How to Clean After Fire Damage

5/6/2022 (Permalink)

There are three types of damage that you may need to clean after a home fire:

• Fire damage
• Smoke damage
• Water damage

Let’s break that down into a quick checklist that will give you an overview of the cleaning process:

• Carefully remove all debris.
• Remove any standing water.
• Repair or replace anything that shows signs of water damage.
• Remove smoke particles and soot from all areas of the home.
• Clean the vents to eliminate soot and smoke particles that could damage the lungs. Make sure to turn your HVAC system off soon after the fire. You don’t want to spread those particles through your ventilation system and into other areas of the home. A thorough cleaning of the system is needed if you think that has happened.
• Throw away clothing and household items that are beyond repair or that you can’t wash. That’s an overwhelming step, but remember that most things are replaceable.
• Eliminate the smoky aroma that tends to set in after a fire.
• Purify the air to improve air quality throughout the home.

You can follow this checklist to clean up most areas of the home in the aftermath of a fire. If you find any of these tasks too difficult or you don’t have time to handle a post-fire cleanup, you may need to contact our team of experienced professionals.

Fire Damage Cleanup

5/5/2022 (Permalink)

It’s hard to imagine the damage and destruction caused by a fire. Even small fires can be devastating.

When you find yourself dealing with the losses of fire, the mess from the fire itself and the damage created when the fire was extinguished, as well as the potential irreplaceable contents that might have been affected, it can be over whelming.

Can You Clean a Fire-Damaged House?

5/5/2022 (Permalink)

In some cases, you can clean a fire-damaged house. Even if you don’t know where to start, we have some tips that will teach you how to clean after fire damage.

The first step is taking burned debris and ash seriously. It may contain harsh chemicals that have the potential to damage your lungs. If ash touches your skin, it may leave a burn, rash, or other signs of irritation. You also want to avoid contact with your eyes to prevent permanent damage.

You do this by wearing long pants, long sleeves, an N95 mask, and protective shoes with closed toes. Cover your hands with thick gloves as well. Open all windows and doors to help air out some of the harsh chemicals and lingering smoke. If you need to take short breaks to get out in the open air in the early stages of cleaning, give yourself that time without feeling guilty.

With those protection measures in place, it’s time to get into the details of learning how to clean after fire damage.

Top Tips for Fire Safety

4/22/2022 (Permalink)

Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. 

Test smoke alarms every month. If they’re not working, change the batteries.

Talk with all family members about a fire escape plan and practice the plan twice a year.

If a fire occurs in your home, GET OUT, STAY OUT and CALL FOR HELP. Never go back inside for anything or anyone.

For more information visit: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire.html

7 Ways to Prepare for a Home Fire

4/22/2022 (Permalink)

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

For more information please visit: redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire/home-fire-preparedness.html

What To Do if a Fire Starts

4/22/2022 (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.

4 Steps to Take Immediately After a Home Fire

4/22/2022 (Permalink)

1. Call 9-1-1. Give first aid where needed; cool and cover burns to reduce the chance of further injury or infection.
2. Let friends and family know you’re safe.
3. People and animals that are seriously injured or burned should be transported to professional medical or veterinary help immediately.
4. Stay out of fire-damaged homes until local fire authorities say it is safe to re-enter.

5 Tips for Avoiding Candle Fires

12/12/2020 (Permalink)

Many homeowners light candles to freshen up a room or to have lighting during a power outage. However, candles still have the potential to create a fire that spreads throughout the building. Avoid a candle fire at all costs, and follow these helpful tips to stay safe.

1. Do Not Leave Candles Unattended

If you are leaving a room with a candle in it, first extinguish the flame. After all, you can always relight a candle if you desire.

2. Keep the Area Around Candles Clean

The shelf or stand where you place the candle should not have anything flammable on it. Additionally, you should avoid placing a candle on a nightstand near your bed. The bedding may catch fire if you are not careful.

