Top 4 Disastrous Deep South Family Reunion Mistakes

Posted on: 05/15/2012

Summer is the quintessential time to kick back and relax with the people you love, which is probably why so many of us are busy planning family reunions this time of year! In your haste to meet your cousin’s new wife or reconnect with your beloved grandma, you may forget how important it is to find a location that accommodates everyone from Great-Aunt Margaret to your infant nephew. As families grow bigger, logistics also become more complicated. You need to ensure that no unfortunate surprises ruin your joyous gathering. At Paul Davis Restoration of Greater Asheville, your family’s safety is our number one priority. We’ve put together a list of the top four disastrous family reunion scenarios—including hurricanes and heat waves—and how to plan ahead, just in case!

Dangers out and about:

The Gulf Coast and Atlantic beaches is a lovely place to hold a reunion, and perhaps it’s a central location for your family. But booking a summer party in the Southeast is a dangerous move—you could find your party interrupted by a hurricane! Southerners know hurricanes can be the most dangerous storms on Earth, so it’s wise to think twice before gathering the family in the hurricane belt between June and November.
There’s nothing better than spending a beautiful day outside with those you love! But as Southerners know, heat waves can quickly turn any outdoor activity into a dangerous one. Your reunion’s guests could be at risk for dehydration and potentially-fatal heat strokes if you try to enjoy the beautiful outdoors during a heat wave. Instead, move the party to an indoor location that’s air conditioned to keep your family members safe.

Dangers at home:

That same Southern heat wave that kept your reunion out of the park may prevent you from partying in your home, too. Although its best to stay out of direct sunlight during a heat wave, congregating in an un-air conditioned home could cause overheating and heat strokes in your guests, particularly the elderly and very young. If there’s a heat wave underway and your house isn’t air conditioned, make sure you have ample fans to circulate the air or move the party to an air-conditioned facility. If you do have air conditioning, be sure to have your air ducts inspected and cleaned if they haven’t been serviced in a while. Your guests who have asthma and allergy sensitivities will thank you!
Perhaps your family chose your Southern vacation home for a gathering to take advantage of your sparkling pool out back. While they provide hours of family-friendly entertainment, swimming pools can be deadly for children and adults alike. It falls to you to protect your guests—once your reunion is underway, make sure there is always significant supervision around the pool and keep horseplay at a minimum to help avoid dangerous situations. Keep a careful eye on those who cannot swim, and consider hiring a professional lifeguard or babysitter as an additional set of eyes.

Paul Davis Restoration of Greater Asheville assists the following Counties with water, fire, mold and storm damage clean up and repair: Polk, Henderson, Haywood, Buncombe, Madison and parts of Transylvania.

4 Hilarious Gadgets for Southern Homeowners

Posted on: 05/07/2012

Prepping the home for warm weather can be a chore that makes the average homeowners drag their feet, but the good news is: there may be an interesting product out there tailored to getting the job done for you! At Paul Davis Restoration of Greater Asheville, we’re invested in seeing your family and home receive the quality attention you (and it) deserve. Here, we’ve reviewed a list of four unusual (and sometimes hilarious) home improvement and safety gadgets. Before you get excited—not all of these novelty doodads are up for the “big” tasks that require serious help from home restoration professionals, but we do admit they certainly would make things entertaining around your home! Take a look at these household contraptions that promise to clean up after a thunderstorm, predict hurricanes and keep you safe. Would you use these??

Yard Duty

1. When out-of-towners come to visit in the spring or summer, will this little robot helps mask the fact that a thunderstorm ripped through your neighborhood this past winter? The Kyodo LawnBott is designed so you can “turn it on and walk away” while your yard becomes debris free! Oh, wow! We’re not necessarily convinced that with the hefty price tag ($1199 as of Spring, 2012) this robot is a better bet than a strong back and a wheelbarrow—especially because a lawn after storm season really requires a homeowner’s close inspection. You be the judge!

2. While you’re busy with outdoor home improvement tasks, your pooch probably wants to romp around and play once the weather turns nice. But if you’re a homeowner in the Southeast, poor Fido might get mighty hot during a heat wave! We love the idea behind the Body Cooler pet mat that promises to keep him safe from heat exhaustion while he enjoys the great outdoors. And if the heat wave is affecting you more than you’d care to admit, check out the made-for-humans Body Cooling Vest to strap on while you work the garden! Yes, the neighbors will probably snicker at your matching outfits, but it’s not nearly as ridiculous as their garden gnomes. Right?

3. Were you caught off guard by last year’s (weather event)? A scare like that can make a Weather Glass Barometer sound like a good idea. Although this solution is a relic from the days of the American ancestors, the storm-predicting power of this pretty glass when it’s filled with water is quite impressive (if it works, that is). Air pressure tends to drop during a storm, which causes the liquid in the barometer to rise signaling an impending weather event. Of course, this isn’t a scientific way to prep your home for a storm—always pay attention to warnings and heed the advice of authorities, no matter what weather your barometer predicts!

