Nothing compares to curling up by a crackling fire with a cup of hot cocoa and a good book in hand. While this inviting scene evokes feelings of peace and tranquility, operating a poorly maintained fireplace could have devastating results. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), nearly 17,000 home structure fires per year begin in the fireplace, chimney,… Continue reading

Living through a pandemic or dealing with the aftermath of a disaster is never easy. Add to your list of struggles, the potential for scammers and imposters who hope to turn a quick profit from your misfortunes. To protect your finances and personal information, learn about the common scams fraudsters may attempt to pull during times of crisis. Disaster clean-up… Continue reading

Everyone wants to ensure the safety and well-being of their family after a disaster. Part of doing this is being financially prepared for emergencies, both large and small. During these stressful times, the importance of having savings, emergency supplies, insurance coverage, and other fail-safes in place has become readily apparent. Follow these tips to help you prepare your finances for… Continue reading

Severe weather comes in many forms and can happen anywhere. It’s one thing to prepare your home and family for natural disasters, but it’s another thing to feel financially prepared. Do you know how to organize your finances ahead of time and avoid disaster-related scams during the recovery process? Follow these tips to be financially prepared in case of a… Continue reading

The holiday season is fast approaching, and children and parents everywhere are wondering—what will Halloween look like this year? As a holiday that involves wandering the neighborhood, knocking on as many doors as possible, and reaching into communal bowls to grab fistfuls of candy, it should go without saying that changes will be necessary this year. Rest assured that Dr.… Continue reading

If a fire has impacted your home or business, you may be grateful once the flames are put out, thinking that all threats to your health and safety have been averted. However, fires can leave behind toxic smoke and soot byproducts. Mold can even grow if any water is left behind once the fire is extinguished. Learn more about the… Continue reading

Home should be a haven, but sometimes, mold and other harmful environmental materials find their way inside. Is your indoor air as clean as you think? Here are some signs that you should begin the mold and environmental remediation process. Water damage has occurred: Perhaps you recently cleaned up the mess from a burst pipe, leaky hose, or flood. Lingering… Continue reading

Restoring a building after it suffers structural damage can be difficult, even under the best circumstances. Historic building restoration brings even more challenges. If you’re passionate about saving your historic home or business following a destructive fire or flood, use these tips to help ensure a successful project. Preserve the Building’s Character Your historic home or business may have a… Continue reading

Catastrophic events can take many forms, from natural disasters to explosions to industrial spills. While ranging widely in scale and scope, a local catastrophe can have far-reaching consequences for businesses in the area. Consider that 40 to 60 percent of small businesses never reopen after a disaster. Then, 90 percent of those that do reopen fail within a year if… Continue reading

Good hygiene has always been important, but with the novel coronavirus making headlines, cleanliness has taken center stage. Are you cleaning your home as well as you should? Follow these guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to clean and disinfect your home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Clean, Then Disinfect “Cleaning” means to remove dirt, dust, and… Continue reading