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How To Improve Your Working Life With An Event Planner Certificate

How to Hire an Event Planner?

This week we will be discussing what to look for in an event planner, after all they are the ones you will be working closely with throughout the duration of your event.

First Impressions

Some may say that first impressions are deceiving, others state that our subconscious makes the most correct evaluation of a person within the first two seconds of meeting them.

So, can you recall your first encounter with an event planner? How did they dress? Did they smile? Was the smile sincere or not? Where did you first meet? Did you meet at their office, coffee shop, food court, or restaurant?

Communication skills

Communication skills are crucial in any business endeavor. But when it comes to event planning, it’s one of the most important qualities. During the planning phase of your event you’ll be talking to your event planner on a daily basis using phone, email as well as meeting with them in person.

Are they able to convey a sound event plan that you can relate with? Will this person be able to respectfully manage an army of vendors at your event? Will they communicate professionally with your colleagues, guests?

Keeping it cool

Event planning is a highly intellectual process of getting the idea into a proper plan where things fall in their places. Both planning and managing an event can get very stressful, and you can’t afford to hire an event planner who can’t “keep their cool”. Look for level-headed and calm event planners and you won’t regret it once things start hitting the fan.

Can you trust them?

It is very important that you feel confident entering into a business relationship with your event planner as you could be working quite closely with them for months.

Choose an event planner you feel comfortable sharing your ideas with, who you can trust to take on the stress for you and most importantly shares your vision for your special event.

Passionate about events

When you choose a career they say that it’s always better to do things you love, things you’re passionate about. When a person is passionate about what they do, quality of work increases.

Personality traits to look for in an event planner are organisational skills, are they detail oriented yet flexible at the same time, can they work. So when choosing an event planner, make sure that your event manager is having fun doing what they do.

Are they creative?

Be it a wedding, your kid’s party or a corporate event, you want a unique event, tailored just for your occasion. You want something special so you and your guests can remember it for a long time.

Your event planner should be able to offer creative and “out of the box” ideas for event decor, schedule, vendors, etc. Creative thinkers are rare these days. So, make sure you ask a few qualifying questions when you meet your event planner.

Can they make you smile?

Planning and managing an event can be a stressful business. People without sense of humour are having a hard time in the industry.

Or course, your event planner should be organized, responsible and professional, but he / she must make you smile every once in a while. Smile is a key to many doors and event planners that smile are usually much more organized, have better vendor list and better relationships with people altogether.

Why Hire a Corporate Event Planner?

At the point when organizations toss corporate events, they think recruiting a corporate event planner will put them route over financial plan. In actuality, planners know the tips, deceives, and contacts that set aside organizations time and cash over the long haul without giving up the nature of the event.

Event planners fabricate associations with providers and got limited rates from sellers that a planner will pass onto the customer. At the point when an organization calls a similar provider, they will pay their standard rates. These can be as much as 20% higher than the rate a very much organized event planner may get.

Time is cash, and workers in an organization need more free time to plan a whole corporate event. Extending workers far is superfluous when a planner can do a similar activity all the more viably and effectively. Planners can sort out and execute the event in less time than the organization ever could, permitting workers to concentrate on their obligations.

Event planners have broad information and astuteness picked up from the experience of long stretches of planning events and gatherings. Planners know the most recent patterns, freshest settings, most smoking hues, financial plan sparing insider facts, and subtleties that organizations regularly investigate when they just plan a few events yearly.

Planners have a rolodex that merits any cost of an event planning organization. They have quite a few contacts readily available, from lighting to stylistic theme. Using various web search tools to make sense of sellers for the gathering is pointless when planners can have all the best merchants on speed dial.

Regardless of how much fastidious planning, readiness, and the board workers accomplish for the event, there will consistently be an unanticipated hiccup. Visitor ought not know about the issue and representatives planning the event ought not seem froze. A planner realizes who to call and how to cure the circumstance rapidly. Planners resolve with their assets to keep the event on target.

Experience

No matter what you do for a living, no one has more experience in planning events than an event planner. DIY has recently been popular in many aspects including the business world. Many businesses who try to orchestrate their own corporate events end up overwhelmed by all of the work that goes into planning an event. It only takes one small detail to go overlooked and the entire event is ruined. Event planners plan many events and are less likely to miss an important detail. They know what has worked in the past and what has not. They also bring this little thing called creativity to the table that turns visions into reality. Their expertise will certainly contribute to a successful event and an overall more successful business.

Timeline

Everybody in this day age wants FAST. There is no waiting around or patience for results that are not immediate. Tight deadlines are set and specific timelines are followed, especially in the the realm of business. Sometimes a corporate event is last minute or is following a strict timeline and it needs to be planned in a timely fashion. Rushing to plan an event with no event planner is sure to be a recipe for disaster. Event planners are great at managing and negotiating with suppliers and vendors to make sure everything runs as smoothly as possible. An event that runs smoothly benefits everyone who is involved or attends.

Budget

Not everyone is good at budgeting, but event planners certainly are. They will make sure that your company will not face the repercussions of overspending. Reality can hit hard when you realize that your vision for your event is not in your budget. Event planners can recommend ways to make the most out of your money. They know how to efficiently distribute spending on all aspects of the event. With an event planner, it may be possible for your vision can become real while still staying within budget.

Stress Relief

Everyone can probably agree stress is not a desirable feeling. Why would you put yourself in a position to become stressed when it can be prevented? Planning your corporate event without a professional planner would undoubtedly bring a load of stress to the table. You would be asking yourself “When can I take a vacation?!” Instead, you will feel a sigh of relief knowing that your event planner has everything taken care of so you will be able to enjoy the event yourself.

Benefits Of Outsourced Event Planning

There are many benefits to outsourcing the design and production needs for your corporate events and meetings. In addition to identifying preferred venues, negotiating vendor pricing, and completing necessary event registrations, a third-party planner works closely with a client to develop a strategic and cost-effective plan that communicates the company’s message.

Here are some of the ways that your company can benefit from getting professional help with event design.

  • Improvement in your company’s productivity. Planning a corporate event from start to finish can involve a lot of time and many steps. By outsourcing the work to a planning professional, your employees are able to continue concentrating on their normal job duties, and your company will remain productive.
  • Reduced costs. Paying a third party to plan and manage your corporate event often ends up costing less than if you had to pay an internal employee his or her hourly wage to complete the same tasks.
  • Innovative branding. Using an outside creative agency to design your event logo and marketing content can provide a refreshing and innovative perspective on your brand.
  • Optimal efficiency. A professional who plans corporate events and meetings for a living will most likely be more efficient and effective than an internal company employee who does not plan events on a regular basis.
  • Conservation of time. Professional planning firms have a network of vendors and venues that they frequently work with. Having these resources at their disposal allows them to complete tasks quickly. It would take an internal company employee a significantly longer amount of time to research and find the same resources.
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Long Distance Moving Advice With Effective Methods

Top Moving Companies

A great moving company can make a move much less stressful and time-consuming. Services are expensive, though — even a relatively small relocation can cost thousands — so you want to choose carefully. Here’s a list of our top picks.

Full-service movers

Full-service movers handle moves from start to finish, including standard furniture disassembly, loading and unloading and driving to the destination. Often, you can also pay for add-on services, such as professional packing. Some jobs may be handled by different movers within the company’s network, not directly by the moving company you booked.

Full-service movers are a good fit for:

Someone who wants help with loading, unloading and other aspects of moving.

Someone managing a large move.

Someone willing to pay more to have someone else manage the logistics of a move.

Long-distance moves, local moves, international moves, car shipping, loading/unloading, free cancellations up to 24 hours before moving reservation (as long as no work has been completed), instant online quotes for one-bedroom homes, virtual moving walk-throughs

top picks for long-distance movers because of their broad geographic coverage, strong track record, easy-to-use online quote and booking tools, and packages of useful add-on services. Unlike many movers, both companies make it possible to get finalized quotes and book long-distance one-bedroom moves, along with add-on services, entirely online with no in-home or virtual home survey required

Long-distance moves, local moves, international moves, car shipping, loading/unloading, virtual moving walk-throughs, instant online quotes for moves to other states (a follow-up survey is necessary to finalize quotes). Cancellation policies vary by location

Long Distance Moving

When it comes to the inevitable happenings of life. moving from one place to another becomes one of the main thing. No matter how comfortable you are at a place, it is necessary that you think of relocating. Often for business expansion people move. Often for family expansion, they relocate. Getting married, having kids or even getting divorce can make one relocate. In this cases of relocation, you have to move with your precious belongings too. And for that, it is necessary that you seek professional help. Renting moving containers for the safekeeping of your goods is necessary. However, provider company for containers for moving and storage can be quite tricky to find. If you are looking for storage containers for moving, then you are absolutely at the right place.

