ServiceMaster of Greater Bridgeport in CT

Benefits of Hiring Restoration Professionals

Mon, May 7 2012, 00:00:00 -500

It’s never advised that any restoration involving mold restoration, flood restoration or fire restoration be attempted by anybody other than a disaster restoration professional. Here are the benefits of hiring a restoration company:

1)An expert water and fire restoration company will possess multiple years of expertise with disaster clean ups of every kind. It’ll have given them valuable know-how to understand the exact methods to utilize on your houses’ clean up. This learning curb you’ll have tackling your own houses’ restoration is going to be pricey in terms of finances and time. The most efficient way in which housesare restored is if work is started instantly and carried out by experts in the restoration business. Many restoration businesses possess several crews;that means one will be immediately obtainable in order to assist with your house’s restoration.

2) An additional benefit of employing an expert company vs. a do-it-yourself restoration project will be the limited resources of equipment you’ll possess in comparison with a restoration company. Crews come in several sizes from anywhere between 2 - 6 individuals working on your house’srestoration. Man power in harmony with correct equipment makes for a rapid clean up.

3) Restoration businesses additionally assist business and home owners in working with their insurance providers. No matter how small or large the destruction was to the property, many insurance providers will be included in some way. Filing a claim with many insurance providers is an impersonal, lengthy process. These types of disasters take everything familiar and misplace it. Most times, insurance providers will attempt to undercut the value of the property that was destroyed. With the assistance of an emergency disaster restoration crew, you’ll possess a professional on your side aidingyou with the fairness of all offers and claims by the insurance provider.

Contact [company] today for an estimate by a restoration professional in Trumbull, Bridgeport, Stratford, Monroe, Newtown, New Haven, Orange, Norwalk, Milford or the surrounding [state] area.

Sewage Intrusion In Connecticut Homes

Fri, April 27 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Water loss that contains raw sewage is within a classification all its own. Referred to as ‘black water,’ raw sewage will contain various blood and air-borne pathogens able to cause illness and additional severe health issues. Gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria are in existence by the millions within raw sewage, making sewage intrusions extremely unsanitary.

If your sewer line bursts or starts to back up inside your home, the results could be terrible. Bad smells, stains, bacteria, and contamination all can result from sewage intrusions, and need instant attention. Contact a sewage intrusion cleanup staff that possesses the suitableprotective wear, equipment, and experience to handle all sewage intrusions, no matter how small or how large.

When handling sewage, Local and State Regulations in regard to correct removal and handling have to be carefully followed. Additionally, OSHA Regulations make it mandatory for every worker to be equipped with PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), likehand and eye protection, HEPA filtered respirators, as well as protective suits.

If your local Connecticut area sewer backs up inside your yard or home, don’t try to clean it up alone. Sewage is a house to bacteria and toxins which have to be cleaned by experienced professionals who wear protective gear and use unique decontamination instruments and equipment. Contact a sewage intrusion cleanup staff to work to get rid of sewage, mend damaged structures, remove odors, and decontaminate all materials.

A sewage intrusion cleanup team’s initial measure includesrepairing and removing sewage intrusions and removing all liquid and solid substances by pumping them out of the property or home and into theirrecovery tank that’s mounted inside their bio-cleaning vehicle, prepared for correct disposal. Those hazardous substances have to be disposed of correctly. Every porous material must be cautiously removed and correctly disposed of. Hard surfaces will be cleaned and bio-washed utilizing anti-microbial materials. Most substances which become contaminated with sewage have to be removed then disposed of, occasionally involving irreplaceable heirlooms.

Water Damage Information and Tips

Fri, April 20 2012, 00:00:00 -500

For the majority of owners of properties, water destruction will involve a more likely situation than fire destruction. Destruction caused by floods might be caused by several reasons, a few of which will involve natural hurricanes or storms as well as other ones that derive from household accidents, likeburst or frozen pipes, leaky pipes, overflowing toilets, flooded basements, sinks or bathtubs, destroyed water heaters, crawlspace seepage, as well as additional ones. Whatever the flood destruction causes are, be alert to the truth of your family and your safety, then be certain that you follow these recommendations here.

