Fall Tips for Preparing Your Home

11/6/2018 (Permalink)

It is that time of year again! Although not every disaster is preventable, there are some things that can be foreseen. There are many preventative measures we can take to help protect our homes. Regularly cleaning the gutters and downspouts can prevent leaves from building up and blocking off pathways for rain water to travel. Another great option is to install gutter guards to prevent leaves from entering in to the gutters from the beginning. Either inspect your roof or have a professional do it for you. Replacing cracked or buckling shingles could potentially save you thousands of dollars in the long run. Be sure to check around chimneys, skylights, and pipes to ensure there are no gaps. If water gets in the gaps it could cause serious damage, so using a roof sealer would guarantee that your roof is water proof. Use a screw driver to check the trim around windows, doors, railings, and decks. Caulking any homes and replacing any weak wood is a great preventative measure. As the temperatures drop, it is important to prevent pipes from freezing. Be sure that all of the water is out of hoses and that the water valve has been shut off, to ensure that the pipes do not burst. If you live in a manufactured home, check that all skirting are secured properly and that your pipes have been covered in heat tape. If you know temperatures are going to be very low, leave the water running. A small, steady stream of water running out of your faucets will help keep your pipes from freezing. Disasters can strike at any time and happen to anyone. Small, preventative measures can be taken to lessen the probability of certain things happening to your home. 

Proper use of smoke alarms

3/22/2018 (Permalink)

SMOKE ALARMS ARE A KEY PART

of a home fire escape plan. When there is

a fire, smoke spreads fast. Working smoke

alarms give you early warning so you can

get outside quickly.

SAFETY TIPS

• Install smoke alarms inside and outside each bedroom and sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home. Install alarms in the basement.

• Large homes may need extra smoke alarms.
• It is best to use interconnected smoke alarms.

When one smoke alarm sounds they all sound.

• Test all smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.

• There are two kinds of alarms. Ionization smoke alarms are quicker to warn about flaming fires.

Photoelectric alarms are quicker to warn about smoldering fires. It is best to use both types of alarms in the home.

• A smoke alarm should be on the ceiling or high on a wall. Keep smoke alarms away from the kitchen to reduce false alarms. They should be at least 10 feet (3 meters) from the stove.

• People who are hard-of-hearing or deaf can use special alarms. These alarms have strobe lights and bed shakers.

• Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.

Simmer Pot Recipes

12/8/2017 (Permalink)

Potpouri

The holiday season has finally arrived! Trees are trimmed, stocking are hung, and Santa will be on his way shortly. All that is left is to ensure your house smells delicious! Air freshener only works for a short while, wax melts are pricey, so why not do it the old fashioned way?! With the use of a pot of water, your stove, and spices or fruit you may already have you can make your home smell like the holidays. Here are a few simmer pot recipes for you to try:

• Cinnamon sticks, apple peels, orange rinds, and whole cloves
• lemon peel, orange peel, 2 bay leaves, 3 cinnamon sticks, and 2 tbs. whole cloves
• orange peels and a few drops of vanilla
• 1 cup dried lavender, 1 tsp. anise, 1 tbs. nutmeg, 1 tbs. whole cloves, 2 cinnamon sticks
• 5 bay leaves, 1 tbs. whole cloves, 2 cinnamon sticks

Place the pot of water on the stove on low heat. Add ingredients of your choice and soon your house will smell AMAZING!!!! Add water as needed. Happy Holidays!!!

Thanksgiving Travel Tips

11/20/2017 (Permalink)

Break In

Enjoying time with friends and family, is what the holidays are all about. Many people travel to be near those that they love. Accidents can happen at anytime and to anyone. Here are a few tips to make your travel plans this holiday season a little safer:

• Plan ahead: Know where you are going and how you are going to get there. Check for construction on your route and check the weather. 
• Limit the amount of people that know you are going out of town: Posting on social sites makes it publically known you are gone.
• Leave your keys with a trusted friend: have them pick up your mail or occasionally turn on television or music
• Secure all windows and doors: ensure that there are no easy access into your home
• Timed lights: ensure that the house is lit up at night to try to defer break ins
• Invest in a home security system: Some home security systems have door cameras, window triggers, and even a laser that can be tripped if somebody enters your home. 

Although break ins are not preventable, there are a few things that you can do to ensure your home has a safety net. These tips will lessen the chances of your home being broken into. 

Fall Tips on Preparing Your Home

11/6/2017 (Permalink)

It is that time of year again! Although not every disaster is preventable, there are some things that can be foreseen. There are many preventative measures we can take to help protect our homes. Regularly cleaning the gutters and downspouts can prevent leaves from building up and blocking off pathways for rain water to travel. Another great option is to install gutter guards to prevent leaves from entering in to the gutters from the beining. Either inspect your roof or have a professional do it for you. Replacing cracked or buckling shingles could potentially save you thousands of dollars in the long run. Be cure to check around chimneys, skylights, and pipes to ensure there are no gaps. If water gets in the gaps it could cause serious damage, so using a roof sealer would guarantee that your roof is water proof. Use a screw driver to check the trim around windows, doors, railings, and decks. Caulking any homes and replacing any weak wood is a great preventative measure. As the temperatures drop, it is important to prevent pipes from freezing. Be sure that all of the water is out of hoses and that the water valve has been shut off, to ensure that the pipes do not burst. If you live in a manufactured home, check that all skirting are secured properly and that your pipes have been covered in heat tape. If you know temperatures are going to be very low, leave the water running. A small, steady stream of water running out of your faucets will help keep your pipes from freezing. Disasters can strike at any time and happen to anyone. Small, preventative measures can be taken to lessen the probability of certain things happening to your home. 

