Summertime Grilling Safety

p>It's Summertime and that means grilling time for most families! However, according to one study gas and charcoal grills caused an average of 3,400 structure fires and 4,900 outdoor fires in or on home properties in 2005, resulting in a combined direct property loss of $137 million.  So before you fire up that grill, take a few minutes to check out these safety tips so your cookout doesn't turn into a fire damage claim or a trip to the emergency room.

• Follow manufacturer's directions.


• Make sure the grill is stable and can’t be tipped over.



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To Packout or Not to Packout? That is the question.

Hello again from the contents department!

When I am scoping a new fire loss I have several tools with me to help asses the situation. These include: a digital camera(VERY important!), latex nitrile gloves, dust masks, caution tape, clean rags, high alkaline cleaner, and LATEX SPONGES!!

The sponges are in caps because they too are very important! They are made of a special blend of materials and have a great ability to pick up soot from all sorts of surfaces. This is the main factor I use in answering today's question.

If for example I am responding to a kitchen fire and find myself in the room farthest from the source of the fire and I am getting soot readings! It looks like a packout because there is a good chance that all items between me and the source are also going to be in need of remediation (or cleaning).

However, if it was a bedroom fire for example and I am only getting soot readings in the immediate area. I will establish a cleaning station in  an unaffected area of the home and look to utilize the garage or perhaps a truck or delivered storage container to de-odorize any affected items.

The high alkaline cleaner is useful in determining if an item or a surface will indeed clean or if it may need to be considered a total loss.

Thanks for reading and please let me know if there are any questions or suggestions you might have for me!! And, HAPPY PACKING!!

Peter Kanavas - Contents Department Manager

Georgia Lightning Awareness Week is June 21-27, 2009

Lightning is a deadly "by-product" of thunderstorms which are very common in Georgia, particularly in the spring and summer. Lightning kills an average of 100 people a year throughout the United States. Statistics show that on the average, lightning kills more people in the United States every year than tornadoes, floods, or hurricanes. It occurs mostly during the warmer months of June through September.

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A Proactive Solution to Disaster

There are so many things to think about when you have a disaster.  You've barely had time to process the fact that you've had a loss and now you're being asked to try and remember everything  you own in detail in order to be compensated.  Naturally your stress levels increase and your patience decreases as you long for everything to just be over with.

Fortunately, there is something you can do right now in order to save your sanity later should you have a fire, water or storm loss.  Take a disposable, digital or video camera as well as  a notebook and create a detailed record of your belongings.    Be as specific as possible by jotting down model numbers, serial numbers, sizes, quantities, dates and other descriptive or important details.  When you are finished, place the developed photos, memory card or videotape and the notebook in a fire-proof, air tight container.  Safes usually provide the best protection.

Now, if you become the unfortunate victim of fire, water or storm loss, you have everything you need to fill out the necessary paperwork.  No, it won't make all of your stress levels disappear but it will help you overcome feelings of helplessness and will expedite the restoration process.  With a little time and effort you will have peace of mind.

Chloe L. Hudson - Senior Contents Technician

Five Fire Damage Prevention Tips

Fire damage can cripple small businesses, a fact that many business owners don't consider until disaster strikes. According to the popular cliché, hindsight is always 20/20. After a disaster, it's easy to see where careful planning and preparation could have prevented damage. To help you prepare for the worst, here are ten tips to help improve your fire prevention foresight.

1. Damage Due to Flames and Smoke.
The damage fire causes is typically two-fold.

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I've never had a claim...how does my insurance claim get paid?

The whole insurance claim process can be confusing.  Its true that your insurance company approves the scope of the repairs and provides the claim funds.  But your contractor (not the insurance company) is responsible for performing satisfactory repairs, and you the homeowner (not the insurance company) are ultimately responsible to make sure that your contractor gets paid.

A common question people have is 'what do I do with my deductible?'  Your insurance company will 'deduct' your insurance deductible from the total claim funds that they pay.  If you have a total claim of $10,000.00 and your deductible is $1,000.00, your insurance company will pay $9,000.00 and your $1,000.00 deductible is to be paid by you directly to your contractor. 

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One Thousand Firsts

The anniversary of my 8th year with Champion is fast approaching. There are many stories to relate in this bittersweet industry. Cries of devastation from homeowners at the beginning of a loss turn into sighs of relief and reflective appreciation at the job’s completion. I’d like to think I’ve seen it all yet every so often I am surprised. But when you see me at your home ready to do my part to put your life back together, this one fact remains constant: whether it is my 100th or 1000th job, I am ever-conscious that it is your first loss. So, in essence, it also becomes mine again. I treat every job as if it is the first because every person is different and every situation is unique. I care about what has happened to you and how it is affecting you. So go ahead and cry if you need to. You’ve been devastated and no person, even if they have been through something similar, can possibly understand exactly how you feel. I’ll hand you a tissue and give you a moment. When you’re ready we’ll walk through your house and anything that is important to you is important to me and when I tell you to call me if you have questions or forgot to tell me something, I mean it. We’re all in this together and all want the best possible outcome. One day it will all be a distant memory but when you think of it I hope the process leaves you with a warm feeling.

Chloe L. Hudson - Senior Contents Technician

Have You Seen Our Wraps Around Town?

In 2008 we embarked on a mission to "brand" Champion.  Part of that mission was to wrap our vehicles.  I am happy to say that this week we will have our 14th vehicle wrapped!  This may not seem like a big deal - but as the person who designs these wraps it is a huge deal!  Each time we send a vehicle to be wrapped, I anxiously wait for it to return so I can see the final product.  It's nerve-racking and exciting, although it shouldn't be because the company that does them for us has always been great.  In case you're wondering, it's Gregory's Quality Printing in Powder Springs, GA (www.gqpinc.com) - I thought I should give them a plug.  Below are a sample of some of the wraps we've done.  Let us know how you like them or just if you see them around.

Summer Bishop - Marketing Support

Fire Safety Season--Play it Safe!

 As we've been through a cold snap some may feel that they've got this auxiliary heating thing down pat. Well let's just take minute to cover some EXCELLENT reminders:

1.) Keep space heaters at least 3' from anything combustible.

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Community Service

One thing about working in an Emergency Service Business is you don't exactly get to meet people at their best.   I  know that would be the case if I were standing in 6 inches of water or looking at a tree lying in the middle of my Living Room Floor.  Therefore, I am quick to tell our customers not to worry, take a deep breath, we are here to help you through the process.

Lisa Moore - Project Coordinator