Move and go is the mantra of life. Moving or relocation is an inevitability of life. No matter how comfortable you become with your present, you have to move. Moving comes with growth and change. Often business moves for expansion. Household moves to welcome new changes. Often you move within your familiar territory, your own city. Often you change city or even state. Long distance moving is such a hassle. Even though you are probably excited to begin your life in a new city, the process of moving all your items will not fill you with much joy. You must find a way to pack up all your items, get them to your new location and then unpack them when they arrive! So, shout out now and make your relocation hassle free.

long distance moving container service is very simple:

You tell us where you are moving

We give you a flat rate price

You schedule your move

On the day of your move we deliver 1 or few of our long distnce moving continers. You load them your slef or we can do it for you.

When you are done, we come and pick up your container(s). One month of storage is provided to you at no chrge, just in case.

When you are ready to schedule the delivery to your new home in another state, you do so. We ship p your continer(s) to your new home state. We deliver your belongings to your new home

The price you pay covers all the above services

People move across the state lines for a viriety of reasons. Most people go with a traditional moving company in these situations. However, such companies often come with various restrictions. They often change their rates, especially in the summer. They do not want to deal with small moves. Also, they often want to consilidate the loads, which delays your shipment. That is why we believe there is a better option out there. Instead of going with a moving company, you could use moving containers for long distance moving. The beauty of these storage containers is that you can move with ease. For moving, you don’t have to depend on the timing of the professionals you are hiring. You can plan your move according to your own convenience.

What are Long Distance Moving Containers?

It is very straightforward. When you request storage containers, you are sent the item you ordered to your home. You are getting a large storage container, or several, delivered to your doorstep. It is the most convenient long distance moving option. You can spend as much time as you want to pack up your items. Instead of having to move within a day, you can spend a couple weeks slowly packing up your items

Benefits of using a Moving Container

Are you planning your next move? When it comes to relocating, whether it be across town, state or country, you want the most secure and hassle-free solution that keeps expenses within your budget. A moving container rental service is one of the most convenient, flexible and affordable ways to move your belongings. It offers unique advantages not available with conventional truck and trailer moving companies. Are you worried about the safekeeping of your goods while relocating? Then moving container can be the best answer for your worry. Why? From efficiency to flexibility, you will get everything from this option. Also, if you are worried about the huge hole it can burn in your pocket, then do away with it. Reliable providers offer the most affordable containers that will suit your needs.

A How To Guide Moving & Storage

this is one of the reasons we enjoy what we do – helping people start over. And spring is a great time to start your moving process! Our busy season takes place in the summer, but there are definite advantages to moving before Memorial Day. The weather’s not so bad, but it isn’t super hot yet. Days are getting longer. And since we’re not as busy, you can book us for a weekend that’s most ideal for you.

Take advantage of spring cleaning

Use your urge to spring-clean to make things look attractive for buyers, throw out and donate items you don’t need, and do an inventory of your belongings for your new home. Pack your winter items first to get them out of the way. Have a yard sale, get organized, and declutter! It’s easier to sell homes in spring, and to make them look their best.

Watch the timing of your spring move

You’ll still want to book the best moving companies in your area as soon as possible to get the best value and the best professional movers. If you can, move during the early afternoon so that you’re taking most advantage of any sunlight and warmth. If you have kids, move during spring break so they don’t miss classes and have time to make some friends before summer.

Mind the weather when you’re moving

Spring weather is mild, which is a big advantage. Although you won’t have to deal with the hazards of icy roads or heavy labor in sweltering heat, you may have to prepare for wind and rain. Make sure your movers will protect your belongings with plastic covers and shrink wrap over your furniture. This will cost you extra, but is a good investment for spring moving! Wear appropriate clothes and layer just in case of temperature changes. And keep an eye on the forecast.

Safeguard your health during a move

Wear sunblock and sunglasses when it’s sunny out. Sometimes we forget how strong the sun can be even this time of year, especially if we’re in and out all day moving items back and forth. And don’t forget the pollen! There’s plenty of stuff flying around in spring. Seal your boxes so nothing can get in. Prepare for allergies, and don’t wear open toed shoes when moving heavy objects. Also, you may feel tired because of spring fatique, so drink plenty of water, eat small amounts of food more often, take deep breaths, and stretch between moving duties.

Tips for a Successful Move

Know your rights and responsibilities before selecting a mover.

Before moving your household goods interstate, movers are required to give you the booklet entitled Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move. This booklet will help you understand the documents that a mover will ask you to sign, and explains your rights if your household goods are lost or damaged.

All interstate household goods movers must be registered with the Federal government. Make sure the mover you select has been assigned a U.S. DOT number, is registered with FMCSA to engage in interstate transportation of household goods, and has the proper level of insurance. Avoid movers that do not show U.S. DOT numbers and brokers that do not show Motor Carrier (MC) numbers in their advertisements.

Make sure you understand the type of liability you agree to.

This is a common pitfall for consumers. Ask yourself if 60 cents per pound is enough coverage for all your household goods if the unexpected happens. Your mover must offer you the option of Full Value Protection, which will provide you with the replacement value of lost or damaged goods. You may also purchase insurance from a third-party insurance company. Before purchasing third-party insurance, check your homeowner’s insurance policy to see if you’re already covered.

Supervise the process.

Supervise the loading and unloading of your household goods. If you are not available, appoint a representative to act on your behalf.

Consumer Rights and Responsibilities

Household goods carriers (movers) are required to provide you information about your rights and responsibilities as an individual shipper of household goods. Your primary responsibility is to select a reputable household goods carrier, ensure that you understand the terms and conditions of the contract, and understand the remedies that are available to you in case there is a problem. The mover also will provide you with additional written information describing its procedure for handling any questions and complaints, and a telephone number you can call to obtain additional information about your move.

Guide to hiring long distance movers

Moving household or your business is stressful and putting everything you own into someone else’s hands might seem like an impossible thing to do. But it shouldn’t be. You might think that you don’t need any help when relocating, but you are most likely wrong. When it comes to relocating, you will need a lot of time just to prepare yourself and your loved ones for the transition. Adjusting to the new circumstances isn’t easy, and dealing with the hard work that moving process brings can become unbearable.

Hire a professional moving company

Yes. This is the right way to deal with the transition. Professional movers will save you a lot of time and money. You will need to make a plan, create a budget, prepare your belongings, transfer documents, etc. And where are you in this process? No one needs that kind of pressure in their lives, believe us. If you are already feeling anxious – bare yourself – it is just the beginning. That is the main reason why hiring long distance movers

What to look for

You will need a reliable mover to take care of your relocation. That’s where we come in. Hiring long distance movers in Los Angeles might seem like a nightmare, but if you follow our simple guide – you will do it with ease!

Ask for references. When you are hiring long distance movers, ask your friends, colleagues and family members for advice. There is no easier way to hire a mover than if you already know that the company of your choice is a reliable one.

Look for online reviews. But, be careful. Fake reviews can be easily generated these days. Pay attention to other sites, not only official ones.

The legal check comes first. If you are looking for a reliable mover, the best way to avoid scams and con artists is to check their licenses. If they don’t have one – go in the other direction.

Look for the red flags. If anything seems funny or weird, it probably is. Believe your inner self, and continue your search in the other direction.

Check out the company’s offices and vehicles. Again, if something doesn’t fit your image of a reliable mover – don’t look away.

Professionalism

You want your belongings to be safe at all times. This requires a certain level of professionalism. When you are hiring long distance movers, look for ones that fully satisfy your criteria. You are searching for a highly trained team of movers that will handle your possessions with care. But don’t worry – this feature can be determined easily. Just by talking to your potential hiree, you will decide if they fit your picture of a reliable mover.

Safety

When you are letting someone else take care of your personal belongings, you must make sure that they are safe at all times. And when you are hiring long distance movers, search for ones that will handle your possessions with care. Ask for insurance options and policies. This can be a bit pricey, but it will pay out in the long run. If you have an insurance policy that covers your relocation, even if anything goes wrong, you will be compensated.

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Tips For Choosing The Best DUI Lawyer

What You Should Know About DUI Cases

When you or someone you care about has been accused of driving under the influence (DUI) in Washington, it’s incredibly important that you contact an experienced DUI attorney as soon as you can. The team at Feldman & Lee has handled thousands of DUI cases in the state. With a collective experience length of four decades, our firm has cultivated many relationships within the courts. We know who the prosecutors and judges are, and they know who we are: tenacious and thorough defenders of our clients’ best interests. They know we are tactful and skilled, which allows us to get better results for clients during negotiations.

What to Expect

When you are charged with a DUI, you can expect to have to jump through some hoops during the legal process. Some type of drug and alcohol evaluation is almost always required, for example. Chemical treatment and evaluation experts have become somewhat of a cottage industry for the courts over the years, so it’s vital to know which programs are right in your situation and which are not. Thanks to our extensive experience, we are also aware of which experts will treat you properly and which ones may act more like a rubber stamp. You must complete the court-ordered actions or risk facing serious consequences, so let us make sure you get where you need to go.

DUI Arrests: What You Need to Know

Being arrested for a DUI can be a scary and stressful experience. If you are being arrested, it’s important you take the proper steps to prevent the case from becoming more stacked against you. Mistakes made during arrest can also be addressed and potentially mitigated by our skilled staff.

