Cooking Safety

11/20/2023 (Permalink)

Cooking the perfect Turkey safely!

As we embark on the Holiday Season when most are in the kitchen cooking for their families for the Thanksgiving Holiday – be sure to remember these top cooking safety tips to avoid a house fire and a trip to your local restaurant for your holiday meal.

• Never leave the kitchen when you are cooking on the stove top.
• Do not leave your Turkey unattended – even if your stove is on low.
• Keep the kids out of the cooking zone.
• If you are deep frying your Turkey – do that outside away from your home.
• Do not wear loose clothing – finish your cooking and change into your festive outfit prior to dinner.
• Test your smoke alarms to assure they are in the proper working condition.
• Turn your pot handles towards the back to avoid a turnover.

Following these tips can and will prevent a house fire. Enjoy your holiday with family and friends and rest assure SERVPRO of Newberry and Laurens Counties will be here if you need us! 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Time to Talk Turkey

11/15/2023 (Permalink)

Too much grease in your fryer will cause a fire.

Thanksgiving is a little over a week away – preparations for the perfect Thanksgiving feast will soon be underway.  If you have plans to deep fry your Turkey this year, follow these tips and safety guidelines to assure your Thanksgiving feast goes off without a hitch.

• Use a Turkey fryer outside ONLY – away from your home and flammable items.
• Never fry you Turkey frozen. Follow the instructions on your Turkey for thawing time.
• Don’t overflow your grease – always allow for room for your bird.
• Use cooking gloves.
• Instruct your children to stay away from the fryer and keep your pets inside and away from your fryer.
• Keep a multipurpose – dry powered fire extinguisher on hand and NEVER use water to cool down a grease fire.
• Never leave your fryer unattended while cooking

Have a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving Holiday.

Times to Inspect your Chimney

11/9/2023 (Permalink)

Time to clean your chimney for the winter ahead!

We have certainly felt all seasons here in the south over the past few weeks. We go from sunny and the high 70’s to falling below freezing. Winter is coming whether we like it or not, so before you get the home fires burning – schedule that appointment to get your chimney checked and inspected.

The National Fire Protection Association recommends that chimneys, fireplaces, and vents should be inspected at least once a year. Having your chimney inspected reduces your chance of a chimney fire – as the sweep removes debris that has deposited along the chimney walls and removes any animal nests that may have accumulated over the spring and summer months. Check the firebox for any cracks or loose joints. Hiring a professional can give you peace of mind and assurance that your home is safe from a potential house fire.

Halloween Safety Tips

10/30/2023 (Permalink)

Trick or Treat

The ghost and goblins will be out in full force trick or treating for Halloween. Times have sure changed over the years with local events, trunk or treats and festivals but Halloween night is the official night kids go door to door for candy and fun!

Safety should remain your first focus as children are more than twice likely to be hit by a car on Halloween night than on any other day of the year.  Celebrate your little trick-or treaters but remind them to be safe and follow your instructions.

• Avoid masks – they can obstruct vision.
• Cross streets at crosswalks
• Use reflective tap or stickers on costumes.
• Make sure costumes fit properly to avoid a fall.
• Always dress your kids in flame resistant material
• Avoid homemade treats and inspect all candy before consumption.

Halloween is one of the most fun exciting times for families and children, following these tips can assure your family has a safe and Happy Halloween!

Duct Cleaning Pros

10/19/2023 (Permalink)

Duct cleaning in a business in Laurens, SC

It’s that time again folks – Summer is in the rearview mirror and Fall is full steam ahead. The temperatures are changing rapidly – if you haven’t flipped the switch from AC to Heat – well it’s coming sooner than we expected.  Living in the South is unpredictable – we can have multiple seasons in one week! Sad realization is winter is coming – it’s time for some home maintenance on your heating/cooling systems.

Air quality in your home is important and having your ducts clean and inspected yearly will help to keep dust, pollen, and dirt out of the air you breathe involves more than changing your air filters monthly.  Clean ductwork helps lower your utility bill and helps your HVAC unit function better and last longer. Mold – Microbial growth can grow in your duct system without you even knowing it, especially if you have had water damage or foundation cracks.

Give us a call to schedule your ductwork cleaning!

