Advice on how to be safe from fire

10/8/2023 (Permalink)

Being prepared and knowledgeable about fire safety is crucial to ensure your safety and the safety of others in the event of a fire. Here are some essential tips to help you stay safe from fires:

1. **Install Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors:**
- Place smoke alarms on every floor of your home, especially near bedrooms and in common areas.
- Test smoke alarms regularly and replace batteries at least twice a year.

2. **Create a Fire Escape Plan:**
- Develop a clear and practical fire escape plan for your home or workplace.
- Identify primary and secondary escape routes from each room.
- Practice the escape plan regularly with all family members or colleagues.

3. **Know How to Use Fire Extinguishers:**
- Keep fire extinguishers in key areas of your home, such as the kitchen, garage, and near potential fire hazards.
- Learn how to use a fire extinguisher and understand the PASS (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep) technique.

4. **Keep Fire Hazards in Check:**
- Regularly inspect and maintain electrical appliances, cords, and outlets for signs of wear or damage.
- Don't overload electrical outlets or extension cords.
- Avoid using damaged electrical appliances and cords.

5. **Practice Fire-Safe Cooking:**
- Never leave cooking unattended, especially on the stovetop.
- Keep flammable items, such as towels and curtains, away from cooking surfaces.
- Use caution when cooking with oil or deep frying; always have a lid nearby to cover the pan if needed.

6. **Maintain Heating Equipment:**
- Have heating systems, chimneys, and fireplaces inspected and cleaned annually by professionals.
- Use appropriate safety measures when using space heaters, ensuring they're placed away from flammable materials and turned off when not in use.

7. **Be Mindful of Candles and Open Flames:**
- Keep candles away from flammable materials and never leave them unattended.
- Consider using flameless LED candles as a safer alternative.

8. **Store Hazardous Materials Safely:**
- Store flammable liquids and chemicals in a well-ventilated area away from heat sources.
- Follow proper storage guidelines for household chemicals and fuels.

9. **Educate Your Family and Team:**
- Educate everyone in your household or workplace about fire safety procedures and prevention.
- Teach children about the dangers of fire and what to do in case of a fire.

10. **Know How to React During a Fire:**
- If a fire occurs, stay low to the ground to avoid smoke inhalation and crawl to safety if necessary.
- Call emergency services immediately once you are in a safe location.

11. **Keep Important Documents Secure:**
- Store important documents (e.g., passports, insurance policies, medical records) in a fireproof safe or a secure off-site location.

Remember, being proactive and prepared can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety and the safety of others in the event of a fire.

Advice on how to be safe from fire

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

With the arrival of warmer weather, there will be an increase in the number of outdoor fires, such as bonfires. While these can be entertaining for some, they can also be harmful and result in a larger fire.

Before you light the first match, make sure you follow these safety precautions.

• On a windy night, never start a campfire.
• If the fire starts to spread, have a bucket of water or a garden hose handy.
• Keep a tight eye on the campfire and everyone who is around it.
• Aerosols, canisters, and anything containing foam or paint should not be burned.
• Make sure the wood you're burning is dry and seasoned before you start.
• The pile should be no more than 5' x 5' in size.

After the bonfire is out, flip the materials over using metal shovels and irrigate the area. You avoid starting a fire, make sure to observe all fire and safety precautions.

what to do when your home is damaged due to a fire?

5/29/2022 (Permalink)

There aren't many things for which we have to wait any longer. We've really gotten to the heart of a lot of scenarios that necessitate a sit-and-wait approach at this point, short of teleportation. That's a fantastic thing!

As much as some may wear "I had to wait for it in my day" as a badge of honour, having rapid access to so much of what we need is certainly a blessing.

Take, for example, SERVPRO's support. (Did you think we wrote all of this only to talk about something else?) Waiting for assistance isn't an option when you have an overnight problem at home—not only as a matter of convenience, but also as a matter of urgency. 

Because there's more at stake than just the initial damage, SERVPRO is available 24 hours a day to handle your emergency cleanup and recovery.

Following a fire.

The first wave of a blazing fire causes visible harm, usually by leaving proof in the form of things you can no longer see. However, unfinished combustion leaves a permanent artefact in the form of thick, black soot, which coats your carpet and plasters your interior with ebony goo minutes after a fire.

Soon after, it becomes irreversible, leaving your home with soot stains and a lingering smoky odour that can't be easily removed, necessitating the complete replacement of your walls and carpets to restore that clean, fresh sensation. This catastrophe can be avoided as much as possible if quick action is taken.

Following water damage.

Once the containment barrier is breached, the race begins: You just have 48 hours to rid your property of intruding water and the excess moisture that results, or you'll have a mould problem on top of your water problem. You now run the risk of developing health problems as well as causing structural damage to your walls and other structures. It's already too late if you have to wait until the weekend to seek help for your home.

In addition to these possibilities, your home may be damaged by storms, natural disasters, or other unforeseen events that necessitate rapid attention. SERVPRO is always available—right now, we're on the other side of this screen, waiting for your call or click. We'll be on our way as soon as we get the alert, regardless of the day or hour.

Any Size in Less Time Disaster isn't just a slogan for us; it's a way of life.

When you need help after a disaster at your home or business, you need it immediately, and SERVPRO is the fastest and most equipped company around. Take advantage of our 24-hour emergency assistance by calling us at any moment.

what to do in case of a house fire damage?

