Join the Herd: We're Hiring an Estimator!

Job Opening!

Buffalo Restoration Estimator/ Sales Position
Open Until Filled
Full time, 40 Hours/ Week

Job Description
Qualifications: Experience in estimating restorative construction. Hands-on knowledge of construction practices. Solid sales skills or experience. Budgeting skills and experience. Ability to manage multiple projects, personnel management experience, excellent communication and problem solving skills, organizational skills. Also, must have some knowledge or be able to develop expertise in insurance claims handling processes and familiarity with Xactimate or similar software programs.

Duties: Will scope and develop potential new projects; estimate cost of jobs for potential customers; maintain customer accounts & follow up with customers previously contacted; close all sales and meet sale goals; obtain bids from subcontractors; develop budgets and allowances; prepare contracts and payment terms; follow through & review contracts; work with insurance adjusters and project managers to ensure completion and success of projects; be available to help with production when needed; maintain, complete, submit preparations and paperwork for invoices, orders, supplements and audits; maintain complete and timely updates of job-mangement software; perform other tasks as assigned; report to Sales Manager.

Hours: M-F 8-5. On call rotation after trained up for emergency services.

Wage: Annual $40,000.00-$50,000.00. Benefits available after the first 90 days.


Referral Instructions
Please apply Buffalo Restoration Inc in person or e-mail resume to Mr. Phil Blodgett
Contact Direct:555 MANLEY ROAD,BOZEMAN,MT 59715
Email: pblodgett@buffalorestoration.com

Don't Let Your Christmas Tree be Kindling

Christmas is the most joyous time of year. But your beautiful Christmas tree can be a source of disaster. A fire during the holidays is certainly more of a headache than the in-laws. Be safe, save the presents, and your sanity.

Did you know that fire departments respond to an average of 230 home fires caused by Christmas trees per year?

Christmas tree fires aren't incredibly common but when they occur, they can be very serious.

One of every three home Christmas tree fires is caused by electrical problems with lights.

One out of every six tree fires is caused by a heat source being too close to the tree.

Yikes.

Here are some tips from the Buffalo herd:

• When picking a tree, choose one that has fresh green needles that don’t fall off the branch when touched.
• Before placing your tree in the stand, cut 2 inches from the base of the trunk.
• Make sure the tree is far away from any heat source including a fireplace, candles, radiators, or lights.
• Make sure the tree doesn't block an exit.
• Water your tree daily. See the video below for an example of how a dry tree burns versus a tree that has been water properly.

• When you’re adding decorations and lights, make sure you replace any worn or broken bulb connections. Don’t connect more than three strands of lights together.
•  Never use actual lit candles on the tree.
• Always remember to turn off the lights on the tree before leaving the house

Have a safe and happy holiday season from your friends at Buffalo Restoration!

How to Tell If Your Hotel Room is REALLY Clean

You've heard the horror stories. And the Bozeman Daily Chronicle just ran a disturbing report of a local hotel's lack of cleanliness and disrepair. So whether you have family in town or you're staying in a hotel away from home, make sure you know what to look for in a clean hotel room. If it isn't clean to your standards, call the front desk for a re-clean. You're entitled to a comfortable and clean space, no matter how many people have stayed there before you.

Here are some things to check before you get comfy:

• The fancy covers and pillows on top of the beds don't get washed every day so just sacrifice the pretty bed and toss them to the side for your stay

• Is the comforter in a duvet cover that is washed every day or is it a dark, stain-covering bed spread? Opt for the white duvet covers, toss the bed spread and use a blanket.

• Everyone's worst nightmare, bed bugs.  Rip off all the layers of sheets on the bed and look at the top and bottom edges of the mattress. If you see brown or red spots, you've got a problem. 

• Housecleaning will wash the sheets and vacuum, but they may miss what we call "points of contact" which include commonly touched items such as remote controls, phones, handles, door knobs, light switches etc. Make sure they look clean, and if you can, take a Lysol wipe and do a second round. Being extra careful can't hurt.

• Furniture obviously can't be cleaned daily so only use furniture that looks very clean.

• Most rooms are stocked with glasses for water. If they aren't individually wrapped to show that they have been cleaned, do a quick rinse before using as they may have accumulated dust.

• The bathrooms are important. Make sure the floor is free of debris. The amenities are stocked (you should never see items that have been used before). The toilet is scrubbed. And the shower (bottom and walls) are spot free.

• And lastly, if you have issues, make sure to call the front desk. They'll fix it. And if the room is really clean, give the cleaning staff a tip. They work hard, and you will probably never know the messes they've had to deal with.

Happy, safe, and CLEAN holiday travels to all from the Buffalo Herd. 

Don't Drink and Drive this Holiday Season

Buffalo wants you to stay safe this Holiday season.

