Archived Community Blog Posts
Plano has been voted as the Happiest Place in America
3/18/2019 (Permalink)
Plano is WalletHub’s happiest city in America.
The city of Plano lands in the top 10 across the three categories, the only city to do that. It beats out a handful of California cities crowding the top of the list—Irvine, California, is No. 2—as well as Grand Prairie at No. 7.
As with anything, when you get closer up the idyllic Collin County suburb has its warts. It has grown feverishly since 1990, from some 128,000 residents then to an estimated 286,000 in 2017, and there have been a few growing pains. The city is engaged in an ongoing conflict with a group of residents set on protecting Plano against its comprehensive plan toward dense, urban development.
Plano has a wide variety of thing to do in its city. From the beautiful parks to late night eateries you can always find fun things to keep you busy.
In WalletHub's data, the rest of North Texas falls inside the happiest third, or close. In all, the personal finance site with a thing for sweeping studies examined 182 cities, the 150 largest plus a few others in more sparsely populated states. Irving ranks 32, Fort Worth falls at 42, Garland is at 47, Arlington at 49, and Dallas at 68.
SERVPRO of Plano supports First Responders Bowl
9/19/2018 (Permalink)
The 2019 SERVPRO First Responder Bowl is set! WKU Football will play Western Michigan Football on Dec. 30th at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Grab your tickets and join us for kickoff at 11:30 a.m. in Dallas, TX.
SERVPRO of Plano invites all of our followers to Attend 2019 SERVPRO First Responders Bowl.
This is SERVPRO of Plano's way of Thanking our First Responders for their hard work and dedication to all of us through out the year.
This is just a small gesture from every SERVPRO we truly can not Thank our First Responders enough.
These First Responders put their lives on the line every day for us!
Contact our office at 972-403-9004 if you are wanting tickets to the game.
Thank you for your support!
SERVPRO of Plano supports Local Sports in our community
9/18/2018 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Plano supports our Local Little League Teams!
We believe anytime that we can work with the children in our community we set an example for our youth.
With a minimal amount of time and monetary donations these children have the best time and are out in the nice fresh air doing a fun and Healthy activity.
We are so very proud of the Dragonitas!
SERVPRO of Plano loves to support our community in any way possible.
Our staff loves to volunteer for any up coming events as needed.
SERVPRO of Plano would like to Thank our Local Little League Teams for allowing us into your club.
We look forward to working with the Little League Teams again in the spring time.
#SERVPROofplano#girlssoftball#dragonitas
Summer Safety tips for you and your family
7/17/2018 (Permalink)
During extremely hot and humid weather, your body's ability to cool itself is challenged.
When the body heats too rapidly to cool itself properly, or when too much fluid or salt is lost through dehydration or sweating, body temperature rises and you or someone you care about may experience a heat-related illness.
It is important to know the symptoms of excessive heat exposure and the appropriate responses.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides a list of warning signs and symptoms of heat illness, and recommended first aid steps.
Some of these symptoms and steps are listed below.
–Heat Exhaustion
Symptoms:
Heavy sweating
Weakness
Cool, pale, clammy skin
Fast, weak pulse
Possible muscle cramps
Dizziness
Nausea or vomiting
Fainting
First Aid:
Move person to a cooler environment
Lay person down and loosen clothing
Apply cool, wet cloths to as much of the body as possible.
Fan or move victim to air conditioned room
Offer sips of water
If person vomits more than once, seek immediate medical attention.
–Heat Stroke
Symptoms:
Altered mental state
One or more of the following symptoms: throbbing headache, confusion, nausea, dizziness, shallow breathing
Body temperature above 103°F
Hot, red, dry or moist skin
Rapid and strong pulse
Faints, loses consciousness
First Aid:
Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency. Call 911 or get the victim to a hospital immediately. Delay can be fatal.
Move the victim to a cooler, preferably air-conditioned, environment.
Reduce body temperature with cool cloths or bath.
Use fan if heat index temperatures are below the high 90s. A fan can make you hotter at higher temperatures.
Do NOT give fluids.
EXTREME heat can be dangerous
6/26/2018 (Permalink)
We are in the full on time of Summer- it is time to consider safety precautions for extreme heat in the coming months.
SERVPRO provides helpful hints:
Heat affects all people, but especially the young, elderly, sick, and overweight.
Urban area residents also have a greater chance of being affected than those who live in rural areas due to the heat island effect.
