Recent Community Posts
Partnership Spotlight: SERVPRO Team JRF and the Malden Fire Department
11/25/2024 (Permalink)
SERVPRO and Malden Fire department
At SERVPRO® Team JRF, we pride ourselves on being Faster to any size disaster™. But speed and efficiency are just part of the story. Our commitment to community safety and restoration wouldn’t be possible without the partnerships we form along the way. One of our most valued collaborators is the Malden Fire Department. Together, we work tirelessly to ensure that the Malden community is protected, prepared, and supported when disasters strike.
A Unified Mission: Safety and Restoration
The Malden Fire Department is on the front lines, responding to emergencies and safeguarding lives. At SERVPRO Team JRF, we step in once the immediate danger has passed. Our role is to help homeowners and business owners pick up the pieces—whether it’s fire damage, smoke odors, water intrusion from firefighting efforts, or soot removal.
This partnership creates a seamless handoff, ensuring that families and businesses in Malden experience minimal disruption and receive expert care during difficult times.
Expertise You Can Count On
When fire strikes, the aftermath can feel overwhelming. SERVPRO Team JRF is equipped to handle even the toughest restoration challenges, from structural damage to delicate personal belongings. Here's how we assist:
- Fire Damage Restoration: Once the fire department extinguishes a blaze, we begin with an assessment to determine the extent of damage and the best course of action.
- Smoke and Soot Cleanup: Smoke and soot can cause hidden damage. Our specialized cleaning techniques remove residues from walls, ceilings, and other surfaces.
- Water Damage Mitigation: After firefighting efforts, water damage can be an issue. We extract standing water, dry affected areas, and restore the property.
- Odor Removal: Using advanced equipment, we neutralize lingering odors to restore a clean and safe environment.
- Reconstruction Services: If needed, we offer reconstruction to rebuild and restore properties to their preloss condition.
Preparedness: Prevention is Key
Both SERVPRO Team JRF and the Malden Fire Department share a common goal: keeping the community safe. That’s why we collaborate on fire prevention initiatives, educational campaigns, and emergency preparedness planning.
Here are a few fire safety tips we encourage everyone to follow:
- Install and Maintain Smoke Detectors: Test them monthly and replace batteries annually.
- Have a Fire Escape Plan: Practice with your family so everyone knows what to do in an emergency.
- Use Caution with Heat Sources: Keep flammable items away from space heaters, candles, and stoves.
- Inspect Electrical Systems: Avoid overloading outlets and replace damaged cords immediately.
Always Ready, Always Here to Help®
Whether it’s a small kitchen fire or a large commercial blaze, SERVPRO Team JRF and the Malden Fire Department are here to serve you. By working together, we ensure that the Malden community is safe, supported, and resilient in the face of any disaster.
If you need emergency restoration services or want to learn more about fire damage restoration, check out our website at www.SERVPROsalem.com. We’re ready to help 24/7 because we know disasters don’t wait—and neither should you.
This collaboration underscores what makes Malden such a strong community: neighbors helping neighbors. At SERVPRO Team JRF, we’re proud to stand alongside the Malden Fire Department to keep our community safe and sound.
Discover SERVPRO in Melrose, MA: Your Local Restoration Heroes!
7/15/2024 (Permalink)
SERVPRO is your trusted partner in restoring the beauty and comfort of your Melrose home or business.
Greetings, Melrose! From the historic charm of downtown to the leafy streets of the Highlands, SERVPRO® is your trusted partner in restoration when disaster strikes. Whether it’s water damage, fire damage, mold remediation, or storm damage, our team is here to bring expertise, compassion, and a commitment to restoring your home or business to its former glory.
A Stroll Down Main Street: Preserving Melrose's Beauty
Just like Melrose takes pride in its picturesque Main Street, SERVPRO takes pride in preserving the beauty and integrity of your home or business. Whether it's restoring water-damaged hardwood floors or cleaning smoke-damaged walls, our meticulous attention to detail ensures that every aspect of your property reflects the charm and character of our beloved Melrose.