Water Destruction Emergency Dos:

Eliminate water just as soon as you can, utilizing old rags, mops, as well asold towels.
Clean upwater from wooden surfaces in order to prevent warping.
Try to wrap some aluminum foil upon the furniture legs as a barrier in between the furniture and the water.
Try to air out the home within the wintertime by opening all the windows.
Remove valuables then store within a secure area.
Send water damaged personal goods to an expert restoration center.
Get rid of wet area rugs, magazines and books from the floor in order for them not to stain and bleed; spread out magazines and books for even drying.
Blot the soaked carpet using white, clean towels.
Raise soaked drapes off of the soaked carpeting.
Make holes within the soaked sagging ceiling in order to decrease trapped water pressure, as well as gather water into buckets placed underneath the created holes.

Eliminating water off the premises following a burst pipes, overflowing toilet, or flood caused by a natural disaster in Trumbull or the surrounding area, is vital to avoid mildew and mold from spreading and developing. If the damage is serious, contact a flood restoration provider to remove water, dry the property, examine for mold destruction and rebuild, repair, or reconstruct the premises.

Largest Cause of Fire Accidents In Connecticut

Thu, April 12 2012, 00:00:00 -500

The largest cause of fire accidents in Connecticut includes improper electricity use. A massive majority of individuals do not even comprehend the concept of utilizing electricity in the proper way. Short circuits could occur any time and this is the reason it’s of keyimportance to perform consistent inspection.

Gas leakage includes another huge reason behind fire accidents; that’s directly correlated with the carelessness upon the part of users.

Incorrect dealings with inflammable materials also can cause fire accidents.

These involve just a couple of the causes; however, there will be multiple others. The truth is that many fire accidents occur because of carelessness.

Fire damage

Fire damage extent depends upon the fire’s intensity. If it’s caused by a gas leakage or short circuit, it might spread within a fast pace, meaning losses are going to be severe. Whatever might be the cause for fire accidents, it’s enough to comprehend that every one of them are devastating.

Fire damage could be seen in various types and forms. Really, fire damage isn’t just about the damage conducted by the fire alone. Soot, heat and smoke also can create various problems.

Damage caused by fire: Fire will be devastating and it could make you suffer to the highest probable extent. It could burn your appliances then leave you with fire destroyed furniture and additional belongings. If something gets burnt, it’s literally improbable to restore it back to its previous condition.

Damage caused by heat: Even if a person doesn’t get in touch with fire, the heat could burn the skin. Burns range from an intensity that is low to high, in which it’ll become required to be hospitalized.

Destruction caused by Smoke: Due to the burning of synthetic materials obtainablewithin your home, smoke could become toxic. Many people lose their life not due to fire, yet due to smoke. Therefore, care must be taken while entering a fire destroyed home.

Fire and Water Disaster Restoration In [city 1]

Thu, April 5 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Life’s unpredictable. Disaster may strike an individual at any time. The two more devastating components families can experience include the house flood and fire. A fire won’t just damage your home, yet disrupts life, too. It’s amongst the most dangerous and destructive forces within the world. An individual ought to keep himself familiar with disaster restoration services for obtaining the ideal support as catastrophe strikes. Staying in contact with a disaster restoration service provider includes the initial measure in assuring safety in the home.

Having your house flooded also is a devastating experience. Floods inside your basement or first level could lead to cracks within the foundations of your home, lead to mold due to the shape, and could destroy all belongings. Damage because of fire or wateroften is extremely challenging to repair or restore. These also can oftentimes cause costly remodeling or demolish the buildings, according to the damage level.

Even following all of the water getting removed from your home, humidity that exists inside is high and viruses and molds may develop. All of the items within the home, such asfurniture, food, books, curtains, carpets, etc., that came within contact with water must be replaced. Water disaster restoration will be needed instantly following the flood. Moisture won’t just cause damage of homes, yet substantial health issues, too. Disaster restoration providers are expertly equipped with devices and additional methods to dehumidify and clean up the property. They work efficiently and quickly to decrease the likelihood of severe issues caused by floods.

It’s extremely harmful to be around or in a building as fire strikes. It’ll damage the foundation of a building. During this time, it’s recommended that you get the most treasured possessions and get away from the dangerous zone along with your family members. As the restoration service starts the process of clean up, one could slowly get his house back into order.

