Remodeling Tips for Homeowners!

We all know that remodeling your home can be a wonderfully exciting new beginning for any homeowner, however there are just a couple things to keep in mind as you embark on this awesome new adventure!

First things first, the most important step is finding a reputable professional contractor near your home. Make sure that this contractor is well versed in the building codes and standards for your town. This will save you any extra expenses connected to having to update work that wouldn't meet building codes. Make sure that you and your contractor are aware of any particular rules or regulations that your municipality has regarding utilities or digging before beginning construction. Paul Davis Restoration of Northeast NJ has a full team of incredibly well-trained professionals who are ready and waiting to help you make your restoration, contracting or remodeling dreams come true.

Communicate often and openly with your restoration company, explaining clearly what you want, so we can help you restore your home to exactly what you have always been hoping for! If your home has been damaged by fire, water, mold or another natural disaster, talk to your insurance agent about bringing Paul Davis Restoration of Northeast NJ in to help rebuild your home and making it everything you'd love it to be! We're always here for you!

We Can't Wait to See You!

Have you registered yet? We're talking about this Wednesday! It's the next in our series of FREE continuing education courses! This week, we'll be covering "Insurance Coverage For Mold and Water Claims" which is course #88892113.

As always, you're invited to join us for an awesome day of new information, networking and great company, not to mention getting 3 continuing course credits accomplished in just a few short hours, at no cost to you!

This course is offered in our conveniently located Waldwick, NJ facility and will be offered at two separate times, once in the morning from 9AM-12PM and again in the afternoon from 1-4PM. This way, no matter what you're busy schedule, you'll have an opportunity to join us for this great event!

Both sessions will include breakfast and lunch respectively, but hurry! Space is limited, reserve your seat by for our NJ Continuing Education course by clicking the link. We can't wait to see you Wednesday!

"Supercell" storm causes damage in Freehold

Residents of Freehold, NJ weren't quite sure what hit their town this past Saturday, quite literally. Now, forecasters have confirmed that the storm that caused widespread damage in the town on Saturday night was not a tornado, as many had originally believed, but rather, a "super cell", which is essentially a rotating thunderstorm.

The storm blew through the town this weekend and knocked down utility poles, and trees, and also left 1600 homes and businesses without power.  The county is hoping to have power restored by Tuesday morning.

Summer can be a crazy time for weather and storms. Remember that the best thing you can do if your home is affected by storm damage is call in a professional restoration company as soon as possible to make sure that all structures are safe and restored to normal as quickly as possible. The experts at Paul Davis Restoration of Northeast NJ are available for you 24/7! So if you have storm damage, call Paul!

How to Remedy Mold Allergies

If you're anything like me, allergies to mold and dust, as well as other indoor allergens, plague you the entire year. These types of allergies can run the gamut from being mildly annoying, to dangerous to your health. Don't worry though, there are safe and natural remedies to add to any medications you may be taking.

Herbs and supplements can be a great way to fight mold allergies. In particular, oregano, garlic, and olive oil extract, are antifungals and can combat the mold in your body before it can even start to cause symptoms.Ginger is also a great anti-inflammatory and can help to ease allergy symptoms like congestion.

Its also suggested that you increase your intake of foods with live cultures like yogurt. These live cultures. Live cultures feed on the things in your body that mold would otherwise feed on.

Most importantly, since we all know what a health hazard mold can be, it is vital that if you know you have mold in your home, you call in a company that specializes in mold removal. When mold spores enter a room and are exposed to excessive humidity or moisture, they can cause major structural damage and health issues. If you think you may have mold damage in your home, call the experts at Paul Davis Restoration of Northeast NJ today! We're here for you 24/7!

New Continuing Education Dates!

Are you looking for a great way to get some of those continuing education course requirements fulfilled? How does getting them done for free sound? If you think that sounds great, Paul Davis Restoration of Northeast NJ has the perfect opportunity for you!

We love hosting our continuing education classes each month, and really hope to see all of our old friends and some new faces at our upcoming sessions. We have just added some new dates, so mark your calendars, because they're as follows:

-Insurance Coverage For Mold and Water Claims- Course #88892113- August 8th
-Anti- Money Laundering- Course #88890301- August 22nd
-Workers Compensation- Course #88890554- September 12th
-Fraud- Course #88890300- September 26th

All sessions will be offered twice, once in the morning from 9AM-12PM and once in the afternoon from 1-4PM. The morning session includes a great breakfast and the afternoon session will include a full lunch! We love hosting these days, getting to know all of our great industry friends, and increasing our knowledge base, and we hope you will too!