So we'd like you to know about Operation Tipsy Tow offered by AAA. 

They'll tow your car and give you a free ride home (within city limits of Belgrade and Bozeman and a tow up to 10 miles). Tipsy Tow is available Dec. 14-Jan. 1. Put this number in your phone!

Just call 1-800-222-4357.

Thanks to AAA for providing this important service for our community!

Did you know our contents cleaning equipment uses sound waves?

Did you know Jay Leno uses the same machine that we do to clean his garage tools and car parts? Check out our cool Omegasonics Ultrasonic technology which uses sound waves to remove dirt, soot, rust, and all sorts of particles from contents. We can take the soot covered belongings from a fire or smoke damage and make them look like new again, without any harmful chemicals and solvents.  We're saving our customers money by speeding up the cleaning process and restoring items that would have been unsalvageable and replaced.

Want to visit? We're always open for a tour at our new facility, 555 Manley Rd. in Bozeman, MT! We're restoration geeks and we love to show off our state of the art equipment.

Disaster Preparedness for Your Business

Have you ever thought about what would happen to your business in the event of a fire? 20-40% of businesses don't reopen after they experience a loss. 

Just imagine...

Who will contact customers? Are your contacts and files backed up off site and where?

Are you a tenant? What does your insurance cover? Do you have Business Interruption Coverage?

If you could not access your office for days or even months, would you close temporarily? Move business elsewhere? How would you continue your operations?

Do you have an evacuation plan? Are your employees aware of it?

These questions may scare you. But knowing the answers could be the difference between going out of business or saving your business after a disaster. 

Don't worry! Buffalo has a simple, easy to use, disaster planning worksheet available for free for businesses in our community. 

• The worksheet compiles important contact information for the business including preferred plumber, landlord, insurance provider, electrician, IT support etc. Having this "important contacts" information in one place is incredibly helpful in streamlining the response to a disaster.

• The worksheet also encourages businesses to include a sketch of their facility. The sketch can identify water shut off valves, hazardous materials such as propane, electrical boxes, critical areas, exits etc. This sketch is good to have so that you can help emergency and restoration personnel navigate the building.

• And lastly, the worksheet has businesses answer a number of questions about their operations, insurance coverage, communications chain, evacuation process and more so that the business has a plan in place.

Tip: Buffalo suggests keeping a copy of this worksheet in a central location in the business. Tell employees where it is kept and encourage them to read through it so they know where to access important emergency information if they are the one needing to make the calls. We also suggest businesses keep a copy of this worksheet off site, or even at Buffalo Restoration, so that it is accessible if the internal copy has been compromised. Buffalo can use this information to respond to the emergency quickly.

For your copy of the Buffalo Restoration Disaster Preparedness Worksheet, email eporth@buffalorestoration.com or call 406-586-8109.

Did You Know? Turkey Facts!

With Thanksgiving approaching, we decided to help you get to know the bird a little bit better. Thanks to FRSTeam for their inspiration!

• The average weight of a turkey purchased at Thanksgiving is 15 pounds.

• The heaviest turkey ever raised was 86 pounds, about the size of a large dog. 

• A 15 pound turkey usually has about 70 percent white meat and 30 percent dark meat

• The five most popular ways to serve a leftover turkey is as a sandwich, in stew, chili or soup, casseroles, and as a burger.

• Turkey has more protein than chicken or beef

• Turkeys will have 3,500 feathers at maturity

• Male turkeys gobble. Hens do not. They make a clucking noise.

• Commercially raised turkeys cannot fly

• Turkeys have heart attacks. The United States Air Force was doing test runs and breaking the sounds barrier. Nearby turkeys dropped dead with heart attacks.

• A large group of turkeys is called a flock

• Turkeys have poor night vision

• It takes 75-80 pounds of feed to raise a 30 pound tom turkey

• A 16-week-old turkey is called a fryer. A fire to seven month old turkey is called a young roaster

• At one time, the turkey and the bald eagle were each considered as the national symbol of America. Benjamin Franklin was one of those who argued passionately on behalf of the turkey. Franklin felt the turkey, although "vain and silly", was a better choice than the bald eagle, whom he felt was "a coward".

• Some turkeys can run up to 25 miles per hour on ground

Happy Thanksgiving from the Buffalo Herd!

Beware of Ice Dams!

It's getting cold, beware of ice dams which can cause water damage to your home!

When warm air from your home gets into your attic, it melts the bottom layer of snow on your roof. The water then slides down the roof, and when it hits the cold air of the outside, it freezes into ice. At first it may look like icicles. But eventually, the ice will dam up, forcing water underneath the shingles and into your attic. After time, the water could seep down through sheet rock and flooring to cause major damage to the inside of your home.

This isn't easy stuff to understand, check out this video for a better diagram.