Indoor Solutions

4. If a storm blew grime all over your hardwood floors, you might have more fun cleaning up in a pair of Slipper Genie cleaning slippers! Simply put on the slippers and walk around your hardwood floors—the microfiber “fingers” pick up dust and hair. But if your home has suffered water damage from a hurricane’s floodwaters, it’s time to hang up the Slipper Genie and pick up the phone and contact a professional to avoid mold, warping, electrical hazards and a cornucopia of other issues that crop up with water damage.

Paul Davis Restoration/Emergency Services of Greater Asheville assists the following Counties: Polk, Henderson, Haywood, Buncombe, Madison and parts of Transylvania.

4 Outstanding Children's Books About Safety for Families in the South

Posted on: 04/23/2012

We all know how much joy, love and fun a house full of children can be—but they also get into (and create!) messes at an astounding rate! Even when your whole property is meticulously childproofed, any parent can tell you you’re never totally in the clear. Fatal injuries in the home are still a leading cause of death in the U.S. Yes, maybe teaching your children the basics of home safety is a huge bore, but we here at Paul Davis still think your family’s safety is our number one priority…boring or not! To that end, we’ve compiled a list of four outstanding children’s books to “edu-tain” your little ones! Here’s how families in the South can turn their kids into experts and budding scientists about storms, 9-1-1 emergencies and more!

Emergency Preparedness

1. You hope your child never has to use it, but everyone needs to know to dial 9-1-1 in case of an emergency. In Impatient Pamela Calls 911 by Mary B. Koski, a little girl learns all about emergencies and when it’s appropriate to dial those three numbers. If you want an effective way to teach your child how to respond to emergencies without scaring him or her, this book is a must-read!

2. Once your child is old enough to stay home alone, a whole new realm of safety issues open up! Dottie Raymer’s A Smart Girl’s Guide to Staying Home Alone teaches older children the basics of staying home without you, including invaluable safety tips and quizzes designed to get them thinking about emergency situations ahead of time. The book also delves into basic first-aid, which can come in handy in the event of a hurricane or flood.

The wild world outdoors

3. Kids who live in the South may be used to thunderstorms, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t afraid of them! Help lessen their fear with Flash, Crash, Rumble and Roll, also by Franklyn M. Branley. The beautifully-illustrated book teaches new readers all about thunderstorms, how to perform your own weather experiments, and, of course, thunderstorm safety.

4. In the warm weather states that are found in the Southeast, outdoor family-friendly gatherings are abundant and more and more people include their furry family members in on the fun. To keep your child safe around dogs, check out Be A Dog’s Best Friend: A Safety Guide for Kids by Renee Payne. It’s told in the voice of 10-year-old Ema, who shares her knowledge of how to safely play with dogs you do know, steer clear of those you don’t and how to safely approach a new dog. With playful illustrations and lists of dos and don’ts, this fun read will ensure your kid’s next encounter with a dog is full of big, wet, happy kisses.

Paul Davis Restoration of Greater Asheville serves the following counties: Polk, Henderson, Haywood, Buncombe, Madison and parts of Transylvania.

Mythical Ways to Predict a Storm (and How the Experts Really Do It)

Posted on: 04/18/2012

Sometimes it’s easy to predict an incoming storm—all you have to do is look outside and see the first dark clouds gathering in the distance. But, as Southerners know, a hurricane can appear out of a week of perfect skies and mild temperatures. Preparation is key to staying safe in a storm, and at Paul Davis Restoration of Greater Asheville, we are invested in your safety. The sooner you know a storm is on the way, the sooner you can take the necessary precautions to protect your family and your home. Take a look at our list of how centuries of people have predicted the weather—and how today’s experts really do it!

6 Mythical Ways to Predict a Storm

MYTH: If a dog starts to whine for no reason, you can expect a major storm.

Before computers, radars, televisions and radios, our ancestors relied on their furry buddies to help warn them of incoming disasters. Many of their predictions were based on an ever-present barometer, their animal’s nose—they thought that if Fido was wailing, a storm must be on its way.

MYTH: Cats can predict windstorms

Is the cat scratching up a post like crazy? Then Buncombe County residents might want to prepare for high winds! At least, a cat scratching a post was the most telling sign for farmers that an impending storm was near. Good old Patches also could warn them of snow (if she was turned away from the fire) or rain storms (if she was washing her face).

MYTH: If a cat licks its fur against the grain, a hailstorm is coming….

Before radars existed, sailors brought cats on board to help predict the weather (and to chase the rats that made their way into the sailors’ food supplies!). Hail was on the way if the cat licked its fur against the grain (fair warning for those in the Southeast!). If the cat sneezed, the sailors knew to prepare for rain, and if a cat was acting frisky, a windstorm was brewing!

MYTH: If the anthill is closed, a thunderstorm is on the way.

During the Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BC) in China, people perfected the art of weather prediction via animals. But they weren’t drawing conclusions from cats and dogs—they were using insects! According to this proverb, a closed anthill indicated a thunderstorm in the near future.

MYTH: Aching knees predict a storm.

