Holiday Safety Precautions From GRS

Christina Mullins • December 22, 2020

This month, our blog topics have focused on holiday safety, wintertime safety and ground maintenance. As Christmas Day and the new year quickly approaches, we wanted to give some more holiday safety tips this week. At Guarantee Restoration Services, we value safety as our number one priority. This holiday season, it is important to remember that disaster strikes when you least expect it to. That’s why you should be mindful of the following holiday safety precautions!


HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS: O, CHRISTMAS TREE

When it comes to Christmas trees, many people believe fresh trees are the best trees. A tree that is too dry can easily catch fire, which makes real trees one of the most common holiday safety hazards. Regularly, trim at least one inch from the bottom of the tree. Doing so will increase the tree’s ability to absorb water. Live trees need a lot of water, so check the water level and refill as often as needed.


Is your tree dry or dead? Did you answer yes to either one of these questions? Then, it is time for it to go! Once your tree becomes dry, or the needles start to fall off in large quantities, it is time to dispose of the tree. Never burn old trees or needles in a fireplace or wood-burning stove. Instead, take your tree to a recycling center or have it removed by a community pick-up service.


On the other hand, some prefer artificial trees. Some people are allergic and cannot have the real thing. It’s alright to “fake it ‘til you make it,” but if you buy an artificial tree, make sure that it is made of fire-resistant material.


HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS: DECORATIONS OF RED

Do not overload electrical sockets by plugging in too many cords into a single outlet. When no one is home or when everyone goes to sleep, remember to unplug your holiday lights. Be sure to check older lights for frayed edges or bare spots and throw out any damaged cords.


Indoor lights are for the indoors, only. Never use indoor lights outside. These lights are not made to withstand the outdoor elements. If they get wet, they can cause an electric shock. Remove outdoor lighting as soon as the season is over. Even specially created outdoor decorations are not designed to withstand the prolonged weather exposure.

Wrapping paper is for your trash can. Never burn wrapping paper in the fireplace. This may release fire-starting embers or produce a build-up of dangerous chemical fumes in the home.


HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS: HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING

If you entertain guests who smoke, provide ashtrays and check for cigarette butts in upholstered furniture before going to bed. Cigarette fires are a leading cause of fire fatalities in the homes.


It may sound simple, but do not leave your stove unattended when cooking. In the excitement of entertaining family and friends, it is easy to forget something on the stove and leave it to burn, causing a potential fire hazard.


HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS: CHILDREN AND PETS

Another important holiday safety precaution is to keep an out for the breakables. Place all ornaments and candles out of reach of small children and pets. Small or breakable ornaments can be easily knocked down, which can result in cuts or choking. Curious children and playful pets can topple a tree in seconds, causing potentially serious injuries. And, no one wants an ER or urgent care visit on Christmas!


In addition, it is be mindful of toxic decorations. Mistletoe and holly berries may be poisonous if more than a few are swallowed. Old tinsel may contain lead, so discard old tinsel if you are not sure of its composition. Lastly, fire salts contain heavy metals, which if swallowed, may cause serious gastrointestinal problems and vomiting.


HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS: CANDLES

Smells of pine, balsam, gingerbread and hot cocoa fill our homes and businesses, but not without dangers. Most of us think nothing of lighting a candle to warm the air or fill it with our favorite scents! One part of holiday safety that cannot be forgotten is to check your candles frequently to make sure they do not burn down too far or drip hot wax. Ensure that candles are placed in sturdy, non-combustible holders that are placed away from decorations and other combustible materials.


Clean and trim candlewicks. Cut them down to ⅛ inch to ¼ inch before lighting. Long or crooked wicks cause uneven burning and dripping. Candles should be placed at least three inches apart so they do not melt onto one another. Keep candles free of wick trimmings, matches or any flammable material that may ignite.


OUR GUARANTEE TO YOU

Although our four offices are closed Thursday, December 24th and Friday, December 25th, we know fire emergencies due to holiday safety hazards can happen at any time. That is why our team is available 24/7, which is not just a number, it’s a GUARANTEE. For immediate assistance following fire damage or another property emergency, call 800-349-HELP (4357).

