Little Chute, WI – Blong Yang and Becky Bartoszek, State Farm Insurance, have announced that a collection of local community minded businesses in Little Chute will sponsor the 2nd Annual Summer Safety DAZE kids safety event on Monday, June 7th (rain or shine) 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. The event will be held at the Super 41 Shell Station Intersection of 41 & Cnty. N., Little Chute.
According to Becky Bartoszek, “Summer Safety DAZE is a free community event for the entire family geared towards children’s safety. As summer rapidly approaches we want to instill the importance of safety in the minds of our youth. Summer Safety DAZE is an opportunity to teach kids and enlighten adults on the topic of summer safety practices for a safer community. This event would not be possible without the generous support of so many community minded organizations. ”
John Gray, Agency Relations Manager, of Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling stated, “Being proactive and educating both the youth and their parents on bike safety is increasingly important and Paul Davis is proud to be one of the many businesses to provide encouragement and support for the 3rd annual event. It is important to broadcast the message to the community and encourage families to attend.”
Encouraging safe play time, FREE bike helmets will be distributed and sponsored by local businesses. A Bike Rodeo obstacle course will further offer training and a certification process that kids can go through with or without their own bikes. Other special features include an appearance by the Wisconsin Timber Rattler’s Fang, tours of the Gold Cross Ambulance, Vandenbroek Fire trucks; face painting by the Little Chute High School Art Department, door prizes such as soccer balls, gift certificates and a Grand Prize drawing for three bikes furnished by State Farm Insurance – The Blong Yang Agency.
This event is made possible by the generous support of the community:
State Farm Insurance – The Blong Yang Agency
State Farm Insurance – The Becky Bartoszek Agency
Super 41 Shell Station
Verizon Wireless – The Cellular Connection
Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling
Vandenbroek Fire Department
Little Chute Police Department
5th Quarter Sports Bar Restaurant
Country Inn & Suites
Burger King
Fred J. Piette Co. Inc.
Simon’s Cheese
For more information about the upcoming Summer Safety DAZE please contact the Becky Bartoszek State Farm Insurance Agency or Blong Yang State Farm Insurance Agency.
Milwaukee, WI – May 11, 2010 – Paul Davis Restoration and Remodeling of Southeast Wisconsin employees started a company garden to promote the company’s commitment to healthy living and local green initiatives. According to Dan Druml, Paul Davis office owner and president, the vegetable garden was planted for employees, their families and for donations to local food bank charities.
“We’ve been working on an employee campaign to live healthy. Our staff is encouraged to exercise and eat right,” said Druml. “The vegetable garden is just one of the many ways we as a company will contribute to the nutrition of our employees, their families and friends. We’ll also donate produce to local food banks and charities to help those in our community,” he said. The Paul Davis Charitable Fund has also been established to help employees and the community with funds raised for charitable giving.
The Paul Davis garden is located at 2000 S. 4th Street in Milwaukee where a variety of vegetables will grow in a plot that measures approximately 920 square feet and will include grape and beefsteak tomatoes, red, green and jalapeno peppers, carrots, onions and herbs, to name a few.
Paul Davis Restoration and Remodeling of Southeast Wisconsin has served the Milwaukee area with numerous community service initiatives since the 1990s. For more information, contact Druml at 414.383.3131 or email ddruml@pdr-usa.net . Visit the website at www.pdwisconsin.com.
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Paul Davis Restoration and Remodeling of Southeast Wisconsin is a franchise office of Paul Davis Restoration Inc., a leader in residential and commercial loss mitigation, reconstruction, and restoration services nationwide. Paul Davis Restoration was founded in 1966 and has franchise office locations throughout North America. For more information about Paul Davis Restoration Inc. call 904.737.2779. Visit the website at www.pdrestoration.com .
Milwaukee, WI – May 6, 2010 – Paul Davis Restoration and Remodeling of Southeast Wisconsin employees started a company garden to promote the company’s commitment to healthy living and local green initiatives. According to Dan Druml, Paul Davis office owner and president, the vegetable garden was planted for employees, their families and for donations to local food bank charities.
