Is It Time For The Christmas Tree ALREADY?

It is hard to believe that we are seeing these trees going up already. It seems that they are going up earlier and earlier each year. None the less it is time to review some important safety tips. The following link has some GREAT ideas on a variety of topics which I hope you find beneficial for your home safety. http://www.homesafetycouncil.org/SafetyGuide/sg_holiday_w002.asp

I hope you enjoy and please pass along any tips you find interesting and helpful to your family and friends.

All The Best!!

Peter Kanavas - Contents Supervisor

Cooking and Kitchen Safety - Fire Prevention

We have had numerous kitchen fires to respond to. One in particular was extinguished rapidly by a fast thinking and fast acting young lady. She knew in advance what to do so when she had to she jumped into action saving the home from any major structural damage and herself from any harm.

I know that just reading the above may not help you so please read the below and visit the linked site so you too will be properly prepared:

Cooking Safety

Families spend a lot of time in the kitchen. It is often the favorite place to be together. But many injuries can happen there. To stay safe when you are cooking and eating, here are some tips. http://www.homesafetycouncil.org/SafetyGuide/sg_cooking_w001.asp

Thanks, and stay safe!

Peter Kanavas - Contents Department Manager

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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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

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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Office Email Etiquette

Within the last couple of years Champion has grown to a significantly large construction company.  This calls for more office personnel to handle all the task involved with insurance company adjusters, vendors, sub-contractors, and homeowners. With that being said, a certain amount of office etiquette should be displayed by all. Below are a few tips.

Ninety two percent of Internet users in the United States use email. That's a huge number since 73% of those living in the U.S. use the Internet (Information Please® Database, Pearson Education, Inc., 2008). Many people use email for business communications, which stresses the importance of knowing proper email etiquette. While a lot of people understand the importance of following certain rules when writing a business letter, they often forget these rules when composing an email message. Here's a refresher.

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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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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

Champion Rug Cleaning: How We Do It

Hey!  I'm Zach Reets and I am one of the rug cleaning technicians here at Champion.  I'm going to briefly explain how we clean area rugs. 

Step 1:  Remove as much of the dry soil as possible (i.e. pet hair, dirt, dust, pollen etc).  We do this by thoroughly vaccuming the front and back of the rug.

Step 2:  Completely submerge the rug in water and then scrub it with an orbital buffer while applying rug shampoo. 

Step 3:  Give it proper dwell time.  The more heavily soiled the rug the longer it will take. 

Step 4:  Rinse the rug through with the wand.  Repeat steps 2 and 3 until water rinses clear.

Step 5:  Extract the remaining water from the rug and hang to dry.



Zach Reets - Carpet Cleaning Technician

www.championcleaningsystems.com