Seats are limited so email dholm@pdr-usa.net today to reserve your space today! We can't wait to see you there!

Keep Your Home and Family Safe This Independence Day!

Here at Paul Davis Restoration of Northeast NJ you and your family are of the utmost importance to us! We hope you have great things planned for the 4th tomorrow, but we also wanted to leave you with some firework safety reminders before the festivities begin!

Fireworks are a great and traditional part of the celebration of our nation's freedom, but they need to be operated appropriately and carefully, by the right officials to ensure that there is no damage to your property or well being!

Remember, that fireworks, including sparklers, and trick noise makers are illegal in New Jersey. They can cause major personal injury and are also responsible for many property fires. The National Fire Protection Association reports approximately 22,500 fires caused by fireworks and approximately $42 million dollars in property damage from fires caused by fireworks in 2008 alone.

Many towns in the area are offering their own beautiful fireworks displays, please keep your home and family safe by attending one of these professionally coordinated events!

Don't Forget! 4 Credit Course Offering!

Happy July everyone! We're sure you're as excited as we are to celebrate Independence Day tomorrow (look for more on that in our next post!) but we're even more excited for something else we have coming up this July!

On July 18th we will be offering another continuing education course! But, this isn't just any course- this is a 4 credit course offering, and a great way to get 4 of those credit requirements out of the way! The course is #88890306 and will be on Long Term Care.

As always, we will offer both a morning and an afternoon session. The morning session will be from 8:30AM- 12:30PM and the afternoon session will be from 1-5PM.The morning session will include breakfast and the afternoon session will include lunch.

This promises to be a great day with tons of opportunity for learning and networking. Come meet our awesome team, get to know other industry professionals and earn 4 continuing education credits in our beautiful Waldwick, NJ facility!

Mold and Allergy Tips for Home Safety Month!

Here at Paul Davis Restoration of Northeast New Jersey, we care about your family's health and home safety. Since June is Home Safety month, we decided to pass on this great article from our corporate office, including excellent tips for taking care of mold and allergies inside the home! Enjoy!


Mold and allergy tips for homeowners

Breathing. It’s something you rarely think about, yet do thousands of times per day. We all know how important it is to breathe clean air, and most of us associate air toxins—like acid rain and smog—with the world outside our homes. But the air you and your children breathe in your own house might be more dangerous than you think! We at Paul Davis Restoration/Emergency Services of (location) care about your family’s well being. For Home Safety Month, we’ve put together a list of tips to help you keep the air in your house clean so you can breathe easy!

There’s a fungus among us!

You’ve probably heard about the dangers of black mold, or toxic spores that cause asthma and respiratory problems that can jeopardize even the healthiest individual’s constitution. But even common household molds can cause serious allergies, not to mention destroy the structure of the materials they infest (goodbye sturdy shower curtain!).

Here are the scary-sounding names of the most common molds:

• Alternaria
• Aspergillus
• Cladosporium
• Penicillium

What to know: Mold becomes a problem in parts of the U.S. where humidity levels are above 55-60 percent for extended periods of time. Unfortunately, this describes the majority of the country during the course of a year! Every home—whether you live in the humid Southeast or the dry deserts of the Southwest—is at risk for mold infestation in bathrooms, basements, poorly-ventilated rooms and anywhere where there’s a leak.

So how can you prevent this fungus from making you and family members sick? Keep the humidity low in your home. Dehumidifiers that keep humidity below 40 percent help to limit condensation and thus make it harder for mold to form. Mildewcides are a good preventative measure, as is using ultraviolet lighting (mold is particularly susceptible to high levels of UV rays). Unfortunately, if you already have a well-established mold problem, particularly if you think it might be dangerous black mold, you’ll need to call in the professionals to eradicate it and help make your air safe to breathe again.

What to do with all the “achoos”!

Has your youngest been sneezing for weeks on end? There may be something inside your home that’s triggering an allergic reaction. The most common household allergens include:

• Dust. Dust mites are the most common cause of chronic sneezing. Vacuums, allergen-free bedding and air purifiers all can reduce the number of dust mites in your home, potentially lessening the severity of allergies.
• Pets.  Sure, you may have had Fluffy for years with nary a sneeze, but allergies can take two years of exposure to develop. Cats are the pets that most frequently trigger allergies, and not only do fur and dander cause the sniffles, so too do cat mucus and saliva. Air purifiers and frequent vacuuming can help alleviate your symptoms if you can’t bear to find a new home for Fluffy or Fido!
• Smoke. Cigarette smoke can irritate the respiratory system even with extremely limited exposure. If someone in your family develops a mysterious allergy, limit smoking to the outdoors and see if it reduces their symptoms.
• Chemicals. That product you use to clean the bathroom may be making you sneeze! Formaldehyde—found in air fresheners, toilet cleaners, paint, adhesives, liquid cleaners and carpet backing—is known to be particularly irritating to the throat and respiratory system (and is extremely dangerous at high levels of exposure). If you can identify a particular product that irritates you, stop using it; if not, an air purifier or a specialty chemical purifier can help reduce your symptoms.
• Pollen. Yep, the pesky particles that make your eyes water outside can follow you into your home, too! Make sure your windows and doors all are airtight, and use an air purifier to ensure you’re not breathing in pollen inside your home as well as outside it!

Paul Davis Restoration/Emergency Services of Northeast NJ serves the following communities Bergen, Hudson, Morris and Passaic Counties.

4 Credit Course Offering!

We are so excited to inform you that in the coming weeks we will be offering another continuing education course, and this course is worth 4 credits! This is a great way to get some of those continuing education requirements out of the way before kicking off summer vacation!

The course will be offered on July 18th and because it is a 4 credit course, the course times will be a little different than our usual offerings. The morning session will begin at 8:30AM and end at 12:30PM and the afternoon session will begin at 1PM and end at 5PM. Breakfast and lunch will be served at each respectively.

This specific course is #88890306,  and will cover the topic of Long Term Care. It will be such a wonderful day filled with great networking, awesome information and wonderful company. Space is limited, so please register by clicking the link below!

http://ht.ly/bsEzr

We Can't Wait To See You!

Don't forget! We have another great continuing education course coming up on June 27th! We hope you're planning to join us for the class next week.

This particular course will be on Auto Insurance- The Basics, and is course #88890750. Just like all of our courses, it will be offered at two separate times, first from 9AM-12PM, and then again from 1-4PM. The morning course will include a great breakfast, and the afternoon will include a fabulous lunch.

This course is a great opportunity to get out of the office (enjoy some of the first days of summer), meet other industry professionals, and get to know our wonderful team.

The course will be offered in our beautiful Waldwick, NJ facility located at 6 William Demarest place, easily accessible from all major highways.

Space is limited, please reserve yours online today by clicking the link below:
http://ht.ly/bsEzr

We can't wait to see you there!

Make Sure Your Pool is Backyard Party Ready!

Here in Northeast NJ, I know so many people who are planning on uncovering and opening their backyard oasis, that is, their swimming pool, this weekend. A home's pool can provide a great place for parties and making memories, but there are a few things to be considered in order to get it in great working order for summer.

1- Check the area- Just like our previous article about getting your backyard ready for the summer party season, you'll first want to check the ground areas that surround the pool and make sure there aren't any problems making it unsafe or dangerous for your guests or families. Check that there aren't any cracks or breaks that could cause someone to slip and fall, especially with wet feet.

2- Check the liner- one of the most significant things to think about in pool maintenance is your pool's liner. Make sure the liner is staying put in the pools coping, doesn't have any major damage from algae or weather damage and isn't stretched out. If any of the above are occurring, it may be time to consider replacing your pool's vinyl liner.

3- Remember the ABC's- There are three "ABC"'s of good pool care, remember these and your pool will be set for summer fun! - A- Maintain your pool with stabilized chlorine tablets everyday. B- Shock your pool once a week using shocking chlorine. C- The day after shocking treat your pool with a dose of Algaecide.

What is your secret for keeping your pool in great condition? Let us know by commenting below!

You're Invited!

Before you head out of the office and onto the beach some where to celebrate this long weekend, don't forget to mark your calendar! Our first continuing education course for the month of June is fast approaching and we wouldn't want you to miss it! On Wednesday, June 13th we will be offering course #88890558- "Property & Casualty Ethics & Responsibilities". The course will be held in our conveniently located Waldwick, NJ facility and will be offered at two separate times, 9AM-12PM and 1-4PM. The morning session will include a great breakfast and our afternoon session will include a delicious lunch. This is a great opportunity to get some of those continuing education courses completed before the craziness of summer and vacation plans set in as well as meet some of our great team and network with other industry professionals. Space is limited, so reserve yours today by emailing dholm@pdr-usa.net. We can't wait to see you then!

Get Your Home Memorial Day Weekend Ready!