How many times has your grandma claimed to predict an incoming rainstorm with her aching knees? Research has shown that a change in barometric pressure can cause joint pain, so while grandma’s predictions certainly aren’t scientifically accurate, there may be some truth of a storm in those sore knees!

MYTH: A ring around the moon means rain or snow is coming.

An old folk legend states that if you see a ring around the moon, you can predict rain. Unfortunately, the ring around the moon is an optical illusion—you’re actually seeing diffracted light rays hitting ice crystals in our own atmosphere. So while the ring may indicate that a rainstorm is on the way in the Asheville area, you’re better off checking the radar to make a firm prediction!

How the Experts Really Do Predict Storms in the Southeast

No cats, ants or knees here—today, meteorologists predict the weather using radar, satellite and light detection (LIDAR) technology. With these devices, meteorologists can see large air masses and where they’re forming over the earth. Because air masses typically move quite predictably, scientists can predict weather patterns and types fairly accurately. It’s when they try to predict specific storms that things get a little less certain.

Hurricanes

As Southerners know, hurricanes have a “season” from June to November. Each April, meteorologists can predict the number of storms that will form in the coming season, their paths and their severity using statistical data. Once a hurricane forms, meteorologists can see it on radars within three to five days of it forming, giving them a small lead-time to create a watch and to warn citizens. Of course, a hurricane’s intensity and path can never be predicted to total accuracy, which makes it all the more important that residents in the South have emergency kits and evacuation plans mapped out well in advance.

Thunderstorms

Thunderstorms form when warm, moist air hits unstable atmospheric conditions and that air rises quickly through the atmosphere—a frequent occurrence in the humid Southeast! Every day, meteorologists across the globe release weather balloons that rise into the atmosphere and transmit data about temperature, pressure, wind and moisture back to the scientists. They can then plot this information to forecast afternoon and evening storms. Satellites and radars also monitor weather patterns that could turn into thunderstorms. Wet weather events, of course, can cause real damage to your home. Be sure you have emergency contacts ready at your fingertips in case of basement flooding or your roof springs a leak.

Paul Davis Restoration of Greater Asheville serves the following counties: Polk, Henderson, Haywood, Buncombe, Madison and parts of Transylvania.

Congratulations to Jimmy Barnette

Posted on: 04/06/2012

of Barnette and Coates Insurance Co. He made and exact pick in our March Madness Contest with Kentucky as the winner and a combined score of 126. We are looking forward to catering lunch to your office. Congratulations again and thanks for participating.

4 Worst Southeast Mudslides and Other Wet Weather Disasters

Posted on: 04/03/2012

Have you ever seen video images of a mudslide in action? The power of all that wet soil bearing down on houses and other buildings is immense. Mudslides in the Southeast affect homes in several significant ways: structural damage to the foundation and load bearing walls from the weight of the mud, water damage from related flooding and infiltration with bacteria and sludge from broken sewer lines in the affected area. At Paul Davis Restoration/Emergency Services of [location], we have experience restoring all of the types of damage your home may sustain in a mudslide. We want you to know that you can pull through disasters like this with help from our experienced and compassionate restoration professionals.

Flooding from wet weather happens in the most fertile areas of the country (along rivers and coastlines) and poses the biggest mudslide danger for Louisiana and other areas of the South.

Most landslide or mudslide events are also precipitated by heavy rainfall events like hurricanes and natural disasters such as flooding. Broken dams or levees can also inundate a town with muddy water. And that’s not all! This danger can occur anywhere there is steep terrain or unstable soil such as the sinkholes in Florida.

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina left 80% of New Orleans under 15 feet of sewage-contaminated water. The storm left 81.2 billion dollars in total damage in its wake. Conflicting death tolls that include seven different states range from 1,464 to 1,836. However, 135 people remain missing to this day and are not included in the official death totals. Many of those deaths occurred away from the immediate coastline. Lingering health problems associated with the aftermath may have killed more people. The area affected encompassed over 90,000 square miles. Over one million residents were displaced because of this storm.
An unnamed 1938 hurricane hit the Eastern seaboard of the US and killed 494 people in associated floods. It caused 306 million dollars in damages. The Southern states are notorious for being affected by weather events that begin in other regions. Therefore, it’s vitally important for residents in this region to weatherproof your homes way advance of the changing seasons and always be vigilant of weather patterns in surrounding areas such as along the East Coast.
The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 resulted in 400 million dollars in damage and 246 deaths in 7 different states. The Mississippi valley and along the Red River are areas that flood frequently (not that we have to tell you that!) If you live in a coastal area that is subject to hurricanes, along a lakeshore or by a river, be sure to take basic safety precautions against wet weather disasters and potential mudslides by creating an evacuation and communication plan and listening for reports about contaminated water if you’re staying in the area.
The Great Mississippi and Missouri Flood of 1993 was one of the worst floods in US history with property damage of about 15 billion dollars. A total of 50 people were killed throughout a wide area of the country. Be sure that if you live in or near a storm-prone region that your home is prepared in advance for several different kinds of weather events — you never know when one will hit, only to trigger another!