[company] is the leading Fire and Water Disaster Restoration Company in [city 3], [city 1], [city 4] and in surrounding [state]. Contact us today for an estimate on restoring your home after an unfortunate disaster.

ServiceMaster President Addresses Disaster Preparedness for Businesses

Tue, March 6 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Stratford, CT – Paul Plouffe, President of ServiceMaster of Greater Bridgeport, recently addressed a group of businesses at the Human Resource Consulting Group in Seymour, CT.

In this speech Plouffe stressed the importance of planning ahead, as it can save lives, property, and limit the disruption to operations. It is important to train all personnel on the emergency plan. Preparedness can come in the form of vital records being back up off-site or making sure insurance policies are reviewed to anticipate the disasters.

Plouffe went on to say, Two common denominators apply to the philosophy of disaster panning: 1. No one thinks it could, or would, happen to them. 2. Those prepared are repaid countless ways in the protection of lives and building and redeeming the enormous cost of repairs.”

Plouffe suggests consulting with police, fire, and even the Federal Emergency Management Agency when developing an emergency strategy.

ServiceMaster of Greater Bridgeport specializes in disaster restoration in Shelton, CT and other surrounding areas. Visit them online for a fire or water damage quote today!

Large Loss Preparedness

Wed, July 13 2011, 00:00:00 -500

of Greater Bridgeport

24/7 Commercial Disaster Restoration

June 2011

ServiceMaster Enlisted to help in Springfield Tornado Cleanup

Blown out windows, water damaged facilities and uprooted trees are just some of calamities ServiceMaster Greater Bridgeport is remediating in Springfield.

ServiceMaster from Connecticut and Massachusetts gather at Cathedral High School in Springfield.

Crews from Connecticut Helping to Restore Damaged School Complex in Springfield

Tornado Caused Multi-Million Dollar Damage at Cathedral High School

June 2011 - Crews from Stamford, Bridgeport, Norwalk and other Connecticut towns teamed up to provide restoration services for a high school in Springfield, Mass. in the aftermath of the disastrous tornado that ripped through the city June 2. The restoration at Cathedral High School, a 450,000 square foot complex of buildings, suffered significant damage from the storm. The crews were rushed to the scene early the June 3 by ServiceMaster's Large Loss Division.

There were ninety employees on hand to help with restoration of the facilities. Included are two CEO's from ServiceMaster franchises, specialists to handle paper work such as zoning, permitting and environmental assessments, security, and other highly trained front-line workers. Getting the complex of buildings restored quickly and safely and in conformance with all local, state and federal regulations is a high priority.

Paul Plouffe, CEO of ServiceMaster of Greater Bridgeport, said "The complex, in a quiet neighborhood was completely devastated. What we are doing is only part of an army of specialists and volunteers working throughout the city together to clean up and rebuild. It is great that we can participate in this with fellow franchises in our region. That is the essential design which has evolved since our earlier collective experience together with other large losses."

Previous ServiceMaster experience at the Pentagon, after Katrina and in Galveston often required the company to participate in catastrophic loss restoration. Plouffe cautions that such disasters could happen in our backyard which is why it is so important to have experienced people to pull in from a wider region and to have these programs in place before disasters strike. Paul reminded us of the losses suffered in nearby Bridgeport this past spring when a windstorm roared through the city and caused damage in the millions.

Work on the complex began the day after the storm. Open only to the clean-up crews, the complex is condemned while rebuilding takes place. Crews will be on hand for another month dealing with hazardous conditions like the clean up of the 600-700 windows that were blown out by the wind. The complex was covered under a pre-loss agreement signed by Steven Wills, who owns and manages the ServiceMaster Recovery Management program. Under its terms, organizations agree to use ServiceMaster as their vendor of choice when disaster strikes to mitigate losses. ServiceMaster Recovery Management clients are given priority service in the event of a major storm or regional disaster. Available 24/7 with certified, trained staff, services include fire and smoke restoration, water damage restoration, building stabilization, and contents cleaning including carpet, rugs and upholstery.

All work is accomplished in accordance with local, state and federal regulations.

