Back to School tips

8/12/2019 (Permalink)

It's that time of the year again!

It's back to school time!  Here are some tips to make a smoother transition for you and your kids:

1)  Get a planner &/or calendar and add important appointments and events

2)  Get back into a sleep routine prior to the beginning of school

3)  Review safety rules with your children for the bus, car, walking, or biking to/from school

4)  Shop for school supplies early to get the best deals and to avoid things selling out

5)  Organize closets, donate clothes that no longer fit

6)  Have a family meeting to discuss rules regarding homework and electronic device usage

Having a plan early on can really help to avoid problems later on.

The Legend of Groundhog Day

1/22/2019 (Permalink)

Punxsutawney Phil

The tradition of Groundhog Day began in Germany during the celebration of Candlemas on February 2nd.  It began in the United States as a tradition of the Pennsylvania Dutch, who emigrated from Germany, and was used to predict the planting season.

The original, and most famous groundhog, is Punxsutawney Phil.  The tradition became widespread after an article in the Punxsutawney Spirit newspaper published the even in 1887.

Up to 40,000 spectators visit Gobbler's Knob in Punxsutawney Pennsylvania every February 2nd.  If Phil sees his shadow and retreats back to his den, there will be six more weeks of Winter!

Puffbacks

11/15/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technicians cleaning soot on ceilings and walls.

It's that time of the year again!  The smell of pumpkin is everywhere!  As the days get shorter and the nights get colder, people are lighting fires in their fireplaces and turning on their heaters.  It's also the time of year for puffbacks.

Puffbacks occur in an oil or gas heater as a misfiring or explosion, and usually caused by lack of regular cleaning and maintenance.  They can send an oily, smell film throughout the home, covering walls, ceilings, carpets, furniture, and curtains.  The soot can get into closets, and even drawers!  Because the soot is petroleum based, it can be very difficult to clean, and is best left to the professionals.  Attempting to clean it on your own can make the situation worse.

To prevent a puffback, have your heater cleaned and serviced at least once a year and replace the filters regularly.  Make note of any unusual sounds or odors.  If you have experienced a puffback, call your HVAC professional immediately to have your heater cleaned and repaired, then contact SERVPRO of Media to begin the cleaning process.