Office Fire Safety 101: Workplace Fire Prevention Tips

1/10/2023 (Permalink)

Check regularly your Fire Extinguishers.

Office Fire Safety 101: Workplace Fire Prevention Tips

Fires are a common occurrence in any workplace. It's up to you, as the employer, to take the necessary precautions to help prevent them from happening. As an employer, it is your responsibility to maintain a safe work environment for employees and visitors. This includes ensuring that all fire safety regulations are followed and that employees understand their role in preventing fires from breaking out on-site.

Ensure Fire Doors are Closed

• Fire doors should be closed at all times. If a fire door is open, it could cause a backdraft to occur inside your building and cause smoke to enter.
• Backdrafts can also start fires inside of buildings that are normally well-ventilated and safe from outside threats.

Keep Fire Exits Clear

This is one of the most important things you can do to prevent workplace fires. Keep fire exits clear at all times, and don't let them become storage areas. If an emergency occurs, you want to be able to get out of the building as quickly as possible without having to worry about tripping over something or getting caught in a crowd.

If a disaster strikes your business premises, such as an earthquake or other natural disaster, make sure that everyone knows where they're supposed to go if there's an evacuation. Make sure that any necessary items are either kept near exits or stored elsewhere in case there isn't time for people to access them after evacuating the building due to a fire or other emergency situation (such as heavy flooding).

Assign Specific Responsibilities Throughout the Workplace

Assigning specific responsibilities throughout your workplace can help ensure that everyone knows what to do in the event of a fire.

• Designate someone to be responsible for calling 911 and alerting others if there's an emergency. This person should not be involved with putting out the fire or evacuating people, but should instead focus on making sure that all employees are safely evacuated from the building.
• Assign someone who is able to put out fires in their area, as well as a backup person who can take over if needed. This person may also be called upon to evacuate people with disabilities or other special needs, such as those that require assistance moving through crowds of panicked coworkers who are rushing toward exits at full speed (which is never a good idea).

Regularly Maintain Your Fire Extinguishers

To ensure that your fire extinguishers are in proper working order, it is important to make sure that you regularly check the pressure gauge and tamper seal. The correct pressure range for a fire extinguisher can vary depending on the type of extinguisher, but if you have a CO2 or ABC dry chemical extinguisher, it should be within 40-60 PSI. Additionally, you should make sure that the tamper seal is not broken before use. If an extinguisher has been discharged or if the tamper seal has been broken, then it must be replaced immediately because of potential damage from exposure to high temperatures caused by use or misuse.

To ensure optimal coverage during a fire emergency at work, each company should have at least one multipurpose dry chemical unit per floor of their building space; this means that there should be one multipurpose dry chemical unit per person who works on each floor of your business (including employees who work remotely).

Have a Smoke/Fire Alarm System Installed and Inspect it Regularly

The most important steps you can take to help protect your employees are to have a smoke/fire alarm system installed and inspect regularly.

• If this does not sound like something you've been doing, there's no time like the present to get started.
• Don’t forget that these alarms need to be tested frequently—at least once per month—to ensure they are working properly and will alert your company if they detect dangerous levels of smoke or fire.

Test Your Emergency Lighting System

You should test your emergency lighting system every month, at a minimum. This will ensure that all of the lights are functional and that they are properly positioned to provide adequate light during an emergency situation. It’s also important to test the lighting after work is done on the building, especially if it involves new wiring or plumbing work. You don’t want to learn that a fire has broken out while you're sitting in darkness because the wiring was accidentally cut.

In addition, make sure you perform periodic tests of your fire alarms and sprinkler systems as well - even if there's no indication that anything is wrong with them!

More Tips

Fire is an ever-present danger in any workplace. Whether you are a business owner, a supervisor, or an employee, it's important to know how to prevent fires in your place of business. Not only do fires pose a threat to the safety and well-being of employees and customers alike, they also cost money and time that could be spent elsewhere. You can help prevent fires by following these tips:

• Keep your workplace clean and free from combustible materials.
• Educate yourself on fire prevention techniques.
• Make sure all employees follow proper fire safety procedures.

