A "Different Perspective" on Hurricane Sandy and Disasters

We've all seen the pictures and heard the stories of the hurricane that is ripping apart our beloved Big Apple as well as it's neighbors... And if you haven't, ABC has a live update website I've linked here: (http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2012/10/hurricane-sandy-live-updates-2/) so you can catch up on things, if you'd like. 

But the purpose of this blog post is not to update, analyze, or even discuss the happenings of Hurricane Sandy, you can get that many other places.  My goal here is to help you see a different perspective of disasters such as Hurricane Sandy, coming from the perspective of a company that deals with disasters on a daily basis.

"Disclaimer":
I'm going to ask you to work with me here... for in no way am I trying to downplay the tragedy, damage, and/or lives affected by this storm, and please pardon me if it comes off that way! By focusing on the afterthoughts rather than the current happenings of the hurricane, it may seem as though I'm desensitized to this catastrophe or ignoring the immediate concerns... I can assure you, I'm not. I'm just trying to avoid the reiteration of the information that is already bombarding the news and would like to shed a different light on such situations.

Are disasters bad? Of course! But let's not forget our tendency as Americans to pull together when in a tough situation. We've seen it during 9/11, Katrina, and countless others. In times such as these, never have I felt so proud to be an American and see the camaraderie within our country. And at SERVPRO we try to mimic and capitalize on such reaction and behavior.

As you may or may not know, SERVPRO is in the industry of disaster restoration. Specifically dealing with damages involving fire, water, mold, and biohazards.  In an industry such as ours, some may think that we wish for disasters or prey upon those going through a disaster... This couldn't be more untrue! Truth is, disasters are going to happen regardless, both naturally and by the hand of man... and rather than predators looking for the next "meal," we like to consider ourselves heroes, coming to the rescue to fix and comfort those who feel like all may be lost! But don't take my word for it, ask our customers who tell us all the time. Like our slogan states, our goal on every job is to make it "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO has Storm Teams nation wide, dedicated to dealing with storms and large disasters such as Sandy. By compiling such teams, SERVPRO can ensure that we are "Faster to any size disaster." And with the ability to pull crews nationwide, we can finish jobs in the shortest amount of time possible and get families and businesses back to normalcy faster. Or in cases of large storms such as Sandy, getting them to the point where they don't have worry about what is going to happen to their homes or business, and can put their energy towards what really matters, such as friends and family. And that's exactly what we plan to do coast to coast!

Winter's Right Around the Corner: Is Your Heating System Ready?

Is Your Heating System Ready for Winter's Nip?
By: Oliver Marks
Published: September 24, 2009

Getting your home's heating system professionally serviced every year will keep it running smoothly and help keep heating costs under control.

Who does the job?
The simplest way to get the work done is to hire your fuel company to do it. Oil companies and gas utilities usually provide this service, or you can hire the contractor who installed the equipment. Also, some plumbers handle heating systems.

What is involved?
The technician will clean soot and corrosion out of the combustion chamber where the fuel is burned, and check it for leaks or damage. He'll inspect the flue pipe for open seams, clogs, or corrosion that could cause carbon monoxide to backdraft into the house. He'll replace the filters on oil and forced-air systems. Finally, he'll test the exhaust from your cleaned machine and use the information to adjust the burner for maximum efficiency.

How much will it cost?
You'll pay between $100 and $180 for the service, depending largely on whether you have a gas system, which is easier to maintain, or oil, which requires a fair amount of soot removal. Usually the cost is covered by an annual maintenance contract that also provides 24-hour emergency service. While the technician is there, he should also service your water heater, assuming it has a separate oil or gas burner.

When is the best time to do the work?
Ideally, have your system tuned up in the fall so it's in top shape for the start of the heating season. Of course, that's when technicians are the busiest, so if you can't do it when you want, do it when you can—as long as your system is serviced once a year. And don't expect your provider to call to remind you that it's time. Even if you subscribe to an annual service plan, you still need to call to make an appointment. Call in the spring or summer to be sure of getting on the schedule in the fall.

 

Why Start A Blog?

So why would a disaster restoration company want to start a blog? We'll tell you why! Here at SERVPRO of Bountiful, we are very passionate about continuing our own education as well as informing customers and others so that the decisions they make are educated ones.  And what better way to do that than to post information on the world wide web so that anyone looking can find it?!  At SERVPRO we also find that planning and preventative care are the best ways to avoid or at least mitigate a disaster.  With that said, one of the main focuses of this blog will be tip and tricks involving planning and preventative care.  We hope any reading our blog finds it beneficial and we welcome questions, comments or concerns!  Let's get bloggin'!

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