Asbestos . . . Asbestos?

9/7/2023 (Permalink)

Asbestos containment in bathroom

In 1977 asbestos was banned from being used in any building material. So no home should have any traces of it, right? Unfortunately not. If your abode was built before 1977, there may still be harmful asbestos lurking behind your walls and ceilings. Side effects of asbestos inhalation include, but are not limited to, wheezing, weight loss, crackly sounds in the lungs, and chest pain. If any form of demo or home improvement is done to a home riddled with asbestos, even one-time exposure is enough to cause the above health effects. The picture shown is a containment of asbestos that was discovered in the ceiling of a shower in a building that was built back in 1973. And while other units may have been asbestos-free, the homeowner of this unit was surprised to discover the toxicity living rent-free behind his own walls. This is why hiring professionals like SERVPRO® to repair your home is so crucial. Otherwise, life-altering complications could arise. 

Happy Fourth of July!

7/2/2021 (Permalink)

The 4th of July – also known as Independence Day– has been a federal holiday in the US since 1941. The tradition of Independence Day celebrations however, date back to the 18th century and the American Revolution. On July 2nd, 1776, Congress voted in favor of independence. Two days later representatives from the 13 colonies implemented the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. From 1776 until now, July 4th has been renowned as the birth of American independence, with celebrations varying from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues.

SERVPRO of Poway / Rancho Bernardo wants to wish everyone a wonderful, safe fourth of July!

Summertime Safety

6/27/2019 (Permalink)

Summer’s warm weather can be fatal. Some people are more at risk of developing a heat-related illness; including, but not limited to, adults age 65 and older, those with chronic medical conditions, people who work outside, infants, children and athletes. Here are 10 tips to help keep you safe this summer!

• Never leave children or pets in your vehicle. The inside temperature of a car can escalate quickly, resulting in death.
• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and avoid drinks with caffeine and alcohol.
• If you do not have AC, seek relief. If you or someone you know does not have air conditioning, try visiting local libraries, theaters, malls, etc., during the warmest part(s) of the day.
• Make sure you are also checking on family, friends, or neighbors. It is especially important to do so if they are elder or someone likely to be affected by the warm weather.
• Avoid extreme temperature changes.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing. Light weight and light colored would also be preferred as well, as dark colors absorb the sun’s rays.
• Avoid strenuous activities during the hottest part of the dat. Slow down and stay indoors.
• Postpone outdoor activities. Try to schedule activities, games, or practices early in the morning, or later in the evening, to prevent from being out during the hottest peak.
• If working outdoors , use a buddy system and remember to take frequent breaks.
• Check on animals and make sure they are not suffering from the heat. Make sure they have plenty of shade and water.

Remember : Proper preparation prevents poor performance

Happy Pi Day!

3/14/2019 (Permalink)

Pi, which is often represented by the Greek letter π, represents the ratio of a circles circumference to its diameter. It is an irrational number, meaning its decimal is infinite and its exact value cannot be determined. Pi is the most recognized mathematical constant around the world, and is also referenced in popular culture, including in Carl Sagan’s novel, Contact. Theoretical physicist Albert Einstein was born on this day in 1879, while the Theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking died on this day just last year (2018). Around the country, food establishment are celebrating with deals on Pies and Pizza Pies; all in the name of 3.141592653589793238462643383….

Check out some of the some of the places locally that are celebrating 3/14

• BJ's Restaurants and Brew house: Mini one-topping pizzas for $3.14
• Blaze Pizza: $3.14 whole pizzas
• Boston Market: Buy one pot pie and a drink; and get a pot pie free with the applicable coupon.
• California Pizza Kitchen: $3.14 slice of key lime pie
• Pieology: Buy one artisan thin crust pizza, get another for $3.14
• Whole Foods: Get a large bakery pie for $3.14 off the normal sale price
• 7-Eleven: Order a whole pizza from 7-Eleven's 7Now app and a get a whole pie for $3.14
• Blaze Pizza: Buy through the build-your-own pie chain's app and get a pizza for $3.14

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

10/17/2018 (Permalink)

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month - a worldwide annual campaign involving thousands of organizations, to emphasize the significance of breast awareness, education and research.

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer begins when cells in the breast begin to expand out of control. These cells often form a tumor that can often be seen on an x-rays, or felt as a lump. The tumor becomes cancerous when the cells grow into neighboring tissues or spread to distant areas of the body. Breast cancer occurs almost entirely in women, but men can get breast cancer, too.

Staying Aware.

Being breast aware simply means being knowledgeable about what your breasts look and feel like as normal, being alert for any abnormal changes and getting them checked out by your doctor. It’s as simple as TLC. Touch your breasts. Can you feel anything out of the ordinary? Look for changes. Is there any change in shape or texture? Check for anything unusual with your doctor. No one is familiar with your body more than you are, and everyone will have their own way of touching and looking for changes – there is no special technique and you do not need any training.