There is no substitute for a well-trained and prepared workforce. A fire emergency can happen at any time, and every employee should be ready to respond quickly and effectively. Employees who are trained to use the fire extinguishers in their area will be able to quickly put out the fire before it spreads through the building. If everyone knows what their responsibilities are in case of an emergency, then everyone is better able to handle the situation when it happens!

4 Tips for Handling Candles Safely

8/23/2022 (Permalink)

Candles can be beautiful, but safety should always be considered

Candles provide a calm, soothing ambiance, and many people enjoy them for their warm light and fragrance. While candles can bring joy to you and your family, they can also cause damage to your home if they are not used properly. By practicing proper candle safety, you can prevent a candle fire from wreaking havoc on your home in Bonita Springs, FL.

Here Are Four Tips For Handling Candles Safely

1. Put the Flame Out
Blow out candles whenever you leave the room and before going to bed. A candle has an open flame and can quickly ignite nearby objects if not kept under supervision. Avoid using candles when you are sleepy to avoid dozing off while candles are lit. In addition, blow out candles before they reach the bottom of their containers.

2. Keep a Safe Distance
Candles can set fire to flammable objects, such as paper and cardboard if they are burning too close to them. Place candles at least one foot away from anything that could catch fire and burn.

3. Use a Flat Surface
Burn candles on an even, flat surface. Uneven and wobbly platforms can cause a candle to tip over, increasing your chances of a candle fire.

4. Consider Candle Alternatives

There are many alternatives to candles on the market, such as oil diffusers, room sprays, and flameless candles. Using any of these options will eliminate the risk of fire from an open flame, sparing you the headache of repairs and smoke cleanup if a fire occurs.

In addition to the tips outlined above, it is also important to know what to do if your candle develops into a fire. Keep a fire extinguisher close by to put out small flames and keep the contact information for a professional fire restoration service handy to assist with any fire damage. If there is any chance of danger or emergency, call 911 immediately.

By following the safety tips above, you can significantly reduce your risk of a candle fire. Candles can be beautiful, but safety should always be considered before lighting the wick.

3 Ways To Protect Your Home From a Fire

7/25/2022 (Permalink)

A home fire can occur quickly, so it's best to be prepared for all situations.

Protect Your Home From A Fire

There are many residential fire causes, such as kitchen mishaps, heating equipment, faulty wiring, and smoking. It's important to recognize possible dangers and take the proper precautions. Here are a few ways you can protect your home from a fire.

1. Cook Responsibly
Whether you're having a neighborhood barbeque in Bonita Springs, FL, or baking a batch of cookies, it's important to always be aware of cooking equipment. A home fire can occur quickly, so it's best to be prepared for all situations. When cooking on a grill, make sure the coals are completely extinguished and the grill itself has cooled down before moving it into a garage or near something flammable. Don't leave food baking unattended for long periods of time and remember to turn off all appliances before going to bed.

2. Be Aware of Possible Combustibles
Your home is full of flammable items, so it's good to take precautions to protect yourself and your family. Never leave your home with a space heater or other heating appliance running. This is considerably dangerous as combustibles like blankets, clothing and furniture can cause a home fire if they are too close to the heater. A fire can start from something as simple as stray ash from a cigarette. If you smoke, it's best to do it outside to reduce the risk of a fire.

3. Prepare for the Unexpected

Practicing fire safety is a great way to protect your family, but you should also be prepared for an emergency. Make sure your family knows what to do in case of a fire, including where to meet once you exit the home. While you may think about reaching for valuables, remember that your safety is of utmost importance. During the fire cleaning and restoration process afterward, trained professionals can preserve family photos and other keepsakes.

Much of the time, a home fire is preventable. Apply fire safety precautions in your home and create a safe environment for you and your family.

Microwave Maintenance Tips

5/1/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage remediation experts advise that you change this filter every six months.

Maintenance Tips For Microwaves

Microwaves are a staple of convenience in almost every kitchen. In order to avoid a smoke smell in your home in Coconut, FL, when you use your microwave, though, you need to maintain it properly. Here are a few tips to ensure that this appliance lasts a long time and doesn't cause a fire.

