Tips for Weatherproofing Your PNW Home

11/22/2022 (Permalink)

As the temperature drops, the susceptibility of our most significant assets increases. Weatherproofing your home can save thousands of dollars on heating and repair costs and make the winter more comfortable. Here are fifteen tips for weatherproofing your home this winter. 

1. Check for drafts around windows, doors, and fireplaces and address them. The last thing you want when you are trying to keep your home toasty and warm is a draft letting in cold air. Apply caulk around windows to seal them against the cold. Consider applying weather stripping around doors and windows. 
2. Install storm doors. Consider installing a storm door if you want a double layer of protection against drafts. Not only do storm doors protect your home against drafts, but they also prevent moisture from reaching your door frame. Plus, storm doors allow the sun to warm your home a bit on sunny days and create a nice sunny spot for the family dog to rest. Tell your dog we said you're welcome. 
3. Add a door sweep. Consider installing a door sweep if there is a gap between the bottom of your door and the threshold. You can easily install a door sweep, which will fill the gap at the base of your door, locking out the cold. 
4. Insulate your attic. Nearly 40% of the heat in your home is lost through the attic. Think about it. Hot air rises, and your attic is the highest place in your home. If your attic isn’t properly insulated, all that hot air will escape. Attic insulation is a necessity in the PNW. Generally speaking, insulation should be replaced every 15 to 20 years. However, this can vary depending on the type of insulation used. The safest bet is to get an inspection now, so you have time to install insulation if needed.
5. Winterize your plumbing system. Water damage is the most common call we get from homeowners. Take the time to winterize your plumbing system properly so freezing temperatures don’t wreak havoc on your home. 
1. Blow out your sprinkler system. If you haven’t already, blow out your sprinkler system to ensure lines do not crack. You may not realize the damage until the summer when your yard turns into a lake and your water bill skyrockets. 
2. Insulate any exposed pipes in your walls or crawlspace with foam sleeves. 
3. Turn off your outdoor faucet and cover it with an insulated faucet cover. 
4. Disconnect, drain, and store your garden hoses in your garage.
6. Close foundation vents. Go around your home and close your foundation vents. Place foam insulation plugs in each vent to prevent cold air and moisture from entering the living spaces in your home. 
7. Get your roof inspected. If you’ve lived in Bend through the 2017 Snowpocalypse, you can appreciate the importance of a sound roof. Get your roof inspected to ensure your roof doesn’t have any loose or damaged flashing and that your shingles have not deteriorated. Many local roofing companies provide free roof inspections. We are happy to provide a recommendation or two if needed. 
8. Clean and check your gutters. Clean leaves and other debris from your gutters to prevent them from getting clogged, which can lead to water damage in your home. 
9. Keep the heat on in your home - even when you aren’t there. Even if you’re going on vacation or only live in your PNW home part-time, the heat should remain on throughout the winter. Keep your thermostat set at 55 degrees to avoid frozen pipes. 
10. Allow the faucets to drip. When temperatures drop below 20 degrees, let the faucets drip or run in a slow stream to prevent frozen pipes. 
11. Get your HVAC inspected. Don’t be without heat on the coldest day of the winter. Most local HVAC companies provide plans to inspect and service HVAC units to prevent getting left in the cold. And if you have a gas fireplace, they can inspect and service that too.
12. Trim overhanging branches. Branches that overhang your roof can cause a lot of damage during a storm. Trim any overhanging branches and cut back dead limbs to keep your roof better protected.
13. Replace your air filters. You should replace your furnace or central air filters every three months so they can run efficiently. 
14. Replace batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors every six months. The best way to remember is to change them during daylight savings time. 
15. Install roof heat tape. Ice dams cause leaks when melting snow hits a dam of ice. Heat tape, also known as heat cables, creates channels that allow the water to escape from your roof. 

Your home is your biggest investment. That’s why we highly recommend annual inspections and servicing to identify issues before they become a costly problems. Taking the time to weatherproof your home will help ensure you and your family stay warm and safe throughout the winter season. And if disaster strikes, SERVPRO of Bend is ready to help, 24 hours a day and seven days a week. 

Winter Preparation Tips for PNW Homeowners

11/19/2021 (Permalink)

As the days grow shorter and cooler, getting your home ready for the winter weather to come is essential. Your home is your biggest asset. Therefore, you should take winter prep very seriously. Here are a few tips from your SERVPRO of Bend restoration experts.