  • Keep calm through out the entire process. Arguing or fighting with the officers can lead to even more serious charges than the one you are already facing.
  • Be polite. However, don’t answer any questions about drinking alcohol or admit that you did in any way, shape or form. Anything you tell officers can be used against you in court later, so keep that in mind.
  • Ask to speak to an attorney right away.
  • Don’t take field sobriety tests as these tend to have a higher margin of error. Indicate you will take a test back at the police station. While you can refuse a breath or blood test later at the station, this may not help your case and can actually make the outcome worse.

After you have been arrested for DUI, the state and the DOL will immediately start actions against you to suspend or revoke your driver’s license and to potentially fine you and put you in jail.

Appearing in Court

At the time of your arrest, you will be given a ticket or a summons that tells you the date that you have to appear in court to face driving under the influence charges.

For some drivers, it feels humiliating to have to appear in public to answer charges of being drunk.

In today’s courts, if you deny the charges, plead not guilty, and try to fight the case, chances are you and everyone else in the courtroom are going to see a video of you failing the field sobriety test taken from the officer’s dashboard camera or taken at the jail where you were processed.

Losing Your Driver’s License

In all states, even for a first-time conviction, your sentence will include the loss of driving privileges for a period of time. Even if your state offers a hardship license that allows you to drive to work or school during the time your license is revoked or suspended, your driving privileges will be drastically curtailed.1

In some states, if you refused to take the field sobriety test or submit to a breathalyzer or blood test, your driver’s license is suspended immediately, even before you go to court.

In addition to the guilt and shame you may be feeling, a suspended license may make you feel like a burden as you may have no choice but to lean on friends and loved ones to get from one place to another.

Paying Fines

If you are convicted of driving while intoxicated, part of your sentence will definitely include paying a fine. All states have laws setting minimum and maximum fines for drunk driving, but those penalties can be enhanced by other circumstances.1

For example, if the property was damaged, someone was injured, or a child was endangered as a result of your driving while drunk, the fines can be increased. In most states, you will also have to pay the court costs associated with your case.

Can I get my First DUI Reduced to a Different Charge?

The following charges are reduced charges to a DUI, though not a separate criminal offense.

  • Wet reckless,
  • Dry reckless,
  • An exhibition of speed, or
  • Drunk in public

In situations where the facts and circumstances of your case are such that the prosecutor may have difficulty proving DUI in a trial, they may be willing to plea bargain to a lower offense.

Is a Reduction Possible if the Prosecutor is Unable to Establish who the Driver of the Car was?

There are circumstances where police are unable to definitively determine who was driving.

This might arise in the following scenario’s:

  • An accident where the occupants are outside the vehicle and refuse to acknowledge who was driving.
  • Someone reported your vehicle’s license number to police and police come to your home and find you inebriated.
  • You are found parked or asleep in your vehicle and police observe that you were under the influence

While there may be some evidence pointing to you as the likely driver in any of these scenarios, the prosecutor may be more amenable to a reduction of the charges in the interests of justice. 

Degree of intoxication for a positive DUI

A positive DUI test confirms that the driver of the vehicle has more than the allowed level of drugs in their system. In Canada, the maximum allowed legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) for licenced drivers is under 80 mg of alcohol in a sample of 100 ml of blood, or 0.08 (“Impaired Driving“). Drivers that have a higher level of drugs in their system are committing an offence that has very serious repercussions as per the Canadian Legal System.

In the case of modern or synthetic drugs, there are other tests that can easily determine if the person has them in their system or not. The more serious the drug the more chances are there to receive a serious sentence. In such cases, the felon must hire a DUI lawyer who remains familiar with the Canadian DUI laws to make sure they stand a fighting chance.

Consequences of DUI

If a person is knowingly under the influence of drugs and still decides to drive, he or she will face some serious consequences. The consequences include putting their own lives as well as others in danger. The person committing the crime can also damage their own property as well as others. If and when caught the person under DUI will be charged and made sure they face serious punishments. Once a person is charged and convicted of DUI, it can have serious issues for your future.

How to avoid DUI

Given the seriousness of the crime, one must never drive while they have consumed any sort of drug. It is highly recommended by the authorities to avoid driving at any cost while you are intoxicated. Furthermore, there are taxi services available now that can drive you home in such conditions. This responsibility of not driving while being intoxicated is not restricted to an individual only. The police encourage people to report if someone else who might be intoxicated is driving.

Legal Aspects of a DUI

In Canada, if you’re caught driving under a DUI you will receive a 90-day licence suspension. Almost 7-day to one-month vehicle impoundment. And a fine of $550 or more. These repercussions may increase if the driver hits someone or damages the property of someone. If you have been charged with a DUI, it’s very important that you hire a DUI lawyer.

Breathalyzer Test Results

The most common way to determine whether someone is impaired while driving is by a breathalyzer breath test. These tests are designed to chemically measure the alcohol that’s released by your lungs. While the smell that alcohol leaves behind in your mouth can potentially skew the reading (which is just one of the reasons these tests aren’t irrefutably reliable), the test isn’t dictated by that smell.

Here’s how the breathalyzer test works:

  • The officer will have you breathe into the device.
  • The device then projects an infrared beam through a chamber that “captures” your exhaled breath. 
  • The alcohol particles will absorb some of the energy from the beam, while the rest will make it to a sensor at the other end.
  • The ratio of your blood alcohol content (BAC) is calculated with a math formula that compares the differences in infrared released by the lamp to the level detected by the sensor.
  • A final reading is given, showing the percentage of your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC).

However, before an officer can administer a breathalyzer test, they must observe you for at least fifteen minutes. If they don’t, then any evidence the test gives them will be inadmissible in court.

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Why I Am A Criminal Defense Attorney

Criminal law

What is criminal law?

The criminal law sets out the definitions of criminal offences and the rules and procedures that apply when the police investigate an offence they allege you have committed; when the prosecuting authorities charge you; and when you must appear in a criminal court. If you admit the offence or are found guilty, the court will impose a punishment on you, ranging from fines, community orders and imprisonment.

Criminal law solicitors will help you if you are suspected or accused of a crime. When the police allege that you have committed a criminal offence, solicitors can represent you to make sure your legal rights are protected and to present your case in court to make sure you get a fair hearing.

Criminal offences

There are a wide range of criminal offences. They include offences of violence such as murder and manslaughter, sexual offences and non-sexual assaults. Dishonesty offences include fraud and theft and offences against property include arson and criminal damage. There are crimes against justice, such as perjury, or giving false evidence under oath, and perverting the course of justice.

Criminal law solicitors will use their knowledge and experience to ensure the best outcome for you and your case.

Road traffic offences

Road traffic offences include speeding, drink driving, careless or dangerous driving.

For many people, road traffic offences are their only experience with the police and courts. It is important to find a solicitor who has specialist experience of handling traffic offences who can advise you through the legal process.

For minor road traffic offences, you are likely to get a fine, and / or points on your driving licence. For more serious road traffic offences, such as causing injury or death by dangerous driving, as well as losing your driving licence, you could face going to prison if you are found guilty.

Tips in Identifying a Good Criminal Defense Lawyer

Do you think that the problem is irrelevant or significant if you are involved in the trial as a result of which you are accused of misconduct? You do not want to waste time looking for a lawyer in criminal matters. At stake is your freedom, so you must be detailed during the selection process. Learn a few tips to consider when choosing a criminal defense lawyer for your case.

Experience

When you are accused of committing a crime, you need a quick legal representative. That is why it is essential that you only hire a criminal defense lawyer who knows what he is doing and has the experience to show it. It’s not enough to hire a lawyer; you need someone who went to school to find out how to become a criminal lawyer. Although some people think that all lawyers have the same basic knowledge, this is not true. It is imperative that you employ only someone who has particular experience related to your case.

Testimonials

Another good way to choose the right lawyer is to check what others are saying. Goes beyond viewing on their website. It also means that you should review the site and read reviews of what previous clients have said about this particular criminal lawyer. You may be surprised that all reviews may not be as high as you would expect, so it is important to conduct a study.

Evaluate Defenses

Immediately after reviewing the evidence, you need to decide the strongest defense in your criminal case. If there are incriminating statements, was the Defendant read his Miranda Warnings? If the Defendant confessed, was the statement made voluntarily or coerced? If the Defendant was not at the scene, can you locate a credible alibi witness? If there was a search of property, did the Police have a valid search warrant? Every crime has its specific defenses that a seasoned attorney will be familiar with.

Determination

If you are facing arrest or prosecution, then you are at risk of losing property, facing a jail term, loss of job and many others. In your first court appearance, you may lose your freedom. A criminal conviction is associated with a permanent criminal record and comes with a significant number of life consequences. The NYC criminal lawyer top priority is to see your case dismissed at all costs. A good criminal attorney should have the determination and also highly experienced in handling legal matters affecting his or her clients. A good criminal defense lawyer should have handled a number of cases in courts and this what gives him exposure as well as experience of managing all kinds of cases.