It's may not technically be summer yet, but tomorrow and the rest of this weekend mark the unofficial start of the summer outdoor party season! If you're like us, you may love entertaining in the summer, especially outdoors. It's such a great way to connect with friends and family in a beautiful atmosphere, but there's a lot of work to be done before your home is Memorial Day Weekend party ready! Here are our tips for getting your home ready for friends and family before any big bash this weekend!

1- Scope out the scene: Check all of your flooring, deck or concrete patio to make sure it is free from any breaks or cracks that could be dangerous by causing one of your guests to slip and fall. You should then check to see if the flooring is free from stains. This is a great time to pressure wash any of your ground material.

2- Check the furniture: Take a close look at all of your outdoor furniture. Winters, especially if furniture is stowed outside can take its toll and cause damage to seating. Check to make sure you have enough seating that is in good shape and safe for using before your guests arrive.

3- Light the way: While it may get dark much later in the warmer seasons, its still important to plan out good lighting for any outdoor party. If you're looking for lights that can be taken down and put back up again for any party, you may want to check your favorite home furnishings store for string lanterns. If you're looking for something more permanent, plan out the perfect locations for lighting and contact local electricians for a consultation and estimates.

There are so many other great ways to personalize your summer party space for memorial day! We love unique landscaping and decorations. What are you doing to get ready for your party this holiday weekend? Share with us by commenting below!

Spring Cleaning Tips for Property Managers!

Like we said in our last post about our free continuing education courses, we are so excited about Spring, Summer and the onset of warmer weather. However, we know that this is a busy time for our friends who are property managers! With the summer rental season quickly ensuing, its the perfect time to check some things of that spring to-do list. Here are our suggestions:

- Schedule big maintenance: This is the time to schedule any major maintenance you need done on an entire building. For example, repairs on drainage systems or gutters. Have this taken care of now so it does not affect your summer renters.

- Check the plumbing: Although it was a mild winter for those of us in Northeast, NJ, freezing temperatures can still cause some major damage to plumbing systems and piping. Have your plumbing system inspected and any problems repaired.

-Take care of the HVAC units: Before the weather turns sweltering, make sure all air conditioners and cooling units are functioning safely and properly.

- Roofing repairs: Just in case any winter storms wreaked havoc on your roof, make sure you take a moment to check it out and have it repaired before the summer storm season hits and those problems lead to leaks and flood damage down the road.

-Fencing and gates: If your property has a fence or a gate, its posts are especially vulnerable to groundwater, which can cause them to wriggle loose and tilt when the soil around them gets wet. Check all fence posts and gating to make sure there aren't any issues and have them repaired.

So what are you doing to get your rental property ready for summer? Let us know by commenting below!
Have questions? The experts at Paul Davis Restoration are happy to help with any of your property's repairs!

Its May! Check Out Our Continuing Education Offerings!

Happy May day everyone! The warmer weather is right around the corner and I am sure all of you are as excited as we are for the approach of summer. We will be offering two great continuing education classes this month! They will be filled with insight, knowledge and networking opportunities, and best of all? They're completely free!

Our first course this month will be held on Wednesday, May 9th at both 9AM-12PM and 1-4PM. This course will  be on "Compliance Management for Insurance Professionals" (course #88891388). Our second course will be offered on Wednesday, May 23rd and will cover "Annuities- Features and Advantages" (course #88890303).

We are really looking forward to hosting both events and to meeting all of the wonderful industry professionals that will be in attendance. We can't wait to run into some old friends and hopefully see some new faces.The morning sessions will include a great breakfast, and our afternoon sessions will include a delicious lunch spread.
Space is limited, so reserve your seat today by emailing dholm@pdr-usa.net.

Register Now! CE Class THIS Wednesday!

Before the week starts and everything gets crazy for our busy friends, we just thought we would take a minute to remind you to register for the free continuing education course we are hosting this Wednesday, April 25th. The course will cover Commercial Package Properties (Course #88891749). It will be offered, as always,at two separate times so that all industry professionals can fit it into their busy schedules. We will have one morning session from 9AM-12PM and an afternoon session from 1-4PM.

The day promises to be full of great information to help you better serve your clientele, knowledgeable staff and awesome networking opportunities. Also- don't forget about the free breakfast and lunch spreads served at each session!

Space is limited- reserve your seat today by emailing dholm@pdr-usa.net! We can't wait to see you Wednesday.

Omegasonics is Coming To Paul Davis of Northeast NJ!

The team at Paul Davis Restoration of Northeast NJ is very proud to announce that we will be bringing Omegasonics Ultra Sonic Cleaning Systems to our Waldwick, NJ facility. We are looking forward to expanding our reach and our ability to provide our clients with excellent service.

