Fire Extinguisher Recall Alert

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission recently released information related to Kidde Fire Extinguishers. It is imperative to review this recall information and check the fire extinguishers in your home or business.

Source: CPSC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 12, 2009 Release # 09-151
Firm’s Recall Hotline: (888) 345-4407CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Kidde Recalls to Replace Fire Extinguishers Due to Failure to Operate

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of product: Kidde XL Fire Extinguishers
Units: About 167,000
Distributor: Walter Kidde Portable Equipment Inc., of Mebane, N.C.
Hazard: The pressurized cylinders in the recalled fire extinguishers could lose pressure and fail to operate. In the event of a fire, this failure could put a consumer and property at risk.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves the Kidde XL Fire Extinguishers with model numbers FX340SC, FX340H, FX340GW, XL5MR, FX210R, FX340SC-2, FX210W, XL2.5TCZ-4, E-340-3 and with manufacture dates between October 2007 and April 2008. “Kidde” and the model number can be found on the label on the front of the extinguisher. The manufacture year is on the bottom of the extinguisher. If your extinguisher is one of the listed model numbers and is marked with the year 07 or 08, contact Kidde to determine if you have a recalled extinguisher.

Sold at: Department, home, and hardware stores nationwide from October 2007 through April 2008 for about $35.
Manufactured in: Mexico
Remedy: Consumers should immediately inspect the pressure gauge. If it points to the red zone, contact Kidde to receive a free replacement extinguisher. If the gauge is not in the red zone, but you have questions about an extinguisher within the listed model numbers, please contact Kidde for additional information.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Kidde at (888) 345-4407 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at

www.Kidde.com

____________________________________________________________
Advanced Restoration Corporation is a family-owned and operated full-service property damage restoration company with a combined 75 years experience in dealing with Fire Damage Restoration, Water Damage Restoration, Flood & Storm Damage, Mold Remediation, Smoke Damage Restoration and Reconstruction. We service Long Island (Nassau County, NY; Suffolk County, NY) and the New York Metro area.

When disasters strike, Advanced Restoration is ready to respond 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You are guaranteed to speak with one of our knowledgeable, caring team members, day or night. Our immediate response to a claim/property loss helps minimize the damages to the structure, contents, and ease the sometime catastrophic effect that a disaster may have on an owner or occupants. Our company is dedicated to serving our clients with courteous and prompt service. We take the utmost pride in the craftsmanship of our work.

As certified specialists in water mitigation and fire/smoke restoration, we have the knowledge, expertise and experience to deal with all types of property damage. Our professional staff is also trained in all aspects of mold remediation and damage appraisals. Service area: Nassau County, Suffolk County and the NY Boroughs. Advanced Restoration is now a member of DKI.

Streamlined 203 (k) Loan: Repairs/Foreclosure

Foreclosures continue to dominate the real estate market and as a result, many homes are left in disrepair. If you are contemplating the purchase of a foreclosure requiring minor repairs, you may want to consider a "Streamlined" 203(k) loan.

The Streamlined (k) Limited Repair Program was developed to augment FHA’s existing Section 203(k) rehabilitation program for less extensive repairs and improvement.

What improvements are eligible under the Streamlined 203 (k) program?
The Streamlined (k) program is intended to facilitate uncomplicated rehabilitation and/or improvements to a home for which plans, consultants, engineers and/or architects are not required.

The Streamlined (k) program includes the discretionary improvements and/or repairs shown below:

*Repair/Replacement of roofs, gutters and downspouts
*Repair/Replacement/upgrade of existing HVAC systems
*Repair/Replacement/upgrade of plumbing and electrical systems
*Repair/Replacement of flooring
*Minor remodeling, such as kitchens, which does not involve structural repairs
*Painting, both exterior and interior
* Weatherization, including storm windows and doors, insulation, weather stripping, etc.
*Purchase and installation of appliances, including free-standing ranges, refrigerators, washers/dryers, dishwashers and microwave ovens
*Accessibility improvements for persons with disabilities
* Lead-based paint stabilization or abatement of lead-based paint hazards
*Repair/replace/add exterior decks, patios, porches
*Basement finishing and remodeling, which does not involve structural repairs
*Basement waterproofing
*Window and door replacements and exterior wall re-siding
*Septic system and/or well repair or replacement


What are the minimum and maximum amounts for repair costs under this program?
Given the need for homeowners to make minor repairs without exhausting personal savings, and in consideration of the increasing cost of materials, the minimum repair cost of $5,000 is eliminated and the ceiling is now raised to $35,000. This revised maximum repair/rehabilitation amount recognizes the cost of making older homes more energy efficient. When the repairs exceed $15,000, the mortgagee must perform or obtain an inspection to determine that all listed repairs were completed.