Keep It Clean

Any appliance that you use to cook or reheat food is eventually going to get dirty. Ideally, everyone in the family will wipe down the microwave after every use, particularly if there is food splatter left behind. However, that is not likely to happen. Fortunately, cleaning the microwave is a fairly simple process:

• Fill a microwavable bowl with a vinegar and water mixture.
• Microwave on high for two minutes to create steam.
• Remove the bowl and wipe down the inside cavity with a gentle, clean cloth.

Even if you use your appliance multiple times a day, a quick cleaning once a week should be enough to get rid of stuck-on food. If the turntable can be removed, you can even wash it by hand with soapy water before returning it to its rightful place.

Replace Worn-Out Parts

Another reason your microwave may give off a smoke smell is a dirty vent grill filter. Models that are installed over your cooking range likely have a charcoal filter that helps exhaust smoke and fumes from your stovetop. Fire damage remediation experts advise that you change this filter every six months. You also will have to replace the light bulbs over the stovetop as well as the ones inside the microwave itself when they burn out.

The smoke smell from your microwave may not just be burnt popcorn but an indication that you need to clean it. Making these simple maintenance tips a part of your regular home care schedule ensures that this convenient appliance will have a longer life.

4 Benefits of Emergency Board Up Services

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

If a fire or firefighting efforts cause holes in the roof or walls, those holes can cause additional damage from rain, animals, or trespassing.

4 Advantages Of Emergency Boarding Services

If your home has been damaged by a fire, board up services may be necessary to help protect your property. These are four of the benefits of using these services.

1. Your Insurance May Require It

Most insurance policies require homeowners to mitigate their damages. This means that failing to take steps to prevent additional damage from occurring to the property after fire damage may result in your insurance company refusing to cover those damages. Emergency board up services may be required to prevent some types of additional damage.

2. Reduces Additional Damage

If a fire or efforts to put out a fire result in holes in your roof or walls, those holes can lead to additional damage from wind, rain, animals or break-ins. Board up services can prevent wind and rain from entering your property and make it more difficult for animals and people to gain entry while you are waiting for fire restoration in Estero, FL, to be completed.

3. Helps Prevent Theft and Vandalism

Damaged homes often have electronics, appliances, plumbing and other fixtures that can be attractive to thieves who may target these homes because they know no one is likely to be inside. Holes in roofs or walls can make it easier for vandals or thieves to gain entry to a damaged home. Boarding up these openings helps prevent vandalism and theft.

4. Reduces Liability Risk

Damaged homes can be unsafe for people to enter. Failing to take steps to secure a damaged home may expose the homeowner to liability if someone were to enter the home and become injured. Boarding up openings makes it more difficult for children or trespassers to enter the home.

Using a board up service helps protect your home from additional damage and reduces the chance of unauthorized entry into your home. Talk to your insurance professional if you believe your damaged home could benefit from this service.

Choosing a Fire Restoration Company Like A Pro

1/10/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is here to help in your time of need. We are fire damage restoration experts who are available 24 hours a day to respond when you need us.

How To Hire A Professional Fire Restoration Company

A fire can create endless headaches, but those can only worsen if the company you choose to handle your fire damage restoration isn’t on the level. Lack of experience or cutting corners can leave you with subpar repairs. Do you know what to look for? Here are a few tips for choosing the right fire cleanup firm in Bonita Springs, FL.

In the wake of a fire, your property will likely face a myriad of cleanup needs you couldn’t have imagined. Some of the main things you’ll need after a commercial fire include:

• Restoration
  
• Dry cleaning
  
• Smoke cleanup
  
• Deodorization

There are many more skills the ideal fire damage restoration firm should have in their pocket, but this is a good place to start. Once you find a company offering those basics, look for the following to make your final choice.

Strong Reviews

A company can make many promises on its website, but the proof is in the pudding and that means online reviews. Look for companies with a strong mix of good and moderate - all sparkling might not be entirely honest. What’s important is that they’re strongest at the things you need most.

Experience, Experience, Experience

Any handyman can take a stab at after-fire restoration, and lots of cleaning companies are getting into commercial fire damage. How do you know whom to trust? Look for a firm with at least a few years of experience. Now is not the time to take chances on novices who can worsen damages.

Speed

Fire damage can leave your commercial property closed for business, costing you profits. Physical damage, meanwhile, exposes your business to the risks of weather and even vandals. Choose a company that can get started on your restoration immediately.

