Be Smart This Black Friday

11/22/2017 (Permalink)

Why would anyone want to stand in long lines when they don’t have to?

It’s that time of year again. The deals should be better than ever with most store shelves stocked. So, how do you stay a step ahead of the madness? But, never fear, here are a few tips to try and be a smart shopper.

• Watch for early deals. Many stores start Black Friday a few days early, so keep an eye out for deals. Get it before it’s gone.
• Watch for scams. Since this is a popular time of year it’s important that you be very careful when shopping on the internet.
• Watch the wallet. Just because something is on sale doesn’t necessarily mean you need it. Make a list and stick to it. You can buy for everyone on your list without going overboard.
• Watch from home. Unless you really like standing in long lines in the wee hours of the morning, why not shop from the comfort of your favorite chair? Get that cup of coffee, watch the winter birds outside your window, and grab your laptop to let your fingers do the shopping. Not only will you avoid the long lines but you can shop as long as you want just by clicking a button.

How to Cope With Fewer Hours of Daylight

11/10/2017 (Permalink)

Pay attention to the signs and avoid the winter blues

• Daylight saving time ends each Fall, at a time when sunlight hours are already declining.

Much of North America isn’t affected as much as countries further up north, but it’s still enough to make us feel a little down.

Here are a few ways to cope with darkness and see it in a different light.

• Be aware of SAD, Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression that’s actually related to the change in seasons, beginning and ending about the same time each year. Symptoms usually start in the fall and continuing into the winter months. It may reduce a persons energy and make them fell really moody. SAD can get worse and lead to severe problems if it’s not dealt with. 
• Make daytime count. Spend more time outside when the sun is bright. When at lunch, sit by a window where the sun is shining in or talk a walk after eating.
• Socialize more. Instead of being cooped up indoors alone,  go to spots where local people gather indoors, like coffee houses, resturants or shopping malls. Just being with friends and family can get rid of the winter blues.

Exercise more. Using the darkness can be an excuse to excercise in a gym of fitness center, even if all you do is walk. Physical activies can relieve anxiety and depression, thus improving ones mood.

If a person developes the right attitude, the darkness of fall and winter may not send a person into the doldrums.

Are You Hurricane Ready?

9/7/2017 (Permalink)

Are you prepared in case a hurricane hits the Lenoir, Duplin and Jones County Area. SERVPRO of Lenoir, Duplin and Jones Counties hopes everyone is prepared, but in case you're not here are 8 tips to make sure you are ready.

1. Water. Be sure to buy enough bottled water to last your family several days. Each person normally needs at least a half-gallon per day.
2. Food. Store at least 3-5 days of non-perishable food such as peanut butter, tuna, canned beans, cereals, protein bars, dried fruits, etc.
3. Medications. Make sure you and other family members have your prescription medications on hand because the pharmacies may be out of stock for a couple of weeks after a storm.
4. Cooler. If the electricity does go out, be sure to keep a cooler on hand to make sure your food and medications are kept cold until the power returns.
5. Gasoline. Make sure at least one of your vehicles is filled with gas a day or 2 before the approaching storm is due to hit. Also, don't forget to fill your gas cans for your generator.
6. Flashlights, Batteries & Weather Radio. If your electricity does go out, make sure you have a flashlight for each person. Store enough batteries to power your necessities for at least 3 days. Also, a weather radio can prove to be a very valuable item that every family should have no mater where you live.
7. Disposable Items. Try to make sure you have things like paper plates, plastic utensils, diapers, paper towels and toilet paper, garbage bags, etc.

8. Comfort Items. To pass the time, make sure to have reading material, a deck of cards, board games, etc. Also, keep your kids comfort items close by. It's nice to have something to keep them busy and calm.

These are probably the most important tips to apply when preparing for a hurricane. We, here at SERVPRO of Lenoir, Duplin, and Jones Counties, hope none of this is ever needed.  This is information that will prove very useful if a hurricane should hit our area.