How to Talk With Children About Climate Change

7/5/2024 (Permalink)

By: Steph Lee, MD, MPH, FAAP

Climate change affects everyone, but it impacts kids the most. Children are especially at risk from environmental health harms. This is because they are still growing and have higher exposure to air, food and water based on weight. By helping kids understand the issue of climate change and how it affects their health and futures, we empower them to make a difference.

Toddlers and young children (Ages 1-5) are just beginning to learn about their relationship with the world. It's a perfect time to introduce them to the joys of nature and gardening. For school-age children (age 6-12), begin explaining concepts behind climate change in simple scientific terms. Ask what they know and fill in blanks or research it together. NASA has online resources to help parents go through each aspect of climate change. Teens (Ages 13-18) are more aware of how issues may influence all aspects of their lives. Discuss show climate change can affect our economy and society. This can spark scientific curiosity and introduce the idea of civic responsibility.

When disasters such as wildfires and hurricanes happen, be sure to limit your child's media use to cut down on the amount of distressing footage they see and hear on the news. Kids are the next generation of innovators and thinkers. Youth leadership is already making a huge difference. If we nurture a love for the environment early, children may just come up with the best solutions. Don't be surprised if they teach you something, too, along the way.

How to Keep Pets Safe When Temperatures Rise

7/5/2024 (Permalink)

Hot weather can prove dangerous for your furry friends and the American Red Cross has steps you can take to help your pets stay safe this summer.

1. Don’t leave your pet in a hot vehicle, even for a few minutes. The inside temperature of the car can quickly reach 120 degrees even with the windows cracked open.

2. Keep all unscreened windows or doors closed so pets don’t fall out of them.

3. Trim longer hair, but never shave your dog.

4. Brush cats more often than usual to help prevent problems caused by excessive heat.

5. Do not leave pets unsupervised around a pool. Don’t let your pets drink from the pool, ocean or lake.

6. Introduce your pets to water gradually and make sure they wear flotation devices when on boats.

7. Rinse your dog off after swimming to remove chlorine or salt from their fur.

8. Avoid hot surfaces, such as asphalt, that can burn your pet’s paws.

9. Don’t walk, run or hike with a dog during the hottest parts of the day or on particularly warm days.

10. Make sure your garden plants are safe for pets.

HEAT STROKE Animals can suffer heat stroke in warmer weather. Dogs with short noses or snouts, like the boxer or bulldog, are especially prone to heat stroke, along with overweight pets, those with extremely thick fur coat or any pet with upper respiratory problems such as laryngeal paralysis or collapsing trachea.

Some of the signs of heat stroke in your pet are:

• Heavy panting and unable to calm down, even when lying down

• Brick red gum color

• Fast pulse rate

• Unable to get up

If you suspect your pet has heat stroke, take their temperature rectally. If the temperature is above 105 degrees, cool the animal down. The easiest way to do this is by using the water hose. Stop cooling the animal when the temperature reaches 103 degrees. Bring your pet to the veterinarian as soon as possible as heat stroke can lead to severe organ dysfunction and damage.

Download the Red Cross Pet First Aid app for more information on how to include pets in emergency preparedness plans. The app also features step-by-step instructions for first aid emergencies, toxic substances, a pet profile for storing tag ID, photo and medical information, early warning signs for when to contact a veterinarian and an animal hospital locator. Users can find it in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross, texting GETPET to 90999 for a link to download the app or going to redcross.org/apps.

You can also take the Red Cross Cat and Dog First Aid online course so you’ll know what to do in an emergency until veterinary care is available. You can access the course on your desktop or tablet at redcross.org/catdogfirstaid and go through the content at your own pace. The interactive course includes:

• How to determine a pet’s normal vital signs so owners can notice if there are any irregularities

• Step-by-step instructions and visual aids for what to do if a pet is choking, needs CPR, has a wound, or is having a seizure

• Information on preventative care, health and tips for a pet’s well-being

Hurricane season in Hawaii

5/17/2024 (Permalink)

What month does Hawaii have the most hurricanes?

Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30 every year. The Hawaiian Islands are at most risk for hurricanes and tropical storms from July to September. The last major hurricane to cause historically devastating damage directly to the Hawaiian Islands was Hurricane Iniki in September of 1992. It was a Category 4 storm that resulted in over $3 billion in damage.  

Hawaii often gets hit by tropical storms — which are slightly less strong than hurricanes — in the months of August and September. 

Where do hurricanes hit the most in Hawaii?

