Recent Fire Damage Posts
Potential Kitchen Hazards
2/16/2023 (Permalink)
When your in need of fire restoration cleanup, give SERVPRO of Lake Conroe a call today!
If you're in charge of your kitchen, you know how important it is to keep an eye out for potential hazards. You don't want to have a fire or any other kind of emergency situation that will force you out of your home. There are many things that can go wrong in kitchens from grease fires to faulty appliances There's plenty of room for disaster if you're not careful. However, there are also many easy ways to prevent these problems from occurring at all.
Dirty floors
Cleaning your kitchen floor is an important part of preventing a slip and fall accident. Dirty floors are a common cause of slips and falls, so it's important to keep your kitchen floor clean at all times.
Clean up spills immediately before they have time to dry and stick to the floor. If you can't clean up the spill immediately, use something absorbent like paper towels or a sponge to soak up as much liquid as possible.
Food on the Stove Unattended
A fire hazard is something that could ignite and spread flames. In the kitchen, this can be caused by leaving food unattended on the stove or in the oven. You might think that you'll only be gone for a few minutes, but it doesn't take long for something to get out of hand. For example, if you leave bacon frying without checking on it every few minutes and it burns instead of browning.
Combustible Cooking Materials
If you're still using a gas stove, it's important to know that combustible cooking materials can be flammable. This means they can catch fire and, if left unattended, start a fire without any outside help.
The most common materials in this category are paper products such as napkins and paper towels, kitchen towels Other common combustible cooking materials include wood chips for smoking meats, wicker baskets for use with hot food items like fried chicken wings or French fries, and wooden spoons or spatulas used for stirring foods on the stovetop.
Grease fires
Grease fires are the most common type of kitchen fire. In fact, these types of fires account for about two-thirds of all deaths related to home cooking.
Grease fires can be caused by cooking or heating, but also by using a candle or match as a light source. They can spread quickly and cause serious damage if left unattended. Keep your kitchen clean and organized so that grease doesn't build up on your stovetop or in other places where it could start a fire.
Broken Dishwasher Seals
Dishwasher seals are an important part of your dishwasher. They keep water and food particles from getting into the motor, but over time they can wear out and break. Dishwashers can cause water damage which could leave you without.
Bad Ventilation System
A ventilation system in your kitchen should be designed to remove smoke and fumes from the kitchen. In addition to this primary function, it should have the ability to prevent backdrafts, carbon monoxide poisoning and fire.
The best way to prevent all these things is by maintaining your smoke alarm system regularly. This will ensure that you can quickly respond if there’s ever a problem with your ventilation system or any other safety feature in your home.
Poor Lighting
Poor lighting can cause accidents, injuries, falls and burns. Poor lighting can also result in damage to your eyes and skin. Accidents may happen if there is not enough visibility in the room, which can cause trip and fall hazards leaving you with injuries.
Use the following tips to help prevent kitchen hazards in your home or business. Ensure you area is safe and secure for yourself or employees.
3 Tips To Prevent Home Candle Fires
12/2/2022 (Permalink)
A battery-powered option takes away the risk of fire.
Prevent Home Candle Fires
People often light a candle at home to enjoy the warming scent it gives off, but overlook the risk of starting a fire in their home. Candles are one of the most common causes of a residential fire. Luckily, there are steps you can take to prevent one in your Magnolia, TX, home.
1. Avoid Nighttime Burning, the Biggest Candle Fire Cause
Many will light a candle to help them relax after a long day, but this can lead to a dangerous home fire if neglected. Nighttime candle burning is risky if you happen to fall asleep while the flame's still aglow, or go to bed without remembering to blow out the candle. It's best to avoid nighttime burning altogether to alleviate this risk.
2. Keep Candle Away From Anything That Might Burn
A majority of candle fires happen as a result of flammable items surrounding the candle. This can lead to quick destruction of a home and require the help of a fire damage restoration company to perform smoke cleanup and structural repairs. Be sure to keep any lit candle a safe distance away from items that could burn, such as paper documents, cloth or flammable liquids.