Upholding Victorian Elegance: Restoring Historic Homes
Melrose boasts a rich history with many Victorian-era homes that are cherished by residents. When disaster strikes these historic treasures, SERVPRO understands the importance of preserving their architectural integrity. Our restoration experts specialize in sensitive restoration techniques that honor the craftsmanship of these homes while ensuring they are safe and livable once again.
Melrose Highlands: Protecting Your Hilltop Haven
From the scenic views atop Ell Pond to the cozy nooks of the Highlands, Melrose Highlands residents trust SERVPRO to safeguard their hilltop havens. Whether it's mitigating mold growth in basements or repairing storm damage to roofs, our team is dedicated to restoring comfort and security to every corner of your home.
Community Roots: Serving Our Neighbors
Just as Melrose is a close-knit community where neighbors look out for each other, SERVPRO is deeply rooted in serving our neighbors. We understand the unique challenges that homeowners and businesses face in our community and strive to provide personalized, responsive service that meets your needs. When you choose SERVPRO, you're not just choosing a restoration company – you're choosing a partner committed to the well-being of our community.
Melrose's Partner in Preparedness: 24/7 Emergency Response
Disasters don't wait for convenient times to strike, and neither does SERVPRO. Our 24/7 emergency response team is always ready to spring into action when you need us most. Whether it's in the heart of downtown Melrose or the quiet corners of the Highlands, our rapid response ensures that we’re there to minimize damage and restore your property as quickly as possible.
Conclusion: Choose SERVPRO for Your Melrose Restoration Needs
In conclusion, whether you're savoring a stroll down Main Street or enjoying the serenity of the Highlands, SERVPRO is your trusted partner in restoring the beauty and comfort of your Melrose home or business. With a commitment to excellence, community service, and preserving our town's unique charm, SERVPRO stands ready to be your restoration hero whenever disaster strikes. Contact us today and let SERVPRO of Melrose bring peace of mind and expert restoration to your doorstep.
Tips for a Safe and Fun Halloween!
10/18/2019 (Permalink)
Happy Halloween from your friends at SERVPRO of Malden/Melrose!
Trick-or-Treaters
- Be bright at night – wear retro-reflective tape on costumes and treat buckets to improve visibility to motorists and others.
- Wear disguises that don’t obstruct vision and avoid facemasks. Instead, use nontoxic face paint. Also, watch the length of billowy costumes to help avoid tripping.
- Ensure any props are flexible and blunt-tipped to avoid injury from tripping or horseplay.
- Carry a flashlight containing fresh batteries and place it face down in the treat bucket to free up one hand. Never shine it into the eyes of oncoming drivers.
- Stay on sidewalks and avoid walking in streets if possible.
- If there are no sidewalks, walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic.
- Look both ways and listen for traffic before crossing the street.
- Cross streets only at the corner, and never cross between parked vehicles or mid-block.
- Trick-or-treat in a group if someone older cannot go with you.
- Tell your parents where you are going.
Parents
- Ensure an adult or older, responsible youth is available to supervise children under age 12.
- Plan and discuss the route your trick-or-treaters will follow.
- Instruct children to travel only in familiar areas and along established routes.
- Teach children to stop only at well-lit houses and to never to enter a stranger’s home or garage.
- Establish a time for children to return home.
- Tell children not to eat any treats until they get home.
- Review trick-or-treating safety precautions, including pedestrian and traffic safety rules.
- Make sure Halloween costumes are flame-retardant and visible with retro-reflective material.
Motorists
- Slow down in residential neighborhoods and obey all traffic signs and signals. Drive at least 5 mph below the posted speed limit to give yourself extra time to react to children who may dart into the street.
- Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs. In dark costumes, they’ll be harder to see at night.
- Look for children crossing the street. They may not be paying attention to traffic and cross the street mid-block or between parked cars.
- Carefully enter and exit driveways and alleys.
- Turn on your headlights to make yourself more visible – even in the daylight.
- Broaden your scanning by looking for children left and right into yards and front porches.
16 Pumpkin Facts That'll Make You Say "Oh My Gourd"
10/12/2018 (Permalink)
- The word "pumpkin" showed up for the first time in the fairy tale Cinderella.