1. Prevent ice dams. Anyone who lived through the snowpocalypse of 2017 knows how costly ice dams can be. If your home typically gets icicles, that’s a red flag of possible trouble ahead. Consider adding heat tape (also known as heat cables or de-icing cables). When installed correctly, the heat tape will cause snow to melt from the roof’s edges, so it can flow down into gutters and away from your home. 
2. Clear gutters and check for proper fastening. One of the best ways to prevent costly water damage repair and leaks is by clearing gutters of debris. During the fall, leaves and pine needles fall, which is left, can create a blockage that can hold water and freeze. One of the biggest culprits for ice dam formation is a frozen gutter. While you’re at it, ensure your gutters and downspouts are correctly fastened and resecure them if loose. Act now to prevent it from becoming an issue when the snow starts to fly.
3. Clear the roof. While you’re on your roof cleaning out your gutters, go ahead and clear off any debris from the roof and replace warped, damaged, loose, or missing shingles that can leak during the winter. 
4. Divert water away from your home. If you have gutters, consider adding extensions to your downspouts to divert water farther away from your home. We recommend that water be diverted five feet from your foundation. 
5. Change the filters in your home. Every spring and fall (or at the onset of daylight savings time starting and ending) is the perfect time to change the filters in your home. 
6. Clean dryer vents twice a year. Again, following a spring/fall schedule, clean your dryer vent to reduce the risk of a dryer fire. Clogged dryer vents are one of the biggest causes of house fires and the need for costly fire damage remediation. 
7. Reverse your ceiling fans. Save money on your utility bill by reversing the direction of your ceiling fan’s blades. Doing so will push warm air down from the ceiling, creating energy efficiency and comfort during the cool winter months.
8. Service your heating system. Ensure you stay warm this winter by having a professional come out to inspect and service your furnace or heat pump. Don’t risk being one of the homeowners waiting for someone to repair their furnace on the coldest day of the year.
9. Insulate your crawlspace. Install vent covers on the exterior of all vents in your home. In Central Oregon, most people use styrofoam vent plugs which are very easy to install. 
10. Put insulated covers on spigots. Disconnect all your garden hoses and drain water from your faucets. Place insulated covers on your spigots to prevent them from freezing this winter. If your spigot isn’t frost-proof, you can switch the shut-off valve inside your home. 
11. Blow out your irrigation system. If you haven’t already, make blowing out your irrigation system a priority asap. Better yet, hire a professional to drain water from your drip lines to prevent freezing, and costly repairs come spring. 
12. Replace smoke alarm and carbon monoxide batteries. Replace batteries every six months to ensure your alarms are in working order in the event of a fire. 
13. Check for drafts around windows and doors. If you notice drafts or light entering your home from windows and doors, caulk the inside and out of windows to prevent warm air from escaping and cool air from entering your home. If you find leaks around your doors, replace weatherstripping. 

This fall, take the time to ensure your home is ready for winter. Doing so will help you avoid damage and costly repairs. Take care of your biggest asset by spending a weekend getting your home prepared for the winter weather to come. 

Water, Fire, Mold and Bio Remediation in Redmond, Oregon

11/25/2020 (Permalink)

We are officially called Sevpro of Bend, but did you know we exclusively service Crook, Jefferson and Deschutes counties, and sometimes even do work out of state? It should come as no surprise then, that we spend a good amount of our time in the nearest city (and second-largest in Central Oregon) almost on a daily basis: Redmond, Oregon.

Incorporated some 6 years after Bend (1910), Redmond has continued to grow and develop like the rest of Central Oregon, adding more homes and businesses, school districts, and numerous commercial structures to accommodate the rapidly-growing population. Though with these new structures, along with aging originals, there is an increased likelihood that something will go wrong-- be it with fire, mold or water.

Although there may be other disaster restoration companies local to Redmond, take time to review your Bend options when looking to have work done on your home or business. Our office is located in Bend, though we have technicians who live in Redmond and a staff that can assist you as quickly and effectively as anything nearby. It's likely that you have driven north or south on 97 and seen us: bright-green tucks with an orange home logo and tagline "Like it never even happened." We are open and operating 24/7/365 and can assist with any size disaster.