“We’ve been working on an employee campaign to live healthy. Our staff is encouraged to exercise and eat right,” said Druml. “The vegetable garden is just one of the many ways we as a company will contribute to the nutrition of our employees, their families and friends. We’ll also donate produce to local food banks and charities to help those in our community,” he said. The Paul Davis Charitable Fund has also been established to help employees and the community with funds raised for charitable giving.
The Paul Davis garden is located at 2000 S. 4th Street in Milwaukee where a variety of vegetables will grow in a plot that measures approximately 920 square feet and will include grape and beefsteak tomatoes, red, green and jalapeno peppers, carrots, onions and herbs, to name a few.
Paul Davis Restoration and Remodeling of Southeast Wisconsin has served the Milwaukee area with numerous community service initiatives since the 1990s. For more information, contact Druml at 414.383.3131 or email ddruml@pdr-usa.net . Visit the website at www.pdwisconsin.com.
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Paul Davis Restoration and Remodeling of Southeast Wisconsin is a franchise office of Paul Davis Restoration Inc., a leader in residential and commercial loss mitigation, reconstruction, and restoration services nationwide. Paul Davis Restoration was founded in 1966 and has franchise office locations throughout North America. For more information about Paul Davis Restoration Inc. call 904.737.2779. Visit the website at www.pdrestoration.com .
Milwaukee, WI – Spring has arrived and with it comes the threat of severe weather. Tornadoes, thunderstorms, hail storms and flooding can damage or destroy homes and commercial buildings along with entire neighborhoods within minutes. Paul Davis Restoration, a national franchise company and leading provider of fire and water damage clean up and restoration services for residential and commercial properties, provides consumers with a variety of safety measures that can help to protect yourself and your family when storms strike.
“Nobody likes to cancel an outdoor activity, but when weather looks threatening, remember to put family safety first. Before heading out, turn on your radio or TV to see if a storm watch or warning is issued for your area. Also, have a family and business disaster plan in place,” said Druml, Paul Davis Restoration and Remodeling office owner.
A major storm can knock out utility service to your area, leaving you without electricity, heat, water or fresh food. All homes and businesses should have an emergency kit that can be accessed at a moment’s notice. An emergency kit should at least include:
• Water – one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days
• Food – at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank commercial radio and a NOAA Weather Radio and extra batteries for both.
• Cell Phone with charger
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit – with sterile dressings; antibiotic ointment; burn ointment; adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes; scissors; eye wash; thermometer (adult and baby); non-prescription drugs such as aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever; prescription medications; prescribed medical supplies such as glucose and blood pressure monitoring equipment.
You should also consider adding the following items to your kit:
• Can opener, garbage bags and plastic ties
• Infant formula and diapers
• Personal and /or feminine supplies
• Pet food and extra water for your pet
• Documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
• Cash
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person.
• Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes.
• Fire Extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
Make sure everyone in your family knows where the kit is kept. Review your emergency plan with your family and keep it in a handy location.
Druml also recommends preparing your home for a storm. Below are some valuable tips for helping prevent damage from severe weather. If necessary, hire a professional if you are not equipped to do the work yourself.
• Secure major appliances to the walls or countertops of your home using “L” brackets.
• Inspect and make any repairs to your roof to prevent leakage from water driven by high winds. If you have a metal roof, recoat it if needed. If you have a shingle roof, make sure the shingles are secure.
• Remove debris and leaves from your roof. Rotting plant material can deteriorate both shingle and metal roofs.
• Repair exterior siding, awnings, gutters, downspouts and brackets if loose, damaged or dangling. Securely attach your home’s water heater and furnace to wall studs or foundation.
• Learn how to quickly disconnect breakers in the electrical service box, shut off the gas supply and turn off your water from the main shut-off valve.
• Keep your yard free of lawn tools and equipment, garbage cans, bikes, toys and other loose articles.
• Establish a windbreak. Tall, hardwood trees provide a natural windbreak. Remove dead trees.
• Consider replacing older windows with modern, impact-resistant glass.