The fire damage restoration company you choose can make a huge difference in your fiscal and even emotional recovery from a commercial fire. Follow these tips to make the best choice.

What You Should Know About Grease Fires

11/24/2021 (Permalink)

After a fire loss in this kitchen, SERVPRO responded quickly to restore the property back to pre-fire conditions.

Grease Fires: What You Should Know

A grease fire is a common type of fire to occur in Bonita Springs, FL, and the fire cleanup process can seem daunting. However, being well-informed about this type of fire can help you prevent a fire in your home.

How Does This Type of Fire Start?

Although grease and oil can be safely used to cook, it’s often important to understand what causes these fires. The following can increase the likelihood of a fire starting:

• Leaving the area where you’re cooking with oil or grease
• Using an inappropriately high temperature to heat grease or oil

How Should You Extinguish the Fire?

When a fire occurs, you may only have seconds to react. Several methods of extinguishing this type of fire include:

• Putting the lid over pan if possible
• Using baking soda to extinguish smaller fires
• A fire extinguisher made to put out flammable liquids (often called B fire extinguishers)

What Should You Avoid?

Just as it’s often important to know how to put out a fire, it can also be important to know what not to do if a grease fire occurs. The following will not help you to eliminate a fire caused by grease, and can actually make the fire worse:

• Water
• Baking powder
• Flour

Can You Prevent This Type of Fire?

There are several steps you can take to lessen the chance of grease causing a fire, including:

• Staying in the kitchen and monitoring food while cooking
• Knowing the appropriate way to cook with the oil or grease you’re using
  
• Turning off the stove and removing the pan from the heat if oil begins to smoke

With a thorough understanding of what could cause a grease fire, how to extinguish it, what to avoid and potential preventative methods, you can feel better prepared to handle this type of fire. If your home has already been damaged by a fire, it can help to contact fire damage restoration experts who can help you with the fire cleanup process.

Fire Safety in the Kitchen: 3 Cooking Tips

11/2/2021 (Permalink)

If your home suffers any fire damage, SERVPRO is always ready to respond. Call us!

3 Cooking Tips for Kitchen Fire Safety

Cooking meals in your Bonita Springs, FL, home’s kitchen can be an enjoyable experience. Discovering new flavors and healthy recipes for your family can be beneficial and allow you to express your creativity. However, there are a few potential dangers in the kitchen as well, especially around the stove. Keeping a few safety tips in mind can reduce the threat of fires and burns, whether you are an experienced cook or a novice.

1. Clean As You Go

One effective way to lower the risk of a fire in the kitchen is to clean as you go. This can apply to whether you are cooking an entrée or making a dessert. As you use items, return them to their appointed place and put dirty dishes and utensils in a sink full of soapy water you have prepared beforehand. Reducing clutter around the stove and nearby countertops can prevent fires caused by spills or dishcloths left too close to a stove burner.

2. Keep Cooking Flames Low

If you are pan frying a dish, the threat of a grease fire can be considerable. However, you can prevent this threat by keeping your cooking flame low. Cooking with a high flame may cause the oil to ignite and spread quickly across your stove and countertop. Prevent this by keeping the flame at a reasonable height and turn the food over often to prevent cooking fires and burnt meals. For additional safety tips, contact your local fire damage and restoration service.

3. Stay Near Lit Stove

Cooking requires concentration, and the risk of fire damage increases considerably if you step away from the stove to take a phone call, get distracted by television or by squabbling kids. Pots can overflow, and pans may catch fire quickly, so it is wise to remain focused and at the stove at all times when it is on.

Keeping a few fire prevention tips in mind as you use your Bonita Springs, FL, home’s kitchen can prevent accidents and injury. Whether you are cooking or baking, any great recipe begins with putting safety first.

Ditch the Candles and Use One of These Five Alternatives Instead

10/19/2021 (Permalink)

Using candles can be very dangerous in the home, fire damage can occur unexpectedly through forgotten candles lit at home.

Instead Of Using Candles, Try One Of These Five Alternatives.

