Tips to help prevent fires

7/10/2023 (Permalink)

Safety for inside and out side of the home:

Inside

• Check electrical cords- Replace cords that are cracked, damaged, have broken plugs, or have loose connections.
• Keep matches, lighters, candles out of reach of children.
• Have an alternative way of escape from your house- Go over the plan with everyone that lives in your home and practice it twice a year.
• Install smoke alarms and make sure working properly - change batteries once a year, and check monthly.

 Outside

      Grilling and fire pits

• Never allow young children and pets to close to the grill or fire pit.
• Keep a safe distance from, houses, trees, and flammable materials.
• Keep control of the fire
• Never grill indoors.
• Properly dispose coals- . Allow coals to cool completely or then dispose in metal container away from the house.

Fire tips for kitchen fire.

7/31/2022 (Permalink)

Tips for cooking: 

• Test smoke detectors to make sure they are working and replace batteries if needed.
• Keep a fire extinguisher and lids nearby. If you are frying food in grease use a lid to smother the flame, do not use water on a grease fire-it will make it worse.
• Do not leave any cooking unattended. Set timers if you need to check on food.

In case of a Kitchen fire what to do before professionals arrive:

• Limit movement to prevent further damage.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs and high traffic areas and upholstery.
• Coat chrome faucets, trim and appliances with petroleum jelly or oil.

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Each 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 damage.

Grill safety.

6/14/2022 (Permalink)

Nothing better than hot dogs and hamburgers cooked on the grill. This summer stay safe when celebrating or getting together with family or friends. Always, keep yourself and your home safe this year by keeping these tips in mind when cooking on the grill:

• Never allow young children and pets to close to the grill.
• When setting up a grill make sure you have a surface that is level.
• While cooking on the grill keep a safe distance from, houses, trees, and flammable materials.
• When handling food on the grill use cooking utensils with long handles.
• Keep control of the fire while cooking on the grill.
• Never use a grill indoors.
• Properly dispose of coals- Allow coals to cool completely or then dispose in metal container away from the house.

Levels of Fire Damage

5/18/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage is a  multi-step process that minimizes the extent of a fire loss and ultimately saves the Homeowner money through restoration vs. replacement. 

Three Levels of Damage:

• Minor - Smoke residues affect only certain rooms or areas. The amount of smoke residues is light to moderate.  Restoration may involve dry cleaning and/or wet cleaning of ceilings, walls, floors and contents.  Few areas need to be repainted and only minor items require replacement.
• Medium - Smoke residue is moderate, and more materials require wet cleaning to remove residues. The number of areas requiring repainting and items requiring replacement increase.  Floors may need to be refinished.  Heat damage to drywall, cabinets, and contents requires more materials to be replaced.  Contents might be cleaned at the jobsite.  Smoke odors are noticeable, possibly requiring additional deodorization procedures after cleaning.
• Major - Structural framing and finishes may be charred, requiring structural repairs. Smoke residues are distributed through a large portion of the building, and strong smoke odors.  Emergency services are needed, such as Board-up, establishing a source of electricity, winterizing the building in cold weather and removing smoke-filled and charred debris.  Restoration will involve extensive cleaning of the structure and probably require restorers to pack and move out all salvageable contents for off-site cleaning.  Multiple methods of deodorization are needed to remove smoke odors.

Fire Safety tips for holidays

12/7/2021 (Permalink)

Water your Christmas tree daily as a safety measure.

During the holidays you spend time making memories with your friends and family. Decorating trees, and homes, cooking large feast and baked goods, and sitting by the fireplace on a cold night. Making memories that will last a last time.

Safety tips:

• Keep your Christmas tree 3 to 10 feet away from a fireplace.
• Don't throw trash, cards or box in the fireplace.
• Don't hang garland, stocking or cards too close to the fireplace.
• Check lights for damaged, or frayed cords and missing bulbs.
• Don't decorate tree with candles.
• Make sure candles are on a flat surface.
• Watering your Christmas tree daily. A dry try burns faster than one that is water daily.
• Install, test, change batteries to make sure they are working.
• Do not leave any cooking unattended. Set timers if you need to check on food.

Fire Safety for the Holidays.

11/22/2021 (Permalink)

Cooking for the holidays safely will help prevent kitchen fires.

