Recent Community Posts

September is National Preparedness Month

9/1/2017 (Permalink)

September is National Preparedness Month, an annual awareness event sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). here at SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge we believe this is a great time for business owners to review their emergency preparedness and business continuity plans. SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge points to startling statistics like this one to emphasize the importance of advance planning: according to FEMA, as many as 40 percent of businesses never reopen following a major flood disaster.*

"Business owners who think they are prepared for an emergency because exits are clearly marked and fire or flood drills are parts of the regular routine really need to take another look at their preparations," said Sue Steen, SERVPRO Industries, Inc. chief executive officer. "A comprehensive emergency plan also contains critical information about the location of shut-off valves, fire suppression system controls, emergency contact numbers and more -- information that can save emergency responders precious time and help contain damage and minimize injury."

Because SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge knows the time to create a disaster readiness plan is before you need it, they have developed the SERVPRO® Emergency READY Program to help business owners create an Emergency READY Profile® (ERP) for their facility, at no charge. The business owner works with SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge to gather and document information that will become critical if a disaster strikes. Once the ERP is created, business owners have access to their information 24/7 online and by using SERVPRO free smartphone app.

"For a business to survive and thrive, it needs to get back to business as soon as possible after a disaster strikes," said Steen. "With an ERP in place, SERVPRO's Disaster Response teams can immediately assess the situation and take the first critical steps to protect employees from harm and property from further damage, setting the business on the road to recovery."

SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge professionals specialize in disaster restoration, cleanup and repair services, helping to remediate damage, making it "Like it never even happened," for both commercial and residential customers. For more information on the SERVPRO® and the SERVPRO® Emergency READY Program, please visit https://ready.SERVPRO.com/home/mobileapp.

* http://www.fema.gov/protecting-your-businesses

Call SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge at (570) 235-1646 for your no cost/no obligation Emergency Readiness Plan. (570) 235-1646 to schedule an appointment. Proudly serving the businesses of Lackawanna County.

Social Media Sites

7/13/2017 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge we believe it is important to keep our customers, fans and followers current on the latest and greatest news, tips and highlights of this franchise. We work diligently to keep all our social media outlets relevant with current information paying special attention to the visuals since what we do on a daily basis is something quite striking. We ask that you follow us at the following:

We can be found using the name SERVPRO9796 (our franchise #) on FB, Instagram, Twitter and Google.

And you can always search us on Google for our Google+ page: SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge.

We are always interested in feedback of our work performance, both good and bad since the only way we get better is by knowing where we can improve. Please add comments and reviews and if you have an idea for a theme or a post please let us know and as always like and share.

I hope you find our social media outlets relevant and interesting.

Thanks for the follow.

Nick

Fire Facts from NFPA

10/11/2016 (Permalink)

Kitchen fires remain the leading cause of home fires.
 
SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge, Lackawanna Counties premier smoke, fire and water cleanup company is proud to share this information from The National Fire Protection Association in conjunction with Fire Prevention Week.

Fast facts about fire

Home fires

Half of home fire deaths result from fires reported between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. when most people are asleep. Only one in five home fires were reported during these hours.
One quarter of home fire deaths were caused by fires that started in the bedroom. Another quarter resulted from fires in the living room, family room or den.
Three out of five home fire deaths happen from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.
In 2014, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 367,500 home structure fires. These fires caused 2,745 deaths, 11,825 civilian injuries, and $6.8 billion in direct damage.
On average, seven people die in U.S. home fires per day.
Cooking equipment is the leading cause of home fire injuries, followed by heating equipment.
Smoking materials are the leading cause of home fire deaths.
Most fatal fires kill one or two people. In 2014, 15 home fires killed five or more people resulting in a total of 88 deaths.
During 2009-2013, roughly one of every 335 households had a reported home fire per year.

Smoke alarms

Three out of five home fire deaths in 2009-2013 were caused by fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.
Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in reported home fires in half.
In fires considered large enough to activate the smoke alarm, hardwired alarms operated 94% of the time, while battery powered alarms operated 80% of the time.
When smoke alarms fail to operate, it is usually because batteries are missing, disconnected, or dead.
An ionization smoke alarm is generally more responsive to flaming fires and a photoelectric smoke alarm is generally more responsive to smoldering fires. For the best protection, or where extra time is needed to awaken or assist others, both types of alarms, or combination ionization and photoelectric alarms are recommended.

Disaster happen, no matter how well we prepare. if your home or business experiences a smoke or fire disaster and need outside cleanup help, call the Scranton areas leading restoration company at (570) 235-1646. We are an emergency service company available 24/7 to meet any disaster related situation.
 
http://bit.ly/2adYGpl

Home Fire Safety Campaign

5/16/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge's Mike Chrzan made the news installing smoke detectors in a home in Scranton, PA as part of The American Red Cross's Home Fire Safety Campaign. We were pleased to partner with The American Red Cross Northeastern PA region as well as The Scranton Fire Department.

