Top Fire Safety Advice

3/28/2022 (Permalink)

Top Fire Safety Advice

Did you know that if a fire breaks out in your home, you may only have two minutes to get out? Early warning from a working smoke alarm combined with a fire escape plan that has been exercised on a regular basis can save lives in the event of a fire. Find out what else you can do to protect your loved ones!

Install smoke alarms on each level of your home, as well as inside bedrooms and sleeping places outside.

Smoke alarms should be tested once a month. Replace the batteries if they don't work.

Discuss a fire escape plan with your entire family and practice it twice a year.

GET OUT, STAY OUT, and CALL FOR HELP if you have a fire in your home.

Top Fire Safety Advice

3/28/2022 (Permalink)

Top Fire Safety Advice

Did you know that if a fire breaks out in your home, you may only have two minutes to get out? Early warning from a working smoke alarm combined with a fire escape plan that has been exercised on a regular basis can save lives in the event of a fire. Find out what else you can do to protect your loved ones!

Install smoke alarms on each level of your home, as well as inside bedrooms and sleeping places outside.

Smoke alarms should be tested once a month. Replace the batteries if they don't work.

Discuss a fire escape plan with your entire family and practice it twice a year.

GET OUT, STAY OUT, and CALL FOR HELP if you have a fire in your home.

Inspect and protect your property

12/13/2021 (Permalink)

Once the catastrophe has passed and you’ve checked in with friends and family, the next step is to call your insurance agent to report any property damage.

If it is safe to do so, protect your property from further damage by making small emergency repairs to your home before an insurance adjuster sees it. This could include boarding up windows, putting a tarp on the roof and salvaging  undamaged items.

If possible, keep damaged items or portions of these items until the claim adjuster has visited your home. Consider photographing or videotaping the damage to provide further documentation to support your claim.

FEMA may also provide assistance after some disasters.

https://www.farmers.com/catastrophe/wildfire-defense/

SERVPRO of South Arlington is here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year for all of your restoration needs

Create a “defensible space”

12/6/2021 (Permalink)

The “home ignition zone” encompasses the house itself and everything up to 100 to 200 feet around it. Radiant heat from a severe wildfire can ignite a house from up to 100 feet away, and if there’s enough combustible material in the way, the flames themselves can quickly travel that distance. So if you happen to live in a wildfire-prone area, safeguarding just your home and the five feet surrounding it leaves significant risk on the table.

The area between 30 and 100 feet of a home is a property’s front-line defense against a wildfire. The principle guiding your preparation in this zone should be to create a “defensible space” that can prevent flames from approaching your home, and give firefighters a safe place to combat the blaze. Cal Fire and NFPA have great resources that outline the creation of a defensible space. For instance, once you remove fuel sources from the area immediately surrounding the house, the area between 30 and 100 feet out should be maintained as a “reduced fuel zone.” In this zone, plants should be spaced out, low-hanging tree branches should be pruned, and all vegetation should be watered regularly.

Steinberg notes that some homeowners go overboard when creating a defensible space by clearing the area surrounding their home of all vegetation. It seems counterintuitive, but well-spaced plant life can actually block wind-blown embers from reaching your home. A defensible space completely devoid of vegetation creates a “bowling alley” for embers.

https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/5-ways-protect-your-home-wildfires

SERVPRO of South Arlington is here for all of your restoration needs.

Proof your roof

11/24/2021 (Permalink)

Proof your roof

Embers from nearby wildfires often land on roofs, where they can ignite a blaze that quickly envelops the whole home. "A flammable roof will make the difference of your house being destroyed and not being destroyed, regardless of what else you do," says fire scientist Jack Cohen. The best possible protection in this case? A roof constructed from nonflammable materials like asphalt shingles, metal, slate, or tile. While wood shingles are the most common flammable roof covering material, homeowners who don’t want the hassle of reroofing can treat their wooden roofs with fire retardant, or install a rooftop sprinkler system. However, experts warn that such solutions may be inadequate—so you might want to consider changing materials altogether. “A nonflammable roof is easy to achieve,” says Steinberg. “If you get a typical asphalt shingle roof with a good installation, you really don’t have to worry too much.”

Also note that leaves and pine needles that collect in gutters make for a dangerous ember landing bed. Make sure to clean your roof’s gutters regularly.

https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/5-ways-protect-your-home-wildfires

 SERVPRO of South Arlington is here for all of your restoration needs

Smoke & Fire Damage and Homeowners Insurance

11/3/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke & Fire Damage and Homeowners Insurance

Homeowners insurance policies typically provide comprehensive cover for fire damage and water damage, e.g. used to extinguish the fire. But what if it’s not safe to stay in your home while your claim is being processed?

Most homeowners insurance policies provide Additional Living Expense (ALE) coverage. It pays for things like a hotel room, restaurant bills, groceries, animal boarding, and other expenses you have to incur, in addition to your regular expenses, because of the damage caused by a covered event.

Make sure to read your homeowners insurance policy, or call your insurance company for more details on what you’re allowed and not allowed to claim for.

https://www.avnergat.com/is-it-safe-to-live-in-a-house-with-smoke-fire-damage/

SERVPRO of South Arlington is here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days  a year for all of your fire restoration services.

Spontaneous combustion and chemical reactions

11/2/2021 (Permalink)

• Spontaneous combustion and chemical reactions account for more than 14,000 fires per year, according to the NFPA. The exact cause of ignition in a spontaneous combustion chemical fire is often difficult to determine, however spontaneous heating is frequently the catalyst. Spontaneous heating happens when a material increases in temperature without pulling heat from its surroundings. An example of this is dried hay igniting in the hot sun.

Materials most commonly known to spontaneously combust include oily rags, hay, agricultural products and trash. Of these materials, oily rags account for the most fires. Warmer months, particularly July, see the most spontaneous combustion and chemical reaction fires.

https://www.thehartford.com/about-us/junior-fire-marshal/the-power-of-fire

SERVPRO of South Arlington is here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year for all of your fire restoration needs. Let SERVPRO of South Arlington make you feel “Like it never even happened.”

Dos and Don’ts After a House Fire

11/2/2021 (Permalink)

A house fire can leave you feeling disoriented and confused about what to do next. Here are a couple of important dos and don’ts.

Things You Shouldn’t Do After a House Fire

• Don’t enter your home to retrieve any valuables unless you’ve been given permission to do so by Fire Department officials.
• Don’t turn on gas, electricity, and water until a professional has given you the green light to do so.
• Don’t clean up the soot, smoke and fire damage yourself. Leave it to an experienced fire restoration company who has the proper safety equipment to clean up the damage.

Things You Should Do After a House Fire

• Document all smoke and fire damage. Take photographs without disturbing anything in your house.
• Inform utility companies about the fire.
• Call your homeowners insurance company to start the claims process.

https://www.avnergat.com/is-it-safe-to-live-in-a-house-with-smoke-fire-damage/

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie  is here for all of your restoration needs.

Stay Low

11/2/2021 (Permalink)

If you can see smoke in the house, stay low to the ground as you make your way to the exit. In a fire, smoke and poisonous air hurt more people than the actual flames do. You'll breathe less smoke if you stay close to the ground.

Smoke naturally rises, so if there is smoke while you're using your escape route, staying low means you can crawl under most of it. You can drop to the floor and crawl on your hands and knees below the smoke.

Know How to Get Out of the House

Getting out through a door that leads outside should be your first choice as an escape route. But also ask your parents about windows and if they would be possible ways to get out. Even windows on a higher floor could be safe escape routes if you had help, like from a firefighter or another adult.

Ask your parents to teach you how to unlock the windows, open them, and remove the screen, if needed. Make sure you only do this in an emergency! Lots of kids are injured because they fall out of windows.

Sometimes, families even have collapsible rescue ladders that can be used to escape from upper floors of a house. If you have one, ask your mom or dad to show you how it works.

https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/fire-safety.html

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie  is here for all of your restoration needs.

Home maintenance: Smoke alarms and Carbon monoxide Detectors

10/6/2021 (Permalink)

Spring home maintenance should include checking smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Check out these valuable tips for keeping your home safe.

• Each spring the batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors should be changed. When it is time to spring forward, it is time to change those batteries.
• Test GFCI outlets to make sure they are in good working order. These outlets are found in the bathroom, laundry room and kitchen. They will stop the flow of electricity to the outlet if it gets wet. This is very important.
• Attic fans should also be checked in the spring. Make sure the fan is running properly, it will help cool a house in the summer and cut down on the air conditioning bill.

https://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/maintenance-and-repair/preparedness/home-maintenance-smoke-alarms-and-carbon-monoxide-detectors

SERVPRO of South Arlington is here for all of your restoration needs.

What to do in a fire

10/5/2021 (Permalink)

Check doors and doorknobs for heat

If you must go through a door to get to an exit, check if the door is hot. If the door (or doorknob) is warm to the touch, there could be fire raging on the other side, so do not go through it. If you open a door and see fire or smoke, shut the door and go to a second exit.

Run to safety

Once you make your way outside, run away from the fire to safety. Part of the house or apartment, like the roof or siding, may catch fire and fall around the perimeter of the building, so run across the street or down the block to safety.

Call for help

Once you have made it away from the fire, call 911. If you don’t have a cellphone, go to a neighbor’s house and ask to borrow a phone. Tell the operator that there’s been a fire at your address, and then keep the line open to see if they need any other information.

https://www.safewise.com/home-security-faq/house-fire/

SERVPRO of South Arlington is here for all of your restoration needs.

Ways to Remove the Smoke Odor

9/10/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke damage restoration will not be complete if the permeating smoke odor is not eliminated. The following are some tips on how to eliminate this irritating odor.

 * Use a disinfectant or cleaner with an orange smell. Wipe down all surfaces from walls, countertops, sinks, cabinets, drawers, windows, and even switch plate covers. Invisible odor can attach to these surfaces.

 * An alternative cleaner is to use deodorizers used in carpets and heavy fabrics.

 * While cleaning surfaces, it would be good to put small bowls of vinegar in various locations to help absorb the smell.

 Apply the water-vinegar mixture on persistent surfaces that give off distinct smoke smells even after wiping with cleaners.

 * In severe cases where the smoke smell is very difficult to eliminate, you may need to bring in an inexpensive ozone generator.

https://creativehomemaking.com/cleaning/kitchen/kitchen-smoke-damage/

SERVPRO of South Arlington is here for all of your restoration needs.

Ways to Clean Smoke Damage

9/9/2021 (Permalink)

* Using a large sponge, proceed with cleaning affected areas using the TSP solution. Do this in sections and repeat areas as necessary.

 * Avoid getting too much water on walls. You might end up with water damage to your drywall.

 Avoid getting water run down between baseboard and the inner wall, as this could be a source of mold infestation.

 * When using TSP on painted walls, check first for dulling. Use an alternative cleaner if this occurs.

 Some painted surfaces may not be completely cleaned of smoke and soot residues. These surfaces need to be refinished by applying primer and paint.

 * If you find TSP too harsh, there are available cleaners, which you can use. Other alternative homemade cleaners, which can be used to clean smoke residues, include a water-vinegar mixture.

https://creativehomemaking.com/cleaning/kitchen/kitchen-smoke-damage/

SERVPRO of South Arlington is here for all of your restoration needs.

How to clean up after a grease fire

9/9/2021 (Permalink)

• A grease fire creates a quick, very intense flash of heat. If the fire is put out quickly, there is a good chance much of the kitchen can be repaired. The most important thing is to clean up the soot and grease as quickly as possible so other parts of the house won't be contaminated, and to ensure full removal of the odor.
• Even though the fire occurred in the kitchen, the entire house must be cleaned. Smoke and soot will travel through air ducts and into anything fibrous including furniture, bedding and clothes. Replace the air filter in the furnace and scrub down all parts of the house as quickly as possible. Use dry sponges for cleaning walls and wood paneling. Use vertical motions to clean the soot off of the surface.
• In the kitchen, the inside and outside of each cabinet must be wiped down. Clean off as much soot as possible, then sand, reseal and repaint the front of the cabinets to ensure the odor is removed. The cabinets may have to be removed to access the back. Soot and smoke will find their way behind the cabinets and drawers.
• As far as food goes, anything that is opened or made of cardboard must be discarded. The toxins from the fire will contaminate these. The only salvageable items are those that are canned.

https://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/rooms-and-spaces/kitchen/how-to-clean-up-after-a-grease-fire

SERVPRO of South Arlington is here for all of your restoration needs.

Install Fire Extinguishers & Fire Ladders

8/23/2021 (Permalink)

You should have a fire extinguisher on every level of your home, including the basement and garage, and an extra one in the kitchen.

Install your fire extinguishers high on the wall so they’re easily accessible and away from children.

You also need to know how to use your fire extinguishers. Read the directions and become familiar with how they operate since you won’t have time to learn how to use them when a fire breaks out. Call your local fire department to see if they offer any training for homeowners to use a fire extinguisher.

