The leading causes of home fires

4/19/2024 (Permalink)

As the trusted experts in fire and water damage restoration, SERVPRO® is committed to not only restoring your home after a disaster but also empowering you with knowledge to prevent them. Home fires are a devastating occurrence, and understanding their leading causes is crucial for safeguarding your family and property. In this blog post, we'll explore the primary culprits behind home fires and offer tips on how to mitigate the risks.

Cooking Accidents

Unattended cooking is a leading cause of home fires. Whether it's a forgotten pot on the stove or grease flare-ups, cooking-related incidents can quickly escalate. To reduce the risk, always stay in the kitchen when cooking, use a timer as a reminder, and keep flammable objects away from the stove.

Electrical Malfunctions

Faulty wiring, outdated electrical systems, and overloaded circuits contribute to a significant number of home fires. Regularly inspect your home's electrical system, replace damaged cords or outlets, and avoid overloading circuits with too many appliances. Consider consulting with a qualified electrician for a thorough assessment.

Heating Appliances

Portable heaters, fireplaces, and wood-burning stoves are common sources of home fires, especially during the colder months. Keep a safe distance between heating appliances and flammable materials, and never leave them unattended. Ensure proper ventilation and have your chimney cleaned regularly.

Smoking Materials

Careless smoking, such as improperly discarded cigarettes or smoking in bed, poses a significant fire risk. If you smoke, do so outside and use deep, sturdy ashtrays. Ensure that cigarette butts are completely extinguished before disposal.

Candles

While candles create a cozy atmosphere, they can also be dangerous if left unattended. Keep candles away from flammable materials, place them in sturdy holders, and extinguish them before leaving a room or going to bed. Consider using flameless LED candles for a safer alternative.

Faulty Appliances

Malfunctioning appliances, such as washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers, can be fire hazards. Regularly inspect and maintain your appliances, and be attentive to any unusual noises or smells during operation. If you notice any issues, consult with a professional for repairs.

By understanding the leading causes of home fires and implementing preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of a devastating incident. SERVPRO is here to support you in times of crisis, but our ultimate goal is to help you protect your home and loved ones. Stay informed, stay safe, and let's work together to build a safer home environment.

The Leading Causes of Home Fires and Prevention

11/29/2023 (Permalink)

Home fires can be devastating, causing property damage, injuries, and even loss of life. It is important to be aware of the leading causes of home fires and take preventive measures to minimize the risks. In this blog, we will discuss the most common causes of home fires and provide tips to prevent them, ensuring the safety and well-being of you and your loved ones.

Cooking Accidents

Unattended cooking is one of the primary causes of home fires. A momentary distraction can lead to a dangerous situation.

• Preventive measures: Stay in the kitchen while cooking, use timers as reminders, and keep flammable materials away from the stove.
• Install a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and ensure its proper maintenance.

Heating Equipment

Portable heaters, furnaces, and chimneys, if not used and maintained properly, can result in home fires.

• Preventive measures: Keep flammable items at least three feet away from heating sources, use fixed guards or screens for fireplaces, and follow manufacturer's instructions for heating equipment usage.
• Schedule regular inspections and maintenance for furnaces and chimneys by professionals.

Electrical Malfunctions

Electrical problems such as faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, and damaged electrical cords can lead to home fires.

• Preventive measures: Have a professional inspect the electrical system periodically, avoid overloading circuits, and replace frayed or damaged cords promptly.
• Unplug appliances when not in use and don't overload power strips or extension cords.

Smoking

Smoking materials, such as cigarettes and lighters, can easily ignite flammable objects and cause fires.

• Preventive measures: Dispose of cigarette butts in a proper ashtray or water-filled container, never smoke in bed, and enforce a no-smoking policy indoors.
• Designate a safe smoking area outside the house, away from flammable materials.

Candles

• Unattended or improperly placed candles can ignite nearby objects, leading to home fires.
• Preventive measures: Keep candles at least one foot away from flammable materials, never leave candles unattended, and extinguish them before leaving a room or going to sleep.
• Consider using flameless LED candles as a safer alternative.

Children and Fire Play

Curiosity about fire can lead children to dangerous experimentation.