Paul Davis Restoration of Northeast NJ prides itself on being able to offer the newest and most effective technology to all of our clients and adding Omegasonics to our repertoire is the next step in being able to do that for the wonderful people we are working for.

Omegasonics technology replaces traditional cleaning methods with highly engineered equipment that uses environmentally friendly soap solutions. This means the end of storing, working with and disposing of harsh chemicals in our clean up efforts.

We are so excited about being able to bring you the best service while still being environmentally friendly and efficient! Continue to check our Facebook page and our blog for more information on our new Omegasonics systems!

Don't Forget- Tuesday is Our Next Continuing Education Course!

Have you signed up yet? This Tuesday is our next Continuing Education course for industry professionals. It promises to be a great day full of networking and knowledge. This week we are offering course #88892113 "Insurance Coverage for Mold and Water Claims". The course will be offered at two different times so that it fits conveniently into the schedule of any working professional. Join us either from 9AM-12PM and enjoy a great breakfast or join us from 1-4pM where we will be serving a delicious lunch spread.

We offer CE courses several times each month and all of them are FREE of charge. This is a great way to come check out our beautiful Waldwick, NJ facility and enjoy the company of other industry professionals while checking those continuing education requirements off your to do list!

Brush Fires Rage Through New Jersey

This week has been crazy for the state of New Jersey in terms of fire damage. The state has seen a large number of wind fueled brush fires in the past week. The dry forests and average of 40MPH winds lead to brush fires breaking out in more than 21 locations this week.

More than 1,000 acres of land and forest were burnt away this week. Burlington county saw the most damage. News 12 New Jersey reports, "An orange glow lit up the sky until sunrise and black smoke billowed across most towns and highways for most of the day. Local fire officials said the blaze broke out after midnight in Tabernacle and Woodland and had consumer over 600 acres by dawn. By nightfall Monday more than 1,000 acres had burned".

Monday was a busy day for fire deparments across the states as many of them were called out to respond to similarly caused fires. The beginning of Spring, brush, twigs, and dry forests became perfect materials for fire to feed on.

Very high forest fire danger is very common this time of year. If you live in a wooded area it is especially important that you know how to protect you home from fire danger. For more information, ead our informative articles on emergency preparedness and fire risk management by clicking the links!

Think Twice Before Using Bleach to Kill Mold in Your Home!

In our last post, we reminded you guys of the mold issues that may come as a result of the summer storm season and flooding. It's important to be cognizant of preventing mold and flooding in the home, but it is also important to know what NOT to do in the event that you have a mold issue in your home. While many of us may think that the first thing we should reach for is the bleach, you may want to think again...

There has been lots of recent evidence to suggest that using bleach or a bleach solution to clean up mold in the home may not be the best idea. We immediately assume that because of its potency, bleach will kill everything and anything. It does not necessarily kill mold, rather it bleaches its color, making it look like its been removed or taken care of.

Further, while bleach is capable of killing a lot of different things, like bacteria and viruses, it is made mostly of water and will not kill mold, because mold needs the presence of water to survive. Mold lives in porous areas that bleach cannot access.

Bleach also gives off harmful odors and gases that may put the health of the residents in the area in which its being used at risk. It is best to avoid using bleach and call in mold removal professionals like the great techs at Paul Davis Restoration of Northeast NJ in order to ensure that your home is free of mold and your family is free from the harmful effects of mold.

Don't Forget! Save the Date!

The spring is such a busy time of year for all of us with home improvements, repairs, family events and everything else that goes along with it. So, mark your calendars early for a day full of networking, education and great company! We are running two continuing education courses in the month of April. The first one will be on Tuesday, April 17, 2012. It will cover the topic of "Insurance Coverage for Mold and Water Claims"- #88892113. This course is coming at a perfect time with the onset of the spring rain and storm season. Northeastern New Jersey has seen so much flooding in the past spring and summers, it is important to be educated on how to properly advocate for your clientele in the mold and water claims that may ensue as a result of flood damage.

The second course in April is on Wednesday, April 25, 2012 and will cover "Commercial Package Properties #88891749. Both courses will be offered at two different times, a morning session from 9AM-12PM and an afternoon session from 1-4PM. Breakfast and lunch will be served at each session respectively.

Space is limited and goes quickly so email dholm@pdr-usa.net to reserve your seat today!

Protect Your Home From Flooding This Spring!