According to Druml, use caution after a storm. The aftermath of a severe storm also poses dangers. Make sure the people around you are safe. Also, check for injuries and call for help if necessary.
If damage to your home or business is significant, contact a professional in the property loss restoration and emergency mitigation service industry. Look for properly licensed companies with certifications from The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).
“Taking preventive steps is the key and is well worth it to avoid injury to loved ones and damage to your property from severe storms,” said Druml. “If you’re properly prepared, you can react from practice, not panic. You can also greatly increase your chances for weathering the storm safely.”
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Paul Davis Restoration, Inc. is a leading provider of fire, water and mold damage restoration and reconstruction services for residential and commercial properties. They also provide remodeling services for kitchen and bath remodeling and room additions. Paul Davis Restoration office owners nationwide are properly licensed individuals with certifications from leading industry organizations like The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). Founded in 1966, Paul Davis Restoration has franchise office locations throughout the US. Visit the website at www.pdrestoration.com.
Milwaukee, WI – February 12, 2010 – The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) has named Paul Davis Restoration and Remodeling of Southeast Wisconsin as a winner in the 2009 Wisconsin Remodeler Award (WRA) categories including Disaster Restoration – Fire and Commercial Interior. The awards were presented for Paul Davis projects in the Milwaukee area in 2009. Paul Davis Restoration and Remodeling of Southeast Wisconsin is a member of the NARI Milwaukee, WI Chapter.
“We are honored to accept the awards for projects that were judged by an impartial panel of judges and who are experts within the industry and associated fields,” said Dan Druml, Paul Davis Restoration and Remodeling of Southeast Wisconsin’s President and Owner. “The projects were submitted with before-and-after photography and project descriptions. Awards were based on problem solving, functionality, aesthetics, craftsmanship, innovation, degree of difficulty, and entry presentation,” Druml said. “We’d like to thank our employees who deserve the credit including our sales team, project managers and estimators. These key individuals are responsible for the success of many beautiful, award-winning restorations in Milwaukee,” he said.
Specifically, Druml and his team recently completed the residential project which was initially damaged from a cooking fire started by a tenant renting the property. Restoration of the property was challenging due to existing custom design elements and materials requiring recreation or modifications to ensure the customer’s tastes were reflected in the finished product. In addition, the customer’s previous do-it-yourself projects added to the challenge of replicating the look and feel of the existing structure. Restoration of the project was further complicated by the natural challenges of working with a customer who lived out-of-state for the entire duration of the restoration project.
“At the time of the fire, the owner was utilizing the property as a rental unit, but decided after the fire to relocate back to Wisconsin and live in the renovated and redesigned home,” said Druml. “The owner is a single mom raising three children, so certain design changes were requested to meet the needs of the young family,” he said.
According to Druml, as is the case with all fire restoration projects, fire damaged materials were removed for proper deodorization of the structure. This necessitated the complete demolition of the living room, three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen and finished basement area. The complete demolition of the property provided a fresh canvas for the owner to implement her desired changes.
Completed in May of 2009 and after five months of restoration, the renovated home meets the needs of the owner and her young family and is a reflection of her tastes and interests.
Additionally, Druml and his team won the commercial restoration award for a recently completed commercial building exterior at the Paul Davis office location, 2000 South 4th Street in Milwaukee. The restoration was a conversion of an existing warehouse facility on the company’s property. The project included the construction of a multi-functional space with room for future expansion and increased functionality. According to Druml, the project was completed in February 2009 and required the conversion of a 7,150 square foot warehouse and storage building into office space for his company’s estimating and project management staff.
“The estimating and project management staff was previously located in our company’s main administrative building, but they now reside in our new location. The new space includes individual offices, a conference room with accommodations for eight individuals, and a combination break room, kitchen and business center,” Druml said. “This project was designed to allow for future expansion and the addition of a hands-on training center and accompanying lounge,” he said.