Safety tips for Memorial Weekend.

5/25/2018 (Permalink)

Many people will spend the upcoming Memorial Day weekend taking a road trip, having their first picnic of the season or enjoying that first dip in the ocean or pool. Follow these tips to stay safe and relish all that the long holiday weekend has to offer.

DRIVING SAFETY

Be well rested and alert, use your seat belts, observe speed limits and follow the rules of the road.

• If you plan on drinking alcohol, designate a driver who won’t drink.
• Give your full attention to the road. Avoid distractions such as cell phones.
• Use caution in work zones. There are lots of construction projects underway on the highways.
• Don’t follow other vehicles too closely.
• Clean your vehicle’s lights and windows to help you see, especially at night.
• Turn your headlights on as dusk approaches, or during inclement weather.
• Don’t overdrive your headlights.
• Don’t let your vehicle’s gas tank get too low. If you have car trouble, pull as far as possible off the highway.
• Carry a Disaster Supplies Kit in your trunk.
• Let someone know where you are going, your route and when you expect to get there. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.

GRILLING SAFETY

• Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use.
• Never grill indoors – not in your house, camper, tent, or any enclosed area.
• Make sure everyone, including the pets, stays away from the grill.
• Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, the deck, tree branches, or anything that could catch fire. 
• Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill to keep the chef safe.
• Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using grills.

WATER SAFETY

• Do your part, be water smart! Ensure that everyone in the family learns to swim well.
• Adults: actively supervise children; stay within arm’s reach of young children and newer swimmers. And kids: follow the rules.
• Don’t just pack it; wear your U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket – always when on a boat and if in a situation beyond your skill level. Inflatable children’s toys and water wings can be fun, but they are no substitute for a life jacket and adult supervision.
• Swim as a pair near a lifeguard’s chair - everyone, including experienced swimmers, should swim with a buddy in areas protected by lifeguards.

National American Red Cross Founder's Day!

5/21/2018 (Permalink)

On May 21, National American Red Cross Founder’s Day marks the anniversary of the American Red Cross, which was founded in 1881, by 60 year old Clara Barton - the first president of the organization. Clara Barton was working in the U.S. Patent Office in Washington, DC when the Civil War began. Like many women, she helped collect bandages and other much-needed supplies, but she soon realized that she could best support the troops by going to the battlefields. Throughout many major battles of the war, she nursed, comforted and cooked for the wounded, earning the nickname the “Angel of the Battlefield.”

When her service to the Union soldiers was complete, Barton traveled to Europe.

While in Europe, Barton volunteered her time working with the International Red Cross during the Franco-Prussian War. Upon returning to the United States, she was determined to bring the Red Cross to America.  In 1881, the American Red Cross came into being. Barton administered the organization for the next twenty-three years.

The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization which offers support inside the United States and is the designated affiliate of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

In addition to domestic disaster relief, the American Red Cross which is headquartered in Washington D.C., and presided over by volunteers now offers services in five other areas:

• Community services to help the needy
• Communications services and comfort for military members and their families
• The collection, processing and distribution of blood and blood products
• Educational programs on preparedness, health and safety
• International relief and development programs  

SERVPRO of Poway / Rancho Bernardo is happy to be a proud supporter of the American Red Cross Disaster Responder program. 

For more information on Clara Barton and the American Red Cross – you can visit http://www.redcross.org/about-us/who-we-are/history

National Siblings Day 2018

4/10/2018 (Permalink)

National Siblings Day is a holiday that was traditionally unique to the United States and one that allows brothers and sisters to celebrate the special bond that exists between them. While it is a holiday that wasn’t originally celebrated nationally or recognized by the federal government, it is a holiday that millions of people across the U.S, and now the world, celebrate every year on April 10th.

This holiday was first conceived by Claudia Evart to honor her siblings – both of whom died tragically. To further the advancement and recognition of this holiday, the Siblings Day Foundation was established in 1997. Two years later, it became a non-profit organization.

Although it is not an official federal holiday, it is celebrated in many parts of the U.S. Since its conception, over 80 governors have signed gubernatorial proclamations recognizing the 10th of April as National Siblings Day. The holiday has also reached international status over the last 2 decades and is now celebrated in many different countries around the globe. Currently it is celebrated in many parts of Southeast Asia and in Australia.

Since over two-thirds of Americans have at least one sibling, there has been a number of scientific studies examining the importance of sibling relationships. One study done in 1999, showed that a sibling relationship was not only the first relationship a person is likely to have – with siblings spending at least one-third of their free time with their siblings by the time they reach puberty – but also is one of the most important a person can have. This study showed that sibling relationships greatly affect social skills. In fact, it demonstrated that people who had siblings were shown to have better social skills than individuals who didn’t have any or were raised apart from their siblings.

