Recent Community Posts

Protect yourself, your loved ones and your home with these cold weather safety tips!

12/15/2016 (Permalink)

As temperatures drop this winter

1. Layer up! Wear layers of lightweight clothing to stay warm. Gloves and a hat will help prevent losing your body heat.

 

2. Don’t forget your furry friends. Bring pets indoors. If they can’t come inside, make sure they have enough shelter to keep them warm and that they can get to unfrozen water.

 

3. Remember the three feet rule. If you are using a space heater, place it on a level, hard surface and keep anything flammable at least three feet away – things such as paper, clothing, bedding, curtains or rugs.

 

4. Requires supervision – Turn off space heaters and make sure fireplace embers are out before leaving the room or going to bed.

 

5. Don’t catch fire! If you are using a fireplace, use a glass or metal fire screen large enough to catch sparks and rolling logs.

 

6. Protect your pipes. Run water, even at a trickle, to help prevent your pipes from freezing. Open the kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals out of the reach of children. Keep the garage doors closed if there are water lines in the garage.

 

7. Better safe than sorry. Keep the thermostat at the same temperature day and night. Your heating bill may be a little higher, but you could avoid a more costly repair job if your pipes freeze and burst.

 

8. The kitchen is for cooking. Never use a stove or oven to heat your home.

 

9. Use generators outside. Never operate a generator inside the home, including in the basement or garage.

 

10. Knowledge is power. Don’t hook a generator up to the home’s wiring. The safest thing to do is to connect the equipment you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator.

Be prepared for freezing temperatures!

12/15/2016 (Permalink)

It's  technically been winter for several weeks, we’re just now experiencing freezing cold temperatures and the dread of having to clean ice off our windshields before we can drive. Weather changes affect both you and your vehicle. In freezing temperatures, you can’t expect your car to function properly immediately without making some minor changes. Here are some suggestions on ways to ensure that your vehicle is properly ready for the winter season:

Emergency kit – It’s a good idea to put together some things useful tools to store in your trunk so you have them in case you get stuck in a snow bank or on the side of the road during a snowstorm.

Windshield safety – Many people don’t take the time to clear their windshield. Make sure your windshield is completely clear before you drive, especially when there are adverse weather conditions. Eliminate the chances of an accident by only driving if there’s no ice or snow blocking your view.

Tire pressure – Tire pressure is really important in the winter, which is why many people purchase snow tires. Properly inflated tires will ensure good traction in slippery conditions.

Battery – Battery issues remain one of the most common ways for a car to break down, particularly during winter. The scary thing about car batteries is extremely cold temperatures can decrease the battery’s life by up to 50 percent.

Some important kit items include:

  • Blankets
  • Snow boots
  • Engine oil
  • Washer fluid
  • Coolant
  • Flashlight
  • Jumper Cables
  • Flares
  • Small snow shovel, Take a look at a full list of car kit emergency tools that will come in handy.

Additional car safety tips for freezing weather:

  • Keep the gas tank at least half full at all times to avoid potential freezing issues due to excess moisture.
  • Make sure your brakes are in good working order.
  • Keep a cell phone charger or extra battery pack in case you need to call for help.

2016 MAIA The Big Event Winner

11/28/2016 (Permalink)

Congratulations Wayne Texeiera from D Francis Murphy Insurance. Winner of a Roku! Thank you for stopping at our booth #119 SERVPRO of The Bridgewaters, Stoughton/Sharon, and Franklin/Walpole. Along with SERVPRO of Braintree/Milton....Enjoy Your Prize!

October National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

10/12/2016 (Permalink)

How can National Breast Cancer Awareness Month make a difference?

We can use this opportunity to spread the word about steps women can take to detect breast cancer early.

Here are just a few ideas:

  • Ask doctors and nurses to speak to women about the importance of getting screened for breast cancer.
  • Encourage women ages 40 to 49 to talk with their doctors about when to start getting mammograms.
  • Organize an event to talk with women ages 50 to 74 in your community about getting mammograms every 2 years.

How can I help spread the word?