A French explorer in 1584 first called them "gros melons," which was translated into English as "pompions," according to history. It wasn't until the 17th century that they were first referred to as pumpkins.
- The original jack-o'-lanterns were made withturnips and potatoes by the Irish.
In England, they used large beets and lit them with embers to ward off evil spirits. Irish immigrants brought their customs to America, but found that pumpkins were much easier to carve.
- Pumpkins are grown on every continent except Antarctica.
Which makes quite a bit of sense considering, oh you know, Antarctica is a 24/7 icy tundra.
- Over 1.5 billion pounds of pumpkin are produced each year in the United States.
The top pumpkin producing states are Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and California.
- Morton, Illinois, calls itself the "Pumpkin Capital of the World"
According to the University of Illinois, 95% of the pumpkins grown in the U.S. are harvested in Illinois soil. Morton is allegedly responsible for 80% of the world's canned pumpkin production.
- 80% of the U.S.'s pumpkin crop is available during October.
Out of the total 1.5 billion pounds, over 800 million pumpkins are ripe for the picking in a single month of the year.
- The world's heaviest pumpkin weighed over 2,600 pounds.
It was grown in Germany and presented in October 2016.
- The largest pumpkin pie ever baked weighed 3,699 pounds.
Pumpkin pie originated in the colonies, just not as we know it today. Colonists would cut the tops of pumpkins off, remove the seeds, fill the pumpkins with milk, spices, and honey, then bake them in hot ashes.
- Pumpkin-flavored sales totaled over $414 million in 2017.
But people are starting to opt for fresh pumpkin instead, according to Nielsen Retail Measurement Services. Some pumpkin-flavored products have seen consistent growth over recent years, including cereal, coffee, and even dog food.
- Each pumpkin has about 500 seeds.
They take between 90 and 120 days to grow, which is why it's recommended to plant them between May and July. High in iron, they can be roasted to eat. The flowers that grow on pumpkin vines are also edible.
- Delaware used to host an annual "Punkin Chunkin" championship.
Teams competed in a pumpkin launching competition, where pumpkins were shot almost 5,000 feet from an air cannon. The event was canceled in 2017 after there was a tragic accident the year before.
- There are more than 45 different varieties of pumpkin.
They range in color like red, yellow, and green, and have names like Hooligan, Cotton Candy, and Orange Smoothie.
- Pumpkins are technically
- fruit.
More specifically, they are a winter squash in the family Cucurbitacae, which includes cucumbers and melons. But because they're savory, many people just call them vegetables anyway.
- Every single part of a pumpkin is edible.
Yep, you can eat the skin, leaves, flowers, pulp, seeds, and even the stem!
- Pumpkins are 90% water, which makes them a low-calorie food.
One cup of canned pumpkin has less than 100 calories and only half a gram of fat. In comparison, the same serving size of sweet potato has triple the calories. They also have more fiber than kale, more potassium than bananas, and are full of heart-healthy magnesium and iron.
- Surprisingly, pumpkin pie isn't America's favorite.
According to a survey by the American Pie Council, it's apple that takes the cake (um, pie?) — 19% of Americans say it's their pie of choice. Pumpkin is in second place with a respectable 13%.
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/diet-nutrition/a22544/facts-about-pumpkins/
Halloween Safety Tips
10/25/2017 (Permalink)
Trick-or-Treaters
- Be bright at night – wear retro-reflective tape on costumes and treat buckets to improve visibility to motorists and others.
- Wear disguises that don’t obstruct vision, and avoid facemasks. Instead, use nontoxic face paint. Also, watch the length of billowy costumes to help avoid tripping.
- Ensure any props are flexible and blunt-tipped to avoid injury from tripping or horseplay.
- Carry a flashlight containing fresh batteries, and place it facedown in the treat bucket to free up one hand. Never shine it into the eyes of oncoming drivers.
- Stay on sidewalks and avoid walking in streets if possible.
- If there are no sidewalks, walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic.
- Look both ways and listen for traffic before crossing the street.
- Cross streets only at the corner, and never cross between parked vehicles or mid-block.
- Trick-or-treat in a group if someone older cannot go with you.
- Tell your parents where you are going.