Don't forget to love and appreciate your siblings just a little more today!

National Love Our Children Day

4/4/2018 (Permalink)

National Love Our Children Day is observed annually on the first Saturday in April as part of National Child Abuse Prevention Month. This day honors all children and encourages us to develop loving, respectful relationships with our children.Love Our Children USA sponsors and promotes this day annually.  This day focuses on prevention of child abuse and violence against children as well bringing awareness and helping put in place support tools and resources for communities.

To observe National Child Abuse Prevention month, Love Our Children USA, (a national organization headquartered in New York whose mission is to break the cycle of violence against children) begins its ninth annual GET BLUE campaign – a national effort to educate and raise awareness for Child Abuse Prevention.

The “Blue Ribbon” is the symbol for child abuse prevention. Love Our Children USA urges every person across the country to GET BLUE. By wearing a Blue Ribbon pin during April and throughout the year, we can educate families, children, neighbors and communities on how to prevent child abuse and neglect — encourage communities and individuals in recognizing and preventing child abuse, assist families in achieving healthy parenting practices through education and resources and empower individuals to report child victimization and intervene in situations where violence and neglect harm children.

For more information, you can visit http://www.loveourchildrenusa.org/index.php

When Easter meets April Fools

3/30/2018 (Permalink)

Don't let the joke be on you this Sunday! Easter and April Fools' Day collide this year for the first time since 1945 ! Therefore - you might want to be careful before biting into a treat.

Some parents are using the unusual double holiday to prank their kids and party guests. The following pranks might not make you very popular at Easter gatherings but should illicit laughter.

• The easiest trick is to not boil the egg. But the yoke might be on you when you have to clean up the mess.
• Ever notice that Brussels sprouts are a similar size to cake pops and doughnut holes? Try dipping the green vegetable into chocolate and passing it as a dessert.
• Unwrap tiny chocolate eggs and put the foil on grapes. But will you eat the chocolate or save for your kids when the jokes over?
• No one will expect to find peeps in their closet, their shoes, coffee jars, jewelry boxes, etc. This is one April Fools' Day that you can make last as long as you want, with the help of some stale, well-hidden marshmallow treats.
• Place non-exciting items in plastic eggs. Empty wrappers and frozen veggies.
• Recycled gifts. Re-gift your kids favorite toys in their Easter baskets.
• A popular prank is to put jelly beans in the toilet and say they were left by the Easter Bunny. Perhaps, a plumber came up with this one.
• Make a sponge cake with actual sponges but use real frosting.
• Instead of something sweet in a chocolate egg, use mustard or other condiments. 
• Use Jelly Belly Candy Company’s BeanBoozled 4th Edition, which includes 20 jelly bean flavors — 10 classic flavors and 10 weird ones. For example, pick a white jelly bean and it'll be either coconut or spoiled milk.

Fun Facts about San Diego

3/27/2018 (Permalink)

San Diego Skyline

BRIDGES WITH PRESIDENTIAL PURPOSE.

Ronald Reagan was the first person to drive across the Coronado Bridge when it opened in 1969.

PROTECT THE JACKRABBITS!

In San Diego, it’s illegal to shoot jackrabbits from the back of a streetcar.

BAH HUMBUG… AFTER FEBRUARY 2.

There are fines issued for leaving your Christmas lights up past February 2nd.

GO NAVY!

The top employer in the city is the United States Navy.

WHEN’S THEIR TURN?

The San Diego Chargers have never won a Super Bowl.

MARINE LIFE RULES!

San Diego is home to the largest oceanographic museum in the USA, the Birch Aquarium at Scripps.

HISTORICALLY THRILLING!

The Giant Dipper, a wooden roller coaster at Belmont Park in Mission Beach, is the only roller coaster in the United States to be on the National Register of Historic Places.

GET YOUR FILL OF THIS SUPER FOOD!

San Diego produces the most avocados in the United States.

HOW MANY FARMS DOES YOUR CITY HAVE?

San Diego has the largest number in the U.S., approximately 7,000.

OH THE THINKS YOU CAN THINK IN SAN DIEGO!

The University of California, San Diego’s Geisel Library in La Jolla is home to the largest collection of original Dr. Seuss manuscripts and other materials in the world.

JUST SAY NO TO HYPNOSIS!

The act of hypnosis is banned by public schools in San Diego.

EVEN THE FAMOUS FOLKS HAVE FARMS.

Celebrity singer Jason Mraz has a 5.5 acre avocado farm in San Diego.