3. Toss It Once It Is Less Than Two Inches Tall

You do not want to risk a candle fire by allowing the flame to get too close to the base of the candle. It is better to simply throw away a candle once it is less than two inches high. They are relatively inexpensive to replace.

4. Keep Candles Away From Pets and Children

Candles should be placed high enough that kids and animals cannot get them. It is dangerous for children to play with anything lit. If the candle is left on a coffee table, then a dog’s tail may accidentally hit it and cause it to fall onto the floor.

5. Do Not Put Out a Candle With Water

It is preferable to put out a flame by blowing on it rather than pouring water. The reason is that water can cause the wax to spill all over the place. The hot wax may still catch fire, causing flames to spread throughout a home in Northern Virginia. Candles are meant to be enjoyed, so always follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions to avoid a nasty candle fire and the impending smoke cleanup.

Residential vs Commercial Fire Damage

12/10/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial fire damage is very difficult to get rid of on your own, especially when you consider what goes into fire restoration. Fire restoration involves many different steps and processes, and this is why it is imperative that you hire a fire damage expert who can come to your home and do the cleanup for you. They will be able to come and take care of the electrical fire or utility room fire that has happened after firefighters have left using their fire trucks and fire hoses.

Along with having this type of commercial fire damage repair done, you may also want to consider a fire sprinkler system and fire suppression system along with fire restoration. Fire restoration alone is simply not enough, since you will want to prevent the issue from happening in the future using a fire sprinkler system and fire suppression system for your own needs. This is why a lot of people have made the decision to contact the experts after dealing with an electrical fire or utility room fire.

Another wonderful benefit hiring commercial fire damage experts and those who deal with basic fire damage is that they will take care of the smoke damage and soot damage that has been left behind. Both the smoke damage and soot damage is problematic for homeowners and business owners. This is why it is so important to call the fire damage experts and Commercial fire damage professionals after you have dealt with an electrical fire or utility room fire. Firefighters alone with their fire trucks and fire hoses are not going to be able to do the fire restoration for you.

The fire suppression system and fire sprinkler system is also important when it comes to ensuring that fire damage is no longer problem for your home. Firefighters will also recommend that you put in a fire suppression system and fire sprinkler system in order to prevent an electrical fire or utility room fire from getting out of hand in the future. They are not going to be able to put out a significant fire with their fire trucks and fire hoses alone. Smoke damage and soot damage can be handled by the professionals as well.

Once you have made the decision to hire the professionals to take care of the smoke damage and soot damage left behind after a fire, it is important that you work with the experts and understand what firefighters have recommended using their fire trucks and fire hoses. There are many different options available to you when it comes to hiring a professional company to come in and do the work for you. One of the main issues that a lot of people face is the fact that they cannot handle the issues on their own, so they are left trying to figure out how to handle it themselves.

Thankfully, there are tons of different reputable companies out there that will be able to help you in one way or another. This ensures that your home or business is put back to its former glory and that you will find it to be incredibly beneficial in many different ways. If you have some type of insurance on your property, you will also find that this is incredibly helpful when paying for the services that are rendered. It can be incredibly expensive for you to do the repair work on your own, so make sure that you consider this as an option and work with the professionals in a way that is going to be beneficial for you and your loved ones. You might be amazed at how inexpensive this type of work can be once you work with the right experts and have some type of insurance that will help to pay for the costs that are associated with having all of the work done on either your home or business.

What Are Some Resources to Contact After a Fire?

12/9/2020 (Permalink)

An unexpected fire in a home or fire in a business can cause extensive fire damage that is impossible to deal with without additional help. Luckily, there are a number of resources for property owners who require fire damage restoration to contact in order to get the help they need. Fire cleanup is a lengthy and complicated process which should not be tackled alone, especially when there are a number of organization that specialize in fire damage restoration.

