The Heat is On! Staying Warm with Heating Safety

1/16/2024 (Permalink)

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the leading cause of home fire deaths is from equipment used to heat your home during the cold winter months. Continue reading to make sure that you’re taking the proper safety steps to make sure that you’re using heating equipment in a responsible way.

Portable Heaters – You should never leave any sort of space heaters, electric blankets, or any other portable heaters unattended. It’s possible for these items to short out and start fires.

Chimney Inspection – It’s very important to have your chimney inspected and cleaned annually. This makes sure that they are structurally sound, as well as getting rid of any blockages that may prevent the chimney from properly venting smoke from your home.

Three Foot Rule – For anything in your home that is used to generate heat (fireplace, woods stove, furnace, space heater) you should ensure that there is at least three feet of space between that and any flammable items in your household.

Smoke Alarms – Check your smoke alarms regularly. Smoke alarms should be checked every month to ensure proper function, as well as making sure that the batteries do not need to be changed.

When it’s cold outside there’s nothing like curling up in a nice warm house and keeping cozy. Just be sure to enjoy the warmth by following proper safety rules to ensure your winter plans go off without a hitch!

Duct Cleaning

9/15/2023 (Permalink)

Have you cleaned your ductwork lately?

While most people know the SERVPRO brand for water and fire damage restoration, we also provide other crucial services to homes and businesses. One such service is duct cleaning.

 Air ducts perform the essential functions of moving the air around your building, providing hot or cold air depending on the season, and helping to maintain proper air quality and circulation. Like everything else in your home or business, it requires regular maintenance and cleaning to perform at its best. Over time, ducts can be filled with dust and dirt particles, or even mold spores and other harmful contaminants. While your HVAC’s air filters are meant to help remove these things from the air, they don’t always get all of it, and a build-up can occur in the ducts. This buildup can limit airflow and ultimately affect your HVAC system’s efficiency. Not only will this increase your energy costs, but it can also make it harder to maintain a comfortable environment for your staff and customers. Not only are you losing efficiency and air quality by neglecting your air ducts, but if left long enough this dust buildup can become a huge fire hazard.

Air duct cleaning should be done roughly every three to five years, or more depending on the building and what it’s used for. If your business needs a duct cleaning give us a call or fill out our form online and let us know how we can help!

Happy Administrative Professionals Day

4/24/2019 (Permalink)

Cassie, Lisa, and Brittany, our Administrative Staff

It's nice to have a day to recognize the people who help to make our SERVPRO® of Elizabeth City/Outer Banksoperate daily.  Behind the scenes, our administrative staff is helping to get your life back to normal again.  It begins with your call or your insurance company's no matter what time of the day.  Our crews are dispatched, and our estimator evaluates the damage.  Communication is kept throughout your claim between our company and your insurance company.  In cases where no insurance claims are filed, we will work directly with the homeowner or the business.  A water damage or fire damage loss make take only a day to cleanup or could take months.  Our staff works daily to make sure everyone involved has what they need to help make it "Like it never even happened."

September is National Preparedness Month & 9/11 Day of Remembrance

8/24/2018 (Permalink)

September is National Preparedness Month

National Preparedness month is recognized each September and helps provide an opportunity to remind us that we all must prepare ourselves and our families now and throughout the year. 

SERVPRO of Elizabeth City/Outer Banks in conjunction with FEMA will focus this month on planning, with the NPM theme:  Disasters Happen, Prepare Now.  Learn How.  During the month of September, we will post weekly blogs on topics surrounding How to Make and Practice Your Plan; Learn Life Saving Skills, Check Your Coverage, and Saving For an Emergency. 

It is important to take time to learn lifesaving skills such as CPR and first aid, to check your insurance policies and coverage for hazards you may face such as floods and hurricanes.  You need to consider the costs from those hazards and that you may need to save for an emergency.  Also, knowing how to shut off water and gas is an important safety step to know in advance.

SERVPRO of Elizabeth City/Outer Banks has a free Emergency Ready Plan mobile app and service to help businesses be prepared for an emergency.  The all in one place, at your fingertips mobile app will help provide the first responders with the immediate information they need to help minimize the damage and to quickly get you back in business.  As a free service to you, our SERVPRO Representative will meet with you and your key personnel, to plug in your business facility details that will help you and your employees to be ready for whatever happens.  Call us to learn more about our ERP Business Plan.

Take a moment to learn more about a victim of the 9/11 attacks by exploring the 9/11 Memorial Guide.

