Preparing Makes Sense for Pet Owners

A unique instructional video containing information for pet owners and suggestions for proactive pet emergency preparedness.

Fireworks Statistics and Safety

Many families plan to use fireworks this weekend. However many people don't realize the risks involved in using fireworks. Here are some fireworks injury statistics from cpsc.gov:

• 200 people on average per day went to the emergency room with fireworks related injuries from June 17th to July 7th, 2011
• 4 people died in 2011 because of illegal or homemade fireworks
• Hands and fingers were the most injured part of the body
• Sparklers caused the most injuries
• Men were injured more than women

Here are some great tips for fireworks safety from safekids.org:

1. The best way to protect your family is to not use any fireworks at home. Instead, attend public fireworks displays and leave the lighting to the professionals.
2. Closely supervise children around fireworks at all times.
3. Do not wear loose clothing while using fireworks.
4. Never light fireworks indoors or near dry grass.
5. Point fireworks away from homes, and keep away from brush, leaves and flammable substances.
6. Always have a bucket of water and/or a fire extinguisher nearby. Know how to operate the fire extinguisher properly.

RECOMMENDED READING: I SURVIVED A HOUSE FIRE...I WISH MY STUFF HAD.

BOOK DESCRIPTION FROM AMAZON:

In May 2002, Michael and Candace Quinn had just returned to their eighty-year-old home from their whirlwind wedding and honeymoon. Exhausted, they fell into bed, wanting to sleep late the next morning. Their home, however, had other ideas. At 3:10 a.m., their world changed forever as they watched a merciless fire rapidly consume their home and belongings.

Candace Quinn relies on her personal experience as a fire victim combined with a firefighter family background in order to educate others on how to prevent a fire, protect personal belongings, and create a plan of action should a home disaster occur.

Quinn teaches specifically how to:

• Inventory, document, and store possessions
• Develop a "grab-and-go" list for each room
• Practice a fast escape and arrange a meeting location
• Secure a fire-safe home through vigilant observations

This practical how-to guide will help any family learn the precautionary steps required to minimize the devastation created by a personal disaster.

Check out www.isurvivedahousefire.com to learn more about the book, the author and great fire safety tips.

Order the book from Amazon

Lightning Kills: Play It Safe!

Atlanta Area Events in July 2013

July 3rd: Summer Break Tour: Big Time Rush and Victoria Justice at Chastain Park Amphitheatre

July 5th -7th: Les Miserables at Frederick Brown, Jr. Amphitheatre

July 9th - 14th: Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story at The Fox Theatre in Atlanta

July 14th: Luke Bryan with Thompson Square and Florida Georgia Line at Aaron's Amphitheatre at

Lakewood in Atlanta

July 27th: Keith Urban with Dustin Lynch and Little Big Town at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre in Alpharetta

July 27th - August 4th: Downtown Atlanta Restaurant Week

Great Feedback from a Happy Customer

"I have never been as impressed with a great group of young men. Very professional, efficient and knowledgeable of their line of work. Considering the age of my crew; they out-performed the middle and older aged men I have worked with in similar job requests. Thank you!!! Big kudos to Colby...loved this kid!!!"

- Water Damage in Ellenwood, GA

How to Control Moisture and Prevent Mold

Summertime is here and it's already very humid and we've had lots of rain so far. Because of this combination, many people have started experiencing mold in their homes. What can you do to control moisture and prevent mold in your home? Here are some great tips from the EPA...

• When water leaks or spills occur indoors - ACT QUICKLY. If wet or damp materials or areas are dried 24-48 hours after a leak or spill happens, in most cases mold will not grow.
• Clean and repair roof gutters regularly.
• Make sure the ground slopes away from the building foundation, so that water does not enter or collect around the foundation.
• Keep air conditioning drip pans clean and the drain lines unobstructed and flowing properly.
• Keep indoor humidity low. If possible, keep indoor humidity below 60 percent (ideally between 30 and 50 percent) relative humidity. Relative humidity can be measured with a moisture or humidity meter, a small, inexpensive ($10-$50) instrument available at many hardware stores.
• If you see condensation or moisture collecting on windows, walls or pipes ACT QUICKLY to dry the wet surface and reduce the moisture/water source. Condensation can be a sign of high humidity.

If you have a mold problem in your home or business, Champion's IICRC certified professionals have the training and experience to:

• Identify the moisture sources
• Evaluate the mold growth
• Contain the damage to the smallest area possible
• Physically remove contamination
• Dry and treat the materials to ensure that mold will not return
• Perform or recommend procedures for returning property to a pre-loss condition

Frequently Asked Questions About Mold

Helpful Disaster Prevention and Restoration Information

REPORT AN EMERGENCY!

Lightning Safety Video

More than 80% of lightning fatalities are men who did not seek shelter from an approaching storm, but instead kept on fishing, boating, golfing, biking, or working outdoors. Be prepared by recognizing danger and knowing what to do and what not to do. If you can hear thunder, even a distant rumble, lightning is close enough to strike you. Immediately seek shelter in a substantial building or a metal-topped vehicle.

Lightning Safety Week: June 23-29, 2013

ACCORDING TO THE NOAA: "Summer is the peak season for one of the nation's deadliest weather phenomena - lightning. Though lightning strikes peak in summer, people are struck year round. In the United States, an average of 54 people are killed each year by lightning, and hundreds more are severely injured."

Here are some safety tips from the NOAA:

• NO PLACE outside is safe when thunderstorms are in the area!!
• If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike you.
• When you hear thunder, immediately move to safe shelter: a substantial building with electricity or plumbing or an enclosed, metal-topped vehicle with windows up.
• Stay in safe shelter at least 30 minutes after you hear the last sound of thunder.

LIGHTNING: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU ARE STRUCK BY LIGHTNING

LIGHTNING FATALITIES IN 2012

LIGHTNING FATALITIES IN 2013

What Causes Sewage Backup?

There are four main causes for sewer blockages and sewage water damage:

• Solid Flushes. The most common cause for sewage backup in Vallejo, CA is a blockage in the pipe between the home or building and the city main. This is usually caused by solid objects that accidentally entered the system such as disposable diapers, garbage, toys, or other debris.
• Structural Defects. Different structural defects can develop over time and eventually cause major damage to the system, leading to a serious overflow that will require sewage removal in Vallejo, CA and a complete reconstruction of sewer lines. These defects include misaligned pipes, pipe collapses, and cracks or holes in the line.
• Root Infiltration. Tree roots are a major cause of sewage backups. They can enter the service pipe at joints and spread, causing blockages along the way. Growing tree roots can also create structural defects by cracking the pipes as they expand.
• City sewer backup or surge. If the backup occurs in a city sewage line, the wastewater will normally overflow out of the lowest possible opening. In some homes or buildings, especially those with basements, the overflowing sewage wastewater may exit through the home or building’s lower drains and toilets.