CONTACT US
By Christina Mullins July 22, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact Information: Zack Klein Director of Marketing and Business Development 225-753-8682 Zack@247GRS.com Guarantee Restoration Services Launches National Sales Team to Expand Strategic Partnerships Across the Country BATON ROUGE, La. – June 16, 2026 – Guarantee Restoration Services (GRS), a leading full-service restoration contractor serving the Gulf Coast since 1974, is proud to announce the implementation of its new National Sales Team. This strategic initiative marks an exciting step forward in the company’s continued growth and commitment to serving clients and partners on a broader scale. The newly established team will be led by Barrett Dick, Director of National Sales, alongside Zack Klein, Director of Business Development and Marketing. Together, they have played a pivotal role in growing GRS relationships across multiple industries throughout the Gulf Coast and beyond for over a decade. The team also includes newly hired account executives, David Stern and Chad Catalano. “Over the years, we have seen our partnerships and opportunities continue to grow beyond our traditional footprint,” said Zack Klein, Director of Business Development and Marketing at Guarantee Restoration Services. “Creating a dedicated National Sales Team allows us to strengthen those relationships, support our partners on a larger scale, and continue expanding the reach of the GRS brand, while staying true to the service and responsiveness we are known for.” Dick, who will celebrate 10 years with GRS next month, brings extensive industry knowledge and leadership experience to the role. He holds multiple Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) credentials, including Water Damage Restoration Technician (WRT), Applied Structural Drying (ASD), Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT), and Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technician (FSRT). After graduating from Louisiana State University, Barrett began his professional career with Marucci Sports before joining Guarantee Restoration Services in July 2016. Just weeks into his time with the company, the historic Great Flood of 2016 impacted Southeastern Louisiana, providing him with firsthand experience managing large-scale losses and coordinating restoration efforts for major school districts and commercial clients. Since then, he has helped cultivate business development efforts throughout Louisiana and nationally, working closely with partners in hospitality, education, government, healthcare, and other commercial sectors. “Our focus has always been relationship-driven,” said Dick. “We want our clients and partners to know they have a team they can rely on before, during, and after a disaster. This National Sales Team is another way we are investing in those relationships and positioning Guarantee to better serve organizations wherever they need us.” As part of the expansion, GRS hired David Stern as a National Sales Account Executive. Stern brings more than a decade of high-level sales and relationship management experience from the professional sports industry. Prior to joining our team, he served with the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans organization, where he consistently ranked among the organization’s top sales representatives and generated more than $38 million in multiyear contracts throughout his career. “David’s experience of building relationships, managing high-profile partnerships, and delivering exceptional client service makes him a tremendous addition to our team,” added Klein. “His background and skillset align perfectly with the direction we are heading as a company.” The National Sales Team also includes Chad Catalano, who joined Guarantee Restoration Services in January 2026. Catalano brings nearly two decades of restoration industry experience, with a strong background in sales leadership, project coordination, and relationship development throughout the Southeast and Gulf South regions. Prior to joining GRS, Catalano served as National Sales Manager for ServiceMaster DSI and spent more than 16 years with US Restoration as a Sales and Project Coordinator. Throughout his career, he has built long-standing partnerships while helping clients navigate complex restoration and recovery projects. In addition to his restoration industry experience, Catalano also spent several years as a successful high school baseball coach in the New Orleans area, earning multiple district championships and Coach of the Year honors. His leadership, communication skills, and client-focused approach make him a valuable addition to the growing national team. Guarantee Restoration Services continues to serve clients across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama with six locations in Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and New Orleans, Louisiana; Gulfport and Jackson, Mississippi; and Mobile, Alabama. With the implementation of its National Sales Team, GRS is further expanding its ability to support partners across the country through large-loss response, catastrophe recovery, and national account relationships. The company specializes in water, fire, mold, storm, and biohazard restoration, as well as reconstruction and pre-loss planning services. For more information about Guarantee Restoration Services, visit www.GuaranteeRestoration.com or call 1-800-349-HELP (4357).
By Erik Seagrave July 15, 2026
Learn how Guarantee Restoration Services provides expert reconstruction services in Mobile, AL after water, fire, storm, and property damage. (
By Christina Mullins July 8, 2026
Behind every successful restoration project is a team of dedicated professionals committed to helping customers recover after disaster strikes. This month, we're introducing Jerome Etienne , a technician at our Baton Rouge office whose hard work and honesty make him a valued member of the Guarantee Restoration Services team. From Forklift Driver to Restoration Technician Jerome is originally from Lafayette, Louisiana , and joined Guarantee Restoration Services in September 2024 . Before beginning his career in restoration, he worked as a forklift driver. Since joining GRS, Jerome has embraced the hands-on nature of restoration work and takes pride in helping prepare properties for the rebuilding process. Finding Satisfaction in Demolition Work. When asked what he enjoys most about working at GRS, Jerome didn't hesitate. He enjoys working on demolition projects, where every job presents a new challenge and plays an important role in restoring a property after damage. Removing damaged materials safely and efficiently helps lay the foundation for the next phase of the restoration process, making demolition one of the most critical steps in recovery. Living the Core Value of Honesty Of GRS's five core values, Honesty is the one that resonates most with Jerome. "I believe people appreciate knowing the truth, especially after their property has been damaged. Being honest, dependable, and transparent helps build trust and shows our customers they can count on us from start to finish." Jerome believes honest communication helps reassure customers during stressful situations while building lasting trust throughout the restoration process. Advice for New Team Members Jerome's advice for anyone starting a career in restoration is straightforward. "Follow what the Lead Tech says. You'll learn everything you need to know." By staying willing to learn and trusting experienced team members, new technicians can quickly build the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the field. Outside of Work When he's off the clock, Jerome enjoys spending time outdoors. Whether he's fishing or visiting the gun range, he enjoys activities that allow him to unwind after the work week. A Childhood Dream As a kid, Jerome dreamed of owning a food truck. While his career path eventually led him to restoration, that entrepreneurial spirit and strong work ethic continue to shine through in everything he does. Thank You, Jerome! We're proud to have Jerome as part of the Guarantee Restoration Services family. His dedication, honesty, and willingness to tackle every challenge help make a difference for both our customers and our team every day. Interested in Joining the GRS Team? At Guarantee Restoration Services, we're always looking for hardworking individuals who share our commitment to excellence, honesty, efficiency, and partnership. If you're interested in building a rewarding career with a team that makes a difference every day, we'd love to hear from you. Visit our Careers page to learn more about current opportunities and become part of the GRS family.
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