SERVPRO is #1 in the Restoration Services Industry

3/16/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is #1 in Restoration and #12 in the overall Franchise 500 for 2018

SERVPRO , a cleanup and restoration franchise company, continues to dominate its segment of Entreprenuer magazine's Franchise 500 list, receiving top ranking in the Restoration Services industry, for the 15th consecutive year.  

Sue Steen, SERVPRO Industries, Inc., CEO, said the company also achieved the number 12 spot overall in the prestigious rankings, standing out in a record-breaking group of more than 1,020 franchises qualified for the 2018 list.

SERVPRO was among 20 other highly recognizable companies such as McDonalds (#1 overall), Re/Max, 7-Eleven and Supercuts to name a few. 

Globe Newswire says The purpose of this list is to use objective and quantifiable  measures of a franchise operation to help those would-be entrepreneurs identify franchise investment opportunities, and the evaluation process is based on "The Five Pillars of the Franchise 500".

• Costs and Fees
• Size and Growth
• Support
• Brand Strength
• "Our results show that the industry is strong—and that the strongest franchisors are those who've learned to balance between innovating to attract new customers and remaining reliable enough to keep the old ones happy."

In an online article by Globe Newswire, Sue Steen, SERVPRO Industries, Inc., CEO was quoted as saying, “SERVPRO’s financial strength and stability, growth rate, and system size all contribute to the company’s success, and by extension to the success of its franchisees. The commitment to excellence starts at the top and carries through to the service each franchisee provides to each and every customer.”

Our Highly Trained Restoration Specialists Can Restore Your Elizabeth City/Outer Banks Home

2/26/2018 (Permalink)

We are an IICRC Certified Firm at SERVPRO of Elizabeth City/Outer Banks, 252-331-7889

SERVPRO of Elizabeth City/Outer Banks is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

IICRC Certified Firms must

• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.

• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.

• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.

• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.

• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.

Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.

About SERVPRO of Elizabeth City/Outer Banks

SERVPRO of Elizabeth City/Outer Banks specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: from initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

For Immediate Service in Elizabeth City/Outer Banks, Call SERVPRO of Elizabeth City/Outer Banks

2/26/2018 (Permalink)

Elizabeth City and Outer Banks Residents: We provide immediate service day or night, call 252-331-7889.

SERVPRO of Elizabeth City/Outer Banks provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in Elizabeth City/Outer Banks. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
• Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
• Locally Owned and Operated
• Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment 

Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 – 252-331-7889

Residential Services

Whether your Elizabeth City or Outer Banks home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us.  Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Storm Damage Restoration
• Cleaning Services
• Building/Reconstruction Services

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your Elizabeth City or Outer Banks commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business. Learn more about our commercial services:

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

Winter Weather Preparedness in North Carolina

12/26/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Elizabeth City, Outer Banks 252-331-7889

North Carolina Governor declared December 3-9 as Winter Weather Preparedness Week and encouraged that state residents plan, be prepared, and be ready for potentially dangerous winter weather in the upcoming months.

In spite of the forecasters' at The NOAA Climate Prediction Center expectation of a warmer and drier winter due to a mild La Nina, winter storms will occur.  

SERVPRO of Elizabeth City/Outer Banks wants you to be Emergency Ready Prepared when disaster strikes.   We can help you put together your SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile.  Visit http://ready.SERVPRO.com with user name as ERP@ECityOBX.com, password is Ready.

For more information from the North Carolina Emergency Management Officials visit www.readync.org.

Did You Know. . . Houseplants Filter Your Air

11/30/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Elizabeth City/Outer Banks, 252-331-7889

NASA’s 1989 Clean Air Study researched how to clean the air in space stations and one of their findings showed that certain plants were particularly effective at filtering toxins from the air.

What you may not be aware of however, are the common household items found in and around your home emit chemicals that could be harmful.  Chemicals such as Benzene found in some spray adhesives, furniture polishes, motor oil.  Formaldehyde found in resins used to make composite wood products, like insulation, plywood and other building materials.  Xylene & Toluene found in certain paints, fingernail polish and adhesives. Trichloroethylene found in some household cleaners, sealants and degreasers.

Good news is there are low maintenance, low-light houseplants that come to the rescue and help to filter those toxins from your air.  The Peace Lily, Spider Plant, English Ivy, Variegated Snake Plant, Red-Edged Dracaena, Chinese Evergreen, and the Areca Palm are great filtering houseplants, according to mindbodygreen.  Pots Planters & More will help you choose right for your space.

