Summer Safety Tips

5/9/2019 (Permalink)

Keep Summer Fun!

Summer is right around the corner and so are all the leisurely activities that follow. Most of us will be taking camping trips and spending afternoons at the pool or grilling out. Sometimes it’s easy to forget about the risks that come along with summer activities. The National Fire Protection Association provides many useful tips to keep you and your loved ones safe throughout the summer.

Campfire Safety

• Permitted campfires need to be at least 25 feet away from any structure.
• Never use gasoline, flammable liquids or combustible liquids on a flame.
• Avoid burning on windy, dry days. It is easier for open burning to spread out of control when it's windy and dry.
• Watch children while the fire is burning. Never let children or pets play or stand too close to the fire
• Always have a hose, a bucket of water, or a shovel & dirt/sand nearby to put out the campfire.

Grilling Safety

• Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors
• The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Keep Children and pets at least 3 feet away from the grill area.
• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from grills and in trays and below the grill.
• Never leave your grill unattended.
• Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it.

Poolside/Water Safety

• Do not swim during a thunderstorm.
• Keep electrical devices, appliances, equipment, and cords 6 feet away from water.
• Make sure that any overhead lines maintain the proper distance over a pool and other structures such as a diving board.
• If you think someone in the water is being shocked, turn off all power and call 911.

National Preparedness Month

9/7/2018 (Permalink)

Be Prepared

September is National Preparedness Month 

National Preparedness Month (NPM), recognized each September, provides an opportunity to remind us that we all must prepare ourselves and our families now and throughout the year. This NPM will focus on planning, with an overarching theme: Disasters Happen. Prepare Now. Learn How.   

Take time to learn lifesaving skills − such as CPR and first aid, check your insurance policies and coverage for the hazards you may face, such as flood, earthquakes, and tornadoes. Make sure to consider the costs associated with disasters and save for an emergency. Also, know how to take practical safety steps like shutting off water and gas.

The devastating hurricanes and wildfires of 2017 reminded the nation of the importance of preparing for disasters.  Often, we will be the first ones in our communities to take action after a disaster strikes and before first responders arrive, so it is important to prepare in advance to help yourself and your community.

SERVPRO offers a number of resources which help homeowners & business owners be prepared when a disaster happens.For more information please call us at 303-576-6868 ask for Danielle Neff. 

SERVPRO also offers an Emergency Ready Plan for commercial & residential apartments. 

Benefits of the Emergency Ready Plan?

• Have a plan of action before an event occurs.
• Identify and eliminate hazards and risks to help prevent potential disasters.
• Identify major water, electrical and gas shut off locations.

https://www.ready.gov/september

Labor Day

8/31/2018 (Permalink)

Happy Labor Day!

Labor Day in the United States is a Public Holiday celebrated on the first Monday in September. It honors the American Labor Movement and the contributions that workers have made to the strength, prosperity, laws and well-being of the country. It is the Monday of the long weekend known as Labor Day Weekend and it is considered the unofficial end of summer in the United States. It is recognized as a federal holiday.

Beginning in the late 19th century, as the trade union and labor movement grew, trade unionists proposed that a day be set aside to celebrate labor. "Labor Day" was promoted by the Central Labor Union and the Knights of Labor, which organized the first parade in New York City. In 1887, Oregon was the first state of the United States to make it an official public holiday. By the time it became an official federal holiday in 1894, thirty states in the United States officially celebrated Labor Day.

Canada's Labour Day is also celebrated on the first Monday of September. More than 80 countries celebrate International Workers' Day on May 1 – the ancient European holiday of May Day – and several countries have chosen their own dates for Labour Day.

To Learn more about Labor Day, please visit: 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labor_Day

Giving Back to Educational Institutions

6/22/2018 (Permalink)

We Support Educational Institutions

The owners of a Colorado SERVPRO  wholeheartedly support educational institutions, and are dedicated to preserving the integrity of every educational institute.

Who are Nick and Travis?

The brothers grew up in Cedar Falls, Iowa, graduating from the University of Iowa in 2011, Nick with a degree in accounting and Travis with a finance degree.

Nick worked in public accounting for 6 years until purchasing a Colorado SERVPRO franchise in 2016.

Shortly after Nick moved to Colorado, Travis closed their consumer finance business and joined his brother in Colorado.

Keeping in mind their educational background contributed to the success of SERVPRO. Nick and Travis wanted to show appreciation for education by sponsoring their hometown U of I Hawkeyes.

Concepts & Core Values 

• The belief there is an educational foundation behind every successful business and establishment.
• Supporting all employees in the pursuit of furthering their education.
• Providing proper training and education for all employees.
• An investment in knowledge is an investment in individual growth as well as business growth.

A little more about our U of I Alumni:

While working in public accounting Nick became a board member of Tree Des Moines, which is a community non-profit organization supporting a healthy and sustainable urban tree canopy for a viable and livable Des Moines Metro Area. He worked with children; educating and helping them better understand the biology behind different tree species and how they benefit the environment.

After graduating college Travis wasted no time opening a consumer finance business, managing and operating Osprey Capital SD LLC for 6 years. However, he wanted to make a change in people's lives,co-owning a SERVPRO gave him the opportunity to help people whose homes have been damaged by storm, water, fire or mold.

http://hawksontherocks.com/

Start Your Year With a Digital Cleanse

1/16/2018 (Permalink)

1. Erase your Google search history

Google’s mission is to know everything, so few are surprised that the world’s most famous search engine keeps close records of your browsing history. This might seem harmless at first: Your computer remembers the websites you visit, so it’s easier to access them later on, right? What’s the big deal?

2. Erase your Facebook search history

Would you believe that Facebook keeps the same kind of records at Google? If anything, Facebook’s data is even more personal, such as clubs and pastimes, because of the tidbits we share with our social network.