3. Opt for a Flameless Alternative
The foolproof way to avoid a candle fire is to use a flameless alternative. If you use candles for ambiance, a battery-powered option takes away the risk of fire. Additionally, don't rely on candles for light in an emergency power outage but stock up on flashlights instead. These alternatives can best keep your home and family safe from a potential fire.
A candle fire is more common than you think but luckily can be avoided by taking smart, preventative measures. Keep your home safe by avoiding burning at night, keeping candles away from flammable items and choosing a flameless alternative.
Why You Should Frequently Clean Your Dryer Vent To Prevent a Fire
11/2/2022 (Permalink)
Clean your dryer's lint filter after every load of laundry.
Why Should You Clean Your Dryer Vent Frequently To Avoid a Fire?
Every household should take preventative measures to avoid a home fire. But one leading cause that often goes overlooked is an unclean dryer vent. Material buildup and high heat from the dryer can result in a lint fire. Here's what you should do to prevent one from happening in your Splendora, TX, home.
Routinely Clean Dryer To Prevent a Lint Fire
The lint from your clothes will collect during the drying process and without proper removal, there is a risk of a dryer fire starting. Be mindful of this every time you put a load of laundry into the dryer and get into the habit of regular cleaning. This includes:
- Cleaning the dryer's lint filter after every load of laundry
- Reaching into the back of the dryer where lint can also collect
- Remove lint from the vent pipe roughly every three months
This routine cleaning can be done yourself or you can also enlist a professional, particularly if you notice your clothes are taking longer to dry.
Check Dryer Maintenance
Proper maintenance checks will keep your dryer running safely and effectively. Inspect areas around the dryer for potential fire hazards, including a damaged vent system, animal nests blocking a vent and any flammable items placed nearby.
Understand Dryer Safety Practices
A lint fire can cause severe damage to your Splendora, TX, home and often require the help of a fire damage restoration company afterward. Practice safe measures to limit your risk of a drying machine fire. These include not drying items containing plastic, rubber, foam or anything that has come in contact with a flammable liquid, not using your dryer without a lint filter and not leaving the house with the dryer running.
Be sure to perform regular cleaning and maintenance checks on your dryer along with using safe practices to prevent a fire in your home.
Equipment You Can Use To Remove Smoke Odor in Your Home
9/30/2022 (Permalink)
Ozone machines are often used in the process of smoke cleaning.
Remove Smoke Odor in Your Home
Removing smoke in your home in Splendora, TX, after it has been damaged by a fire can be a difficult, time-consuming process, and even after scrubbing and cleaning, the smell of smoke may still be present. However, with the right equipment, smoke cleaning can be simple and effective.
1. Air Filtration Devices
There are a wide variety of air filtration devices that are often used after a home has been impacted by a fire. Air filtration devices help to make the air in the home safe to breathe and can also lessen the smell of smoke simultaneously. Many of these devices use HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters in their machines because HEPA filters are able to capture small particles out of the air.
2. Ozone Machines
Ozone machines are often used in the process of smoke cleaning because the machines are incredibly effective. First, the ozone machine is placed in the area that has been affected by smoke. Large homes may require the use of more than one ozone machine. These machines change the makeup of smoke particles through oxidation. As a result, the smell of smoke can be eliminated.
3. Thermal Foggers
Thermal foggers are specialized pieces of equipment that can help to assist in removing smoke odor throughout the home. Fogging involves, as the name suggests, a fog being released into the area that has smoke damage. The fog particles can reach into small places, such as in minuscule cracks, in the same manner that smoke particles can reach into such places. The fog is then able to neutralize the odor of smoke.
Using equipment such as air filtration devices, ozone machines and thermal foggers can make the process of smoke cleaning less labor-intensive. Some homeowners whose houses have been damaged by fires find it useful to get in touch with fire and smoke damage restoration experts when they are unsure about neutralizing odors.