Financial considerations are usually the first thought to come to a property owner's mind after a fire in a home or a fire in a business. Commercial fire damage can be absolutely devastating to a small business. After the fire has been stabilized by the fire department, the first organization to contact should be the insurance company. Insurance can sometimes cover the costs involved in hiring a restoration company, which can ease the transition back to normalcy after all the soot damage, smoke damage, and fire damage has been dealt with.

After the coverage of a restoration company's services is discussed, a fire cleanup team should be scheduled. A professional from the restoration company will evaluate the extent of the fire damage caused by the fire in a home or the fire in a business. The costs of repair and replacement will be discussed, and all commercial fire damage will be recorded and itemized. The fire cleanup team will also collaborate with the local fire department to discuss safety concerns and any damage to the building's structural integrity.

If walls or roofs are compromised, temporary walls and roofs may be put up by the fire damage restoration team. Windows and doors are usually boarded up to prevent unwarranted access to the premises. This boarding up of entry points allows for the property owner to rest assured that his or her property is safe while fire damage restoration is still under way. Because commercial fire damage can often damage locks, boarding up the doors is generally a good idea.

Once the building is secured, it is essential that all personal belongings damaged or not be organized and itemized. Soot damage and smoke damage may render some items unsalvageable. These items are then disposed of by the fire cleanup crew using regulated heavy machinery. The soot damage and smoke damage that is present is also evaluated for sanitization and possible restoration.

Smoke smells can be removed from fabrics and other surfaces using a variety of techniques including heavy vacuuming, steam injection, ozone treatment, thermal fogging, ventilation, and others. The smoke smell may persist and require multiple treatments before it is completely gone. Some individuals believe that ventilation alone can reduce smoke smells, but it sometimes requires treatments with chemicals called counteractants.

Because water is used extensively by the fire department to put out fires, water damage containment is also necessary. A fire in a home or a fire in a business can often result in extensive water damage and mold growth. Therefore, a specialist who can dry out the property and prevent further damage is necessary and usually contracted by the restoration company.

Fire damage can cause the loss of important paperwork like passports, driver's licenses, marriage certificates, birth certificates, insurance policies, and medical records. It is important to contact the authorities managing these documents immediately to have them replaced.

The fire department will also need to be in contact with the property owner to maintain the safety of the premises. Smoke damage and soot damage can sometimes cause a property to be dangerous. The smoke smell may be cause for the fire department to investigate further. Commercial fire damage is examined particularly deeply.

Smoke and Soot Clean Up

12/8/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot are 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:

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 will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred.  The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during the pretesting.  Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke - Plastic and Rubber:

Dry Smoke - Paper and Wood:

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

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.

Everything You Need to Know About Fire Damage

12/4/2020 (Permalink)

Fire damage is often much worse than people realize, and it has a lot to do with the unknown damage it causes. Soot damage, smoke damage, and the smoke smell that lingers for so long after a fire in the home or fire in the business occurs are some of the worst forms of damage. Fire itself causes ample damage to most structures, whether it’s commercial fire damage or a fire in the home. Add the soot damage and smoke damage to the mix, and the mess requires the help of a company that specializes in fire cleanup.

Fire damage is devastating, and there is nothing homeowners or business owners can do but hope their belongings can be salvaged. If fire damage didn’t destroy personal effects when a fire in the home or fire in the business occurs, the soot damage and smoke damage might have done the job instead.

If commercial fire damage occurs, it’s even more imperative people call for professional fire damage restoration. Attempting to restore the property themselves can have even worse results either due to incorrect processes, or additional revenue loss from business interruption while the process is taking longer than needed to clean up . When fire damage occurs, it’s imperative home and business owners call for professional fire damage restoration.

What Happens After a Fire in the Home or Fire in the Business

When fire occurs, so many things happen. Items in the home or business are damaged because of several issues commonly associated with fire. Soot damage occurs when soot from the fire lands on the items in a home or office. Soot damage can stain or destroy items, and it’s not easily cleaned without the help of a professional. Smoke damage is another issue. Smoke damage can cause things to never smell the same, it can destroy artwork and books, and it can destroy clothing.

