Home Safety
Family Disaster Plan
Families should be prepared for all hazards that affect their area and themselves. Follow these basic steps to develop a family disaster plan:
1. Learn your community’s warning signals.
2. Meet with your family to create a plan. Pick two places to meet: a spot outside your home for an emergency such as fire, and a place away from your neighborhood in case you cannot return home (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school). Choose an out-of-area friend as your family check-in contact for everyone to call if the family becomes separated.
3. Implement your plan. Post emergency telephone numbers by the phones. Install safety features in your house such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. Inspect your home for potential hazards and correct them. Have your family learn basic safety and first aid measures. Make sure everyone knows how and when to call 9-1-1 or your local emergency medical services phone number. Have disaster supplies on hand.
Home Emergency Supplies
Winter has arrived and you should stockpile the following supplies in the event a winter storm or power outage prevents you from leaving your home.
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Battery-operated radio and extra batteries
• Emergency non-perishable foods that do not require refrigeration
• Non-electric can opener
• Bottled water
• One week supply of essential medicines
• Extra blankets and sleeping bags
• First aid kit and manual
• Fire extinguisher
• Emergency heating equipment, used properly
Winterize Your Home
Take the time now to get your home ready for the winter season by following these tips:
1. Have your heating system checked by a professional annually. This will ensure that your system is working safely and efficiently which, in turn, will save you money. If you heat by wood, clean your fireplace or stove. Have your chimney flue checked for any buildup of creosote and then cleaned to lessen the risk of fire.
2. Make sure your home is properly insulated. If necessary, insulate walls and attic. This will help you to conserve energy and reduce your homes power demands for heat.
3. Caulk and weather-strip doors and windowsills to keep cold air out.
4. Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside. This will provide an extra layer of insulation, keeping more cold air out.
5. Inspect and flush your water heater.
6. Clean gutters. Leaves and other debris will hamper drainage.
7. Replace batteries of smoke, heat and carbon monoxide detectors. If you did not do it when you set the clocks back, do it now.
To keep pipes from freezing:
• Wrap pipes in insulation or layers of old newspapers
• Cover the newspapers with plastic to keep out moisture
• Let faucets drip a little to avoid freezing
• Know how to shut off water valves
Staying Warm Indoors
If your heat goes out during a winter storm, you can keep warm by closing off rooms you do not need.
1. Use only safe sources of alternative heat such as a fireplace, small well-vented wood or coal stove or portable space heaters. Always follow manufacturers instructions.
2. Dress in layers of lightweight clothing and wear a cap.
3. Eat well-balanced meals.
Losing your heat when winters winds are howling is not pleasant. However, by following these simple tips, you will weather the storm more comfortably.
Protecting Water Pipes
To prevent the mess and aggravation of frozen water pipes, protect your home, apartment or business by following the simple steps below.
Before Cold Weather
1. Locate and insulate pipes most susceptible to freezing, typically those near outer walls, in crawl spaces or in the attic.
2. Wrap pipes with heat tape (UL approved).
3. Seal any leaks that allow cold air inside where pipes are located.
4. Disconnect garden hoses and shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets. This reduces the chance of freezing in the short span of pipe just inside the house.
When It's Cold
1. Let hot and cold water trickle at night from a faucet on an outside wall.
2. Open cabinet doors to allow more heat to get to un-insulated pipes under a sink or appliance near an outer wall.
3. Make sure heat is left on and set no lower than 55 degrees.
4. If you plan to be away: (1) Have someone check your house daily to make sure the heat is still on to prevent freezing, or (2) drain and shut off the water system (except indoor sprinkler systems).
If Pipes Freeze
1. Make sure you and your family knows how to shut off the water, in case pipes burst. Stopping the water flow minimize the damage to your home. Call a plumber and contact your insurance agent.
2. Never try to thaw a pipe with an open flame or torch.
3. Always be careful of the potential for electric shock in and around standing water.
Generator Safety
Electric generators can provide you with piece of mind and convenience when you are faced with a temporary loss of electric service.
Follow these safety guidelines when operating a generator:
1. Before installing a generator, be sure to properly disconnect from your utility electrical service. If possible, have your generator installed by a qualified electrician.
2. Run generators outside, downwind of structures. NEVER run a generator indoors. Deadly carbon monoxide gas from the generators exhaust can spread throughout enclosed spaces. Install a carbon monoxide detector.