Purchasing the Correct Fire Extinguisher for Your Home
8/24/2022 (Permalink)
Purchase the correct fire extinguisher
Types of Fire Extinguishers
When choosing the right fire extinguisher for different areas of your home/garage, consider the class. Consider the size and power of the fire extinguisher as well. Larger extinguishers may have more power, but if you physically cannot lift nor control the extinguisher, it won't do much good.
There are four classes of fire extinguishers – A, B, C and D – and each class can put out a different type of fire.
Class A fire extinguishers
Class A fire extinguishers are used for ordinary combustibles, such as paper, wood, cloth, and some types of plastic. These extinguishers typically use water or certain types of dry chemicals to either absorb heat or coat the fire.
Class B fire extinguishers
Fires that originate from flammable liquids and gas can be extinguished by a class B fire extinguisher. This is the type of extinguisher you’ll want to use on a fire caused by oil or fuel.
Class C fire extinguishers
Class C fire extinguishers are effective against electrical fires from live wires, panels, and circuit breakers. The extinguisher works by releasing materials that stop the conduction of electricity.
Class D fire extinguishers
Class D fire extinguishers are used on combustible metals. These include magnesium, sodium, aluminum, and titanium.
Class K fire extinguishers
Commonly used in restaurant kitchens, class K fire extinguishers can effectively put out fires caused by cooking fats, greases, and oils. They use a process called saponification by releasing an alkaline agent to create a foam that traps vapors and puts the fire out.
Purchasing your fire extinguisher
Now that you know how many extinguishers you need and what types to get, you can head to the hardware store. Look for fire extinguishers that you can easily lift and handle.
Grill Cleaning Keeps Your Backyard Meals Tasting Great
5/27/2022 (Permalink)
Grill cleaning is a relatively easy task that pays off with better-tasting food.
Grill Cleaning
An outdoor grill is a convenient and delicious way to prepare meals in Willis, TX. To get the best flavor, you'll need to clean your grill from time to time. Grill cleaning also keeps it performing at its best and reduces the risk of a grease fire. You can clean your grill in a few easy steps.
Gather Supplies
Before you begin, you'll need to get your supplies together:
- Grill brush
- Paper towels
- Dish soap
- Aluminum foil
- Bucket
- Work gloves
- Garden hose
Start with a warm grill and make sure all knobs are in the off position. Disconnect the propane tank.
Begin Cleaning
Remove the grill grates and metal plates and soak them in a bucket of hot, soapy water. While they soak, cover the heating elements with foil. Use the grill brush to remove carbon buildup on the underside of the hood and grill walls. Use a damp paper towel to wipe the surfaces clean.
Continue your grill cleaning by emptying the drip pan over a trash can. When it's empty, soak the pan in the bucket. Remove the metal plates and grill grates. Scrub them clean with the grill brush and spray them with the hose.
Remove the foil and clean the heating elements with the grill brush, then remove the drip pan from the bucket and rinse it. Replace all items and reconnect the propane tank.
Enjoy Your Clean Grill
Grill maintenance helps you avoid the risk of a fire that could lead to damage and the need for emergency restoration services. To use your grill safely, always stay near it while you're cooking and keep children and pets away. Your grill should be kept away from the house, out in the open, where there are no overhead obstructions like low branches.
Grill cleaning is a relatively easy task that pays off with better-tasting food. It also gives you peace of mind as you prevent the risk of fire.
3 Ways to Know How Many Fire Alarms You Need
2/20/2022 (Permalink)
According to the NFPA you should have smoke alarms in every room.
Most homeowners know that a smoke detector and a fire alarm are mainstays of keeping your home safe from disaster, but knowing how many you should have to be safe is another issue entirely. Is one per room enough? Read on to get pointers on how to protect your Cleveland, TX, home from fire damage with the proper number of alarms.