The scope of these disasters makes them difficult for any community (or even the federal government) to manage. This is one good reason to have our number. That way, when a mudslide or wet weather disaster strikes, you can call someone who cares and start restoring your home as soon as possible.

*All dollars are unadjusted unless otherwise noted.

Paul Davis Restoration of Greater Asheville assists the following communities with mudslides and other weather disasters: in the following counties – Haywood, Madison, Buncombe, Polk, Henderson and parts of Transylvania.

Paul Davis Restoration supports American Red Cross Month in March

Posted on: 03/01/2012

Asheville, North Carolina – March 1, 2012 - Paul Davis Restoration of Greater Asheville, a leading provider water damage cleanup and fire damage restoration services for residential and commercial properties, is proud to support American Red Cross Month in March.

The Red Cross responds to nearly 70,000 disasters a year in the U.S., collects and distributes more than

40 percent of the nation’s blood supply, trains more than nine million people in life-saving skills, plus provides support to military veterans and their families worldwide.

For many years, Paul Davis offices have provided local Red Cross chapters with “comfort kits”, personal hygiene items, and clothing, plus volunteer time and funding. The company also donates professional expertise and emergency preparedness planning before, during and after catastrophes.

Paul Davis’ work is to help customers restore their lives when disasters affect homes and businesses.

To support this year’s Red Cross campaign, “Get a Kit, Make A Plan, and Be Informed”, Paul Davis is offering the following tips for an Emergency Ready Kit:

First aid kit -- sterile gloves; adhesive bandages; antibiotic ointment; gauze pads; iodine/alcohol pads; pain reliever; emergency Mylar blanket; thermometer; prescription medications, and prescribed medical supplies.
Water - One gallon per person per day for at least three days.
Food - Three-day supply of non-perishable food.
Clothing - A change of clothing and sleeping bag for each person.
Duct tape, heavy weight garbage bags, plastic sheeting, filter masks.
Battery-powered or hand crank radio, a NOAA Weather Radio, flash light, extra batteries.
Cell Phone and charger.
Waterproof, portable containers for documents.

About Paul Davis:

Paul Davis Restoration, Inc., is a national franchisor and leading provider of restoration services for residential and commercial properties since 1966. Paul Davis also provides advanced mold cleanup services and has franchise locations throughout North America with owners and technicians who are certified by The Clean Trust. For more information, visit the website at www.callpaulasheville.com.

15 Tips for Protecting Your Pets In a Weather-Related Disaster

Posted on: 02/09/2012

Who can forget the images of stranded dogs and cats on the television in the weeks after Hurricane Katrina? At Paul Davis Restoration/Emergency Services of [location], our first priority is the safety and well being of your family — which of course, includes your pets. We have a soft spot for your furry loved ones and we know from experience that all it takes is a little preparation to avoid the heartbreak of seeing them injured in a storm. When [weather event] approaches [location], be sure you’ve planned ahead with these tips from Paul Davis Restoration/Emergency Services to protect your four-legged companions from getting lost or injured. We suggest you keep this basic checklist for Socks and Buster on the fridge next to all your other emergency contacts.