According to Druml, the main challenge of this project was to convert a cold, dark warehouse into a functional, comfortable working environment. Also, Druml aspired to replicate the design of the surrounding buildings to further define the area of Milwaukee where the building is located. The design goal was accomplished, leaving exposed ceilings and ductwork along with the installation of the cream brick found in the surrounding structures. Veneered maple floors with a golden stain permitted the floors to tie-in to the existing structure. Scaffolding was utilized to create work spaces adding to the industrial feel which was successfully achieved.
“The functionality of the new space continues to make a positive impact on employee productivity, morale and customer service,” said Druml. “This benefits our fast-growing organization which is a leader in the insurance restoration business,” he said.
The renovated space is located at the former site of the Aelco Foundry. The project is part of a large neighborhood redevelopment project which includes the dredging and cleanup of the Kinnikinnick River and a new 40,000 square foot industrial building which will be located just to the north of the estimating and project management center.
Paul Davis Restoration and Remodeling of Southeast Wisconsin has served the Milwaukee area with numerous community service initiatives since the 1990s. The company is a franchise office of Paul Davis Restoration Inc., a leader in residential and commercial loss mitigation, reconstruction, and restoration services nationwide. Paul Davis Restoration was founded in 1966 and has franchise office locations throughout North America. For more information about Paul Davis Restoration Inc.
call 904.737.2779. Visit the website at www.pdrestoration.com .
Milwaukee, WI – Paul Davis Restoration, a national franchise company and leading provider of fire and water damage clean up and restoration services for residential and commercial properties, provides consumers with safety tips when using electric space heaters in cold weather months. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), electric space heaters are associated with more than 2,400 fires each year that result in deaths, injuries and millions of dollars in property loss.
According to Dan Druml, Paul Davis Restoration and Remodeling office owner, many people get a false sense of security when using electric space heaters because the heaters don’t have an open flame. However, the heating elements of some types of electric heaters are hot enough to ignite many common household materials like draperies, paper, clothing, and furniture. “Those who use electric space heaters need to take special care when determining where to place them,” said Druml. “Consumers should refer to the manufacturer’s instructions to see how far the heater should be placed from combustible materials, and how the heater should be placed on the floor so that carpeting or flooring materials don’t ignite,” he said.
Additionally, to prevent electrocutions, Druml recommends keeping portable electric heaters away from water and never using them in a bathroom or near a sink. “If you must use an appliance near water, always use a ground fault circuit interrupter,” said Druml.
Paul Davis Restoration offices across the United States in concert with safety and fire industry professionals will help to spread the word in their communities about the use of electric space heaters which is one of the leading causes of home fires and personal injury during cold weather months.
For more information, go to www.cpsc.gov.
Paul Davis Restoration recommends the following when selecting an electric heater.
• Look for a heater that has been tested by a nationally-recognized testing laboratory and meets federal safety standard requirements.
• Purchase a heater with a safety guard or wire grill around the heating element. The safety guard should be constructed to prevent a child’s fingers or combustible materials from touching the hot element.
Druml also recommends the following safety tips for additional uses of space heaters:
• Before using the heater, read and follow the instructions for its operation and maintenance.
• If you must use an extension cord, make sure it is the correct cord for the model of heater you are using. An incorrectly-sized cord may create a fire hazard.
• Never run the heater’s cord (or any cord) under rugs or carpeting.
• Do not leave the heater operating unattended or operating while sleeping. Portable electric air heaters are designed for use only as temporary supplemental heating and only while attended.
• Do not use an electric heater as a dryer by placing clothing over it and never use it heater to thaw pipes.
• Keep the heater in safe working condition. Replace missing guards and controls at once. Never operate a defective heater.
• Don’t place the heater where children might play near it or where people might trip over or bump into it.
• Place the heater on a level surface for stability.
• Regardless of the type of heating system you have, install and maintain at least one smoke detector that is in good working condition on each floor of your home.
In the unlikely event that your home experiences a fire from using a space heater, it is important that you act quickly to prevent further loss and damage. The potential for further damage doesn’t stop after the fire is out.
“If you experience a fire from space heater accidents, it is crucial to begin emergency services procedures immediately. Delaying the start of this work can drastically increase the cost and complexity of the loss to your home,” said Druml. “Also, contact a professional in the restoration and emergency mitigation service industry about losses in the home. Look for properly licensed individuals and companies with certifications from leading industry organizations like The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).”