Additionally, try to stick with one manufacturer for all your fire extinguishers. Fire extinguishers from different manufacturers operate differently, and having different instructions for each extinguisher can be confusing if a fire breaks out.

If you have to use your fire extinguisher, remember to aim low (toward the base of the fire), squeeze the lever slowly and evenly, and sweep back and forth.

If you have a multiple-story home, you should have at least two fire ladders upstairs kept in separate rooms just in case one room is inaccessible due to fire. Show older children how to set up the fire ladder at least once per year so all of you know how to use it safely.

https://www.moneycrashers.com/home-fire-safety-protection-tips-house-fire-insurance/

SERVPRO of South Arlington is here for all of your restoration needs.

Never smoke in bed

8/19/2021 (Permalink)

Never smoke in bed

Forty percent of all smoking-related fires start in the bedroom. Many beds and blankets are made of combustible materials, making it very dangerous to fall asleep with a lit cigarette. The risk increases with the use of alcohol, drugs and medications. A responsible smoker should always extinguish cigarettes in a fireproof ashtray located away from all combustible materials.

Keep an eye on your cooking

Unattended cooking equipment is a leading cause of home fires. Using grills on wooden or combustible decks is also a contributor.

When cooking, you should always:

• Keep cooking appliances clear of combustible materials such as rags, towels and packaging materials.
• Keep children away from all cooking areas.

https://www.nationwide.com/lc/resources/home/articles/home-fire-safety

SERVPRO of South Arlington is here for all of your restoration needs.

Be prepared

8/19/2021 (Permalink)

• Learn to Get Out of Bed. During a fire, it’s best not to jump up the way you usually do. Instead, when the fire alarm goes off, roll out of bed and crawl to the escape route.
• Stay Low. At eye level, air temperatures can reach 600 degrees F (315 degrees C) or hotter, which can scorch your lungs and melt your clothing. The air near the floor can be as cool as 100 degrees F — hot but survivable. The air will also be less smokey near the floor. Crawl as low as you can on the floor to stay away from smoke. If your escape route involves going downstairs, don’t get up. Slide down the stairs on your belly or go down on your hands and knees.
• Learn to Touch Doors Safely. Touch the door with the back of your hand or lightly touch the doorknob. If the door feels cool, use your body as a brace and open the door slightly, just enough to check for smoke. If there is no smoke, exit the room and follow your home’s escape route. If there’s smoke or fire in the hallway, close the door and leave the room through another door or window.
• Practice Closing the Door Behind You. As you exit your home, close every door behind you. That can help slow the progression of the fire.
• Help Others. If you have infants, people with mobility challenges, or older adults living in your home, assign someone in your family to help them get out of the house. If they can’t get to them because of the fire, they should exit the house and immediately inform firefighters. Staying only adds more risk for rescuers when they have two people to save rather than one.
• Make Sure Everyone Knows 911. Everyone in your family should know how to dial 911 or the phone number for your local fire department to report a fire.
• Never Go Back Inside. Ensure everyone in your family knows they should never — under any circumstances — go back into a burning building. If someone in your household is missing, inform firefighters as soon as they arrive. They have the tools and skills to perform rescues.

https://www.moneycrashers.com/home-fire-safety-protection-tips-house-fire-insurance/

SERVPRO of South Arlington is here for all of your restoration needs.

Living rooms

8/18/2021 (Permalink)

Living rooms

That beautiful Edwardian fireplace in the center of the living room sold you on your home, but it needs more maintenance and care than the occasional dusting and cute decor. Heating equipment is the second leading cause of house fires, with chimneys being the most likely type of heat source to cause a fire.¹

Fireplaces, chimneys, wood-burning stoves, and space heaters are all culprits for starting an out-of-control fire in the living room. Practice a few safety precautions to keep that homey fire in the firebox where it belongs:

• Before you head into the cooler months and start up a cozy fire, have your chimney professionally cleaned.
• Keep combustibles, including draperies and upholstered furniture, at least three feet from the heat source.
• Invest in a fireplace screen to prevent embers from escaping.
• Never leave the fire unattended, and make sure it’s completely out before leaving the house.
• Use the recommended fuel for your heat source.
• Teach kids to keep at least three feet away from the heat source so they don’t get burned or, worse, ignite something.

https://www.safewise.com/blog/the-most-common-places-that-fires-occur-in-the-home/

SERVPRO of South Arlington is here for all of your restoration needs.

Caring for Yourself & Loved Ones

8/18/2021 (Permalink)

Caring for Yourself & Loved Ones

• Pay attention to how you and your loved ones are experiencing and handling stress. Promote emotional recovery by following these tips. Discard any food that has been exposed to heat, smoke or soot.
• Watch pets closely and keep them under your direct control.
• Help people who require additional assistance- infants, elderly people, those without transportation, large families who may need additional help in an emergency situation, people with disabilities, and the people who care for them.

4 Steps to Take Immediately After a Home Fire

Call 9-1-1. Give first aid where needed; cool and cover burns to reduce the chance of further injury or infection.

Let friends and family know you’re safe.

People and animals that are seriously injured or burned should be transported to professional medical or veterinary help immediately.

Stay out of fire-damaged homes until local fire authorities say it is safe to re-enter.

https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire/home-fire-recovery.html

SERVPRO of South Arlington is here for all of your restoration needs.

After a Fire

7/6/2021 (Permalink)

After a Fire

The following checklist serves as a quick reference and guide for you to follow after a fire strike.

• Contact your local disaster relief service, such as The Red Cross, if you need temporary housing, food and medicines.
• If you are insured, contact your insurance company for detailed instructions on protecting your property, conducting inventory and contacting fire damage restoration companies.
• Check with the fire department to make sure your residence is safe to enter. Watch out for any structural damage caused by the fire.
• The fire department should make sure that utilities are either safe to use or are disconnected before they leave the site. DO NOT attempt to reconnect utilities yourself.
• Conduct an inventory of damaged property and items. Do not throw away any damaged goods until after an inventory is made.
• Begin saving receipts for any money you spend related to fire loss. The receipts may be needed later by the insurance company and for verifying losses claimed on your income tax.
• Notify your mortgage company of the fire.

https://www.ready.gov/home-fires

SERVPRO of South Arlington is here for all of your restoration needs.

Prevent Home Fires

7/6/2021 (Permalink)

Portable Space Heaters

• Keep combustible objects at least three feet away from portable heating devices.
• Buy only heaters evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
• Check to make the portable heater has a thermostat control mechanism and will switch off automatically if the heater falls over.
• Only use crystal clear K-1 kerosene in kerosene heaters. Never overfill it. Use the heater in a well-ventilated room.

Fireplaces and Woodstoves

• Inspect and clean woodstove pipes and chimneys annually and check monthly for damage or obstructions.
• Use a fireplace screen heavy enough to stop rolling logs and big enough to cover the entire opening of the fireplace to catch flying sparks.
• Make sure the fire is completely out before leaving the house or going to bed.

Children

• Take the mystery out of fire play by teaching children that fire is a tool, not a toy.
• Store matches and lighters out of children's reach and sight, preferably in a locked cabinet.
• Never leave children unattended near operating stoves or burning candles, even for a short time.

https://www.ready.gov/home-fires

SERVPRO of South Arlington is here for all of your restoration needs.

Attics and crawl spaces

7/6/2021 (Permalink)

Inaccessible attics and crawl spaces are easy to forget about, but 13% of electrical fires start in these neglected spaces. Electrical failure or malfunction account for about 88% of these fires.⁴

If you live in an older home, suspect dubious DIY electrical work, or want reassurance that everything is in order, hire a professional, licensed electrician to check it out and address issues. While electrical problems can be expensive to fix, the cost of neglecting it can be devastating.

Laundry rooms

Laundry rooms are where 4% of residential fires begin, with dryers being the culprit of 92% of laundry room fires.

Fortunately, preventing laundry fires is simple for the most part:

• Don’t overload your washer or dryer or pack items down. Instead, leave room for laundry to tumble. Follow your machine manufacturer’s recommendations for capacity.
• Clean the lint screen and drum between loads to prevent buildup.
• About once a year, clean the dryer exhaust vent and ducts.
• Replace plastic venting material with flexible metal venting material.
• Ensure that your appliances are plugged into outlets with the proper voltage.

https://www.safewise.com/blog/the-most-common-places-that-fires-occur-in-the-home/

SERVPRO of South Arlington is here for all of your restoration needs.

Take Inventory

6/1/2021 (Permalink)

Your insurance company will want an inventory of everything that was lost or damaged during the fire. Your agent can provide you with an inventory sheet. Review any inventory you made prior to the fire and make additions to it. If you need to reconstruct a list of your belongings from memory, review photographs and video to refresh your memory, and ask friends or relatives who have been in your home to help you compile your list. Review old credit card statements and bank records to determine what you paid for your belongings.

Take care of yourself and family

A home fire is a traumatic experience and you could suffer the effects of the trauma for months and even years afterwards. Allow yourself time to heal, and seek counseling if you have trouble sleeping, concentrating or relating to others weeks after the fire. Return to your normal routines as soon as possible, and help your children to maintain their returns. Talk with children about their feelings and help them to process what has happened.

https://homeguides.sfgate.com/house-fire-recovery-steps-52922.html

SERVPRO of South Arlington is here for all of your restoration needs.

Smoke Alarm Safety for People with Access or Functional Needs

4/8/2021 (Permalink)

• Audible alarms for visually impaired people should pause with a small window of silence between each successive cycle so that they can listen to the instructions or voices of others.
• Smoke alarms with a vibrating pad or flashing light are available for the hearing impaired. Contact your local fire department for information about obtaining a flashing or vibrating smoke alarm.
• Smoke alarms with a strobe light outside the home to catch the attention of neighbors and emergency call systems for summoning help are also available.

More Fire Safety Tips

• Make digital copies of valuable documents and records like birth certificates.
• Sleep with your bedroom door closed.
• Keep a fire extinguisher in your kitchen. Contact your local fire department for assistance on the proper use and maintenance.
• Consider installing an automatic fire sprinkler system in your residence.

https://www.ready.gov/home-fires

SERVPRO of South Arlington is here for all of your restoration needs.

Preventing fire damage

2/10/2021 (Permalink)

Don't attempt to clean any household textiles unless you know the proper procedures, because you can cause additional damage. Whether you hire a professional or do the work yourself, you can minimize further damage by following these guidelines.

• Do not touch or attempt to clean carpets, upholstered furniture, draperies or other household textile items. Those cleaning actions will only smear soot into the fabric, making cleaning more difficult.
• Dry wet carpets, upholstered furniture, draperies and clothing as soon as possible to prevent mold and mildew. Hang clothing outside on a clothesline, prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying, and use fans and dehumidifiers to dry carpets and draperies.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting to prevent rust stains.
• Open windows for ventilation.
• Change the furnace filter (if operating) at least once a day until the filter shows no soot. This will help keep particles from being distributed into the air.
• Cover clean items with plastic while further repairs are being carried out in the dwelling to prevent re-soiling.

https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/gh145

SERVPRO of South Arlington is here for all of your restoration needs.

Use smoke alarms

2/9/2021 (Permalink)

On average, a home catches fire somewhere in the United States every 90 seconds. Although not all are blazes that will burn the house to the ground, even a small fire can create a lot of damage to your home due to the heat, smoke, soot, and water that result from the fire and trying to put it out.

Use smoke alarms

Smoke alarms are your best early-warning system should a fire break out. The alarm gives you time to get your family out of the house or to use a fire extinguisher on a small, contained fire.

Be sure to check the alarms monthly and replace the batteries at least once a year unless your alarm is equipped with a non-replaceable 10-year battery.

• Install smoke alarms in each bedroom and outside the sleeping area.
• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement.
• The smoke alarm in your kitchen should be at least 10 feet away from the stove to avoid false alarms.

https://housemethod.com/maintenance/fire-damage-restoration/

 SERVPRO of South Arlington is here for all of your restoration needs.

WHAT TO DO AFTER THE FIRE

2/3/2021 (Permalink)

Notify others of your temporary address

• Your employer.
• Family and friends.
• Your children's schools.
• Australia Post. Have them either hold or forward your mail, depending on the length of time you expect to be relocated. This can be done online here [external link].
• Service NSW for vehicles, licencing and other State government departments. Access some of their services online here [external link].
• Banking and other financial institutions. 
• Gas, electricity, water, telephone and internet providers.
• The Police, if the fire is under investigation.

In the meantime, do not contract anyone for estimating, making inventories or repair services without contacting your insurance company first.

https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/page.php?id=312

SERVPRO of South Arlington is here for all of your restoration needs.

How to find a fire damage restoration service

2/3/2021 (Permalink)

While your insurance company may recommend restoration companies, select one you feel comfortable working with. Before signing a contract with a restoration company:

• Check reviews of the company. For example, here is our review on SERVPRO restoration services.
• See if the firm is certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification. IICRC certification shows the firm has insurance, a written customer complaint policy, and provides education and training for its technicians.
• Read the contract carefully.
• Understand which services are covered by insurance. If you sign the contract, you are responsible for paying for contracted services not covered by insurance.
• Make sure the restoration company can begin work immediately, at least taking care of placing tarps and covering openings.

https://housemethod.com/maintenance/fire-damage-restoration/

SERVPRO of South Arlington is here for all of your restoration needs.