Develop a written plan of action that includes your pet…NOW before any weather-disaster strikes. Play the “what if” game so that you can prepare for a variety of scenarios. Have a back-up plan in case things don’t work out with “plan A”. You should develop your plan based on the most likely weather-related disaster in your area. For example, if you live where wildfires rage every year, your plan will be all about evacuation. If you live in “Tornado Alley”, you should plan for how to keep your pet indoors with you when it’s time to batten down the hatches.
When it is safe to do so, leave early with your pet whenever a disaster emergency is declared. Generally, the longer you wait to move, the more dangerous the situation will become. Observe prior warnings and recommendations so that you are better prepared when an evacuation is ordered.
Include outdoor pets in your disaster preparedness plan. It’s too easy to forget these friends or assume that they can fend for themselves because they are outside. The truth is that they are likely to go missing even if they are not injured or killed. This means you should be on good enough terms with your outdoor pets to coax them into a carrier easily.
Most emergency public shelters and evacuation centers don’t accept pets. Find out in advance which locations in [location] are pet-friendly in case you need to leave your home to avoid a weather-related disaster. Remember that current vaccinations are an absolute must if you expect your pets to be welcome in any shelter. Consider evacuating to a pet-friendly motel if there are no shelters that accept pets. The following websites and search tools will help you locate motels, restaurants, places and services that allow pets under various circumstances: Go Pet Friendly, TravelPets, PetsWelcome, PetTravel, DogFriendly.
Consider pet insurance as part of any preparedness plan. Although ConsumerReports.org states that there is generally little value over the long run for the cost of premiums, the benefits of such a policy may depend on your location and whether you pet has special medical needs. It may be best to set up a self-insurance savings account specifically for the purpose of handling emergency situations for your pet. You can use this fund to pay for the cost of emergency supplies, veterinary care, evacuation, etc.
If you have sufficient notice of an incoming storm, talk to local boarding kennels and pet shelters about the preparedness of their facilities. Your pet may be able to safely ride out the storm in a kennel. This approach might be a good idea if you have small children who will need your undivided attention during an emergency. Ask about the capacity of the kennel – and whether they usually get overcrowded when there are weather-related disaster warnings.
If you must leave home, don’t leave your pets. You might be gone longer than you think, putting your pet at risk for dehydration and starvation. Never leave your pet alone in an evacuation area unless you absolutely have no other choice. Your pet will likely die if left inside a mobile home alone. Even in a safer structure, the chances of pet survival are slim, especially in heat or frigid temperatures. If they do manage to survive, this may be because they found a way to escape the house. They may not be there when you get back. If they are, they may have caused significant damage to your property while trying to get out.
Identification is critical for making sure your pet can be returned to you as soon as possible. Use a combination of contact tags (external collar tags and microchip) to make it easier locate a pet that is separated from you during a weather-related disaster. This is especially critical in large-scale disasters like tornadoes and hurricanes when local shelters and animal control centers may be dealing with a high volume of missing pets at one time.
Keep photos of your pet in a dry location in case you need to make lost posters. If you really want to be prepared, make up some “missing pet” posters before the severe weather hits, just in case you need them. Be sure to include a way to contact you that will still be accessible even if the power lines are down.
The safest area of your home for humans is usually also the safest area for pets. Make your furry friends comfortable with their favorite bedding and toys. Bring in a crate or carrier in case your pet becomes agitated and tries to get out of the room. This is especially important with cats since they can slip out very easily and run away. Keep all exit routes shut.
Put together an emergency travel kit for your pet that includes a carrier, leash or harness, food, water, towels, poop cleanup supplies, medications, etc. Include enough supplies to last several days at a minimum. Some organizations suggest a week minimum. This should give you enough time to find other resources. Make sure there are some First Aid supplies that can be used for your pet as well (gauze, bandages, disinfectant).
If you have reason to believe you might be out of the house when a weather-related disaster strikes, post prominent signs in the windows letting neighbors and rescue workers know there are pets inside. Include the names and descriptions of each pet along with any special handling instructions (such as ways to tempt them into the open with a favorite treat).
Exchange pet information with neighbors so they can help evacuate pets when you are not available to do so. Make sure anyone who has a key to your home is familiar and comfortable with all your pets. These friendly neighbors should know the animal’s habits and their special place where they are likely to feel safest. Animals are often frightened by high winds, thunder and heavy rain fall associated with weather-related disasters and will hide away.
Keep your pets close to you even after the severe weather is over. The debris left behind, contaminated water and stray animals running free in your neighborhood can continue to pose a threat to your pet’s life and health. Flooding creates lots of opportunities for pets to drink or drown in unsafe water. Wildfires can leave behind toxic residues including chemical-laden soot and ash from building materials. There may also still be smoldering remains that can burn your pet. Mudslides can create entrapment hazards even after most of the ground has stopped shifting. Broken glass is usually left behind by hurricanes, windstorms and tornadoes.
If your pet does get lost and you can’t find it in your neighborhood, call the local animal control office. They should have information on where lost pets are being housed waiting for owners to come pick them up.

I had a flood/fire in my home, Now what?

Posted on: 01/30/2012

My main focus is is to inform homeowners about the process of insurance restoration before they become a victim of the unexpected. It's a world everyone suddenly falls into when they have a fire in their home or come home to a flooded basement. The immediate thought is "everything is ruined." What do I do now? Who do I call? How am I going to pay for this? Rest assured that help is right around the corner if you know where to look.

When your home has sustained damage from fire, smoke, water, vandalism or other sources it is critical that restoration work be done "quickly " and "properly." Contact your insurance carrier immediately and report the loss. Most carriers have a 24 hr contact number and they will guide you through the process. Secondly, contact a restoration contractor if your insurance carrier doesn't. Paul Davis Restoration of greater Asheville located in Fletcher, NC, a local restoration contractor is here to assist you with 24 hr. emergency service 365 days a year in the event you should find yourself faced with a flood or fire in your home. Most insurance carriers "expect" you to call a restoration company to mitigate the damage because doing so helps to minimize the size of the loss. Additionally, what most home owners don't know is that it is their responsibility to do everything they can to minimize the severity of the damage and it is their choice who they use to get the job started as quickly as possible. The homeowner also the the right to decide what contractor they want to use to repair the damage to their home.

WE HAVE A WINNER!

Posted on: 01/24/2012

Jose & Polly Berlanga of Toxaway, NC have won the $50.00 Dinner Gift Certificate from our Holiday Post Card. Congratulations!

THIRD PULL FOR WINNING RAFFLE NUMBER

Posted on: 01/16/2012

The Winning number for the $50 gift certificate is 2011425 the winner will have 1 week to respond. The winner will be listed here on our PDR Blog. If we do not hear from this client, we will post a new number next Monday. So come back and check again next week. May you have a prosperous 2012.