It has been such a gorgeous week in Northeast New Jersey. We are all so excited to get outside and enjoy the warm weather. The one thing most of us probably aren't thinking about though? The storm systems that go hand in hand with weather changes like this.

This is the time to prepare your house for summer storms so you don't run into issues with flooding later on this year. Here are some easy suggestions for protecting your house from flooding this season!

Clean Your Gutters-

We just recently posted about how to clean your gutters yourself. It only takes a little bit of time and is a great way to protect your home from flood damage this summer. CNN's article on protecting your house from flooding states "The most important step you can take to prevent flooding is to make sure your gutters are free of leaves and dirt and sticks. Poor roof drainage is the number one cause of basement leaks and a clogged gutter will cause massive problems by concentrating roof runoff water at your house's corners, close to the foundation"

Check Your Downspouts-

Downspouts are tubes that extend from the end of your home's gutters and should release water about 3-4 feet from your home's perimeter. Downspouts should be pointed away from your home. To check your downspouts, run water through a hose through your gutters for 10-15 minutes. If your downspouts are dumping water less than 3 feet from the perimeter of your home, you may want to invest in extenders that you can obtain at any hardware or home improvement store.

Waterproof Your Walls-

The most basic way to keep water out of your home and protect yourself from flood damage is to waterproof your home's walls. The same article by CNN suggests the following, "You can apply special waterproof coating to the interior or exterior walls in your basement. This coating will penetrate several inches into concrete and close off chinks and minor cracks by forming crystal when water appears. Waterproofing paint is most effective when you put it right onto the cement and not on painted areas."

Clean Your Gutters This Spring: Avoid Water Damage This Summer!

It's a beautiful weekend here in Northeast New Jersey and it looks like the mild weather is about to continue with the weather man forecasting temps in the high 60's all week. It is the perfect week to get some tasks accomplished around your home to prepare for the warmer weather.

Many of us forget about our home's gutters each year- out of sight, out of mind, right? Well- not cleaning out your gutters each year could lead to build up that could lead to leakage in your home and further, to water or mold damage, especially as the summer storm season draws nearer.

Cleaning out your gutters is incredibly easy and can be done quickly yourself. Here's how:

-Clear out any debris- Start at the outlet at the lowest end, remove any loose debris using a trowel and working away from the outlet.

-Use a hose to clear the gutter- Use the highest pressure nozzle on your hose to spray out any remaining debris the entire length of the gutter.

- Clear any blockage- While spraying, keep an eye out to make sure none of the water is backing up and that it is constantly flowing freely. If there are obstructions, investigate what is causing them and clear them out if possible. If you cannot clear the obstruction, call a professional to take a look.

Mark Your Calendar! We've Added Another CE Class!

If you didn't make it to our most recent continuing education course for insurance agents and adjusters yesterday, don't worry! We are offering the same course, "Insurance Coverage for Mold and Water Claims- #88892113" again on April 17, 2012.

The course will be free of charge and as always, will be offered at two separate times. The class will be given in the morning from 9AM-12PM as well as in the afternoon from 1-4PM. Feel free to choose whichever time works best for you! We will also be offering a free breakfast at the morning class and a free lunch for our afternoon attendees.

There is still space available so register today by going to our Eventbrite page: http://pauldavisnenj.eventbrite.com and select theApril class or if you prefer, you may fill out the attached registration form and email it back to dholm@pdr-usa.net

We hope to see you there for a day full of friendly faces, learning opportunities and networking!

Prepare Your Home For Spring!

It's starting to feel a lot like spring in Northeast New Jersey and if you're anything like me you are really excited about it! It's about time to ditch our boots for sandals and start spending lots more time outside.

However, before we get all caught up in outdoor parties and warm weather fun, it is important to take care of one of the things that are most important to us and our families, that is, our homes.

It is a great time to start thinking about and planning the changes you will make to your home's landscape this spring, but what is more important is to think about is checking your interior systems. We should be checking our interior HVAC (Heating, Venting, Air Conditioning) systems each fall and spring. Before harsh climate changes occur, ensure air filters have been replaced and cleaned as well as changed. If you use disposable air filters make sure to stock up on new ones. Check your air conditioner during the spring season as well to make sure it is functioning effectively and safely before the summer.

In the process of spring cleaning, you should also make sure to clear out any debris, dust or clutter that could be a fire hazard. Test your emergency systems, fire extinguishes, fire alarms, and carbon monoxide detectors. We can so often forget to test these until it is too late, and spring cleaning is the perfect time to do so!

So what else will you be doing to ready your home for spring? Let us know by commenting below!

Only Two More Days To Register!

