Holiday Safety Precautions From GRS

Christina Mullins • December 22, 2020

This month, our blog topics have focused on holiday safety, wintertime safety and ground maintenance. As Christmas Day and the new year quickly approaches, we wanted to give some more holiday safety tips this week. At Guarantee Restoration Services, we value safety as our number one priority. This holiday season, it is important to remember that disaster strikes when you least expect it to. That’s why you should be mindful of the following holiday safety precautions!


HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS: O, CHRISTMAS TREE

When it comes to Christmas trees, many people believe fresh trees are the best trees. A tree that is too dry can easily catch fire, which makes real trees one of the most common holiday safety hazards. Regularly, trim at least one inch from the bottom of the tree. Doing so will increase the tree’s ability to absorb water. Live trees need a lot of water, so check the water level and refill as often as needed.


Is your tree dry or dead? Did you answer yes to either one of these questions? Then, it is time for it to go! Once your tree becomes dry, or the needles start to fall off in large quantities, it is time to dispose of the tree. Never burn old trees or needles in a fireplace or wood-burning stove. Instead, take your tree to a recycling center or have it removed by a community pick-up service.


On the other hand, some prefer artificial trees. Some people are allergic and cannot have the real thing. It’s alright to “fake it ‘til you make it,” but if you buy an artificial tree, make sure that it is made of fire-resistant material.


HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS: DECORATIONS OF RED

Do not overload electrical sockets by plugging in too many cords into a single outlet. When no one is home or when everyone goes to sleep, remember to unplug your holiday lights. Be sure to check older lights for frayed edges or bare spots and throw out any damaged cords.


Indoor lights are for the indoors, only. Never use indoor lights outside. These lights are not made to withstand the outdoor elements. If they get wet, they can cause an electric shock. Remove outdoor lighting as soon as the season is over. Even specially created outdoor decorations are not designed to withstand the prolonged weather exposure.

Wrapping paper is for your trash can. Never burn wrapping paper in the fireplace. This may release fire-starting embers or produce a build-up of dangerous chemical fumes in the home.


HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS: HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING

If you entertain guests who smoke, provide ashtrays and check for cigarette butts in upholstered furniture before going to bed. Cigarette fires are a leading cause of fire fatalities in the homes.


It may sound simple, but do not leave your stove unattended when cooking. In the excitement of entertaining family and friends, it is easy to forget something on the stove and leave it to burn, causing a potential fire hazard.


HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS: CHILDREN AND PETS

Another important holiday safety precaution is to keep an out for the breakables. Place all ornaments and candles out of reach of small children and pets. Small or breakable ornaments can be easily knocked down, which can result in cuts or choking. Curious children and playful pets can topple a tree in seconds, causing potentially serious injuries. And, no one wants an ER or urgent care visit on Christmas!


In addition, it is be mindful of toxic decorations. Mistletoe and holly berries may be poisonous if more than a few are swallowed. Old tinsel may contain lead, so discard old tinsel if you are not sure of its composition. Lastly, fire salts contain heavy metals, which if swallowed, may cause serious gastrointestinal problems and vomiting.


HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS: CANDLES

Smells of pine, balsam, gingerbread and hot cocoa fill our homes and businesses, but not without dangers. Most of us think nothing of lighting a candle to warm the air or fill it with our favorite scents! One part of holiday safety that cannot be forgotten is to check your candles frequently to make sure they do not burn down too far or drip hot wax. Ensure that candles are placed in sturdy, non-combustible holders that are placed away from decorations and other combustible materials.


Clean and trim candlewicks. Cut them down to ⅛ inch to ¼ inch before lighting. Long or crooked wicks cause uneven burning and dripping. Candles should be placed at least three inches apart so they do not melt onto one another. Keep candles free of wick trimmings, matches or any flammable material that may ignite.


OUR GUARANTEE TO YOU

Although our four offices are closed Thursday, December 24th and Friday, December 25th, we know fire emergencies due to holiday safety hazards can happen at any time. That is why our team is available 24/7, which is not just a number, it’s a GUARANTEE. For immediate assistance following fire damage or another property emergency, call 800-349-HELP (4357).

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Meet The Team | Christy Jones Huff

By Christina Mullins • February 12, 2025
At Guarantee Restoration Services, our people are at the heart of everything we do. This month, we’re excited to introduce Christy Jones Huff , a Business Development Representative at our Jackson, Mississippi Branch who joined the team just over a year ago in January 2024 . From Property Management to Business Development Christy’s journey to GRS started long before she stepped through our doors. A Jackson State University graduate , she earned her degree in Mass Communications/Public Relations with a minor in Marketing . She then spent 19 years as a property manager , gaining invaluable experience in building relationships and problem-solving, which are skills that now serve her well in business development. It is safe to say that she is well-versed in the multifamily vertical that we serve, but she also works with several other industries, such as state entities and housing authorities.  Life Outside of Work Originally from Farmhaven, MS , Christy stays busy outside of work with a full house. She’s married, a proud mom to a college-aged son, and spends most of her free time keeping up with a very active toddler —a job she jokingly refers to as "taming a toddler." When she finds a rare quiet moment, she enjoys crafting, though she explained that those moments are few and far between these days.

Guarantee Restoration Services Expands Leadership Role as Managing Partner for W.B. Arthur Restoration in Austin, Texas

By Shawn Folks • February 5, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact Information: Zack Klein, Director of Marketing and Business Development 225-753-8682 Zack@247GRS.com Guarantee Restoration Services Expands Leadership Role as Managing Partner for W.B. Arthur Restoration in Austin, Texas BATON ROUGE, La. – February 5, 2025 – Guarantee Restoration Services has entered into an agreement to serve as the managing partner for W.B. Arthur Restoration, a leading restoration and facility maintenance provider in Austin, Texas. This partnership marks a significant step in Guarantee Restoration’s ongoing expansion throughout the South and Gulf Coast region. Guarantee Restoration Services will oversee management operations in Austin, working closely with W.B. Arthur Restoration to enhance systems, streamline processes, and position the company for long-term growth. This collaboration reinforces Guarantee Restoration’s commitment to delivering industry-leading restoration services, while expanding its footprint across new markets. “We’re embarking on a remarkable journey that will create new pathways for innovation, growth, and leadership in the marketplace,” said Shawn Folks, CEO of Guarantee Restoration Services. “Our people are the reason we are able to form these types of partnerships. I’m excited to see where we go from here.” This strategic partnership aligns with Guarantee Restoration’s pattern of growth across the Gulf South, having established a strong presence in six markets across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. By bringing its expertise in restoration management to W.B. Arthur Restoration, they aim to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery in the Austin Metro Region. About W.B. Arthur Restoration W.B. Arthur Restoration provides a wide range of property maintenance and restoration services, including water damage restoration, facility maintenance, air duct cleaning, and carpet cleaning. Serving the greater Austin Metro Region, W.B. Arthur Restoration is dedicated to ensuring homes and businesses receive the highest level of care, even in the most difficult-to-reach places. About Guarantee Restoration Services For over 50 years, Guarantee Restoration Services has been a trusted name in the restoration industry, consistently expanding its services and market presence along the Gulf Coast. The company’s mission is to support communities in need by offering reliable restoration solutions, maintaining honest and dependable service, and ensuring stability for businesses and homeowners. For more information about Guarantee Restoration Services, visit http://www.GuaranteeRestoration.com /.
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