Types of Fire Detectors and Alarms
It may come as a surprise, but every fire sensor is not the same. The main options for protecting your home from fire include:
- Heat detectors, which include an element activated when a fixed temperature is reached
- Smoke alarms, which work by using special technology that reacts to the ions in high levels of smoke
Smoke detectors are among the most common and effective residential fire protection devices, but they’re only useful if they’re applied properly.
How Many Rooms Do You Have?
According to the National Fire Protection Association, you should have smoke alarms in every room, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. For a two-story, three-bedroom house, that means you’ll need at least five to be safe.
How Big Is Your Home?
On average, a smoke detector will cover about 900 square feet. Additionally, experts advise installing a fire alarm every 30 feet in straight runs, meaning a hallway or large, unobstructed room. Some states have specific requirements, so it’s worth it to do your research in addition to using this rule of thumb.
Don’t Forget the Basement
While it’s often an afterthought, especially if it’s unfinished, the basement of your home is just as susceptible to fire and smoke damage as any other room. Make sure your fire protection plan includes installing devices here.
Fortunately, a simple fire alarm is affordable and readily available, but you must know how to use one for it to work. Follow the above rules of thumb from fire damage experts to keep your home safe and secure.
“Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety!” - Fire Prevention Week 2021
9/23/2021 (Permalink)
Fire Prevention Week 2021 in United States will begin on Sunday, October 3rd and end on Saturday, October 9th. This year’s Fire Protection Week theme is: “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety!”. The National Fire Protection Agency is working to educate everyone about the different sounds the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms make. Knowing what to do when an alarm sounds will keep you and your family safe. When an alarm makes noises – a beeping sound or a chirping sound – you must take action.
What do the fire alarm beeps mean?
- A continued set of three loud beeps—beep, beep, beep—means smoke or fire. Get out, call 9-1-1, and stay out.
- A single “chirp” every 30 or 60 seconds means the battery is low and must be changed.
- Chirping that continues after the battery has been replaced means the alarm is at the end of its life and the unit must be replaced. All smoke alarms must be replaced after 10 years.
For people who are deaf or hard of hearing, there are special smoke alarms and alert devices that include strobe lights that flash to alert people when the smoke alarms sound. Products like pillow or bed shakers that are designed to work with smoke alarms are also available.
Source: NFPA.org
Cooking is the Number One Cause of House Fires, According to the National Fire Protection Association
8/3/2021 (Permalink)
What is the #1 source of house fires?
The number one source of house fires is cooking – usually leaving pots or pans unattended on the stove while you run away to do something for “just a minute.” The NFPA says that 40% of all house fires, or an average of 156,600 per year, start this way, causing approximately $853 million in property damage. Two-thirds of the fires started because the food or other materials caught fire.
Fires are more likely to start on a range (57%) as compared to the oven (16%), mainly due to frying. Most injuries occur when the cook tried to put out the fire.
Safety tips:
- Be alert when cooking and don’t leave food unattended.
- Don’t throw water on a grease fire, instead put a lid on the pan to smother the fire.
- Keep clothing, pot holders, paper towels and other flammable items away from the stove.
- Have working smoke detectors in the house and keep a fire extinguisher nearby just in case.
Sources: National Fire Prevention Association
Firework Safety this 4th of July
6/28/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Lake Conroe, Magnolia, and Cleveland urges you to please be safe with fireworks this summer.
Follow these safety tips when using fireworks:
Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.
Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Parents don't realize that young children suffer injuries from sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees - hot enough to melt some metals.
Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.
Make sure fireworks are legal in the Houston area before buying or using them.
Source: CPSC online
The 8 Most Common Causes of House Fires
6/28/2021 (Permalink)
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says there are more than 360,000 home structure fires each year, resulting in about $6-8 billion dollars in damage.
The causes of these fires range from food left unattended on the stove, to lightning strikes, to candles left burning. From the moment a fire starts to the point where the structure is fully engulfed is usually less than two minutes, which is why it is so important for occupants to get out of the home as quickly as possible and not try to put out a large fire themselves.