The group was able to install over 323 smoke detectors in homes in the west side of Scranton that were not protected. We are thankful for this opportunity to help our community prevent home fires.

Read more about our successful day here: http://wnep.com/2016/05/14/red-cross-campaign-puts-smoke-alarms-in-homes/

We are thankful to the American Red Cross Northeast PA Chapter for including us as a part of their nation-wide Home Fire Safety Campaign. We look forward to partnering in future events.

Scranton Times/Tribune Article - Disaster Preparedness Conference

4/11/2016 (Permalink)

Disaster preparedness conference held in ScrantonBY JOSEPH KOHUT, STAFF WRITERPublished: April 8, 2016 Dozens of people and area business leaders gathered Thursday at a conference in a Scranton hotel to discuss what to do when the worst has happened, and how to stay ahead of it.

The event, a joint effort of the Lackawanna County Chamber and Luzerne County Chamber, is the first such conference the groups will organize this year, each focusing on one specific theme for businesses to consider, said co-founder of the Luzerne County Chamber, Christopher Carey. The fledgling groups are not affiliated with the local chambers of commerce.

“We need education resources,” Mr. Carey said.

The groups decided the theme for Thursday’s conference at the Hilton Scranton and Conference Center would be disaster preparedness. At the conference were members of the American Red Cross; Tech42, a Dunmore-based information technology firm; SERVPRO, a damage restoration contractor; and the Scranton Police Department, which stressed the importance of having an “active shooter” plan.

“It was a solid presentation,” said Judah Whitney, of Covington Twp., after listening to the Red Cross speak about preparing disaster plans. “(It highlighted) the necessity of preparing and the risks of not preparing.”

Dave Skutnik, a spokesman for the Red Cross, noted that about 40 percent of small businesses fail following a disaster, which can be lessened by having a plan in place on how to handle it.

“In this area between fires and floods we see it happen all the time,” Mr. Skutnik said.

The chambers plan on organizing additional conferences during the year, on subjects ranging from health and wellness to proper bookkeeping, Mr. Carey said.

Disaster Preparedness Conference

3/3/2016 (Permalink)

Disaster Preparedness Conference.

Come learn about disaster preparedness at our Disaster Preparedness Conference to be held on April 7th at the Scranton Hilton and Conference Center. The featured presenters will be educating the attendees on the importance of being prepared regarding people, property, structure and information. SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge, Tech42, the American Red Cross Northeast Pa. Region and the Scraton Police Department.

This a free, day long, registartion only event for commercial property owners and managers. Come learn how to be best prepared from a wide array of disasters from an active shooter to a smoke, fire or water disaster.

 

94.3 The Talker - Disaster Preparedness Conference Promotion

2/29/2016 (Permalink)

Thank you to 94.3 The Talker for having us on the show this afternoon to talk about the Disaster Preparedness Conference. If you missed it you can listen at any time at http://www.mediafire.com/…/BLR_2-27-16_Disaster_Preparednes…

Thank you to Nick Burruano and Regina Petrunich of SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge and David Abdalla of tech42 LLC for volunteering to be talk today.

Great information about the Scranton Police Department as well as American Red Cross Northeastern Pennsylvania Chapter and what they will be presenting during the conference.

Special thanks to our sponsors SERVPRO, tech42, LLC, Hilton Scranton & Conference Center, R.N. DeMeck Roof Management Services, Inc., Power Equipment Restoration

Site Security Awareness - Disaster Preparedness Conference

1/26/2016 (Permalink)

As part of the Disaster Preparedness Conference, Corporal Joe Harris of the Scranton Police Department will present two breakout sessions on Site Security Assessments.

Security awareness is the knowledge and attitude members of an organization possess regarding the protection of the physical, and especially informational, assets of that organization. Many organizations require formal security awareness training for all workers when they join the organization and periodically thereafter, usually annually.

Topics covered in security awareness training include:

  • The nature of sensitive material and physical assets they may come in contact with, such as trade secrets, privacy concerns and government classified information
  • Employee and contractor responsibilities in handling sensitive information, including review of employee nondisclosure agreements
  • Requirements for proper handling of sensitive material in physical form, including marking, transmission, storage and destruction
  • Proper methods for protecting sensitive information on computer systems, including password policy and use of two-factor authentication
  • Other computer security concerns including malware, phishing, social engineering, etc.
  • Workplace security, including building access, wearing of security badges, reporting of incidents, forbidden articles, etc.
  • Consequences of failure to properly protect information, including potential loss of employment, economic consequences to the firm, damage to individuals whose private records are divulged, and possible civil and criminal penalties

Being security aware means you understand that there is the potential for some people to deliberately or accidentally steal, damage, or misuse the data that is stored within a company's computer systems and throughout its organization. Therefore, it would be prudent to support the assets of the institution (information, physical and personal) by trying to stop that from happening.

