Tips to Keep Packages Safe

12/19/2018 (Permalink)

A man shared a video from west Wichita. It shows a woman driving by his mom's home, backing up into the driveway then stealing a crockpot and another item. He said it totaled about a couple hundred dollars.

Derby police say they have seen a spike in stolen packages over the span of a week. Officers there recently arrested a woman in connection to several stolen packages in town.

Derby's deputy police chief, Lt. Brandon Russell, says multiple stolen package reports have been made in the last week.

"The amount is not the concern to us, it's the fact that it's happening, that's the concern to us. You should be able to have a package delivered and not have a problem with that," said Russell.

While it seems to be happening more often, there are a few things you can do to keep your items safe.

1. Make sure someone is home
2. Deliver it to your office
3. Have it held at the store
4. Use lockbox

Story by: KWCH12 CBS

What's Going on This Summer: May

5/3/2018 (Permalink)

Its finally starting to feel like summer is here!  Although we’ve had some 70 degree days followed by 4 inches of wintery mix the following day, I think we’re all ready for the warmer weather and more importantly, were ready for this warm weather to stay!  As things heat up in the summer and the kids are off school, we wanted to write a blog article detailing some of our favorite events taking place in the city of Philadelphia!  Whether you're looking for somewhere to meet up with friends, or a quick day trip  to get the kids out of the house, theres an event going on this summer fit for everyone!  So pack the strollers, fill your water bottles, lace up your running shoes and get ready for a summer packed with fun family events that will get you out of the house and give you a fresh taste of the City of Brotherly Love!

South Street Spring Festival May 5^th

Join thousands of residents and visitors and take part in south philly family fun at the south street spring festival.  Located at Headhouse Square and along South Street, there is something for everyone including several concerts, eating contests, a giant Maypole, a kids zone and hundreds of vendors ranging from food trucks to clothing boutiques.  Complementing the South Street Spring Festival, Brahaus Schmitz will be hosting their 6^th annual Maifest Festival on the 700 block of South Street.  Maifest brings a little taste of Germany to South Philly with authentic German food and drinks served all day, German dancers and live music. 

Broad street run may 6^th

If you’re of age and didn’t enjoy too many German beers the night before, lace up your running shoes and head on over to the 39^th annual Broad Street Run.  This iconic Philly charity race starts at the Central High School Athletic Field at Broad Street and Somerville Avenue taking participants past the varied neighborhoods along Broad Street and finishes inside the Philadelphia Navy Yard at the end of Broad Street in South Philadelphia.  The Broad Street run is neither a Marathon nor a 5k, but falls within the two distancing 10 miles in total.  The money collected by those who pay a small fee to participate, as well as other donations and pledges, is  donated to the American Cancer Society.  There is a lottery which has since closed for those who wish to participate, but some runner bibs are still available through charities found here.  Spectators are more than welcomed and for places to watch the race click here.

Blue cross riverrink Summerfest may 11^th

The following weekend you can witness the Deleware River Waterfront become a seasonal wonderland.  The Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest offers guests boardwalk-style games and rides, an arcade, views of the waterfront with plenty of options for food and drinks as well as the city of Philadelphia’s first outdoor roller rink.  Unfortunately there is no disco ball in the center of the rink so do not feel pressured to break out your afro wig and dust off your platform high tops. You can however dust off your roller skates and BYO, or there are pairs available to rent at the park.  There is no entrance fee to get into the park as it is open to the public, but activities such as mini-golf, games, rides, roller skating and concessions are all pay-as-you-go.  If you cant make it the first weekend, the park will be open in its entirety on Friday May 18^th to Sunday, May 20^th, and will then open seven days a week starting Memorial Day Weekend running until the end of Labor Day weekend, on Monday, September 3^rd.  For more information on the Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest, click here.

Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival may 19^th

On Satuday, May 15^th, the Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival roles into town transforming the Rittenhouse neighborhood into a street fest with something for everyone.  Residents as well as visitors can be set to enjoy a day full of music, outdoor shopping, international entertainment and food from some of the city’s most notable restaurants.  The event will take place in Rittenhouse Square down Walnut Street to Broad Street.  There are a copious amount of parking garages in the area, and if you want to find street parking your best bet will be to show up early! 

The South 9^th st Italian Market Festival may 19^th – 20^th

Need a dose of some South Philly Italian in your life?  Worry not, the South 9^th St. Italian Market Festival is right around the corner.  On may 19^th, South 9^th Street (The Italian Market) becomes even more busy than the weekend before Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Residents and visitors arrive from all over to take part in this annual celebration.  On this weekend we all pretend to be Italian and can expect to enjoy live entertainment, such as music and some comedy skits, a plethora of international foods (including but not limited to homemade sausages, imported meats and cheeses, freshly made pastas and delectable cannoli’s and other sweet treats) and specialty cookware so you can bring that “newly found Italian” coursing through your veins home to the kitchen.  Among many events and activities going on during this weekend, two events you won’t want to miss are the Procession of Saints and the greased pole-climbing.  Don’t be surprised if you get there early and see patrons rubbing fatty meats all over a street pole, its part of the Italian Market Festival allure!