SERVPRO of Bend has been locally owned and operated for over a decade and is the largest disaster restoration company in the area. Our team of local employees are highly trained and certified in the specific requirements for providing superior restoration and mitigation services, and adhere to all CDC guidelines during the pandemic. Please do not hesitate to call the office anytime, or dial (541) 480-5973 to speak to Brad directly if you have any questions or would like an estimate.

SERVPRO of Bend Honors Those Who Sacrifice

6/6/2019 (Permalink)

I ran into a very special person on this June 6, 2019. Richard is a Pearl Harbor survivor and proud American. While shopping, I saw Richard's hat displaying his service. As a proud son, grandson and father of those who served or are serving in our military, I went up to Richard and thanked him. 

That conversation turned into 15 minutes of him telling me about his service and I telling him about my family members who served or are serving.

On this very special day, thank you Grandpa for being at D-Day and thank you Richard for your kind demeanor, service to this country and being a great American.

SERVPRO Super Fan Dennis Peters

1/2/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bend had a great visit from a super fan, Dennis Peters. Dennis was watching his team, the Washington State University Cougars playing in the Alamo Bowl. During the game, a SERVPRO commercial came on and he was excited to see the SERVPRO duck as part of the commercial.

As an avid collector of rubber ducks, Dennis came in to our office in Bend and inquired about how he could get a duck to add to his collection. Owner Brent Irwin was more than happy to provide Dennis with a SERVPRO duck to add to his collection.

His Washington State Cougars ended up winning the Alamo bowl so he was even more excited to have a win, win.

Have a Safe and Happy New Years!

12/31/2018 (Permalink)

As 2018 winds down, We At SERVPRO of Bend want to wish everyone a safe and Happy New Years.

We have had a great year and are looking forward to having a 2019 that is even more fun and prosperous. We take pride in helping people in our community that might have property damage, either large or small.

Our technicians are available 24/7, even on holidays. We hope that this coming year is safe for everyone. If you have any kind of property damage that you would like us to take a look at, don't hesitate to give SERVPRO of Bend a call, 541-385-7044

HAPPY THANKSGIVING from SERVPRO of Bend

11/21/2018 (Permalink)

We at SERVPRO of Bend wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!

Have a great time with your family and friends. If you're traveling be sure to be safe, be patient and have a great time.

SERVPRO of Bend will have a crew available if anything happens during this holiday season. We always make ourselves available 24/7. If the unfortunate happens and you need immediate response, give us a call at 541-385-7044 and we will be on scene within 4 hours.

Have a great holiday season and enjoy your time with those you choose to be with.

Cheers!

THANK YOU Veterans...

11/12/2018 (Permalink)

We at SERVPRO of Bend want to express our gratitude and admiration for the brave and determined men and women who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Thank you for the great sacrifices you have made to serve abroad and at home to defend our safety and liberty. We also recognize and appreciate the sacrifice and dedication of your families. We celebrate and honor you today—and every day.

We say it every year but never can say it enough, THANK YOU VETERANS and Families of Veterans who sacrifice it all so we can live in the greatest country in the world.

Most of us have been touched by a veteran and their willingness to be at the ready no matter what happens. They are the true heroes. They are the one's who walk in to desperate situations while others are running away.

Please remember to thank a veteran this day, and always. From Sea to Shining Sea.

Congratulations 4H Member Hannah Perkins

8/6/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bend is extremely proud of our Water Technician, Amy Perkins' daughter Hannah. Hannah is a member of 4H and this year was her first year to show at the Deschutes County Fair.

Hannah had two pigs that she was raising for 4H, Marshmallow and Graham Cracker.

Hannah was able to sell one of her pigs during the swine auction for a whopping $8 a pound during the Deschutes County Fair this past weekend in Redmond, OR.

We're so proud of Hannah and all the kids at 4H and FFA who continue to build their skills through each of these great organizations.

Both 4H and FFA are 4-H wonderful organizations for kids to complete hands on projects while learning. Projects include health, science and in Hannah's case, agriculture. Kids are paired with mentors to assist them with their projects. 4H and FFA are through out every county and Parrish in the country.

For more information on both of these organizations, you can click on the hyperlinks.

https://4-h.org/

https://www.ffa.org/home

Prineville, OR Awarded $1 Million Grant

8/2/2018 (Permalink)

Congratulations to The city of Prineville. They were recently awarded nearly $1 million in Community Block Grant funding to renovate the Prineville Soroptimists Senior Center.