Paul Davis of Greater Asheville

828-687-7766

UNEXPECTED TORNADO

Posted on: 01/16/2012

A tornado touched down in eastern RutherfordCounty Thursday morning @ 7:00 am, causing widespread damage and injuringseveral people. Tornadoes in western North Carolina are rare, but especially soin winter. According to The Weather Channel, there has never been a tornado inRutherford Co. or Burke Co. in the month of January. In fact, there have beenonly seven total tornadoes reported in Rutherford Co. between 1950-2011, andall of them have occurred between May-October. In Burke Co., there were onlysix tornadoes reported between 1950-2011, all of them from April-September. Several homes were blown off theirfoundations, and many people were trapped in the rubble. We're told at least 10people were injured, two seriously.

NEW WINNING RAFFLE NUMBER ...

Posted on: 01/03/2012

The Winning number for the $50 gift certificate is 2011398 the winner will have 1 week to respond. The winner will be listed here on our PDR Blog. If we do not hear from this client, we will post a new number next Monday. So come back and check again next week. May you have a prosperous 2012.

Paul Davis of Greater Asheville

828-687-7766

January - "Mom, Are You Staying Warm Enough?" 8 Tips for Your Snowbound Loved Ones After a Storm

Posted on: 12/29/2011

Living in the Southeast has many advantages - including not having to endure long, coldwinters and snowstorms! However, many of us have family and friends in the Northeast,Midwest, Great Plains and other areas of the country that receive significant snowfall. During these times, we worry about their safety. Paul Davis Restoration of Asheville, North Carolina wants you to think about how you can reach outacross the miles to help those in snowy areas.

No matter where youlive, there’s always something you can do to help out the people you care aboutwhen they are snowed in:

1. Prolongedpower outages can be dangerous for families that are snowed in after a sub-zeroblizzard. Since you can’t pick up loved ones and bring them to you, call togive them some helpful tips for preventing hypothermia. For example, they canwall off a small room with thick blankets to create an insulated space that iseasier to keep warm.

2. Ifyou have older or mobility challenged relatives, they could be snowed in byeven a minor snowstorm. Stay in touch with relatives or neighbors nearby andarrange for them to check on your relatives and dig them out. Make sure theyknow help is on the way.

3. Haveyou recently moved from the northern US to an area that rarely has ice or snow?It only takes half an inch of ice to trap people in their homes down South.Your years of experience with driving safely on ice and snow-covered roadscould save lives. Offer to run any emergency errands for your loved ones tokeep them off the road.

4. Doyou have an older relative on a fixed income who is struggling to pay theirheating bill? They could be in danger of hypothermia from having their heat cutoff while they are snowed in. Many municipalities offer emergency fuelassistance programs that can help keep the heat turned on during severe winterweather. Get online and start making phone calls to ensure that your loved onedoesn’t go without.

5. Manycities in warm regions have few snow plows and sand trucks available to treatmajor bridges and roadways after a snowstorm (look what happened in Atlanta).They probably won’t get around to de-icing many residential streets at all. Ifyou have a pickup truck with four wheel drive, you could organize some salt andgravel to treat the driveway and street in front of a loved one’s house.

6. Maybeyou are enjoying a balmy weekend in Florida when you find out on Facebook thatrelatives up north are snowed in. Spend some time online chatting andsuggesting ways for them to stay entertained (and how to keep the kids busy).Just don’t talk about how nice the weather is in your neck of the woods. Theymay un-friend you forever.

We are happy to assist you with these helpfulblog as we are involved with many situations on a daily basis that the averageperson does not face in a lifetime. Remember we are here to help you with any of your emergency needs thiswinter season. Call us first for expertadvice on how to handle anything that may damage your property. May you all have a healthy, happy andprosperous New Year.

Sincerely,

Michelle Elm

Marketing Manager

Paul Davis Restoration of Asheville, NC

828-687-7766

November - USA: SOUTHEAST / Follow These Home Safety Tips Before You Deck the Halls

Posted on: 12/29/2011

The season of good cheer is an exciting time of year. The day after Thanksgiving, lights are already going up all over Buncombe County. However, the hustle and bustle of the holiday seasoncan lead to all kinds of unfortunate accidents. You already know about the hazards of deep frying a turkey or climbing on a slick roof to put up Christmas lights. So instead, we here at Paul Davis Greater Asheville have gone the less obvious route. Here are 8 NEW holiday safety tips to protect your loved onesand your property from dangers.