This wraps up our favorite events taking place in Philadelphia for the month of May.  For more information on other notable events taking place in May click here.  At the beginning of each month you can look to our blog for events and details taking place over the coming summer months.  We hope to see you out and about this summer, and if you see us (usually the only people wearing bright green) come say hello!  Stay cool, happy summer, and GO EAGLES! 

Does Your Philadelphia Property Contain Lead?

10/25/2017 (Permalink)

Here, a lead based paint is slowly but surely peeling away from this home in Overbrook.

Older homes, older child care facilities, schools and other buildings are more likely to contain lead-based paint. Homes may be private, government-assisted or public housing. Schools are preschools and kindergarten classrooms. They may be urban, suburban or rural.

Percentage of homes likely to contain lead:

• Built between 1960-1978 = 24%

• Built between 1940-1960 = 69%

• Built before 1940 = 87%

What can you do to protect your family from lead in pre-1978 homes?

• If you rent, notify your landlord of peeling or chipping paint.
• Clean up paint chips immediately.
• Regularly clean floors, window sills, and other surfaces. Use a mop, sponge, or paper towel with warm water and a general all-purpose cleaner or a cleaner made specifically for lead.
• Thoroughly rinse sponges and mop heads after cleaning dirty or dusty areas.
• Wash children’s hands, bottles, pacifiers and toys often.
• Keep children from chewing window sills or other painted surfaces.
• Clean or remove shoes before entering your home to avoid tracking in lead from soil.

SERVPRO of Overbrook/Wynnefield follows the EPA's strict guidelines for lead paint

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires firms performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in pre-1978 homes, child care facilities and schools be certified by the EPA. These firms also must use certified renovators who are trained by EPA-approved training providers to follow lead-safe work practices.

According to EPA requirements (40 CFR Part 745) contractors must use lead-safe work practices and follow these three simple procedures:

• Contain the work area.
• Minimize dust.
• Clean up thoroughly.

SERVPRO of Overbrook/Wynnefield technicians always take the necessary precautions according to current laws. Our technicians have been trained and certified to follow lead-safe work practices while performing renovation and repair projects in your area. 

Preparing for Fall

9/21/2016 (Permalink)

As much fun as summer can be, it has to end at some point. As the trees begin to change and the weather shifts from hot and humid to cool and crisp, it’s time to prepare for the onset of cooler months. Whether you’re ready for hot cocoa and sweaters or are still holding on to ice cream and swim suits, there’s a lot to do to get ready for the changing seasons.

1. Inspect your roof
   If you have a heavy rainstorm or a foot of snow, does your roof have what it takes to hold up? Before settling in for another chilly fall and a freezing winter take a look at your roof for weak spots or cracks in your shingles and granules. If you see anything that looks off or unstable, a roofer may be what your home needs to weather this winter’s storms.
2. Clean out your gutters
   As the leaves begin to turn, you know you’re only weeks away from them falling off entirely and stopping up your gutters. Before you find yourself with a big mess on your hands, take the time now to clean out your gutters and drainpipes to prevent the possibility of water damage and clogs. A clean early in the season may not be sufficient through the winter, but it will make sure you’re prepared for the harsher weather to come. Water damages can be caused by clogged drains or overflowing water to collect on your roof.

Preparing your house for fall may not be what you planned to do during your weekend, but it’s something you’ll thank yourself for later. With the right measures taken now, you and your family will be prepared to settle in for the fall and winter, no matter what may be coming your way!

September is National Preparedness Month

9/8/2016 (Permalink)

During an emergency, the last thing you should worry about is having a plan of action. Every minute matters during an unexpected, emergency situation which is why this year’s National Preparedness Month theme is, “Don’t Wait, Communicate!”

SERVPRO of Overbrook/Wynnefield would like to encourage our neighbors to develop a game plan! Each and every household should master a particular set of steps to perform during an emergency and answer important questions ahead of time such as; Who will be in charge of contacting 911? Who will gather everyone in the household? What is the best escape method in an emergency? Etc. These questions are imperative to the safety and well being of our neighbors and families.

We encourage everyone’s focus this month to be towards developing some type of disaster/emergency ready plan. In line with the “Don’t Wait, Communicate!” theme of this year’s National Preparedness Month, SERVPRO of Overbrook/Wynnefield would like to suggest developing an Emergency Communication Plan. Several steps, listed below, can help get you started on this plan;

1. Collect all of your important contact information such as; family doctor, medical facilities, local family members, schools and service providers. Compile all of this information into one, hard-copy, easily accessible sheet.
2. Share copies of this sheet with everyone within the household/business. Copies of this sheet can be kept in backpacks, purses, wallets, vehicles, etc.
3. Develop a fire/emergency escape plan that includes the safest escape routes, layout of home or business, safe meeting place and what to do if contact is lost.
4. Monthly review/practice of all important contact information, location of contact information and emergency escape plan.

As always, SERVPRO is here to help in any emergency or disaster situation. We encourage everyone to take preparedness seriously BEFORE an emergency occurs in your home or business.

Call us today to learn more about National Preparedness Month or about our free Emergency Ready Profiles!