Parents
- Ensure an adult or older, responsible youth is available to supervise children under age 12.
- Plan and discuss the route your trick-or-treaters will follow.
- Instruct children to travel only in familiar areas and along established routes.
- Teach children to stop only at well-lit houses and to never to enter a stranger’s home or garage.
- Establish a time for children to return home.
- Tell children not to eat any treats until they get home.
- Review trick-or-treating safety precautions, including pedestrian and traffic safety rules.
- Make sure Halloween costumes are flame-retardant and visible with retro-reflective material.
Motorists
- Slow down in residential neighborhoods and obey all traffic signs and signals. Drive at least 5 mph below the posted speed limit to give yourself extra time to react to children who may dart into the street.
- Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs. In dark costumes, they’ll be harder to see at night.
- Look for children crossing the street. They may not be paying attention to traffic and cross the street mid-block or between parked cars.
- Carefully enter and exit driveways and alleys.
- Turn on your headlights to make yourself more visible – even in the daylight.
- Broaden your scanning by looking for children left and right into yards and front porches.
October is Fire Prevention Month
9/26/2017 (Permalink)
Home Safety Checklist
Smoke Alarms
? There is one smoke alarm on every level of the home and inside and outside each sleeping area.
? Smoke alarms are tested and cleaned monthly.
? Smoke alarm batteries are changed as needed.
? Smoke alarms are less than 10 years old.
Cooking Safety
? Cooking area is free from items that can catch fire.
? Kitchen stove hood is clean and vented to the outside.
? Pots are not left unattended on the stove.
Electrical & Appliance Safety
? Electrical cords do not run under rugs.
? Electrical cords are not frayed or cracked.
? Circuit-protected, multi-prong adapters are used for additional outlets.
? Large and small appliances are plugged directly into wall outlets.
? Clothes dryer lint filter and venting system are clean.
Candle Safety
? Candles are in sturdy fire-proof containers that won’t be tipped over.
? All candles are extinguished before going to bed or leaving the room.
? Children and pets are never left unattended with candles.
Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Carbon monoxide alarms are located on each level of the home.
? Carbon monoxide alarms are less than 7 years old.
Smoking Safety
Family members who smoke only buy fire-safe cigarettes and smoke outside.
? Matches and lighters are secured out of children’s sight.
? Ashtrays are large, deep and kept away from items that can catch fire.
? Ashtrays are emptied into a container that will not burn.
Heating Safety
? Chimney and furnace are cleaned and inspected yearly.
? Furniture and other items that can catch fire are at least 3 feet from fireplaces, wall heaters, baseboards, and space heaters.
? Fireplace and barbecue ashes are placed outdoors in a covered metal container at least 3 feet from anything that can catch fire.
? Extension cords are never used with space heaters.
? Heaters are approved by a national testing laboratory and have tip-over shut-off function.
Home Escape Plan
? Have two ways out of each room.
? Know to crawl low to the floor when escaping to avoid toxic smoke.
? Know that once you’re out, stay out.
? Know where to meet after the escape.
? Meeting place should be near the front of your home, so firefighters know you are out.
? Practice your fire escape plan.
Oh My Gourd ~ World's Best Pumpkin Bread!!
9/26/2017 (Permalink)
It's that time of year when the weather starts to cool down, the leaves start changing and you can find everything pumpkin that we've missed since last fall. What better way than to start off with a nice pumpkin bread.World's Best Pumpkin Bread
Prep time: 5 mins
Cook time: 45 mins
Total time: 50 mins
Serves: 2 loaves
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Libby’s Pure Pumpkin
- 3 Cups Sugar
- 1 Cup Canola or Vegetable Oil
- 2/3 Cup Water
- 4 eggs
- 3 1/3 Cups Flour
- 2 tsp. Baking Soda
- 5 tsp. Salt
- 1 tsp. Ground Cinnamon
- 1 tsp. Ground Nutmeg
Instructions
- Mix Pumpkin, Sugar, Oil, Water, and Eggs in large mixing bowl until well combined.
- In medium mixing bowl, combine Flour, Baking Soda, Salt, Cinnamon, and Nutmeg. Stir well, then gradually pour into large bowl of pumpkin mixture. Stir well to combine completely.
