Posts tagged Q&A

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Posted 11 months ago
Hey everyone, apparently our two blogs yesterday were actually read. I know what a concept huh? I had three questions come in, so I thought I might answer them. Oh, and to the fourth who asked why I don’t respond to the question directly: I don’t just because it will spam our other linked in social media sites. I’d rather not do that. Anyways without further adieu here’s our answers… Question One: “You know I heard a story recently about a family on a boat who lost their two kids because of carbon monoxide. What’s going on there? Answer: I think the case you’re referring to was a rather famous case from the late 1990s that happened on one of the great lakes I believe. The two children swam under the boat and came upt o play under the anchored boat where there was an air pocket. However this pocket was for the exhaust. The children ended up losing consciousness and drowning. Since then carbon monoxide detectors are expected in all boats, and the general consensus that you should not ever go under a boat. Remember that a boat does run on gas, which means there is a chance of carbon monoxide poisoning in the interior. Make sure to have a battery operated detector functioning at all times. Question Two: “I have a house, and I do have fire detectors, but I also have this ancient fire extinguisher under my kitchen sink. Will that still work? Answer: The best way to tell is to look at the card attached to the device. I should have an expiration date somewhere on it. If it’s over that date it’s time to get a new one. Every home should have one, especially in the kitchen. Question Three: “this isn’t really a question but a story. About four years ago my house caught on fire, it wasn’t like we lost the house but I had gone to fold laundry while dinner was cooking. I smelled smoke but the fire detector had not gone off. By the time I got to the kitchen there was thick black smoke! Why wasn’t the smoke detector going off? So the fire department came and handled the fire, but then I found out why. Apparently my husband had taken out the batteries because it was chirping. Not “Oh hey maybe I should just put in new batteries” What if I had gone outside? Or what if it was worse? Or at night? My point is don’t be lazy and just let the thing beep, get a damned step stool and put in new batteries. Oh, and I called you guys to clean up the smoke damage. Good job by the way.” Reply: I almost want to giggle at this but it is a serious situation. We are very sorry  that this ever happened, but glad we could help. Doing a little research on ye olde google I’ve discovered you’re not alone. Actually I read one story about a couple who bought a house and didn’t check the detectors. All the batteries were out, and it nearly killed them when a fire broke out. We’re just happy that in your case everyone was okay, I’m sure your husband got an ear full. Thanks for writing in! We love hearing from you, it means a lot to us to know that you guys are taking what we are saying day after day to heart. If you have stories, questions, or ideas for future blogs please send us a message on Facebook, twitter, or just click over on our ask box here on tumblr. We’ll get back to you as soon as we can!

Hey everyone, apparently our two blogs yesterday were actually read. I know what a concept huh? I had three questions come in, so I thought I might answer them. Oh, and to the fourth who asked why I don’t respond to the question directly: I don’t just because it will spam our other linked in social media sites. I’d rather not do that. Anyways without further adieu here’s our answers…

Question One: “You know I heard a story recently about a family on a boat who lost their two kids because of carbon monoxide. What’s going on there?

Answer: I think the case you’re referring to was a rather famous case from the late 1990s that happened on one of the great lakes I believe. The two children swam under the boat and came upt o play under the anchored boat where there was an air pocket. However this pocket was for the exhaust. The children ended up losing consciousness and drowning. Since then carbon monoxide detectors are expected in all boats, and the general consensus that you should not ever go under a boat.

Remember that a boat does run on gas, which means there is a chance of carbon monoxide poisoning in the interior. Make sure to have a battery operated detector functioning at all times.

Question Two: “I have a house, and I do have fire detectors, but I also have this ancient fire extinguisher under my kitchen sink. Will that still work?

Answer: The best way to tell is to look at the card attached to the device. I should have an expiration date somewhere on it. If it’s over that date it’s time to get a new one. Every home should have one, especially in the kitchen.

Question Three: “this isn’t really a question but a story. About four years ago my house caught on fire, it wasn’t like we lost the house but I had gone to fold laundry while dinner was cooking. I smelled smoke but the fire detector had not gone off. By the time I got to the kitchen there was thick black smoke! Why wasn’t the smoke detector going off? So the fire department came and handled the fire, but then I found out why. Apparently my husband had taken out the batteries because it was chirping. Not “Oh hey maybe I should just put in new batteries” What if I had gone outside? Or what if it was worse? Or at night? My point is don’t be lazy and just let the thing beep, get a damned step stool and put in new batteries. Oh, and I called you guys to clean up the smoke damage. Good job by the way.”