Cost of fire damage restoration

2/1/2021 (Permalink)

Cost of fire damage restoration

The cost of fire damage restoration depends upon the size of the damaged area and the severity of the damage. Damage that requires you to replace expensive items such as kitchen cabinets and appliances can drive the price up quickly.

A 1,500 square-foot home that sustained a minor fire costs an average of about $16,000 for fire and smoke damage recovery and restoration, with cost estimates ranging from $7,166 to $25,000.

For a major fire in a 1,500 square-foot house, the average cost for fire or smoke damage recovery and restoration is $46,166, with quoted prices ranging from $21,666 to $70,666.

Before signing a contract with a restoration company, get an itemized list of everything that’s included and have a clear understanding of the scope of the work you’re committing to.

https://housemethod.com/maintenance/fire-damage-restoration/

SERVPRO of South Arlington is here for all of your restoration needs.

WHAT TO DO AFTER THE FIRE

2/1/2021 (Permalink)

Securing the site

• Protect the fire site from any further damage by weather, theft or vandalism. Do not leave the site unsecured.
• If you are the owner it is your responsibility to see that openings are covered against rain and entry. Make sure outside doors to the property can be locked and secured. Fire and Rescue NSW will help secure the premises until responsibility can be handed over to the occupier or insurance company.
• If you are the occupier, contact your real estate agent or landlord and inform them of the fire. If you cannot contact them and you need professional assistance in boarding the premises, a general contractor or fire damage restoration firm can help. Check your telephone directory.
• If you plan to leave the site, try to remove any valuables remaining in the building.
• Contact your own insurance agent to report the loss.

https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/page.php?id=312

SERVPRO of South Arlington is here for all of your restoration needs.

What does smoke damage do to a house?

2/1/2021 (Permalink)

Rubber or Plastic Smoke Corrodes Bare Metal Surfaces

Burning rubber, plastic, polymers, and foam produces rubber or plastic smoke damage and burns with high energy at low temperatures. The smoke is acidic and can corrode and pit bare metal surfaces, so it needs to be treated immediately and properly with specialty products.

Protein Smoke Embeds into Fibers

Protein smoke damage is brutal, and you should not attempt to clean it. Household products will not work. Protein smoke develops from slow-burning food like poultry and meat or protein-enriched fiber. It is invisible and sticky with a pungent, strong odor that sticks to everything, stains varnished and painted surfaces, and is extremely hard to clean.

Hire a professional cleaner and do not touch anything and limit walkways; avoid embedding the smoke into fibers like the carpet in your home.

https://www.youngalfred.com/homeowners-insurance/smoke-damage

SERVPRO of South Arlington is here for all of your restoration needs.

Smoke and ash damage from a wildfire

12/3/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke and ash damage from a wildfire

• Your insurer may bring in outside vendors to do testing and prepare reports on your home’s condition, or do the actual cleaning/restoration.  If you have reason to believe your insurer or a vendor has not conducted a proper inspection, or done necessary testing, we recommend that you:  Speak UP and get them to do so, find a qualified expert you trust.  If your insurer refuses to cover their fee, you have two choices:  Complain to your state insurance regulator and keep pushing until the insurer changes their mind, or pay the fee yourself. Document damage that you observe.  Take pictures of all visible damage.  If you or a household member are experiencing health problems, report that to your doctor.
   
• Cooperate with your insurer’s attempts to inspect your home.  Inspections and estimates will be necessary before your insurer will approve payment for cleaning and/or repairs. Take notes during inspections and conversations with insurance adjusters and others related to your home and claim. If you have no choice but to move back into your home before you feel 100% sure it's safe, at a minimum, purchase a certified air cleaner. 

https://www.uphelp.org/pubs/smoke-and-ash-damage-wildfire

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Pay for professional cleaning

12/3/2020 (Permalink)

Pay for professional cleaning

After documenting any smoke damages from a fire and speaking with your insurance agency, you should pay for professional cleaners or remediation experts to enter your home. Most insurance policies will cover professional cleaning costs (check to make sure).

It’s unsafe for you to clean your home after a fire. Soot and ash can have lifelong effects on your health. Professional cleaners and remediation teams have specialized equipment and personal protection devices to safeguard them against smoke damage in your home.

They can immediately get to work with industrial vacuum cleaners and carpet cleaners to clean up the smoke damage.
Many homeowners will try to clean up smoke damage themselves, only to realize that water-based cleaners only make the stains worse.

In more extreme cases, you may also have to pay to deodorize the house or replace insulation in the walls or attic. However, professional cleaning or remediation is a good start.

https://claimsmate.com/4-things-you-need-to-know-about-smoke-damage-insurance-claims/

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Prevent Home Fire

12/1/2020 (Permalink)

Prevent Home Fires

Fireplaces and Woodstoves

• Inspect and clean woodstove pipes and chimneys annually and check monthly for damage or obstructions.
• Use a fireplace screen heavy enough to stop rolling logs and big enough to cover the entire opening of the fireplace to catch flying sparks.
• Make sure the fire is completely out before leaving the house or going to bed.

Children

• Take the mystery out of fire play by teaching children that fire is a tool, not a toy.
• Store matches and lighters out of children's reach and sight, preferably in a locked cabinet.
• Never leave children unattended near operating stoves or burning candles, even for a short time.

More Prevention Tips

• Never use a stove range or oven to heat your home.
• Keep combustible and flammable liquids away from heat sources.
• Portable generators should NEVER be used indoors and should only be refueled outdoors or in well ventilated areas.

https://www.ready.gov/home-fires

 SERVPRO of South Arlington is here for all of your restoration needs.

Check for structural damage

11/4/2020 (Permalink)

• Check the outside of your home before you enter. Look for loose power lines, broken or damaged gas lines, foundation cracks, missing support beams or other damage. Damage on the outside can indicate a serious problem inside. Ask a building inspector or contractor to check the structure before you enter.

• If the door is jammed, don’t force it open – it may be providing support to the rest of your home. Find another way to get inside.

• Damaged locks should be taken apart and wiped with oil. If locks can’t be removed, squirt machine oil through a bolt opening or keyhole, and work the knob to distribute the oil. Hinges should also be thoroughly cleaned and oiled.

• Sniff for gas. If you detect natural or propane gas, or hear a hissing noise, leave the property immediately and get well away from it. Call the fire department after you reach safety.

• If you have a propane tank system, turn off all valves and contact a propane supplier to check the system out before you use it again.

• Check for smoke and embers throughout the home, including the attic.

• Beware of animals, such as rodents, snakes, spiders and insects, that may have entered your home. As you inspect your home, tap loudly and often on the floor with a stick to give notice that you are there.

• Damaged objects, such as furniture or stairs, may be unstable. Be very cautious when moving near them. Avoid holding, pushing or leaning against damaged building parts.

https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire/checking-home-after-fire.html

SERVPRO of South Arlington is here for all of your restoration needs.

How to clean up Smoke and Soot from a fire

11/4/2020 (Permalink)

How to clean up Smoke and Soot from a fire

Smoke and soot can travel and penetrate into other rooms affecting paint, carpet, upholstery, drapes, clothing and any other belongings. Ventilation of the fire scene or debris removal is an effective first step to clean up after fire. Thorough cleaning and neutralizing of both the deposits and odors are required prior to any redecoration.

Different types of fire require different cleaning techniques. Typically, high-oxygen fires will result in dry dusty soot, whereas slow-burning, low-oxygen fires will result in greasy wet deposits that easily smear. The cleaning regimen must take into account these variations. Here are some clean-up recommendations and guidelines: · Wear gloves such as household dish washing gloves, long sleeved shirts and pants to avoid skin contact. If you get any ash on your skin, wash it off as soon as possible. · Wear personal protective gear, such as a dust mask, to avoid breathing in ash and other airborne particles. · Ventilate the area (open windows, etc.) to remove soot and odor. · Remove burned debris to reduce odors. · Install dehumidifiers to control moisture in the air (relative humidity), especially where water was used to extinguish the fire. · Wipe all metallic finishes with cooking oil to prevent rust and staining. · Clean plastic or surfaces such as PVC windows and white painted surfaces using a mild alkali detergent to remove possible acidic soot which may activate with moisture in the air (humidity) and cause permanent staining. · Undertake triage assessments to clean or remove all contents as quickly as possible and in order of value. · Deodorants should not be used as they mask odors, which is a significant indicator of health concerns. · Where surface staining cannot be removed, consider the use of specialist paint to obliterate the stain and anti-bleed characteristics. Typically, these paints are lacquers or oil-based

http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/eh/docs/emergunit/cleanFireDamage.pdf

SERVPRO of South Arlington is here for all of your restoration needs.

Cleaning Up and Removing Smoke Odor

11/4/2020 (Permalink)

Cleaning Up and Removing Smoke Odor

• Products containing tri-sodium phosphate (TSP) can reduce odors in fabrics. TSP is caustic so be careful! Read the label for directions and safety instructions.

• Test garments before using any treatment, and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Smoke odor and soot can sometimes be washed from clothing that can be bleached. Measure 4 to 6 tbsp. Tri-Sodium Phosphate and 1 cup household cleaner or chlorine bleach for every gallon of warm water you will use. Alternatively, consider washing clothes in cold water with your usual household laundry detergent, and adding one tablespoon of pure vanilla extract.

• To remove soot and smoke from walls, furniture and floors, use a mild soap or detergent or mix together 4 to 6 tbsp. tri-sodium phosphate and 1 cup household cleaner or chlorine bleach to every gallon of warm water. Wear rubber gloves. Be sure to rinse surfaces with clear warm water and dry thoroughly.

• Wash walls one small area at a time, working from the floor up to prevent streaking. Rinse with clear water immediately. Ceilings should be washed last. Do not repaint until walls and ceilings are completely dry. Reduce the chances of growth of mold and mildew by wiping down all surfaces that had gotten wet with a solution of one cup of liquid household bleach to a gallon of water. (Test surfaces to ensure that the bleach solution will not discolor these surfaces. To conduct this test, wipe a small area of the surface with the bleach solution, and allow it to dry at least 24 hours.)

• Washable wallpaper can be cleansed like painted walls, but do not wet through the paper. Use a commercial paste to re-paste any loose edges or sections.

https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire/cleaning-up-after-fire.html

SERVPRO of South Arlington is here for all of your restoration needs.

Prevent Home Fires

11/2/2020 (Permalink)

Prevent Home Fires

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.
• Immediately shut off, then professionally replace, light switches that are hot to the touch and lights that flicker.

Portable Space Heaters

• Keep combustible objects at least three feet away from portable heating devices.
• Buy only heaters evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
• Check to make the portable heater has a thermostat control mechanism and will switch off automatically if the heater falls over.
• Only use crystal clear K-1 kerosene in kerosene heaters. Never overfill it. Use the heater in a well-ventilated room.

https://www.ready.gov/home-fires

SERVPRO of South Arlington is here for all of your restoration needs.

During a Fire

10/12/2020 (Permalink)

During a Fire

• Crawl low under any smoke to your exit. Heavy smoke and poisonous gases collect first along the ceiling.
• Before opening a door, feel the doorknob and door. If either is hot, or if there is smoke coming around the door, leave the door closed and use your second way out.
• If you open a door, open it slowly. Be ready to shut it quickly if heavy smoke or fire is present.
• If you can’t get to someone needing assistance, leave the home and call 9-1-1 or the fire department. Tell the emergency operator where the person is located.
• If pets are trapped inside your home, tell firefighters right away.
• If you can’t get out, close the door and cover vents and cracks around doors with cloth or tape to keep smoke out. Call 9-1-1 or your fire department. Say where you are and signal for help at the window with a light-colored cloth or a flashlight.
• If your clothes catch fire, stop, drop, and roll – stop immediately, drop to the ground, and cover your face with your hands.  Roll over and over or back and forth until the fire is out. If you or someone else cannot stop, drop, and roll, smother the flames with a blanket or towel. Use cool water to treat the burn immediately for three to five minutes. Cover with a clean, dry cloth. Get medical help right away by calling 9-1-1 or the fire department.

https://www.ready.gov/home-fires

SERVPRO of South Arlington is here for all of your restoration needs.

Home Fires

10/2/2020 (Permalink)

Home Fires

In just two minutes a fire can become life-threatening. In five minutes a residence can be engulfed in flames.

Learn About Fires

• Fire is FAST! In less than 30 seconds a small flame can turn into a major fire. It only takes minutes for thick black smoke to fill a house or for it to be engulfed in flames.
• Fire is HOT! Heat is more threatening than flames. Room temperatures in a fire can be 100 degrees at floor level and rise to 600 degrees at eye level. Inhaling this super-hot air will scorch your lungs and melt clothes to your skin.
• Fire is DARK! Fire starts bright, but quickly produces black smoke and complete darkness.
• Fire is DEADLY! Smoke and toxic gases kill more people than flames do. Fire produces poisonous gases that make you disoriented and drowsy. Asphyxiation is the leading cause of fire deaths, exceeding burns by a 3-to-1 ratio.

https://www.ready.gov/home-fires

SERVPRO of South Arlington is here for all of your restoration needs.