Just a reminder! There's only a few days left to register for the Paul Davis Restoration of Northeast NJ free continuing education course. It will take place this Wednesday, Feb 22, 2012 at our beautiful Waldwick, NJ facility. We will offer the course at two separate times, 9AM-12PM and 1-4PM, so it's convenient and easy for all you busy professionals! We will serve breakfast and lunch at each session respectively! It's a great time to get some of those continuing education requirements completed in a warm environment with lots of friendly faces! Space foes quickly, reserve yours by emailing dholm@pdr-usa.net today!

A Busy Morning for NJ Firefighters!

This President's day was a busy one for firefighters in two different towns in New Jersey. The brave men and women of Newark, Elizabeth and Hoboken Fire departments spent the morning working to put out an apartment building fire in Hoboken. This particular fire began last night around 7PM but firefighters were still battling the flames on the building's roof until early this morning. It was declared a four alarm fire and tore through the five floors of the building which includes store fronts on ground level and condos above them.

In nearby Jersey City, the fire department was just as busy. Last night, a five alarm fire ravaged through a two story, wood framed building. FoxNY reports, FoxNY reports, "they were not sure how many residents were displaced, but said the property had six to eight second floor residential units. The fire was declared undercontrol around 7:45pm. No cause has been determined".

Nine firefighters were injured in the process of putting out the blaze. We at Paul Davis Restoration of Northeast NJ extend our warmest get well wishes to them and their families!

Join Us This Wednesday for Continuing Education Class!

We know everyone's schedule is crazy and confusing with offices being closed for President's Weekend early next week, but, don't forget- this coming Wednesday, February 22nd is our FREE continuing education course. This week's topic is "The Ethical Responsibility of the Insurance Producer" course #88890302.

It is a 3 credits course and will be offered at two separate times. The morning session will begin at 9AM and end at 12PM and feature a great breakfast. We will also offer an afternoon session from 1pM-4PM that will include a delicious lunch.

We hope you can join us for this enjoyable workshop! It's a great opportunity to get out of the office and enjoy great conversation and continuing education with other local industry professionals!

Paul Davis Restoration Sponsors Fundraiser for St. Barnabas Burn Center

Late last month, Paul Davis Restoration was the proud sponsor of the "Cooked and Uncorked" Wine Festival held at Pines Manor in Edison, NJ. The event was an awesome night of food and fun in which 12 fire departments from across New Jersey came together to showcase their talents in the kitchen!

This event was quite a bit different than your average fire deparment chili or barbecue cook off. This time around, the firefighters kicked it up a notch by trying their hand at upscale, gourmet fare. The firefighters cooked up gourmet meals like shrimp and scallop napoleon with avocado, sourcream and pepper with a cocktail shrimp on top (trust, us it tasted as good as it sounds!)

The big winners of the night were Roselle Fire Department (Overall) and New Brunswick Fire Department who won "Fan Favorite". We were so impressed by the great turnout of 850-900 people who came to support St. Barnabas burn center. It was a memorable night filled with great food and great company!

Only One Week Left! Don't Forget To Sign Up For Our Next CE Class!

Don't forget- we have a continuing education course coming up a week from this Wednesday! Next Wednesday, February 8th- we will be holding a three credit continuing education course on Social Security/ Medicare and Medicaid- Course #88891753. The course is completely FREE of charge and is hosted in our gorgeous and conveniently located Waldwick, NJ facility. We will offer the course at two separate times, 9AM-12PM and 1-4PM. Both will feature a fantastic meal spread. So, come, get out of the office, network with other industry professionals and get your CE requirements done! We can't wait to see you! Space is limited so contact our marketing coordinator Desiree at dholm@pdr-usa.net to reserve your space today!

NJ Fire Chief asks, " Would You Survive a Stamford Fire?"

Many of us heard about the tragic Christmas morning fire that took an entire victorian home and the lives of five people in Stamford, Connecticut... what we may not have considered though, is how well prepared we are for a situation like that. The fire chief of Millburn, NJ calls on us to do just that in his recent article for NorthJersey.com. Chief Michael Roberts of Millburn Fire Department writes an excellent article on how we can best prepare our homes and our families for an emergency like the one that took place in Stamford. You can read the full emergency preparedness article by clicking the link.

Roberts gives really insightful tips especially on preparing your family's children for such an emergency. He says "People should sleep with their bedroom doors closed. This will buy precious time to plan an escape. When the alarm sounds, young children and others needing help should stay in their rooms, unless you direct them otherwise.