Because Hawaii is made up of islands, most areas are at risk for hurricane and tropical storm damage. The island of Kauai was directly hit by Hurricane Iniki in 1992, and experts predict that nearly 15,000 homes were damaged or destroyed. Oahu also suffered from hurricane damage. 

Maui, which is the second largest Hawaiian island, hasn’t been directly hit by a hurricane in over 100 years. That said, tropical storms often bring in rainfall that results in flood and wind damage. Tropical Storm Olivia, for example, directly hit Maui in September 2018 and resulted in heavy rainfall and downed trees.

The Big Island is also at risk for hurricane damage. In August of 2018, Hurricane Lane weakened to a tropical storm by the time it reached Hawaii, but still brought 19 inches of rain to the Big Island, causing major flooding and extensive property damage.

Wind damage often isn't covered under homeowners' insurance policies in Hawaii. That means if you own a home in Hawaii, you may need to purchase additional windstorm insurance coverage to be fully protected against hurricane damage.

IMPORTANT HEALTH INFORMATION

Any time there is a hurricane or heavy rain, stay out of streams, coastal areas, and standing waters that are contaminated by storm water. These may contain bacteria, other pathogens, dangerous chemicals, or other hazards that are not visible.

People affected by hurricanes and other natural disasters may go through a difficult and anxious time. Maintaining mental and emotional health is particularly important. For help with feelings of stress and anxiety, call The Crisis Line of Hawaii 24/7 toll-free at 1-800-753-6879 (or 808-832-3100 on Oahu).

How To Prepare Yourself for Hurricane Season

7/1/2023 (Permalink)

During hurricane season, It can be a nerve-racking time for anyone because they are not at ease. What if the hurricane is forecasted to hit your area? When a home is hit badly with a hurricane, it can leave you homeless, vulnerable and it can shatter lives as well as damage your property. Hurricane can’t be avoided but being prepared can help you and your family to minimize its impact. You don’t need to wait for a hurricane warning to be issued before you take certain precautions. 

Being prepared is essential when it comes to dealing with the physical challenges of hurricane not to mention, property damages. Here’s how to prepare yourself for hurricane season and get away with it with less stress. 

Plan your evacuation

If you live near the coast, you might be required to evacuate your home. Do not wait for the last minute and make an evacuation plan as soon as possible so you will know where to find shelter, in case you need to leave your home. Always get the latest updates from your local radio and TV or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio. If you have pets at home, find a safe place for them ahead of time. If you want to bring your furry family members with you on your evacuation place, contact the place you want to stay if they can also accommodate your pets. 

Prepare nonperishable supplies on hand

Prepare things like candles, lamps, matches, first aid kids, food that you don’t have to cook and prescription drugs. Make them ready and bring them along with you just in case. Make sure to prepare at least 3 days’ supplies of food and drinks. Consider foods that you will no longer need to cook or refrigerate just in case power supply will be cut out. 

Check your home

Make sure your home meets the necessary building codes. Check your windows if they are ready to withstand a hurricane. Cut branches and trees that could fall on your house. It might be best to install storm shutters on your windows. You might consider replacing your landscaping materials with shredded bark of trees since these are lighter compared to rocks and gravels; thus, it won’t cause as much damage. 

Keep enough cash and fill up your gas tank

It is always ideal to keep cash on hand at all times so you will have something to use during emergency situations. The same thing goes with your car tank. You can’t be sure that gas stations and ATM machines will be accessible during a state of emergency. 

Review your insurance coverage

Review your home insurance if it covers hurricane-related emergencies. Most home insurance policies cover your home for damages caused by natural disasters like hurricanes and storms. Check the policy limit and see if it can cover rebuilding your home should the need arise. See also if it covers flood damage especially if you live near the coast.

Being prepared can help you and your family in times of needs and emergencies especially during hurricane season. However, if you do encounter water damage from any weather-related issues, contact SERVPRO of East Honolulu 808-395-9545 for any water restoration needs 

How to spot ceiling water damage

6/30/2023 (Permalink)

Identifying and repairing ceiling water damage quickly is vital to the health of your home. Water damage can create a lot of issues if it is left untreated, so it is important to know how to spot it and get it fixed as quickly as possible. If you have damage from water in the ceiling of your home, it’s not just in the drywall. It came from somewhere, such as from a leaky roof or a bathroom that is leaking on the second floor, there is also going to be damage in between the floors, in the attic or crawlspace, and any areas in between where you physically see signs of water on the ceiling and where it originates.