Smoke & Ash Question

9/22/2020 (Permalink)

Q: Will my insurance policy pay for cleaning smoke and ash?

A: Smoke damage is a covered peril in most homeowners’ policies. It will (temporarily or permanently) damage porous materials such as fabrics, rugs, curtains and unfinished wood. Some items can be cleaned, others need to be replaced. Marble and tile may experience discoloration. Your insurance company will most likely pay for cleaning smoke and ash, but disputes often arise over cleaning versus replacingitems that have been exposed to smoke. For example, suppose your insurance adjuster insists that cleaning your drapes is sufficient. The scenario below presents two possible outcomes:

• Scenario A: You take the drapes to a reputable cleaner who insists there’s no point in cleaning them, or you get them professionally cleaned but they still have an odor. In this case, replace the drapes and get reimbursed by your insurer.
• Scenario B: A reputable cleaner does a good job and the drapes clean up just fine. In this case, repairing or cleaning can be acceptable and appropriate.

https://www.uphelp.org/pubs/insurance-claim-tips-partial-loss-fires

 SERVPRO of South Arlington is here for all of your restoration needs.

After the Fire

9/22/2020 (Permalink)

After the Fire

| Take care of yourself and family Contact your local disaster relief service, such as the ARC or the Salvation Army. They will help you find food, clothing, medicine and a place to stay. You have a big job ahead of you. Get plenty of rest, and ask for help. Do not try to do it all alone.  Help your pets If you have pets, find and comfort them. Scared animals often react by biting or scratching. Handle them carefully. Try to leave pets with a family member, friend or veterinarian if you are visiting or cleaning your damaged home. Keeping your pets out of the house until the cleanup is complete will keep them safe.  Security and safety Do not enter your damaged home or apartment unless the fire department says it is safe. The fire department will make sure the utility services (water, electricity and gas) are safe to use. If they are not safe, firefighters will have your utilities turned off or disconnected before they leave. Do not try to turn them back on by yourself. Contact your police department to let them know you will be away from your home. In some cases, you may need to board up windows and doors so no one can get in.

https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/fa_46.pdf

SERVPRO of South Arlington is here for all of your restoration needs.

How to prevent a fire

9/1/2020 (Permalink)

How to prevent a fire

1. Install smoke detectors & Fire extinguishers

2. Keep your stove and oven clean and practice kitchen safety

3. Do regular checks of cords around the house for fraying, especially under rugs

4. Call a professional to inspect your dryer and heating sources annually

5. Never leave candles unattended 

6. Have your chimney & fireplace inspected professionally

7. Never leave lights or lamps burning for hours on end

8. Make sure your electric appliances are UL-listed

9. Don't overload power strips or outlets with multiple charging cords

When the going gets tough

While you can’t completely avoid fires, you can minimize the damage it does to your home. Homeowners insurance is there to protect you in your time of need (even when you feel that things are out of control). Ultimately though, if you follow fire safety guidelines, it can keep you, your loved ones and your home out of harm’s way. Stay safe!

https://www.lemonade.com/blog/fire-damage/

SERVPRO of South Arlington is here for all of your restoration needs.

Know What to Do in a Fire

8/20/2020 (Permalink)

Know What to Do in a Fire

• Test any closed doors with the back of your hand for heat. Do not open the door if you feel heat or see smoke. Close all doors as you leave each room to keep the fire from spreading.  
• Crawl low under smoke. Choose the safest exit. If you must escape through a smoky area, remember that cleaner air is always near the floor. Teach your child to crawl on her hands and knees, keeping her head less than 2 feet above the floor, as she makes her way to the nearest exit.  
• Don't stop. Don't go back. In case of fire, do not try to rescue pets or possessions. Once you are out, do not go back in for any reason. Firefighters have the best chance of rescuing people who are trapped. Let firefighters know right away if anyone is missing.
• Stop, drop, and roll! Cool and call. Make sure your child knows what to do if his clothes catch fire.
• Stop! - Do not run.
• Drop! - Drop to the ground right where you are.
• Roll! - Roll over and over to put out the flames. Cover your face with your hands.
• Cool - Cool the burned area with water.
• Call - Call for help.

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/all-around/Pages/Fire-Safety.aspx

SERVPRO of South Arlington is here for all of your restoration needs.

When would homeowners insurance not cover fire damage?

8/20/2020 (Permalink)

When would homeowners insurance not cover fire damage?

The only time your insurance won’t cover a fire is if you, or anyone named on your policy, caused the fire on purpose. That’s considered an intentional act and is never covered in insurance.

Btw, take note of the difference between open perils and named perils.  A HO3 policy has ’open perils’ coverage for your home structure (dwelling coverage), which means the structure of your home and extended structures are covered for every kind of damage, except for the specific exclusions listed in the policy. When it comes to your personal property, you’re covered under a ‘named peril’ policy. Named perils are a bunch of bad things listed in your policy that could happen to your home structure or your personal property. These perils include fire or lightning, windstorm or hail, explosion, riots, aircraft, vehicles and smoke and a bunch of other things we hope will never happen. 

https://www.lemonade.com/blog/fire-damage/

SERVPRO of South Arlington is here for all of your restoration needs.

Basic fire safety tips for kids and families

8/14/2020 (Permalink)

Basic fire safety tips for kids and families

Help your family stay safe in the event of a fire. Do not let children play with matches, lighters or candles. Keep these items up and away from young children. In addition, teach your kids these basic fire safety tips to help ensure they know what to do during a fire emergency.

• Teach children that if a doorknob is hot, you should NOT open the door.
• Teach children how to “Stop, Drop, and Roll.”
• Teach your kids to crawl on their hands and knees if they see smoke.
• Take your child to the fire house to meet a firefighter. This way, they learn what a firefighter looks like in their fire gear.
• Teach your child to never hide under the bed or in the closet.

There’s no 100 percent guarantee that a fire will never happen in your home. That’s why it pays to be prepared and take steps to reduce the risk of a home fire. Follow the three “P’s” – prevent, plan, and practice. Make sure your home has working smoke alarms, your family has a fire escape plan, and you have practiced it.

https://www.safety.com/fire-safety/

SERVPRO of South Arlington is here for all of your restoration needs.

Testing your smoke detector could save your life

8/7/2020 (Permalink)

Testing your smoke detector could save your life

Every smoke alarm should be tested monthly by pushing the “test” button and batteries should be changed when needed. It is best to always have at least one spare battery. If your smoke alarm ever “chirps,” it is time to replace the battery immediately. Most smoke alarm failures occur because of a missing or disconnected battery or a dead battery.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimates that three out of every five home fire deaths resulted from fires where there were non-working smoke detectors or no smoke detectors at all. Having the proper fire safety equipment in your home can truly save your life. There are many brands and types of smoke alarms you can choose from. You can purchase a smoke detector with a full home security system and have it monitored through a provider’s monitoring center. When choosing the best smoke alarm, look for one that meets the Underwriters Laboratories Standard with the UL label on the packaging.

https://www.safety.com/fire-safety/

 SERVPRO of South Arlington is here for all of your restoration needs.

Different types of fire extinguishers

8/7/2020 (Permalink)

Different types of fire extinguishers

It’s also useful to know that there are five different types of fire extinguishers for putting out different kinds of fires.

• Class A extinguishers:for use on materials like cloth, wood, and paper.
• Class B extinguishers:for use on combustible and flammable liquids like oil, gasoline, and grease.
• Class C extinguishers:best for electrical equipment and appliances like stoves, televisions, and computers.
• Class D extinguishers:for use with flammable metals.
• Class K extinguishers:best for cooking oils commonly found in commercial kitchens, including vegetable oil.

Most dwellings have a multipurpose extinguisher that covers Classes A, B, and C. You can purchase these types of fire extinguishers at any home improvement store.

https://www.safety.com/fire-safety/

SERVPRO of South Arlington is here 24 hours a day 7 days a week 365 days a year waiting to serve you with all of your restoration needs.

Now Practice Your Home Fire Escape Plan

7/10/2020 (Permalink)

Now Practice Your Home Fire Escape Plan

Home Fire Drill Day, a safety observance developed by Nationwide in partnership with NSC and other organizations, is held during Fire Prevention Week in October. Everyone – even children – need to know your family escape plan in case of a fire. The National Fire Protection Association indicates that 71% of Americans have a home fire escape plan but only 47% have practiced it. Practice your fire drill with everyone in the house at night and during the day, twice a year.

Remember to:

• Practice getting out with your eyes closed, crawling low to the floor and keeping your mouth covered
• Practice closing doors behind you
• Practice how to “stop, drop and roll” if your clothes catch on fire
• Practice testing door handles to see if they are hot before opening them
• Teach children never to hide during a fire, and how to escape on their own in case you can’t help them

https://www.nsc.org/home-safety/safety-topics/emergency-preparedness/fire

SERVPRO of South Arlington is here for all of your restoration needs.

Fire Safety Tips

7/10/2020 (Permalink)

Fire Safety Tips

Safety Tips · Complete a home fire safety checklist and identify fire risks in your home. · Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors monthly and change the batteries at least once a year. · Place smoke alarms on each floor of your home and in each bedroom. · Make sure that everyone in the home can hear the smoke alarm from their bedrooms. · Make a family fire escape plan and practice it once a month. · Make sure that everyone in the house understands the family fire escape plan. · Place fire extinguishers throughout your home and make sure everyone in the house knows how to use them. · Never leave food unattended on the stove, keep all matches and lighters out of the reach of children, and don’t place portable heaters near flammable materials. Community Linkages · Know the number for the local fire department. · Attend events offered by the local fire department. · Learn how to use a fire extinguisher through your local fire department.

https://www.nsc.org/Portals/0/Documents/NSCDocuments_Advocacy/Fact%20Sheets/Family-Fire-Safety-Plan.pdf

SERVPRO of South Arlington is here for all of your restoration needs.

Keep Your Family Safe from Fire

7/6/2020 (Permalink)

Keep Your Family Safe from Fire

When cooking, make fire safety a priority by keeping these tips in mind:

• Be alert; if you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, don’t use the oven or stovetop
• Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, boiling or broiling food
• When simmering, baking or roasting, check the food regularly, remain in the kitchen while cooking and use a timer
• Keep anything that can catch fire away from your stovetop

Heating is the second leading cause of home fires. Follow these tips from the American Red Cross:

• Keep all flammables, like paper, clothing, bedding, drapes or rugs, at least 3 feet from a space heater, stove or fireplace
• Never leave portable heaters and fireplaces unattended; turn off heaters and make sure fireplace embers are extinguished before leaving the room
• If you must use a space heater, place it on a level, nonflammable surface, like ceramic tile, not on a rug or carpet
• Keep children and pets away from space heaters
• When buying a space heater, look for models that shut off automatically if the heater falls over

In addition to cooking, other top causes of fire include smoking, electrical problems and candles. To minimize risks:

• Institute a “no smoking” policy in the house
• Check all cords and replace any that are frayed or have bare wires
• Switch to flameless candles
• Keep matches and lighters high and out of children’s reach in a locked cabinet

https://www.nsc.org/home-safety/safety-topics/emergency-preparedness/fire

 SERVPRO of South Arlington is here for all of your restoration needs.

Prevent House Fires

6/10/2020 (Permalink)

Prevent wildfires from outdoor fire pits, bonfires, and burn barrels.

Make sure your fire pit or burn barrel is constructed of nonflammable materials, like stone or concrete. Avoid having fires on windy days or after long periods of dry weather. Never leave the fire unattended—it only takes one spark to ignite a wildfire. 

Keep a bucket filled with water or a hose connected to a water source nearby. Extinguish the fire by thoroughly dousing it with water, and place your hand over the ashes to feel for any remaining warmth. 

Keep fire extinguishers handy.

Some homes come equipped with fire sprinkler systems, but fire extinguishers stocked in key areas of your home is the next best thing. At the very least, keep one in the kitchen and others near high-risk areas like a fireplace. Remember to put the fire extinguisher far enough away from the potential fire source that you’ll be able to grab it safely without getting too close to the stove or fireplace. 

Regularly review the instructions and make sure all members of the household know how to use the extinguisher properly. Post the P.A.S.S. acronym near the fire extinguisher:

P = Pull

A = Aim

S = Squeeze

S = Sweep

https://www.safewise.com/home-security-faq/prevent-house-fire/

SERVPRO of South Arlington is here for all of your restoration needs.

Prevent House Fires

4/20/2020 (Permalink)

Prevent House Fires

Check the dryer.

If you have a gas-powered clothes dryer, have it inspected once a year to make sure all connections are secure. No matter what type of dryer you have, always clean out the lint filter after a load is finished. Regularly check behind and around the dryer for pockets of lint or items of laundry that have fallen under or behind. Use a shop vacuum or hire a professional to thoroughly remove all lint and debris from the lint trap area and all external dryer vents at least once a year. 