A couple tips from the Buffalo Herd:

• Improve the ventilation in your attic.
• Insulate around penetrations
• Clear out your rain gutters
• Remove icicles as they form

BE CAREFUL, don't climb on your roof with snow and ice present. And don't chip at the ice, this could cause more damage.

If you do have water damage, don't hesitate. Call Buffalo Restoration immediately to dry your home and prevent further damage.

Brrr... It's That Time of Year Again

Brrr...It's Time: Tips for Winterizing Your Home

Call an HVAC specialist to schedule a time to inspect your furnace and replace your filters. It is always convenient to get your duct system cleaned at the same time. Buffalo can help with that. If you have a hot water radiator, bleed the valves by opening them slightly and when water appears, close them. If any equipment, boxes, or clutter has accumulated near the furnace during the Summer months, move it away to prevent fire.

Prepare your fireplace by screening the top of the chimney to keep out rodents or birds who are trying to escape the cold. Call a chimney sweep to clean it before it is used during the Winter.

Cover drafty windows and doors with weather-stripping or plastic shields to prevent heat loss. Switch out Summer window screens with glass replacements, install storm windows if you have them.

Prevent ice dams by adding extra insulation to your attic, cleaning out rain gutters, and removing icicles as they form. Ice dams can cause water damage when they accumulate and then melt.

Get out your cold weather equipment (and put away your lawnmower). Drain the gas from your lawn mower and other lawn care equipment to store for the Winter. Tune up your snow blower, make sure it’s in working condition for the first big storm. Pull out your shovels from the garage. Stock up on sand

Protect against plumbing freezes by draining your garden hoses and air conditioner pipes. Locate and label your water main so it is easily found in case it needs to be shut off in an emergency. Always leave home at least 55 degrees.

And the easiest preparation tip of all, keep Buffalo Restoration’s number handy on your fridge. Montana Winter weather can cause serious damage to your home and Buffalo can be there in a snap to get things back to normal as quickly as possible. 

Chip Tips: Halloween 2012

Prevent fires this Halloween by replacing your jack-o-lantern candle with electric battery operated lights.

In our first installment of our new mini-series, Chip shows you exactly how to do it!

Boo! Halloween Safety

Boo! Halloween can be dangerous holiday. Yes, there is a chance you’ll be scared by monsters, ghosts, vampires, and witches, but don’t forget about that other spooky danger that could ruin all the fun, fire.

With flames in pumpkins at every doorstep, it is important that your children wear safe costumes. Make sure that their costumes aren’t easily flammable, keep their hemlines short to prevent tripping, keep tabs on loose pieces of cloth so that they don’t ignite. And just for general safety, make sure their costume has some reflective tape or is light in color so it will stand out in the dark.

And for you homeowners out there, here are some pointers about making sure the fire stays INSIDE the jack-o-lantern. You don’t have to use candles, battery powered lights work just as well. But if you do like the old fashioned way, keep the flames off to the side so you aren’t getting a lot of trick or treater traffic close to it. Don’t place your pumpkins too close to cornstalks or hay. And at the end of the night, when the children have all taken their bags of candy home to be devoured in one sitting, don’t forget to blow out the candles.

Take the simple precautions so that we can worry about the real dangers of ghosts and goblins and not fire!

The Littlest Members of the Buffalo Restoration Herd

Introducing the Directors of Office Shenanigans

Working hard to keep spirits high, everyday.

Buffalo Restoration Awards 2nd Annual Fire Scholarship

Buffalo Restoration is proud to announce that Madeline Carroll, daughter of IAFF Local 613 firefighter Brian Carroll, is the recipient of the 2012 Fire Scholarship. Madeline, a 16 year old,  applied for the scholarship on behalf of her newly adopted sister Erika. Madeline's family recently adopted Erika, a 13 year old girl from Columbia who knows little to no English. Madeline wrote the scholarship to support Erika's education. She is being home schooled by her new mom, learning English, and catching up in school.

We were impressed and inspired by her essay. We ask our applicants to let us know how being a family member of a firefighter has changed or inspired their lives. Madeline's essay revolved around the concept of family. She describes her father's fellow firefighters as uncles. She talks about how they support each other through hardships. While her parents were in Columbia for several weeks for the adoption process, the firefighters were constantly checking in on Madeline and her brothers to make sure everything was OK. Madeline says, "The whole fire-fighting community is a family of its own, and the transition into it was easy, fun, and welcoming. We have all met so many great people through the department and the whole community is very family-oriented." Just as the firefighters welcomed the Carroll family into their community, they are now welcoming Erika. "Although the guys at the department don't know much Spanish besides "hola" and "como estas?" they have welcomed her to the family with open arms", Madeline said. A ceremony and celebration will be held to honor Madeline and her family.