Facebook also mines when you’ve looked up an ex or a neighbor. If someone accesses your account, even by accident, that information is fully available.

3. Use covert search engines

Google has hundreds of millions of users around the world, and the company’s name has become synonymous with “finding information.” But remember, you don’t have to use Google, and as handy as the service is, there are other ways to navigate around the web.

Great Meals for Slow Cooker Month

1/16/2018 (Permalink)

CROCK POT BEEF AND BROCCOLI

1. 2 lbs. sirloin steak or boneless beef chuck roast, sliced thin
2. 1 cup beef broth
3. 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
4. 1/4 cup brown sugar
5. 1 Tablespoon sesame oil
6. 3 garlic cloves, minced
7. 4 Tablespoons cornstarch
8. 4 Tablespoons water
9. 1 (12 oz.) bag frozen broccoli florets

White rice, cooked

1. In the insert of the crockpot, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and garlic.
2. Place slices of beef in the liquid and toss to coat. Cover with lid and cook on low heat for 5 hours.
3. When done, whisk together cornstarch and water in small bowl. Pour into crock pot and stir to mix well. Add the frozen broccoli over the beef and sauce. Gently stir to combine. Cover with lid and cook 30 minutes to cook broccoli and thicken sauce.
4. Serve over warm white rice. Enjoy!

PORTOBELLA CHICKEN SLOW COOKER RECIPE

Ingredients

SERVPRO of Aurora Dines With Firehouse 7

11/24/2017 (Permalink)

Thanksgiving Dinner with Firehouse 7.

SERVPRO of Aurora wanted to show our local Firehouse appreciation for protecting and serving the community. SERVPRO of Aurora provided and dined with the firefighters of Firehouse 7 on November 22nd 2017.Many firefighters spend the holidays away from their families and loved ones so that they may serve the community. Emergencies don't stop for the holidays and firefighters know that best. Here at SERVPRO of Aurora we believe the men and women who dedicate so much time to keeping us safe deserve the utmost respect and recognition. 

SERVPRO of Aurora gave Firehouse 7 a letter of recognition. 

Dear Firefighters,

          We want to thank you for serving and protecting our community! Thank you for your selflessness during this holiday season, and spending your holidays saving lives and keeping families safe. Thank you for waking up at any hour of the night to save someone's home. Thank you for teaching and informing the community about fire prevention and safety. The Fire Department strengthens our community and we value every sacrifice you make in order to keep us all safe. 

                            Sincerely, SERVPRO of Aurora

For more about SERVPRO of Aurora, and the Aurora Community visit our facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/SERVPROAurora/ 

BEST OF COLORADO -SERVPRO Aurora, Gold Medal Winner

4/5/2017 (Permalink)

Readers Choice, Best of Colorado Gold Medal. Best Cleaning & Restoration Company

Each year Colorado Customers vote for their favorite pizza, brewery, brunch, margaritas and almost every industry you can imagine. 

SERVPRO Aurora is honored that they just earned the prestigious Gold Medal in the category "Best Cleaning & Restoration Company" BEST OF COLORADO READERS SURVEY

Within the last year the SERVPRO Aurora franchise is under new ownership. It is noteworthy that the BOC Readers Choice Gold Medal aligns with the praise SERVPRO Aurora has garnered from their recent and raving Customer Certificates of Satisfaction reports.

Residential Services

Whether you need emergency flood damage restoration or top-to-bottom home cleaning, you can trust SERVPRO Franchise Professionals to make your house feel like home again. They have the training, experience, and equipment to quickly get your home looking its best. Our residential services include the following:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Storm Damage Restoration
• Cleaning Services 

Commercial Services

Your commercial property’s appearance speaks volumes to your clients. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have the training and expertise to help make it “Like it never even happened.” With over 1,700 Franchises nationwide, there’s a SERVPRO Professional nearby and ready to serve you. Our commercial services include the following:

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration 
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration
• Commercial Mold Remediation 
• Commercial Cleaning Services
• Commercial Storm and Major Events 

https://www.SERVPRO.com/

Avoiding furnace repairs during the coldest days in Colorado

2/15/2017 (Permalink)

Nobody likes being uncomfortable, especially when it’s -8 degrees and your furnace goes out. Then you have to make that painful call to your expensive repair man, who can only work on the furnace while you’re at home. Oh, let’s not forget those pesky Holiday or after hour fees they charge. So now you’re stuck in a freezing house in the middle of winter with no heat, which is not only uncomfortable, but can also be dangerous. Everyone says hindsight is 20/20, so here are a couple of tips you could have used to help prevent this unfortunate situation.

• Keep An Eye On Your Furnace’s Air Filter

The air filter for the furnace is there for just that, to filter out the dirt, dust and debris from your home, and when this filter gets over used, it reduces the amount of air flowing into your system. In turn, this causes a negative impact on your system and starts to make it work harder, making it more vulnerable to those costly breakdowns and running up your energy bill. It’s always smart to change your furnace filter every one to three months.

• Make Sure You're Keeping Your HVAC System Free of Debris

As previously mentioned, dirt and debris can block airflow and can cause a system to shut down. So making sure the area around your furnace is clean and clear is a must. Also, occasionally checking your air vents to make sure they are open and unblocked by furniture that can impede the heat coming into rooms is a good habit to get into. Contact SERVPRO of Aurora to schedule your HVAC system cleaning now.

• Have Your HVAC System Maintained Regularly

Having your HVAC system maintained by a professional who can spot and stop problems not only saves money by avoiding major issues, but also allows your system to run more efficiently ending up with lower energy bills. Ultimately, the visit of the maintenance visit will pay for itself through less money towards bills, fewer repairs and a longer lasting furnace.