Maintain electrical cords.

Regularly check the condition of electrical cords and watch out for frayed wires. Repair or replace damaged cords immediately. Electrical cords can produce heat, so don’t trap them under a rug or between furniture and the wall. When you’re not using them, unplug any appliances that feel warm to the touch when connected to power, including phone chargers. 

Use extension cords sparingly as a temporary fix, as they can deteriorate quickly with continuous use. Make sure any extension cords you use are rated for the wattage of the device they’re powering.

When it comes to power strips and surge protectors, don’t try to cut corners. Trusted name brands are best.

https://www.safewise.com/home-security-faq/prevent-house-fire/

 SERVPRO of South Arlington is here for all of your restoration needs

Carbon Monoxide Alarms

2/11/2020 (Permalink)

Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Install carbon monoxide alarms to alert your family to this invisible, odorless, colorless gas before it’s too late. Carbon monoxide is created when fuels (such as gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil, and methane) burn incompletely. Even a small amount of carbon monoxide can poison or kill a person if it is breathed in over a long period of time – such as overnight while sleeping.

• Install carbon monoxide alarms in central locations on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas.
• If the carbon monoxide alarm sounds, move quickly to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door.
• Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area.

https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire/fire-safety-equipment.html

 SERVPRO of South Arlington is here for all of your restoration needs.

Fire Safety Equipment

2/10/2020 (Permalink)

Home Fire Sprinkler Systems

Consider installing an automatic fire sprinkler system in your home. Smoke alarms are designed to detect, not control, a fire. Home fire sprinklers complement the alarms' work, providing a way to fight flames immediately.

• Before the fire department can reach your home, sprinklers can prevent a fire from spreading and even extinguish a fire.
• A sprinkler system can decrease the chance that deadly smoke and gases will reach your family.
• In addition, sprinkler systems can put out fire when you are away from home, and if they are connected to an alarm system, may notify the fire department in your absence.

 To ensure sprinkler system reliability, be sure to use a qualified installer who adheres to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes and standards and local fire safety regulations.

https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire/fire-safety-equipment.html

 SERVPRO of South Arlington is here for all of your restoration needs.

If a Fire starts

2/5/2020 (Permalink)

If a Fire Starts:

• Know how to safely operate a fire extinguisher
• Remember to GET OUT, STAY OUT and CALL 9-1-1 or your local emergency phone number.
• Yell "Fire!" several times and go outside right away. If you live in a building with elevators, use the stairs. Leave all your things where they are and save yourself.
• If closed doors or handles are warm or smoke blocks your primary escape route, use your second way out. Never open doors that are warm to the touch.
• If you must escape through smoke, get low and go under the smoke to your exit. Close doors behind you.
• If smoke, heat or flames block your exit routes, stay in the room with doors closed. Place a wet towel under the door and call the fire department or 9-1-1. Open a window and wave a brightly colored cloth or flashlight to signal for help.
• Once you are outside, go to your meeting place and then send one person to call the fire department. If you cannot get to your meeting place, follow your family emergency communication plan.

https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire/if-a-fire-starts.html

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Check for Structural Damage

2/4/2020 (Permalink)

Check for Structural Damage

• Is the floor sagging? It could collapse under your weight, so don’t walk there! Small sections that are sagging can be bridged by thick plywood panels or thick, strong boards that extend at least 8–12 inches on each side of the sagging area.
• If the weather is dry, open windows and doors to ventilate and dry your home.
• If power is out, use a flashlight. Do not use any open flame, including candles, to inspect for damage or serve as alternate lighting.
• Disconnect and check all appliances for water damage before using them.
• Make temporary repairs such as covering holes, bracing walls, and removing debris. Save all receipts.
• Take photographs of the damage. You may need these to substantiate insurance claims later.

https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire/checking-home-after-fire.html

SERVPRO of South Arlington is here for all of your restoration needs.

Checking your home after a Fire

2/3/2020 (Permalink)

Checking Your Home after a Fire

Do not cut or walk past colored tape that was placed over doors or windows to mark damaged areas unless local authorities advise that it is safe to do so. If a building inspector has placed a color-coded sign on the home, do not enter it until you get more information, advice and instructions about what the sign means and whether it is safe to enter your home.

If you have children, leave them with a relative or friend while you conduct your first inspection of your home after the fire. The site may be unsafe for children, and seeing the damage firsthand may upset them and cause long-term effects, including nightmares.

https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire/checking-home-after-fire.html

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Develop Fire-Safe Habits

2/1/2020 (Permalink)

Develop Fire-Safe Habits

If you do nothing else:

• Keep items that can catch on fire at least three feet away from anything that gets hot, such as space heaters.
• Smoking materials are the leading cause of residential fire deaths in the United States. If you smoke, take precautions: Smoke outside; choose fire-safe cigarettes; never smoke in bed, when drowsy or medicated, or if anyone in the home is using oxygen.
• Use deep, sturdy ashtrays and douse cigarette and cigar butts with water before disposal.
• Talk to children regularly about the dangers of fire, matches and lighters and keep them out of reach.
• Turn portable heaters off when you leave the room or go to sleep.
• Never leave a burning candle unattended, even for a minute.

https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire/home-fire-preparedness.html

SERVPRO of South Arlington is here for all of your restoration needs.

Help Your Child Survive a Fire

2/1/2020 (Permalink)

Help Your Child Survive a Fire

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. Purchase smoke alarms here.
• Once a month check whether each alarm in the home is working properly by pushing the test button. 
• Replace batteries in smoke alarms at least once a year. Immediately install a new battery if an alarm chirps, warning the battery is low.
• Teach your children what smoke alarms sound like and what to do when they hear one.
• Ensure that all household members know two ways to escape from every room of your home, and where to meet up outside.
• Practice your fire escape plan at least twice a year and at different times of the day. Practice waking up to smoke alarms, low crawling and meeting outside. Make sure everyone knows how to call 9-1-1.
• Emphasize “get out, stay out.” Only professional firefighters should enter a building that is on fire—even if other family members, pets or prized possessions are inside.
• Use quick-release devices on barred windows and doors. Security bars without release devices can trap you in a deadly fire. If you have security bars on your windows, be sure one window in each sleeping room has a release device.
• Consider getting escape ladders for sleeping areas on the second or third floor. Learn how to use them, and store them near the windows. 
• Teach household members to STOP, DROP and ROLL if their clothes should catch on fire.

https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire/fire-safety-for-kids.html

SERVPRO of South Arlington is here for all of your restoration needs.

Stay Low in a Fire

12/16/2019 (Permalink)

Stay Low

If you can see smoke in the house, stay low to the ground as you make your way to the exit. In a fire, smoke and poisonous air hurt more people than the actual flames do. You'll breathe less smoke if you stay close to the ground.

Smoke naturally rises, so if there is smoke while you're using your escape route, staying low means you can crawl under most of it. You can drop to the floor and crawl on your hands and knees below the smoke.

Know How to Get Out of the House

Getting out through a door that leads outside should be your first choice as an escape route. But also ask your parents about windows and if they would be possible ways to get out. Even windows on a higher floor could be safe escape routes if you had help, like from a firefighter or another adult.

Ask your parents to teach you how to unlock the windows, open them, and remove the screen, if needed. Make sure you only do this in an emergency! Lots of kids are injured because they fall out of windows.

Sometimes, families even have collapsible rescue ladders that can be used to escape from upper floors of a house. If you have one, ask your mom or dad to show you how it works.

Besides planning your escape routes, you'll also want to know where family members will meet outside. This is helpful because then everyone shows up in one place and you'll know that everyone is safe. You might choose the front porch of a neighbor's house or some other nearby spot.

https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/fire-safety.html

SERVPRO of South Arlington is here for all of your restoration needs.

Fire prevention

12/16/2019 (Permalink)

Fire Prevention is important, especially when it involves your home

Prevention is always the first step in all instances. To prevent a house fire from causing severe damages you truly need tips and tricks that could come in handy in times of a house fire. Fire is disastrous, and you have to be cautious because in as little as two minutes, a house fire can turn into a rapid movement and life-threatening disaster.

According to FEMA, each year thousands of Americans die in fire related incidents with billions of properties lost. In fact, the heat and smoke from the fire causes more deaths. 

Fires are very scary and cause a lot of damage and destruction as well as injuries and deaths. Always remember to stay calm and call for help. Know how to stay safe if a fire ever happens within your home.

https://www.lifehack.org/487224/9-things-to-do-when-in-a-house-fire

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Kitchen Fire

12/16/2019 (Permalink)

• If you have a fire in the oven or the microwave, close the door or keep it closed, and turn off the oven. Don’t open the door! The lack of oxygen will suffocate the flames.
• If your oven continues to smoke like a fire is still going on in there, call the fire department.
• If you have a fire in a cooking pan, use an oven mitt to clap on the lid, then move the pan off the burner, and turn off the stove. The lack of oxygen will stop the flames in a pot.
• If you can’t safely put the lid on a flaming pan or you don’t have a lid for the pan, use your fire extinguisher. Aim at the baseof the fire — not the flames.
• Never use water to put out grease fires! Water repels grease and can spread the fire by splattering the grease. Instead, try one of these methods:
  • If the fire is small, cover the pan with a lid and turn off the burner.
  • Throw lots of baking soda or salt on it. Neveruse flour, which can explode or make the fire worse.
  • Smother the fire with a wet towel or other large wet cloth.
  • Use a fire extinguisher.
• Don’t swat at a fire with a towel, apron, or other clothing. You’re likely to fan the flames and spread the fire.
• If the fire is spreading and you can’t control it, get everyone out of the house and call 911! Make sure everybody in your family knows how to get out of the house safely in case of a fire. Practice your fire escape route.

https://www.dummies.com/food-drink/cooking/kitchen-safety/how-to-put-out-kitchen-fires/

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Things to do when in a house fire

11/21/2019 (Permalink)

Things to do when in a house fire

*Leave valuables behind: When in a fire, never delay to find the best possible escape route from a burning house to find valuables. You could always notify the fire safety officers when they arrive of such valuables describing their last known location.

*Stop, Drop and Roll: If your clothes catches fire, do not run, simply drop to the floor and roll over your back to extinguish the fire. Always crawl and remain close to the ground to keep you away from the high temperature, and thick smoke from the fire. Stay low, until you escape the burning house.

*Cover your nose: Cover your nostril with a shirt or a damp towel during a house fire; this will prevent smoke from entering your lungs. Also cover the faces of children as much as possible, especially when helping out to get them to safety.

Lastly do not run into a room filled with smoke or flames, doing that means running into massive danger.

https://www.lifehack.org/487224/9-things-to-do-when-in-a-house-fire

SERVPRO of South Arlington is here for all of your restoration needs.

Smoke Alarms

11/11/2019 (Permalink)

A working smoke alarm significantly increases your chances of surviving a deadly home fire.

• Install both ionization AND photoelectric smoke alarms, OR dual sensor smoke alarms, which contain both ionization and photoelectric smoke sensors.
• Test batteries monthly.
• Replace batteries in battery-powered and hard-wired smoke alarms at least once a year (except non-replaceable 10-year lithium batteries).
• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement, both inside and outside of sleeping areas.
• Replace the entire smoke alarm unit every 8-10 years or according to manufacturer’s instructions.
• Never disable a smoke alarm while cooking – it can be a deadly mistake.

Smoke Alarm Safety for People with Access or Functional Needs

• Audible alarms for visually impaired people should pause with a small window of silence between each successive cycle so that they can listen to instructions or voices of others.
• Smoke alarms with a vibrating pad or flashing light are available for the hearing impaired. Contact your local fire department for information about obtaining a flashing or vibrating smoke alarm.
• Smoke alarms with a strobe light outside the home to catch the attention of neighbors, and emergency call systems for summoning help, are also available.

https://www.ready.gov/home-fires

 SERVPRO of South Arlington is here for all of your restoration needs

During a fire

11/11/2019 (Permalink)

During a Fire

• Crawl low under any smoke to your exit - heavy smoke and poisonous gases collect first along the ceiling.
• Before opening a door, feel the doorknob and door. If either is hot, or if there is smoke coming around the door, leave the door closed and use your second way out.
• If you open a door, open it slowly. Be ready to shut it quickly if heavy smoke or fire is present.
• If you can’t get to someone needing assistance, leave the home and call 9-1-1 or the fire department. Tell the emergency operator where the person is located.
• If pets are trapped inside your home, tell firefighters right away.
• If you can’t get out, close the door and cover vents and cracks around doors with cloth or tape to keep smoke out.  Call 9-1-1 or your fire department. Say where you are and signal for help at the window with a light-colored cloth or a flashlight.
• If your clothes catch fire, stop, drop, and roll – stop immediately, drop to the ground, and cover your face with your hands.  Roll over and over or back and forth until the fire is out.  If you or someone else cannot stop, drop, and roll, smother the flames with a blanket or towel.  Use cool water to treat the burn immediately for 3 to 5 minutes.  Cover with a clean, dry cloth.  Get medical help right away by calling 9-1-1 or the fire department.

https://www.ready.gov/home-fires

SERVPRO of South Arlington is here for all of your restoration needs.