We’ve made it easier for you to raise awareness about breast cancer. This toolkit is full of ideas to help you take action today. For example:

  • Add information about breast cancer screening to your newsletter.
  • Tweet about National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
  • Add this Web badge to your website.

October Fire Prevention Month

10/12/2016 (Permalink)

About Fire Safety & Prevention
Did you know that if a fire starts in your home, you may have just two minutes to escape?
The most effective way to protect yourself and your home from fire is to identify and remove fire hazards. 60 percent of house fire deaths occur in homes with no working smoke alarms. During a home fire, working smoke alarms and a fire escape plan that has been practiced regularly can save lives.
 
Fire Safety Tips

 

-Talk with all household members about a fire escape plan and practice the plan twice a year.
-Test smoke alarms once a month, if they're not working, change the batteries.
-If a fire occurs in your home, GET OUT, STAY OUT and CALL for help.
-Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas.

 

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.

-Download the Monster Guard: Prepare for Emergencies mobile game to teach kids about fire safety and other disasters.

-Turn portable heaters off when you leave the room

 

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 counter tops 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.
 
Fire Damage Repair and Restoration
Fires can be especially devastating to your home or business. After the fire trucks leave, your property will likely suffer from not only fire and smoke damage, but also widespread water damage and flooding from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have specialized fire and water damage restoration training and experience to quickly clean up and restore your home to pre-fire condition. They also can remove the pervasive smoke odor and deep-clean soot from upholstery and carpet. 
Please refer to our Fire Damage Tips - Until Help Arrives Guide and follow these tips to protect yourself and your property.

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals

  • Provide 24/7 Emergency Service
  • Highly Trained Fire and Water Restoration Specialists
  • Faster to Any Size Disaster
  • A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry with over 1,650 Franchises
  • Preferred Vendor for Many National and Local Insurance Companies
 

The Fire Damage Restoration Process

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals know just how devastating a fire can be. Fire and water damage can leave your house unsafe and unlivable. They're trained to clean and restore your home with as little disruption as possible. Learn more about the fire damage restoration process.
Step1: Emergency Contact
Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment
Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof Tarp Service (if needed)
Step 4: Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)
Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces
Step 6: Cleaning and Repair
Step 7: Restoration
 
SERVPRO of The Bridgewaters 1-508-697-5439

September is National Preparedness Month

9/9/2016 (Permalink)

September is National Preparedness Month (NPM) and a good reminder that we all have a responsibility to protect ourselves, our families and our communities. Emergencies will happen, but taking action now can help us minimize the impact they will have on our lives.Disasters not only devastate individuals and neighborhoods, but entire communities, including businesses of all sizes.

As an employer in your community, having a business continuity plan or Emergency Ready Profile can help protect your company, its employees, and its infrastructure, and maximizes your chances of recovery after an emergency or disaster.

You can start by taking these simple steps:

  • Be informed. Know the hazards and risks in your area, and learn what you need to do to get ready for them.
  • Make a emergency plan, so you know how you would communicate with and find your loved ones if a disaster hits.
  • Build an emergency supply kit - both at home and in the car - that includes water, food, and first aid supplies to help you survive if you lost power or get stranded in your car.
  • Get Involved - safety and emergency preparedness. Most communities have established emergency procedures and participate in activities planned to communicate those procedures.  

It is helpful to know the types of disasters that are likely to occur in your area and know just how authorities will notify you during a disaster. Know the differences between the various weather alerts as well so you know which actions to take. Your community can change in an instant when an emergency occurs so brushing up on first aid and CPR would be beneficial for you and your love ones.

If a natural disaster does occur, SERVPRO of The Bridgewaters will be there to clean up the mess and restore your home. Whether it be flood, mold, or fire, SERVPRO will make it like it never happened.

Call us at 508-697-5439

Ecuadorian Avocado Garden Salad Receipe

7/1/2016 (Permalink)

Avocado garden salad with lime cilantro dressing Yield: For 6-8 people as a starter or side salad.

