This has been a difficult year for many of us. Businesses struggling, some closing, and more to close, leaving people in further financial distress. You cannot turn on the news without hearing about all of the tragedy in the world. People are even losing family and friends because of their political views.

 

Those of us in the customer service industry have been challenged with trying to grow or maintain the relationships that keep us earning a living. We want you to know that Savage Restoration is here for you, more than ever, to help you with the relationships you have with your customers. Too many in the insurance industry have made the choice to avoid claims and send their customers to an 800 number when they are in distress. Better than 60% of our business currently comes directly from insurance carriers and third-party management programs. We still get to assist your customers, but you do not. This process works but is not the friendly customer service experience your customers would appreciate. There are claim representatives on the phone assigning companies like Savage Restoration to mitigate their losses. By the time the claim reaches us a day may pass, while your customer is waiting for help. The personal touch is not there until we arrive. Because of COVID, most carriers are not even sending a field adjuster. The only adjuster they are in contact with is on the phone somewhere in another state.

 

Make 2021 the year you choose to reconnect with your customers and provide the excellent customer service your customers deserve. It is what you would want if you needed help. Encourage your customers to call YOU when they need claim help. You can have them call Savage Restoration for a fast, professional, and personal service experience. Without you, we might still be assigned the claim, but without you getting credit for helping your customer when they needed you most.

 How-to Stay Safe During the Holidays

Festive celebrations, flickering lights, and winter greens are hallmarks of the holiday season, but they also present fire risks that can quickly turn this festive time of year into a devastating one. Here are the 4 hazards that can cause a trip to the emergency room.

 

Holiday Lights and Candles

Every year, more than 50,000 home fires are started by electrical problems, according to the NFPA. So, when it comes to hanging lights, follow the directions on the box closely. Follow the obvious:

• ·      Only use outdoor lights.
• ·      Always inspect lights before you hang and plug them in. Check for frayed wires, broken bulbs and sockets, and loose connections.

Also, be sure to keep a watchful eye on candles; keep them away from the tree, decorations, and other things that can burn. The U.S. Fire Administration states that candles cause more than 10 deaths, 175 injuries, and $20 million in property damage each holiday season.

The Fireplace

Fireplaces can lead to hazardous fires. Follow the list below to prevent fireplace fires:

• ·      Be sure your home has working smoke alarms on every level.
• ·      Dispose of ashes with great care to assure that an unexpected fire will not start due to hot ashes.
• ·      Only burn seasoned firewood, meaning wood that is low in moisture.
• ·      Screen the fireplace to prevent embers from popping out onto the floor or carpet.
• ·      Never use flammable liquids to start a fire in the fireplace.
• ·      Do not throw wrapping paper into the fireplace.
• ·      When cleaning out the fireplace, put embers in a metal container and set them outside to cool for 24 hours before disposal.
• ·      Have a professional chimney sweep inspect and clean the fireplace and chimney annually. Maintenance is crucial to prevent creosote buildups and potential fires. 

Christmas Trees

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), an average of 240 home fires begin with Christmas trees every year. These fires result in deaths, injuries, and roughly $17 million in property damage. When choosing a real tree, opt for one that is green. If you are going with an artificial tree, be sure to choose one that is fire-resistant (look for a label). Remember that trees with built-in electrical systems should also have the label of an independent test laboratory that is approved to perform safety testing. The safest tree is a flame-resistant artificial one; follow this advice if you want to bring a fresh one home.

Savage Restoration is always willing to help you and help your insured’s get their properties back to a pre-loss condition. Whether it be WATER, FIRE, MOLD or BIOHAZARD property damage we are “There When You Need Us”