Prevent Home Fires

11/11/2019 (Permalink)

Prevent Home Fires

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.
• Immediately shut off, then professionally replace, light switches that are hot to the touch and lights that flicker.

Portable Space Heaters

• Keep combustible objects at least three feet away from portable heating devices.
• Buy only heaters evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
• Check to make the portable heater has a thermostat control mechanism, and will switch off automatically if the heater falls over.
• Only use crystal clear K-1 kerosene in kerosene heaters. Never overfill it. Use the heater in a well-ventilated room.

https://www.ready.gov/home-fires

SERVPRO of South Arlington is here for all of your restoration needs.

Cleaning up and removing smoke odor

10/8/2019 (Permalink)

Cleaning up and removing smoke odor

• Pots, pans, flatware, etc., should be washed with soapy water, rinsed and then polished.
• Wipe leather goods with a damp cloth, then a dry cloth. Stuff purses and shoes with newspaper to retain shape. Leave suitcases open. Leather goods should be dried away from heat and sun. When leather goods are dry, clean with saddle soap. Rinse leather and suede jackets in cold water and dry away from heat and sun.
• Wear protective clothing, including leather gloves and heavy soled shoes.
• Learn more about how to clean up after a home fire, including the supplies you’ll need, how to deal with contaminated food and water, and how to repair smoke and water damage.
• Follow public health guidance on safe cleanup of fire ash and safe use of masks.
• Wet debris down to minimize breathing dust particles.

https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire/cleaning-up-after-fire.html

SERVPRO of South Arlington is here for all of your restoration needs

The First days of recovery

10/8/2019 (Permalink)

The First days of recovery

The fire department will make sure the utility services (water, electricity and gas) are safe to use. If they are not safe, firefighters will have your utilities turned off or disconnected before they leave. Do not try to turn them back on by yourself. Contact your police department to let them know you will be away from your home. In some cases, you may need to board up windows and doors so no one can get in. Finances Get in touch with your landlord or mortgage lender. Contact your credit card company to report credit cards that were lost in the fire. Save all of your receipts for any money you spend. The receipts may be needed later by the insurance company, and you will need them to prove losses claimed on your tax return. The first days of recovery ? | The value of your home and personal belongings Talk with your insurance company about how to learn the value of your home and property. ? | Replacing valuable documents and records You may want to replace many of the following documents if they were destroyed or lost in the fire: Driver’s license. Auto registration. Titles and deeds. Insurance policies. Military discharge papers. Passports. Birth, death and marriage certificates.  Divorce papers. Social security or Medicare cards.  Credit cards.  Stocks and bonds. Wills.  Medical records.  Warranties.  Income tax records. Citizenship papers.

https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/fa_46.pdf

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Fire Safety Tips

9/16/2019 (Permalink)

In an Emergency

1. In the event of a fire, leave your home immediately. Once you’re out of the house, stay out.
2. Wait to call 911 until after you are out of the home.

If you live in an apartment, pull the Alarm

1. If there is a fire and you don’t hear the building’s fire alarm, pull the nearest fire alarm “pull station” on your way out. 
2. Know all of your building’s fire escape exits and use the stairs to get out. Don’t use the elevator.

If you’re stuck inside, cover the areas where smoke might come in

1. If you cannot safely escape your home or apartment, keep smoke out of the room by covering vents and cracks around the door, and call 911 or your fire department as quickly as possible.
2. Then signal for help at the window with a light-colored cloth or a flashlight.

https://www.safekids.org/tip/fire-safety-tips

SERVPRO of South Arlington is here for all of your restoration needs.

Best ways to keep families safe from a fire

9/16/2019 (Permalink)

What is the best way to keep my family safe from a home fire?

 One of the most important steps you can take to protect your family against fire is to install smoke alarms and keep them in good working order. You can buy smoke alarms at most home and hardware stores, and they often cost $10 or less. Check with your fire department to see if they give out and install free smoke alarms.

• Install smoke alarms outside every bedroom or any area where someone sleeps. Also install them in furnace areas. Be sure there is at least 1 alarm on every level of your home, including the basement, or at each end of a mobile home.  
• Place smoke alarms away from the kitchen and bathroom. False alarms can occur while cooking or even showering.
• Test smoke alarms every month by pushing the test button. It is best to use smoke alarms that have long-life batteries, but if you do not, change the batteries at least once a year, such as when you change your clocks in the fall.  
• Replace smoke alarms every 10 years.
• Never paint a smoke alarm.
• Clean (dust or vacuum) smoke alarms once a month.  
• Use smoke alarms equipped with a flashing light and an alarm in homes with children or adults who are hard of hearing or deaf.  

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/all-around/Pages/Fire-Safety.aspx

SERVPRO of South Arlington is here for all of your restoration needs.

Safety Tips For Babysitters

9/16/2019 (Permalink)

For Your Sitters

When you are away from home and someone else cares for your children, make sure that your children and the sitter will be just as safe as when you are there.

• Let your sitter know about your family's escape plan.
• Remind sitters never to leave the children alone.
• Remind sitters that you do not allow smoking in or around your home.  

Leave emergency information near the phone. Include the local fire department phone number, your full home address and phone number, and a neighbor's name and phone number.  

Note: Parents of very young children or children with special needs should have a safety plan that fits their child's needs and abilities. For example, a child who is hard of hearing or deaf may need a smoke alarm with a flashing strobe-light feature. Parents with children younger than 5 years must plan on an adult rescuing them in the case of a house fire; they are too young to be able to reliably rescue themselves.

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/all-around/Pages/Fire-Safety.aspx

SERVPRO of South Arlington is here for all of your restoration needs.

Heating equipment fires

8/1/2019 (Permalink)

There is something about the winter months and curling up with a good book by the fireplace. But did you know that heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fire deaths? With a few simple safety tips and precautions, you can prevent most heating fires from happening.

be warm and safe this winter! • Keep anything that can burn at least three-feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable space heater. • Have a three-foot “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters. • Never use your oven to heat your home. • Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer’s instructions. • Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional. • Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed. • Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel burning space heaters. • Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home. • Test smoke alarms at least once a month.

https://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Files/Public-Education/Resources/Safety-tip-sheets/Heating_Safety.ashx?la=en

SERVPRO of South Arlington is here for all of your restoration needs.

Fire sprinklers

8/1/2019 (Permalink)

Over 80% of fire deaths occur in the home. Home fire sprinklers can save lives and property from fire. They respond quickly and effectively to fire, often extinguishing the fire before the fire department arrives. Only the sprinkler closest to the fire will activate, spraying water on the fire. Over 80% of fire deaths occur in the home. Home fire sprinklers can save lives and property from fire. They respond quickly and effectively to fire, often extinguishing the fire before the fire department arrives. Only the sprinkler closest to the fire will activate, spraying water on the fire.

Home fire sprinklers save lives and property. In many situations, a family who has survived a fire will also have their “home” to live in and enough of the items and space in their home to continue living their lives as they did before. KKK The cost of a home fire sprinkler system in a new home averages $1.35 per sprinklered square foot totaling an amount similar to what is spent for carpet upgrades, paving stone driveway or a whirlpool bath. Source: Fire Protection Research Foundation Study 2013. KKK A home fire sprinkler system can reduce the homeowner’s insurance premium. KKK Fire departments typically use roughly 10 times as much water as a fire sprinkler would use to contain a fire. Source: Fire Protection Research Foundation Study 2010. KKK Fire sprinklers are environmentally friendly. They can reduce the amount of water run-off and pollution, fire damage by up to 71%, and water usage to fight a home fire by as much as 91%. Source: FM Global and Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition Study 2010. KKK Cigar smoke or burnt toast will not activate a fire sprinkler. Only the high temperature of a fire will activate the sprinkler. KKK A home fire sprinkler system is easy to maintain. Just inspect your home to make sure the sprinklers are not blocked by something that would prevent the water from coming out such as paint and be sure the main control valve is never turned off. KKK Home fire sprinklers are effective in cold and warm climates. Guidelines have been created for the proper installation of systems to avoid pipes freezing. A home fire sprinkler system should be winterized the same as you winterize a domestic water supply.

https://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Files/Public-Education/Resources/Safety-tip-sheets/Home_Sprinklers.ashx?la=en

SERVPRO of South Arlington is here for all of your restoration needs.

Testing your smoke detector

8/1/2019 (Permalink)

Every smoke alarm should be tested monthly by pushing the “test” button and batteries should be changed when needed. It is best to always have at least one spare battery. If your smoke alarm ever “chirps,” it is time to replace the battery immediately. Most smoke alarm failures occur because of a missing or disconnected battery or a dead battery.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimates that three out of every five home fire deaths resulted from fires where there were non-working smoke detectors or no smoke detectors at all. Having the proper fire safety equipment in your home can truly save your life.

The NFPA recommends installing a smoke alarm on every floor, including the basement, and inside every sleeping room. Smoke alarms should be mounted high on a wall not more than a foot from the ceiling or on the ceiling. Remember, smoke rises.

• Kitchen: It is critical to mount smoke alarms in the kitchen at least 10 feet from any cooking appliance to minimize false alarms when cooking.

• Basement: Smoke alarms in the basement should be installed on the ceiling near the bottom step of the stairs up to the first floor.

There are many brands and types of smoke alarms you can choose from. All of the best smoke alarms should meet the Underwriters Laboratories Standard. Look for the UL label on the packaging.

https://www.safety.com/fire-safety/

SERVPRO of South Arlington is here for all of your restoration needs.

Basic Fire safety tips

8/1/2019 (Permalink)

Help your family stay safe in the event of a fire. Do not let children play with matches, lighters or candles. Keep these items up and away from young children. In addition, teach your kids these basic fire safety tips to help ensure they know what to do during a fire emergency.

• Teach children that if a doorknob is hot, you should NOT open the door.
• Teach children how to “Stop, Drop, and Roll.”
• Teach your kids to crawl on their hands and knees if they see smoke.
• Take your child to the fire house to meet a firefighter. This way, they learn what a firefighter looks like in their fire gear.
• Teach your child to never hide under the bed or in the closet.

There’s no 100 percent guarantee that a fire will never happen in your home. That’s why it pays to be prepared and take steps to reduce the risk of a home fire. Follow the three “P’s” – prevent, plan, and practice. Make sure your home has working smoke alarms, your family has a fire escape plan, and you have practiced it.

https://www.safety.com/fire-safety/

SERVPRO of South Arlington is here for all of your restoration needs.

Prevent Home Fires

8/1/2019 (Permalink)

Fire places and wood stoves

• Inspect and clean woodstove pipes and chimneys annually and check monthly for damage or obstructions.
• Use a fireplace screen heavy enough to stop rolling logs and big enough to cover the entire opening of the fireplace to catch flying sparks.
• Make sure the fire is completely out before leaving the house or going to bed.

Children

• Take the mystery out of fire play by teaching children that fire is a tool, not a toy.
• Store matches and lighters out of children's reach and sight, preferably in a locked cabinet.
• Never leave children unattended near operating stoves or burning candles, even for a short time.

More prevention tips

• Never use stove range or oven to heat your home.
• Keep combustible and flammable liquids away from heat sources.
• Portable generators should NEVER be used indoors and should only be refueled outdoors or in well ventilated areas.

https://www.ready.gov/home-fires

SERVPRO of South Arlington is here for all of your restoration needs.

Home fires

7/8/2019 (Permalink)

In just two minutes, a fire can become life-threatening. In five minutes, a residence can be engulfed in flames.

Learn about fires:

1. Fire is FAST! In less than 30 seconds a small flame can turn a major fire. It only takes minutes for thick black smoke to fill a house for it to be engulfed in flames.
2. Fire is HOT! Heat is more threatening than flames. Room temperatures in a fire can be 100 degrees at floor level and rise to 600 degrees at eye level. Inhaling this super-hot air will scorch your lungs and melt clothes to your skin.
3. Fire is DARK! Fire starts bright, but quickly produces black smoke and complete darkness.
4. Fire is DEADLY! Smoke and toxic gases kill more people than flames do. Fire produces poisonous gases that make you disoriented and drowsy. Asphyxiation is the leading cause of fire deaths, exceeding burns by a three-to-one ratio.

https://www.ready.gov/home-fires

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Fire escape plan

7/8/2019 (Permalink)

Fire escape planning for older adults and people with access or functional needs:

• Live near an exit. You'll be safest on the ground floor if you live in an apartment building. If you live in a multi-story home, arrange to sleep on the ground floor, and near an exit.
• If you use a walker or wheelchair, check all exits to be sure you get through the doorways.
• Make any necessary accommodations, such as providing exit ramps and widening doorways, to facilitate an emergency escape.
• Speak to your family members, building manager, or neighbors about your fire safety plan and practice it with them.
• Contact your local fire department's non-emergency line and explain your special needs. Ask emergency providers to keep your special needs information on file.
• Keep a phone near your bed and be ready to call 911 or your local emergency number if a fire occurs.

https://www.ready.gov/home-fires

SERVPRO of North Arlington is here for all of your restoration needs.