Holidays are right around the corner. Nothing is better that your favorite treats for Thanksgiving and Christmas. It is easy to forget about what your cooking on the stove when you are trying to get ready for a Thanksgiving gathering or Christmas party.

Safety tips to prevent cooking fires:

• Keeping flammable objects or liquids away from heat source. (Stove, Crock pot, and toaster ovens)
• Stay in kitchen if your are frying, grilling or broiling food. Never allow young children around stove or oven, especially  if they are not closely attended.
• Set a timer just in case so you don't forget.
• When cooking for long periods of time check it regularly
• Make sure you turn stove off when done cooking.

Safety tips when using Turkey Fryer:

• When setting up make sure the ground is level. Helps avoid tipping over also, it keeps oil level when cooking.
• Make sure it's over 10 feet away from home and flammable objects.
• Take turkey in and out of cooking oil with gloves and tools to lift turkey.
• Expect the unexpected fire, have away to put a fire out.(Fire extinguisher)
• Pat dry the turkey and is completely thawed before you cook.

Be safe inside and outside

7/29/2021 (Permalink)

Our fire restoration expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage inside and outside your home.

Taking measures to keep your loved ones safe inside and outside your home.

Inside

• Check electrical cords- Replace cords that are cracked, damaged, have broken plugs, or have loose connections.
• Keep matches, lighters, candles out of reach of children.
• Have an alternative way of escape from your house- Go over the plan with everyone that lives in your home and practice it twice a year.
• Install smoke alarms and make sure working properly - change batteries once a year, and check monthly.

 Outside

      Grilling and fire pits

• Never allow young children and pets to close to the grill or fire pit.
• Keep a safe distance from, houses, trees, and flammable materials.
• Keep control of the fire
• Never grill indoors.
• Properly dispose coals- . Allow coals to cool completely or then dispose in metal container away from the house.

Grill safety tips

6/14/2021 (Permalink)

Grilling  seems to be the social event of  summer celebrations such as, birthdays and graduations.  We also, celebrate upcoming events Father's Day on June 20, and Independence Day July 4th often on the grill outside with family. Celebrating these happy events sometimes the last thing you think of is safety. Always keep yourself and your home safe this year by keeping these tips in mind when cooking on the grill:

• Never allow young children and pets to close to the grill.
• While cooking on the grill keep a safe distance from, houses, trees, and flammable materials.
• Use cooking utensils with long handles.
• Keep control of the fire while cooking on the grill.
• Never grill indoors.
• Properly dispose coals- . Allow coals to cool completely or then dispose in metal container away from the house.

Smoke facts and tips

5/18/2021 (Permalink)

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

Smoke facts:

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

Do before professionals arrive:

• Limit movement to prevent further damage.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs and high traffic areas and upholstery.
• Coat chrome faucets, trim and appliances with petroleum jelly or oil.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpet.

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Each 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 damage.

Holiday Fire Hazards

12/7/2020 (Permalink)

Colorful lights, burning candles, and festive decorations are just a few of the items bringing charm and cheer to the holiday season—however, if they are not used carefully, your holidays may go from festive to frightening. The American Red Cross offers the following safety tips to help greatly reduce the fire risk in your home or business this holiday season:

• Place Christmas trees, candles, and other holiday decorations at least three feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, portable heaters, radiators, heat vents, and candles.
• Make sure light strings and other holiday decorations are in good condition. Do not use anything with frayed electrical cords, and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Always unplug tree and holiday lights before leaving the property or going to bed.
• Never use lit candles to decorate a tree. Always extinguish candles before leaving the room or before going to bed.
• Use only sturdy tree stands designed to not tip over. Keep curious pets and children away from Christmas trees. Keep anything that can catch on fire—like pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, towels, or curtains—away from your stove top.
• Designate one person to walk around your property to ensure all candles and smoking materials are properly extinguished after guests leave.

Holiday Cooking Safety

11/23/2020 (Permalink)

Did you know that the day most likely for home cooking fires is Thanksgiving Day?

With holiday season in full swing, many people have gatherings for family and friends which means more cooking and more time spent in the kitchen. There may be a lot of cooking to keep up with and it could get a little hectic in the kitchen, making it easier for an accidental fire to start. Hence, the number one reason for a home cooking fire is unattended cooking.