Back to School Shopping Tips

8/2/2017 (Permalink)

August is here, which means back to school shopping is quickly approaching. Here are a few tips that will help you shop smart and save money.

1. Make a list- Most schools hand out a list of required school supplies, but for those of you who do not get a supplies list, a good idea would be to check with other parents at your school who have older kids. They could have great advice on what your child needs to succeed in school.
2. Get what you need, not what you want- Creating a budget can help to separate your child's wants from needs, plus it is a good way to save a few bucks.
3. Last years leftovers- Take a look at previous year's school supplies and determine what can be reused.

Do not always "Do it yourself"

4/12/2017 (Permalink)

Did you know that some "Do it yourself" projects could put you behind bars? Here are the ones you should leave to the professionals:

• switch up a cooktop


• disturb old insulation


• repair your HVAC system


• replace a hot water tank


• pump the septic system


• interact with wildlife


• knock out a wall


• tinker with light fixtures


• install a skylight


• remove lead based paint


• cut down a large tree


• replace a garage door spring


• take out termites

Click on the link below for more info on how to handle these "Do it yourself" projects the correct and legal way!

http://bit.ly/2nJNCZm 

Proper Use of Smoke Alarms

3/22/2017 (Permalink)

SMOKE ALARMS ARE A KEY PART

of a home fire escape plan. When there is

a fire, smoke spreads fast. Working smoke

alarms give you early warning so you can

get outside quickly.

SAFETY TIPS

•  Install smoke alarms inside and outside each

bedroom and sleeping area. Install alarms on every

level of the home. Install alarms in the basement.

•  Large homes may need extra smoke alarms.

•  It is best to use interconnected smoke alarms.

When one smoke alarm sounds they all sound.

•  Test all smoke alarms at least once a month. Press

the test button to be sure the alarm is working.

•  There are two kinds of alarms. Ionization smoke

alarms are quicker to warn about flaming fires.

Photoelectric alarms are quicker to warn about

smoldering fires. It is best to use both types of

alarms in the home.

•  A smoke alarm should be on the ceiling or high on

a wall. Keep smoke alarms away from the kitchen to

reduce false alarms. They should be at least 10 feet

(3 meters) from the stove.

•  People who are hard-of-hearing or deaf can use

special alarms. These alarms have strobe lights and

bed shakers.

•  Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years

Old.

Trust SERVPRO of North Knoxville

3/22/2017 (Permalink)

Your home is truly a reflection of you, your tastes and your personality. Suffering damage to your home can feel like a part of you has been damaged as well. We recognize a loss can make you feel vulnerable, invaded or robbed of part of your life. Your loss is unique- in how it started, the emotions you experienced, and the extent of the damage.

When damage affects your home, you want it to be restored to preloss condition. You cannot afford to let the marketability of your home be affected. That is why SERVPRO of North Knoxville has professionally restored property for over 15 years. SERVPRO of North Knoxville is the trusted choice for many insurance companies, because they know SERVPRO of North Knoxville has the experience to do the job right.

Emergency Ready Profile

2/7/2017 (Permalink)

Preparation is a key component for making it through any size disaster, whether it’s a small water leak, a large fire or an area flood. The best time for planning for such events is not when the event happens, but well before it happens. No one ever plans on a disaster, but you can plan for it. Now is the time to ask yourself, “Are you ready for whatever could happen?” The SERVPRO® Emergency Ready Profile is a start up approach that provides the critical information needed to begin mitigation and recovery services. It is designed to serve as a quick reference of important building and contact information. By working with SERVPRO’s Emergency Ready Profile, your business will receive the benefit of over 40 years of experience in reducing the impact of any natural or man-made disaster. SERVPRO® is a leader in water and fire damage response and can help you quickly get your property back in working order, 'Like it never even happened'.

By developing a SERVPRO® Emergency Ready Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business. As many as 50% of businesses may never recover following a disaster, according to the latest industry research. Of the businesses that do survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind. 

If you are interested in protecting your business, give us a call to schedule your Emergency Ready Profile today! Best of all, IT'S FREE!! 

- Source:SERVPRONet

Tis The Season For Unexpected Guests & Disasters

10/31/2016 (Permalink)

Keep the party going, and leave the clean-up to us!

As the holidays approach, every one begins to prepare their home for upcoming festivities. Hanging decorations, cleaning the house, and making room for guests are all part of the process. But what do you do when the unexpected happens, and you've got a house full of people & food? You call SERVPRO of North Knoxville! Whether it's a small kitchen fire from attempting one of Grandma's recipes, or an overflowed bathtub from an adventurous nephew pretending to be Jacques Cousteau, we've got you covered! Our highly trained staff  is on call 24/7 to help you get your life back to normal...or as normal as it can be with a house full of your relatives! We're here to make it like it never even happened. We just can't help with the family holiday arguments...That's one area we'll leave to you!