Can this program be used for repairs and improvements on purchases of HUD Homes?
Like the regular Section 203(k) program, Streamlined (k) may be used for single-family housing sold by HUD. REO properties that have been designated by FHA’s Management and Marketing contractor (M&M) as “insurable” with repair escrow ($5,000 or less in required repairs) or “uninsurable” (with more than $5,000 but no more than $35,000 in required repairs) are eligible for the Streamlined (k) program provided that the repairs qualify as eligible work items as outlined.

Advanced Restoration is a full service property damage restoration company that specializes in the rehabilitation & restoration of homes and businesses. The company is family-owned and operated with a combined 75 years experience in dealing with Fire Damage Restoration, Water Damage Restoration, Flood & Storm Damage, Mold Remediation, Smoke Damage Restoration and Reconstruction. We service Long Island (Nassau County, NY; Suffolk County, NY) and the New York Metro area.

For more information on how Advanced Restoration can partner with you, please contact Gary Matzelle at (516) 903-4107, or send an email to gmatzelle@advancedrestoration.com.
Please visit our Website: http://www.advancedrestoration.com/

Smoke Alarm & CO Alarm Battery Notification

Source: USCPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 6, 2009Release #09-144
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Replace Smoke and CO Alarm Batteries This Sunday for Daylight Saving Time

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is urging consumers to replace their smoke alarm and carbon monoxide (CO) alarm batteries this Sunday as clocks are turned ahead for Daylight Saving Time.

“Safeguard your family by putting new batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms this weekend,” said CPSC’s Acting Chairman Nancy Nord. “Properly working smoke and CO alarms can alert you to a fire or poisonous carbon monoxide in your home and give you valuable escape time.”

An estimated annual average of 378,700 fires, 2,740 deaths, 13,090 injuries and $5.6 billion in property losses associated with residential fires were reported by fire departments from 2003 through 2005.

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, poisonous gas that consumers cannot see or smell. There was an annual average of 171 unintentional non-fire CO poisoning deaths associated with consumer products from 2003 through 2005.

CPSC recommends consumers replace the batteries in their smoke and CO alarms annually and test the alarms monthly. Smoke alarms should be on every level of the home, outside sleeping areas and inside each bedroom. CO alarms should be installed on each level of the home and outside sleeping areas. CO alarms should not be installed in attics or basements unless they include a sleeping area. Combination smoke and CO alarms are available to consumers.

CPSC recommends consumers follow these safety tips:
Never leave cooking equipment unattended.
Have a professional inspect home heating, cooling, and water appliances annually.
Use caution with candles, lighters, matches, and smoking materials near upholstered furniture, mattresses, and bedding. Keep matches and lighters out of reach of young children.

Have a fire escape plan and practice it so family members know what to do and where to meet if there’s a fire in the home. Children and the elderly may sleep through or not react to the sound of the smoke alarm, so parents and caregivers should adjust their fire escape plan to help them escape the house in the event of a fire.

Never ignore an alarming CO alarm. It is warning you of a potentially deadly hazard. If the alarm signal sounds do not try to find the source of the CO. Immediately move outside to fresh air. Call your emergency services, fire department, or 911.

Never use a portable generator indoors – including garages, basements, crawlspaces, and sheds. Opening doors and windows or using fans will not prevent CO buildup in the home.
During use, keep portable generators outdoors and far away from open doors, windows and vents, which can allow CO to build up indoors.

If you start to feel sick, dizzy or weak while using a generator, get to fresh air right away. The CO from generators can readily lead to full incapacitation and death.

Never use charcoal indoors. Burning charcoal in an enclosed space can produce lethal levels of carbon monoxide.

For more information, also visit http://www.firesafety.gov/, for fire safety information from CPSC and other federal agencies.

___________________________________________________________

Advanced Restoration Corporation is a family-owned and operated full-service property damage restoration company with a combined 75 years experience in dealing with Fire Damage Restoration, Water Damage Restoration, Flood & Storm Damage, Mold Remediation, Smoke Damage Restoration and Reconstruction. We service Long Island (Nassau County, NY; Suffolk County, NY) and the New York Metro area.

When disasters strike, Advanced Restoration is ready to respond 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You are guaranteed to speak with one of our knowledgeable, caring team members, day or night. Our immediate response to a claim/property loss helps minimize the damages to the structure, contents, and ease the sometime catastrophic effect that a disaster may have on an owner or occupants. Our company is dedicated to serving our clients with courteous and prompt service. We take the utmost pride in the craftsmanship of our work.

As certified specialists in water mitigation and fire/smoke restoration, we have the knowledge, expertise and experience to deal with all types of property damage. Our professional staff is also trained in all aspects of mold remediation and damage appraisals.

Fire Recall Alert: Tealight Candleholders

Tealight candles in the home provide a relaxing and tranquil environment for most of us, but proper safety precaution must always be followed to prevent fires. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission just released a fire hazard recall alert related to a specific tealight candle holder sold in the United States...