• Preventive measures: Teach children about fire safety and the potential dangers of playing with fire. Store matches and lighters out of their reach and supervision.
• Establish clear rules about fire safety and discuss the consequences of unsafe behavior.

Understanding the leading causes of home fires is the first step towards prevention. By implementing simple preventive measures such as staying vigilant while cooking, maintaining heating equipment, addressing electrical issues, promoting responsible smoking habits, keeping an eye on candles, and educating children about fire safety, we can significantly reduce the risks of home fires. Remember, prevention is key to ensuring the safety and well-being of your home and family. Stay proactive, stay safe!

Why You Shouldn't Clean Puffback Soot Yourself - The Benefits of Hiring Professionals

8/2/2023 (Permalink)

Dealing with puffback soot after an oil furnace malfunction can be a daunting and messy task. Puff Backs occur when there is a misfire in the oil burner, leading to the release of soot and smoke throughout your home or business. While it may be tempting to clean up the mess yourself to save money, there are compelling reasons why you shouldn't attempt to clean puffback soot yourself. In this blog post, we will explore these reasons and highlight the importance of hiring professionals for puffback soot cleanup.

Particles and chemicals

Puffback soot contains harmful particles and chemicals may contain carbon monoxide, which is a toxic gas, as well as other hazardous substances. Professional cleaners are equipped with the necessary safety gear and expertise to handle these hazardous materials and ensure your safety.

Puffback soot cleanup requires specialized cleaning techniques and equipment. Professionals have the knowledge and experience to effectively remove soot from various surfaces without causing further damage. Improper cleaning methods can lead to smearing, staining, or spreading soot particles, making the cleanup process more challenging and time-consuming.

Odor removal

Soot particles have a strong, persistent odor that can be difficult to eliminate. Professionals have access to specialized equipment and cleaning products designed to address odor issues effectively. They can identify the source of the odor and use the appropriate techniques to completely remove it, restoring fresh air quality to your home or business.

Puffback soot can cause extensive damage to your property, including staining walls, ceilings, and furniture. However, the visible damage may only be the tip of the iceberg. Professionals can assess the extent of structural damage and identify any hidden damage that may have occurred. They have the expertise to determine whether repairs or replacements are necessary and can provide recommendations accordingly.

Efficient and timely cleanup

Cleaning up puffback soot can be a lengthy and labor-intensive process, especially without the proper equipment and expertise. Hiring professionals ensures that the cleanup is carried out efficiently and in a timely manner, minimizing disruptions to your daily life or business operations. Professionals have a systematic approach to remove soot and restore your property back to its pre-puffback condition as quickly as possible.

Insurance coverage

If your property is covered by insurance, attempting to clean puffback soot yourself may limit your ability to file a successful claim for compensation. Insurance companies usually require professional documentation and evidence of the damage and cleanup process. By hiring professionals, you can ensure that the cleanup is properly documented, providing the necessary validation for your insurance claim.

In conclusion, cleaning puffback soot yourself may seem like a cost-saving measure, improper cleaning techniques, ineffective odor removal, overlooked structural damage, and a time-consuming process. Hiring professionals for puffback soot cleanup ensures your safety, proper cleaning techniques, efficient odor removal, structural damage assessment, timely cleanup, and compliance with insurance requirements. By entrusting the cleanup to professionals, you can focus on restoring your home or business to its pre-puffback condition

Essential Steps to Keep Your Pets Safe in the Event of a Fire

4/10/2023 (Permalink)

Pets are not just animals; they are a part of our family. As pet owners, it is our responsibility to keep them safe from harm. One of the greatest risks to pets is a house fire. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), approximately 500,000 pets are affected by house fires every year. In order to keep our pets safe, we must be prepared for the possibility of a fire. Here are some steps to help you keep your pets safe in the event of a fire.

It is important to have a plan in place in case of a fire. Make sure everyone in your household knows what to do in case of an emergency. Create a fire escape plan that includes your pets. Make sure everyone knows where your pets are likely to be in the house, and assign someone to be responsible for grabbing them in case of a fire.

Keep collars and leashes near the door

In the event of a fire, you want to be able to quickly and easily grab your pets and get them out of the house. Keep their collars and leashes near the door so you can quickly attach them and lead them out of the house.