Thanksgiving Safety

11/3/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Elizabeth City/Outer Banks, 252-331-7889

November is a time of the year that inspires family get togethers, like Thanksgiving.  As you begin the holiday season, and are busy whipping up delicious dishes, it’s also important to take time to remember safety.  Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by Christmas Day and Christmas Eve.

Cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires and home-fire-related injuries in the U.S.  According to the NFPA (National Fire Protection Agency), cooking equipment and heating equipment are the leading causes of home fire deaths,  read more at Thanksgiving Safety  and watch the Danger of Turkey Fryers Video. 

If you have a cooking fire, consider just getting out and when you leave close the door behind you to help contain the fire.  Then call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number after you leave.  Consider for an over fire, to turn off the heat and keep the door closed and to keep a lid nearby when cooking to smother small grease fires. 

SERVPRO® of Elizabeth City/Outer Banks want you, your family, and your property to stay safe.  If you do experience a fire or water damage during the holidays, or any time of the year, we can make it “Like it never even happened.”

November is Military Family Month.  SERVPRO® of Elizabeth City/Outer Banks would like to thank all service members and their families during Military Family Month and all year-round.

Smoke Alarm Awareness

10/12/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® Elizabeth City, Outer Banks, 252-331-7889

The National Fire Protection Agency  reports that 3 out of 5 home fire deaths that occur, the homes had non-working smoke alarms.  Homes with no smoke alarms at all resulted in more than 1/3 of home fire deaths.  

Fortunately, having a working smoke alarm cuts your risk of dying in a home fire by half.  Age matters so check the date on your smoke alarm.  Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years.  Every bedroom needs a working smoke alarm, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home including the basement.

Test your alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button.  

SERVPRO® of Elizabeth City, Outer Banks is your 24-Hour Emergency Service to help restore your home and belongings that suffer from fire, smoke, and extensive water damage from firefighting efforts. 252-331-7889

#AlwaysHereToHelp #FirePrevention

Fire Extinguisher Awareness

10/12/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Elizabeth City, Outer Banks, 252-331-7889

A portable fire extinguisher can save lives and property by putting out a small fire or containing it until the fire department arrives; but they do have their limits.  Never underestimate a fire and how quickly it will grow and spread, make getting out safely your #1 priority.  

A portable fire extinguisher should only be used when the fire is contained in a small area, such as a wastebasket, and is not growing; everyone has exited the building; the fire department has been called or is being called; and the room is not filled with smoke.

To operate a fire extinguisher, remember the word PASS:

• Pull the pin.  Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you, and  release the locking mechanism.
• Aim low.  Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
• Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.
• Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side.

NFPA Fire extinguisher safety tips 

SERVPRO® of Elizabeth City, Outer Banks is your 24-Hour Emergency Service for Fire Repair and Restoration, #FirePrevention #AlwaysHereToHelp

Fire Escape Planning

10/12/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Elizabeth City, Outer Banks 252-331-7889

Plan Ahead!  If a fire should break out in your home, you only have a few minutes to get out safely before the smoke alarm sounds.  

Remember that items blocking doors and windows could keep you from escaping quickly and could mean the difference between life and death.

A key to your fire escape plan and keeping your family safe is practicing a home fire escape plan at least twice a year.  You should identify two escape routes out of each room, if possible, and then make sure that each of those escape routes can be used safely by everyone.

Remember to always choose the escape route that is the safest- the one with the least amount of smoke and heat.  Everyone in the family should practice getting low and going under the smoke to your designated exit.

The NFPA has a Basic Fire Escape Plan with ways to put your plan to test and other hot topics.  

SERVPRO® of Elizabeth City, Outer Banks is your 24-hour emergency Fire Damage Repair & Restoration Company #FirePrevention #AlwaysHereToHelp, 252-331-7889.

Fall. . . A Time for New Beginnings

9/22/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Elizabeth City/Outer Banks, 252-331-7889

Fall. . . A Time for New Beginnings

A time for new beginnings

Fall is a beautiful time of the year.  While the leaves start to turn and the cool weather rolls in, it’s also a time for new beginnings and a fresh start.  Many of us are getting the kiddies ready for an exciting new school year.   For some, it’s about closing out the vacation season, finishing up with summer gardening, and the end of the lazy days of summer.

Stay on schedule 

During this change in season, it is so much fun to get excited about fresh, new possibilities.  Fall is a time to create new routines, nutritional goals, and organizational pursuits.  Oftentimes though, we can get so bogged down with the reality of a new school year and added responsibilities, we can forget all of the good intentions that we had in mind at the start of the season.