3. Fuel spilled on a hot generator can cause an explosion. If your generator has a detachable fuel tank remove it before refilling. If this is not possible, shut off the generator and let it cool before refilling.
4. Do not exceed the rated capacity of your generator. Most of the small, home-use portable generators produce from 350 to 12,000 watts of power. Overloading your generator can damage it, the appliances connected to it, and may cause a fire. Follow the manufacturers instructions.
5. Keep children away from generators at all times.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide poisoning is a silent, deadly killer claiming about 1,000 lives each year in the United States. Such common items as automotive exhaust, home heating systems and obstructed chimneys can produce the colorless, odorless gas. The gas can also be produced by poorly vented generators, kerosene heaters, gas grills and other items used for cooking and heating when used improperly during the winter months.
1. NEVER run generators indoors. Open a window slightly when using a kerosene heater.
2. NEVER use charcoal to cook indoors.
3. NEVER use a gas oven to heat your home.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include sleepiness, headaches and dizziness. If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, ventilate the area and get to a hospital.
Fire Safety
Wood-burning stoves, fireplaces and heaters can add a cozy glow, but make sure you are using them safely.
1. Always keep a screen around an open flame.
2. Never use gasoline to start your fireplace.
3. Never burn charcoal indoors.
4. Do not close the damper when ashes are hot.
5. When using alternative heat sources such as a fireplace, woodstove, etc. always make sure you have proper ventilation. Keep curtains, towels and potholders away from hot surfaces.
6. Have your chimney checked before the season for creosote buildup -- and then clean it.
7. Have a fire extinguisher and smoke detectors ... and make sure they work! Establish a well-planned escape route with the entire family.
Kerosene Heaters
If you use kerosene heaters to supplement your regular heating fuel, or as an emergency source of heat, follow these safety tips:
1. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Use only the correct fuel for your unit.
3. Refuel outdoors ONLY and only when the unit is cool.
4. Keep the heater at least three feet away from furniture and other flammable objects.
5. When using the heater, use fire safeguards and ventilate properly.
Remember, the fire hazard is greatly increased in the winter because alternate heating sources often are used without following proper safety precautions.
Clearing Your Roof
As the snow and ice continues to build up, homeowners should think about safety before trying to clear the snow from their roof. Here are some safety tips:
1. When possible, use long-handled snow rakes or poles.
2. If you must use a ladder, make certain that the base is securely anchored. Ask a friend, neighbor or adult family member to hold the ladder while you climb.
3. Know where the snow is going to fall before clearing the area.
4. Make certain not to contact electrical wires.
5. If possible, do not attempt to clear the roof alone.
6. If you are afraid of heights or think the job is too big for you, HIRE HELP.
Clearing roofs is a dangerous task. However, if you think safety, and work safely, you will get the job done.
Disasters can happen at any time. If you are a business owner that needs a company ready to respond to a disaster, the PRO-911 is your solution.
The Environmental Contractors Association (ECA) has launched a new communications campaign aimed at increasing visibility for the association’s efforts to raise standards for the environmental remediation industry and establishing ECA member contractors as the contractors of choice for complex environmental and emergency mitigation work.
The new campaign kicks off with the launch of a campaign website found at CleanBuildingsNYC.com and an advertising campaign in the region’s top construction and development media outlets. The campaign focuses on establishing ECA member contractors as a cut above the rest, with the most sophisticated environmental remediation training available today. ECA member contractors have recently expanded their environmental services to include emergency response and infectious disease initiatives in addition to continuing to provide environmental remediation services including removal of hazardous materials and debris; asbestos, mold and lead abatement; fire and flood restoration services; among others.
The campaign will focus on the advantage of working with ECA member contractors and emphasize the programs and initiatives the ECA has undertaken to raise the standards of environmental contracting, including:
· Over $10 million investment in training for ECA member contractors including superintendents, foremen and shop stewards
· Current work with city, state and federal government agencies to develop remediation legislation to regulate emergency response and infectious disease control
· Groundbreaking Labor-Management Safety Compliance initiative including training by the Mason Tenders Training Fund, self-policing processes to ensure jobsite compliance, a Joint Safety Board that reviews all incident reports and standards for dispute resolution and addressing safety violations and safety initiatives, enforced through training and self-policing
· Jobsite supervision by ECA qualified supervisors
To engage their target audiences, the ECA will be hosting presentations to owners, developers, building managers and others in their target markets interested in learning more about safe remediation and emergency response in their buildings.