Excellent Communication Skills

Developing an attorney client relationship is the most critical part of defending your case as it progresses through the court system.  This point is simple: Does your lawyer listen to you?  Did the lawyer answer all of your questions at the first meeting?  Did he or she take time to explain how legal proceedings work and what to expect when you show up for court?  Did you discuss strategy or goals?  Will you be able to speak with the attorney, and not his or her staff, when you have a question?  How long can you expect it to take for the attorney to call you back?

Did you leave the meeting feeling rushed or were you made to feel as though your case was already important to the attorney?

Perhaps most importantly – will the attorney be in court for every one of your court dates, or will he or she send a “stand in”?  Will the attorney assign the case to a junior associate and not work on your case?

Moreover, do you feel as though the attorney can reasonably communicate your needs and wants to the prosecutor and judge?  Can he or she be forceful when needed and gentle when needed?

Does the attorney appear ethical?  Believe it or not, some attorneys ask clients to fabricate witnesses and testimony.  If a lawyer is willing to be dishonest with the court, the lawyer is willing to be dishonest with you.

Interview Your Candidate

That’s right. You have to treat hiring an attorney just like hiring any other employee. Conducting an interview with an attorney, or law firm, is a crucial step to hiring the right lawyer.

Conducting an interview with any lawyer you intend to hire can save you a world of headache down the road. So what questions should you be asking a prospective lawyer?

Here are a few questions you should ask a prospective attorney :

  • How long has the attorney been in practice?
  • Does the law firm have a track record of success? If so, can they provide any references?
  • Does the attorney have experience in the type of law that applies to your case?
  • How are the lawyer’s fees structured? Do they have an estimate of the cost?
  • Are there any additional fees, besides their services, that you should be aware of? (Ex. filing fees, court costs, shipping or postage costs)
  • How does the lawyer bill their charges? Are there payment options?
  • Will you work with one attorney, or do will you be working with whatever attorney is available on a given day?
  • Do they have a written agreement of their fees?
  • Will they outsource any work? Will you have to pay these fees separately? What will the rates of the outsourced work be?

Asking these questions during an in person or phone interview is- a solid start to finding the right lawyer to represent you.

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Mold Inspection To Assess A Home For Mold Is Misleading

MOLD REMOVAL REMEDIATION

Toxic spores are believed to cause skin irritations along with lung infections and inflammation as well as suppressing the bodies immune system. Some have also claimed through research that toxic mold can actually cause and be responsible for memory loss and brain damage. A local court ruled in favor of this conclusion however it is still unproven in the medical science industry due to a lack of case studies.

Mycotoxins may also cause damage to your health through something called cytotoxicity – the spores kill off your living cells to have no competition for resources within in the body. So, essentially the cells in your body come under a full-scale blitzkrieg attack when the toxic spores like those pictured above find their way into your body.

Here are some common facts on Mold you might not know of.

Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.

Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air, and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or on a pet.

Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water.

Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.

Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.

Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

Due to what seems like overwhelming evidence, there has been no definitive proof that spores from mold create serious health hazards in people who come into contact with it. Mycotoxins have properties like cytotoxicity and have been shown to create harmful impacts on living tissue in laboratories but research into the real effects on human bodies is a relatively new field of medical research.

THE MEDIA & BLACK MOLD

Few subjects get us far more upset than seeing all the misinformation publicized about Black Mold (and mold in general) by unscrupulous organizations and the zealous media who are far more interested in sensationalism than truth reporting

To place it bluntly, our business is sadly full of poor bad poor details about mold, and especially about Black Mold. We see misinformed media reports all the time about Black Mold. We also hear story following story of somebody getting taken advantage of by an immoral contractor or unscrupulous firm who makes use of misinformation and scare techniques to consider advantage of vulnerable clients who are provided poor info about mold and Black Mold.

Mold

Mold problems in buildings are a result of moisture from leaks and condensation. does not perform tests for mold, but provides tenants and landlords resources for addressing water and moisture problems

Molds are fungi that can be found both indoors and outdoors. Molds are found in virtually every environment and can be detected, both indoors and outdoors, year-round. Mold growth is encouraged by warm and humid conditions.”

People exposed to molds may experience symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, skin rash, headaches or difficulty breathing. If you or your family members have health problems that you think are caused by mold, talk to your doctor. Most people do not appear to be affected by everyday exposure to mold. However, people who have allergies, asthma or weakened immune systems may be more sensitive to molds than others.

Testing for mold is not necessary. You can typically see or smell mold. Mold comes in many different colors. It may appear as small black, yellow, green or white specks along your bathroom or basement walls. Color is not an indication of how dangerous a mold may be. Any mold should be removed and the moisture source that helped it grow should be removed

All mold cleanup methods are the same, regardless of mold type. To clean up and remove mold growth, follow these steps as they apply to your home:

Identify and fix the moisture problem – The most important step in mold cleanup is to identify and correct the source of moisture that contributed to mold growth. If the source of moisture is not stopped the mold will come back.

Size the moldy area – If the area is larger than ten square feet, consider hiring a cleaning professional. To locate cleaning professionals in your area, search for Fire and Water Damage Restoration professionals.

Take action to protect yourself – During cleanup, the number of mold spores in the air increases greatly. Consider using personal protective equipment when handling or working around mold contaminated materials. Rubber gloves, goggles, protective outer clothing and a respirator will minimize your exposure. 

Begin drying all wet materials – Begin drying wet materials as soon as possible after becoming wet. Move wet items away from walls and off floors. In severe cases, fans and dehumidifiers may be used.

Clean surfaces – Mold growing on the surface of non-porous materials such as hard plastic, glass, metal and solid wood can usually be cleaned. Thoroughly scrub contaminated surfaces with a stiff brush and mild detergent solution. Then, rinse and allow them to dry. Launder clothes, bedding and other washable materials. For beds, sofas and other furniture that are not washable, consider vacuuming and allowing them to dry out. Throw the item out if mold begins to grow inside or outside the item.

Disinfect surfaces – A disinfectant may be used to kill mold missed by cleaning. Mix ¼ to ½ cup bleach per gallon of water. Apply to hard surfaces where mold growth was visible before cleaning. Allow to dry. (Don’t mix bleach with ammonia.)

Monitor – Continue looking for signs of moisture problems or new mold growth. If mold returns, repeat cleaning steps. Regrowth may be a signal that the material should be removed or that moisture is not under control.

Prevent and control mold growth indoors by controlling moisture in the following ways.

REPAIR AND VENTILATE

Stop water leaks, repair leaky roofs and plumbing immediately

Open windows and doors to increase air flow

Install exhaust fans in bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms and use them whenever the room is in use

Ventilate and insulate attic and crawl spaces

CLEAN

Clean and dry water damaged carpets, clothing, bedding and furniture within 24 to 48 hours

Vacuum and clean regularly to remove mold spores

Wipe up water immediately to prevent mold growth

Remove condensation around windows

A BEGINNERS GUIDE TO HIRING A MOLD INSPECTOR

Before moving into a new home, it is essential to check for mold, especially in areas where there are damp walls, floors, and ceilings. Its presence does not only affect your home’s integrity but can also affect your health if not removed immediately. Prolonged exposure to mold contamination can lead to flu and cold symptoms like watery eyes, fatigue, dizziness, headaches, and even upper respiratory congestion among other issues.

As more people grow aware of the impacts of mold infestations on their health, and the health of their loved ones, the more essential home inspections become for home buyers and new parents. Unfortunately, in an attempt to get rid of their mold quickly, many people hire an inspector without qualifying them

If you aren’t careful when choosing a mold inspector, you could end up with an unsuitable person for the job, which could lead to a waste of money and poor services that take too long to complete. To prevent you from falling for the wrong professionals

Getting Started

Look for professionals: You will need to start by searching the internet for expert mold inspectors near you. Only a specialist will have the knowledge and equipment to find the mold and have suggestions on what and how to deal with it. So, read their websites to find information related to these aspects.

Shortlist the ones with the best reviews: Try looking for inspectors you’ve listed on rating sites like Angie’s List or Home Advisor and check their ratings and reviews. You can also do a Google search for review and rating websites to see what pops up.

Next Steps

Check accreditation: After finding the best mold inspectors according to reviews online, go to the Better Business Bureau website and see if they are accredited or have complaints lodged against them by existing clients.

Look for signs of professionalism: A professional mold inspector should be just that, a professional. Do they arrive wearing a uniform or with a logo on their clothing or vehicle? Do they have the basic requirements like a moisture meter, bright flashlight, air sampler, tape lift, and swabs for sampling? Can they provide proof of training? Do they have any professional association memberships

Background checks: Do not make the mistake of not verifying the inspector. Check if they are certified or trained. Make sure they are registered with the state and have liability insurance.