Reduce the risk to your family & home

7/2/2019 (Permalink)

In certain areas, small house fires can escalate to wildfires, becoming responsible for millions in damage and thousands of charred acres. Even when fires are largely confined to wildland, homes are can be swept up and swallowed in a matter of seconds.

California and other hot dry states know that fire safety methods are necessary to keep wildfires under control. The dangers are so prevalent that organizations such as Calfire are devoted to educating the public about proper fire prevention methods and safety during wildfires.

With a few precautions, you can seriously reduce the risk to your family and home.

Use a smoke alarm that ties into a mobile app

Keep your home clear of any outlying debris

Cover all openings with wire mesh

Safeguard your roof with fire-resistant materials

Store any combustible materials away from you home

Install a fire extinguisher in your home

https://www.protectyourhome.com/blog/fire-detection-and-safety/how-to-prevent-a-house-fire

SERVPRO of South Arlington is here for all of your restoration needs.

After a Fire

6/20/2019 (Permalink)

Recovering After a Fire

Need Help Now?

If you need help after a home fire, please contact your local Red Cross »

Caring for Yourself & Loved Ones

• Pay attention to how you and your loved ones are experiencing and handling stress. Promote emotional recoveryby following these tips. Discard any food that has been exposed to heat, smoke or soot.
• Watch pets closely and keep them under your direct control.
• Help people who require additional assistance- infants, elderly people, those without transportation, large families who may need additional help in an emergency situation, people with disabilities, and the people who care for them.

4 Steps to Take Immediately After a Home Fire

Call 9-1-1. Give first aid where needed; cool and cover burns to reduce the chance of further injury or infection.

Let friends and family know you’re safe.

People and animals that are seriously injured or burned should be transported to professional medical or veterinary help immediately.

Stay out of fire-damaged homes until local fire authorities say it is safe to re-enter.

https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire/home-fire-recovery.html

SERVPRO of South Arlington is here 24/7 for all of your restoration needs!

Oven, Microwave, and Electrical Fires

2/21/2019 (Permalink)

Oven, Microwave, and Electrical Fires

Fires can happen anywhere in the kitchen — near an electrical outlet, in the microwave, or in the stove. Here are some tips to help you know what to do in case of any of these kitchen fires:

• Oven fires. Immediately close the oven door and turn it off. If the fire doesn’t go out right away, call the fire department. Have the oven inspected and repaired before you use it again.
• Microwave fires. Close the microwave door and keep it closed. Turn the microwave off and unplug it if you can do so safely. Leave it closed and don't use it again until you can have the appliance checked out by a technician.
• Electrical fires. Prevent electrical fires by not overloading your electrical outlets with appliances. If a fire starts, use a fire extinguisher; never douse it with water. Always call the fire department for an electrical fire, even if you have already put it out with the fire extinguisher.

https://www.everydayhealth.com/healthy-home/general-safety/tips/how-and-when-to-fight-cooking-fires.aspx

SERVPRO of South Arlington is here 24/7 365, for all of you restoration needs

9 Facts about Fire

12/19/2018 (Permalink)

1. Understand the fire triangle 
A simplified cousin to the fire tetrahedron, the triangle represents the three components that fires need to exist: heat, oxygen and fuel. If one of these components is missing, a fire can’t ignite.

Heat can be generated by a cigarette, an electrical current or a home heater. Fuel can be anything combustible, such as wood, paper, clothing, furniture, gases or chemicals.

Once a fire starts, if any of the three components is removed, the fire is extinguished. Water is used to cool a fire and take away the heat source. Oxygen can be removed by smothering a fire with dirt, sand, a chemical agent or a blanket.

Fuel can be removed by moving combustible materials away from the fire or by simply waiting until the fire consumes the material and goes out of its own accord.

2. Fire kills
Every year more than 3,800 people die fire related deaths in the U.S. Approximately 18,300 people are injured every year in fires. Most of these fires could have been prevented by practicing proper fire safety and having fire alarms. On average more than 60 firefighters die every year in the line of duty.

3. It's in the kitchen
Most house fires start in the kitchen. Cooking is the leading cause of home fire injuries. Cooking fires often start from overheated grease and unattended cooking. Electric stoves are involved in more fires than gas stoves.

4. Leading causes of death
Another fact about fire is that smoking is the primary cause of death by fire in the U.S. The second cause of fire deaths is heating equipment.

5. Arson
Arson is the third most common cause of home fires. Arson in commercially operated buildings is the major reason for fire deaths and injuries in those types of properties.

6. Smoke inhalation
More people die from smoke inhalation than flames. Fire can suck all of the oxygen from a room and replace it with poisonous smoke and gases before flames even reach a room. Many times people die from lack of oxygen before the fire reaches their room.

7. Run report
According to NFPA, firefighters in the U.S. were called out on 501,500 structure fires in 2015. Between 2007 and 2011, there was an average of 2,570 civilian deaths and 13,210 civilian injuries per year, and a total estimated cost of $329 billion in 2011.

8. Candles
Candles caused approximately 9,300 home fires and 86 home fire deaths between 2009 and 2013.They were also responsible for 827 injuries and $374 million in property damage.

9. Smoke alarms 
Approximately two-thirds of all fire deaths happen in homes where there’s no working fire alarm. Your chance of dying in a home fire is cut in half if you have a working smoke alarm.

https://www.firerescue1.com/fire-products/Firefighter-Accountability/articles/1206336-9-facts-about-fire/

SERVPRO of South Arlington is here for all of your restoration needs

What to Dispose of after a fire

11/14/2018 (Permalink)

Dispose of These Items After a Fire

There are some items that should always be tossed after a fire.

• Perishable Food
  • If the electricity has been off for more than four hours, even after a small fire, most refrigerated and frozen food should be tossed. If a freezer is full and undamaged, check for ice crystals and you may be able to salvage the food for up to eight hours.
• Non-Perishable Food
  • Any foods, even canned goods, that have been exposed to heat and firefighting chemicals should be tossed. The excessive heat can cause food to spoil even if the cans are not burned.
• Cosmetics and Medicines
  • Water, smoke, firefighting chemicals, and excessively high temperatures can ruin cosmetics and medicines. It is not worth risking your health to salvage these items.
• Electrical Equipment
  • No electrical items like small appliances or entertainment equipment should be used until they have been checked for water damage and heat damage to wiring. Toss any questionable items to avoid the possibility of another fire.

Interior clean up

10/30/2018 (Permalink)

Interior Clean-Up

When you’re ready to move inside, do so with extreme caution. Open all doors carefully and never force them ajar; the doorway could be supporting the building’s (now precarious) structure, and shifting its position could lead to injury, further damage, or even a collapse. Find an alternate entry to the front door if necessary, and consult a building inspector or fire marshal before entering any interior rooms with a jammed door.

Once you’re inside, stop and sniff for a gas leak. If you even think you detect the odor, or if you hear a suspicious hissing sound that could be a broken gas line, leave the house immediately and call the fire department. Follow their instructions implicitly and be sure to let your neighbors know what’s going on so they can take the necessary precautions.

As you begin your interior inspection, don’t forget to look up; the ceiling may be unstable or show signs of sagging from water collection. Similarly, the walls and flooring may have been weakened from fire or water damage, so step lightly and test any areas that look questionable before putting your own weight on them. You can use thick plywood panels or wood boards to cover unstable areas, just be sure they extend at least 8-12 inches on each side of the damaged area.

Use fans and open windows to increase the circulation of air throughout the home. If there’s a great amount of water damage and you live in a warm, humid climate, it may be better to keep the windows shut and instead opt for a dehumidifier. In cold weather, the heating system can help remove humidity from the air — just don’t forget to check and clean the filter each day.

Dry any wet items like drapes, carpet, and furniture as soon as possible to avoid permanent mold and mildew damage. Aluminum foil or plastic wrap can be placed under furniture legs for protection, and any fully-dried items can be enclosed in plastic until all cleanup is completed. You’ll need to completely remove large area rugs for proper drying, especially those that extend wall-to-wall.

Before you can start working on ridding your house and belongings of smoke odor, you’ll first need to address any soot. Soot is quite oily, meaning it’s easily transferred among items and prone to staining. You may be able to remove it yourself by taking the vacuum hose and holding it slightly off the surface of the item or area. Never use an upright vacuum or brush tools when removing soot, as that can cause the soot to grind deeper into fabric and carpet. You may even want to hire a professional carpet cleaner to remove the soot with a professional grade heavy-duty shop vacuum designed for these purposes.

To remove soot from walls, use a chemical sponge or another non-water based cleaner. (Be especially careful with plaster walls — water-based cleaners can actually cause the soot to bleed into the wall.) You may have success using paint thinner or rubbing alcohol, though you’ll want to ensure the room you’re working in has adequate ventilation before you begin.

Removing smoke odor from fabrics can be a tricky process, but the good news is that you have several options for treatment. For clothing, it may help to add 1-2 cups of vinegar to each wash load, though it may take several cycles to completely remove it. For persistent smells, try dissolving one cup of dishwasher detergent with one gallon of warm water and soaking the items overnight. Wash them as usual the next day. Never attempt to counter the smell with fabric refreshers or perfumes — at best, it will only mask the smell temporarily, and it could even amplify the problem.

For clothing that can be bleached, try mixing 4-6 tablespoons of trisodium phosphate (which can usually be found at your local hardware store), one cup of household chlorine bleach, and one gallon of water. Swish around the clothes and work the mixture through the fabric as much as possible, then rinse them with clean water.

When it comes to furniture and other items unable to be thrown in the wash, consult your local dry cleaner on which counteractants would be best to use; he may have several recommendations based on which items were affected, so be sure to tell him the kinds of materials you’ll be treating. He may even be able to suggest items for your laundry if you’re still having trouble removing the odor from clothing.

A major problem with smoke odor is that it can travel quite easily, including through walls and air ducts. Unfortunately, this means it can get trapped in air ducts and cause a recurring odor even months after the fire. Your best option to ensure your entire house gets aired out properly is to consult a professional about thermal fogging, a process that opens the pores of walls and neutralizes the smoke odor. It’s especially helpful in homes with attics, though you’ll likely need to remove odor-absorbing insulation from the attic either way.

While there are plenty of ways to clean up your home and property yourself, keep in mind that bringing in a professional may be the best route for certain tasks. While costly, these experts will know the best ways to get your home back to its pre-fire condition; plus, the expense will likely be significantly less than having to replace items after failed attempts to refurbish them yourself. Keep detailed records and receipts for both you and the insurance company; some of the repairs may be tax-deductible.

The fire recovery process comes with plenty of challenges and frustrations, so be sure you have a strong support system to help you through it. You may even discover that the cleanup process helps your family come together as one and bond, so look for silver linings as often as you can. With time, your home will look more like you remember it — perhaps even better! — and with patience, your emotional wounds will heal, as well.

https://www.redfin.com/blog/2016/08/the-guide-to-cleaning-up-after-a-house-fire.html

SERVPRO of South Arlington is here 24/7 365, for all of your restoration needs

What is in Smoke Residue/Soot?

9/20/2018 (Permalink)

What is in the Smoke Residue/Soot? All materials involved in a fire cause odors. Typically, soot is representative of what has burned, but may include byproducts that at first seem unrelated to the original material. For example, hydrogen cyanide is a byproduct of burning wool. When wood burns it can produce manganese and benzene. As many products as there are in the world, there are an equal number of byproducts produced in a fire. Each fire is different based on the contents of what has burned during the event. Organic and inorganic materials produce different types of smoke residue or soot. These residues may be present on surfaces that conservators may be tasked with treating. Burnt organic material produces soot that is hard to see and often has a very pungent odor. This is known as protein smoke. It can discolor paints and varnishes. Protein smoke can disperse over large areas and attach itself to everything. How the fire burns and how much moisture is in the air while the fire burns, plays a role in soot deposition on articles. The amount of moisture in the air is a key component in whether the smoke that is produced is wet or dry. There are several types of smoke or soot, which may be present on a surface that conservators might be tasked with treating: Wet Smoke—can present as a sticky residue or soot, and is often associated with a smoldering type of fire and often will have a strong odor. Dry Smoke—associated with a fast-burning fire and occurs at high temperatures. Protein—often present in soot, usually invisible, it can discolor paints and varnishes and often has a very pungent odor. Protein odors could be caused by food on the stove burning slowly or other sources. The slow burn allows the protein to disperse and attach itself to everything, producing a strong odor.

http://www.conservation-us.org/docs/default-source/periodicals/2010-09-sept-aicnews.pdf?sfvrsn=6

SERVPRO of South Arlington is here 24/7 365, for all of your restoration needs

After the Fire! Returning to Normal

8/17/2018 (Permalink)

After the Fire! Returning to Normal A fire will change your life in many ways. Knowing where to begin and who can help you is important. The U.S. Fire Administration hopes you find this information useful in your journey to return tonormal. What to Expect A fire in a home can cause serious damage. The building and many of the things in your home may have been badly damaged by flames, heat, smoke and water. You will find that things the fire did not burn up are now ruined by smoke and soggy with water used to put out the flames. Anything that you want to save or reuse will need to be carefully cleaned. The firefighters may have cut holes in the walls of the building to look for any hidden flames. They may even have cut holes in the roof to let out the heat and smoke. Cleanup will take time and patience. If your home had a home fire sprinkler system, you will find little damage from flames, heat, smoke and water. If you plan to rebuild your home, now is the time to think about installing sprinklers.

https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/fa_46.pdf

SERVPRO of South Arlington is here for all of your restoration needs!