Here are some easy safety tips to keep in mind as you prepare for the holidays:

• Test smoke detectors to make sure they are working and replace batteries if needed.
• Keep a fire extinguisher and lids nearby. If you are frying food in grease use a lid to smother the flame, do not use water on a grease fire-it will make it worse.
• Do not leave any cooking unattended. Set timers if you need to check on food.

Should your holiday cooking get out of hand, call SERVPRO of Wilson/Nashville to take care of any fire or soot damage.

https://www.mrcooper.com/blog/2018/12/17/7-holiday-cooking-safety-tips-for-your-kitchen/

Campfire Safety

7/30/2020 (Permalink)

Did you know August 10th is National Smores Day?

Whether you prefer your campfires in the great outdoors or at the comfort of your own home, it is important to be safe before, during, and after enjoying some time by a fire outdoors. Here are 5 safety tips to consider before your next fire.

Look Up and Look Around- When choosing your fire pit, make sure it is not under any low-hanging branches or near any brush or bushes which can easily go up in flames. You should also keep a radius of 8 to 10 feet around the fire pit clear of tents, chairs, food, and any other items.

Safety Proof Your Pit- Before starting your fire, clear all debris from around the fire pit, including garbage and grass. There should be a five-foot perimeter of soil around the campfire space. If there is no metal ring, circle the pit with rocks. If your fire grows in size, this will help keep it within the borders of the fire pit. Keep any flammable items far from the fire, including aerosol cans and pressurized containers.

Keep Water Nearby- A big gust of wind or new piece of wood could cause your fire to grow larger than anticipated. In that case, always keep water, dirt or a shovel nearby to help reduce the flames or put the fire out completely if necessary.

Always Watch- Whether you are camping alone, with friends, or family, it is easy to get distracted and walk away from the fire. Regardless of what is going on around you, make sure someone always has an eye on the fire. It is especially important to keep an eye on pets and children that may be sitting or walking near the fire.

Extinguish Before Bed- When it is time for bed, you need to put out the fire. You can do this by putting water or dirt on top, then stirring the embers around with a shovel to ensure another fire won't start. Ideally, the coals should be wet and cold.

These tips will help keep your campfire or bonfire under control so you can sit back and enjoy some s'mores without worry.

Electrical Fires

6/15/2020 (Permalink)

When most people think "house fire", their first assumption is a fire starting from a pan of hot grease or an overturned candle. Very seldom does anyone assume a home fire could be started by an electrical source including but not limited to:

• Portable electric heaters such as electric cookers, electric irons, electric bedclothes, sterilizers, welders
• Stationary electric heaters such as ovens, electric dehumidifiers, electric furnaces
• Electrical appliances such as distribution transformers, motors, generators, battery chargers, circuit breakers
• Wiring such as service wires, interior wires, cords, wire connection
• Wiring appliances such as switches, multi outlets, electricity meters
• Wire exposures such as the connection point to walls, connection points of metal plates and pipes, wood in contact with high-voltage lines
• Static electricity sparks caused by rubber film, rollers, liquid fluid in ducts

In cases of wiring or outlet overheating, there are usually a few signs prior to ignition.

Did you know? If an outlet is emitting heat or a smell it is sign that the outlet is overloaded. 

Overloading an outlet causes too much heat in one location and can cause a fire.  Some examples of this are running too many cords in one outlet or using an extension cord instead of an outlet. If your outlet emits a burning smell or is hot when you touch it, it could indicate there is a danger of electrical fire.

Make sure that the proper number of plugs is being used in each outlet. As an added precaution, do not run any power cords underneath combustible materials like rugs or bedding.  Make sure that all of your plugs fit into the outlets tightly to prevent excess heat. It is important to recognize warning signs of electrical fires to keep yourself and your home safe.

Firework Safety

7/3/2019 (Permalink)

Happy 4th of July to our Wilson/Nashville Community!

The 4^th of July is a time to celebrate our freedom, cook out with friends and family, and of course, enjoy a fireworks show in the evening. This holiday brings a lot of fun times and being educated and aware of potential dangers can help your holiday celebration be even better. Did you know that just last year 9,100 people were injured by fireworks and that fireworks caused 18,500 fires? Keep yourself and your home safe this year by keeping these tips in mind:

• Never allow young children to handle fireworks
• Never use fireworks while impaired
• Never light them indoors
• Only use them away from people, houses, and flammable materials
• Soak used and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding
• Keep a bucket of water or a hose nearby to extinguish fireworks or in case of a fire

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to leave it to the professionals. ABC News and the National Safety Council have articles with even more information to ensure your holiday is a safe one.