 Keep the routine flowing

Here are a few suggestions that will help keep you focused and on track this Fall while getting the kids in a great back to school routine.

• As we send our little ones back into the germ pool at school, it is important to help them fight those germs. Make a list of healthy, nutritional, family favs meals and snacks that you can fall back to during week nights.  This list will be your “go to” list instead of ordering a quick, unhealthy, more convenient option.
• Pick a day on the weekend to cook in bulk so that you can have quick nutritional meals in a hurry at the end of your busy weekday.
• Hang a family activity calendar where everyone can see and know where they should be at a moments notice.

Commit to routines and create visible daily checklists that work for your family and help to make the day run smoothly.

• Morning routine checklist- teeth, breakfast, homework packed, papers signed, after school plans are discussed and grab lunch.
• After school checklist- backpacks in designated space, snack, chores, and homework completed at specified daily time and place.
• Bedtime routine- Homework and papers are packed, teeth brushed, layout clothes for the following day, and to bed on time.

Consistency is key and routines can be helpful while transitioning into the new school year and the new season.

Happy Fall Y'all!

How to Prepare. . . Create Your Emergency Plan

9/14/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Elizabeth City/Outer Banks, 252-331-7889

September is National Preparedness Month and all of us at SERVPRO of Elizabeth City/Outer Banks want to help make sure that you are prepared in case of a natural or human caused disaster.

The American Red Cross says that close to 60% of Americans are wholly unprepared for a disaster of any kind and that only 1 in 10 American households has taken the appropriate preparedness steps:  a family emergency plan, an emergency supply kit and training in First Aid and CPR/AED.

Your emergency plan takes only 3 steps:

1. Discuss how to prepare and respond to the types of emergencies, like fire, flood, hurricane, winter storm, tornado, that are most likely to happen where you live, learn, work and play.
2. Identify responsibilities for each member of your household and how you will work together as a team.
3. Practice as many elements of your plan as possible. . . role play.

#HereToHelp #SERVPROobx #NatPrep #NationalPreparednessMonth

Family Disaster Plan Template-English

Family Disaster Plan Template-Spanish

Fact or Fiction-Common Causes of House Fires

5/10/2017 (Permalink)

Fact or Fiction-Common Cause of House Fires

In an episode of SaveOnEnergy.com's Fact or Fiction,  they explore common causes of house fires in the United States. 

SaveOnEnergy.com took a  poll that reveals most people believe the primary reason for house fires begins with cooking mishaps.

Several of their respondents chose electrical failures or candles as primary reasons for house fires.

What do you think comes in first place? Visit Fact or Fiction-Common Causes of House Fires

Tips To Prevent Water Damage

3/7/2017 (Permalink)

Avoid Future Costly Repairs

Your peace of mind and your being prepared when the next heavy storm hits your area is very important to us here at SERVPRO® of Elizabeth City/OBX.  

Water damage the #1 villain weakens your home's foundation. Wet wood can invite termites, carpenter ants, not to mention toxic mold and mildew.

Our friends at Houselogic.com have three easy strategies to help prepare you and your family from a water damage disaster.  They provide prevention tips, and answer the question why it matters and how to do it. Maintenance costs have also been factored in to the prevention tip.

Tips. . . Cheaper Than Paying For Repairs

The Go-To Guide For Personal Property Restoration

2/7/2017 (Permalink)

The Hidden Costs of Kitchen Fires

An Insurance Adjusters Go-To Guide

In this volume of our Contents Solutions, The Go-To Guide for Personal Property Restoration, we will uncover the Hidden Costs of "Kitchen Fires", "The Remote Adjuster's New Friend", "Alternatives for Melting Ice", and a Tip on how to get a close-up shot of a shiny object without getting the reflection too.

Our Contents Solutions edition will provide you with more Insider Secrets from the contents pros.

The Go-To Guide

Ladder Safety Tips

10/31/2016 (Permalink)

Every year, according to one estimate, some 164,000 people land in the ER because they scrambled up a ladder without heeding the accident-avoidance rules. Keep yourself safe with these ladder safety tips.

Avoid the shakes.
Station your ladder on dry, level ground. If you are working at the roofline, extend it several feet above the point of contact. Secure the locks.

Angle carefully.
Measure one fourth of the ladder’s length. That’s how far the ladder’s base should be from the wall.

Wear good shoes.
They should have nonslip soles that are fairly rigid.

Stop short.
No matter how tempting, don’t step on the top three rungs.