People may have used candles as their main source up until as recently as this past century, but that does not mean that they should continue to use them today. Candles smell good and look nice, but they are dangerous. If you’re someone who enjoys the ambiance created by candles, or if you just want a light source for when the power goes out, consider using one of these five candle alternatives:

• Flameless candles
• Flashlights
• Electric lanterns
• Solar lamps
• Glow sticks

Electric Candles

Electric candles still give off the same ambiance as the real deal, except they are far safer. If you still want the nice smells afforded by candles, look into oil diffusers or even glade air fresheners. There are dozens of ways that create a calming atmosphere without creating the risk of a candle fire.

Flashlights

If you don’t have a couple of flashlights that are fully stocked with batteries on hand, run out to your local hardware store and get one. Flashlights are convenient, affordable and great candle alternatives for when the power goes out.

Lanterns

Battery powered lanterns are strong enough to light up a campsite, so they can be especially useful in a power outage. If you want to light up an entire room in a safe way, invest in a couple of flameless lanterns.

Solar Lamps

Solar lamps can work for up to 12 hours on just a single charge, so even if the power is out for days, you can still have light at night. Just recharge the lamp each morning and bring it in at night. More complex models offer a port via which you can charge your cell phone and other devices as well.

Glow Sticks

Glow sticks are a fun alternative to candles that the whole family can enjoy. They also last for up to 12 hours and are affordable. Turn some into a necklace so that you can keep track of all family members at night.

Candles are dangerous and should not be used unless absolutely necessary. Stock up on one or more of the above candle alternatives before the next big power outage, or talk to your Bonita Springs, FL, fire restoration team about other options.

3 Electronic Items That Can Be Damaged by Smoke

7/19/2021 (Permalink)

Electronics can be especially vulnerable to smoke damage.

3 Electronic Devices That Can Be Damaged by Smoke 

After a fire, many items inside your Coconut, FL home may be damaged in ways you cannot see. Among the most vulnerable are your electronic devices, especially those that perform a variety of functions. A fire cleanup service may be able to advise you on how to have these items restored, and understanding how smoke might affect the functionality of your electronic items can help you decide which might need replacing and which can be repaired.

1. Interactive Televisions

Many flat-panel televisions have interactive features that allow you to access streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu and Pandora. After a fire, these televisions may have internal smoke damage that you cannot see. Metal wiring might be most at risk, as smoke can eat away at delicate components once it finds its way inside the unit. You may want to avoid operating your interactive television until it can be examined by a professional repair service.

2. Laptops

Because laptop computers have so many intricate parts, it is wise to ask a fire cleanup service about how to restore them after a fire. Smoke can enter the unit through its USB ports or fan, which can cause serious damage to the metal in the processing core. Using any laptop that has been exposed to smoke from a house fire can be dangerous, so you may want to shut yours down until it can be cleaned properly.

3. Tablets and Cell Phones

Many of today’s tablets and smartphones can perform almost as many functions as a computer, which means they be just as vulnerable to smoke as a laptop. If these items were in the same room as where the fire broke out, the resulting smoke could corrode their internal parts and cause dangerous malfunctions. Ask your smoke cleanup service about the best way to restore these delicate items.

Fire cleanup in your Coconut, FL, home can help you restore some of your most precious possessions. Electronics can be especially vulnerable to smoke damage, and working with a cleanup service can help you make an informed decision about how to go about restoring these items.

How Will Professionals Clean Up After a Fire?

6/23/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage in a Bonita Springs, FL home.

Who Cleans After Fires?

A fire can significantly degrade any home in Bonita Springs, FL. There will be smoke damage as well as soot damage that needs to be addressed immediately. To ensure the smoke cleaning goes smoothly, you will want to hire a professional team. There may be certain things you can do on your own, but to guarantee the best results, you need to bring on an experienced, skilled team.

1. Clean Up Smoke Odor

One of the most persistent aspects of fire damage is the odor left behind. The professionals will probably use tri-sodium phosphate to eliminate certain smells. This is a dangerous substance, so you do not want to use it yourself.

The experts will look at all your belongings, from furniture to clothing. The professionals will need to remove all the smoke and soot from the walls. This may require the removal of the drywall entirely. At first, experts will try to address the smoke damage by washing the walls first. Wallpaper may need to be tossed away.

