What to Do Before a Thunderstorm

Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage during a severe thunderstorm.

If thunder roars, go indoors" because no place outside is safe when lightning is in the area. We want everyone to stay indoors until 30 minutes have passed after they hear the last clap of thunder.

Summary of Lightning Safety Tips for Inside the Home

• Avoid contact with corded phone.
• Avoid contact with electrical equipment or cords. If you plan to unplug any electronic equipment, do so well before the storm arrives.
• Avoid contact with plumbing. Do not wash your hands, do not take a shower, do not wash dishes, and do not do laundry.

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Georgia Lightning Awareness Week June 20-26, 2010

Lightning kills more people in the United States every year than tornadoes, floods, or hurricanes. In Georgia, lightning kills or injures several people every year. Lightning occurs mostly during the warmer months of June through September.

Lightning can also cause significant damage to personal and commercial property. In addition to direct strikes, lightning generates electrical surges that can damage electronic equipment some distance from the actual strike. Below are some lightning safety tips for inside the home or business. We hope they help everyone stay safe during this year's storm season.

- Avoid contact with corded phones.

- Avoid contact with electrical equipment or cords. If you plan to unplug any electronic equipment, do so well before the storm arrives.

- Avoid contact with plumbing. Do not wash your hands, do not take a shower, do not wash dishes, and do not do laundry.

- Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches.

As always, the Champion team is committed to doing everything in our power to continue to provide outstanding service during this year's storm season. If you have any questions please feel free to call our office at 770-253-6070.

LEARN ABOUT FREE EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLANNING FOR YOUR BUSINESS!

Summer Fun Trivia

1. What does SPF stand for?
A. Standard Protection Factor
B. Safe Protection Factor
C. Sun Protection Factor
D. Sun Performance Factor

The correct answer is "c".

2. You won't burn if you are outside all day during the summer and...
A. sitting in the shade
B. wearing a hat, long pants and a long sleeve shirt
C. it is cloudy
D. none of the above

The correct answer is "d".

3. When should you apply sunscreen?
A. Once you are outside
B. 5-10 minutes before going outside
C. 30-45 minutes before going outside
D. 2-3 hours before going outside

The correct answer is "c".

4. Which of the following infections are more common in the summer?
A. Lyme Disease
B. Influenza
C. Tonsilitis
D. All of the above

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Grilling Safety Tips

Summer Fire Facts

Barbecue grills caused about 900 home fires and 3,500 outdoor fires in 2002.

Half of all grill-related home fires begin on a balcony or unenclosed porch.

More U.S. fires are reported on the 4th of July than on any other day. Fireworks account for half of those fires.

In 2004, fireworks started about 1,600 structure fires.

The tip of a sparkler burns at more than 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit-hot enough to cause third-degree burns.

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BE PREPARED FOR THE PEAK OF HURRICANE SEASON

Hurricanes in Georgia?  Yes! According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Georgia is at particular risk of being affected by hurricanes because it is a coastal state.  The hurricanes that affect Georgia are severe tropical storms that form in the southern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico. Hurricane season lasts from June 1st until November 30th, but the majority of activity is from August until October.  Therefore, every state resident should plan what to do in the event of an evacuation.

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Photography: You can do it, but here are a few tips to remember....

I was recently contacted by an online travel guide company.  They had found a photo that I had taken that I posted online and they wanted to use it in there newest travel guide. Of course I did not get paid for it but I was honored that they chose it and gave me credit for it. I by no means consider myself a "professional" photographer. I have never owned a fancy camera with all the accessories or taken any course on photography. I try to the best with what hardware I have  but I let my passion for the art do the rest.  I have learned many things about photography on my own and sadly there are many thing that I have learned the hard way. I would like to share them and some other tips with you that may help you wether you are take it up as a hobby or to use in your business. (Again, I am not a professional)

1. Take advantage of opportunities -Photography is 24/7, it really is all about timing. I can't count the times that I have said or my wife has said " I/You should have had the camera" No matter what field of work you are in or what recreational activities you enjoy when a opportunity for a good photos presents itself have a camera and start shooting. Look for opportunities that might repeat themselves the next day or at a certain time of the year if you missed it the first time , like a sunset or a winter shot. Keep it in your mind or write it down and catch it the next go round.

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Going Green Is Catching On

Going Green is almost a fad nowadays.  Celebrities are doing it, your neighbors are doing it, and you should too.  In order to go green you have to think way beyond recycling.  Unplugging your electronic household items when they are not in use can save 8% on your electricity bill each month because these items drain energy even they are off.  Setting your AC up higher than normal or at times even turning it off a couple of days a weeks can save enery through the summer months.  Carpooling with co-workers not only saves you money and fuel but also eliminates the amount of carbon monoxide that is released into the atmosphere, helping lower a risk of global warming.  Going Green not only saves money, but helps protect people, animals and our precious planet!

Pam Brown - Marketing Representative

"Unfried" Green Tomatoes

One of the legendary movies of all times, "Fried Green Tomatoes" acquainted people from all over the world to a classic southern summer treat.  No one can resist a platter of hot crispy fried green tomatoes.  There is nothing like them!  But, for those of us battling high cholesterol or watching our weight, they are off limits.  However, I recently discovered a method of making the dish without added fat.  Here's how....

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Roof Estimates

Hello, my name is Pearla. I work in job data processing at Champion Construction Systems, Inc.

I have not been able to put information in the Champion blog because we have had alot of roof claims lately. Maybe you have had hail or wind damage to your roof.

Some of the questions that our customers have had are:

" Why won't you do an estimate for the roof like all the other  companies". 

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Summertime Quiz

1. What day does summer officially begin in the United States?

At the moment of the summer solstice, June 21, when the sun reaches its highest altitude in the north.

2. What favorite summertime footwear was inspired by traditional Japanese sandals?

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