IT’S A FLEA CIRCUS!

San Diego has more fleas than any other city in the USA.

THERE’S A CAFÉ NAMED AFTER A BABY PANDA.

The Hua Mei café in the San Diego Zoo was named after the first baby panda born in the Western Hemisphere since 1990.

THEY’RE A THIRSTY GROUP.

San Diego imports 168 million gallons of water a day. That’s enough, if put into water bottles, to circle the earth more than one and a quarter times.

IT’S A CITY OF SKATEBOARDERS.

Well, at least two famous ones. Both Shaun White and Tony Hawk hail from San Diego.

TONY HAWK HAS A HOLIDAY NAMED AFTER HIM.

May 29th is Tony Hawk Day in San Diego (the post offices and banks don’t close, though).

ANYTIME IS A GOOD TIME TO VISIT THE CITY.

San Diego has the most ideal climate with temperatures averaging 70 all year long.

THERE’S NOTHING SUPER ABOUT THE SUPER CHARGERS.

The city has not only never won a Super Bowl, they’ve never won the world series.

THE CITY IS HOME TO MANY STARS.

Including the world’s oldest active sailing ship, The Star of India, which resides in the port of San Diego.

DON’T GO JUMP IN A LAKE!

It’s illegal to swim in any of the lakes in the city; but since they’re all man-made and there are 70 miles of shoreline to enjoy, it’s no biggie.

O’ CHRISTMAS TREE, O’ CHRISTMAS TREE!

The Hotel Del Coronado is not only the oldest wooden structure in the USA, it was the first to feature an electric lit outdoor Christmas Tree in 1904.

TUNA ANYONE?

From the early 1930s to the late 1970s, San Diego was the tuna capital of the world.

SQUEAKY DOORS GET OILED IN SAN DIEGO.

WD-40 was invented in San Diego by the Rocket Chemical Company in 1953.

WOULD YOU LIKE FRIES WITH THAT?

The first drive-in restaurant in the United States was opened in San Diego by the man who later founded Jack in the Box in 1951.

International Day of Happiness

3/20/2018 (Permalink)

Do what makes you happy.

Smile, share, eat healthily, exercise, be grateful, give back, think positively, spend some time with friends and family, spend some time alone, be mindful, dream, listen to music, say thank you and mean it, compete, be charitable, say “all the more” instead of “nonetheless” – you get it. Do what makes you happy.

Spread Happiness.

While you’re doing whatever it is you do that makes you happy, don’t forget to do whatever you can do to make others happy! Happiness is contagious. A simple smile can make even a stranger’s day much brighter. You’ve seen the Coca-Cola commercial, right? It’s not a gimmick. Watch it; you will smile! Spread happiness.

Tell everybody.

There are more than 7,300,000,000 (that’s 7.3 BILLION+) people on this planet. Each one of them has the right to happiness, and not all of them know it. Tell them. Tell your friends, your family, your neighbors, your co-workers, and your boss – hold your government accountable for securing your happiness. Tell yourself, and remind yourself: happiness is a fundamental human right, and happiness for all is a fundamental human goal. Tell everybody.

So don’t forget - Smile more. Worry less. Be the very best version of YOU. Do more of what makes you happy. Follow your dreams, believe in yourself & always remember – every day may not be good, but you can find something good in every day! ♥

St. Patrick's Day

3/16/2018 (Permalink)

The Chicago River

St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated every year on the 17^th of March because it is the day they believe St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, died in 461 AD.

St. Patrick’s day began as a religious holiday to honor the saint for bringing Christianity to Ireland. A lot of legends have developed around the life of St. Patrick, but perhaps most notable was his use of the clover, or shamrock, if you prefer; he used each of the 3 leaves to explain the trinity.

Ironically, the very first St. Patty’s day parade actually didn’t happen in Ireland -but in New York City back in 1762, when Irish soldiers serving the English military joined together and marched down the street to Irish music. Moreover, one of the biggest celebrations of St. Patrick’s Day takes place in Chicago where they dye the Chicago River green, a tradition taking place since 1962. Other big celebrations are held in Boston, Philadelphia, and NYC.

On any given day 5.5 million pints of Guinness, the famous Irish stout brand, are consumed around the world. On St. Patrick’s Day however, that number doubles to 13 million pints.

Leprechauns are often associated with this holiday. However, originally the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day did not have anything to do with these mythical creatures. It was not until Walt Disney released a film called Darby O’Gill & the Little People, which introduced America to a very different sort of leprechaun than the cantankerous little man of Irish folklore. This cheerful, friendly leprechaun is purely an American invention; however, it has quickly evolved into an easily recognizable symbol of both St. Patrick’s Day and Ireland in general.

Oh, and of course, wear something green or you might get pinched (;