2. Address Water Damage

Depending on the extent of the fire, you may have related water damage, too. The fire can damage pipes, resulting in flooding. If the fire was severe, then firefighters may have needed to use a hose, and the water can damage various areas of a home. This water will also need to be removed promptly before mold and mildew growth. The water may also necessitate the removal of drywall.

3. Anticipate Future Damage

Once you are in the clear this time, you need to anticipate any potential fire damage in the future. Make sure your smoke alarms are up to code. You can also invest in furnishings and building materials that are resistant to flames.

Before you know it, your house will be habitable once again. Address smoke damage as soon as you can. The longer you allow it to sit, the harder it will be to remedy.

What Should You Do if You Smell Natural Gas in Your Home?

5/18/2021 (Permalink)

Gas meter detector.

Where Is the Gas Meter?

• Immediately around the perimeter of the home
• Near the street for homes well off the road
• Inside the building is also common for multi-family buildings
  
  

The meter is often on a gray container about the size of a typical desktop computer. If you can’t find your meter, call the gas company; they will usually help a resident find it. The shutoff valve is most typically right on or very near the meter. A set of channel lock or vice grip pliers will often suffice to turn off the gas. 

How Can You Recognize the Smell of Natural Gas?
Natural gas is odorless in nature. However, the gas company adds a harmless chemical to it that has a sulfurous smell, like a rotten egg. If you stand close to a meter on a sunny day, you may eventually get a slight whiff of it, which, if brief, isn’t a problem. If you are inside and can smell it, that is a problem – an immediate one.

What If You Smell It?
When you do smell it inside, unless you see a very quick and simple solution (such as a gas stove burner that is on with no flame), you need to get outside with haste. Don’t turn on or off any lights – it can cause a tiny spark. If you have time, open windows and doors, especially on your way out. Call 911 as soon as you are safe.
Quick thinking can save you from a serious gas fire in Bonita Springs, FL. If you’ve had a fire due to natural gas, contact an experienced fire damage restoration company to clean up the damage and return your home to normal.

How To Protect Your Business From Fire

11/5/2020 (Permalink)

Are fire extinguishers installed and have they been mounted properly?

Every company must practice due diligence when it comes to fire prevention. Have you taken the necessary steps to prevent a business fire from erupting within yours?

Fire Safety Measures

Ask yourself the following questions regarding your building’s infrastructure:

Are fire extinguishers installed and have they been mounted properly? Are they up-to-date?
Are exit doors identified with clear signage? Are they unlocked and adequately illuminated?
Are sprinkler heads working properly? Have they been cleared of obstructions? Are they inspected regularly?

If you answered “no” to any of these queries, consult with relevant safety experts. Should a blaze break out and your office sustain enough fire damage to require a commercial fire restoration service, dealing with injured employees would add considerably to an already stressful situation.

Fire Safety Strategies
While the above fire preparation matters require outside help, immediate actions regarding smart business fire protection can be taken independently.
Select one employee to become your safety officer. That individual will become responsible for outlining escape routes and designating meeting points. Once those strategies have been effectively communicated to everyone, your point person should run drills at six-month intervals.
Check appliances that get hot, like computers and coffee machines, making sure they have enough space behind them to cool down. Contemplate unplugging these devices at the end of every day.
Inspect wiring for wear and tear and replace any cords that display obvious fraying. Avoid plugging too many items into any single outlet and follow the manufacturer’s voltage recommendations when utilizing power strips.
Place first aid kits where fires commonly occur, such as the kitchen, and post bulletins informing employees of their locations, contents and use. Commit one afternoon a year to educating staff regarding their potential role in administering emergency medical procedures.
Experiencing a business fire in Coconut, FL, is a serious matter. Limit the odds of one breaking out in your office by addressing all preventative safety measures.

4 Important Reasons You Should Immediately Secure Property After Fire Damage

9/24/2020 (Permalink)

Board up services in Estero, FL

Be Proactive After a Home Fire

It's imperative that residents board up any fire-ravaged sections immediately after a house fire. These scorched openings expose both homeowners and the structure to multiple problems, particularly liability issues and further devastation. Residents in Estero, FL, should tend to these vulnerable spots for the following four reasons.