These meetings will focus on how ECA member contractors are advancing the industry and the availability of the following services:
· Environmental remediation services for public, private and institutional owners, and corporate users
· Emergency remediation response including removal of hazardous materials and debris, emergency cleaning and repairs
· Infectious cleaning, bacterial/biological emergencies and chemical/industrial spill clean-up
· Fire and flood restoration services including water extraction, fire and water damage mitigation, remediation and document recovery
For more information about the ECA or to schedule a presentation, please contact Joyce Nastasi, Executive Director, ECA, at (212) 682-0062 or joyeca@earthlink.net.
Original article publication from Real Estate Weekly. Visit the ECA (Environmental Contractors Association) website. Publisher: Berman Group.
Branch Services, Inc. has teamed up with the New York City Office of Emergency Management (OEM) to encourage private, not-for-profit, and government organizations throughout the five boroughs to join the Partners in Preparedness program.
Get Prepared. Get Involved.
In past years, disasters have cost companies billions in lost revenue, led to thousands of layoffs, and forced local businesses to file for bankruptcy. Not-for-profit organizations that have faced disasters have gone out of business, leaving their clients without vital services.
The Partners in Preparedness program unites Branch Services, Inc. with other partners through a common goal: emergency preparedness and volunteerism. Membership highlights Branch Services' commitment and dedication to the safety and engagement of its employees, volunteers, and their families.
Join OEM, Branch Services, Inc. and other organizations across the five boroughs to help make New York City the safest and most prepared city in the world.
For more information on Branch Services, Inc. please visit: http://www.branchservicesinc.com or send an email to : branchservicesinc@gmail.com.
# # #
Branch Services, Inc. is a full service property damage restoration/environmental services company. Handling both commercial and residential business, they serve the NY Metro area/Long Island and New Jersey. Emergency Service teams are available 24/7 to respond to any disaster.
With offices in New York City and Long Island, Branch Services specializes in fire and smoke damage restoration, water damage and mold remediation. Handling both commercial and residential business, their trained and experienced staff also provides environmental services related to oil spills, asbestos and lead abatement, and hazardous materials.
The holidays are upon us – which means home decorating, entertaining and more cooking. According to the NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION (NFPA) the holiday season also brings an increased risk of fire, which can cause severe property damage. To fully enjoy the holidays take a few moments and review some safety tips from the NFPA:
Decorating
~Never leave a candle unattended. Almost 40 percent of all fires occurred after candles were left unsupervised or inadequately controlled.
~Keep candles away from flammable items. More than half of all candle fires start when things that can burn are too close to the candle.
~Don’t place candles where a family pet is likely to knock them over.
~Always extinguish all candles before going to bed. Thirteen percent of candle-related fires started after the user fell asleep.
~Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.
~Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both. Choose lighting that has a UL label.
~Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Connect no more than three strands of mini lights sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs. Read manufacuterer’s instructions for number of LED strands that can be connected.
~Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged.
~Keep decorations away from windows and doors.
Entertaining
~Stay in kitchen when cooking on stovetop. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the U.S.
~Provide plenty of large, deep ashtrays and check them frequently. Cigarette butts can smolder in the trash and cause a fire, so completely douse cigarette butts with water before discarding.
~Keep matches and lighters up high, out of sight and reach of children (preferably in a locked cabinet).
~Test your smoke alarms and let guests know what your fire escape plan is.
Christmas Tree Video
This video demonstration is showing how flammable a dry Christmas tree can be as opposed to a tree watered regularly. This test was conducted by the National Fire Protection Association and Underwriters Laboratories.
“Reproduced from the NFPA’s web site © NFPA (2011)”. Visit their website for more information: http://www.nfpa.org.
Check out PRO-911 to plan ahead for disasters.
Natural disasters such as flood, fire, earthquake and windstorm affect thousands of people every year. It is essential to know your company's vulnerabilities in the event of a disaster and to be prepared in order to protect daily business operations.
When business is disrupted, it can cost time and money. Lost revenues plus extra expenses means reduced profits. Insurance does not cover all costs and cannot replace customers that defect to the competition. Being proactive by developing and implementing a business continuity plan can alleviate business interruption.
A business continuity plan to continue business is essential, and having a disaster restoration company ready to respond to a catastrophic event is a necessity. Recovery strategies require professional restoration resources including people, equipment and materials.
PRO-911 was developed by Branch Services, Inc. to support commercial and industrial clients that may encounter business interruption during a disaster.
