Friday, September 25, 2009

Computer and Hazardous Waste Recycling Event

Delaware County will host an event to recycle computer equipment and household hazardous waste (HHW) on Thursday, October 8, from 9 am to 3 pm. The event will be held at the Rose Tree Park, 1521 N. Providence Road, Media, PA 19063.

There are some limitations, so please visit their website for details.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Paper Shredding Event in Aston

Aston Township in Delaware County will host a paper shredding event on Saturday, September 26, from 9 am to 11:30 am. It will be held in the parking lot of their community center on Concord Road (where the library is). Visit www.astontownship.net for details.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Hazardous Waste Recycling Event

Delaware County will host a household hazardous waste (HHW) recycling event on Saturday, September 19, from 9 am to 3 pm. The event will be held at Covanta L.P.,
2nd and Harwick Streets, Chester, PA.

These are great events, so take some time to go through your basements and garages to get rid of that old paint and stuff! For details on this event and the rest of their 2009 schedule, click here.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

A&E's Hoarders TV Show

Professional Organizers have had mixed feelings about a new show called "Hoarders" on A&E. The show seems to have brought out the best and the worst in us!

Each episode features two people with hoarding issues, and the Professional Organizers and psychologists who help them clean out their homes in a two-day time period.

The good thing is that it may help some viewers realize that they are hoarding and encourage them to contact a professional.

The bad thing is that very few projects with hoarding clients are completed in two days. Most hoarding clients need months or years to clean out and to overcome their challenges. The organizing team works in conjunction a therapist who requires the client to attend regular therapy sessions.

I know it's hard for TV producers to spend a year following a person's journey, but I wish someone had the courage and patience to document the long-term advances a person struggling with hoarding can make. Maybe it would help potential hoarders catch their habits before their houses became unsafe.

copyright Sara Long 2009

Are You Prepared?

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has designated September as National Preparedness Month. What does this mean to you? It’s a great time to evaluate your readiness for emergencies and natural disasters.

A good way to start is to make an emergency supply kit, which may include these items:
• Water (one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation)
• Food (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food, and a can-opener if necessary)
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert (and extra batteries for both)
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit that includes sterile gloves, sterile dressings, cleansing agent/soap and antibiotic towelettes, antibiotic ointment, burn ointment, adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes, eye wash solution, a thermometer, and your prescription medications and prescribed medical supplies
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes/wipes and garbage bags
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records
• Cash or traveler's checks and change

Visit www.ready.gov for more information, such as additional items for children and pets, family emergency plans, emergency information services, and volunteer opportunities.

copyright Sara Long 2009

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Back in Business


After giving birth to my first child in July, I'm ready to get back to work! The only thing that has changed is my schedule. Due to babysitters' availability, I'm only offering on-site organizing services on evenings and weekends at this point. I am still available to do "virtual assistance" work from home, though, such as filing, data entry, etc. So, give me a call!