Call (203)386-1565 with any questions or visit servicemastergb.com for more information about the 866 Recover Risk Management program. Paul and the ServiceMaster team are available 24/7.

600-700 windows were blown out by the tornado.

Extracting water left behind in the wake of the storm.

To our new and potential 866 Recover accounts:

We help you to prepare your business for unforeseen disasters. Before they happen!

The key to success with 866 Recover is knowing how to use the program. Here is the simple "rip cord" plan for using 866 Recover. (*This applies to those who have signed an enrollment form).

1. I stop by your office to familiarize you and your key employees with the program.

2. Our office will send bi-monthly reminders (like this) about the program, how to use it, and other information related to risk management.

3. You call 866-RECOVER for 24/7 emergency response in the case of WATER, FIRE or other related urgencies.

4. We handle all of the paperwork regarding your insurance claim.

Please feel free to contact either me or your insurance agent for more information regarding the 866 Recover program. Our office number is (203) 386-1565.

Remember, every $10 spent in preparation, saves $100 in response cost. Here's to preparing beforehand in 2011.

Sincerely,

Paul Plouffe
ServiceMaster of Greater Bridgeport

110 Seymour Street

Stratford, CT 06615

(203) 386-1565 phone

(203) 386-1387 fax

servicemastergb.com

Spring Newsletter

Thu, April 14 2011, 00:00:00 -500

of Greater Bridgeport

24/7 Commercial and Residential Disaster Restoration

(203)386-1565

Spring 2011

Vol 4, Issue 2

Industry INsights
a vendor-to-insurance industry newsletter

April Showers..... Bring May Flowers!

Dear Laura,

It's official; Spring is now upon us! What a winter it has been. As you all can attest to, this has been one of the busiest winter seasons in recent years. Ice dams took center stage amidst busted pipes, backed up sum pumps and basement flooding.

Over at ServiceMaster, Mother Nature sure has kept us on our toes as well. We were happy to offer our services to all of you and your insureds in their time of need, and a thanks to all those who referred our name in confidence. We pride ourselves on serving our customers, one at a time and in a prompt and professional manner.

With that said, we jump headfirst into a new quarter. Read on for what we have in store for the upcoming season!

Best,

Christie Alesevich

Marketing Representative

ServiceMaster of Greater Bridgeport

Special Spring Promotion!

You send us a referral. We mitigate the water, fire or mold job. You enjoy a trip to the spa- on us!

Ciamei Wellness Center, located in Trumbull, CT, is an organic spa offering your choice of massage or custom facial. The first 5 agents to refer us will win a gift certificate for their choice of service.

Be sure to e-mail me at calesevich@servicemastergb.com with your client's name and claim number.

Keep an eye and an ear out for us!

We are pleased to announce our new radio campaign on WEBE 108 and WICC. Stay tuned for advice from ServiceMaster President Paul Plouffe's Tips for preventing water damage in your home or basement.

In This Issue

Spa Referal Incentive

Tune in to WICC!

Commercial Agents Opportunity

Quick Links

Our Website

Need CE?

Call Christie Alesevich @ 203/386-1565 to request addt'l registration forms and to sign up!

Join our Mailing List!

Join us on May 19th for the CAI-CT

Hunger for Knowledge Roundtable Discussion

Commercial Agents: Join us for a night of dinner and roundtable discussion with local property managers. Steve Willis of ServiceMaster Stamford will be attending and speaking on disaster restoration in the commercial division. More information on this event can be found on the CAI-CT website at http://www.caict.org/events.htm.

Christie Alesevich

Marketing representative

ServiceMaster of Greater Bridgeport

110 Seymour Street

Stratford, CT 06615

203/386-1565

1-800-RESPOND (24/7)

servicemastergb.com

Fairfield County Business Journal: The Ability to Move On

Fri, March 18 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Fairfield Country Business Journal

A car accident, a fall, a stroke Â any of these incidents can occur at any moment and become a life-changing experience.

When a business executive suffers a debilitation, whether mental or physical, often he or she doesn't know where to turn for guidance in this "new" professional life.

"Any of us is 15 minutes away from an injury of this nature," said Gwenn Canfield, district representative for the Adult Career and Continuing Education Services-Vocational Rehabilitation in White Plains, N.Y.