Secure pets in a safe location

If you are unable to evacuate your pets, you should secure them in a safe location. This could be a room that is furthest away from the fire, or even a crate. Make sure to leave plenty of food and water, and keep a sign on the door indicating that there are pets inside.

Install smoke detectors

Smoke detectors are crucial in alerting you to the presence of a fire. Make sure to install them in every room of your house, especially near where your pets sleep.

Use flameless candles and fire-resistant materials

Open flames and pets do not mix. Avoid using candles or other open flames, and instead use flameless candles or other battery-operated alternatives. Use fire-resistant materials in your home, including furniture and bedding.

Keep fireplaces and stoves clean

Fireplaces and stoves can be a fire hazard if they are not properly maintained. Make sure to keep them clean and free from any debris or flammable materials.

Train your pets

It is important to train your pets to respond to commands, especially in the event of an emergency. Practice evacuation drills with your pets so they know what to do in case of a fire.

Keep emergency numbers handy

Keep a list of emergency phone numbers, including those of your veterinarian and local animal shelters, in case you need to contact them in the event of a fire.

In conclusion, keeping your pets safe in the event of a fire requires planning and preparation. By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your pets are protected in case of an emergency. Remember, your pets are a part of your family, and it is your responsibility to keep them safe from harm.

How To Clean Smoke Damage

12/14/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage to kitchen

If your home has been through a fire, you may be wondering how to clean up the smoke damage. While this isn't always easy to do on your own, there are a few important steps that can help speed up the restoration process and make sure your home is back in good shape as quickly as possible.

Assess the damage

If you've suffered a fire or any other kind of damage at your home, it's important to get an expert to assess the damage. A professional will be able to tell you what types of cleaning products are needed and give advice on whether repairs are necessary. The following are some things that should be looked for:

• Soot and smoke stains
• Fire damage
• Water damage from firefighting efforts or flooding (in case there were sprinklers)
• Mold growth, which could indicate that there was mold before the fire started and indicates moisture problems in your house's structure
• Electrical damage

Contact your insurance company

Once you've decided that the damage is too severe for you to clean yourself, it's time to contact your insurance company. The best way to do this is via phone or email; don't try calling them in person because you'll probably be put on hold for hours. Once you're connected with an employee of the insurance company, make sure that they understand that there has been a fire and that your home needs professional attention.

If everything goes well, they should send out a representative from their team who will assess the damage in person. 

Remove any non-salvageable items

The first step to cleaning up a smoke-damaged area is to remove all items that are damaged beyond repair. If you aren't sure if it can be salvaged, leave it alone and call a professional to come assess the damage.

Clean walls and ceilings first.

First, you will want to clean the walls and ceilings. Use a damp cloth for the walls and a sponge for the ceiling. 

Once you have finished cleaning your walls and ceilings, move on to cleaning any other surfaces in your home that were affected by smoke damage.

Clean floors at the end of the job

Cleaning floors at the end of the job is a good idea, as it ensures that any dirt or dust is picked up before you move on. However, cleaning floors can be dirty work, so wear gloves and a mask. You may also want to invest in some coveralls and rubber boots if you're going to need to get down on your hands and knees while cleaning.

Clean with a damp mop or vacuum cleaner, depending on how much debris there is on your floor. A vacuum cleaner will remove any loose particles; however, if there are stains left behind by smoke residue then these need to be removed by hand-scrubbing with soap and water before using either method described above.

Clean kitchen surfaces

• Clean up all food and food stains.
• Clean up any grease or oil spills.
• Clean up any spilled liquids.
• Clean up any food particles that may be present in your kitchen, as well as dirt, dust, and other foreign matter.

It's important to clean this area thoroughly because smoke damage can be caused by bacteria or mold on surfaces in your home if they weren't cleaned properly soon after the fire occurred

Clean upholstery and carpet

If you have a wet vacuum, use it to clean upholstery and carpets. If you do not have a wet vacuum, try using a damp paper towel instead. If that doesn't work, try using a spray bottle filled with water instead.

Clean wood furniture and panels.