We're thrilled to be able to help Erika, Madeline  Brian, and their whole family. For as much as our firefighters do for our community, this is a small token of our gratitude to entire firefighting family.

We love helping people in our community!

http://www.nbcmontana.com/news/Cleanup-crews-work-to-repair-fire-damaged-homes-after-suspicious-fires/-/14594602/16741442/-/ulqxyoz/-/index.html

The local fires in our area have kept our crews busy along with the local fire departments. We are glad we can help when people experience disasters in their lives. We specialize in helping people put their lives back together and making it feel like home again. If you or someone you know has been affected by the recent fires please let them know that we can help! We offer free consultations and assessments of the damage. We also have emergency kits available to help the families after a fire. Thank you to our local community who has been supporting us for over 21 years.

We're proud to be a part of the Bobcat Home Team

Buffalo Restoration is proud to be a part of the Bobcat Home Team! The company owners, Bill and Gail Yanker, are die hard MSU fans. You'll see them in the front row at all of the games.  We live here, we work here, and we give back to this community.

Here's to another great year of Bobcat football!

Buffalo Restoration Invests in New State of the Art Deodorizing Equipment

At Buffalo Restoration, we pride ourselves in using the best and most cutting edge equipment on the market.  We like to stay ahead of the curve because we know that better equipment means we can get the job done better and faster which saves our customers money.

We couldn't help sharing the latest addition to our collection, the Hydroxyl Generator. It looks like something from the future, but beyond its glowing blue lights is a list of benefits we couldn't pass up. We're geeks when it comes to restoration equipment so let us explain why we're so excited.

Randal Halvorson and Christopher Yanker with our new Hydroxyl Generators

The Hydroxyl Generator is a safe and chemical free air purification and deodorizing system. Other deodorizers use ozone which can be harmful to humans so the equipment could only be used while people were out of their homes. With the Hydroxyl Generator, we can deodorize a home while the owners are there, or while our crews are doing other projects so that we can get multiple things done at once.

Here's how it works: "The 365nm to 385nm UVA Rays emitted from Titan's TiO2 Photocatalytic Lamps pass through a Permanent Anatase TiO2 Coated Super Reactor Screen which is designed to hold the maximum amount of Highly Reactive Nano Sized Anatase Titanium Dioxide, and as a result, electron hole pairs are formed that react with the H20 and O2 in the air and produce Free Electrons and Hydroxyl Radicals that when dispersed by the fan will decompose organic and inorganic gases and air pollutants into carbon dioxide and water."

Wow, hard to understand right? But it's clear, this system can kill even the nastiest of odors.

We're excited about the possibilities with this new technology. We can use these generators to kill germs in the air in places like doctor's waiting rooms, nursing homes, day care centers, beauty parlors, etc.  So call us if you want to get your home or business smelling fresh again!

National Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month!

If disaster strikes, would you be ready? In your business? In your home? Will you know what to grab in a moment's notice? How will you serve your customers while you're away from your office? How will you care for your family away from your home?

Nobody wants to think about what will happen if you experience a disaster.  It isn't normal to focus on the worst possible situation. But at Buffalo Restoration, we know all too well that disasters happen. Fires have been rampant in our community this Summer.  Disasters like wildfires can completely disrupt your life but if you have a plan, you'll minimize the impact on your family or business.

The President has declared September 2012 National Preparedness Month. 

Barack Obama says in this proclamation, "I encourage all Americans to visit www.Ready.gov or www.Listo.gov to learn more about the risks facing their communities, find out what they can do to prepare, and join thousands of individuals from coast to coast by becoming a member of the National Preparedness Coalition.  Individuals and families can also take action by building a disaster supply kit with food, water, and essential supplies in case of emergency, and by developing and sharing an emergency plan with their loved ones."

It is better to be proactive in preparing for disaster than to wait to react after it happens. You will likely have very little or no time to make a plan when disaster strikes. Give yourself peace of mind and security knowing that you can weather the toughest storm.


 President Obama finishes by saying, "As cities and towns across our country recover from natural disasters that have spanned historic drought to devastating wildfires and storms, we are reminded of the spirit of resilience that binds us together as one people and as one American family.  This month, let us honor that spirit by standing with all those affected by recent severe weather, as well as past disasters, and by taking the steps we can to protect our loved ones and our communities before disaster strikes."

5 Most Common Causes of House Fires

According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are more than 500,000 residential fires each year causing more than 4,000 deaths.  

The number one most common cause of house fires is cooking.  Kitchen fires are responsible for 28% of all house fires.  Be cautious when using a deep fryer with hot oil or grease. Make sure you turn off your oven and stove. And don’t wear loose clothing while cooking over a flame.