ACCES-VR is part of the New York Education Department that deals with vocational and educational programs for individuals with disabilities.

Canfield said there are comprehensive plans and support for people with disabilities in all states, but often the services are underutilized.

"Every state in the U.S. is federally mandated to have a vocational rehabilitation program," she said. "We help all disabilities except for legal blindness, which has its own separate agency."

The WorkPlace Inc. in Stamford is ACCES-VR's sister agency in Fairfield County. Canfield said New York and Connecticut have similar disability programs and often work in conjunction.

Canfield, whose offices focus on getting people with disabilities back into the workforce, said there is a lot of social training involved for both employee and employer.

"Having a disability does not preclude a person from being a skilled professional," she said. "Think about Christopher Reeve, Stephen Hawking, Itzhak Perlman and Patty Duke."

Making it work

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 20 percent of the U.S. population currently has a disability, ranging from Attention Deficit Disorder to quadriplegia.

In Connecticut, of working-age adults (18-64) with disabilities, about 40 percent are employed, according to the 2009 American Community Survey by the Department of Labor.

Canfield said people's drive to work is often very strong and it can just be a matter of figuring out how to make it work for them.

Mike Bazan is a real estate developer in Fairfield. Ten years ago, when he was a partner in a retail services business here, he suffered a cervical stroke. He became quadriplegic, retaining only the ability to move his eyes and make limited facial expressions in what is called "locked-in syndrome."

Though Bazan is bedridden and cannot speak or type, he is a business consultant to Service Master of Greater Bridgeport.

"Mike and I go back about six years now," said Paul Plouffe, president of the area Service Master.

"Although I have played a small role in his life, his contribution to my business as an adviser has been significant. He has a very sharp mind for business."

Plouffe has learned to communicate with Bazan through a Plexiglas pane with letters fixed to it. Plouffe watches Bazan's eyes through the pane as he spells out what he wants to say.

"We have discussed everything from tax planning to marketing to recruiting strategies for employees, and financing," said Plouffe. "He truly is a wealth of information. As much as I have valued his business acumen, I value his spiritual strength and his ability to keep a positive outlook in spite of his severe disability infinitely more."

Help is available

Canfield said there are many different elements that need to be discussed with a person who has been recently disabled, ranging from physical-aid options as simple as a watch with an alarm to how to approach your disability with clients or at meetings, and any social stigmas.

"While there are sometimes accommodations that need to be put in place for people with disabilities to do a job, these accommodations are generally free, like flexible work schedules, or usually under $500, which is a minor investment for any key employee," said Canfield. "Often these accommodations prove to be good and educational for the non-disabled population as well and have proved to raise employee spirits in general."

Canfield said individuals in need of disability services don't typically seek them out, even though they can be a great benefit.

"Often individuals who could qualify for these kinds of programs don't because they either don't know or won't because some amount of pride," said Canfield. "We are all close with someone who fits into that category. These services are underutilized but definitely critical."

SIDE: ADA rules revised

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 opened the doors for millions of people with disabilities to participate meaningfully in areas of employment, education, health care, housing and voting.

Beginning in 1999, however, a series of Supreme Court decisions limited the ADA's effectiveness by interpreting its protections to have a very narrow reach. In response, Congress amended the act in 2008.

The ADA Amendments Act, which went into effect Jan. 1, 2009, ensures that the doors are once again open for people with disabilities. In December 2010, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission voted on final regulations on how to implement the act. Those regulations are under review by the White House's Office of Management and Budget.

Basement Systems and ServiceMaster- 866 Recover

Thu, March 17 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Basement Systems Signs on to National Recovery Network

Company is First in the Valley to become Part of Service Master's 866 Recover Program

Stratford, Conn. March 16, 2011 -- Basement Systems, the largest basement finishing and water proofing company in the state, has become the first Naugatuck Valley business to sign on to 866 Recover, a national emergency management program owned by ServiceMaster Clean.

Under terms of the 866 Recover agreement, Service Master of Greater Bridgeport will help Basement Systems manage risks associated with its multi facility operations in the Seymour area. In the event of an area-wide disaster such as fire, flooding and windstorm, Service Master will provide immediate remediation in order to keep Basement Systems up and running once an emergency situation is contained.