Mold Inspection & Removal

Mold is more than a smelly nuisance. For home and business owners, it can discolor and damage their property and cause serious health concerns. Indoor mold contamination has been identified as a major contributor to allergies and respiratory problems, property destruction, and poor indoor air quality. Mold can grow in as little as 24-48 hours any time excessive moisture is present indoors, whether the moisture is the result of a flood, a slow leak, broken pipe, or just high humidity.

ensure all types of mold and mildew is thoroughly removed with the use of commercial grade anti-microbial agents and the most effective tools and technology for all types of mold removal, including black mold cleanup

can assist property owners, real estate professionals, healthcare offices, assisted living facilities & more with sampling for air quality. Our testing will help identify the presence of mold spores and mold growth, types of mold, total air count/spores count to determine if normal or abnormal and more.

will carefully collect air, swab, tape or bulk item samples and send overnight express to a Certified Laboratory, getting you quick and accurate results. If you’re concerned about air quality and mold in your property

Special expertise is necessary for effective mold, mildew, and black mold cleanup and removal. Bleach or other retail cleaning products will simply stir up and spread the mold spores, contaminating other areas of your home or business. And visible mold growth in your home, office or housing complex is a likely indication of a greater problem lurking nearby. Mold in attics and mold in basements can use your hot air/cooling system to quickly spread to other areas in your property.

Mold Health Risks

Molds are small organisms found almost everywhere, inside and outside, including on plants, foods and dry leaves. Molds are beneficial to the environment and are needed to break down dead material. Very tiny and lightweight, mold spores travel easily through the air. When molds are present in large numbers, they may cause allergic symptoms similar to those caused by plant pollen.

Exposure to a large number of mold spores may cause allergic symptoms such as watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, itching, coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, headache, and fatigue. Repeated exposure to mold can increase a person’s sensitivity, causing more severe allergic reactions.

Populations at Risk

People who live or work in buildings that are exposed to moisture and not adequately ventilated are more at risk of illnesses causes by mold. Populations at particular risk include: infants and children, elderly persons, immune compromised patients and people with existing respiratory conditions, such as allergies and asthma

Check for Mold

Testing for molds is very difficult and expensive and cannot determine whether health effects will occur. Mold is normally found outdoors and counts fluctuate from day to day depending on the season. Due to the uncertainties associated with testing for molds, it is not recommended in most cases. If you can see or smell mold it needs to be cleaned up.

Prevent Mold from Growing Back

Use dehumidifiers in damp areas, such as the basement

Fix leaks in the roof, walls, windows, or pipes

Ventilate bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry areas

Vent clothes dryer to the outside

Use mold-resistant paint

Dry areas that are wet or have been flooded within 24 to 48 hours, throw out anything that cannot be completely dried

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Who Manages Your Succession Accountant Planning Process

Common Accounting Software Mistakes To Avoid

No company can afford to operate without the right accounting software. When considering whether to purchase a new product or upgrade their current solutions, however, business owners often fall prey to a few common mistakes. Here are five issues to avoid:

  • Relying on a generic solution: Some companies rush into buying an accounting system without stopping to consider all their options. Perhaps most important, they may be missing out on specific versions for their industries. For instance, construction companies can choose from many applications with built-in features specific to how their businesses work. Non-profit organizations also have industry-specific accounting software. If you have not already done so, research whether a product addresses your company’s niche focus.
  • Spending too much or too little: When buying or upgrading something as important as an accounting system, it is easy to overspend – those bells and whistles can be enticing. Then again, frugal-minded business owners may underspend, picking up a low-end product and letting staff deal with the headaches. The ideal approach generally lies somewhere in the middle. Perform a thorough review of your accounting needs, transaction volume and required reports, as well as your employees’ proficiency and the availability of tech support. Then calculate a reasonable budgeted amount to spend.
  • Getting stuck in a rut: Assuming you already have an accounting system, one of the keys to managing it is knowing precisely when to upgrade. You do not want to spend money unnecessarily, but you also should not risk errors or outdated functionality by waiting too long. There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Your financial statements are a potentially helpful source of information. A general rule of thumb says that, when revenues hit certain benchmarks (perhaps $5 million, $10 million or $15 million), a business may want to start thinking about an upgrade. The right tipping point, however, depends on various factors.
  • Neglecting the importance of integration and mobile access: Once upon a time, a company’s accounting software was a standalone application, and data from across the company had to be manually entered into the system. But integration is key these days. You should be able to integrate your accounting system with all (or most) of your other software so that data can be shared seamlessly and securely. Also consider the availability and functionality of mobile access to your accounting system. Many solutions now include apps that users can use on their smartphones or tablets.
  • Going it alone: Which accounting package you choose may seem an entirely internal decision. After all, you and your staff will be the ones using it, right? However, you may be forgetting one rather obvious person who could help: your accountant. KPM can help you assess and determine your accounting needs, set a feasible budget, choose the right solution (or upgrade), and implement it properly. Going forward, we can even periodically test your system to see whether it is providing accurate data and generating the proper reports.

Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Accounting Software

People with small and midsized business are more focused on creative ideas to enhance their business. Little do they know about handling accounts and finances using a simplified platform due to lack of knowledge and availability of IT solutions and software. This makes them stick to the traditional method for calculating their accounts— using ledgers.

The traditional method of keeping accounts is prone to human errors that can affect the profits generated by a company. To notify, with the availability of accounting software, business owners can solemnly rely on one. Accounting software can provide comprehensive financial reports after sorting, comparing, assessing your company’s accounts. These reports can help you learn the calculations easily and generate profits out of it. Besides, it can take care of various other activities like calculating VAT and pay, producing payrolls, handling debtors and creditors, sales, forecasting and emitting errors while forging numbers.

Many people have started using accounting software, regardless of their choice, they can fall into potential pitfalls related to operating their accounting software. The best way to circumvent errors is by choosing the right selection process. Here are some of the mistakes to avoid when choosing accounting software-

Not Evaluating Application Performance

Most businesses do not review specific software applications before making the buying decision. Since there are substantial differences in the functioning of different programs, it is crucial to understand the functioning of the software and its benefits to your accounting functions. Consider different factors, such as ease of use, components, functionality, and multicurrency conversion options, while choosing accounting software.

Not Checking the System for Flexibility

When choosing an accounting system, it is important to determine whether it is flexible as far as information sharing is concerned. Find how easy it is to fax, email, or export any report. You might also want to test how hard or easy it is to use different tools, such as MS Query, in order to extract data out of your accounting software.

Not Checking for Scalability

Some businesses do not pay attention to testing the scalability of accounting software before making the purchase decision. They often find themselves struggling later when they experience business growth. The accounting software you choose should be scalable enough to accommodate the increasing needs of your business. Imagine what would happen if your business tripled or doubled in size tomorrow?

Seeking the Cheapest Solution-

A business is a huge investment, so you want it to run smoothly, and for that, you need accounting software that offers broad functionality with a user-friendly interface; providing benefits from cost-effective scaling to design integrations and customer relationship management. For seeking a system that allows multifunctional operations integrated with tools from other lines of business, you need to spend extra money. There is no fun of buying an accounting software that has no add on features, fewer updating versions and slow processors for analysing your business data. It is equivalent to working on ledgers. Therefore, never go for cheap software.

Buying On-Premise Software-

If you are looking forward to growing your business, want remote workers, virtual partners to view data and provide input when necessary then to purchase a system that is reliant on your data centre infrastructure will not work for you. For modern business practices and for seeking growth in your sector, choosing on-premises software is not a good option since it will hamper the development you are looking for. With a cloud-based system, you can have access to virtual tools and everything available on shelf just by paying a small fee as compared to paying for upgrading your in-home systems.

Not doing a background research

As mentioned, there are a lot of software service providers in the market. So how do you weed out the ones who are reliable from the ones who only want your money? The answer is to do a thorough research and interview before hiring. The Internet serves as a great tool for you to check your service provider’s website and social media accounts. You can also research for online reviews from their previous clients to know how well they performed in the past.  

Focusing on one option

Consider interviewing two to three service providers so you can compare their services and rates. You also don’t have to be discreet about interviewing other companies. This will also help you find the best deal without compromising the quality of product features.  

Not Checking the System for Source Code

Some businesses do not pay attention to the code in which the software is written. This means they are not able to reap the long-term benefits from the system. When making a buying decision, you do not want to invest in a system written in an obscure or obsolete programming language.

It is critically important to choose accounting software that includes source code. Doing so will help provide you with improved long-term security over your investment. Imagine a scenario in which your vendor goes out of business, and you do not have the source code. Your best long-term interests are served when you have the source code so that in any eventuality the software continues to reap its long-term benefits.

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What Content You Should Include On Your Vacation Rentals Cleaning

Vacation Rentals Cleaning & Disinfectant Protocol in relation to COVID-19

Cleaning a vacation rental is no small task, even when we are not faced with a global pandemic. A housekeeper is expected to take a property that is in disarray from departing guests and completely reset it—eradicating the microbes that have been left behind in the property and creating a like-new experience for arriving guests. Vacation rental professionals understand that cleaning a property effectively requires specific training, appropriate supplies, and a systematic process.

Cleaning is defined by the CDC as “the removal of germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces. It does not kill germs, but by removing them, it lowers their numbers and the risk of spreading infection.”

Disinfection is a separate step that should come after cleaning if surfaces are dirty, they should be cleaned prior to disinfection.