According to the EPA, “the sun can heat dry, exposed urban surfaces, such as roofs and pavement, to temperatures 50–90°F hotter than the air, while shaded or moist surfaces—often in more rural surroundings—remain close to air temperatures.” These surface heat islands are strongest during the day when the sun is shining, while the atmospheric heat islands are more likely after sunset “due to the slow release of heat from urban infrastructure.”
Whether you are in an urban or rural area, there are several things you can do to prepare for and prevent extreme heat from affecting you. If possible, stay indoors in air conditioning. Be sure to check on your pets who may be outdoors or bring them inside. Stay hydrated and limit alcohol and caffeine intake.
If you must go outside, wear loose fitting, light-colored clothing, and be sure to apply sunscreen often. Pay attention to signs of heat exhaustion, which are heavy sweating; weakness; cold, pale, and clammy skin; nausea or vomiting; and fainting, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, which is life threatening. Signs of heat stroke are a high body temperature (103°+), rapid and strong pulse, and possible unconsciousness. If you think someone has heat stroke, call 911 immediately and move the person somewhere cool. Reduce body temperature with cool, wet cloths or a bath. Do not give a person with heat stroke fluids, and treat the situation as a serious medical emergency (CDC). If you live in a humid climate, be aware of the heat index. The heat index factors in the humidity, which can make the temperature feel 15° hotter.
Extreme heat is a serious danger.
CARBON MONOXIDE
6/19/2018 (Permalink)
CARBON MONOXIDE:
A Silent Killer You can’t see or smell carbon monoxide, but at high levels, it can kill a person in minutes.
Often called the silent killer, carbon monoxide, or CO,is an invisible, odorless, colorless gas,created when fuels, like gasoline, wood,coal, natural gas and propane burn incompletely.According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), each year more than 400 Americans die from unintentional CO poisoning.
It is estimated another 20,000 visit the emergency room, and more than 4,000 are hospitalized due to CO poisoning.All people and animals are at risk for CO poisoning, with some groups—including unborn babies, infants, and people with chronic heart disease,anemia, or respiratory problems—being more susceptible to the effects of carbon monoxide. An excess of CO, leading to CO poisoning, can result from faulty furnaces or other heating appliances, portable generators, water heaters,clothes dryers, or idling cars left running in garages.Taking some basic, precautionary steps can help eliminate the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Protect yourself by reviewing the following tips, provided by the United States Fire Administration. Have fuel-burning appliances, like oil and gas furnaces, gas or kerosene heaters, fireplaces, and wood stoves inspected by a trained professional every year. Open the damper for proper ventilation before using a fireplace.
Never use your oven or stovetop to heat your home. Make sure all fuel-burning vented equipment is vented to the outside to avoid CO poisoning. Keep the venting for exhaust clear and unblocked. If you need to warm a vehicle,remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. Never run a vehicle or other fueled engine or motor indoors, even if garage doors are open. Make sure the exhaust pipe of a running vehicle is not blocked with snow, ice, or other materials.
Make sure vents for the dryer,furnace, stove, and fireplace are clear of snow and other debris. Only use barbecue grills outside,away from all doors, windows,vents, and other building openings.Some grills can produce CO gas.Never use grills inside the home or the garage, even if the doors are open. Use portable generators outdoors in well-ventilated areas away from all doors, windows, vents, and other building openings to prevent exhaust fumes from entering the home.
Will you be you prepared for the upcoming Hurricane season?
5/30/2018 (Permalink)
It may seem early, but hurricane season is currently underway.
For the Atlantic, the season begins June 1 and runs through November 30.
The Eastern Pacific hurricane season began in mid-May and also ends November 30.
Hurricanes can be life-threatening as well as cause serious property threatening hazards such as flooding, storm surge, high winds, and tornadoes. While the primary threat is in coastal areas, many inland areas can also be affected by these hazards, as well as by secondary events such as power outages as a result of high winds and landslides due to rainfall.
Preparation is the best protection against the dangers of a hurricane. Plan an evacuation route and your emergency plan, take inventory of your property, and take steps to protect your home or business.
For more information and preparation tips, visit the Ready campaign website.
Contact SERVPRO of Plano if you suffer damage to your home or business.
972-403-9004
Thanking our Local Fire Departments
5/8/2018 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Plano Thanked all of our Local Fire Departments for all of their hardwork and dedication to their jobs.
Without these great guys our community would suffer. These firefighters sacrifice everything for their jobs. These guys put their lives on the line each and every day. We can not begin to thank them enough for what they do day in and day out.
