JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Oct. 1, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Paul Davis Restoration, Inc., a national franchise company and leading provider of fire, water and mold damage restoration services for residential and commercial properties is participating in this year's National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) Fire Prevention Week, October 7-13. This year's theme is, Have 2 Ways Out and for children, Be Rabbit Ready.
According to NFPA, when fire strikes, a home could be engulfed in smoke and flames in just a few minutes. Have a home fire escape plan that prepares families to think fast and get out quickly when the smoke alarm sounds. If escape routes are blocked, two ways out should be a key part of an evacuation plan. Focus on the importance of fire escape planning and practice. Most importantly, have two ways out of every room through windows and doors. A fire escape or ladder from window exits is imperative.
In 2011, U.S. fire departments responded to more than 1.3 million fires. These fires resulted in more than 3,000 civilian fire fatalities, and 17,500 civilian fire injuries along with an estimated $11 billion in direct property loss. Home fires caused 84 percent of civilian fire deaths. Visit www.fpw.org.
J. "Sonny" Bass, Paul Davis' Technical Director of Emergency Services suggests additional tips to help keep homeowners and their families safe:
- Smoke alarms should be installed; never remove or disable smoke alarms.
- Test smoke alarms at least monthly by pushing the test button.
- Don't leave cooking items or clothing irons unattended.
- Don't let children play with fire.
- Handle gasoline or propane-powered equipment cautiously.
- Install carbon monoxide detectors.
- Have a family plan in place and conduct a home "Fire Drill" at least twice a year.
- Have a portable ladder in each second floor room.
- Check fire extinguishers for expiration and replace as needed.
- Have an updated, emergency first aid kit.
During the awareness campaign, Paul Davis offices across the U.S. in concert with fire industry professionals will help to spread the word in their communities about the importance of fire safety.
About Paul Davis:
Paul Davis Restoration, Inc., a subsidiary of FirstService Corporation (Nasdaq:FSRV) (TSX:FSV), is a national franchisor and leading provider of restoration services for residential and commercial properties since 1966. Paul Davis Restoration also provides complete remodeling services and has franchise locations throughout North America with owners and technicians who are certified by The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). Visit the website at www.pdrestoration.com.
The Paul Davis Restoration Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=11820
About FirstService Corporation:
FirstService Corporation is a global leader in the rapidly growing real estate services sector, providing a variety of services in commercial real estate, residential property management and property services. As one of the largest property managers in the world, FirstService manages more than 2.3 billion square feet of residential and commercial properties through its three industry-leading service platforms: Colliers International, one of the largest global players in commercial real estate; FirstService Residential Management, the largest manager of residential communities in North America; and Property Services, one of North America's largest providers of property-related services delivered through franchise and contractor networks.
FirstService generates over $2.3 billion in annual revenues and has more than 23,000 employees worldwide. More information about FirstService is available at http://www.firstservice.com/">www.firstservice.com.