Don’t overreach.
Keep your hips centered between the side rails. Leaning sideways is very dangerous.

October is Cyber Security Awareness Month

10/19/2016 (Permalink)

Cyber Security Awareness Month takes place each October and focuses on ensuring that every American has the resources needed to stay safer and more secure online. It was created as a collaborative effort between government and industry reaching consumers, businesses, corporations, educational institutions and young people throughout the nation. This year marks the 13th anniversary of National Cyber Security Awareness Month.

This year's topics on the StaySafeOnline.org website for National Cyber Security Awareness Month vary from week to week and will include:

Week 1: Oct. 3-7
STOP. THINK. CONNECT.: The Basic Steps to Online Safety and Security

Week 2: Oct. 10-14
From the Break Room to the Boardroom: Creating a Culture of Cybersecurity in the Workplace

Week 3: Oct. 17-21
Recognizing and Combating Cybercrime

Week 4: Oct. 24-28
Our Continuously Connected Lives: What’s Your “Apptitude”?

Week 5: Oct. 31
Building Resilience in Critical Systems

There are several informative web sites where you can learn more about cyber security, the risks associated with connecting and preventative measures to take to make on-line activities safer at work and at home.

Visit These to Learn More:

• StaySafeOnline.org
• Department of Homeland Security
• National Initiative For Cybersecurity Careers and Studies

DIY Spray Paint Tips

9/19/2016 (Permalink)

Do you have DIY projects planned for when the weather is cooler? Here are some helpful tips for any of your spray painting projects:

Set Up a Workspace- For larger pieces, build a stage to keep the piece at a working height. Think sawhorses; for small items, a lazy susan will do.

Watch the Weather- Make sure the outside temperature is above 40 degrees. When it is colder than that, the pressure in the paint can drops.  Also, do not try to paint when it’s about to rain.

Pay Attention to Prep- Spray paint’s glossy finish highlights imperfections, so before painting, sand, clean, rinse, and dry the surface thoroughly. For vibrant light colors, like yellow, use a spray-on primer.

Go Slow- Spray in long, even passes, and overlap your last pass for good coverage. To avoid drips, instead of pointing the nozzle at the surface, position it about 8 inches away and sweep it across. Spray the entire object, let it dry, and apply a complete second coat. Don’t do one half, then the other half later, as this will result in an uneven look.

Look for more helpful DIY tips from SERVPRO of Elizabeth City/Outer Banks on social media!

It Doesn’t Cost a lot to be Prepared Elizabeth City/Outer Banks

9/7/2016 (Permalink)

It is no secret that many families and individuals are looking to cut back on spending. But with the frequency of disasters, both natural and man-made, can you afford not to be prepared? Preparedness doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. September is National Preparedness Month, and we are asking you to help your family and friends prepare for whatever may come. Here are a few tips* on how you can protect those that matter to you without spending a fortune.

• Make a Plan. Work with your family and neighbors to make an emergency plan for the types of disasters that affect your area. Make sure everyone in your family understands where to go and what to do in case of an emergency. You can download Family Emergency Plan templates at www.ready.gov/make-a-plan.
• Update Contact Information. Having accurate records for family, friends and neighbors will help you stay in contact and possibly help those in need. Make sure updated contact information is posted in visible places throughout your house and workplace.
• Check Your Policy. Review your insurance policy annually and make any necessary changes – renters, too! When a disaster strikes, you want to know that your coverage will get you back on your feet.
• Make a Ready List. You may not need all of the items in ready-made preparedness kits. Choose the essentials that fit your needs and budget. Don’t forget to keep supplies at work and in your car. Sample Ready Lists can be found at www.ready.gov/document/familysupply-list.
• Plan Your Purchases. You can save money by thinking ahead. Don’t buy preparedness items just before a storm when they’re expensive and supplies will be in high demand. Buy items at the end of the season when you can get good deals.
• Shop Sales. Shop at sales and used goods stores. Buy preparedness items throughout the year, instead of all at once, and you won’t notice the cost as much.
• Make Sure it Keeps. Store water in safe containers. You don’t need to buy expensive bottled water, just make sure your water containers are disinfected and airtight.
• Request a Gift. We all get things we don’t need. Suggest preparedness supplies as gifts from your friends and family. It just might save your life.
• Trade a Night Out. Trade one night out to fund your 72-hour kit. Taking a family of four to the movies can cost upwards of $80. Just one night staying in could fund your Ready kit.
• *The best tip: start now. Take small steps toward preparedness and before you know it, you will be Ready!