Larry Janesky, Basement Systems founder and CEO, said he was pleased to sign on to 866 Recover. He said, "Our customers rely on us to provide outstanding service on a continuing basis despite any emergency situation that might arise affecting us." He added that on its part Basement Systems will continue to recommend ServiceMaster Clean to its customers when water damage or mold removal is required before a refinishing or water proofing job can begin. He added that the 866 Recover agreement represents a nice fit with Basement System's business model and he expects both firms to benefit from the arrangement.

One of the most innovative companies in Connecticut, Basement Systems has earned 25 patents, 19 quality and innovation prizes, was named one of the best places to work in Connecticut and recently won a Super Service award from Angie's List for local contractors who achieve a superior service rating. The company is the flagship of a network of dealers throughout the U.S. with more than 300 waterproofing contractors.

Paul Plouffe, owner of Service Master of Greater Bridgeport, said 866 Recover provides resources in case of fire, water, flooding and other interruptions to business continuity. Should and area-wide disaster take place Service Master will provide whatever resources are necessary through its extensive network of franchises at a time when emergency services are at a premium.

He said, "866 Recover was born out of the company's experience at the Pentagon in the aftermath of 9/11 when crews from Maine to Miami were brought in to help with clean up. Afterwards the company was brought back to the Pentagon to help with contingency planning should something happen in the future."

866 Recover services include fire and smoke restoration, water damage mitigation, drying and dehumidification, building stabilization and reconstruction services. All work is completed in accordance with federal, state and local regulations. To learn more, visit www.servicemastergb.com or call 866.386.1565.

Winter 2011- E-Newsletter

Thu, March 17 2011, 00:00:00 -500

of Greater Bridgeport

24/7 Commercial and Residential Disaster Restoration

(203)386-1565

WINTER 2011

Vol 4, Issue 1

Industry INsights
a vendor-to-insurance industry newsletter

Dear Laura,

Happy winter, everyone! With the season already off to a blustery and snowy start, the long days ahead don't seem too bad when coupled with a steaming mug of hot chocolate and a roaring fire.

However, as winter forges ahead, the show must go on! With the start of the New Year brings a new CE schedule. We are excited to be introducing two new instructors and a new host location at the Shelton Community Center! Be sure to check your e-mail for the registration forms and for further details.

Finally, remember that you can refer ServiceMaster of Greater Bridgeport to your clients with confidence. We are ready to respond 24/7 to ice damming, flooding and puff back issues.

Our emergency number is (203) 386-1565.

Wishing you all the best,

Christie Alesevich

Marketing Representative

ServiceMaster of Greater Bridgeport

Win lunch for your Agency!

This is your last chance to enter our January raffle for a delectable catered lunch from Panera Bread! Simply send an entry e-mail to enter your entire office in our January raffle to win a catered Panera lunch. Include your name, your agency's name and contact information in the e-mail.

Enter to win at calesevich@servicemastergb.com

We will announce the winner next week!

In the Media!

Only a couple of weeks into 2011, and ServiceMaster is already traveling the media outlets! Paul Plouffe, owner and President of ServiceMaster, made a guest appearance on the Fox 61 Morning Show and was also featured on Channel 12 News in a segment on preparing your home from post blizzard flooding. Keep an eye and an ear out for us!

In This Issue

Win lunch for your office!

Meet Rob Fox, our new Operations Manager!

Quick Links

Our Website

Need CE?

Call Christie Alesevich @ 203/386-1565 to request addt'l registration forms and to sign up!

Our first class of 2011 is on Tuesday, March 29th. Register now to reserve your spot.

Join our Mailing List!

Introducing:

Robert Fox

Operations Manager

Robert joined the ServiceMaster Clean team in December with several years experience in the disaster restoration industry behind him. Robert brings his specialized knowledge in water, fire and mold damage restoration to bear in large loss situations that require project management from start to finish. Robert is certified by the IICRC in water damage restoration.

Prior to starting a career in disaster restoration, Robert served our country in the United States Navy. When he is not working, Robert enjoys spending time with his family and following football.