The funding will help with safety and accessibility improvements. In 2017, the center provided 31,000 meals to seniors in the Prineville area and plans to continue its wonderful services. The grant means they can continue their work and grow with the community.

The Prineville Senior Center has a long history of providing important services to our community. It was established in 1987 and this grant will assist with well-needed repairs. It is critical that the Senior Center facility is up to date, safe and welcoming to those who access services. I am happy that the City has been able to support the Senior Center in acquiring this grant to preserve their building

SERVPRO of Bend at the Central Oregon Builders Home and Garden Show

5/2/2018 (Permalink)

Come visit SERVPRO of Bend at the 2018 Central Oregon Builders Home and Garden Show at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds May 4-6.

We will be at booth 302, so come on by and visit us. We will have Putt-Putt golf available so you can hone your putting skills. 

Enter to win a Home First Aid Kit courtesy of SERVPRO of Bend.

We look forward to seeing you there. If you mention that you heard about the show from our web site, receive 5 extra raffle tickets.

Julie Irwin Nominated for Bend Woman of the Year

4/5/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bend's owner, Julie Irwin has been on of over 40 nominees for the Bend Chamber of Commerce's "Woman of the Year."

The 2017 Women of the Year recipient exemplifies the character and accomplishment expected of the Women of the Year. 

The Bend Chamber received 42 nominees in total for the five awards categories. Nominations were open to both Bend Chamber members and non-members. The purpose of the Women of the Year Awards is to recognize exceptional women of all ages, of diverse cultures, roles and accomplishments, who have demonstrated commitments for the betterment of our local community and beyond.

Read More Here:

https://bendchamber.org/community/julie-irwin/

SERVPRO of Bend Supports Our Veterans

11/9/2017 (Permalink)

Take your time to thank a veteran this Saturday, November 11th. Without our Veteran's, we wouldn't have such a great country.

Veterans Day is an official United States public holiday, observed annually on November 11, that honors military veterans; that is, persons who served in the United States Armed Forces. It coincides with other holidays, including Armistice Day and Remembrance Day, celebrated in other countries that mark the anniversary of the end of World War I;

SERVPRO of Bend Supports and Thanks our Veterans.

SERVPRO of Bend MOLDBUSTERS....

10/31/2017 (Permalink)

"Who Ya Gonna Call?"

SERVPRO of Bend's Marketing Team, a.k.a The MoldBusters were volunteering in Sunriver Oregon this Halloween.

Sunriver Village was having a Trick or Treat event and asked if volunteers from SERVPRO of Bend could assist with handing out candy and judging the costume contest. Our Mold Busters were hard at work to make sure that everyone had a great, and safe Halloween.

Fire Prevention: 5 Lesser-Known fire starters to avoid

9/19/2017 (Permalink)

Here are some surprising hazards that may be lurking in your home. So, in honor of National Fire Prevention Month, and as Part 2 of our “Fire Safety” series, here are 5 lesser-known fire starters to avoid.

1. Dust collection

Dust builds up quickly and can make the perfect kindling — especially clumps that accumulate near electrical sockets and appliances. All it takes is one errant spark to light up a dust bunny before it spreads to nearby curtains or upholstery.

Whenever you sweep floors or dust furniture, pay special attention to vulnerable areas, like around electronics, the washing machine and dryer, and the refrigerator. In addition, don’t ignore hard-to-reach places where dust has likely collected for some time, including behind shelves, atop ceiling fans, underneath the bed, and behind dressers. Not only will your house be cleaner and that much safer, but your sinuses will also thank you.

2. Dead, decaying flowers

Although rare, dead flowers can set off a blaze … and do. Back in 2010, such a case occurred at a home in Little Rock, Arkansas. Dead flowers left in a plastic pot on a sunny porch erupted in a fire that caused $20,000 in damages. Similarly, investigators of a 2012 house fire in Des Moines determined the ignition source to be a wooden pot of dried-up dead flowers and mulch on a hot day.

As a matter of fact, all it takes is some parched organic material (such as flowers, plants, or even compost) plus soaring temperatures to create the right conditions for spontaneous combustion. Additionally, chemicals and nitrates make an inferno all the more plausible. (Personal anecdote: a friend of mine once came home to firefighters putting out a fence blaze ignited by a compost bin. True story!)