The smoke smell might never come out of furniture or clothing without professional fire cleanup. Most people can’t just wash the smoke smell out of things, which is why calling for professional fire damage restoration is so important.

A professional has the ability to work miracles such as removing the smoke smell from virtually everything. Don't let a home or office go uncared for after a fire because it's intimidating to start.

Removing Smoke Odors from a Local Library

12/3/2020 (Permalink)

Fire damage odors can be a considerable obstacle for restorers, and there are multiple deodorization strategies to help.

When even a small fire ignites in a Northern Virginia library, there are many potential obstacles and hurdles that fire restoration companies like our SERVPRO team must overcome. While much of these initial steps involve the mitigation stages such as debris removal and surface cleaning, in many ways, lingering odors can pose the most significant challenge to making fire losses "Like it never even happened."

While fire damage restoration for public structures involves a careful union of advanced cleaning techniques and containment strategies, libraries add further challenges with so many volumes of literature to preserve and protect. These contents are as crucial in many ways as the structure itself, as this represents the borough's investments into the education of its residents. While smoke residues and ash can present immediate threats to these books and works, odors can become a lingering concern that stays trapped in the paper pages and covers of these novels stocked on the shelves. Removing odors often falls to several capable pieces of equipment in our inventory, including:

Is Fogging the Best Odor Removal Approach?

While each of these deodorization approaches can have its ideal use in fire restoration cleanup and recovery, few have the versatility of thermal and ULV fogging. By creating a mist or vapor of deodorizing compounds, they can penetrate porous surfaces and contents to neutralize smoke and burning odors already embedded there. With the lightweight portability of fogging units, they are among the most widely used in odor removal approaches. Fire losses can be a challenge for public buildings like the library when contents become exposed.

Top 3 Fire Damage Safety Tips

12/13/2019 (Permalink)

As weather starts to change, so should your fire safety considerations in your Annandale or Falls Church home. Preventing fires is important all year long, and focusing on the appropriate fire safety tips for the season can make your efforts more worthwhile.  Here are a couple of things to keep in mind as the temperature gets cooler and the leaves start to fall.

1. Candle Safety- You might be tempted to start bringing out your favorite fall scented candles soon. There’s just something about a beautiful, fragrant candle that feels comforting on a fall day. Candles come with their own safety considerations, however. Keep candles 12 inches away from anything that can burn and blow out candles when you are leaving the room. Never use a candle if there is oxygen being used in your home for medical purposes; electric candles are a safer option.

2. Heating equipment- Make sure your heating equipment is in working order and has been inspected before you start to use it. Since this equipment has been out of use for the last several months, it’s important that you follow the appropriate steps to make sure the unit is clean and functioning properly. If you use space heaters, make sure that they are surrounded by three feet of empty space and that they are turned off when you leave the house or go to bed.

3. Chimney inspection- if you have a usable fireplace, it’s essential to make sure that it is cleaned and inspected before you start using it to prevent built up creosote from previous fires. Cozying up next to a beautiful fire might be a quintessential part of your fall, but make sure that you do so as safely as possible. Also, consider using a screen to prevent sparks from igniting a fire somewhere in your home.

Methods of Fire Restoration

12/13/2019 (Permalink)

Team SERVPRO® Uses Appropriate Cleaning Methods When Dealing with Soot and Other Damage After a Fire.

After a fire damage incident, the smoke particles that move around the structure can negatively impact ceilings and walls in many ways. To prevent permanent or further damage, you need to take immediate action, and it is not advisable to do the cleaning by yourself. Not all fire events are the same, and that calls for professional help to determine the most suitable restoration procedures for your property. 

Specific factors guide our SERVPRO® technicians when selecting the most appropriate technique after a fire damage incident. For instance, if we are cleaning walls and ceilings, we look at the type of smoke residues, the nature of the surface, and whether the area is dry cleanable or wet cleanable. Peroxide active cleaning, wet cleaning, and dry cleaning are the primary cleaning methods that we use. 