NOT SO WARM TIDINGS: Homes located along coastal areas or major rivers can be at risk for flooding during the winter holidays. Winter windstorms can create tidal flooding, or an unexpected winter thaw up north can cause a sudden rise in river levels down south. FEMA provides a full list of ways to protect your home from flood damage here.
UNWANTED CHRISTMAS SIZZLE: You know you’re supposed to water your live Christmas tree to keep it from drying out and becoming a fire hazard. Just remember to unplug the lights first. Otherwise, you could end up as one of the dozens of people who have been electrocuted by their Christmas tree in the last 15 years.
HANDLE THY CANDLES: Are you using candles in your celebration of Hanukkah or Kwanzaa? Keep draperies out of the way when you place a menorah or kinara candle stand near a window. Extinguish the candles before going to bed.
OUTDOOR STRINGS AND THINGS: In the southeast, winter is a time when we can experience some nasty rain. Wet conditions greatly increase the danger of electrical accidents from Christmas lights. Using UL listed outdoor lights and extension cords plugged into GFCI outlets are standard precautions. A newer safety option is to buy solar powered Christmas lights that eliminate the need for cords and outlets altogether.
CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER: It’s all fun and games at Christmas until someone puts their back out. Cords from holiday decorations and toys can create a spider web of tripping hazards across the floor. Make sure to keep at least one pathway in the front room clear at all times.
CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT SURPRISE: Antique ornaments are whimsical and are often passed down from generation to generation. Don’t let those happy memories fool you. Old electrical bulb lights can cause shocks and fires. The ancient candle holders that preceded electricity are even more of a fire hazard. Many antique decorations contain high quantities of lead. When you learn the history of your heirloom Christmas decorations, be sure to find out about any dangerous materials used.
LEAD TO SAFETY: Did you know that even modern Christmas lights often have lead in their cords – but that only California requires these products to have a warning label? Remember to wash your hands after handling lights this year (or wear gloves).
HOLIDAY CRUNCH: You can almost hear the Grinch laughing sadistically whenever someone steps on a blown glass tree ornament. These beautiful baubles are like land mines waiting to explode. Replace yours with plastic ornaments that have a metallic finish. This is especially important if you have kids in the house.

October - Holiday Home Fire Safety Tips from Paul Davis Restoration Greater Asheville

Posted on: 12/29/2011

Asheville,NC – Family gatherings, entertaining and festivedecorations are among the highlights of the holiday season.Accordingto the United States Fire Administration, during the Thanksgiving, Hanukkah,Christmas, Kwanzaa, and New Year’s season, there is an elevated risk for home fires due to extensive cooking,decorations, home heating and open flames.

Paul Davis Restoration – Greater Asheville - a leading provider of fire damage and water damage cleanup and restoration services for residential and commercial propertiesoffers the following tips to make the holidays safe for you and your family.

Holiday Decorations:Decorate with non-combustible or flame-resistant materials. Never use lightedcandles on a tree, evergreens or other flammable materials. Don’t place candlesnear children, pets or gift wrapping.

Lights: Make sure there are no frayed wires, broken socketsor loose connections. Check labels to be sure about the proper use of indoorand outdoor lights. Don’t overload electrical outlets.

Trees: Cut a few inches off the trunk of a live tree andfill the stand with water to keep it from drying out and becoming a firehazard. An artificial tree should be labeled "Fire Resistant." Placetrees away from fireplaces, radiators or portable heaters.

Fire Escape Plan: Make sure everyone understands the escape routes andwhere to meet once outside.

Smoke Alarms: Make sure yoursmoke alarms are in proper working order and change the batteries at leasttwice a year.

Fire Extinguishers: Make surethere is a working fire extinguisher in the kitchen, laundry room, and garage.Learn how to use the fire extinguisher.

Fireplace/Chimney: Have your fireplace and chimney inspected and cleanedby a professional chimney sweep. Never burn greens, boughs, papers, or otherdecorations in the fireplace. Check to see that the flue is open beforestarting a fire.

Keep a list with importantemergency phone numbers: Includepolice and fire departments, doctors and the national poison help line.

In case of emergency propertydamage, contact a licensed, professional fire damage clean up andrestoration company.

828-687-7766

Paul Davis Restoration, Inc.is a national franchisor and leading provider of restoration services forresidential and commercial properties since 1966. Paul Davis Restoration also provides advancedmold cleanup services and has franchise locations throughout North America with owners and technicians who are certified by The CleanTrust. For more information, visit the website at www.restorationasheville.com

September is National Preparedness Month

Posted on: 09/09/2011

Every year, Paul Davis Restoration of Asheville participates in National Preparedness Month in September to spread the word to individuals and families about the importance for being ready for disasters.

The program is sponsored by The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Ready Campaign. Visit www.Ready.gov for information.

The key is to be informed and have a plan that you and your family discuss and practice. It is equally important to have an Emergency Ready Kit stocked and ready in case a disaster strikes. Below is a quick list of the items that every Emergency Ready Kit should contain.

Water – one gallon per person per day for at least three days
Food – at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
First aid kit – to include bandages; sterile gloves; antibiotic ointment; iodine/alcohol pads; medical tape; pain reliever; emergency blanket; thermometer; prescription medications, and other prescribed medical supplies.
Clothing – A change of clothing and a sleeping bag for each person
Battery-powered or hand crank radio, a NOAA Weather Radio, extra batteries
Cell Phone and charger
Flashlight and extra batteries
Filter masks – to cover mouth and nose
Heavy weight garbage bags, plastic sheeting and duct tape – to protect against debris and toxins
Waterproof, portable containers – for critical documents such as IDs, insurance policies, bank account records, computer backup files, emergency and law enforcement information, and other priority documents. Store a second set of records at an off-site location.