1. Protect Your Insurance Claim
Many homeowners look to their insurer to assist with remediation costs. After all, it could take thousands of dollars to get your place back to normal. This check isn't always guaranteed, though. Speak with your agent right away, and ask about expected protocols. Often, the paperwork mandates emergency board-up procedures to happen swiftly. This shows you have taken the effort to safeguard the land and minimize loss. If this work is not completed, you might be footing the entire bill.

2. Prevent a Lawsuit
For safety reasons, occupants often vacate during renovations. A fire restoration company should evaluate the situation, determining if it's okay to enter the premises. However, an empty house could be enticing to others. Strive to prohibit curious neighbors or thieves from gaining access. If someone became hurt and boarding wasn't completed, the injured party could sue.

3. Defend Your Property
A blaze can leave walls and roofing charred and probably filled with holes. Windows may have busted from the heat. Left alone, these gaps permit animal and human trespassers to come inside. Animals could destroy the drywall and furniture. Robbers could abscond with belongings or personal identification information. Either way, it's trouble. If you board up, you're less likely to experience these events.

4. Avoid Secondary Damage
Stop environmental contamination. Fire damage allows rain to drip into spaces through the excess holes and cracks. This saturation, when left unattended, becomes a breeding ground for mold spores. The organisms thrive on dampness and organic matter. Within one to two days, reproduction starts and mold begins growing. Tarps and plywood fight against this, blocking moisture from coming inside.
Be proactive after a home fire. Contact your insurance agent, and board up as soon as possible.

How To File an Insurance Claim After a Fire

7/7/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial fire damage in Estero, FL

Six Steps To Guide You Through the Claim Process

Dealing with the aftermath of a fire that damaged your business in Estero, FL, can be overwhelming. One of the first things to do is file a fire claim with your insurance company. Here are six steps to guide you through the claim process:

Talk to your insurance company as soon as you can. You’re not limited to calling your agent on the phone. Many insurance companies let customers submit claims through their website or mobile app. Have your policy number and the address where the fire happened.
Document any losses. Make a list of anything with fire damage. Take the inventory as soon as you can so you remember everything to include in your fire claim. Gather records regarding income, inventory, contracts, and taxes so you can work with your insurer to calculate any lost income accurately.
Secure the building and make any short-term fixes. If it’s safe to go back to your building, you can take proactive measures such as boarding up holes in windows and roofs. Insurance companies call this “mitigating damage.”
Keep records of what you spend while you’re repairing your business. Track expenses such as using a fire restoration company, renting office space, and hiring contractors. Include vehicle rentals if any of your vans or trucks were damaged in the fire.
Ask your insurance company if you can get rid of debris. Don’t clear anything in your building until a claims adjuster has come to document the fire damage. If you need to get rid of something, let your insurance company know and take photos of the damage before you throw anything away.
Monitor the progress of your claim. Stay organized and keep track of your claim number, adjuster contact information, and receipts. Follow up with your insurer to see how your claim is progressing.

Getting back to business after a fire is stressful, but working with your insurance company on your fire claim can take some of the worries out of the process.

What Are the 3 Types of Smoke Alarms — and Which Do You Need?

5/28/2020 (Permalink)

The ionization type is the most common and can be considered the “default” type

Buying a smoke alarm doesn’t have to be complicated. At its simplest, for the average house you can usually get with just five basic smoke detectors, placing one inside each bedroom and one on each level.
If you do nothing else, you’ve still dramatically increased your family’s chances of surviving a fire. However, with just a little more thought and time, you can almost eliminate the risk of serious injury or death from a fire.

What’s the Difference Between One Smoke Alarm and Another?

The three basic types of detectors are

1. Ionization alarm
   
2. Photoelectric alarm
   
3. Air sampling alarm
   
   

The ionization type is the most common and can be considered the “default” type. It uses a tiny piece of a radioactive element that creates an electric current deep inside the unit. If smoke enters, it cuts off the current and activates the alarm. This type is best at detecting the smallest smoke particles.
The photoelectric type has a strobe light inside. When smoke enters the unit, it refracts the light, setting off the alarm. Photoelectric smoke detectors are better at detecting large particles and smoldering fires.
An air sampling detector circulates room air through the unit. Its principle is basically the same as an ionization alarm, but it’s more sensitive and designed for areas needing extremely precise detection.