110 Seymour Street

Stratford, CT 06615

203/386-1565

1-800-RESPOND (24/7)

servicemastergb.com

Winter Weather: Preparing and Preventing

Tue, February 8 2011, 00:00:00 -500

of Greater Bridgeport

24/7 Commercial and Residential Disaster Restoration

(203)386-1565

Remember ServiceMaster.

Here for your commercial and residential clients

whatever the weather brings.

Month Year

Vol 1, Issue 1

Dear Laura,

The snow continues to fall, setting new records here in the Northeast!

With flooding due to melting snow, roof collapses and ice damming, this can be a challenging time for homeowners and their insurance carriers alike.

While properly preparing your home for the elements is a large part in preventing winter damage, sometimes Mother Nature still reigns supreme!

Read below on tips for preparing and preventing winter damage to your home.

I will leave you with this warming though; Spring officially begins on Saturday, March 20... less than 2 months away!

Best,

Christie Alesevich

Marketing Representative

ServiceMaster of Greater Bridgeport

(203) 386-1565

calesevich@servicemastergb.com

Quick Links

Our Website

EMERGENCY

SERVICE

203-386-1565local

1-800-RESPOND

any client, anywhere

Join our Mailing List!

Tips on winterizing your home from

ServiceMaster Owner Paul Plouffe

*Properly manage your gutter system. Ice and heavy snow can weigh down gutters.

*Heavy snow on roofs can cause roof collapses, ice damming and interior flooding.

*Have your sum pump checked and verify it is proper working order.

*Move boxes and storage away from basement perimeters to elevated ground in case of flooding.

110 Seymour Street

Stratford, CT 06615

203/386-1565

1-800-RESPOND (24/7)

servicemastergb.com

Winter 2010 E Newsletter

Fri, January 7 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Winter 2010 Vol 3, Issue 1

Industry INsights

a vendor-to-insurance industry newsletter

Dear Laura,

Happy 2010! We hope that everyone is enjoying this cold, cold weather. We certainly are! This first e-newsletter of 2010 is meant to provide reprieve from this chilly weather. See below for our "WIN LUNCH FOR YOUR OFFICE" Contest (Our way to break things up a bit).

Also, our first CE date, 3/23, is fast approaching! Make sure to register as soon as possible to reserve your seat. Fortune favors the early bird!--My quote entirely.

All my best for a productive first quarter,

Laura Voisine
Marketing Director
ServiceMaster of Greater Bridgeport

Win lunch for your office!

Answer the following questions using information from our website and win lunch for you and your colleagues!

All correct entries submitted to my e-mail (lvoisine@servicemastergb.com) by 5pm on February 19th will be eligible for the random drawing.

Here we go....

What is the 2nd of our four corporate principles?
Which members of our organization recently received certifications? (Hint: look for the link to "newsletters")
List three things you should do after a water damage occurs.
Which standards do we follow when remediating mold? (This is a tricky one...there's no such thing as a free lunch).
What is the name of our human resources manager?

The heat is on! Good luck!!

On the Radio!

In mid-December we kick off a sixth month radio commercial campaign with WICC. So keep an ear out for our voices on the airwaves! Thanks to our talented friends at Firelight Media for helping create our very first radio spots. Click here to listen to the spots on our website.

This is a new initiative for your commercial clients! Create a policyholder for life when you promote this free add-on service.

866 Recover is a disaster preparedness program that puts your client at the top of our service list in the case of an water, fire or mold damage--large or small. Our president, Paul Plouffe, will go out and visit your client free of charge to go over the specifics of the program. It does not cost anything unless there is an insurance claim!

Call us today at 203-386-1565 for more information about how you can help you clients be prepared--before it ever happens.

Elements In This Issue
"Win Lunch" Contest
We're on the Radio!
866 Recover: Prepare your clients...
Join our Mailing List!

Laura Voisine Marketing Director ServiceMaster of Greater Bridgeport 110 Seymour Street Stratford, CT 06615 203/386-1565 1-800-RESPOND (24/7) servicemastergb.com

Industry INsights Summer 2010

Thu, January 6 2011, 05:18:21 -500

Summer 2010 Vol 3, Issue 3

Industry INsights

a vendor-to-insurance industry newsletter

Dear Laura,

Summer has arrived! With a bang! Or a blast...of heat, that is. As I write this I am sitting in the comfort of the office, thanking God for the inspired person who invented air conditioning.