 

Delicious and refreshing garden salad recipe made with lettuce, tomato, onion and avocado with a lime cilantro dressing

Ingredients

  • 1 head of lettuce, washed and leaves cut or torn into large pieces
  • 2 tomatoes, sliced or quartered
  • ½ red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 avocado, sliced or diced
  • 1 tbs finely chopped cilantro
  • Juice of 2 limes
  • 2 tbs olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
    • Instructions

  • To make the dressing whisk the chopped cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt and pepper together.
  • Combine the lettuce, tomatoes, onions and avocado in a large bowl.
  • Toss the salad with the dressing and serve.
    • Notes

    Add slices of grilled chicken or meat, or leftover salmon/shrimp to make this full entree style salad.

    Our facebook Contest winner!

    7/1/2016 (Permalink)

    Veasna Chheng

     Congratulations to Veasna Chneng from Priamerica Insurance for being the winner of a $25 Dunkin Donuts gift card for liking and sharing our Facebook page contest!!!!

    The Facebook contest is for all facebook users. 

    Email Cvillacres@SERVPROstoughton.com for more information or to enter future contest.

    We are Hiring Restoration Technician

    4/7/2016 (Permalink)

    We are a local fire and water Restoration Company is looking to hire full-time preferred with IICRC certified water technicians to add to our staff.  Experience in the construction, carpet cleaning, or restoration field will also be considered.

    We are seeking athletic, energetic people to perform demolition and specialized cleaning of properties damaged by fire, water and mold. The right candidate will be comfortable working hard in challenging situations, meeting new people, and have excellent communication skills.

     Overall Responsibilities

  • Provide excellent customer service.
  • Perform on-site production services, including water extraction and fire cleanup, pack out, mold remediation.
  • Leave jobsite with a clean and orderly appearance.
  • Follow company uniform policy.
  • Ability to work with little or no direct supervision.
  • Complete assigned work on a timely basis including all necessary paperwork.

    • Minimum Requirements

  • Must have a professional appearance and great attitude.
  • Valid driver’s license required as a continuing condition of employment.
  • Ability to pass a criminal background check with no felony convictions or misdemeanors involving violence or theft.
  • Must be able to pass a drug test.
  • Because we provide 24-hour emergency service, must be willing to be on call when needed.
  • Some night and weekend work is required. Flexibility is a necessity.
  • Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds

    • Please Forward resume to  DBanville@SERVPROstoughton.com

    Kids helping in the kitchen

    4/7/2016 (Permalink)

    Here are some ideas for different children’s age groups and what they can do around the kitchen as the holiday meal is prepared.

    Kids 3-5 can:

    -Get ingredients out of the refrigerator
    -Measure and mix ingredients together in a bowl.
    -Pour liquids into a bowl.
    -Wash fruits and vegetables off under cold water.

    -Use a cookie cutter to cut shapes out of cookie dough or sandwiches.

    Kids 6-8 can:

    -Open packages
    -Use a butter knife to spread frosting cream cheese, peanut butter or soft cheese.
    -Peel vegetables
    -Measure ingredients in a bowl
    -Set the table

    Kids 9-12 can:
    -Begin to follow a recipe
    -Open cans
    -Use electrical kitchen appliances, such as microwave oven, when a grown-up is present
    -Use a grater to shred cheese and vegetables
    -Turn stove burners on and off and select oven temperature when a grown up is present
    -Help plan the meal
    -Make a salad

    Kids 14+ can:
    -Operate the stove or oven without an adult present
    -Heat food up in the microwave without an adult present
    -Drain cooked pasta into a colander
    -Take a tray of food out of the oven

    Here are some safety tips to keep your family safe :

    • Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop so you can keep an eye on the food.

    • Stay in the home when cooking your turkey and check on it frequently.

    • Keep children away from the stove. The stove will be hot and kids should stay 3 feet away.

    • Make sure kids stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns.

    • Keep the floor clear so you don’t trip over kids, toys, pocketbooks or bags.

    • Keep knives out of the reach of children.

    • Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.

    • Keep matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children — up high in a locked cabinet.

    • Never leave children alone in room with a lit a candle.

    • Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.

    Have Fire or Smoke Damage?Call Us Today (508)697-5439

    Happy New Year

    12/30/2015 (Permalink)

    We hope everyone has a safe and happy New Year!