The second most common cause of house fires is supplemental heating appliances such as space heathers and fireplaces.  They cause on average 120,000 fires a year. Make sure to turn off all supplemental heating appliances when you leave the home and when you go to bed. When they are on, make sure to keep all combustible materials such as furniture, curtains, and fire wood at least 3 ft. away. A screen should be placed in front of any open flames.  It is wise to have your furnace serviced and your air filters changed regularly.

Other causes of fires include faulty wiring, candles, and cigarettes. Electrical wiring should never be exposed and should always be insulated. Never try to do electrical work yourself, hire a registered electrician. Be careful not to overload power outlets and don’t place extension cords under the furniture or carpet.

Use candles only on noncombustible surfaces and away from flammable materials. Never leave a candle unattended and don’t let it burn to close to the bottom.

Cigarettes and lighters are dangerous and require caution.  Never smoke in bed or on upholstered furniture.  Ensure cigarette butts are extinguished completely in an ashtray. Embers can smolder in bedding or trash cans and burst into flame. Don’t smoke when tired or drowsy as you may drop your cigarette onto carpet or furniture.  Keep all lighters and matches away from children.

Fires happen every day.  Protect your family and your home by being cautious and diligent about fire safety.  Plan an emergency route out of your house and educate your children about who to call in case of a fire.  Buffalo Restoration sees the aftermath of fires on a routine basis. Don’t let a careless mistake destroy your biggest investment. 

Buffalo Restoration Sells Coffee to Benefit Local Firefighters

Join Buffalo Restoration and the Bozeman Fire Department at the Bogert Farmer's Market on Tuesday August 21 from 5pm-8pm.   The Firehouse Blend coffee, made by City Brew, supports the many programs of the International Association of Firefighters Foundation.  IAFF provides assistance to burn victims, fire prevention awareness, and advocacy. Buffalo Restoration has purchased a case of this coffee and is offering to sell the coffee to benefit the local Bozeman fire stations. 100% of the sales of the Firehouse Blend coffee benefit the Bozeman fire stations.  So, we've got a win win. Each bag you've purchased has supported not only the IAFF fund but will also support your local firefighters.  It is great coffee to boot!

Be an everyday hero and join us as we raise money for the men and women who keep our families, homes, and entire community safe everyday.

For more information about the Fire House Blend coffee, visit City Brew Coffee.

Got Condo Insurance?: Not So Simple

Buffalo Restoration knows the ins and outs of insurance coverage. We've learned from our years of experience that people are often confused about their coverage and don't see the issues until a disaster has happened.

The most confusing and complicated insurance situations we've seen involve condominiums, town-homes, and apartments.  Most of these complexes are insured through the homeowners association with a policy that covers the common areas such as the roofing, walls, and ceiling. Some people may think that this policy will cover their belongings, appliances, or structures within their unit but it all depends.  If you live in a condo, apartment, or town-home, we suggest that you check to make sure that you have coverage inside your unit, as well as through your H.O.A. Here is a helpful article that examples some of the different types of coverage for these types of buildings. http://www.ehow.com/facts_5982545_condominium-owner-insurance-information.html

Buffalo Restoration offers a program called Disaster Shield, free of charge. If your H.O.A. would like Buffalo to present on disaster preparedness so that your building has a plan in case of disaster, please call. We're happy to help you prepare for the worst to give you peace of mind.  We know that thinking ahead can save time and money when something unexpected happens. Don't wait until its too late. It is always a good idea to be proactive when you're dealing with your biggest investment, your home.

Buffalo Restoration Offers2012 Fire Scholarship

At Buffalo Restoration, we understand the sacrifices our local firefighters make. We see their heroic actions go often unnoticed or unrecognized. It is time to thank them, and their families, for what they have given to our communities.

We're offering a $1,000 scholarship to the child or grandchild of a career or volunteer firefighter in Gallatin, Park, and Madison counties. The scholarship may be used for educational or enrichment opportunities for a child of any age.

Applications are due by September 17, 2012. Applications are available online at www.buffalorestoration.com/scholarship or at a local fire station.

Contact E.J. Porth at 406-586-1809 for more information. Thank you to all our local firefighters for their service!

Going for Gold...

Watching the Olympics? Buffalo Restoration technicians, like athletes, know that training pays off. Our technicians are experts in specialized techniques to restore your home or business after water, fire, or mold damage. We know that hard work, practice, and constant education are important to making sure that we preform at the top of our game, and in the industry as a whole.  


And our most recent gold medalist, resident carpet and rug cleaner Randal Halvorson, has achieved national recognition for his work on restoring a rug that was damaged in a house fire.  Randal's work was featured as a winner for Photo of the Month in Cleanfax Magazine. He will receive a chemical prize package worth $500! 