As much as I enjoy all things summer (A/C, ice cream and the beach, especially), my thoughts are briefly turned to the fall. We are excited to announce that ServiceMaster will be holding its "2nd Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive" for the Bridgeport Rescue Mission in October. Last year 5 area agencies joined us in gathering food for the needy. Please consider enlisting your agency to join us!

Here's a quick overview of what the food drive entails: We give you bags and lists of needed food items by October 1st. You're agency then fills as many bags as it can. We pick up the bags at your agency and deliver them to the Rescue Mission at the end of October. There will be a couple of press releases throughout the drive and an opportunity for you and your colleagues to serve at the Mission. Please e-mail me if you are interested in participating!

Enjoy the rest of your summer,

Laura Voisine
Marketing Director
ServiceMaster of Greater Bridgeport

CE: Fall 2010!

Our fall CE classes are filling up fast! Don't miss out on getting the credits you need. Register for CE today by calling 203-386-1565 or reply to this e-mail to request a registration form.

DATES:

September 14, 2010- AM: Risk Management; PM: Law and Ethics

November 9, 2010- AM: Commercial Lines; PM: Understanding Claims

Each class is $50 and grants 4 credits. Lunch is included. All classes take place at The Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce in Shelton, CT.

Soot Damage- BEFORE & AFTER:

We recently completed soot damage mitigation of an entire house. Our Operations Manager, Shawn, sent these pictures to me showing the work of our technicians. The soot was not only all over the walls, but in the kitchen cabinets as well.

On the Radio!

For 2010 we committed to a year longradio commercial campaign with WICC. Paul Plouffe, owner of ServiceMaster, is also scheduled for bi-monthly appearances on the Jim Buchanan show! We'll make sure that you know when the interviews will air.

In This Issue
Sign up for CE!
Soot Damage- Before and After
Tune in to WICC!
Join our Mailing List!

Laura Voisine Marketing Director ServiceMaster of Greater Bridgeport 110 Seymour Street Stratford, CT 06615 203/386-1565 1-800-RESPOND (24/7) servicemastergb.com

Industry INsights Fall 2010

Thu, January 6 2011, 00:00:00 -500

FALL 2010 Vol 3, Issue 4

Industry INsights

a vendor-to-insurance industry newsletter

Dear Laura,

Happy fall, everyone! You can't turn back now. Holidays, gifts, parties and lots and lots of eating are our fates for the next few months. So, surrender! Enjoy the busyness, the family, the break from the normal day-to-day activity and... celebrate!

As the weather starts to get colder, puff backs and pipe bursts threaten to interrupt our (and your clients') festivities. Send an informative e-mail to your insureds reminding them 1) to have routine maintenance performed on their furnaces and 2) to keep the indoor temperature at or above 65 degrees consistently. If disaster does strike, of course, ServiceMaster is ready 24/7.

Finally, ServiceMaster and 5 area agencies are supporting the Bridgeport Rescue Mission this holiday season through our 2nd Annual Food Drive. I will be sending results and pictures to you all around Thanksgiving!

Laura Voisine
Marketing Director
ServiceMaster of Greater Bridgeport

Win lunch for your Agency!

This quarter we are giving away two agencies luncheons! All you have to do to be the "office hero" is answer the following question in a reply e-mail.

This quarter we are focusing on large, commercial losses so...as an insurance agent how can you help your commercial clients prepare for disasters before they happen?

Send us three suggestions!

Hint: www.ready.gov and www.servicemastergb.com are good resources for this question.

On the Radio!

In This Issue
Win lunch for your office!
Tune in to WICC!
Quick Links Our Website Need CE?
Our last classes of 2010 are on 11/9.
Make sure to get your credits before the year is up!
Join our Mailing List!

Laura Voisine Marketing Director ServiceMaster of Greater Bridgeport 110 Seymour Street Stratford, CT 06615 203/386-1565 1-800-RESPOND (24/7) servicemastergb.com