Reply: I almost want to giggle at this but it is a serious situation. We are very sorry  that this ever happened, but glad we could help. Doing a little research on ye olde google I’ve discovered you’re not alone. Actually I read one story about a couple who bought a house and didn’t check the detectors. All the batteries were out, and it nearly killed them when a fire broke out. We’re just happy that in your case everyone was okay, I’m sure your husband got an ear full. Thanks for writing in!

We love hearing from you, it means a lot to us to know that you guys are taking what we are saying day after day to heart. If you have stories, questions, or ideas for future blogs please send us a message on Facebook, twitter, or just click over on our ask box here on tumblr. We’ll get back to you as soon as we can!

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Posted 11 months ago
Today I am taking some time to discuss three of the questions I’ve gotten this week that didn’t relate to our topics. I’ve done a bit of research on them and hope that I can answer your questions properly. If not feel free to tell me. The first question comes from a woman who signed the note “super mom”. Nice name by the way. She asks: I live in Connecticut, and after last year I’m getting scared of tornadoes. “I’ve read there are these safe rooms that can be built into your house that are tornado proof. Is this a good idea to get one or am I overreacting?” I’ve read about these, and they have had some great success in the past. I’ve read a lot, and I mean a lot of stories about people surviving EF4 to EF5 twisters without a scratch because of these. Tornadoes can happen anywhere this is true, but those systems can cost as much as $10,000 for a family sized unit. Personally I feel that if you live in Connecticut and have a basement you should be fine, however if you don’t it might not be a bad idea to have a storm shelter. Regardless I don’t think there is any overreacting when it comes to peace of mind. If you feel like your family will be safer in having it, then go for it. I just have no idea where placed around here make them. Most of what I’ve found is in the mid-west. More power to you for researching this topic, you are a super-mom. The second question came from an anonymous person on tumblr. I will take a moment to say we don’t mind if you don’t say who you are, it’s entirely your call. This person left us a message yesterday after apparently seeing a news article we posted to our Facebook on the danger of riptides. They ask: “Hey this is all fine and good, but I don’t see the danger it poses to our home” Anonymous person you are right. Riptides shouldn’t affect your home unless you live underwater. Which I hope you don’t. Actually we posted that because we know people are getting ready for vacations, or are already on them. We love our customers like family, and if we find some important information we pass it along. This doesn’t mean I’ll start posting “OMG Facebook is going charge us if you don’t put this in your status” No, no I will only post fact based information about weather, safety, or news stories showing what can happen. With that said please be aware that if you live along the shore storm surges can cause catastrophic damage to your home, and your life. If high storm surges are projected during a storm seek safer ground immediately. The third came from a woman who sent us an email. Her name is Jill, and she’s given us a few really amazing questions before. Jill asks: I know we’re covered home security systems and fire detectors before, but what about carbon monoxide? I know I would like to know more about it and how I can prevent exposure to my family. Think you can help?” Absolutely! I won’t answer this question here, but I will write a comprehensive blog on the topic tomorrow. I’ll go through different detectors and problems in a three part series: fire detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and causes, and natural gas leaks. I love readers who ask questions, they make my day. Really, if you have any questions we don’t put it at the bottom of every blog entry for nothing. We will answer them all. So here it goes.. Do you have questions about home hazards, cleaning, water, fire, mold, trauma clean up, carpet cleaning, weather disasters, or possible threats to your home? Leave us a message in our ask box, send us a message on twitter or Facebook, or email us at servicepro44@gmail.com . We answer questions Monday- Friday from 8am to 2pm, and are happy to help.  

Today I am taking some time to discuss three of the questions I’ve gotten this week that didn’t relate to our topics. I’ve done a bit of research on them and hope that I can answer your questions properly. If not feel free to tell me.

The first question comes from a woman who signed the note “super mom”. Nice name by the way. She asks: I live in Connecticut, and after last year I’m getting scared of tornadoes. “I’ve read there are these safe rooms that can be built into your house that are tornado proof. Is this a good idea to get one or am I overreacting?”

I’ve read about these, and they have had some great success in the past. I’ve read a lot, and I mean a lot of stories about people surviving EF4 to EF5 twisters without a scratch because of these. Tornadoes can happen anywhere this is true, but those systems can cost as much as $10,000 for a family sized unit. Personally I feel that if you live in Connecticut and have a basement you should be fine, however if you don’t it might not be a bad idea to have a storm shelter. Regardless I don’t think there is any overreacting when it comes to peace of mind. If you feel like your family will be safer in having it, then go for it. I just have no idea where placed around here make them. Most of what I’ve found is in the mid-west. More power to you for researching this topic, you are a super-mom.