Which Type Is Best for a Home?
Most experts recommend using both ionizing and photoelectric alarms for the average house. For instance, use ionizing alarms inside the bedrooms and have at least one on each level. Then put a photoelectric alarm outside the bedrooms in each sleeping area. These alarms are also perfect for kitchens, since they tend to have fewer false alarms and will pick up larger particles but not a small amount of smoke from cooking. There are also dual smoke alarms with both ionization and photoelectric elements for ideal fire safety, and some alarms have a built-in carbon monoxide detector as well.
Smoke alarms can help prevent most disasters, but not all. If you do have smoke damage in Coconut, FL, you’ll need a licensed fire restoration company to clean up the oily residue.

How to Handle a Smoke Detector That Won't Stop Chirping

5/21/2020 (Permalink)

Keep your home safe, replace your smoke detector batteries often.

A fire alarm can save your life in the event of a fire, but that does not mean it is foolproof. If the device has a problem, the result is an irritating chirping sound that goes on until you do something about it. This high-pitch noise goes off in equal intervals and is characteristic of smoke detectors that use the electricity and battery combo.

Common causes of fire alarm failure in Bonita Springs, FL include:

Wrong settings
Dead batteries
Dirty smoke detectors

Reset the Smoke Detector

Sometimes, smoke detectors can make chirping sounds for seemingly no reason at all. If you recently changed the batteries and cleaned the device, you might be looking at a settings problem. First, switch off the power at the circuit breaker, then release the detector from its bracket and disconnect it from the system. Remove the batteries and hold the test button for 15 – 20 seconds. After that, reassemble and test if the issue is resolved.

Replace Batteries

Replacing the battery in a detector will most likely fix the chirping sound and avoid fire damage. Use the removal procedure mentioned above to retrieve the sensor and be sure to check the terminals carefully. While you are here, scrape off any corrosion or dirt that might be blocking the terminals. Then reinstall the device back to its bracket and enjoy full-time protection from fire and smoke damage.

Clean the Smoke Detector

A blocked smoke detector can produce a chirping sound as a sign of protest. This blockage could also be the reason why your device might fail to raise the alarm if a fire breaks out. Consider cleaning it with a blower to remove any debris that might be in its vents.

That said, it is worth noting that a fire alarm is a lifesaver and should be in every bedroom and common area in your home. However, these devices can be of no use if they are not in working condition. The idea is to create a regular maintenance schedule to make sure every detector works as intended.

How Does an Emergency Board Up Protect Your Home

2/19/2020 (Permalink)

A board up can protect your home from worse damage

The prospect of a fire in your home in Bonita Springs, FL  is not something that you want to think about, but it is a potential disaster that every homeowner should understand. Fire damage can be devastating on its own but water damage goes hand in hand with it and can cause further damage. Sometimes, such as in the case of a fire burning through the roof or an exterior wall, firefighters needing access, or a fire caused by a lightning strike a board up may be necessary to protect the home and its contents.

What Does It Mean to Board up and Why Is It Necessary?

An emergency board up is when sheets of plywood and/or planks of wood are used to cover and protect areas of the home where weather or pests may get inside. Tarps may likewise be used where appropriate. Consider the following reasons a board up may be necessary.

• Loss prevention due to looters coming in and stealing or damaging property
  
• Helps prevent the loss of coverage by your insurance due to neglect
  
• Can prevent further damage by wind, rain or hail
  
• Reduce your risk of liability from someone becoming injured when entering your home, even if illegally
  
• Keep birds, squirrels, raccoons and other pests from entering the home and wreaking havoc
  
  
  

Get Experienced Help
In the event of fire damage to the roof, a professional home fire and water restoration service in Bonita Springs, FL,
can come and evaluate the situation for the best method for boarding up any holes or gaps in the roof or walls or even any damaged doorways or windows. Any combination of boards, plywood, or tarps can be applied with minimal damage in order to ensure that your home is reasonably protected against the threats listed above.

A board up is temporary, but an essential measure that can protect your home from worse damage. That should provide some comfort if ever you find yourself in the middle of a fire disaster.