How to make a fire escape plan

8/14/2018 (Permalink)

Your ability to get out of your home during a fire depends on advance warning from smoke alarms and advance planning

Fire can spread rapidly through your home, leaving you as little as one or two minutes to escape safely once the smoke alarm sounds. A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home. Pull together everyone in your household and make a plan. Walk through your home and inspect all possible exits and escape routes. Households with children should consider drawing a floor plan of your home, marking two ways out of each room, including windows and doors.

https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/By-topic/Safety-in-the-home/Escape-planning

SERVPRO of South Arlingtonis here 24/7 365 for all of your restoration needs.

6 Tips

8/2/2018 (Permalink)

You may think a house fire will never happen to you. But what if it does? Are you prepared?

Figuring out what to do after a home fire can be a very stressful and overwhelming process, and it can be hard to decide what to do first. With a little help from your insurance agent, though, you may be able to settle your claim more quickly and get your life back to normal.

Here are the six things you should do after a home fire.

1. Call your insurance agent immediately.

2. Ask about restoration companies that can help with cleaning up soot, boarding up windows, and other construction.

3. Separate damaged property from undamaged property.

4. Save undamaged property from further destruction.

5. Cooperate fully with the insurance company’s investigation.

6. Find somewhere to stay if you can’t live in your home.

https://blog.equifax.com/credit/six-things-you-need-to-do-after-a-house-fire/

SERVPRO of South Arlington is here 24/7 365 for all of your restoration needs. Call us today at 817-557-1505, we're waiting to serve you! 

Tips for fire safety

8/1/2018 (Permalink)

The National Fire Protection Association has announced the theme for its Fire Prevention Week 2018 campaign:Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware – fire can happen anywhere.

Through the annual campaign, set for Oct. 7-13 this year, NFPA aims to raise awareness of “three basic but essential steps to take to reduce the likelihood of having a fire.” Those steps are:
LOOKfor possible fire hazards in your home and eliminate them.
LISTENfor your home’s smoke alarms. Know that you may have only minutes to get out if a fire breaks out.
LEARNtwo ways out of each room of your home. Exits should be easy to access and free of clutter. After leaving the home, go to your family’s designated meeting spot, established when you set up ahome fire escape plan.

NFPA provides resources, including community posters, for the public to use to educate others about home fire safety. For kids, the campaign has activity pages and Simon, a character whoshares messages about fire safety.

http://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/17212-fire-prevention-week-2018-look-listen-learn

SERVPRO of South Arlington is here for all of your restoration needs.

Types of Fire Extinguishers

4/19/2018 (Permalink)

It's important always to use the right extinguisher for the fire. Using the wrong extinguisher can put your life in danger and make the fire worse.

There are three main types of extinguisher and they work in slightly different ways:

• Water extinguishers, which are the most common, are essentially tanks full of water with compressed (tightly squeezed) air as the propellant to make them come out. Water extinguishers work by removing heat from the fire.
• Dry chemical extinguishers are tanks of foam or dry powder with compressed nitrogen as the propellant. They work by smothering the fire: when you put a layer of powder or foam on the fire, you cut the fuel off from the oxygen around it, and the fire goes out.
• Carbon dioxide (CO2) extinguishers contain a mixture of liquid and gaseous carbon dioxide (a nonflammable gas). CO2 is normally a gas at room temperature and pressure. It has to be stored under high pressure to make it a liquid. When you release the pressure, the gas expands enormously and cools to make a huge white jet. CO2 attacks the fire triangle in two ways: it smothers the oxygen and, because it's so cold, it also removes heat.

That classifies extinguishers by what they contain. You'll also find fire extinguishers classified by the types of fires you can use them on. This gives us five different kinds:

• A: Green: For wood, cloth, and paper.
• B: Red: For combustible and flammable liquids such as oil, gasoline, and paint.
• C: Blue: For electrical equipment and tools.
• D: Orange: For flammable metals.
• K: Black: For animal or vegetable oils or cooking facts.

It's important always to use the right extinguisher for the fire. Using the wrong extinguisher can put your life in danger and make the fire worse. 

7 Ways to Prepare For A Home Fire

4/17/2018 (Permalink)

Fire experts agree that you have as little as 2 minutes to escape a burning home.

According to the American Red Cross someone dies from a house fire 7 times a day. Here are 7 ways to prepare for a home fire.

Prevention is key! 

1. Install the right number of smoke alarms. Test them once a month and replace the batteries at least once a year.

2. Teach children what smoke alarms sound like and what to do when they hear one.
3. Ensure that all household members know two ways to escape from every room of your home and know the family meeting spot outside of your home.
4. Establish a family emergency communications plan and ensure that all household members know who to contact if they cannot find one another.
5. Practice escaping from your home at least twice a year. Press the smoke alarm test button or yell “Fire“ to alert everyone that they must get out.
6. Make sure everyone knows how to call 9-1-1.
7. Teach household members to STOP, DROP and ROLL if their clothes should catch on fire.

Jesus Lives!

3/30/2018 (Permalink)

Close your eyes for a second and listen to the sounds around you, listen to the chirping of the birds, the cars driving around, the laughing of children. Now open them and look at the blue sky, look at the vibrancy of color around you, look at the child running around playing, watch life move at such a fast pace. It is because of a sacrifice a man made thousands of years ago that you are now able to do such things. It is because of the love he had for us that we live today. It is because of his mercy and grace that we can walk around enjoy the normalcy of life. Even with all the chaos that has been occurring throughout our country the love of Jesus shines through. Thank you Jesus for your love!

If you are in needing of emergency services after hours/ or during this holiday weekend SERVPRO South Arlington is here to help!

817-557-1447

Tips on How to Prevent Injury in Home Fires.

3/29/2018 (Permalink)

Talk to your family and create your fire escape plan today!

At SERVPRO of South Arlington it is our goal to ensure that Texas residents are equipped with the proper knowledge to prevent home fires. 

Here are a few tips for South Arlington residents to prevent injury in a disastrous event such as a fire. 

• Does your family have a fire escape plan? Do your children know where to meet in the event of a fire? Do they know how to get out of a burning house? The answers to these three questions could be the difference between life or death for your family. Speak to your family today and create a fire escape plan. Find two ways to get out of each room. Practice feeling your way out of the house in the dark or with your eyes closed.Time your family on how long it would take to reach the meeting place. Be sure that the meeting place is a safe distance away from the fire in case of  an explosion.
• An early warning could be instrumental in saving your families' lives. Periodically test your fire alarms to ensure they would function in an emergency. Always keep fresh batteries in your smoke detectors.Train your family to evacuate rapidly if they hear your smoke alarms. They may only have a few seconds to escape.

Develop your families' escape plan. And practice until it becomes second nature. Because when it comes to fires there is no room for error. Ask yourself how many smoke detectors are in your home. And check them monthly to ensure they are working. If a fire occurs our local SERVPRO of South Arlington technicians are standing by to help!

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today –(817)557-1505

How to Handle Fire Loss in a Commercial Business

12/14/2017 (Permalink)

A fire can be devastating to a commercial business, but after the fire truck and firefighters have left, the real work has just begun. What can a professional fire damage restoration company do for a business with commercial fire damage? We'll find out.

When the firefighters and fire trucks have cleared the building of a commercial fire, a trained fire damage specialist will inspect the site to see what materials were affected by smoke damage or soot damage. The building may not be safe for anyone to work in until a commercial fire damage specialist has started work. For example, the roof may need to be boarded up and spread with tarps for the safety and security of the workers. When there's an electrical fire or fire damage to the electrical system, generators may need to be installed for temporary power. A commercial fire damage company can remove burned trees as well.

A fire hose can pump thousands of gallons of water per minute, and that water will have to be removed before the work of fire restoration can really begin. If the fire sprinkler system does its job, it can stop a lot of fire damage before it occurs. A working fire suppression system is essential to reducing damage, but the fire suppression system can also drench everything, so a lot of water from the fire hoses or fire sprinkler system may need to be removed.

One area that needs to be handled carefully is smoke and soot damage. Soot Damage is a major problem after a commercial fire, discoloring anything close to the flames. Within hours, soot damage can turn fiberglass and appliance finishes yellow. Soot damage can also tarnish metals and cause corrosion. After a few days, the smoke damage will also permanently discolor upholstery, clothing, and walls. The lingering smell of smoke can be reduced by cleaning with the proper detergents or sealing up and removing objects that are too damaged. The sooner commercial fire damage professionals are brought in, the better.

A utility room fire will often require special attention because the fire might have started in the utility room because some utility room fires are caused by storage of flammable chemicals. With the fire extinguished, a utility room fire might have burned important equipment that will need to be repaired or replaced. There also may be an electrical fire in the utility room fire that needs to be dealt with. Smoke damage can also be concentrated in the utility room's small space.

An electrical fire could have burned much of the building, and the fire hoses and fire sprinkler system might have soaked the drywall and insulation, so a fire restoration professional may need to replace it to prevent the growth of mold and mildew. Firefighters do a great job putting out fires, but they can't worry about the damage they leave behind. In some cases, the firefighters might have broken through walls or windows or the fire truck itself might have collided with the building, causing more damage. Fire restoration specialists will need to deal with that, too. The fire restoration professional can also look at the fire suppression system to make sure it will work the next time.

When it comes to hiring a commercial fire damage specialist, it's important to hire the best available. Fire restoration may involve a lot of work, because an electrical fire, soot damage, and smoke damage are all major problems, but the right professionals can take care of them. A fire sprinkler system or fire suppression system is critical to keep a fire from spreading, and a fire truck and a fire hose can save lives, but only a fire restoration professional can get a business running again.

Call SERVPRO of South Arlington at 817-557-1505 or visit http://www.SERVPROsoutharlington.com/fire-smoke-damage-restoration for more information on fire damage.

Christmas tree safety

12/7/2017 (Permalink)

Did you know that a spark can turn a dry Christmas tree into a torch within 12 seconds?

Christmas tree fires are rare, but they still account for roughly 200 home fires each year, destroying an annual $14 million in the process, the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) says. They're deadly, too, killing an average of six people yearly.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission released Christmas tree tips:

• Fresh, watered trees are much less likely to catch fire. So when buying a tree, look for branches with vibrant, green needles that don’t come off the branch easily.
• Make sure your tree is at least three feet from any heat source, like a fireplace, heat vent or candle.
• Water your tree daily.
• If you buy an artificial tree, make sure it’s labeled “fire resistant.”
• Do not forget to cut off 2 inches from the bottom of the tree to allow it to soak up water.

SERVPRO of South Arlington would like to wish all of our customers and vendors a very Merry Christmas!

If you are need of our services during this holiday season SERVPRO of South Arlington is on call 24/7.  Call our office at 817-557-1557. We are here to help!

Arlington Smoke and Soot Cleanup

11/3/2017 (Permalink)

Smoke and Soot Damage Can Cause a Pervasive Odor in Your Arlington Home

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of South Arlington will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – 817-557-1505

Fire Damage Restoration Process

11/3/2017 (Permalink)

After the fire trucks leave, your home likely suffers from fire and smoke damage and extensive water damage from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO of South Arlington Professionals have the specialized fire restoration training needed to restore your home to pre-fire condition.

Have Questions About Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Today 817-557-1505

Every fire damage event is a little different, and requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate our process for the “typical” fire damage emergency.

Step 1: Emergency Contact

The restoration process begins when you call SERVPRO of South Arlington, which is staffed 24 hours a day. Our representative will ask a series of questions regarding the fire damage event that will help us dispatch the nearest SERVPRO of South Arlington Professional with the appropriate equipment and resources.

Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment

Our Professionals will carefully inspect and test adjoining rooms of your property to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is crucial to developing a plan of action.

Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service

Fire damage can often compromise windows, walls, and roofs. To maintain security and to protect against further damage, the SERVPRO Franchise Professional can board up missing windows and walls and place tarps on damaged roofs.

Step 4: Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)

The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. They will then use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process.

Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces

The SERVPRO of South Arlington Professionals use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces.

Step 6: Cleaning and Sanitizing

They will clean all of the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. They use a variety of cleaning techniques to restore your belongings to pre-fire condition. They’re also trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

Step 7: Restoration

Restoration is the final step—getting your home or business to its pre-fire condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.