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Paul Davis Restoration, Inc. is a leading provider of fire, water and mold damage restoration, and reconstruction services for residential and commercial properties. They also provide remodeling services for kitchen and bath remodeling and room additions. Founded in 1966, Paul Davis Restoration has franchise office locations throughout the US. Visit the website at www.pdrestoration.com .
Green Bay, WI – Matt Everett, owner of Paul Davis Restoration and Remodeling with offices in Fox Valley, Central Wisconsin, and Northeast Wisconsin, along with his office team recently completed a seven month fire restoration project at Building 109, 3334 Walter Way at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. The building serves as one of the University’s original residential apartment buildings built in 1970. The building sustained heavy damage by fire in June will open this month for student occupancy.
According to Everett, the fire was reported on June 25, 2009 at the two-story structure with 17 units and 63 beds. At the time, the structure was unoccupied for the summer and there were no injuries. The official cause of the damage was not determined and authorities suspect electrical failure and no arson.
“Within a few weeks of the fire, we heard from University officials who decided to restore the building. Restoration was a better option with our services and coverage by insurance at an estimated $800,000 instead of replacing the facility for well into the millions,” said Everett.
Everett commends his staff with the speedy restoration of the building and is pleased to work with University housing officials and others on campus. “We provided emergency mitigation services, board ups, fire restoration and drying methods along with extensive reconstruction of two of the three main areas of the primary building and all restoration of the mechanical systems damaged by the loss,” said Everett. According to Everett, the main building was torn down to the foundation and rebuilt from the ground up.
“Our hard-working and dedicated team of highly-trained and certified craftsman assessed the damage and planned the restoration to complete the large project in a short period of time,” he said. “Our associates received much-deserved accolades for their job assessment, estimating and construction management abilities. The job completion is a testament to our staff members’ skill and expertise.”
Everett and his wife and business partner Renee, established the company in 2002. The company is celebrating its eighth year in business and specializes in providing comprehensive emergency mitigation, restoration, reconstruction and remodeling services, as well as contents inventory tracking and recording for residential and commercial insurance claims. For more information, call 920.882.9287. Visit the websites at www.pdfoxvalley.com, www.pdrestorationnortheast.com and www.pdrestorationcentral.com.
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Paul Davis has been a leader in residential and commercial loss mitigation, reconstruction, and restoration services since 1966. As a national full-service restoration expert, Paul Davis Restoration has franchise office locations throughout North America.
Milwaukee, WI – With the arrival of winter, the number of incidents of water damage as a result of pipes breaking due to sub-freezing temperatures increases. Paul Davis Restoration, Inc., a national franchise company and leading provider of fire and water damage clean up and restoration services for residential and commercial properties, offers the following advice and tips on how to prevent frozen pipes during this time of year.
According to Dan Druml, Paul Davis Restoration and Remodeling office owner, frozen pipes cause millions of dollars in damage to homes and buildings each year.
“Any time the temperature drops below 32 degrees, there is the potential risk of pipes freezing, particularly indoor pipes located in poorly insulated areas such as the attics, crawl spaces and basements,” said Druml. “Significant water damage can occur if broken pipes are not caught quickly. This can be a potential problem, particularly when people are away from their homes during the winter season,” he said.
Frozen pipes can be prevented by following a few basic steps. Paul Davis Restoration has developed the following list of prevention measures used to advise customers during the winter months.
- Remove garden hoses from faucets.
- Let cold and hot water faucets drip during freezing weather.
- Cover exposed exterior pipes with foam rubber or fiberglass insulation and secure with tape.
- If the property will be vacant for a long period of time, leave the thermostat at the same temperature both day and night, at least 55°F.
- Cover exterior faucets with insulation.
- Locate the main water shut off valve so you can find it in an emergency.
“Prevention is the key and is well worth it to avoid water damage due to a broken pipe,” said Druml. “Damage from broken pipes typically goes undiscovered for long periods of time and repairs usually run into the thousands of dollars as a result,” he said.