According to the European Network and Information Security Agency, "Awareness of the risks and available safeguards is the first line of defence for the security of information systems and networks."

"The focus of Security Awareness consultancy should be to achieve a long term shift in the attitude of employees towards security, whilst promoting a cultural and behavioural change within an organisation. Security policies should be viewed as key enablers for the organisation, not as a series of rules restricting the efficient working of your business."

SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge believes that while disasters will occur, preparedness is the key to miminize and recover in a timely manner and when it comes to your business, time is money. Participating in this conference with the Lackawanna and Luzerne County Chambers is our way of helping business owners better prepare for any type of disaster.

Should your business suffer a water, smoke or fire emergency, call SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge, Northeastern Pennsylvania's leader in disaster recovery at (570) 235-1646.

Disaster Preparedness Conference

1/25/2016 (Permalink)

Disaster Preparedness Conference April 7, 2016 Scranton Hilton Conference Center

SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge is pleased to partner with tech42, The American Red Cross, and Scranton Police Department on the first annual Disaster Preparedness Conference. This is a joint project of the Lackawanna and Luzerne County Chambers and will be held Thursday April 7th, 2016 at the Hilton Scranton and Conference Center. 

This day-long, registration only event will feature 4 breakout sessions dealing with disaster preparedness for commercial property owners and managers. It will feature over 50 exhibitors with breakfast and lunch provided.

To pre-register: http://bit.ly/1ZHheOx use the code: early2016

December Newsletter "12 Disasters of Christmas"

12/15/2015 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge's December Newsletter: The 12 Disasters of Christmas. SERVPRO wants to wish all our customers, partners and vendors a Happy Holiday Season and if your home or business does experience a smoke, fire or water disaster know we are available 24/7 to be your emergency services provider. SERVPRO is Scranton/Wilkes-Barre's leading disaster recovery company in the Lackawanna, Wyoming and Susquehanna counties.

http://bit.ly/1I6ttSp

November Newsletter

11/4/2015 (Permalink)

To subscribe to our quarterly newsletter please sign up on our Facebook page @SERVPRO9796. 

Winter is coming and being prepared is the key. For tips, hints and updates please subscribe.

Nobody wants frozen or burst pipes! Follow these tips and take precaution to avoid burst/frozen pipes this winter:

  • Insulate pipes in your home's crawl spaces and attic, even if you live in a climate where freezing is uncommon. Exposed pipes are most susceptible to freezing. Remember: The more insulation you use, the better protected your pipes will be.
  • Heat tape or thermostatically controlled heat cables can be used to wrap pipes. Be sure to use products approved by an independent testing organization and closely follow all manufacturers' installation and operation instructions.
  • Seal leaks that allow cold air inside near where pipes are located. Look for air leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents, and pipes, and use caulk or insulation to keep the cold out. With severe cold, even a tiny opening can let in enough cold air to cause a pipe to freeze.
  • Before winter hits, disconnect garden hoses and, if possible, use an indoor valve to 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. 

    • Even if you’ve taken the right preventative steps, extreme weather conditions can still harm your pipes. Here are a few more steps you can take:

  • A trickle of hot and cold water might be all it takes to keep your pipes from freezing. Let warm water drip overnight, preferably from a faucet on an outside wall.
  • Keep your thermostat set at the same temperature during both day and night. You might be in the habit of turning down the heat when you’re asleep, but further drops in the temperature – more common overnight – could catch you off guard and freeze your pipes.
  • Open cabinet doors to allow heat to get to un-insulated pipes under sinks and appliances near exterior walls.

    • Travelling in the winter months might be good for the soul, but don’t forget to think about your pipes before you leave. What can you do?

  • Set the thermostat in your house no lower than 55°F (12°C).
  • Ask a friend or neighbor to check your house daily to make sure it's warm enough to prevent freezing.
  • Shut off and drain the water system. Be aware that if you have a fire protection sprinkler system in your house, it may be deactivated when you shut off the water. 

    • If your pipes do freeze...

    What do you do if your pipes still freeze, despite your best preventative measures? First step: Don’t panic. Just because they’re frozen doesn’t mean they’ve already burst. Here’s what you can do:

  • If you turn on your faucets and nothing comes out, leave the faucets turned on and call a plumber.
  • Do not use electrical appliances in areas of standing water: You could be electrocuted.
  • Never try to thaw a pipe with a torch or other open flame because it could cause a fire hazard. Water damage is preferable to burning down your house!
  • You may be able to thaw a frozen pipe with the warm air from a hair dryer. Start by warming the pipe as close to the faucet as possible, working toward the coldest section of pipe.
  • If your water pipes have already burst, turn off the water at the main shutoff valve in the house; leave the water faucets turned on. Make sure everyone in your family knows where the water shutoff valve is and how to open and close it.