Disinfection vs. Sanitization: These two activities are not the same. Sanitizing refers to reducing the number of germs to a safe level by cleaning. Disinfecting refers to killing nearly 100% of germs on surfaces or objects, according to the CDC. It is important to note that when a surface has been disinfected, if there are virus particles in the air, those particles may settle on the newly cleaned surface. This means that the surface is now in a sanitized state, not a disinfected state. This concept holds true, regardless of whether we are talking about the COVID-19 virus or other viruses, bacteria, dust, or other particles.

Vacation Rentals will be using disinfecting products and/or that properties have been through a disinfection process as part of our new rental cleaning protocol. Our primary disinfectant is called the Vindicator Plus. This product has been authorized by the US EPA as a registered disinfectant that may be used to combat the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) on hard, non-porous surfaces. Therefore, this product can be used against Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) when used in accordance with directions for use against Human Coronavirus on hard, non-porous surfaces.

Soft Surfaces and Upholstery

To date, there is limited information regarding how long the COVID-19 virus can live on fabric or other soft surfaces.

Cleaning and Inspections

Due to additional cleaning / disinfecting measures, the amount of time required to sanitize/disinfect high-touch areas that may not have previously been rigorously cleaned on every turn will now be a part of our protocol therefore we will need to allow a certain amount of time for the nebulized virus particles to settle out of the air. Note that these additional cleaning and wait times may make it impossible to allow early check-ins or late check-outs. To help ensure that these measures are effective, we are forced to abide by strict check out (11am) and check in (4pm) time frames. We can make exceptions if the property has been vacant for at least 24 hours.

Vacations Adjusts Cleaning Standards to Follow CDC Guidelines

Vacations Housekeeping Processes

The new housekeeping processes include a six-step guide paired with room-specific checklists, which include dusting, cleaning and disinfecting. In addition, cleaning companies and property managers will focus on key touch-point objects, including switches, remote controls, phones, tables, HVAC controls, handles and other areas.

Here’s an overview of what the processes entail and common terms:

Cleaning: Removal of visible soil from objects and surfaces. Cleaning is essential before high-level disinfection can take place.

Disinfection: Works by using chemicals to kill germs on surfaces. Killing germs remaining on a surface after cleaning further reduces risk of spreading infection.

Dwell Time: The amount of time a surface mu

st remain wet and undisturbed to effectively clean and disinfect.

Treatment of Contact Surfaces: Surfaces frequently touched by guests. Common surfaces include: TV screens, remote controls, door knobs, cabinet handles, coffee tables, light switches, end tables, counter-tops, refrigerator doors, etc.

Stay Current: iTrip Vacations is monitoring the situation 24/7 and will adjust procedures as needed.

Future Plans and Special Guidelines

In addition, Vacations created separate guidelines for deep cleans, viral contamination cleaning and pest containment. All of these updated processes will better protect guests, property owners, cleaning and maintenance staff, and property managers. Each property is also professionally inspected to ensure guidelines have been met.

Rental Cleaning Guidelines

Cleaning Guidelines for Each Cabin

Rooms are ventilated before each cleaning,

Allow fresh air to circulate for at least 20 minutes. If possible, leave all windows open during the entire cleaning process.

Gloves are worn during cleaning process,

Hands are washed and gloves are changed between each cleaning

Use of soap and water are frequent; as well as, hand sanitizers before and after each cleaning.

Cleaning is performed then disinfectant is used,

Approved Cleaning and Disinfectant products are used that are safe to guests and their pets

Cleaning with soap and approved cleaning produces are used first to remove dirt, germs, and other impurities. Disinfectants are then used to ensure that all germs and potential viruses are eliminated.

All rugs, sofas, drapes, and other soft surfaces are vacuumed thoroughly,

Vacuum contents are emptied after each use.

All Hot Tubs are cleaned and serviced thoroughly between stays.

What We Clean

General Surfaces to Clean

Doorknobs

Fans and Lamp Chains

Garbage and Recycling Bins

Hairdryers

Ironing Boards and Irons

Keys

Light Switches

Railings

Remote Controls

Tabletops

Thermostats

Window Sills and Window Handles

Kitchen Items to Clean

Appliances; such as coffee maker, oven, microwave, toasters, etc.

Cabinet Handles and Pulls

Condiments; such as salt shakers, pepper grinders, spices, etc.

Hard-back Chairs

Kitchenware that isn’t diswasher safe

Sinks

Bathroom Items to Clean

Faucet Handles

Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Wash, & Soap Dispencers

Shower Curtains and Doors

Showers and Tubs

Sinks

Toilets

Bedroom Items to Clean

Handers and Luggage Racks

Nightstands

Appliances to Clean

Dishwaser Door and Handle

Vacuum Cleaners

Waser and Dryer Doors, Handles, and Knobs

Kid’s Items to Clean

High Chairs

Portable Cribs and Playpens

Toys

COVID CLEANING POLICY

Cleaning guidelines that will be practicing:

1. Two-step cleaning will be practiced by the housekeepers. It is important to understand that cleaning and disinfecting are not the same thing!  All surfaces will be cleaned first and then will be disinfected by spraying all surfaces with proper disinfectant approved by the EPA. 

2. We will be using Electro-Static sprayers and disinfectant foggers throughout the house to effectively disinfect all surfaces of the home. This will be done immediately after you depart.  Electrostatic spraying is a method of applying a disinfectant using an electric charge of fully cover all surfaces in a room.  The result is a more efficient process to properly and fully disinfect your home.

3.  PPE Equipment will be worn by our staff when cleaning, quality checking and doing maintenance in all homes.

Additional changes that you will notice:

We have temporarily removed extra bed linens, blankets, excess towels, throw pillows etc. to speed the cleaning process.  We have removed all spices, food, board games, puzzles and kids’ indoor/outdoor toys as they are hard to properly sanitize and disinfect.

There are new guidelines for renting a vacation home that we must follow in order to be compliant with the local government. These guidelines must be followed not only by the rental company but also by guest who are booking the homes.

What to know while at the house:

Proper guidance of personal safety protocols to practice while here are the following:

1.  Wear masks in any public places.

2.  Maintain social distancing in town and on the beach.

3.  Please stay clear of any marked or closed areas.

4.  To adhere to any other recommendations from County and State governments.

5.  To be considerate of everyone in the community.

Due to safety guidelines we are limited on what we can send out maintenance staff to do during your stay.  This is for the safety of both you and our staff.  Some vendors are limiting service call to vacant properties only during this time.

CDC Cleaning Initiative

There has never been a time like the present where cleaning and sanitation procedures are essential to everyone’s peace of mind. have further elevated our high cleaning standards by adding additional measures that follow both CDC and VRMA’s cleaning guidelines. Your health and safety are paramount to us. From CDC-approved cleaning products to mandatory mask and glove use, our company has implemented every recommended procedure for your safety. We hope the below information provides you the reassurance needed during these times.

Before every arrival, our properties are rigorously cleaned, sanitized, and double-checked to ensure guest safety. Our cleaners are required to wear both masks and gloves before entering any condo or home. According to CDC guidelines, surfaces are first cleaned with soap and hot water to reduce the number of germs, dirt, and impurities

Once completed, all surfaces are thoroughly sanitized with CDC approved products that eliminate 99.99% of bacteria, viruses, and other germs. We require our cleaners to pay special attention to high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, phones, remotes, faucets, etc. Whether you’re flipping on the lights or turning off the sink, you can be reassured that every area, no matter how small or large, has been sanitized prior to your arrival.

Deep Cleans & Chemical Sanitation Fogging

Our condos and homes regularly undergo deep cleans where every inch of the property is scrubbed, cleaned, and sanitized. Since the beginning of the pandemic, we began a deep clean initiative and have performed this service for countless properties. This process entails cleaning light fixtures, cabinet interiors, blinds, vents, rugs, and so much more. Additionally, many owners have taken extra precaution by getting a chemical fogging treatment for their rental. Chemical fogging is a highly effective sanitization procedure that uses aerosol to disinfect airborne germs and any hard-to-reach places.

Extra Measures to Ensure a Safe Vacation

When you stay at the beach, your only worry should be in deciding whether to spend the day playing in the waves or napping on the sand. Vacation is a special time to relax… that’s why we’re taking extra measures to ease your mind so you can unwind. Contactless check-in is one of our features that set us apart from places such as hotels and resorts

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Why And How To Choose A Chiropractor

Tips For Choosing the Right Chiropractor

The first step to an improved well-being is knowing about Chiropractic care and recognizing its critical role in your health. The second step is choosing a wellness chiropractor who will help you in attaining your personal health goals and in maximizing your potential for experiencing a much healthier life.

The location, large phone directory ad, and an attractive sign should not be considered when looking for a Chiropractor. These should not be considered as your primary basis if finding a Chiropractor that fits your needs is your primary objective.

To help you, below are five important factors that should be considered when searching for a wellness Chiropractor:

Mode of Evaluation

The nervous system is the focus of Chiropractic treatment. The system is the master control of the body and, thus, correct evaluation of the status of its functions are critical. The kind of care that will be provided heavily depends on the scans that will be done to your body. The scans also aid in determining how you suffer from spinal misalignments due to biochemical, psychological, and physical distress. Chiropractors may also take x-rays or perform additional imaging.