Our SERVPRO® technicians use dry cleaning when cleaning surfaces that have non-oily smoke residues. In this method, we use a dry clean sponge to do the job, and it is among the initial steps that we perform before extensive cleaning starts. If we need to remove light to heavy smoke residues from wooden, metal, and painted ceilings, then wet cleaning is an option. 

Peroxide active cleaning is a suitable method for cleaning greasy particles that are on acoustical ceilings and other forms of nonporous and porous ceilings. We prefer this method when there are chances of dissolving the coating on textured ceilings through aggressive wet cleaning methods. The method also preserves the appearance of blown tiles. 

When our SERVPRO® technicians are dry cleaning your property, we usually start by cleaning the ceilings before moving to the walls to avoid introducing dirt to clean areas. To avoid streaking the walls with the cleaning solution during wet cleaning, we start by cleaning the walls and then move to the ceilings. We also clean walls from the bottom to the top when performing wet cleaning. 

5 Simple Tips to Avoid Christmas Tree Fires

12/13/2019 (Permalink)

Most house fires happen during the holidays and Christmas trees are one of the most common reasons. Christmas trees looks so elegant with the strings of lights and an electric tree topper of some kind. When Christmas trees burn, many go up in flames in seconds.

Some Holiday Fire Facts:

• One of every three home Christmas tree fires is caused by electrical problems.
• Christmas tree fires are more likely to be serious, resulting in death once in every 31 occurrences (compared to an average of one death per 144 total reported home fires).
• A heat source too close to the tree causes 25% of all Christmas tree fires.

Here are 5 safety tips to avoid tree fires:

• Water your tree every day or at least every other day.
• Keep your tree away from any heating elements like a portable space heater or a radiator.
• Check your tree lights to make sure they are not frayed or damaged.
• Make sure all electrical items are plugged into a surge protector as an extra precaution.
• Make an escape plan for your family so you are prepared in case of emergencies.

Fire Place and Chimney Safety

12/13/2019 (Permalink)

Gather round the hearth. Even if you use your fireplace only occasionally, you should check it annually for damage and hazards.

Inspect your flue for creosote. Creosote is a flammable by-product of burning wood. If it accumulates in a flue or chimney, the result can be a devastating fire. Have your chimney inspected annually for creosote buildup. If you use a fireplace or wood stove frequently, have the flue inspected after each cord of wood burned.

For most people, the best option is to have your entire chimney system inspected by a chimney sweep. Once you know what to look for, you can perform the inspection by shining a bright flashlight up the flue, looking for any deposits approaching 1/8 inch thick. These deposits should be cleaned by an experienced chimney sweep.

Look for flue blockages. Birds love to nest at the top of an unprotected flue. A chimney cap can prevent this from happening. If you don't have a cap, look up the flu to ensure that there are no obstructions.

Exercise the damper. The damper is the metal plate that opens and closes the flue just above the firebox. Move it to the open and closed positions to ensure that it is working properly.

Check your chimney for damage. Make certain that the flue cap (the screen or baffle covering the top of the chimney) is in place. Inspect brick chimneys for loose or broken joints. If access is a problem, use binoculars.

Keep the humidifier humming. 

You may know that bone dry winter air is bad for your health, but did you also know it can make fine wood more prone to cracking? You and your home will feel more comfortable if you keep your central humidifier in tip-top shape during the months it is running.

Here's how: First, inspect the plates or pads, and if necessary, clean them in a strong laundry detergent solution. Rinse and scrape off mineral deposits with a wire brush or steel wool.

Head-off gas problems. 

Keeping a gas heater in good shape is both a safety and a cost issue. An improperly maintained heater may simply be costing you more to operate. Have a professional check these devices annually. There are also some maintenance items you should address.