And remember, SERVPRO of Elizabeth City/Outer Banks is here to make it "Like it never even happened"!

Stress Awareness in Elizabeth City/Outer Banks

4/15/2016 (Permalink)

Breathing exercises can help reduce stress.

April is National Stress Awareness Month, and the team here at SERVPRO® of Elizabeth City/Outer Banks knows how stressful experiencing fire and water damage can be. While we work on restoring your property “Like it never even happened”™, here are some helpful tips for reducing stress in your life.

Ways to relax your mind

Write. It may help to write about things that are bothering you. Write for 10 to 15 minutes a day about stressful events and how they made you feel. Or think about tracking your stress. This helps you find out what is causing your stress and how much stress you feel. After you know, you can find better ways to cope.

Let your feelings out. Talk, laugh, cry, and express anger when you need to. Talking with friends, family, a counselor, or a member of the clergy about your feelings is a healthy way to relieve stress.

Do something you enjoy. You may feel that you're too busy to do these things. But making time to do something you enjoy can help you relax. It might also help you get more done in other areas of your life. Try:

• A hobby, such as gardening.
• A creative activity, such as writing, crafts, or art.
• Playing with and caring for pets.
• Volunteer work.

Focus on the present. Meditation and guided imagery are two ways to focus and relax your mind.

• Meditate. When you meditate, you focus your attention on things that are happening right now. Paying attention to your breathing is one way to focus. Mindfulness-based stress reduction is one form of meditation that is very helpful with managing stress and learning how to better cope with it.
• Use guided imagery. With guided imagery, you imagine yourself in any setting that helps you feel calm and relaxed. You can use audiotapes, books, or a teacher to guide you.

Ways to relax your body

Exercise. Regular exercise is one of the best ways to manage stress. Walking is a great way to get started. Even everyday activities such as housecleaning or yard work can reduce stress. Stretching can also relieve muscle tension.

Try techniques to relax. Breathing exercises, muscle relaxation, and yoga can help relieve stress.

• Breathing exercises. These include roll breathing, a type of deep breathing.
• Progressive muscle relaxation. This technique reduces muscle tension. You do it by relaxing separate groups of muscles one by one.
• Yoga, tai chi, and qi gong. These techniques combine exercise and meditation. You may need some training at first to learn them. Books and videos are also helpful. You can do all of these techniques at home.

Let SERVPRO® of Elizabeth City/Outer Banks help reduce your stress. Call us for any of your restoration needs at (252)331-7889/(252)480-8557.

Information sourced from webmd.com.

Elizabeth City/ Outer Banks Spring Break Safety Tips.

3/28/2016 (Permalink)

Make your Spring Break vacation stress free!

With Elizabeth City/Outer Banks schools starting their Spring Break, most of us are also starting our vacations. Going on vacation should be relaxing and worry-free which is why it is important to make sure your home is secure before you leave for your trip. Here at SERVPRO of Elizabeth City/Outer Banks, we want you to be ready so you don’t come back to damages in your home.

Make Arrangements with an Emergency Contact

• Entrust a close friend or family member with your trip itinerary and contact information so they can contact you if anything happens at your home.
• Set various house lights on a timer to give the impression that someone is home.
• Leave written directions for alarm codes, doors, or other information needed to properly care for your home.
• Have a friend or family member collect your mail and paper for you daily. Full mailboxes and porches can tip potential burglars off.
• Contact the US Post Office and your local newspaper and ask to have your mail held and services suspended if someone cannot collect them for you.

Take Plumbing and Electric Precautions

• Prevent leaks and floods from damaging your home by shutting off gas and water at the meter, supply tank or appliances. Your local water company can help with this.
• Turn off the water valves to washing machines, sinks, and the dishwasher.
• Unplug electronics to cut down on any possible shortages which could potentially cause a disastrous fire.
• Double check your smoke detectors to ensure they are working properly.
• Adjust your thermostat for the season in the winter to 55-60 and in the summer to 75-80 to help control usage.

The Day of Departure

• Let your security company know that you are leaving town, and leave them the name of an alternate contact in case of an emergency.
• Take out all trash in the home and clear the fridge of anything that will perish while you are away.
• Go on one last walk-through of your home to secure windows, blinds, fences, doors, and plugs. This will ensure all entries are safe from hazardous obstructions.

 If you come back from vacation and do find damage within your home, call SERVPRO of Elizabeth City/Outer Banks at (252) 331-7889/(252) 480-8557. The sooner you call us, the sooner we can make it “Like it never even happened.”®