Feeling good is important but it should not be the only basis for your care. Whether or not you have pain, decreased flexibility, and other symptoms are not enough. Spinal misalignments pose health risks like other health conditions such as high blood pressure and dental cavities: it may exist even without obvious symptoms. This is why an objective assessment of the nerve system is crucial.

How to pick the best chiropractor amongst the lot? Here are a most important tips.

Is there any Chiropractor Directory available?

Regardless of the size of the city or town you belong to, there is always a directory available which contains the contact details of chiropractors practicing locally. Sometimes, the directory isn’t comprehensive. You may need to scan through two or three, but you will get the required information surely.

Check the website

In the modern world, don’t try old methods. Get to the website offered by the chiropractor and extract the details. What are the services offered by them? What is the level of confidence people have in the services? It can be gauged by reading the reviews, remarks, and feedback. By merely looking at the website, you can sense the level of professionalism. A qualified and experienced chiropractor will present the services crisply and proficiently.

Meet The Doctor For A Free Consultation.

Most chiropractors would be glad to meet with you in their office for a free consultation to determine if you are a good candidate for chiropractic treatment. Be sure to make this visit a productive one. Know whether the treatment is right for you, and feel if you are comfortable with the doctor.

Check The Quality Of The Office.

Consider and assess the quality of care that the facility can offer. Clinic quality is vital to patients because top quality chiropractic treatment facilities have better results and fewer complications than clinics that may appear not well invested in. Pay attention to the location and make sure it is ideal for you and not too far away.

Identify The Types Of Techniques Used.

If you’ve already been to a chiropractic practitioner before, you may have an idea about a particular technique. Well, there are different techniques used in chiropractic treatment. Some include adjustment by hand, adjustments using instruments, and low-force techniques. Ask your doctor about the right technique that best suits your condition.

Are you injured or are you dysfunctional? In other words, did your pain come on suddenly from an injury or did it set in more slowly due to something you repeatedly do?

Sudden pain usually means an injury occurred. Sometimes it is a car accident, or a fall, or a sports injury. These type of injuries may be what a certain type of chiropractor focuses on or even has certification and increased training in. In cases of these types of injuries you want a chiropractor who can confidently treat sprains and strains, who can differentiate different types of injuries, and who will recognize when an injury is too severe for them and is also diligent enough to see certain warning signs and refer you to other providers when necessary. Many holistic chiropractors, though not all, are prone to viewing the spine in terms of subluxations only and may therefore miss the subtle signs of a more severe injury that requires the expertise of a specially-trained chiropractor, an orthopedist or neurologist. Though not a firm rule, a more mechanistic chiropractor may be a safer bet when a painful injury is involved.

Think About Your Comfort

You want to take some time to talk with your potential chiropractors and get to know more about their background. You need a rapport with this person as they are going to be potentially helping you with your treatment for a given period of time.  Having trust that choosing a chiropractor will be able to help you is very important. If you can’t trust the person you are working with, you are going to have a negative experience and may not even find that the treatments are effective. You need a certain attitude for any type of treatment to be most beneficial for recovery, so you need someone that you’re comfortable with. Think about whether or not the chiropractor is giving you enough time to ask questions or if they are pushing you out of the office as fast as possible. Consider whether or not they seem eager to help you or if they seem like they care.

Consider Your Insurance Options

Did you know that some chiropractic work is covered under certain insurance plans? You may be able to get some or all of your treatment covered. It would be a good idea to look at your insurance options and see if any recommended chiropractors accept your insurance. You may have gotten a great recommendation for a chiropractor not on the list and if so, paying out of pocket or using out of network benefits is another option. It’s no secret that any type of treatment can be costly as time goes by, so discuss payment options and find out how much your treatment is estimated to cost before you actually have anything done.  Chiropractors should be able to give you a rough estimate of the cost of their services, especially after your initial visit. Once you have gotten your consultation and have described your symptoms, you can talk about what the next steps to recovery will look like.

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Pest Control In A Vineyard

How to Prevent a Pest Infestation

Integrated Pest Management, or IPM, is a holistic approach to pest management that includes prevention and monitoring. IPM yields multiple benefits to the environment because it limits the need for chemicals. The main idea behind IPM is to do what you can to prevent pest infestations before they begin. IPM is also referred to as general pest prevention.

Integrated Pest Management

If you have problems with common household pests such as ants, cockroaches, fleas, spiders, and rodents, or simply want to prevent future infestations from occurring, following an integrated pest management program will benefit your home or business.

As mentioned in our how to prepare your home for pest treatment guide, many pest problems can be controlled by making changes to the infested areas. For example, if a home has a major problem with rodents, and rodent traps are consistently trapping rodents, rodents are more than likely gaining entry to your home easily. You may have low hanging branches that touch your roof or windows that have been left open. Removing these entry points to your home could dramatically reduce your rodent population.

The following are smart, easy ways to prevent a pest infestation in your home or business:

1. Clean out clogged gutters

2. Trim bushes and trees away from the structure

3. Remove heavy mulch build-up

4. Ensure that the property irrigation system is managed properly

5. Use sticky traps and live catch traps to monitor and catch pests

6. Keep any moisture buildup away from the foundation of the structure

7. Seal off pest entry points, including cracks and gaps under garage doors, around windows, and where wires enter the structure

8. Eliminate clutter indoors, especially in basements, attics, crawl spaces, garages, and other storage areas

9. Maintain general cleanliness and sanitation standards around and inside the structure

10. Keep firewood stacked off the ground and away from the home

We recommend applying monthly insecticide applications around your structure beginning in early August and continuing through November (or the first frost of the season). Once the frost has thawed in the spring, you can resume monthly applications. Be sure to use the highest recommended usage rate when spraying. The goal of these applications is to keep overwintering pests out of your home or structure.

A Guide to Home Pest Control

stink bugs, large outdoor cockroaches, and wasps begin finding their way into your warm home. While 74 percent of Americans surveyed by Raid believe they have more bugs in the home in summer, what they may not know is their home remains susceptible to unwanted visitors well into the cooler months.

Seal Your Home Against Insects

As temperatures drop, food, water, and shelter become more difficult for insects to find outdoors, which can cause them to invade your house looking for these disappearing resources they need to survive.

To help prevent this from happening:

Weatherproof all windows and doors to seal off cracks around ledges and edges. This will help to keep outdoor pests outdoors.

Check your home for light leaks and seal any exterior-opening gaps or cracks that can enable pests as large as rodents and bats to get in.

Caulk cracks along bathroom and kitchen fixtures. Even the tiniest of these can enable insects to sneak in and provides them with easy access to the water they need for survival.

Fortify Your Defense Against Pests

You might miss a few areas when sealing your house, and that’s where backup products come in.

Use long-lasting indoor/outdoor labeled pesticide products to spray around the perimeter of your house and larger entryways like doors. For best results, apply both indoors and outdoors.

To keep pests out of indoor sensitive areas, such as kitchen sinks, backsplashes, and bathrooms, use a product that is labeled for these areas and has a precise-tip applicator enabling application into tight spots, cracks, and crevices.

Keep floors swept, counters wiped, and food stored in the refrigerator or insect-resistant packaging. This will help reduce rodent and insect attraction and ensure you are not providing easy access to food and water for their survival.

Break Bad Habits That Attract Pests

Cooling temperatures are not the only factor attracting bugs to your house—in fact, your everyday actions may be inadvertently inviting bugs in. To help keep pests out, change the following habits:

Do you store firewood next to your house? If you do, you are inviting wood-boring pests to invade your home. Always store firewood at least 3 feet away from your house and bring in only the amount that you will burn quickly. This will keep pests that do come in on the firewood from crawling off and taking shelter in your home.

Are there any recycling bins stored in an attached garage or near your home? The remnants of soda and other food products can attract ants. While the sight of a few ants might not be alarming, ants will leave a scent trail for other ants to follow.

Do you have piles of old paper, fabric, or other clutter sitting in an out-of-the-way place—or even a regularly used room? These can provide shelter (and even food) for several insect and rodent pests. Keeping your home clean means limiting its attraction to pests.

Ways to Keep Rabbits Out of Your Garden

To many people, the image that comes to mind at the mention of a rabbit is a soft, fluffy cute bunny; for children, the image may be a caricature of a rabbit carrying a basket of eggs or even of the cartoon character, Bugs Bunny. But for those who love to garden, a rabbit is a destructive, annoying pest that eats up the landscape and causes expensive damage.

How Do You Know if a Rabbit Is Eating Your Garden?

The first step is to determine if it is rabbits eating your garden by looking at the evidence. One very reliable sign of marauding rabbits is when you see the area scattered with coarse, round, fecal pellets—the scat (poop) of rabbits. Depending on the species, these may be 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch in size. You may also see rabbit hair or fur caught on or under tree branches, rabbit trails, or nesting areas under bushes or brush.