Here are the eight most common causes of house fires as identified by the National Fire Protection Association.
- Cooking
- Electrical and Lighting
- Lightning Strikes
- Smoking
- Dryers and Washing Machines
- Candles
- Children Playing with Fire
- Christmas Trees
Source: NFPA
3 Myths About Fire Restoration and Smoke Damage
6/4/2021 (Permalink)
Myth 1: Fire does the most damage
While the initial incineration from the fire can level homes and businesses in a matter of minutes, it is the aftershock of the smoke damage that in fact can be the most damaging. The aftershock of the residual water damage, soot, and smoke can continue to destroy structures and everything within them for days, weeks and months after the fire.
Myth 2: Just “air it out”
Once the initial fire event is over, the most frequent reaction for homeowners and business owners alike is to open all windows, doors and start the fans. Unfortunately, these initial reactions can often make matters worse as waterlogged furniture, flooring, and more can foster mold growth for years to come even if the surfaces do not seem wet anymore.
Myth 3: Everything must go
SERVPRO of Lake Conroe, Magnolia, and Cleveland knows how important your possessions are. We try our absolute best to salvage what can be salvaged. Adopting a “restore first” mentality is crucial to help lower costs and get you back in your home or business sooner. This process relies upon specialized training and industrial equipment to restore your property and possessions back to pre-fire condition; something in which SERVPRO of Lake Conroe, Magnolia, and Cleveland specializes.
SERVPRO of Lake Conroe, Magnolia, and Cleveland is available 24/7 and works easily with your insurance. Give us a call today.
5 Things Never to Plug into a Power Strip
5/28/2021 (Permalink)
No matter where you live—house, apartment, dorm room, mobile home—one factor remains constant: There never seem to be enough power outlets. This may explain the popularity of multi-outlet power strips, which provide additional outlets and also let you control multiple components with a single on-off switch. There are some appliances, however, that should never be used with power strips because they could overload the circuit and cause overheating or even a fire…
- Refrigerators and Freezers - Large appliances like refrigerators require a lot of power and frequently cycle on and off, which can easily overload a power strip. These devices should be plugged directly into a wall outlet dedicated solely to powering the appliance. If you try to plug additional appliances into the same outlet, you risk tripping the circuit.
- Microwaves - The microwave is a miracle of modern food preparation, thawing, cooking, and reheating food in a fraction of the time it takes a conventional oven. But all that marvelous activity requires more energy than a power strip can provide. Like a conventional electric oven, the microwave should have its own dedicated power outlet.
- Coffee Makers - You may not think that your morning cup of joe requires that much energy to brew, but most coffee makers need quite bit of amperage to turn those roasted beans into a hot beverage. Plug your coffee maker directly into the outlet or you run the risk of waking up to a half-brewed pot of coffee.
- Toasters - If you’ve ever peered into a toaster to remove a particularly stubborn piece of broken crust, you know that the inside is basically a bunch of wires that heat up to red-hot temperatures to toast the bread. The current draw that those wires require can easily cause a power strip to overheat. This same issue affects toaster ovens, electric skillets, and waffle irons as well.
- Slow Cookers and Hot Plates - You might think you're one clever cook when you plug your slow cooker into a power strip to free up outlet space for other countertop appliances, but you'd be wrong. These cooking appliances require more juice over a longer period of time than a power strip can handle. And because the appeal of a slow cooker is that it can operate without supervision, you definitely want to make sure it is safely plugged into a wall outlet to minimize any hazardous outcomes.
Learn more about SERVPRO of Lake Conroe, Magnolia, and Cleveland Fire Damage Restoration by clicking here.
Source: MSN Online
Fire Prevention Week 2020 - Lake Conroe
9/24/2020 (Permalink)
Fire Prevention Week 2020 in United States will begin on Sunday, October 4th and end on Saturday, October 10th. This year’s theme is all about fire safety in the kitchen. Since we are all home more in 2020, we are home cooking more. In order to reduce the amount of kitchen fires in 2020, the National Fire Protection Association has named this year’s fire prevention week campaign, “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!TM”
Did you know?