- Spray TWO 9×5 Non-stick Loaf Pans with Pam Cooking Spray.
- Pour mixture evenly into loaf pans.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 45 – 55 minutes, or until done and a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
ENJOY!!
Thanksgiving Safety Tips
11/17/2016 (Permalink)
Thanksgiving is almost here and across the country, Americans are gearing up for one of the most spectacular feasts of the year. Thanksgiving is a holiday that brings family and friends together to share good food, conversation, and laughter. In the midst of all this festive activity, it’s important to remember that there are health hazards associated with the holiday, including an increased chance of food poisoning, kitchen fires, and travel incidents.
Taking just a few minutes to read these Thanksgiving safety tips could mean the difference between enjoying the holiday and having a turkey dinner end in disaster.
Fire Safety
The average number of cooking fires on Thanksgiving is TRIPLE that of a normal day. Here a few simple ways to avoid fires:
- “Stand by your pan” when cooking. Never leave food, grease, or oils cooking on the stovetop unattended.
- Pot holders, oven mitts, food wrappers, and other things that can catch fire should be kept away from the stove.
- Children should also be kept away from hot stoves and paid particular attention to when they are in the kitchen.
- Facing pot handles towards the rear of the stove can save them from being knocked over and scalding people nearby.
- Long sleeves and loose clothing should be avoided while cooking as it can easily catch fire. Following these food safety tips can keep any Thanksgiving meal safe from bacteria and keep your family and friends from getting sick:
Food Poisoning
- Safely cooking a turkey starts with correctly defrosting it; place your bird on a tray or pan to catch any juices and keep it refrigerated until it’s ready to cook.
- A 20-pound frozen turkey can take up to five days to thaw out so plan ahead.
- Turkeys need to be cooked to an internal temperate of 165 °F.
- Leftovers need to be refrigerated within two hours after serving. The Thanksgiving holiday is one of the busiest travel times of the year, and with all the excitement travelers can become more focused on celebrations than getting to their destination as safely as possible. Following these travel tips will keep everyone safe on the road and in the air:
Thanksgiving Travel Safety
Halloween Safety Tips
10/18/2016 (Permalink)
Trick-or-Treaters
- Be bright at night – wear retro-reflective tape on costumes and treat buckets to improve visibility to motorists and others.
- Wear disguises that don’t obstruct vision, and avoid facemasks. Instead, use nontoxic face paint. Also, watch the length of billowy costumes to help avoid tripping.
- Ensure any props are flexible and blunt-tipped to avoid injury from tripping or horseplay.
- Carry a flashlight containing fresh batteries, and place it facedown in the treat bucket to free up one hand. Never shine it into the eyes of oncoming drivers.
- Stay on sidewalks and avoid walking in streets if possible.
- If there are no sidewalks, walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic.
- Look both ways and listen for traffic before crossing the street.
- Cross streets only at the corner, and never cross between parked vehicles or mid-block.
- Trick-or-treat in a group if someone older cannot go with you.
- Tell your parents where you are going.
Parents
- Ensure an adult or older, responsible youth is available to supervise children under age 12.
- Plan and discuss the route your trick-or-treaters will follow.
- Instruct children to travel only in familiar areas and along established routes.
- Teach children to stop only at well-lit houses and to never to enter a stranger’s home or garage.
- Establish a time for children to return home.
- Tell children not to eat any treats until they get home.
- Review trick-or-treating safety precautions, including pedestrian and traffic safety rules.
- Make sure Halloween costumes are flame-retardant and visible with retro-reflective material.
Motorists
- Slow down in residential neighborhoods and obey all traffic signs and signals. Drive at least 5 mph below the posted speed limit to give yourself extra time to react to children who may dart into the street.
- Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs. In dark costumes, they’ll be harder to see at night.
- Look for children crossing the street. They may not be paying attention to traffic and cross the street mid-block or between parked cars.
- Carefully enter and exit driveways and alleys.
- Turn on your headlights to make yourself more visible – even in the daylight.
- Broaden your scanning by looking for children left and right into yards and front porches.