With all that said, give those flowers some love. Or, at the very least, be sure to aerate the soil, especially when the mercury climbs. And if you have a compost bin out back, keep it enclosed and constantly tumbled to preserve moisture. No matter how hot it gets, it’ll be much more fire safe.

3. Piles of old newspapers

Believe it or not, stacks of old newspapers left near gas and propane containers are the culprit of many fire damage claims. A clutter of paper situated near a vent, space heater, or electrical socket also runs a major risk of starting a fire.

If you’ve acquired an impressive trove of news memorabilia that you want to hold onto, it might be best to digitize them. Not only is it safer, but your future historical insights are more likely to withstand the elements. Otherwise, it’s probably time to take out the recycling.

4. Glass fixtures

You know how magnifying glasses can focus sunlight to burn holes through paper or help start a campfire? Well, household glassware can have the same effect.

Between 2010 and 2015, the London Fire Brigade recorded 125 fires caused by glass fixtures (7 of which happened in the winter). And since London isn’t a sun-clad destination to begin with, those numbers are remarkable.

Be mindful of where you keep your fish tank, mirror, glass high heels, or crystal ball — they may not bode well near a window or skylight.

5. Oil-stained linens and clothes

Clothes, sheets, or cleaning rags that are stained with cooking oil, grease, gasoline, or cleaning agents can run the risk of causing a fire when run through the dryer. What’s more, oil-stained towels have been known to spontaneously combust after they’ve been taken out and folded. Crazy, right?

Anything that’s suffered stains like these may need to be cycled through the wash a few times to ensure there are no flammable remnants. Consumer Reports recommends not using liquid fabric softener, since combustibility tests show they actually expedite the burning process. As a safe alternative, they suggest using dryer sheets.

Of course, things can (and do) happen. Luckily, renters and homeowners insurance may provide a surefire safety net against fires, plus an onslaught of other perils, at and away from home.

If you have any questions about Fire & Water Restoration, feel free to call us at SERVPRO of Bend at (541) 385-7044.

What time is the solar eclipse where I live?

8/18/2017 (Permalink)

You'll need perfect timing to catch the exact moment the moon blocks the sun in your city.

The total solar eclipse on Aug. 21 lasts less than a minute in some places, while a partial eclipse can be visible for an hour or more.

Everyone in the USA will be able to see at least a partial eclipse, weather permitting, on Aug. 21, but when is the best time to watch?

The short answer is that it depends on where you live.

Type your zip code here to find out when to head outside.

The celestial show will start will start in Oregon at 9:05 a.m. PT, reaching totality at 10:17 a.m. PT. The last glimpse of the moon's shadow will fade out near Charleston, S.C. at 4:10 p.m. ET.

The view will be the best for those lucky enough to be in the “path of totality” which crosses these 12 states: Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina

Eclipse concert crowds jam Prineville-area roadways

8/17/2017 (Permalink)

Eclipse 2017 Traffic Through Prineville, Oregon

PRINEVILLE, Ore. - Thousands of festival-goers heading to Big Summit Prairie have been traveling through Prineville since Wednesday, causing traffic backups of 15 to 30 miles east of town, according to authorities.

Oregon State Police reported late Wednesday a 30-mile backup from the concert site, where 30,000 or more people are expected to attend the weekend event that begins Thursday.

Here's a news release issued Thursday morning by Crook County:

Traffic has been extremely heavy traveling East through Prineville since Wednesday, August 16^th.  We saw an increase in congestion later in the day yesterday with traffic traveling East toward Big Summit Prairie.  Already today traffic is heavy from just west of Prineville headed east through town.

County operations and Law Enforcement is working with County Emergency Management, Fire and EMS as well as the Road Department and ODOT to mitigate the impact to our community.

Eclipse in Portland is pretty darn close to total

8/17/2017 (Permalink)

Portland will be 99.4% of totality on August 21

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — It’s true Portland metro is not in the path of totality for the August 21 solar eclipse. But it’s pretty close.

Portland will experience 99.4% of totality at 10:19:07 that Monday morning.