• If the wood is painted, you can use a damp cloth to wipe off any excess soot.
• If the wood is unfinished, you can use a damp cloth to wipe off any excess soot.

Smoke damage is highly visible, but it can also be hazardous to touch or inhale; make sure any lingering smoke or soot is cleaned up by a professional restoration company like SERVPRO of Jacksonville Westside/Orange Park.

SERVPRO of Jacksonville Westside/Orange Park specializes in cleaning up all types of smoke damage and has been helping people recover from fire disasters for many years. To learn more about our services, call (904) 269-9282 today!

The key to removing smoke damage is a thorough cleaning of all affected spaces. This will ensure that the odor doesn’t linger. The best way to get started with this process is by contacting your insurance company immediately so they can send out an inspector. They will assess the damage and work with their network of professionals to restore your home back to normal, fast!

Items You Should Throw Away After a Fire

8/29/2022 (Permalink)

After a Fire, Items You Should Discard

After a fire in Jacksonville, Florida there are certain items that often cannot be saved because they have been exposed to high heat and suffered fire damage. You want to know what you should throw away to ensure that what you do keep is safe. This information makes the cleanup and restoration process a bit easier to handle.

Food Items

The high heat of a fire can cause food to spoil. Fire-extinguishing water and other products might also contaminate your food. It can be difficult to determine whether food is still safe, so it is often recommended that you throw it all away and start over. You should also throw out the pet food in your home since it too can face the same issues as human food.

Medicine

In most cases, it is recommended that you throw away all medicines after a fire. The high temperatures that occur with fire might affect the effectiveness of your medications. Because of this, it is best to toss them and talk to your doctor to get new prescriptions written. The water used to extinguish a fire might also contaminate medications.

Cosmetic and Hygiene Products

A fire might melt or significantly heat up your cosmetic and hygiene products. It might also affect the stability of the ingredients, changing their overall structure. The products might not apply as they used to, rendering them unusable. Look for signs of charring, composition alteration, and packaging warping to see how much damage happened to these products. They might also become contaminated by the products used to extinguish the fire.

With this information, you know what to throw away and what you might be able to save. Make note of this information, and create a list of the items that are best tossed. This ensures that what you do keep is safe to use after you complete the fire cleanup process.

How To Cook Outside Safely Without Starting a Fire

8/17/2022 (Permalink)

General Tips

• Only use outdoor grills outside
• Keep children and pets at least 3 feet away
• Clean up any grease spills
• Never leave a cooking fire unattended

Charcoal, Propane or Fire Pit Tips
For charcoal grills, you can reduce the risk of a grill fire by using a charcoal chimney starter that will allow you to start your grill with newspaper instead of starter fluid. If you choose to use starter fluid, only use charcoal starter fluid. For propane grills, make sure the gas tank hose is leak-free before you start using your grill. If you locate a leak, turn off the gas. Refrain from using your grill until you can get it serviced. For fire pits, place a metal screen above the burning wood to prevent sparks from jumping out.

Useful Phone Numbers To Have
No matter how careful you are, sometimes things can still go wrong. If you do experience a barbecue fire that leads to smoke damage or other problems, it can be helpful to seek out the assistance of fire damage remediation professionals.
Although cooking outside does present some fire risks, the good news is there are steps you can take to make it safer so you can spend your summer happily grilling instead of worrying about a grill fire.

How a Security Fence Can Protect Your Business After a Fire

5/16/2022 (Permalink)

How a Security Fence Can Help Protect Your Business

In Jacksonville Naval Air Station, FL, a fire at your business could displace you and your staff for weeks or months. However, you can prevent the following complications after the fire department extinguishes the flames by installing a security fence around your property. 

Injuries and Lawsuits 
It is necessary to evacuate your business when it becomes an unsafe environment after a fire that can compromise:

• Electrical wiring
  
• The air
  
• The physical framework
  

Installing fencing will ensure that only professional restoration teams who know how to navigate the space safely have access to the premises. Without a protective barrier around your property, curious or unaware passersby can sustain injuries due to unsecured beams, loose wires and other hazards the fire leaves behind. As a result, you may find yourself dealing with a lawsuit.