In the article he says "This rug came from a severe house fire. This is by far the worst rug I've attempted to salvage since 1997, when I started cleaning. The first step was to dry the rug, then I vacuumed it and dusted it. I soaked the rug in our pond for six hours, agitating four times during that period, and then rinsed it thoroughly. My next step was to clean with a rug shampoo, deodorize and then a final rinse." http://www.cleanfax.com/carpet-cleaning/article/photo-of-the-month-contest-august-2012

Congratulations to Randal for his outstanding work. And it just goes to show, the Buffalo herd is going for gold, every day. 

We Made It Feel Like Home Again...

This past weekend Buffalo Restoration had the pleasure of hosting a 'Welcome Home' party for some recent customers. They faced tragedy when their family home burned last year. Their contents were charred, their walls covered in ash, and the home where they raised their children, memories included, changed forever.

Buffalo Restoration helped this family restore peace to their lives. We restored and cleaned their valuable contents. We demolished the damaged walls and ceilings. We removed the overwhelming smell of smoke throughout the house. We walked them through a chaotic process of putting their lives back together.

And now, finally, we're happy to hear that it feels like home again. It was a joy to see them back in their home with their belongings, children, and grandchildren. We celebrated the completion of this long and exhausting process with their neighbors and friends. It was a chance to see the silver lining: a beautifully restored home and the safety and support of family and friends.  We are honored to have been able to help this family during their time of need.

Ten Tips for a Safe and Healthy Home Environment

At Buffalo Restoration, we believe your home is the most important place in your world.  It is your largest investment. It holds your family memories. It keeps your children safe. So we encourage you to keep your home environment safe and healthy for you and your family with the following tips.  Being proactive will give you peace of mind and reduce your risk of health effects and damage to your home. 

1. Get a humidifier- it can prevent dry skin and help you to breathe easier; adding too much moisture in the air can lead to fungal growth so be careful.

2. Invest in slip prevention- reduce the amount of clutter on the floors, wear proper footwear, modify areas that are prone to falls such as wet bathroom floors or loose rugs.

3. Reduce Allergens- clean your house at least once per week, invest in a vacuum with a HEPA filter which traps dust and mold spores so they don’t circulate back into the air.

4. Clean your air ducts- An average home collects up to 40 pounds of dust per year. The duct system is the lungs of the house; if they are dirty chances are so is the air.  Cleaning the ducts can reduce indoor air pollutants and irritants. It is recommended to clean every 3-5 years.

5. Consider an air filter- reduce the source of indoor pollutants first, then purchasing an air filter may help clean the air.

6. Check smoke detectors- change batteries annually and make sure detector is in good working order.

7. Purchase a carbon monoxide detector- install one in your home and check batteries and make sure it is in good working order.

8. Purchase a first aid kit- have one handy in the house and one in the car is also a great idea.  Make sure each member in the home knows where it is in case of an emergency.

9. Food preservation- check expiration dates on all food items, and also check dry food in the pantry for possible flour moths.

10. Radon Testing- radon is a colorless, odorless gas that comes from the earth and can rise into the home.  Call a local professional for a radon test to see if action is needed.

Tips to prepare your family and home for fires

The recent wildfires around the state have everyone on edge, particularly those whose homes and businesses are directly threatened. There is quite a bit of information on the status of the fires and the threats to residential and commercial structures. In times like these many may feel powerless against the cruelty of nature.  Although we may not be able to control the fire, there are proactive things that home owners can do to prepare for an evacuation and/ or potential damage to their home.  Ben Yanker at locally owned Buffalo Restoration has years of experience in restoring homes after fire damage, from the mildest cases to full reconstruction projects. “We take pride in educating our clients so we can help minimize damage in our community the best we can. Most people never think they will have to deal with a fire so taking steps to prepare usually gets overlooked.  When dealing with a catastrophe like this, it’s important to set realistic expectations that not everyone can be served at the same time. Taking control of the situation by being responsible for yourself and family will help relieve stress. It’s important to make sure you have enough personal items such as clothing, medications, supplies, food and water because you don’t know when you’ll be able to return home.” The following list includes tips to help the public prepare for short and long term evacuation, reduce fire damage risk in the home, and ensure accurate insurance coverage.

·         Remove any valuable paperwork including medical records, medications, legal documents, birth certificates, and social security cards.

·         Don’t forget about your pets.  Pack ample food and any medications they need along with their favorite toys.

·         Back up your computers and store off-site while keeping hard copies of all your important contacts.

·         Remove family photos, scrapbooks, guns, ammunition, safety deposit box key, and other irreplaceable items.

·         Create a barrier around you home by removing any trees and loose debris.

·         Move all combustible materials away from the home which would include propane tanks, ammunition, and gas cans.

·         Close windows, doors, and crawl spaces.

·         Turn off your gas supply.