So where is the best place in this part of the region to see the eclipse? Jim Todd from OMSI suggested looking to the southeast and be in an open area to see the moon’s shadow come and go

Todd said you’ll be able to see Venus to the right of the sun

It may be a good idea to stick close to home: ODOT officials said the eclipse may cause the greatest traffic jam in Oregon history.

Don Hamilton with ODOT said there may be a million people who descend on the state for the eclipse, especially in the 60-mile path of totality that spans the state from west to east.

The risk of wildfires is increased during the eclipse as well — not from the eclipse, but from the thousands of campers and out-of-staters unfamiliar with the terrain and dryness.

And don’t forget to get the right kind of eyewear. Without certified glasses, the eclipse could fry your eyes

ODOT urges early eclipse travel, seeks to dispel rumors

8/10/2017 (Permalink)

Central Oregon Eclipse 2017

SALEM, Ore - ODOT is warning last-minute travelers they could miss it all if they wait until Monday, Aug. 21 to hit the road. The total solar eclipse that morning will likely be the busiest traffic event in Oregon history. Eclipse fans must be in place well beforehand or risk getting stuck in traffic, the agency said Friday.

Here's the rest of their latest status update:

Post-eclipse travel may present even more problems. With hundreds of thousands of vehicles on the road at the same time, the trip home may be the most difficult part.

ODOT’s advice? Arrive early, stay put and leave late. This is NOT a game day: Please treat the 3-hour eclipse as a 3-DAY event.

Travelers have a shared responsibility to keep themselves, their passengers and other travelers safe.

Here’s the truth to dispel four rumors ODOT wishes we could launch into a black hole:

1. ODOT is NOT planning to close any highways. Traffic may do that all by itself, but ODOT doesn't plan to, unless it’s a short closure for emergency response.
2. ODOT is NOT planning to turn any highways into one-way roads. The staff required to perform that safely is not available.
3. ODOT is NOT prohibiting big-rig traffic in Oregon. We are restricting one specific kind of truckload—over-width loads. But all other kinds of trucks can continue to carry interstate commerce in Oregon—or you wouldn’t get your gasoline, food, eclipse paraphernalia and other things you expect during that time.
4. Rest areas will be open, but they are NOT available for camping.

ODOT will make regular, frequent updates to www.TripCheck.com and 511. We will use our social media accounts (facebook.com/OregonDOT and twitter.com/OregonDOT) to report road conditions, but they may not be staffed 24/7. And we will keep local media up to date so they can report travel time and road condition information.

ODOT will have crews posted at strategic locations along critical travel routes to help keep motorists mobile and safe.

But it still comes down to you. Plan to have a good time in Oregon viewing the eclipse. Plan ahead, so you will.

Visit http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/Pages/Eclipse.aspx for eclipse information.

Bend Area Habitat seeks volunteers for El Salvador build trip

7/14/2017 (Permalink)

BEND, Ore. - Join Bend Area Habitat for Humanity on a build trip to Santa Ana, El Salvador, December 2-10, 2017. Bend Habitat has spots available for volunteers who want to have an amazing experience in a different culture and help low income families at the same time!

This is your opportunity to have an experience of a lifetime. Volunteers will help build a concrete block home for a Habitat family who will purchase it. Volunteers will have the opportunity to work alongside the future homeowners, learn about the local culture, try new foods and more. No experience or skills are necessary. Ages 18 and older are welcome or 16 and older with adult supervision.

The team will be led by two staff from Bend Area Habitat for Humanity as part of a larger Habitat for Humanity Global Village community of building projects across the world.  Get your hands dirty on the work site, meet families whose housing situations have been improved with Habitat’s help, experience the country like an insider and do it all alongside a team of like-minded volunteers. Help Habitat to make the world a better place to live.

The trip will include 5 days of building as well as opportunities for cultural experiences including; museum and historical tours, beaches and more. The cost is $1,500 per person plus airfare. Cost includes all in-country costs for transportation, lodging, food and cultural activities.

For more information on this amazing trip, contact Amber Morey, amorey@bendhabitat.org, 541.385.5387, ext 106

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY from SERVPRO of Bend

7/3/2017 (Permalink)

Have a wonderful and safe 4th of July.

Please remember to thank those who help this country remain safe.

If you're wondering what to do in Bend this 4th, here are some options,

Old Fashioned July 4th Festival

Enjoy the holiday with your friends and family at the Bend Park & Recreation District’s Old Fashioned July 4th Festival.  It’s a day filled with old-fashioned fun & games, food and festivities – you won’t want to miss out!