Residential Fire Restoration

11/3/2016 (Permalink)

The Laundry Room in this Apartment Unit was severely burned after a Drier Malfunctioned. The Floor, Walls, Ceiling, Doors & Appliances were affected.

SERVPRO® of Wilson/Nashville - (252)-291-4492

What is Fire Damage Restoration?  It is a multi-step process that minimizes the extend of a fire loss and ultimately saves the Homeowner money through restoration vs. replacement.  This is a brief overview of our Emergency Fire Damage Process:

1. One Hour: Within one hour of notice of loss, through the Homeowner or an Insurance Agent, a SERVPRO® Franchise Professional will contact you to arrange for service.
2. Four Hours: Within four hours of loss notification, a SERVPRO® Franchise Professional will be on-site to start mitigation services.  The key to reducing damage and saving money is responding quickly to your damage.

*A fire damage consists of several kinds of damages.  Materials suffer burning, charring, heat damage, smoke damage, and even water damage.

3. Detailed Explanation: A trained, uniformed and equipped SERVPRO® Franchise Professional will walk you through the job process step-by-step, explaining what to expect and the anticipated outcome.

*Not all fires result in the same level of damage (Minor, Medium, and Major).

• Minor - Smoke residues affect only certain rooms or areas. The amount of smoke residues is light to moderate.  Restoration may involve dry cleaning and/or wet cleaning of ceilings, walls, floors and contents.  Few areas need to be repainted and only minor items require replacement.
• Medium - Smoke residue is moderate, and more materials require wet cleaning to remove residues. The number of areas requiring repainting and items requiring replacement increase.  Floors may need to be refinished.  Heat damage to drywall, cabinets, and contents requires more materials to be replaced.  Contents might be cleaned at the jobsite.  Smoke odors are noticeable, possibly requiring additional deodorization procedures after cleaning.
• Major - Structural framing and finishes may be charred, requiring structural repairs. Smoke residues are distributed through a large portion of the building, and strong smoke odors.  Emergency services are needed, such as Board-up, establishing a source of electricity, winterizing the building in cold weather and removing smoke-filled and charred debris.  Restoration will involve extensive cleaning of the structure and probably require restorers to pack and move out all salvageable contents for off-site cleaning.  Multiple methods of deodorization are needed to remove smoke odors.

4. Pretesting: A SERVPRO® Franchise Professional will begin pretesting for restorability, working from the source of the damage outward.
5. Eight Hours: Within eight business hours of on-site arrival, a verbal briefing of the scope will be communicated to the appropriate person, normally your adjuster or property manager.
6. Cleaning, Restoration & Deodorization: SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals will work neatly and efficiently to help you regain control of your property when a damage event has taken over. Depending on how severe the fire damage is will determine how long & how much work is required. However, we will use state-of-the-art restoration techniques to ensure your property is taken care of right the first time.
7. Final Walk-Through: After the work has been completed, a final walk-through will be conducted with you to help ensure your satisfaction.

As you have read, sometimes a damage requires more than just cleaning soot or removing debris.  Some damages require replacement of drywall, paint, flooring or even electrical and plumbing services.  Here at SERVPRO® of Wilson/Nashville, we can provide many general contractor services to help return your home or business to pre-loss condition.

In some cases, Mitigation, Restoration or Replacement may not be the best option.  If a home or buildings structural integrity is compromised beyond repair it may be considered a TOTAL LOSS & often becomes a much bigger project than one can handle.  Most often than not, these homes become condemned.  At this point it is important to secure openings to prevent children, wild animals or squatters from trespassing on the property.  Also it is important to relocate salvageable contents for cleaning and storage.  This is why SERVPRO® of Wilson/Nashville also provides Board-up Services and Move-Outs.

Contact us today for more information on our wide variety of services or stop by our Office.  We would love to discuss our FREE Emergency Ready Profile and how it would benefit you during a disaster.

Dan & Mary Reneau

SERVPRO® of Wilson/Nashville

3032 Forest Hills Rd W

Wilson, NC 27893

(252)-291-4492