Are you prepared for the next cold snap? Must do tips here.

JANUARY 2009

Are we done Yet?
BRENDA 07 CHRISTMAS

Dear (contact first name),

I don't know about you, but I've see just about all I want of this kind of weather. It was a beautiful Christmas and the snow was so nice to look at over the hills and on the roof tops but I'm hoping we're done for now. As beautiful as it was to look at, the snow really wreaked havoc on so many. All of our trucks were unable to get out for almost a week. And I think it fair to say that many of us, myself included, were completely taken off guard.

This question now is, are we prepared for another one? I'm not a weather man nor do I have a crystal ball but I'm certainly going to be better prepared next time.

How about you? Are you ready for another cold snap? We had some close calls during the last one and for those needing special services, it could have been lethal. Here are some things to consider in preparation for another cold snap...

BEFORE THE STORM

Stay alert to winter storm warning messages.

Have snow removal equipment and rock salt on hand to melt ice on walkways and kitty litter to generate temporary traction.

Make sure you have sufficient heating fuel; regular fuel sources may be cut off.

Winterize your home (For help with this one, contact Casey's Plumbing).

Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows.

Have safe emergency heating equipment available such as small, well-vented, wood, coal, or camp stove with fuel. Portable space heaters. (Kerosene Heaters: Check with your local fire department on the legality of using kerosene heaters in your community. Use only the correct fuel for your unit and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Refuel outdoors only, and only when cool. Keep your kerosene heater at least 3 feet away from furniture and other flammable objects.)

For those with a fireplace, have ample supply of wood or pellets.

Install and check smoke detectors.

Keep pipes from freezing.

Let faucets drip a little to avoid freezing.

Know how to shut off your water.

Information provided by

For help with your plumbing preparedness, please call Casey's Plumbing at 503-620-9111.

For help with your electrical, smoke detectors etc., please call Metro's Best Electric at 503-643-8833.

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE HUGE MONEY SAVING COUPONS AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS NEWSLETTER!

New Extended Hours of Plumbing Service

Casey's Plumbing now offers service 7 days a week from 8 AM to 6 PM.

And in an effort to meet the needs of those who would rather not miss work for a service call,
we are considering a swing shift that will extend our hours to 10 PM.

The above changes will continue to operate at day time rates.

503-620-9111

CCB 147298

This Month Special (new)

10 YEAR DELUXE WATER HEATER - $100 OFF

Includes all material necessary to install including earthquake straps, stand (if needed), new shut off valves, expansion tank, hauling away old water heater and a 10 year parts AND labor warranty.

You also receive 10 annual service calls to ensure its' proper operation at no additional costs.

Call 503-620-9111 to schedule an estimate.

Flooded Basements. We Have a Cure!

The excessive snow and resulting melt off caused flooding for home owners all over the greater Portland area. And the coming rainy season will certainly bring even more flooding.

In many cases, home owners did have a sump pump system in place but because of the volume or maybe a power outage, they still ended up with a mess.

We have a solution that will not only keep the water out as needed but includes a "non-electric" backup system in case of power failure. These systems are a little spendy but when it comes to the protection of your home and it's contents, it really is a bargain!

For an evaluation and quote, call...

503-643-4433

CCB 147298

They never thought it could happen to them.

North Charleston, SC -

A fire broke out at a mobile home off of Stafford Road in North Charleston, fully engulfing the residence and displacing the family of six.

The North Charleston Fire Department responded to the fire. It took 10-15 firefighters to put the flames out, due to heavy and violent winds in the area.

No one was injured.

NCPD Battalion Chief Eric Phillips said the fire was caused by an electrical short.

The family is being assisted by the Red Cross tonight.

Courtesy of NBC News

Each year, electrical fires in our homes claim the lives of 485 Americans and injure 2,305 more. Some of these fires are caused by electrical system failures and appliance defects, but many more are caused by the misuse and poor maintenance of electrical appliances, incorrectly installed wiring, and overloaded circuits and extension cords.

Metro's Best Electric is offering $75.00 off of any complete home electrical evaluation. This includes testing the circuit loads, testing all receptacles and switches as well as the entire lighting load.

Call today to see if an evaluation would be in your best interest.

"Keeping the lights on"

503-643-8833

CCB 147298

Recipe of the Month - Mango Orange Salsa
Shana Larsen, Ready, Set, Eat

A real taste treat! Perfect for serving with your favorite tortilla chips, or serving with grilled chicken, fish, or pork. Sweet, tangy and slightly spicy, it's a wonderful combination for the lover of tropical fruits!

1/4 c. red onion, minced
1 large mango, ripe
2 oranges
1 jalapeno, seeded and minced
2 tsp. rice vinegar
1 dash cayenne pepper
1 lime, juiced
1 pinch salt

Peel mango. Cut fruit off of the pit and dice the mango into small cubes. Place in a medium bowl.

Cut the ends off of the oranges and slice away the peel and white pith deep enough to expose the fruit. Cut sections out between the membranes, catching and reserving juice. Dice the orange sections. Add to bowl with juice.

To the mangoes and oranges, add the onion, jalapeno peppers (seeds can be left in for more heat, as desired), vinegar, cayenne, lime juice, and salt. Mix well, then serve!

Servings: 4

Click here for even more great recipe ideas...

I am humbled with the response we have received over the years for our unique quality focused service.

I covet your continued patronage and promise to continue our level of service whenever you should need us.

Sincerely,

William Casey - Owner and GM
Casey's Plumbing Inc.
Rooter n Drains
Metro's Best Electric

In This Issue

NEW SERVICE HOURS

"WE NEVER DREAMED IT WOULD HAPPEN TO US"

A CURE FOR BASEMENT FLOODING

THIS MONTH'S PLUMBING SPECIAL

RECIPE OF THE MONTH

TOILET ALERT

FOR A VERY LIMITED TIME, LOCAL WATER DISTRICTS WILL PAY YOU TO UPGRADE YOUR TOILET.

ALL BUT ONE WATER DISTRICT WILL PAY YOU $100 TOWARDS A NEW WATER SAVING TOILET.

Call Casey's Plumbing for more details.

503-620-9111

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