Fire Prevention

10/12/2023 (Permalink)

Kitchen Fire Simulator

October is Fire Prevention month – one week of this month is highlighted to focus on a national campaign of Fire Prevention Week.  This year’s theme is “Cooking safety starts with YOU!  Pay attention to fire prevention. “Fire prevention week is observed each year in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire, which took place in October of 1871 – which caused devastating damage killing more than 250 people and left over 100K homeless. This fire burned over 2,000 acres of land- destroying over 17,000 structures.

Cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires. Leaving your stove/oven while cooking is the main factor in fires especially if you are cooking with grease.

• Never leave your stove unattended while cooking
• Create a kid free zone
• Turn pot handles towards the back of your stove
• Keep a fire extinguisher close by and learn how to use one

If you need to leave your kitchen while cooking, turn off the burners. Check your smoke alarms throughout your home to assure they are working properly. Educate your family on what to do in the event you experience a fire.

Breast Cancer Awareness

10/4/2023 (Permalink)

Promoting Breast Cancer Awareness

The colors may be changing as we embark on the fall season, but you cannot help but to “Think Pink” this month. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month – this health campaign is held each year during to month of October organized by many breast cancer charities to increase awareness of the disease and to raise as many funds as possible to help with research, prevention and hopefully one day a cure!

Breast cancer is most common in women – early detection is key and can save your life. Having a yearly mammogram is your main line of defense as doctors can begin treatment early. Get involved in promoting awareness and sport your pink this month for all the people who are battling this disease. Together we can make a difference. Go Pink!

Hurricane Hugo - Do you remember?

9/26/2023 (Permalink)

Hurricane Hugo over the Atlantic Ocean heading for the cost of South Carolina.

During the month of September, we have been alerting our residents to be prepared for an emergency. September has been identified as National Preparedness Month – a reminder to prepare for the potential of severe weather - let us all be reminded of Hurricane Hugo. Hurricane Hugo was a powerful Cape Verde tropical cyclone that inflicted widespread damage across the northeastern Caribbean and the Southeastern United States in September 1989. South Carolina was a direct hit of this Category 5 Hurricane. The scale of Hurricane Hugo impacts led to the retirement of the name Hugo from any Atlantic hurricane names.

Hugo was the strongest hurricane to make landfall in the continental US since Hurricane Cammille in 1969. Hugo set records across South Carolina and the storm surge heights and winds brought extensive damage to South Carolina. Forests were impacted between South Carolina into Virginia.

Hurricane Hugo left its mark on South Carolina and the barrier islands of the coast. Many people were not prepared for such an event. We encourage everyone to have a plan and be prepared for severe weather – Hurricane season is far from over – but our hope is that we never experience the devastation Hugo left in its path.  

National Preparedness Month

9/11/2023 (Permalink)

Preparing for an Emergency

September is National Preparedness Month – This event is held every year during the month of September to prepare and promote family and community disaster planning. The 2023 theme is “Take Control in 1,2,3”. Focusing on preparing older adults.

• Assess their needs - medication on hand and medication that needs to be refrigerated in the event of a power outage. Having the appropriate heat and cooling resources available.
• Make a Plan – Once you assess your needs, build your medication kit with additional prescriptions, have nonperishable food and water on hand. If you have animals, have a plan for their care.
• Engage Your Support Network – Reach out to family, friends, and neighbors to help build your support network during and after a disaster or emergency. Working together with this group can ensure everyone will remain safe.

Back to School – Safety Tips and Tricks

8/1/2023 (Permalink)

Welcome back to school!

Back-to-school season is a busy yet exciting time for both parents and students. However, it’s also important to remember safety.  By following these back-to-school safety tips you can help ensure that your kids stay safe throughout the school year.

• Bus Safety – if your child rides the bus to school walk the route several times prior to the start of the school year. Arrive at least 5 minutes before the pickup time and stay away from the road until the bus arrives.
• Commuting your child to school – pay close attention to school zones – flashing lights and posted speed limits. Watch for crossing guards. Never pass a stopped school bus and be prepared for heavy traffic during drop off and pick up times.
• Timing is key – leaving your house early can prevent a meltdown happening for you and your kids. Keeping a structured routine during school days can relieve stress for everyone.
• Pack a Snack – have a snack packed for the afternoon commute home – a hungry kid equals a stressed-out parent.

Embrace this time and enjoy the milestones and memories you are making with your children. Time is a thief and although this may be stressful for everyone, having a plan and being prepared will make life a whole lot easier.  Have a great – safe school year!