Cooking is the #1 cause of home fires and home fire injuries. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of fires in the kitchen.
3 Safety tips from the NFPA regarding kitchen fires:
- Never leave the kitchen when you are frying, boiling, or cooking food.
- Never leave kitchen towels, oven mitts, or flammable items on top of or near the stove.
- Kitchen fires spread quickly. If you do have a cooking fire in the kitchen, get out immediately.
If your home in the Lake Conroe area has suffered a fire, please call SERVPRO of Lake Conroe, Magnolia, and Cleveland for expert fire damage restoration. We will work with both you and your insurance every step of the way.
Source: NFPA.org
Getting Rid of Cigarette Smoke Odor
6/29/2020 (Permalink)
Getting Rid of Cigarette Smoke Odor
It's obvious to a non-smoker when a home smells like cigarettes. The smell of tobacco and/or cigarette smoke and tar is stubborn because it "sticks" to all surfaces in your home as it spreads through the air. So, how do you get rid of the cigarette odor? The short answer is that it's very difficult. ALL surfaces in the home need to be scrubbed and deodorized, including the: flooring, walls, furniture, appliances, knick-knacks, and clothing. Even the air in the home needs to be deodorized during the process. It's not an easy task, but the experts at SERVPRO® of Lake Conroe, Magnolia, and Cleveland have done it many times and are more than willing to help you. Give us a call today and start breathing fresh smelling air!
Dryer Safety Tips from the NFPA
6/29/2020 (Permalink)
Dryer Safety Tips from the NFPA
Have your dryer installed and serviced by a professional.
Follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions and don’t overload your dryer.
Rigid or flexible metal venting material should be used to sustain proper air flow and drying time.
Do not use the dryer without a lint filter.
Make sure you clean the lint filter before or after each load of laundry. Remove lint that has collected around the drum.
Make sure the air exhaust vent pipe is not restricted and the outdoor vent flap will open when the dryer is operating. Once a year, or more often if you notice that it is taking longer than normal for your clothes to dry, clean lint out of the vent pipe or have a dryer lint removal service do it for you.
Keep dryers in good working order. Gas dryers should be inspected by a qualified professional to make sure that the gas line and connection are intact and free of leaks.
Make sure the right plug and outlet are used and that the machine is connected properly.
If you have suffered a home fire due to a dryer or otherwise, please call SERVPRO of Lake Conroe, Magnolia, and Cleveland today!
Source: NFPA
The Importance of Proper Smoke Remediation after Smoke or Fire Damage to your Home
6/5/2020 (Permalink)
The Importance of Proper Smoke Remediation after Smoke or Fire Damage to your Home
After a fire in a home it's very possible that contaminating smoke has touched every item and area in your home. In smoke, there are residual amounts of chemicals and other bi-products due to burning plastics and other chemical-based items in your home that may have burned in the fire. Those residual chemicals have been transferred by the smoke and is now left on your walls, furniture, floors, personal items, and other contents in your home. Even things like your light bulbs in your lamps must be decontaminated or disposed of properly.
It's important to remove and remediate the items in the home that were exposed to the fire and smoke so that they do not further contaminate your home. The residual amounts of chemicals and other bi-products can irritate: eyes, lungs, skin, and other parts of the body.
SERVPRO® of Lake Conroe, Magnolia & Cleveland uses special equipment, techniques, and cleaning products to remove the smoke and soot from your home and salvageable contents. SERVPRO® of Lake Conroe, Magnolia & Cleveland will also remove the odors using our industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment. In most cases, air ducts will need to be cleaned as well along with new HVAC filters installed.
SERVPRO of Lake Conroe, Magnolia & Cleveland will help to make it "Like it never even happened."
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