Here's how: First, shut off the heater. Then check the air-shutter openings and exhaust vents for dirt and dust. If they are dirty, vacuum the air passages to the burner and clean the burner of lint and dirt. Follow the manufacturer's advice for any other needed maintenance.

Burned Turkeys Happen... Home Damage Doesn't Have To!

12/13/2019 (Permalink)

While Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday, filled with food, family and football, there is another attribute that may surprise you.   According to the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association), Thanksgiving is the peak day of the year in which home fires occur.  In 2016, U.S. Fire Departments reported a total of 1,500 home fires on Thanksgiving Day, with Christmas Day coming in as a close second.

In order to avoid any potential fire damage or injury, browse these simple guidelines to ensure you have a safe holiday season.

Fire Damage Follow Up

12/13/2019 (Permalink)

The first few days following a fire are often the most emotional for families and individuals—but they are the most important! As soon as the fire is extinguished, the time immediately begins to work against you. It’s absolutely critical that you take the first steps to save your home and valuables.

What you shouldn’t do when your home is damaged by a fire is clear: do not waste time, and do not attempt the clean-up and restoration on your own.

Experienced Professionals Should Begin Fire Restoration Work Within Two Days

Cleaning up from fire damage and beginning restoration isn’t as simple as opening the windows and scrubbing the walls. There could be unseen damage that poses a safety risk to anyone entering the home. The air could be unhealthy for breathing, and mold may begin to grow.

It’s very important to call in a professional restoration team within two days of the incident. That’s why our team is on call 24/7 to receive new requests to respond immediately.

THE MORE TIME THAT ELAPSES AFTER A FIRE, THE MORE LIKELY IT IS THAT FURTHER DAMAGE CAN BE DONE TO THE STRUCTURE OF THE HOME.

The soot and smoke that lingers after the fire can continue to degrade the structural integrity and more corrosion is possible. For proper, full restoration and repair, it’s important to start the process within the two-day window. If it’s been more than two days, we can still fight to save your property and belongings.

Professionals Bring Advanced Equipment & Experience For Fire Cleanup & Repair

Some homeowners may think a simple Google search and some sponges will do the trick. What they don’t know is that behind the walls, in the attic, and even in the foundation of the home there could be damage that may lead to a collapse.

It’s important to call in professionals to do the job right. Fire cleanup, restoration, and repair require advanced equipment and experience to avoid injury and further damage.

To clean the air, we use special dehumidifiers, air movers, and HEPA vacuums designed to trap dangerous particles found in the air of fire-damaged homes. We also utilize specialized cleaning products designed to cleanse fire-damaged building materials. The restoration and repair process often requires a visit from one of our structural engineers or licensed contractors with extensive knowledge of how to identify structural integrity and safety issues. A DIY approach to fire restoration can be very dangerous and lead to costly repairs and even structural failure down the road.

Our team is fully capable of handling every step of the process to ensure your safety and to preserve what remains of your personal property and the structure of your home or business.

Fire Safety Tips for the Winter

12/18/2018 (Permalink)

Winter is one of the most dangerous seasons  due to the need to heat your home, cook large meals, and decorate for the holidays.

Half of all winter house fires occur between December and February; over 905 people die in winter home fires each year, according to the National Fire Incident Reporting System. Two-thirds of those fires occur in single and multifamily homes. During the winter months cooking triggers most house fires, while heating equipment is the culprit of one in seven house fires and one in five winter house fire deaths. More than one-third of home decoration fires are started by candles, so be sure to keep all candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn.

Keep this checklist from the U.S. Fire Administration handy around your home to keep you and your family safe.

What you should know about home cooking safety:

• Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, don’t use the stove or stovetop.
• Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, boiling, or broiling food.
• If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the kitchen while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
• Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains — away from your stovetop.

If you have a cooking fire:

• Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.

• Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number after you leave.

• If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear way out.

• Keep a lid nearby when you’re cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid

over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.

• For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.