    • So when your home or business suffers water damage either through a flood or burst pipe, call us at (570) 235-1646 for 24/7 service. SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge is the premier water restoration company in Lackawanna County.

    Fall Maintenance Tips

    9/21/2015 (Permalink)

    Prepare Your Home for Cooler Days Ahead.

     Fall foliage is beautiful, but not when it builds up in your gutters! Take these tips into account during the cool autumn months.

  • Have your furnace cleaned and inspected annually by a qualified technician.
  • Keep flammable materials, including all lawn and power equipment, away from water heaters and wiring in the basement.
  • Insulate water pipes in areas exposed to cold temperatures, and turn up the thermostat during extra cold periods.
  • Check for damage to your roof, and clean gutters and downspouts to keep debris from accumulating. This is especially important during the fall season to keep leaves from building up in gutters.
  • Check and repair caulking around doors and windows that show signs of deterioration.
  • Check caulking around showers, bathtubs, sinks and toilet bases; and makes repairs as needed.
  • Have your chimney cleaned and maintained annually by a professional.
  • Clean and/or replace your furnace filter.
  • Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct and space under the dryer. Remove all lint, dust, and pieces of material.
  • Check your electrical outlets for potential fire hazards such as frayed wires or loose-fitting plugs. Be sure not to overload electrical outlets, fuse boxes, extension cords or any other power service.
  • Keep a multi-purpose fire extinguisher accessible, filled and ready for operation.
  • Inspect your smoke detectors. Make sure there is one on each floor of your home. Test them monthly, and change the battery annually or as needed.
  • https://www.travelers.com/prepare-prevent/home/home-maintenance/fall-maintenance-tips.aspx 

    • Red Cross Fire Prevention & Safety Tips

    9/8/2015 (Permalink)

    Fire damage at a home in Scranton that SERVPRO was called to mitigate and restore.

    Preparing and Preventing a Home Fire - Steps You Can Take Now
      • Keep items that can catch on fire at least three feet away from anything that gets hot, such as space heaters.
      • Never smoke in bed.
      • Talk to your children regularly about the dangers of fire, matches and lighters and keep them out of reach.
      • Turn portable heaters off when you leave the room or go to sleep.

     

    Smoke Alarms
    • Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas.
    • Teach your children what smoke alarms sound like and what to do when they hear one.
    • Test smoke alarms once a month, if they’re not working, change the batteries.
    • Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years. Never disable smoke or carbon monoxide alarms.
    • Carbon monoxide alarms are not substitutes for smoke alarms. Know the difference between the sound of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms.
    Fire Escape Planning
    • Ensure that all household members know two ways to escape from every room of your home.
    • Make sure everyone knows where to meet outside in case of fire.
    • Practice escaping from your home at least twice a year and at different times of the day. Practice waking up to smoke alarms, low crawling and meeting outside. Make sure everyone knows how to call 9-1-1.
    • Teach household members to STOP, DROP and ROLL if their clothes should catch on fire.
    Cooking Safely
    • Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen, even for a short period of time, turn off the stove.
    • Stay in the home while simmering, baking, roasting or boiling food. Check it regularly and use a timer to remind you that food is cooking.
    • Keep anything that can catch fire—like pot holders, towels, plastic and clothing— away from the stove.
    • Keep pets off cooking surfaces and countertops to prevent them from knocking things onto the burner.
    Caution: Carbon Monoxide Kills 
    • Install carbon monoxide alarms in central locations on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas.
    • If the carbon monoxide alarm sounds, move quickly to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door.
    • Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area.

    Safety and Disaster Plan

    9/2/2015 (Permalink)

    The American Red Cross, in recognition of National Preparedness Month has developed the following disaster and safety guidelines: SERVPRO industries is a proud partner of the American Red Cross.

    Tools and Resources         The American Red Cross has created this Disaster and Safety Library to assist you in preparing your home, school and workplace in the event of a disaster or emergency. Here you will find fact sheets, preparedness checklists, recovery guides and other helpful information to keep you informed and safe. http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster-safety-library

    1-4-8 Service Response Policy

    6/25/2015 (Permalink)

    SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge has a 1-4-8 Service Response policy:1- Within one (1) hour from the notice of loss, a SERVPRO Professional will contact you to arrange for service. 4- Within four (4) hours of loss notification, a SERVPRO Professional will be on-site to start mitigation services (if necessary.)8- With in eight (8) business hours of on-site arrival a verbal briefing of the scope will be communicated to the appropriate person. *Exceptions may apply under certain conditions, such as a local catastrophic event or storm situation.

    SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge is the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre's premier smoke, fire and water clean up and restoration company. We service all of Northeastern Pennsylvania.