Source: CPSC

Recall Alert
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
March 3, 2009
Alert #09-726

Seventh Avenue Recalls Tealight Candleholders Due to Fire Hazard
The following product safety recall was voluntarily conducted by the firm in cooperation with the CPSC. Consumers should stop using the product immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Tealight Candleholders

Units: About 430

Importer: Berkeley Designs, of Hawthorne, Calif.

Hazard: The faceted resin accents on the sides of the candleholder can ignite, posing a fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: Seventh Avenue has received one report of the candleholder igniting resulting in minor property damage. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves a wire formed tealight candleholder with ball feet. The sides have small and large round resin accents in amber and red. The holder holds up to five tealight candles (included). The model number is 609073 located on the original packaging.

Sold at: Seventh Avenue’s spring 2008 catalogs and online at www.seventhavenue.com from February 2008 through October 2008 for about $10.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the candleholder and return it to Seventh Avenue for a full refund or store credit, and a $10 coupon. All known users have been contacted.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Seventh Avenue at (800) 991-4442 between 8 a.m. and 12 a.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.seventhavenue.com

________________________________________________________________

Advanced Restoration Corporation is a family-owned and operated full-service property damage restoration company with a combined 75 years experience in dealing with Fire Damage Restoration, Water Damage Restoration, Flood & Storm Damage, Mold Remediation, Smoke Damage Restoration and Reconstruction. We service Long Island (Nassau County, NY; Suffolk County, NY) and the New York Metro area.
When disasters strike, Advanced Restoration is ready to respond 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You are guaranteed to speak with one of our knowledgeable, caring team members, day or night. Call Us at (800) 693-6263.

Videogame Technology Helps With Disaster Planning

Videogame Technology Helps With Disaster Planning
By Kristen Philipkoski 12 hours ago


Muttshack's David Friedman used Depiction to create this map, which he then used to coordinate animal rescue efforts during hurricane Gustav.

Thanks to disaster-simulation software inspired by videogames, David Friedman has a new family member: Jordan, a yellow Labrador retriever puppy. The software helped emergency workers in Louisiana rescue Jordan -- and 15,000 other stranded pets -- during Hurricane Gustav.

"Going by boat across a flooded field and parking lot, I saw this little yellow thing in a tree floating in the river," Friedman said, a disaster-response coordinator with animal-rescue organization Muttshack. "It was this little yellow puppy."

Volunteers like Friedman patched together an escape route for the animals using a disaster-preparedness simulator called Depiction. Friedman combined his amateur radio skills with simulations he had already created of the Baton Rouge area to map open roads, even without an internet connection. Volunteers picked up animals at 19 locations and coordinated 133 tractor trailers.

It's just one example of how disaster-modeling software can help responders create rescue plans in real time. During Katrina, some emergency workers used Google Earth Pro to map evacuation routes. Others have used MapPoint and XMap in crises.

But according to emergency workers, Depiction is the cheapest ($90, compared to $1,000 and up for other systems) and easiest to customize with local logistical information. The software can integrate aerial images from Google Earth or other sources, spreadsheet data, infrastructure maps and river-depth charts.

Depiction can be used to plan for disasters ahead of time, but it's also useful for collecting and organizing data during a crisis. Citizens can e-mail reports from the field, and emergency workers can feed other data directly into the software to find alternative routes when downed power lines, flood waters or landslides block roads.

"Because it has all these layers of data, with one program I can see all of my resources at once," said Friedman, a longtime emergency volunteer.

It's no coincidence that the software's birds-eye view sounds like something straight out of a computer-strategy game. Depiction founder Mike Geersten hails from Microsoft's games unit, where he was a product planner for Flight Simulator and later train sims.

When government agencies started asking to use Microsoft's simulation platform to depict real-life situations, Geersten saw a business opportunity. But getting the business plan approved within Microsoft was a bureaucratic challenge, so he set out on his own in 2005. He raised $1.5 million in angel funding and has gathered a staff of 14.

Geersten has seen his platform technology used in a variety of ways, and has heard suggestions for more. Depiction has helped Red Cross volunteers evacuate victims and get supplies and rescue teams to rural areas. It has tracked flooding along the Snohomish River. A potential investor imagined it could simulate salmon runs in the San Francisco Bay Area, which are at their lowest level in decades. In the video below, Depiction is used to predict the effect of rising sea levels on Manhattan.

Mike Dinn, a real estate consultant in Cincinnati, Ohio, believes Depiction will help mitigate the real estate crisis. By plugging in census, employment and other data, he's using Depiction to help banks decide what to do about newly acquired large properties. The software helps him guide developers trying to choose the best building locations.

"Depiction plus my background allows my clients for the first time to see like radar what these market positions are," Dinn said.



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