They need to have their address memorized and explain to a person where they are located in the house: "I am at a third floor window in the back of the house." In a sleepy panic, you would be surprised how many people can't explain where they are, especially if they slept in a different room that night.

When practical, children should be taught how, when and why to raise a window in an emergency and to call 9-1-1. Make sure the windows are in working order in any room that you or others need to escape from. Do you need a chair or step stool to raise the window? A note on double-hung windows: if you are awaiting rescue, pull the top sash down about 1/3 to release smoke and heat above you. Push up the bottom sash enough so that you can obtain fresh air and exit easily."

It's important that we all consider that tragedies like these, while difficult to think about, can strike at any time and it is absolutely crucial to the safety to our families and homes that we prepare ourselves for them. Here at Paul Davis we would encourage all of our clients to check out this article (linked above) to help prepare themselves for the unthinkable before it is too late!

Only Two More Days! Don't Miss Our FREE CE Class!

If you missed our post the other day on our complimentary CE class, look no further! This Wednesday, January 25th, Paul Davis Restoration of Northeast NJ will be offering a complimentary continuing education course for all NJ Insurance agents and professionals.

The course will be offered at two separate times in our beautiful Waldwick, NJ facility. The morning session will be offered from 9AM-12PM and the afternoon session will be offered from 1-4PM. Come hungry! Our morning session will include a full breakfast and the afternoon session includes a full lunch spread.

The best part? The class is free of charge! So, come, get some of those continuing education requirements out of the way, spend the day with us, network with other industry professionals, gain some great insights and enjoy some great food! Space fills quickly so email Desiree Holm, dholm@pdr-usa.net to reserve your spot today!

Prevent Damage To Your Home's Steps This Winter!

While we're facing the cleanup from today's winter storm in Northeast NJ, many of you are probably out shoveling, snow blowing, and salting your driveways, walkways, and stairs. We at Paul Davis Restoration of Northeast NJ thought it would be helpful to provide you with some information on how to avoid the damage to concrete steps and driveways that is caused by the use of rock salt and other de-icers.

The best way to solve the problem of damaged and broken steps and concrete walkways, is to seal them with concrete sealer and blanket. When applied to concrete it hardens and creates a glasslike seal in less than four hours.

This will protect your concrete from the impacts of all of the elements including snow, rain, moisture and salt. It will not spall! This will also make the steps or walkways easier for shoveling and de-icing in the future.

The next best way to prevent damage to concrete is to make sure you're using de-icers correctly. Only use as much necessary to loosen and melt the snow or ice. Using too much will increase the possibility of damage to your walkways and stairs. This will save you money and damage to stairs and vegetation.

If you think your steps, walkways or driveways, have already been damaged, or need to be repaired contact a professional restoration company today! The experts at Paul Davis Restoration are waiting and willing to take your call now!

Free Next Wednesday? Come Spend Some Time With Us!

Next Wednesday, January 25th, Paul Davis Restoration of Northeast NJ is hosting yet another continuing education course for NJ insurance professionals. This is a great opportunity to get your continuing education requirements satisfied conveniently and at no charge to you. The class will be offered at two separate times, first from 9AM-12PM, which includes a great breakfast spread, and then again from 1-4PM which includes lunch! We are committed to making all of our course offerings accessible for the working professional. This week's course is on "Business Income Insurance" and is course # 88891754 and is worth 3 credits. The course will be held in our beautiful Waldwick, NJ facility. Space is limited so please contact Desiree Holm, dholm@pdr-usa.net to reserve your seat today!

Winter Fireplace Safety!

It's been pretty mild so far in New Jersey (unless you count that fluke October snowstorm), but today all that ends. The temperatures are dropping and it is cold out there! It's a perfect day for cozying up by the fire with friends and family, but before you do so- read on for tips on how to keep your fireplace, home and family safe from fireplace related risk this winter!

-Make sure to keep chimneys and fireplaces clean. Have your chimney or wood burning stove inspected by a certified chimney specialist.

-Keep the area near the fireplace clear of decorum, debris and flammable materials

- Leave glass doors open while a fire is burning so that there is enough air to ensure complete combustion. Don't forget to close the doors once the fire is out to keep ash from getting into the room.

-Never use flammable liquids to start a fire.

-Always use only seasoned hardwood. Soft moist wood speeds up creosote buildup.

-Never burn cardboard boxes, trash or debris in indoor fireplaces.

-Never leave a fireplace unattended. Always put out all fires before gong to bed or leaving your home.

Share with us! What will you do to keep your home safe from fireplace risk this winter?