801 Industrial Boulevard

Gallatin, TN 37066 For more information contact:

Maura Satchell Lou Sepe, Media Relations Specialist Owner Servpro Industries, Inc. SERVPRO of Broome County msatchell@servpronet.com lsepe@stny.rr.com

Tel: (615) 451-0200 x 1644 (607) 724-3328 Cel: (615) 238-5500 For immediate release: BINGHAMTON – SERVPRO® Franchise gets aid from across the nation by Corporate STORM RESPONSE TEAM While Lou and Michelle Sepe were driving to Gallatin, Tenn. to receive awards during the SERVPRO Franchise System’s 37th Annual National Convention, the floodwaters were approaching their 17 South Washington Street, Binghamton location. Daughter Danielle, 25, and son Justin, 22, managed, with the help of friends and colleagues, to evacuate the essentials to keep the business up and running and more importantly, to aid fellow businesses and homeowners throughout Broome and surrounding counties in the restoration and cleanup following the floods in the region last week. At the close of the National Convention, more than 30 SERVPRO Storm Teams made up of fellow SERVPRO Franchise Owners from around the nation filled cat-loss trucks and headed up north with the senior Sepes. “Storm Teams from all over the country have come to assist us,” Lou Sepe said on Tuesday, taking a break from the constant calls from property owners needing help cleaning up the blackwater mess that seeped into their buildings. “Right now it’s devastation here, it’s like Katrina,” he added. Sepe wants to let property owners know SERVPRO is there to answer their call. With Storm Teams from as far as the Gulf Coast and Western U.S. on hand with truckmounted extractors and air movers to speed up drying, it is important for property owners to recognize that prompt response is essential to mitigate secondary damage caused by standing water. “We’re trying to get our name out there because there are so many people that are just devastated and don’t know what to do,” Sepe said. On SERVPRO’s website is a list of “Emergency Dos and Don’ts,” for damage caused by fire and smoke, vandalism and water. Below are the Dos and Don’ts for water damage:

Do: Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting. Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and table top items. Remove and prop wet upholstery and pillow cushions for even drying. Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting. Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.

801 Industrial Boulevard

Gallatin, TN 37066 Remove Oriental rugs or other colored rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpeting. Remove valuable paintings and art objects to a safe, dry place. Open and place luggage, in sunlight to dry, if possible. Gather loose items, toys, etc. from floors.

Don’t: Leave wet fabrics in place; dry as soon as possible. Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature. Leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpets or floors. Use your household vacuum to remove water. Use TVs or other household appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors, especially not on wet concrete floors. Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water. Founded in 1967, Servpro Industries, Inc. franchise system is a national leader and provider of fire, water, mold and other specialty cleanup and restoration services. SERVPRO's professional services network of more than 1,300 individually owned and operated franchises responds to property damage emergencies ranging from multi-million dollar disasters affecting entire communities to those suffered by individual businesses and homes. Providing coverage in 48 states, SERVPRO® has established relationships with major insurance companies, government entities, and commercial clients, as well as individual homeowners. For more information, contact Servpro Industries, Inc. at 1-800-SERVPRO or visit us on the web at www.servpro.com where a list of emergency do’s and don’ts is available.