Escape That Second Story

I've been in the fire restoration business for 16 years now. I can thankfully say that I have never been part of restoring a home where there was a loss of a life. I can't even begin to imagine the hurt that results when a family member losses their life due to a fire.It's good to keep in mind, especially when it comes to fire, that time is critical. Within 60 seconds a whole house can be engulfed in flames.

When any emergency occurs we have basically three choices: 1) Do nothing 2) Let our emotions get the best of us and act unrationally (that's like "stupid") 3) Remain calm and act with common sense and purpose

I read an article recently that reminded me of an important tool that everyone with a second or third story in their home should have - a fire escape ladder.

You can purchase one very inexpensively (especially compared to the value of a life!) at a website called www.fireescapesystems.com.

They can be purchased in several different styles, and depending on your particular needs, range from under $100 to a little over $300. Please buy one for each 2nd or 3rd story bedroom in your home.2 stp

Of course, I'd never want to suggest that these ladders could be used for any other purpose than escaping a fire. But I'm sure that some of you with some imagination will have some ideas!

Larry Banach - Construction Manager

A Long Hot Summer Can Be a Killer!

Heat is the number one weather related killer in the United States, although most people would guess that tornadoes, hurricanes or flooding would be the major cause of death. In fact, the National Weather Service statistical data shows that heat causes more fatalities that floods, lightning, tornadoes and hurricanes combined. Based on the 10 year average from 1994 to 2003, excessive heat claimed 237 lives each year.

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How Do You Start Your Day?

Did my alarm really go off already?  Man it's hard to get going in the morning sometimes (OK for some of you maybe all of the time).  I really like the following advice from a personal trainer on 3 things to do each day to start your day out successfully:
1) STRETCH - take a few moments to stretch your body, arms, legs - get your blood flowing and your muscles warmed up
2) BREAKFAST - take the time to eat a healthy breakfast - the most important meal of the day
3) PUNCTUALITY - be ON TIME to your first appointment of the day whatever that may be.

What do you think?  Are you willing to give the big 3 a try?  Let us know if they work for you?

Greg Ahlstrom - Accounting Manager

What's In a Name - Part III of III

Part III - Previously in 'what's in a name' we explored the most common customer last names that we have had the pleasure of working for, and we explored the similarities of the employee names we have at our company.

A few months before my son was born in March of this year, I was ready to reveal to my co-workers the NAME my wife and I had chosen for him.  I put the first letter of his name 'A' with 4 spaces following on our erase board in our conference room and asked everyone to write down their guesses on the board.  It was absolutely amazing to see how many legitimate guesses they were actually able to come up with (see attached picture - click on it to enlarge it).  And much to my surprise one of the guesses was actually correct.  ANSON came into the world safely on March 8th, 2010.  Thanks again for playing everyone.  Wow there are thousands and thousands of names out there.

Greg Ahlstrom - Accounting Manager

Cell Phones: Will You Put It Down?

When I got my new cell phone from Verizon, the booklet on the NV Touch had some info on cell phone use and warnings.  My curiosity sent me to www.nhtsa.gov.  

I have highlighted some important points from that website.  Here are a few excepts:

“In 2008, nearly 6,000 people died in crashes that involved distracted driving. Distracted driving applies to anything that takes your eyes off the road, your hands off the steering wheel, or interrupts your concentration while driving.  Of special concern is the use of electronic entertainment and communication devices, especially cell phones. The relative risks of the various tasks drivers engage in are still being assessed, but in general the safest course of action is to refrain from using a cell phone while driving, which includes talking, dialing, and texting. 

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Summer Fun! Grillin' & Chillin' !!SAFELY!!

This time of year the backyard grill really gets a workout! Although these tips are of course GREAT for any season you happen to be grilling. Please enjoy the link, it even has pictures, and have a GREAT and SAFE summer!

http://www.homesafetycouncil.org/SafetyGuide/sg_grilling_w001.asp

Peter Kanavas - Contents Department Manager

Travel Deals and Tips

p>Ok well actually I haven't got any amazing deals to tell you about at the moment. The thing about amazing deals is that they don't last long. If I posted one on here, it would likely be gone or sold out by the time you read this and try to reserve it.

You might have noticed a recurring theme in our recent blog posts in that many of us like to travel and we try to do it cheap too! Here are some a few tips that have been useful for our family.

1. You can find great deals each week on Travelzoo's Top 20 List.  We booked a 7 night cruise off of this list last year. Click here to sign up. You will receive a list each week of travel deals, including international deals too!

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CELL PHONE NUMBERS HAVE GONE PUBLIC

This is a reminder to all of us that cell phone numbers go public this month.  Mike Smith said this morning that he has already started getting calls from advertisers.  All cell phone numbers have been released to telemarketing companies and you will start to receive sales calls too. To prevent this, call the following number from your cell phone 888-382-1222.  This is the National Do Not Call Registry.  It will take about a minute of your time, but blocks your number for 5 years. You have to call from the phone number you want blocked.  You cannot call from a different phone number.  Most telemarketers should not call your number after it has been registered for 31 days.  If they do, you can file a complaint at www.donotcall.gov

Larry Banach - Construction Manager

Tornado Survival Skills

Tornado Survival Skills

Familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify a tornado hazard.

A tornado watch means a tornado is possible in your area. You should monitor NOAA Weather Radio (www.weather.gov/nwr), local radio and television news outlets for the latest developments.

A tornado warning comes when a tornado is actually occurring. Take shelter immediately.
Determine in advance where you will take shelter in case of a tornado warning.
Storm cellars or basements provide the best protection.

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Fire Extinguisher Safety

Being prepared and able to fight small fires can prevent massive fire damage and save you the need for fire and smoke restoration services.

Before considering fighting any fire there are a few things that you should know.

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