Theft and Vandalism
It is advisable to inventory all the property you lose in a fire as soon as possible. A fire recovery service can help you document your losses for insurance claims. However, your insurer expects you to take measures to mitigate damage and will not cover preventable losses, including those due to theft and vandalism. However, a security fence can thwart criminal activity at your business when no one is on its premises.

Wildlife Squatting
Whether your business is in an urban or rural environment, it can become an attractive site for birds, bears, deer, raccoons and other wildlife to use as a home. Although some animals are gentle, they can still cause damage and work delays. Others can become territorial once they stake their claim to your property, posing a threat to your work crew's safety and damaging the restoration materials they use. 
Although repairing the damage from a fire at your business in Jacksonville Naval Air Station, FL, is a primary concern, neglecting to install a security fence could delay recovery efforts and lead to additional complications.  

Tips for Maintaining Your Commercial Fire Sprinklers

3/14/2022 (Permalink)

Maintenance Tips for Commercial Fire Sprinklers

Your building’s fire sprinkler system will probably never get used. That’s the good news. The downside is that the system can be overlooked when setting up a preventive maintenance plan for your facility. Sprinkler maintenance should be an essential component in your building’s overall maintenance activities.
When developing a comprehensive maintenance schedule for your fire sprinklers, keep the following considerations in mind.

1. Sprinkler Control Valves

All nonelectronic control valves must remain open to working effectively in a fire. Valves should be checked every week to make sure they are in the open position. If the valves in your building are electronic, schedule an annual inspection with trained fire maintenance professional.

2. Water Pressure of Sprinklers

A fire service expert should test the water pressure of the sprinklers once per quarter to ensure there is sufficient water flow to quench a fire.

3. Sprinkler Heads

Dust and dirt coat the sprinkler heads over time, which clogs the holes and prevents the sprinklers from performing as designed during a fire. Your sprinkler maintenance should include removing the heads periodically and cleaning them with a degreasing solution that is noncorrosive. In addition, it’s important never to paint your sprinkler heads.

4. Objects That Obstruct

Make sure there are no objects stacked beneath a sprinkler, as these items can negatively impact the performance of the sprinklers.
In addition to these routine maintenance checks, it’s essential to have the entire sprinkler system inspected annually by a fire service expert. Professionals are trained to look for roadblocks in the system. They also check for problems deep within the piping structure.
If your sprinkler system is triggered by a fire, contact a water repair professional as soon as possible to inspect the premises and design a comprehensive plan to mitigate the water damage.
By implementing a routine sprinkler maintenance plan in your building in Jacksonville Naval Air Station, FL, your sprinklers will be better equipped to put out a fire quickly and effectively.

Lint Control for Fire Safety

2/28/2022 (Permalink)

Lint Fire Prevention Steps

Not only does lint buildup reduce the effectiveness of your dryer, it can pose a serious fire hazard. Residents of Belleair, FL, should be aware of the following lint fire prevention steps.

1. Cleaning the Trap

The first and most effective piece of advice is to maintain the dryer itself. Clean the lint trap after every use by scraping a small piece of lint into a ball and dragging the clump into every corner of the trap. Moistening your hands or the trap can help to reduce the number of lint particles that get into the air. Also be sure to check the lint trap slot, as this can be another source of fiber accumulation that can result in a dryer fire. Use detergent or alcohol periodically to clean these crevices within the dryer as well as the surrounding floor.

2. The Hose Connection

Around once a year, you should unplug the dryer and pull it away from the wall in order to maintain the hose and outlet. Lint can become trapped after it exits the dryer, creating another potential source of ignition and fire damage. Remove the screw-on clasps connecting the flexible hose to the dryer and the wall. Inspect the hose for damage, and replace it if the outer metal coating shows holes or other obvious wear and tear. Otherwise, simply clean the hose with a wet cloth or wide brush to remove buildup that could result in lint fire.

3. The Wall and Exterior

The final step is tricky, but still needs occasional attention. Since the wall pipe that leads outside is fixed, the usual cleaning method involves a power drill attachment with a rotating brush. These are available at most hardware stores. The exterior vent should be cleaned by hand to remove any residue.

A thorough inspection of the various pieces of your home dryer system can prevent a lint fire and the need for professional fire restoration.