See our Emergency Ready Kit video.

Water Clean Up	Mold Damage & Remediation
Water Removal	Reconstruction Services
Fire & Smoke Clean Up	Contents Cleaning
Fire & Smoke Repair	Wind & Storm Damage

Paul Davis Restoration of Asheville
Water, Fire & Mold Damage, Cleanup & Repair

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The PDR Blog

Top 4 Disastrous Deep South Family Reunion Mistakes

4 Hilarious Gadgets for Southern Homeowners

4 Outstanding Children's Books About Safety for Families in the South

Mythical Ways to Predict a Storm (and How the Experts Really Do It)

Congratulations to Jimmy Barnette

4 Worst Southeast Mudslides and Other Wet Weather Disasters

Paul Davis Restoration supports American Red Cross Month in March

15 Tips for Protecting Your Pets In a Weather-Related Disaster

I had a flood/fire in my home, Now what?

WE HAVE A WINNER!

THIRD PULL FOR WINNING RAFFLE NUMBER

UNEXPECTED TORNADO

NEW WINNING RAFFLE NUMBER ...

January - "Mom, Are You Staying Warm Enough?" 8 Tips for Your Snowbound Loved Ones After a Storm

November - USA: SOUTHEAST / Follow These Home Safety Tips Before You Deck the Halls

October - Holiday Home Fire Safety Tips from Paul Davis Restoration Greater Asheville

September is National Preparedness Month

Top 4 Disastrous Deep South Family Reunion Mistakes

4 Hilarious Gadgets for Southern Homeowners

4 Outstanding Children's Books About Safety for Families in the South

Mythical Ways to Predict a Storm (and How the Experts Really Do It)

Congratulations to Jimmy Barnette

4 Worst Southeast Mudslides and Other Wet Weather Disasters

Paul Davis Restoration supports American Red Cross Month in March

15 Tips for Protecting Your Pets In a Weather-Related Disaster

I had a flood/fire in my home, Now what?

WE HAVE A WINNER!

THIRD PULL FOR WINNING RAFFLE NUMBER

UNEXPECTED TORNADO

NEW WINNING RAFFLE NUMBER ...

January - "Mom, Are You Staying Warm Enough?" 8 Tips for Your Snowbound Loved Ones After a Storm

November - USA: SOUTHEAST / Follow These Home Safety Tips Before You Deck the Halls

October - Holiday Home Fire Safety Tips from Paul Davis Restoration Greater Asheville

September is National Preparedness Month

Join the Conversation on Facebook

Follow us @PDRofASHEVILLE

Paul Davis Restoration of Asheville Water, Fire & Mold Damage, Cleanup & Repair

Form Title Here

The PDR Blog

Top 4 Disastrous Deep South Family Reunion Mistakes

4 Hilarious Gadgets for Southern Homeowners

4 Outstanding Children's Books About Safety for Families in the South

Mythical Ways to Predict a Storm (and How the Experts Really Do It)

Congratulations to Jimmy Barnette

4 Worst Southeast Mudslides and Other Wet Weather Disasters

Paul Davis Restoration supports American Red Cross Month in March

15 Tips for Protecting Your Pets In a Weather-Related Disaster

I had a flood/fire in my home, Now what?

WE HAVE A WINNER!

THIRD PULL FOR WINNING RAFFLE NUMBER

UNEXPECTED TORNADO

NEW WINNING RAFFLE NUMBER ...

January - "Mom, Are You Staying Warm Enough?" 8 Tips for Your Snowbound Loved Ones After a Storm

November - USA: SOUTHEAST / Follow These Home Safety Tips Before You Deck the Halls

October - Holiday Home Fire Safety Tips from Paul Davis Restoration Greater Asheville

September is National Preparedness Month

Top 4 Disastrous Deep South Family Reunion Mistakes

4 Hilarious Gadgets for Southern Homeowners

4 Outstanding Children's Books About Safety for Families in the South

Mythical Ways to Predict a Storm (and How the Experts Really Do It)

Congratulations to Jimmy Barnette

4 Worst Southeast Mudslides and Other Wet Weather Disasters

Paul Davis Restoration supports American Red Cross Month in March

15 Tips for Protecting Your Pets In a Weather-Related Disaster

I had a flood/fire in my home, Now what?

WE HAVE A WINNER!

THIRD PULL FOR WINNING RAFFLE NUMBER

UNEXPECTED TORNADO

NEW WINNING RAFFLE NUMBER ...

January - "Mom, Are You Staying Warm Enough?" 8 Tips for Your Snowbound Loved Ones After a Storm

November - USA: SOUTHEAST / Follow These Home Safety Tips Before You Deck the Halls

October - Holiday Home Fire Safety Tips from Paul Davis Restoration Greater Asheville

September is National Preparedness Month

Join the Conversation on Facebook

Follow us @PDRofASHEVILLE

Paul Davis Restoration of Asheville
Water, Fire & Mold Damage, Cleanup & Repair