbon monoxide detector in your home can life saving. When installing your detector, place near bedrooms and or on the main floor. Do not place your alarm near windows or open space. Also do not install too closely to any appliance that may trigger a false reading. Be sure to always inspect your CO monitor and ensure it is in working condition. Early symptoms of CO poisoning can be mistaken for the flu, such as nausea and headache which progress quickly. Carbon Monoxide is a silent threat, but with the right tools and preparation, you have nothing to fear

Winter is Coming

9/26/2018 (Permalink)

Winter. Is. Coming

You read that right. Fall is tip toeing her way in as Summer is packing her bags and finding her way out. Apple orchards are prepping for their upcoming season and the crisp scent of burning leaves will soon be tickling our noses. What better time to prep your home for the upcoming bitter cold that will make her arrival in the not so distant future? Listed below are extremely helpful tools and practices to keep the warm in and the cold out. They may just help you save some valuable loot in your pocket as well.

Simmer Down: Lower the temperature in your water heater. This one simple adjustment can save you upwards of 10% off of your water heating costs. Typically water heaters are set at a scalding 140 degrees, bringing it down to 120 degrees will save you bookoo $$$.

Backdraft: Drafty windows and doors have the potential of wasting up to 30% of your energy use. They also can trick your thermostat into false readings. Fortunately, a simple solution such as a rolled towel at the base of the door (or create a draft snake, if you’re feeling crafty) will lock out that unwanted cold.

Be Kind, Rewind: Turning the direction of your fan blades from counterclockwise to clockwise will actually create a warmer room. Hot air rises, the fan blades help force the warmth back into the lower part of your room.

Out With The Old: Change your furnace filter! A commonly overlooked step in energy savings. Not only does a dirty filter restrict air flow, it also has the potential of harboring dangerous materials, such as mold, bacteria and pollen. It is best to change monthly during the winter months.

Leaving The Abode: Lower the thermostat every time you leave your home. Each degree you lower your homes temperature can save you between 1% and 3% on your heating bill. Programmable thermostats are available that will keep on top of lowering and raising the temperature in sync with your schedule.

Being able to stay ahead of the impending cold will save you money and stress. Follow these simple steps and stay warm! As always, SERVPRO of Rock County is here to help in any way we can!

Sound the Alarm: Early Detection of Impending Danger

9/13/2018 (Permalink)

With all that is provided in extreme home safety measures, from high tech security systems to motion detection programs set right to our Smartphones we are beginning to take for granted the simple and effective options readily and inexpensively available. An unsung hero that is getting more overlooked than ever is the classic fire alarm. More than two-thirds of home fatalities occurred in residences unequipped with these useful devises. That is an alarming statistic. An additional study revealed the fact that a majority of these disasters happen in the quiet of the night. The risk of smoke and toxic fume inhalation becomes unpreventable, as you are asleep when this occurs. To avoid this scenario and to keep your family safe, fire alarms are an absolute must have in any residence. An alarm should be located on every single level of your home, outside of sleeping areas and inside bedrooms. It is essential to have them placed in proximity of where you are most vulnerable at night. Consider placing them along the route you have established as your escape path, as the sound will help guide you to safety in low visibility conditions. Remember to keep your batteries replaced annually and to test your alarms monthly. These small added measures can prevent a tragedy from occurring and gives you the advantage of time to control the situation before it controls you. As always SERVPRO of Rock County is here to assist you at your worst of times, to help you rebuild and get back on your feet.

When the Wind Blows: Tornado Survival

9/11/2018 (Permalink)

The most unpredictable aspect of life as a Wisconsinite has to be the fickle weather she brings along with her every season. With the ability to produce the wrath of every element imaginable, being prepared for pending disaster is essential for anyone making Wisconsin their home. In this edition of SERVPRO Survival we will be reviewing the basic steps to take when you find yourself in the line of disaster. In light of a recent study that has dug into our past and discovered that a tornado has occurred IN EVERY MONTH of the year (except February) we have compiled an easy to follow, comprehensive list of what to do and where to go if you find yourself in the path of an incoming twister.                                                                               

   Scenario 1:   At Home

1. Seek shelter in the lowest, most interior room available. AVOID ALL WINDOWS.
2. The center of the room has been proven to be the safest location.
3. Find fixed/secured furniture such as a work bench or heavy desk and anchor yourself.
4. Always keep head and neck protected from injury. Athletic helmets have been used and have saved lives in extreme weather conditions, as it provides and extra amount of security to your head. So use one if available. Keep very small children strapped into car seat if available. (Do not go to car to retrieve)
5. Vehicles and Mobile homes provide little no protection to extreme elements. If possible, seek shelter in a more secure area such as basement or inner area of nearby building.

Scenario 2: At Work or School (Shopping Center)

1. Seek immediate shelter in a secure inside hallway/ AVOID ALL WINDOWS
2. Avoid all areas with a wide-spanned roof, such as large hallways, open gymnasiums and cafeterias. They sustain the most wind damage and leave you vulnerable when roof is dismantled.
3. Sturdy furniture or secured items such as heavy desks or work benches provide added protection.
4. Always protect your head and neck with hands and arms, or articles of clothing available for added protection.

 Scenario 3: In Your Car

1. If you are caught by strong winds, immediately park your car safely out of the line of traffic. Remain in your vehicle with your seatbelt attached. Cover your head and protect your neck, keep head lower than line of window.
2. Use a blanket, cushion or anything available to cover yourself from flying debris
3. If time is on your side and the twister is visible but in the distance, you need to act quickly. Seek immediate shelter in nearest building available, your car is unsafe shelter.
4. NEVER SEEK SHELTER UNDER A BYPASS OR BRIDGE. They create hazardous driving situations and provide no shelter from what the wind is blowing.

Scenario 4: Outdoors

• DO NOT PANIC (but why are you outside? How did this happen?!)

• Seek shelter indoors IMMEDIATELY, if no building is available lay in the lowest area possible, such as a ditch.

• Stay as far away as possible from trees and vehicles as they are easily uplifted and can blow right into you.

In all situations, the most important tool for survival is to remain calm and remember the tips provided to keep yourself and your family safe from harm. SERVPRO of Rock County and its dedicated team of professionals are here to help you get back on your feet after disaster strikes and to provide you superior care in the worst of times.