Make a day of it: Begin at 8:00 am in Drake Park with the annual Lion’s Club Pancake Breakfast then cruise to downtown Bend by 9:00 am with your dog, llama, wagon, bicycle or stuffed animal for the popular Bend Park & Recreation District Pet Parade, brought to you by Bend Pend Express. The parade kicks off at 10:00 am sharp and circles through downtown for 1.5 miles.

After the Pet Parade, head back to Drake Park between 11:00 am – 4:00 pm to enjoy the Festival with live music, local artisans and delicious food. Don’t forget to cruise through the expanded Kids & Family Area brought to you by the Law Offices of Warren John West where kids of all ages will be entertained with FREE old fashioned fun and games

SERVPRO of Bend Sponsors AHMA Golf Event

6/19/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bend, along with SERVPRO of Yamhill and Tillamook Counties were sponsors of the Affordable Housing Management Association (AHMA) of Oregon golf event.

It was a wonderful opportunity to meet with community leaders who strive to make a difference in their communities.

AHMA is a statewide, trade association providing continuing education and advocacy to the owners, management agents, and housing project management staff and HOME-financed apartment housing for low income seniors, families, and people with disabilities.

Fiery demonstration shows new home items burn faster, deadlier

4/26/2017 (Permalink)

Bend firefighters put on a dramatic demonstration Tuesday that showed how quickly modern home furnishings can reach a fierce burn emit toxic smoke, compared to the materials used 30 or so years ago -- giving you far less time to escape alive or without serious injury.

In a grant-funded demonstration, similar to one done on Today's Rossen Reports in January, Bend Fire and Rescue set up two similar mock living rooms, one with a sofa and other furnishings you can buy today and the other with 1980s-vintage items. Both rooms' furnishings were donated by Bend Area Habitat for Humanity ReStore..

The modern-style room took less than four minutes after igniting to "flash over" and emit thick, toxic smoke from the synthetic materials such as polyester.

"The fuel we are putting in houses now is a lot more flammable. It burns faster. It burns easier and it burns hotter," said Bend Fire & Rescue Battalion Chief Dave Howe. "The smoke is more toxic, and it gives you a lot less time to get out of the house." 

Deputy Fire Marshall Cindy Kettering explained how the heavier-weight, natural fibers, cotton and wool in the "legacy furnishings" burned a more slowly, and did not put out the toxic chemicals from the modern furnishings, which took six minutes to be fully consumed, that's actually longer than the time you might face if fire breaks out in your home or apartment.

"Typically, the average family has only three minutes to get out of their house," Kettering said. "That's why smoke alarms are so important."

"In the old days, you probably had enough time to grab a bucket of water and throw it on a fire and knock it down," Howe said. "You don't have that time now. You have to get out within 3 to 5 minutes, and the house is going to be well-involved, with that kind of fuel -- and it just burns so much hotter."

The best way to survive, firefighters say, is to have working fire alarms and make and practice an escape plan with your family, just in case a fire or other disaster does strike.

12 Tips to Help Beat the Summer Heat

7/20/2016 (Permalink)

When sky-high temperatures don’t abate at night, the heat can interfere with your sleep patterns. First priority is to keep your famly and pets hydrated with fresh water.

There are also other tips to help you beat the heat this summer: 

1. Freeze your pillow
2. Run a Fan with the A/C On
3. Place an ice bucket in front of a fan
4. Scale Back on the Appliance Use
5. Cross Ventilate
6. Keep Doors Closed and Shades down to Keep Cool
7. Run Your Ceiling Fan Counter-clockwise
8. Circulate Basement Air

SERVPRO of Bend is now offering Continuing Education Classes!

10/10/2014 (Permalink)

FREE

C.E. CREDIT COURSES

Understanding Mold in the  
Restoration Industry
9:00am-11:00am
2 Credit Hours
120257

Restorative Drying for Water Damage
11:00am-1:00pm
2 Credit Hours
120260

Food will be provided!

LOCATION:

Environmental Center

16 NW Kansas Ave.

Bend, Oregon 97701

Please R.S.V.P. by

November 7, 2014

FOR

RESERVATIONS

Cassie Walling

SERVPRO^® of Bend

CCB 203503

541-385-7044