Monday, September 22, 2014 at 11:43AM 
Now that National Preparedness Month is coming to a close, end the month with learning how to practice for an emergency. Plan a preparedness drill and test your skills and knowledge before a disaster strikes by registering for America's PrepareAthon!
Here are some links to help you:
Thursday, September 18, 2014 at 10:02AM 
It's the third week of National Preparedness Month. This week's theme is "How to Build an Emergency Kit"
For tips and information visit:
Friday, September 5, 2014 at 02:35PM 
Many of our clients call because they have had water damage to the carpet. We came across this great article from the IICRC which answers many questions our clients have when they experience this...
Can water damage to carpet be repaired? Some homeowners may think that this type of loss cannot be recovered. Fortunately, in many cases with the right process, the carpet can be restored.
What should a homeowner do if this happens? The most important step is to contact a specialized technician that is trained to handle this type of situation. When a company is found, make sure that that business is associated with the Institute of Inspection Cleaning, Restoration and Certification, or the IICRC. The IICRC is a non-profit organization that sets the standards for the industry. This non-profit also provides certification to technicians. IICRC-certified technicians are highly skilled and know what to do when flooring in a home is in need of repair.
Time is of the essence when water damage occurs. Mold can begin to grow if the water is left standing for long. The experienced technician will come out and assess the damage and determine whether or not the carpet can be salvaged. There are a number of factors that go into deciding this. One of the factors to consider is the source of the water. Is it clean and pure, or did sewage get mixed in during the incident? If the water contains harmful bacteria and is allowed to sit for an extended period of time, carpeting may need to be replaced.
Friday, September 5, 2014 at 02:18PM 
Check out these great tips about hard surface floors from IICRC...
In today’s home decor, hard surface flooring is playing an increasingly important role. Examples of popular flooring materials today include stone, concrete, ceramic/clay, wood, resilient and specialty flooring.
To protect and preserve the life and durability of your hard surface floors follow these general guidelines for care:
• Use Entry Mats. 80 percent to 90 percent of the soil found on floors is tracked in from outside.
• Remove Dry Soil Often. Vacuuming is the most efficient method of dry soil removal.
• Wet Clean Regularly. Use a neutral floor cleaner or one formulated for the floor surface you are cleaning. Note, when cleaning wood floors keep moisture to a minimum.
Thursday, September 4, 2014 at 11:53AM 
Disaster Preparedness Month Week 1: September 1 through 7, 2014
This week's theme is: How to Reconnect With Family After a Disaster
Communicating with your family and friends when a disaster occurs is important to make sure everyone is safe. This is why having both an evacuation and communication plan is important. Have peace of mind when a disaster strikes and creat your evacuation and emergency communication plans.
For more information visit: www.ready.gov/prepare
Thursday, August 28, 2014 at 10:51AM 
National Preparedness Month Starts September 1st! This year's theme is "Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare." Take action by participating in America's PrepareAthon! on September 30th.
Each week has a different preparedness theme. Check them out:
WEEK 1: How to Reconnect With Family After a Disaster
WEEK 2: How to Plan for Specific Needs Before a Disaster
WEEK 3: How to Build an Emergency Kit
WEEK 4 & 5: How to Practice for an Emergency
FOR TIPS AND INFORMATION ABOUT NPM VISIT www.ready.gov/september
REGISTER FOR NATIONAL PrepareAthon DAY www.ready.gov/prepare
Tuesday, August 26, 2014 at 04:16PM 
September 4th - 7th: Yellow Daisy Festival at Stone Mountain Park
September 5th - 7th: Fall Atlanta Home Show and Outdoor Living Expo at Cobb Galleria Centre
September 6th: Great Atlanta Beer Fest at Turner Field
September 13th: Georgia Aquarium Pirate and Princess Day
September 13th - November 23rd: Uncle Shuck's Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch in Dawsonville
September 19th: Midtown Music Festival at Piedmont Park
September 26th - 28th: TomorrowWorld Music Festival in Chattahoochee Hills
September 26th - October 5th: Georgia State Fair at Atlanta Motor Speedway
Thursday, August 21, 2014 at 11:20AM 
The 2014 National Preparedness Month Theme is: "Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare."
Here are the themes for each week:
WEEK 1: How to Reconnect With Family After a Disaster
WEEK 2: How to Plan for Specific Needs Before a Disaster
WEEK 3: How to Build an Emergency Kit
WEEK 4 & 5: How to Practice for an Emergency
FOR TIPS AND INFORMATION ABOUT NPM VISIT www.ready.gov/september
REGISTER FOR NATIONAL PrepareAthon DAY www.ready.gov/prepare
Monday, August 11, 2014 at 12:18PM 
Mosquitos seem especially bad this year in Georgia. How can you prevent being bitten?
Here are some great tips from the EPA...
Using the right insect repellent and other preventive actions can discourage mosquitoes, ticks and other biting insects from landing on you. Here are tips for other preventive actions you can take against mosquitoes.