5/28/2022 (Permalink)

Please contact fire damage restoration pros if your home has been harmed by a fire. This will assist to limit structural damage, prevent mould, and return your home to normal as soon as possible. SERVPRO is the company you call when you need fire damage repair services.

1. Emergency Preparedness. We will promptly react to your service request once we receive it. We'll ask the questions we need to make sure we can handle the problem you're having, and then we'll send the people and equipment you'll need to complete the job.

3. The removal of water If the fire was put out with water, we'll use specialist equipment including extractors, air movers, and dehumidifiers to remove the water as rapidly as possible. This process reduces the chance of further structural damage and mould growth.

5. Clean-up of soot and smoke Using sophisticated equipment and techniques, our employees are experts at removing soot and smoke.

6. Deodorizing and cleaning All objects that can be repaired will be cleaned and deodorised. Air scrubbers and foggers are commonly used to deodorise a space.

2. Inspection and Evaluation We'll inspect the damaged areas upon arrival to establish the extent of the damage and devise a strategy for adequately cleaning the fire and smoke damage from your property.

What can Lightning and fire Cause?

5/27/2022 (Permalink)

When it comes to lightning and house fires, there are three things to keep in mind.
Lightning strikes rapidly and can completely destroy your home. However, there are numerous misconceptions about these types of fires, and learning more about them might make you feel better equipped to respond in the event of a fire.

1. Property damage is more likely than personal injury.

When lightning strikes, it frequently causes a house fire; it is quite rare for a person to be struck. Strikes in the United States have wounded fewer than 60 persons in the last four years. 

However, fires that happened as a result of a strike caused severe damage to homes during that time period. Unplugging equipment in your home can assist to lessen the chances of being struck by lightning.

2. The Season and the Environment Play a Role

A lightning strike is more likely to occur during the summer, when storms are more common. Furthermore, certain areas are particularly vulnerable to lightning-caused fires. Drought-stricken areas are more likely to witness these types of fires, as dry grasses and bushes can easily ignite and spread, causing considerable damage to the area.

3. Education and preparation can be beneficial

If you're outside when a storm starts, there are several precautions you may take to keep yourself safe. Avoiding water and staying a safe distance from towering trees and powerlines can help you avoid being struck. If you're inside during a storm, staying away from windows is also a good idea. Knowing how to react in the event of a fire in your home can also help to keep you and others safe.

Average Time for Fire Damage Repair

5/26/2022 (Permalink)

If your home has been damaged by fire, you may be wondering how long it would take to repair it. While small damage can be repaired in a few days, serious damage can take weeks or months to fix. However, no fire damage restoration can commence until the fire service has cleared the area. Depending on the jurisdiction, this process can take many days or weeks. Here's all you need to know about repairing fire damage.

First and foremost, the property must be secured. This includes enclosing the area with fencing and cleaning up any debris left behind. To prevent cross-contamination, you should also seal off roofs and tarp them. After the initial cleanup, you should hire an expert to help you.

Fire damage restoration typically entails rebuilding the home's structural parts as well as repairing or replacing destroyed items. Painting and drywall installation are examples of additional services. Some fire damage restoration businesses provide complete reconstruction services, while others merely perform certain repairs. If you have a lot of drywall damage, you might want to hire a business that specialises in removing and storing smoke and soot stains. Jenkins Restoration can help you restore your house or apartment to its original condition, regardless of the type of fire damage restoration you require.

Understanding The Research On Electrical Fires May Help You Avoid One In Your Home

9/30/2021 (Permalink)

Electrical Fires

Fires involving electrical failures or malfunctions accounted for the highest share of civilian deaths (18%) and direct property damage (20%). This is according to a National Fire Protection Association report that was done in 2019.

Home electrical fires can start in wiring, electrical distribution systems, and lighting equipment, as well as in any equipment powered by electricity such as cooking, heating, office and entertainment equipment, washers and dryers, as well as electrical distribution or lighting equipment.

If you own an older home, it's important that you have your outlets and wiring checked. Aging electrical systems in older homes can be a source of arc faults, either through normal wear and tear or because the systems cannot accommodate the greater demands of modern appliances.

We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

Fire Research Information Might Help To Keep Your Family Safe

More than one-quarter of the reported fires occurred in home environments, according to the National Fire Protection Association. They have also researched specific causes.

Most home fires and fire casualties result from five causes: cooking, heating equipment, electrical distribution and lighting equipment, intentional fire setting, and smoking materials.

Here are some tips to help avoid some of these causes:

Cooking

Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food.

If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.

Wear short, close-fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking.

Keep children away from cooking areas by enforcing a "kid-free zone" of 3 feet around the stove.

Position barbecue grills at least 10 feet away from siding and deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.

Smoking

Smoke outside and completely stub out butts in an ashtray or a can filled with sand.

Soak cigarette butts and ashes in water before throwing them away.

Never toss hot cigarette butts or ashes in the trash can.

Never smoke in a home where oxygen is used, even if it is turned off.

Oxygen can be explosive and makes fire burn hotter and faster.

Be alert - don’t smoke in bed! If you are sleepy, have been drinking, or have taken medicine that makes you drowsy, put your cigarette out first.

Electrical and Appliance Safety

Frayed wires can cause fires.

Replace all worn, old or damaged appliance cords immediately and do not run cords under rugs or furniture.

If an appliance has a three-prong plug, use it only in a three-slot outlet.

Never force it to fit into a two-slot outlet or extension cord.

We are ready to help when you have fire damage