"PRO-911 provides our clients with peace of mind. Our members receive priority in the event of all types of emergency situations, from water damage claims, to fires and other catastrophic events damaging
property structures," said Gary Matzelle, Director of Sales and Marketing, Branch Services.
Upon notification, Branch Services will respond within minutes and begin mobilization of their fully equipped restoration and project management teams. From Professional Restorers and Water Loss Specialists to Mold Remediation and Reconstruction Specialists, Branch staff is trained to follow an organized plan with scheduled priorities and disciplined procedures. An Emergency Response hotline is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
As a DKI (Disaster Kleenup International) member company, Branch Services has the ability to respond to any disaster situation and mobilize additional resources and equipment if necessary. For more information
about PRO-911,
click here.
###
Branch Services, Inc. is a DKI (Disaster Kleenup International) member company located in New York. As a full-service property damage restoration/environmental services company, Branch Services handles both commercial and residential business. The company's service area includes Long Island, the NY Metro area and New Jersey.
The Environmental Contractor's Association of New York City (ECA) is New York's premier trade association of environmental remediation. Their mission is to advance the needs of environmental contractors by adhering to professional, safety and integrity standards.
The ECA has grown from a few contractors in 1996 to over 50 member firms today, ranging from small ($5 million) to large (over $100 million), specializing in:
- Hazardous materials removal
- Emergency response
- Asbestos removal
- Infectious clean up
- Oil, sewage and chemical spills
- Brown fields/contaminated water
- Reinsulation work
On October 20,2011 the ECA is holding a Special Educational Conference...How Infection Control and the Changing Environmental Landscape Affects Your Business.
For additional information and to view/print the event flyer/registration form, click here.
ECA member firms are provided with state-of-the-art training to ensure that their professionals are in compliance with regulations set forth by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Visit the ECA website.
If you sustain a loss, the first thing to do is to notify your insurance company or its agent. You can do this by telephone, although it is a good idea to follow up with written notification. Remember, if you give the notice to your broker rather than directly to the insurance company, you still have a responsibility to make sure that the insurance company receives notice of your claim.
It is also important to notify your insurance company promptly after any incident takes place that might result in a claim at some later date, even though no claim was made at the time the event occurred.
For example, if your dog bites a neighbor or a guest falls on your property, it should be reported to the insurance company even though you don’t know whether any claim is actually going to be made against you. Your failure to notify the company promptly might result in a denial of coverage in the event a claim is filed against you at a later date.
It is also important to protect your property against further damage. For example, if the windows are broken, have them boarded up to protect against further vandalism or burglary. The cost of this type of protection is covered in the policy and would be reimbursed by your insurance company.
However, no permanent repairs should be made until your company or its representative has inspected the property. The company has the right to inspect the property in its damaged condition, and can refuse to pay you for any damage that is repaired before inspection.
An adjuster will be sent by your insurance company to examine the damage and give you an estimate of the cost of repairs or replacement. You may also get an estimate from your own contractor to compare with the insurance company’s estimate.
If you need assistance, your agent, broker or insurance company sales representative should help you fill out the claim form and help gather the materials you need to substantiate your loss.
In the event you are unfortunate enough to experience a major loss such as a fire or severe windstorm which has badly damaged or destroyed your home, and you are not in a position to negotiate a settlement with your company, you may want to consult an attorney or hire a licensed public adjuster to act on your behalf with your insurance company. Public adjusters are licensed by the Insurance Department. They represent you, not the insurance company. They will help you in taking inventory of your loss, securing your home from vandalism, contacting your insurance company, advising you on the extent of your coverage and help you secure the services needed to repair or rebuild your home. They will negotiate on your behalf with the adjuster from the insurance company.
A public adjuster may not charge a fee higher than 12.5% of the recovery amount and must obtain a signed compensation agreement from you in which the amount of compensation is clearly stated. Such agreement may be cancelled up to midnight of the third business day after the date on which you have signed the compensation agreement. In addition, public adjusters may not solicit your business between the hours of 6 p.m. and 8 a.m.
If an agreement cannot be reached between you and your insurance company, your policy provides for an appraisal process. Every homeowner, tenant, cooperative apartment and condominium policy issued in New York contains a provision for you and your company to select a competent and disinterested appraiser. The two appraisers, in turn, select an umpire. Each appraiser must evaluate the loss and determine the value of each item. Any disagreements between the appraisers regarding the value of any items are submitted to, and settled by the umpire. The costs of this process are paid by the policyholder and the insurance company.
Source: NY State Ins. Dept.