For More Information: https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/By-topic/Top-causes-of-fire/Cooking

Safety Considerations for Heating Your Home:

• Only plug one heat-producing electrical appliance in at a time in an electrical socket (such as a space heater).

• Make sure your space heater can automatically turn off in case it tips over.

• Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from fireplaces, wood stoves, radiators or space heaters.

• Close wood stove doors unless stoking the fire or adding wood or pellets.

• Get a qualified professional to inspect your chimney and vents every year.

• Install a metal or heat tempered screen around your fireplace.

• Store cooled ashes at least 10 feet from your home in a tightly sealed metal container.

• Make sure to have a carbon monoxide alarm installed and test it at least once per month.

• Store portable generators away from windows and as far away as possible from your house.

• Shovel snow at least three feet away from fire hydrants to be sure firefighters can get to them quickly if the need arises.

Fireplace Maintenance and Safety

12/18/2018 (Permalink)

Enjoying a warm, cozy fire requires a clean, safe fireplace.

Here are 15 tips for keeping it that way:  

7 Ways to Prepare for a Home Fire

12/18/2018 (Permalink)

The 7 Ways to Prepare for a Home Fire

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.

Find more at www.redcross.org

Grill Safety

12/18/2018 (Permalink)

Every year, 7,000 Americans are injured while using backyard barbecue grills. It's usually a case of good products used incorrectly.

Do:

1. Keep your grill at least 10 feet away from your house. Farther is even better. This includes portions attached to your house like carports, garages and porches. Grills should not be used underneath wooden overhangs either, as the fire could flare up into the structure above. This applies to both charcoal and gas grills.

2. Clean your grill regularly. If you allow grease and fat to build up on your grill, they provide more fuel for a fire. Grease is a major source of flare ups.

3. Check for gas leaks. You can make sure no gas is leaking from your gas grill by making a solution of half liquid dish soap and half water, then rubbing it on the hoses and connections. When you turn the gas on, with the grill lid open, the soap forms large bubbles, that's a sign that the hoses have tiny holes or that the connections are not tight enough.

4. Keep decorations away from your grill. Decorations like hanging baskets, pillows, and umbrellas look pretty AND provide fuel for a fire. To make matters worse, today's decor is mostly made of artificial fibers that burn fast and hot, making this tip even more important.

5. Keep a spray bottle of water handy. That way, if you have a minor flare-up you can spray it with the water to instantly calm it. The bonus of this tip is that water won't harm your food, so dinner won't be ruined!

6. Keep a fire extinguisher within a couple steps of your grill. And KNOW HOW TO USE IT. If you are unsure how to use the extinguisher, don't waste time fiddling with it before calling 911. Firefighters say many fire deaths occur when people try to fight a fire themselves instead of calling for expert help and letting the fire department do its job.

Don't

7. Turn on the gas while your grill lid is closed. NEVER do this. It causes gas to build up inside your grill, and when you do light it and open it, a fireball can explode in your face. 

8. Leave a grill unattended. Fires double in size every minute. Plan ahead so that all of your other food prep chores are done and you can focus on grilling.

9. Overload your grill with food. This applies especially to fatty meats. The basic reason for this tip is that if too much fat drips on the flames at once, it can cause a large flare-up that could light nearby things on fire.

10. Use a grill indoors. People often think it will be safe to use a grill, especially a small one, indoors. NOT TRUE. In addition to the fire hazard, grills release carbon monoxide; a deadly, colorless, and odorless gas. That gas needs to vent in fresh air or it can kill you, your family, and your pets.

Fire Prevention in the Outdoors

12/18/2018 (Permalink)

Unlike many natural disasters, most wildfires are caused by people—and can be prevented by people, too. People in fire-prone areas should plan ahead and prepare to evacuate with little notice. Here are some tips on how to prevent wildfires and what to do if you're caught in the middle of one.

How to Prevent a Wildfire

Evacuation Tips

Holiday Home Safety

12/18/2018 (Permalink)

Safety for Holiday Decorating

Find more information at www.usfa.fema.gov