SIMPLE SIGNS TO LOOK FOR

While there are many indicators that a ceiling has water damage, some are easier to spot than others. Before calling in professionals for a full evaluation and estimate of the damages and repairs needed, you can determine what type of damage is occurring and how severe it is to help them get a better idea of the work that may need to be done. Here are some signs to look for with water damage:

-Odors, such as a mildew smell

-Sagging ceilings

-Discolored splotches or stains on the ceiling

-Peeling paint or wall surfaces

-Crumbling or cracked drywall

Keep in mind that even a small stain on the ceiling could be indicative of much bigger issues, so never assume you don’t need professional remediation and repair services to resolve your water damage issues.

FIX CEILING DAMAGE AND LEAKS ASAP

Water damage that is left untreated can result in mold growth and further damage to the home. Plus, if you don’t identify the cause of the damage and repair whatever is leaking, you are only going to continue to have issues with ceiling damage in the future. Make sure that once you’ve identified ceiling damage caused by water, you call a professional restoration service to help repair your ceiling and resolve the root cause of the damage.

QUICK TIPS TO FEND OFF FURTHER DAMAGE

If you notice water damage, use the following tips and precautions:

-Immediately clear the area of valuables, furniture, and other items that may be damaged if the ceiling collapses or water breaches the drywall.

-Use a nail to poke a hole in the ceiling and let out any water that may be pooling on the opposite side of the drywall.

-Use your fingers to test the ceiling. If you poke it and are able to break through or make an indent in the spongy drywall, water has already breached the ceiling. If it appears intact and solid, whatever damage or discoloration you see may be from a previous repair.

-Cut off the source of water that is causing the damage, if you can. That will prevent further damage while you await a restoration team or repair service.

-Let the professionals do the big repairs and ceiling damage restoration jobs. These trained technicians know how to completely remove water damage and other resulting issues. They can replace the drywall and any boards that may have also been damaged by water. Plus, hiring restoration services allows you to remove the threat of mold and reduce the risk of future.

SERVPRO’s Journey to the Entrepreneur Franchise 500 Hall of Fame

6/30/2023 (Permalink)

The Power of Consistency SERVPRO’s Journey to the Entrepreneur Franchise 500 Hall of Fame

SERVPRO’s Journey to the Entrepreneur Franchise 500 Hall of Fame

6/30/2023 (Permalink)

The Power of Consistency SERVPRO’s Journey to the Entrepreneur Franchise 500 Hall of Fame

SERVPRO’s Journey to the Entrepreneur Franchise 500 Hall of Fame

6/30/2023 (Permalink)

Consistency is one of the cornerstones of success, and when it comes to our brand, it holds even greater significance. 

In the highly competitive world of franchising, being rated in the Entrepreneur Franchise 500 Hall of Fame is a remarkable achievement. This prestigious recognition is a testament to SERVPRO’s unwavering commitment to excellence and ability to maintain our position as one of the top franchisors in the industry for 38 years and #1 in our category for the past 20 years. 

One of the key indicators of a consistent franchisor is its ability to empower and support its franchisees. As part of the support system, the Franchise Expansion team has spent years immersed in the intricacies of the franchise system. With more than 100 years of collective experience, the Franchise Expansion team has an in-depth understanding of the brand which helps them foster potential franchisees and current franchise owners to seize opportunities and help ensure the sustainable growth of SERVPRO. 

From initial contact to closing the sale or transitioning out of the system, the Franchise Expansion team understands the importance of collaborating within the walls of HQ, working with new prospects or current owners looking to expand, helping entrepreneurs get the most value out of their business when they are looking to phase out of the system, and consistently being a support and information source for individuals who are willing to work to achieve their dreams.

Consistency plays a crucial role in achieving success, especially in franchising. A franchisor that consistently delivers outstanding results and maintains its position as #1 creates a positive feedback loop. This positive momentum attracts high-caliber franchisees and encourages customer loyalty.

Earning a place in the Entrepreneur Franchise 500 Hall of Fame is a remarkable achievement that exemplifies the power of the brand’s consistency. Franchisors that achieve and maintain this level of consistency demonstrate their ability to adapt, innovate, and provide unwavering support to their franchisees. By consistently delivering on promises, nurturing the brand, and empowering our franchisees, SERVPRO has established itself as the leader in the industry and inspires trust and confidence among stakeholders, franchisees, HQ and franchise employees, and prospects. 

Consistency is one of the top reasons for SERVPRO’s success and a key to reaching our vision of becoming the premier cleanup and restoration company in the world. 