Feeding

Rabbits can, and will, eat just about any tender plant. In the spring, they will feed on newly sprouted grass and clover; in the fall and winter when food is less available, they will survive on whatever bark and seedlings they can find. But all too often, the rabbits’ favorite food is exactly the same foods loved by the homeowners—the delicious produce found in vegetable gardens and on fruit bushes

Gnawing

Although about any tree can be gnawed by rabbits, they prefer the smooth, light bark and tender shoots of young trees over the rough, tough bark of older trees. Tree gnawing can cause significant damage, particularly if the rabbits completely gnaw off all the bark or any essential branches. Rabbits will gnaw on things other than plants, including hoses, wires, and cloth. As anyone who has kept pet rabbits in the home knows, rabbits will gnaw on almost anything, including furniture, shoes, clothing, cables, and wires.

Garden Fencing

As is true when you are trying to protect against any wildlife, the top recommendation is to use of fencing around the garden or any other area requiring protection. Chicken wire with 1/2- to 1-inch mesh is a good choice for guarding against rabbits The fence must be at least 2 feet high to keep rabbits from jumping over it. To prevent rabbits from burrowing under it, the fencing should extend at least six inches below ground or be secured to the ground to keep the bottom edge tight. Electric net fencing also can be used for temporary control around seasonal gardens.

Ultimate Guide to Pest Control

Ants

There are more than 700 species of ants in the United States alone. Fortunately, not all of them live where you do. Having said that, fire ants and carpenter ants can cause big problems, damaging homes and stinging people, especially as temperatures heat up and rains are heavier. Plus, some people have allergic reactions to their stings, which can sometimes be life threatening.

Fire Ants

Fire ants live in mounds in lawns, on sidewalk edges, under concrete driveways, in electrical boxes, compost piles, and mulch, among other locations. Mounds are less than 18 inches in size and, when rains are heavy, the colony may head for higher ground, away from the saturated soil—including moving into homes.

This species will aggressively defend its mounds and surrounding areas, working in groups to attack children, pets, gardeners, and so forth if they feel threatened. Plus, unlike other types of pests, individual fire ants can continue to sting people and animals.

Stings can be quite painful, with skin irritations and itching sometimes lasting for days. For relief, you can try hydrocortisone cream, antihistamines, cold compresses, and oatmeal baths.

Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants excavate wood when making room for a nest and, when they dig at the wood in your home in large numbers, the house’s structural soundness can be severely compromised. So, it’s not surprising that carpenter ants have been considered one of the top five in pestiness in the United States.

How to Prevent and Get Rid of Cockroaches

The sight of a cockroach scurrying across the kitchen floor will send most homeowners straight to the phone to call an exterminator. The fact that some species can fly only adds to the revulsion.

The truth is, of the 4,500 roach species in the world, only about 60 find their way into homes and most of those don’t want to be in your home any more than you want them there. So, how do you get rid of cockroaches? It starts with knowing your enemy since each species will require a different approach.

German vs. American Cockroach

Roaches are known vectors for disease and can make certain health conditions, like asthma, worse.

German roaches are small and brown. Some people call them “kitchen roaches” because they thrive indoors, and tend to prefer the kitchen (and bathroom). These guys can’t fly.

Asian roaches look like the German species, but they can fly. They prefer the outdoors but do wander inside sometimes.

American roaches, which are larger and deep brown, also prefer to be outside. They are flying opportunists. If they have easy access to food or water, they will make themselves at home.

Palmetto bugs, which are as large as the American (two inches on average), are black. They also prefer the outdoors and fly, but they will eat your pet’s food or that pie you left on the counter.

Prevention Is Your Best Defense

Roaches are resilient and can become immune to many products, particularly those found on your grocery store shelves. Failing to properly get rid of roaches can cause the problem to get worse. The best defense against roaches is to make sure you never have any in your home in the first place–and if any get in, ensure they are dealt with swiftly.

The key is to make your home inhospitable to roaches:

Keep counters, floors, stovetops, and tables clean.

Wipe down all surfaces (counters, stove, etc.) after each use.

Don’t leave any food out overnight or even during the day.

Take your garbage out regularly.

Pick up pet food and water bowls every night.

Don’t leave dishes in a sink full of water “to soak” overnight.

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Unsavory Used Car Dealer Practices

Car Dealer Auctions – Strategies to Save You Money

Buying a vehicle of any stripe, even a used one, is always an expensive proposition. That’s why auto buyers try to use every tool at their disposal to get the best deal possible.

In recent years, there’s one tool that’s become used more and more by auto buyers: dealer auctions. If you’re unfamiliar with these auctions and how they can help you to save thousands, we’ll explain below. In the end, you’ll see why countless auto buyers are now using these auctions to buy cars rather than going to dealerships.

I Thought Dealer Auctions Were Closed to the Public?

You’ve likely heard about dealer auctions before. They take place across the country each and every day, with numerous cars being auctioned off at a time. If you have heard of these auctions, then you likely believe that they’re closed to the public… For the most part.

It’s definitely true that the vast majority of car auctions across the country aren’t open to the public. But, online dealer auto auctions have changed all of this! Websites that provide this service allow their users to take advantage of the website’s dealer’s license. Because of this, these users are now able to enjoy the same level of selection and savings as dealers have long enjoyed.

Signing Up for Online Dealer Auto Auctions

Online dealer auto auctions work much the same way as a site like EBay. In order to get started with your search, you merely need to create an account. To create this account, you’ll only need to provide very basic information about yourself.

Things are a little different, though, when you decide you want to start bidding. Online dealer auto auctions require that you make a deposit in order to establish your buying power. Typically, the size of your deposit will equate to 10% of whatever your maximum bid (and purchase) can be. For example, if you deposit $400, then you can bid up to $4,000 on used, salvage and like-new cars!

Don’t Bid at Your First Car Dealer Auction

Like any new experience, the first time you go to a car dealer auction, you may feel out of place or confused about what to do. It’s not the end of the world, but you also don’t want to make mistakes at an auction and lose a thousand dollars or more.

That’s not to say that these auctions are overly-complicated or that people don’t have success on their first tries. For best results, though, you should go once just to get a feel for things.

Check the Inventory Beforehand

Along with getting your feet wet, we also recommend that you check the inventory of the dealer beforehand. This will make it much easier for you to do your research and figure out how much it would be worth to spend on any of the vehicles in which you’re interested.

You can also call the dealer with questions. It can be hard to get these answered at an auction sometimes.

Note: Not all dealers are going to have their inventories online. Again, you can always call to ask about what is going to be sold.

Why do people buy cars at auction?

The simplest reason is because they’re cheap, but it can also be for the variety of cars on offer and the speed of the process. If an auction is fairly quiet, with few bidders, you could drive away with a car and save money compared to buying from a dealer or private seller. For this reason, most used-car garages buy their stock at auction to tidy up and sell on their forecourts.

Before heading to the auction house, get hold of the catalogue (also called an auction list) for the day you want to attend. Usually, these are available on the auction company’s website and it’s vital to check if there are one or more examples of the car you want before making the trip.

Where are car auctions held?

Car auctions take place all over the country and it’s also possible to bid online in real-time, in addition to buying cars from online auction sites like eBay. A quick online search will reveal the nearest auction house to you, but you may need to travel if you’re after a specific type of vehicle or a rare car.

Bear in mind that while bidding online can be an easy way of buying at auction, you may need to travel a fair distance to pick up your car. Some of the bigger auction houses offer a delivery service, although this can be relatively expensive.

What not to do

Just as important as what you should do are the dangerous traps to avoid:

  • Overbidding. In the heat of the moment, you could fall victim to “the red mist” syndrome where the excitement clouds your judgment, says Riena. Maybe the auctioneer is staring at you, waiting for you to bump up your offer. If you’re at your limit, turn your back to show you’re not interested.
  • Poor signaling. With cars in multiple lanes and the machine-gun banter of the auctioneer’s voice, it’s easy to miss the cream puff you were eyeing. Catch the auctioneer’s eye early in the process so he or she knows you’re going to be a bidder. Remember that you’ll have only seconds to make a decision whether to buy or let it go.
  • Bidding against a shill. Huang says dealers will sometimes bid on their own cars to drive up the price. If a bidder is known by the auction team or seems like an insider, be extra careful to stick to your bidding limit.
  • Buying a lemon. Assuming the vehicle history report is clean, it’s still up to you to do what you can to look for mechanical defects or body damage. Go online to read automotive forums for mechanical problems with the cars you’re targeting. Create a checklist and thoroughly inspect the car.

What Type of Vehicles are at Dealer-only Auctions?

Dealer-only auctions are the main source of inventory for all auto dealerships. They feature a variety of vehicles that fall into 3 main categories:

  • Recent trade-ins: The selling dealer had excess inventory or that particular vehicle didn’t match the dealers’ needs.
  • End-of-lease returns: The vehicle reached the end of its’ 2-3 year lease and the leasing company wants to sell their vehicle.
  • Repossessed vehicles: Banks and other lenders want to sell and recover as much of their loss as possible.