Georgia Winter Weather Awareness Week: December 6-10, 2010

Winter storms are considered “deceptive killers” because most deaths are indirectly related to the storm. Seventy percent of fatalities related to ice and snow occur in automobiles, and approximately twenty-five percent of all winter-related fatalities are people caught off-guard in the storm. Prolonged exposure to extreme cold can cause frostbite or hypothermia. Powerful winter storms can also have thunderstorms associated with them. These storms can dump as much as three inches of snow or one inch of ice in an hour.  So how can you prepare for winter weather? Here are a few tips.

• Monitor radio/TV or NOAA Weather Radio.


• Stay inside. Long exposure to cold increases the risk of frostbite or hypothermia.


• If you must go out, dress in layers.


• Avoid overexertion. The strain from the cold may cause a heart attack and sweating could lead to a chill and hypothermia.


• Keep your gas tank at least half full.


• Drive with caution and carry a disaster supplies kit in your trunk.


• Have an alternative emergency heating source, such as a fireplace or wood stove. Use appropriate safeguards and have proper ventilation.


• Make sure your home is properly insulated.


• To keep pipes from freezing, wrap pipes in insulation or layers of old newspapers, cover the newspapers with plastic to keep out moisture, let faucets drip a little to avoid freezing, and know how to shut off water valves.

National Fire Prevention Week: October 3rd - 9th, 2010

SMOKE ALARM FACTS:

• Having a working smoke alarm cuts the risk of dying in a home fire in half.


• Nine out of 10 homes have smoke alarms, but millions of those alarms do not work.

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Water Damage Prevention for Your Commercial Building

Every building is at risk of water damage. Over 7,000 fire, water and storm losses are reported each day - water is the most common. The causes can range from minor roof leaks to major storm damage. Protecting the roofs, walls and windows is essential to reducing the likelihood of water damage. The following checklist will help you to protect your business from a costly water damage.

Roofs
- Inspect all rooftop penetrations regularly inside and out.
- Inspect seals around HVAC systems to be sure they are intact.
- Inspect condition of flashings around skylights, vents and other rooftop elements.
- Inspect for water stains.
- If your roof is flat, inspect roof drains monthly.

Walls

 - Inspect wall penetrations for proper flashing and sealant integrity.
- Inspect wall joints at windows, doors, electrical and plumbing penetrations.

Windows

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How to Make a Basic Disaster Supplies Kit

In support of National Preparedness Month 2010, Champion is encouraging all employees to make a basic disaster supplies kit for their homes. We would like to encourage you to do the same.  It is very simple to do and could very well save your life.

Basic Disaster Supplies Kit

Three-day supply of non-perishable food

One gallon of water per person, per day

Portable, battery-powered radio and extra batteries

Flashlight and extra batteries

First aid kit and manual

Sanitation and hygiene items (moist towelettes and toilet paper)

Matches and waterproof container

Whistle

Extra clothing

Kitchen accessories and cooking utensils, including a can opener

Photocopies of credit and identification cards

Cash and coins

Special needs items, such as prescription medications, eye glasses, contact lens solutions, and hearing aid batteries

Items for infants, such as formula, diapers, bottles, and pacifiers

Other items to meet your unique family needs

Disaster Preparedness Tips

For Families:

• Make sure your family has a plan in case of an emergency. Before an emergency happens, sit down together and decide how you will get in contact with each other, where you will go and what you will do in an emergency.


• Determine a neighborhood meeting place, a regional meeting place and an evacuation location.

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Disaster Preparedness Quiz

1.  How much water per person per day should your disaster supply kit have?

A. One gallon
B. One liter
C. Two gallons
D. Twelve ounces

The answer is A - one gallon per person per day for at least three days.
  
2. Which of the following is not a safe water source in the home?

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National Preparedness Month September 2010

 

This September is the seventh annual National Preparedness Month.  NPM 2010 will focus on changing perceptions about emergency preparedness and will help Americans understand what it truly means to be ready and how preparedness goes beyond fire alarms, smoke detectors, and extra food in the pantry.

Learn more about making a disaster supply kit, making a family emergency plan, staying informed and how you can get involved!

Know Your Water Damage Categories

Water damage is typically classified into one of the following three categories:

Category 1 Water - Refers to a source of water that does not pose substantial threat to humans and classified as "Clean Water". Examples are broken water supply lines, tub or sink overflows or appliance malfunctions that involves water supply lines.

Category 2 Water - Refers to a source of water that contains a significant degree of chemical, biological or physical contaminants and causes discomfort or sickness when exposed or even consumed. Known as "Grey Water".

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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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