CONGRATULATIONS, SERVPRO TEAM!

Water Damage: the Timeline // SERVPRO of East Honolulu

6/1/2023 (Permalink)

We understand water like the back of our hand! SERVPRO of East Honolulu is proud to host technicians who have the experience and the qualifications to correctly do their job. Which we boast about and helps you in the long run. 

    We aim to categorize your damage accurately, and with precise measurements, controlling the whole process. As if we were to take your home in our arms artfully replacing damaged goods- in the tangible. Because of this we know the water damage timeline, and learned how to generally gage this on the field. 

Here is how it goes, as explained through the time since the water damage occurred and the original source  is stopped. 

MINUTES 1-22 

• Water is absorbed through housing materials, completely saturating all sponge materials. 
• This affects anything from floors, walls, upholstery, and house-hold belongings. Vinyl tends to get extremely damaged, as does wood finishing and drywall alike. 
• Paper goods are starting to warp, swell, bleed, or blend; this completely damages books, documents,  and photographs. 
• Carpets, curtains, or furniture will also start to bleed, these pigments will stain 

THE FIRST DAY 

• Drywall starts to bulge 
• Finishing on metal will fade 
• The dyes and inks of household matters/items will continually spread 
• Malodorous scents start to appear 

THE FIRST WEEK 

• There will be physical manifestations of both mold and mildew 
• Warping will start to happen in doors, windows, and openings and furnishes alike. 
• Furniture or finishing with water damage will start to show mold and mildew 
• Completely deteriorated metal finishing, will start to corrode or rust 
• Paint jobs will start to discolor, falter, peel 
• Flooring also warped 
• The presence of bacteria accrues enough to be deemed a biohazard

AFTER AND BEYOND 

• Damage is getting more costly by the day, replacing the contaminated materials would be the top priority. Secondary damage is already happening. 

• Issues stated above become dramatically worse.  

SERVPRO of East Honolulu is here to help with any and all water damage, and our scope goes beyond that. Call us with any comments, questions or concerns at (808)396-9545

Fire Plans For East Honolulu Businesses Are Integral To Being Safe!

5/1/2023 (Permalink)

Having a fire plan is simply indispensable to your business safety, keeping you, workers, and equipment ok during the worst of times. Being honest about one's potential risks from every source- including but not limited to equipment, stoves, open fires, and natural disasters informs one of their greatest concerns. 

Commercial fires are always a costly possibility, preparing for it is the best way to keep your costs to the minimum. 

Planning for fires in your commercial space may not seem like an easy feat. A great place to start is from a “safety standpoint”. Where the first pillar in which you establish your fire plan is all about safety. Safety for all living organisms, and equipment. Showing one’s employees on the key logistics if a fire was to occur is the most important way to keep everyone safe if it ever becomes a reality.   

This can come through training your employees on certain protocols that succeed in a real fire emergency.  If you deal with equipment that are more prone to chemical or oil fires, one should teach their employees on the differences of handling various fires. 

There are many tips on cultivating good fire evacuation plans, with the internet on one’s fingers there are so many tools. Here are some of the most noteworthy ideas that one might fester one when creating a fire evacuation plan.  

Deciding evacuation routes, know all the fire exits in your facility, finding all the ways possible one could exit your commercial business. One way to get great advice on your personal fire plan is our local fire stations in the East Honolulu community. Call our local fire officials who can help provide you personalized advice that may scope beyond that of the internet. 

Once you decide your best evacuation routes, clearly label them and consistently update your staff. Make sure you continuously practice fire safety by doing annual fire drills.  

Running fire drills for your employees to follow accordingly, it is important to run different fire scenarios. There are numerous ways fires can start in restaurants or offices alike. It is beneficial in the long run to integrate various scenarios in one's drills/training. It is unrealistic to fully capture the extent of a fire emergency but to plan for most foreseeable variables helps with preparedness. That may look like stating the fire is from the coffee machine blocking an exit or the turbo oven in the back instead of from the open flames. Personalizing the fire plan will only bring information and a greater gain for your workers, and a peace of mind. 

In any case, should your Honolulu business catch ablaze, SERVPRO of East Honolulu is here. We pride ourselves in the knowledge, equipment, and tools necessary to probably remediate and restore properties from natural disasters or  natural emergencies. 

We will be running right after the authorities to start our through process to help restore your commercial business. "Like it never even happened." Call us at (808)395-9545, for any comments, questions, or concerns.