JB our customer service representative delivered a little treat to these wonderful firefighters and police officers at each station in the Plano area. These guys deserve more then we at SERVPRO of Plano could ever express. SERVPRO will always support our first responders each and every year.
From the bottom of our hearts SERVPRO of Plano Thanks all of the firefighters.
SERVPRO of Plano celebrates International Firefighters
5/4/2018 (Permalink)
THANK YOU for your SERVICE!
INTERNATIONAL FIREFIGHTER'S DAY.
On December 2, 1998, a tragic event shook the Linton Community, Australia and the world. Firefighters in Linton, Australia- a populated region in Victoria- were fighting a large bush fire and called for mutual aid. This urgent mutual aid call brought the Geelong West Fire Brigade to the scene not knowing the despair and tragedy that was in store. Garry Vredeveldt, Chris Evans, Stuart Davidson, Jason Thomas, and Matthew Armstrong all loaded into company’s truck.
They were part of a strike team and were being sent to help extinguish the flames. As the five headed into the hot zone, the wind suddenly switched direction, engulfing the truck in flames and killing all five members. This unfortunate incident is what inspired JJ Edmondson to bring about an international holiday, called International Fire Fighters Day, to support the lives lost and dedicated fire fighters who risk their lives every day to save life and property.
One of the most significant symbols of International Fire Fighters Day is the red and blue ribbon. This ribbon is cut precisely five centimeters long and one centimeter wide, with the two separate colors conjoined at the top. JJ Edmonson chose red and blue because the red stood for the element of fire whereas the blue would represent the element of water. Coincidentally, red and blue are also the colors recognized world-wide to signify emergency services; therefore, red and blue being the best choice of color to recognize an international holiday. The ribbon is traditionally worn on the lapel-otherwise known as the fold of fabric on a shirt- but is not limited to that certain spot. Some people may also put it on their cars visors, hats, hang them in windows or off of car mirrors, or even hang them from trees in their front lawn. The places this ribbon can be placed are plentiful- just be creative!
The red and blue ribbon is a simple but yet effective way to show support for International Fire Fighters Day.
SERVPRO of Plano wishes to Thank all of our First Responders.
972-403-9004
Celebrate National Love Your Pets Day!
2/14/2018 (Permalink)
NATIONAL LOVE YOUR PET DAY
On February 20th, pet lovers everywhere observe National Love Your Pet Day. This holiday is a day set aside to give extra attention to and pamper your pets. This is a good day to focus on the special relationship that you have with your pets.
Did you know that most households in the United States have at least one pet? While there are more cats than dogs in the United States, more households have dogs than cats, but not by much. Pets are not limited to the canine and feline categories. There are quite a few who prefer the companionship of birds, reptiles, fish or rats. Whoever your pet companion is, we are sure you will enjoy spending a little extra time with them on National Love Your Pet Day and reap the benefits, as well such as stress relief and lower blood pressure. So on February 20 (and every day) show your appreciation to your pets!
HOW TO OBSERVE
Bring your pet a special treat, take an extra long walk or give them more attention on National Love Your Pet Day. Whatever you decide to do, spoil and appreciate your pets!
National backwards day
1/31/2018 (Permalink)
YAD SDRAWKCAB LANOITAN
.yad doog a si sihT
January 31st honors everything backward. National Backward Day is an opportunity to reverse our ways, our direction or simply our shirt. Dessert for breakfast, perhaps? There are many ways to celebrate this fun day, so just let your imagination be your guide.
This day is very popular with school-aged kids, but there is no age limit on who can participate in all of the backward fun. So EVERYONE, let’s have some fun!!
FUN FACT: Leonardo da Vinci wrote backward. Not only did the artist and inventor write from right to left, but he also wrote his letters backward.
HOW TO OBSERVE
Do things backward and use #NationalBackwardDay to post on social media.
Light the Night...Safely
12/12/2017 (Permalink)
The American Red Cross offers the following safety tips to help greatly reduce the fire risk in your home this holiday season.
*Place Christmas trees, candles and other holiday decorations at least three feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, portable heaters, radiators, and heat vents.
*Make sure that light strings and other holiday decorations are in good working condition. Do not use anything with frayed electrical cords and always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
*Always unplug tree and holiday lights before leaving the property or going to bed.
* Remove your real Christmas tree as soon as possible from your home due to being very flammable as the tree continues to dry out any spark can ignite the tree.
SERVPRO of Plano wishes you a safe and Happy Holiday Season!
Call SERVPRO of Plano today at 972-403-9004 for a free estimate on FIRE or SOOT Damages.