The second question came from an anonymous person on tumblr. I will take a moment to say we don’t mind if you don’t say who you are, it’s entirely your call. This person left us a message yesterday after apparently seeing a news article we posted to our Facebook on the danger of riptides. They ask: “Hey this is all fine and good, but I don’t see the danger it poses to our home”

Anonymous person you are right. Riptides shouldn’t affect your home unless you live underwater. Which I hope you don’t. Actually we posted that because we know people are getting ready for vacations, or are already on them. We love our customers like family, and if we find some important information we pass it along. This doesn’t mean I’ll start posting “OMG Facebook is going charge us if you don’t put this in your status” No, no I will only post fact based information about weather, safety, or news stories showing what can happen. With that said please be aware that if you live along the shore storm surges can cause catastrophic damage to your home, and your life. If high storm surges are projected during a storm seek safer ground immediately.

The third came from a woman who sent us an email. Her name is Jill, and she’s given us a few really amazing questions before. Jill asks: I know we’re covered home security systems and fire detectors before, but what about carbon monoxide? I know I would like to know more about it and how I can prevent exposure to my family. Think you can help?”

Absolutely! I won’t answer this question here, but I will write a comprehensive blog on the topic tomorrow. I’ll go through different detectors and problems in a three part series: fire detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and causes, and natural gas leaks. I love readers who ask questions, they make my day. Really, if you have any questions we don’t put it at the bottom of every blog entry for nothing. We will answer them all.

So here it goes.. Do you have questions about home hazards, cleaning, water, fire, mold, trauma clean up, carpet cleaning, weather disasters, or possible threats to your home? Leave us a message in our ask box, send us a message on twitter or Facebook, or email us at servicepro44@gmail.com . We answer questions Monday- Friday from 8am to 2pm, and are happy to help.  

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Posted 1 year ago

Water Loss: Q&A

Your basement has water pouring in. The carpets are ruined, the walls are wet, and your pretty sure that your “priceless” collection of sticky note pads is ruined. What do you do? Well you call us. However there are some things that need to be done first. Follow this guide and trust us, we have the experience.

Q: Is it safe to turn off the water?

A: If the flooding is in the basement and eletrical outlets have been exposed and you cannot first make it to the electrical box to turn off the power without risking contact with the water: NO. Wait and call the professionals. Otherwise turn off the power to the affected area and turn off the water.

Q: Should I call a plumber?

A: We will ask this when you call. If the problem is a pipe or plumbing issue it’s your responsibility to fix it. We will not be able to help much when water can just come back in. Unless you really want to pay us twice. Which if you do that’s okay.

Q: What about my insurance?

A: Again, we ask this within the first five minutes of the call. Call your insurance company and find out your coverage. If you are file a claim right then and there and remember the adjuster and claim number. We’ll be asking for it so we can contact them. Generally speaking sump pump failures ad pipe breaks are covered (so long as it’s not due to neglect) but ground water is rarely covered. Invest in flood insurance, trust us.

A:If you do not have insurance coverage tell us. We will still be there. Promise.

Q:Wait, why do you need my insurance information?

A: If you have filed a claim and the insurance says they’ll pay for it we talk to the adjusters about payment, and any questions regarding the services performed. We do this on a daily basis and are on first name basis with many adjusters, but in order to help we do need to know.

Q: How much money is it?

A: I get asked this every day, and the answer is there is no way to tell over the phone. Every loss is different with different variables that make it unique. We have trained estimators that will come out and determine that. We use a nationally recognized program to which almost every insurance company swears by. We use industry standards and the suggested prices of the insurance companies.

Q: Well, maybe I just want an estimate, do you give those?

A: Yes. We can do estimates. However we do charge $175 plus tax for an estimate. We’ll come out, look at the problems and walk you through what we want to do and then come back to the office to work up an estimate. However fear not, if you choose us to do the work that money is rebated off the main bill

Q: Why aren’t they free?

A: Estimates take specially trained estimators, we are a small business and do not get in bidding wars. We have never offered free estimates, and in the current economic climate we simply can’t afford to.

Q: My insurance is going to cover it. What do I need to pay?

A: If you insurance is covering the loss you are still responsible for paying the deductible if that applies. Also it’s good to note that sometimes the insurance company sends the check for the work performed to the home owner if this happens it is your responsibility to pay us. Travelers Insurance does this quite frequently.

Q: So will you do a good job?

A: You better believe it. We have over two decades of experience in this field and know what we are doing. Everyone in the office can help, and if we don’t know something there is someone who does know.

Any other questions? Feel free to ask! We will happily answer any questions that come out way. Be it water, mold, fire, cleaning.