The COVID-19 outbreak has seemingly thrown the whole world into disarray. Here in Buffalo and New York, it has led to major shutdowns of businesses, schools, and social events. Health experts are uncertain exactly how long this outbreak will last and how long these measures will be necessary. As such, our team at Reimer Home Services is proactively taking precautionary steps to protect you and your family. In this article, we’ll review what exactly COVID-19 is, how we’re working to protect you, and how you can support our community through this crisis.
Our team is here for all your Day or Night emergency heating, cooling, and plumbing needs. For fast service throughout Buffalo and Western New York, contact us today. We’re ready to help.
Our team is taking steps to protect your home
Throughout the duration of this outbreak, our team at Reimer Home Services is taking precautionary steps to protect you and your home. Here’s what you need to know:
What you need to know about COVID-19
COVID-19, also known as “novel coronavirus,” is a virus that has spread throughout the world in a matter of months. Because COVID-19 only recently made the jump from animals to humans, there is no pre-existing human immunity to it, and no vaccine has yet been developed. This means that everyone is at risk of catching this disease.
As you have no doubt heard on the news, COVID-19 is incredibly easy to spread. Once infected, most people do not show symptoms for a few days. During this “incubation period,” they may unknowingly be infecting others. Most of those infected (about 80%) experience mild to moderate flu-like symptoms, but a sizable population may be completely symptomless for the duration of their infection—making them more likely to go out into public spaces and accidentally infect dozens or even hundreds of other people.
In other words, without social distancing and precautionary measures, experts believe that COVID-19 could spread like wildfire. This is problematic because 20% of those infected experience severe symptoms and may require hospitalization. Vulnerable populations, such as the elderly or those with pre-existing health conditions, are especially at risk.
To slow the spread of COVID-19 and help “flatten the curve” of patients that our hospitals have to treat at once, experts recommend that everyone:
- Practice Social Distancing: Avoid going out into public spaces unless absolutely necessary, such as for an essential job or to get groceries. When you do go out, avoid touching your face, cough and sneeze into your elbow, and wear a face mask.
- Wash Your Hands: The virus is primarily spread by people touching an infected surface and then touching their nose, mouth, or eyes. When you return from a public space, wash your hands thoroughly in warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds.
- Sanitize Surfaces: Wipe down anything you might have touched to kill the virus. You should especially sanitize your phone.
If you are sick, stay home to avoid spreading COVID-19 to others. If you do have to go to work or to the store for supplies, keep a distance of six feet between you and the next person. For more up-to-date information, be sure to check out the website of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.
Thank you for your support of our community
These are difficult times for many people, and local businesses and their employees are being hit hard. If you are in a position to do so, please consider supporting local businesses during this difficult time. You can make a positive impact by:
- Supporting local restaurants by ordering food for takeout or delivery. This helps them keep going through these tough times. If you feel uncomfortable ordering food, call them and ask if they sell gift cards. This purchase gives the business cash today, and you can then use or gift the certificate once the COVID-19 outbreak is over.
- Whether you’re buying essentials or putting together a care package for a family member, try to shop local. Our storefronts are not getting foot traffic, so buying things from them online can make a world of difference.
- Do the small things and recognize those who are working hard to ensure our grocery store shelves remain stocked, our power remains on, and life continues moving forward. A simple “thank you” can really lift someone’s spirits and keep us all moving forward.
On behalf of our entire family and team here at Reimer Home Services, we also would like to give our sincerest appreciation of our local first responders, medical personnel, and all those working on the front lines of this crisis. You’ve always been awesome, and we appreciate you more than ever!
Of course, you can count on Reimer Home Services for all your emergency HVAC and plumbing repair needs during this difficult time. Thank you for your continued business and support. Stay safe, stay healthy, and call us with all your Day or Night repair needs.
