ServiceMaster by Gilmore

2012 Seminar Schedule

edavidson — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 19:00:03 +0000

ServiceMaster by Gilmore is happy to announce it will be offering ten informative three-hour seminars during the year, all free of charge! If you would like to register for one of these seminars or to find out more information, please e-mail edavidson@svmgilmore.com at your earliest convenience.

February 23^rd – HVAC – Norwood

March 22^nd – Disaster Planning – Woburn

April 26th – Psychrometry – Norwood

May 24th – Social Media – Woburn

June 27th – Hoarding – Norwood

July 26th – Equipment – Norwood

August 23rd – Life Cycle of a Claim – Woburn

September 27th – Psychrometry – Norwood

October 25th – Disaster Planning – Norwood

November 22nd – HVAC – Norwood

Carbon Monoxide: How to Protect Yourself and Your Family

edavidson — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:19:46 +0000

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless and highly toxic gas capable of killing before it is ever detected by human senses. More than 150 people die every year in the United States from carbon monoxide poisoning due to faulty, improperly-used or incorrectly-vented fuel-burning appliances, such as stoves, furnaces and water heaters.

The United States Fire Administration (USFA) and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reccomend you take the following precautions:

Installing at least one carbon monoxide detector with an audible alarm near the sleeping areas
Have a qualified professional assess all fuel-burning appliances for carbon monoxide leaks at least once a year
Never use a range or oven to heat your home
Never keep a car running in a garage, even if the garage door is open

Remember that low levels of carbon monoxide exposure can cause symptoms that mimic symptoms of the flu, such as headaches, dizziness, fatigue and nausea.

If your carbon monoxide detector goes off and no one is feeling ill, turn off all appliances and sources of combustion, ventilate the building and call a qualified professional to investigate the source of the carbon monoxide buildup.

If your carbon monoxide detector goes off and anyone is feeling ill, evacuate all occupants immediately, call your local emergency number and do not re-enter the building before it has been inspected by a professional.

Simple Solutions for Ice Dams

edavidson — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 19:44:37 +0000

An ice dam occurs when water builds up behind snow or ice blockages in eaves and gutters. Inadequate insulation keeps the roof warm, but not the gutters and eaves. This melts snow and ice from the roof, which drains down and freezes in the gutters and eaves.

Snow that melts once the ice has formed cannot drain properly, leaking through the roof and potentially damaging ceilings, walls, roof structures and insulation. Damage from ice dams can include flooding, warped floors and ceilings, mold, mildew and decline in R-value.

It sometimes seems that the obvious solution is to aggressively chip away at the ice dams or toss salt on them, but these tactics can damage your eaves, gutters and roof just as badly. If ice dams are threatening to damage your property this Winter, here are some simple tips for minimizing their impact.

Dodge the Draft!

edavidson — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 14:27:47 +0000

Although it has been unusually warm so far this season, cold weather is certainly on its way.

Winter weather presents many potential problems for property owners. It is important to make sure you’re ready before temperatures drop in order to keep energy costs low and your property warm.

Prevent property damage and prepare for the chill before it arrives with these simple and inexpensive do-it-yourself weatherproofing tips for doors and windows.

Don’t forget to “Fall Back”!

Kim — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 17:37:40 +0000

Make sure you turn your clocks back one hour this Sunday morning for Daylight Saving Time. It is also a great time to replace the batteries in your smoke detectors.

Stay Safe Until Power is Restored

Kim — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 17:12:53 +0000

Unexpected storms including the early snow of the past weekend have left hundreds of thousands of people without power. Many are turning to alternative sources of heat and electricity.

This article from mass.gov details safety measures to take when dealing with a loss of electricity, as well as important information about portable generators, electrical hazards and carbon monoxide poisoning.

If your property has suffered fire, smoke, water, mold or biorecovery damage as a result of this or any other storm, please contact ServiceMaster by Gilmore at (800) 783 0552 .