Posted by Todd Ellebruch on Fri, Dec 18, 2009 @ 01:24 PM
While the most wonderful time of year has arrived, it has still been a rough year for the economy and peoples' spirits. In hopes of bringing back some of the excitement for the holidays, Carrara's sales team of Ed Duke, Eric Schlaubach, and Jim Dunphy will be out spreading the holiday cheer.
"We have had such a great year, we wanted to give back during this joyous season, and let others know there are still reasons to celebrate," says Ed Duke Sales Director for Northeast Ohio. "People tend to get so wrapped up in what's going on, it's important to remember to laugh, be in good spirits, and just have fun."
This season, the trio will be visiting a lot of local businesses and agencies with goodies in the sack, and smile on their faces. "I look forward in doing this every holiday. I just cannot imagine not doing it,"says Eric Schlaubach, Sales Director of Central Ohio.
Posted by Todd Ellebruch on Fri, Dec 18, 2009 @ 08:58 AM
After a disaster, either from fire or water, many items can be restored. The key to proper recovery is a quick response. The longer the equipment remains wet or covered in soot, increases the potential for the damage to amplify. Once the damage has occurred, only a qualified restoration company should handle the equipment.
Equipment affected from water damage is at risk from rust and corrosion. The type of corrosion depends on how the equipment is handled after the damage. For instance, if the equipment is powered on before it has been properly restored; there is the potential for electrolytic corrosion. This happens when electricity passes through wet circuit boards, and will damage the equipment. The equipment must be disassembled, cleaned, and completely dried in a baking oven at 110 degrees for up to eight to ten hours.
Equipment affected from fire or smoke damage may be handled similarly, however soot settling on the equipment causes additional hazards. Since soot is naturally acidic, this acid will eat way the metal finishes and erode the connectors, ultimately causing the electronics to fail. Another consideration of damage from a fire is if the equipment was affected by direct heat. This could cause smaller components of the equipment to melt.
Once the equipment is has been properly restored, ensure the company doing the restoration tests it to ensure it is working. Even before the restoration company has restored the equipment, there is still a chance it was rendered inoperable before the restoration began.
Make sure you also know your insurance policy, and if any electronics are not covered. Many times people purchase an expensive electronic and not adjusting their insurance policy to ensure it is covered. Also be sure to let both your insurance company and the restoration company know before the process begins if any equipment is under warranty.
Posted by Todd Ellebruch on Tue, Dec 15, 2009 @ 12:06 PM
According to the United Sates Fire Administration (USFA), each year fires occurring during the holiday season injure 2,600 individuals and cause over $930 million in damage. There are simple life-saving steps you can take to ensure a safe and happy holiday. By following these precautionary tips, individuals can greatly reduce their chances of becoming a holiday fire casualty:
Tree Selection & Care
- Special fire safety precautions need to be taken when keeping a live tree in the house. A burning tree can rapidly fill a room with fire and deadly gases. Click here for a brief video provided by the USFA.
- Selecting a Tree for the Holiday: Needles should be green and hard to pull back from the branches, and should not break if the tree has been freshly cut. The trunk should be sticky to the touch. Old trees can be identified by bouncing the tree trunk on the ground. If many needles fall off, the tree has been cut too long, has probably dried out, and is a fire hazard.
- Caring for Your Tree: Do not put your live tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times. Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent. Be careful not to drop or flick cigarette ashes near a tree.
- Disposing of Your Tree: Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood burning stove. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly. The best way to dispose of your tree is by taking it to a recycling center or having it hauled away by a community pick-up service.
- Never Put Lit Candles on a Tree: Do not go near a holiday tree with an open flame candles, lighters or matches.
Holiday Lighting
- Maintain Your Holiday Lights: Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up. Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory.
- Do Not Overload Electrical Outlets: Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet. Make sure to periodically check the wires-- they should not be warm to the touch.
Holiday Decorating
- Use Only Nonflammable Decorations: All decorations should be nonflammable or flame retardant and placed away from heat vents.
- Never Put Wrapping Paper in a Fireplace: It can throw off dangerous sparks and produce a chemical buildup in the home that could cause an explosion.
- Artificial Holiday Trees: If you are using a metallic or artificial tree, make sure it is flame retardant.