For property owners that own vacation homes, rentals or lending institutions that might have several foreclosed properties, more complete “winterization” services to protect properties may be required. In general, winterization typically refers to sealing, draining, wrapping, and adding anti-freeze chemicals to prevent freezing of water, which ultimately causes breakage of pipes. Because of the specialized services required for this procedure, Druml recommends that property owners hire a company that specializes in performing winterization services using full-time technicians who are certified by The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).
In the event of a broken pipe, it is critical to act quickly. Water from a broken pipe can add up to thousands of gallons in a very short time. It is likely that by the time the damage is discovered, entire rooms are flooded and walls are becoming wet. Druml recommends the following:
- Shut off the main water valve immediately.
- Call a licensed, professional water damage clean up company.
- Mop up standing water on flooring surfaces, if possible.
- If the burst pipe is overhead, drain ceiling cavities by punching “weep” holes.
- Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to promote warm air circulation.
- Locate the frozen pipe and open a faucet.
“If you do experience water damage from a frozen pipe, time is truly of the essence. Delaying the start of emergency clean up and restoration procedures can result in a drastic increase in the cost and complexity of the water loss,” said Druml. “Talk to a professional in the water damage restoration service industry as soon as possible.”
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Paul Davis Restoration, Inc. is a leading provider of fire and water damage clean up, restoration, and reconstruction services for residential and commercial properties. The company also provides remodeling services for kitchen and bath remodeling and room additions. Founded in 1966, Paul Davis Restoration has franchise office locations throughout the US. Visit the website at www.pdrestoration.com .
Madison, WI – With the arrival of winter, the number of incidents of water damage as a result of pipes breaking due to sub-freezing temperatures increases. Paul Davis Restoration, Inc., a national franchise company and leading provider of fire and water damage clean up and restoration services for residential and commercial properties, offers the following advice and tips on how to prevent frozen pipes during this time of year.
According to Jim Hirsch, Paul Davis Restoration office owner, frozen pipes cause millions of dollars in damage to homes and buildings each year.
“Any time the temperature drops below 32 degrees, there is the potential risk of pipes freezing, particularly indoor pipes located in poorly insulated areas such as the attics, crawl spaces and basements,” said Hirsch. “Significant water damage can occur if broken pipes are not caught quickly. This can be a potential problem, particularly when people are away from their homes during the winter season,” he said.
Frozen pipes can be prevented by following a few basic steps. Paul Davis Restoration has developed the following list of prevention measures used to advise customers during the winter months.
- If the property will be vacant for a long period of time, leave the thermostat at the same temperature both day and night, at least 60°F.
- Open sink base cabinet doors to allow heat to reach plumbing located in or near exterior walls.
- Remove garden hoses from faucets.
- Cover exterior faucets with insulation.
- Locate the main water shut off valve so you can find it in an emergency.
“Prevention is the key and is well worth it to avoid water damage due to a broken pipe,” said Hirsch. “Damage from broken pipes typically goes undiscovered for long periods of time and repairs usually run into the thousands of dollars as a result,” he said.
For property owners that own vacation homes, rentals or lending institutions that might have several foreclosed properties, more complete “winterization” services to protect properties may be required. In general, winterization typically refers to sealing, draining, wrapping, and adding anti-freeze chemicals to prevent freezing of water, which ultimately causes breakage of pipes. Because of the specialized services required for this procedure, Hirsch recommends that property owners hire a company that specializes in performing winterization services using full-time technicians who are certified by The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).
In the event of a broken pipe, it is critical to act quickly. Water from a broken pipe can add up to thousands of gallons in a very short time. It is likely that by the time the damage is discovered, entire rooms are flooded and walls are becoming wet. Hirsch recommends the following:
- Shut off the main water valve immediately.
- Call a licensed, professional water damage clean up company.
- Mop up standing water on flooring surfaces, if possible.
- If the burst pipe is overhead, drain ceiling cavities by punching “weep” holes.
- Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to promote warm air circulation.