·         Take photos of each room in your house. This will help document the contents if replacement or repair is needed.

·         Remove insurance information including your agent and policy numbers.

·         Contact your insurance agent to confirm your home is insured to its current value (a 30 day waiting period might apply).

Buffalo Restoration encourages their clients to be prepared for the worst and hope for the best.  Buffalo has been the expert and leader in fire and water damage in the Gallatin Valley for the past 21 years. For more information about Buffalo Restoration, visit www.buffalorestoration.com.

 For the full article visit KBZK's website below.

http://www.kbzk.com/news/tips-to-prepare-your-family-and-home-for-fires/

Buffalo Restoration in Bozeman has moved

Buffalo Restoration has been serving our community for 21 years, 17 of those have been at our previous location. We are excited to be in our new state of the art facility at 555 Manley Road in Bozeman. We built this building to better serve our clients and expand the services we can offer. Our team consists of 19 trained individuals who enjoy helping our customers. Buffalo Restoration is the leader in Bozeman water damage and fire damage repair. We also specialize in mold remediation, contents cleaning and storage, rug, carpet and upholstery cleaning.

It's time to get ready for the flooding season

Even though we haven't had the snow fall like we normally do, flooding is always a concern in the spring time. I've been seeing businesses advertising sandbag sales and people starting to gear up for the run off.

Most of the time flooding is not covered on a typical homeowners insurance policy and there is a 30 day waiting period for the coverage to go into effect. If you are concerned about your home or businesses flooding this year, you might want to be pro-active and contact your agent today.

We are certified to waterproof crawl spaces and basements to prevent flood damage to your home or business. If you are interested in these services you can check out our waterproofing page for more information.

How to prevent damage from the three main sources of water losses

Thankfully the mild winter has almost eliminated frozen pipe claims and related damage.

However there are three sources of water damage that occur in homes and businesses.
1. Washing Machine Hoses
2. Water Heaters
3. Water Pipes

1. Washing machine hoses are the culprit for thousands of dollars in damage to homes each year. If the hose is faulty or worn out, the damage can be extensive. It is recommended to use a steel braided hose instead of the standard reinforced rubber. These hoses can last longer and hopefully prevent a burst while you are away.

2. It is recommended to clean your water heater annually if you also have a water softener.  The sediment will build up over time and can cause problems. The average life span on a water heater is about 6 to 10 years.   


3. Water pipes can be inspected on a regular basis to hopefully prevent major water damage from happening. A visual inspection of the pipes in your crawl space, by your washing machine and water heater is a good idea. These are the most obvious leaks to detect and can be relatively easy to fix prior to a major leak. Contact your local plumber if you find anything that looks like it is wearing out or leaking.

Like the old saying goes...an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Business Continuity Planning

Not many people wake up in the morning and ponder what they would do if their business caught on fire during the night or had massive water damage. What would you do? Would you be prepared to handle your customers? Would you be able to access your electronic files? Would you be able to stay in business after a major catastrophe such as this?

If these questions make you nervous or if you don't have a plan in place then look no further for help.

We created a customized program called Disaster Shield which is a program for businesses to help them prepare for a disaster. 25-40% of businesses never reopen after a fire or water loss, and we are on a mission to reduce that statistic.

Contact our office today to schedule an initial consultation for these services today. As always thank you for supporting your local restoration company.

Are you protected from carbon monoxide?

According to FEMA, more than 150 die each year from accidental exposure to carbon monoxide. They refer to the gas as the invisible killer. Because the gas has no taste, smell or visibility, it can kill occupants before they know it is present in their home. It is important to protect you and your family against this toxic gas by installing a carbon monoxide detector.  Firefighters often recommend carbon monoxide detector that have a digital readout such as the Nighthawk 2000. Most alarms have a lifespan of about 5 years and it is recommended changing them on time. Follow the manufactures instructions for the most effective installation.

Carbon monoxide poisoning can be caused by gas and wood fireplaces, gas stoves, water heaters, charcoal grills and vehicles. Everyone is at risk for CO poisoning but infants and elderly are at an increased risk.

For more information on Carbon Monoxide you can visit www.epa.gov or bozemanfirefighters.org

Don't let mold ruin the sale of a home

Mold is always a hot button for buyers, sellers and real estate agents alike. Mold shouldn't be an issue that botches the sale of a home. An important item to note is that mold can be taken care of before or after closing. What we recommend is if an inspector detects mold in the home that the sellers ask for a free estimate to be completed.


We offer free mold estimates around the Bozeman area, and our technicians do a thorough job of inspecting the home to scope the entire area that is affected. Our company uses source removal so both the buyer and seller can be rest assured the mold is in fact gone. No bleach or white paint is used, that is known as masking and doesn't effectively take care of the problem.