“If you do experience water damage from a frozen pipe, time is truly of the essence. Delaying the start of emergency clean up and restoration procedures can result in a drastic increase in the cost and complexity of the water loss,” said Hirsch. “Talk to a professional in the water damage restoration service industry as soon as possible.”
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Paul Davis Restoration, Inc. is a leading provider of fire and water damage clean up, restoration, and reconstruction services for residential and commercial properties. The company also provides remodeling services for kitchen and bath remodeling and room additions. Founded in 1966, Paul Davis Restoration has franchise office locations throughout the US. Visit the website at www.pdrestoration.com .
Green Bay, WI – With the approach of the holiday season, it is important to remember to take steps to protect loved ones and property from the risk of fire. Paul Davis Restoration, a national franchise company and leading provider of fire and water damage clean up and restoration services for residential and commercial property, offers the following advice and tips that can help protect homes and families during this joyous time of year.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, each year there are more than a hundred thousand residential structural fires in the month of December alone causing hundreds of millions of dollars in damage. By taking time out to do some planning and preparation you can ensure this holiday season is a safe one.
Matt Everett, Paul Davis Restoration and Remodeling of the Fox Valley, Central Wisconsin and Northeast Wisconsin owner, encourages everyone to make safety awareness a regular part of their holiday planning. “The holiday season is exciting, however decorative displays, cooking for large groups and other activities can also increase the risk of harm,” said Everett. “An increase in indoor activities during the holidays combined with entertaining family and friends and shopping can cause many to forget some basic safety measures,” he said.
Paul Davis Restoration is committed to promoting safety in all communities where we work and live. Below are tips we all should include in our safety planning during the holiday season.
Holiday Decorations. Use only non-combustible or flame-resistant materials to trim a tree. Never use lighted candles on a tree, near other evergreens or other flammable materials. Consider reducing the number of candles used during the holidays or eliminating them all together – especially where children are present. Place candles where they will not be knocked down.
Lights. Check all tree lights before hanging them on your tree. Make sure all the bulbs work and that there are no frayed wires, broken sockets or loose connections. Before using lights outdoors, check labels to be sure they have been certified for outdoor use. Be sure not to overload electrical outlets with holiday lights.
Trees. When purchasing a live tree, check for freshness. When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label “Fire Resistant.” When setting up a tree at home, place it away from fireplaces, radiators or portable heaters. Cut a few inches off the trunk of your tree and fill the stand with water to keep it from drying out and becoming a fire hazard.
Fire Escape Plan. The holidays are a good time to review your fire escape plan with your family. Make sure everyone understands the escape routes and where to meet once outside. Also, conduct a “fire drill” to practice your escape plan.
Smoke Alarms. Make sure your home smoke alarms are in proper working order by pushing the test button. Change the batteries at least once a year.
Fire Extinguishers. Make sure there is a working fire extinguisher in the kitchen, laundry room, and garage and that it is capable of putting out all three types of fires. If you don’t know how, learn how to use it.
Fireplace/Chimney. Be sure your fireplace and chimney have been inspected and cleaned by a professional chimney sweep. Before lighting any fire, remove all greens, boughs, papers, and other decorations from fireplace area. Check to see that the flue is open. Do not burn gift wrapping paper, boxes, etc. in the fireplace. A flash fire may result as these items will ignite quickly and burn intensely.
According to Everett, additional tips include keeping a list with all of the important phone numbers that you, your family, or a babysitter are likely to need in case of an emergency. Include the police and fire department, your pediatrician and the national poison help line. “Implementing the proper safety measures can help prevent personal injury and property damage. If you have questions, talk to a professional in the restoration and emergency mitigation service industry,” he said.
“In the unfortunate event that you experience property damage to your home or business due to fire, contact a licensed, professional fire damage clean up and restoration company as soon as possible. Delaying the start of this work, can result in additional cost and stress during the holidays,” said Everett.
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Paul Davis has been a leader in residential and commercial loss mitigation, reconstruction, and restoration services since 1966. As a national full-service restoration expert, Paul Davis Restoration has franchise office locations throughout North America. Visit the website at www.pdrestoration.com .
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