Something to consider is why the mold is present and taking care of the source of the moisture so the mold doesn't return. Mold needs an environment with 3 things: Organic materials (this is it's food), a moisture content of 65% and higher, and a temperature between 60 and 90 degrees. 

As far as completing the work:
It can be completed before the closing and the seller covers the cost OR
After closing and the home can be reduced by the estimate amount and the buyer covers the cost

The bottom line is mold can be taken care of so both parties are happy and the home can still be sold. Please give our office a call if you have a mold concern you would like an estimate on.

Mold in your home

Even though we don't experience humidity in Montana like other states, mold is still a very present and real issue in our homes and businesses. We are equipped with the right knowledge and equipment to clean mold that may be present. One of our biggest concerns when cleaning mold is getting to the source of the moisture and trying to prevent mold growth from happening in the future.

This is a very helpful article from the EPA website on moisture control.


Moisture Control
Water in your home can come from many sources. Water can enter your home by leaking or by seeping through basement floors. Showers or even cooking can add moisture to the air in your home. The amount of moisture that the air in your home can hold depends on the temperature of the air. As the temperature goes down, the air is able to hold less moisture. This is why, in cold weather, moisture condenses on cold surfaces (for example, drops of water form on the inside of a window). This moisture can encourage biological pollutants to grow.
There are many ways to control moisture in your home:

• Fix leaks and seepage. If water is entering the house from the outside, your options range from simple landscaping to extensive excavation and waterproofing. (The ground should slope away from the house.) Water in the basement can result from the lack of gutters or a water flow toward the house. Water leaks in pipes or around tubs and sinks can provide a place for biological pollutants to grow.
• Put a plastic cover over dirt in crawlspaces to prevent moisture from coming in from the ground. Be sure crawlspaces are well-ventilated.
• Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to remove moisture to the outside (not into the attic). Vent your clothes dryer to the outside.
• Turn off certain appliances (such as humidifiers or kerosene heaters) if you notice moisture on windows and other surfaces.
• Use dehumidifiers and air conditioners, especially in hot, humid climates, to reduce moisture in the air, but be sure that the appliances themselves don't become sources of biological pollutants.
• Raise the temperature of cold surfaces where moisture condenses. Use insulation or storm windows. (A storm window installed on the inside works better than one installed on the outside.) Open doors between rooms (especially doors to closets which may be colder than the rooms) to increase circulation. Circulation carries heat to the cold surfaces. Increase air circulation by using fans and by moving furniture from wall corners to promote air and heat circulation. Be sure that your house has a source of fresh air and can expel excessive moisture from the home.
• Pay special attention to carpet on concrete floors. Carpet can absorb moisture and serve as a place for biological pollutants to grow. Use area rugs which can be taken up and washed often. In certain climates, if carpet is to be installed over a concrete floor, it may be necessary to use a vapor barrier (plastic sheeting) over the concrete and cover that with sub-flooring (insulation covered with plywood) to prevent a moisture problem.
• Moisture problems and their solutions differ from one climate to another. The Northeast is cold and wet; the Southwest is hot and dry; the South is hot and wet; and the Western Mountain states are cold and dry. All of these regions can have moisture problems. For example, evaporative coolers used in the Southwest can encourage the growth of biological pollutants. In other hot regions, the use of air conditioners which cool the air too quickly may prevent the air conditioners from running long enough to remove excess moisture from the air. The types of construction and weatherization for the different climates can lead to different problems and solutions. 

http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldresources.html#Floods

As always we offer inspections and estimates for mold if you are concerned about areas in your home. http://buffalorestoration.com/restoration-services/mold-remediation.php

Steps to take if your pipes freeze in your home

So far we have had a very mild winter but pipes can still freeze and cause damage. I found this article on the State Farm's website that has some good tips in case this happens in your home. 

For the full article you can visit:  http://learningcenter.statefarm.com/residence/maintenance/preventing-frozen-pipes/index.html

If Your Pipes Do Freeze

What do you do if your pipes still freeze, despite your best preventative measures? First step: Don’t panic. Just because they’re frozen doesn’t mean they’ve already burst. Here’s what you can do:

• If you turn on your faucets and nothing comes out, leave the faucets turned on and call a plumber.
• Do not use electrical appliances in areas of standing water: You could be electrocuted.
• Never try to thaw a pipe with a torch or other open flame because it could cause a fire hazard. Water damage is preferable to burning down your house!
• You may be able to thaw a frozen pipe with the warm air from a hair dryer. Start by warming the pipe as close to the faucet as possible, working toward the coldest section of pipe.
• If your water pipes have already burst, turn off the water at the main shutoff valve in the house; leave the water faucets turned on. Make sure everyone in your family knows where the water shutoff valve is and how to open and close it.