Protect Your Home: Essential Fire Prevention Tips from Experts in Fire Restoration

4/8/2024 (Permalink)

Read these prevention tips to stay free from fire.

Fires can devastate homes, causing extensive damage and posing significant risks to lives and property. As experts in fire restoration services, we understand the importance of fire prevention and are committed to helping homeowners safeguard their families and residences. Here are some must-dos to keep your home safe from risk.

1. Install Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are your first line of defense against fire emergencies. Install them in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of your home. Test them regularly and replace batteries as needed.

2. Practice Fire Safety in the Kitchen: Cooking-related fires are a leading cause of home fires. Never leave cooking food unattended, and keep flammable items like towels and oven mitts away from the stove. Ensure that appliances are turned off after use and keep the cooking area clean from grease buildup.

3. Maintain Heating Equipment: Heating equipment, including furnaces, fireplaces, and space heaters, should be regularly inspected and maintained by qualified professionals. Keep flammable materials away from heating sources and never leave heaters unattended, especially while sleeping or away from home.

4. Handle Candles and Open Flames with Care: Keep candles in sturdy holders and place them on stable surfaces away from curtains, furniture, and other flammable objects. Never leave candles burning unattended, and extinguish them before leaving the room or going to bed.

5. Practice Electrical Safety: Avoid overloading electrical outlets and extension cords, and replace any frayed or damaged cords immediately. Use surge protectors for electronic devices and appliances, and consider upgrading older wiring systems if necessary.

6. Create and Practice a Home Fire Escape Plan: Develop a fire escape plan for your family and practice it regularly. Identify multiple exits from each room and establish a meeting point outside. Ensure that everyone knows how to escape safely and where to go in case of a fire emergency.

Despite taking precautions, fires can still occur. In the unfortunate event of fire damage to your home, know that we're here to help. Our team of skilled professionals know how to assess damage, remove damaged items and restore others. We'll work tirelessly to restore your home to its pre-fire condition, providing peace of mind during a challenging time.

Fires Can Be Prevented

4/3/2023 (Permalink)

Know the risks and avoid fire damage.

Home fires are the most common calls that fire stations get - and more often than not, they were due to carelessness on the owner's part. Here are the most common causes of house fires and how you can prevent them.

Cooking Fires
Home cooking fires account for approximately $1 billion in property damage, 550 deaths and 4,820 injuries every year. Never leave a stove unattended and always have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen. 

Electrical Fires
Electrical fires, often caused by malfunctioning appliances, account for 13% of all residential fires, and18% of all civilian fire deaths. These fires are most likely to occur in colder months as people use their heaters more. Never leave a space heater unattended or go to sleep while it is on. Get appliances properly checked in the fall so you head into colder months with confidence.

Candle Fires
Candles may generate a small flame, but they can also cause big damage. Most candle fires occur when other household items, such as furniture and curtains, are kept too close to the flame. It only takes a few seconds for them to catch fire and consume the house.

Careless Children
Children playing with fire are responsible for $172 million in property damages every year. Proper fire safety education is vital when it comes to preventing these accidents.

Smoking
Smoking is one of the leading causes of home fire deaths. Never smoke cigarettes near combustible materials or smoke in bed. Always dispose of the cigarette in sand or water to prevent it catching fire in the trashcan or yard.

Should you experience a fire in your home or office, SERVPRO of North Garland is here to help.

Have a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving!

11/2/2021 (Permalink)

If you love fried turkey - make sure you know the rules for frying!

Who doesn't love a deep friend turkey? You might think this is an easy DIY - but failed fryers are one of the most common sources of fire damage throughout the fall. 

Here are some tips to keep your turkey trouble-free.

• Don't Use Too Much Oil - Even a small amount of oil can catch flame if it comes into contact with a burner. If the pot is too full, oil can spill when you insert the turkey. The U.S. Fire Administration suggests that you first place the turkey in a pot with water so you will know the correct amount of oil.

• Don’t Leave a Fryer Unattended – deep fryers may not have thermostat controls and can overheat to the point of combustion. It’s crucial to stay close and to check the temperature of the oil often. Deep Fat Fryers are also easy to tip over – so make sure the area is secure and monitored.

• Never Use a Fryer Inside – these should always be used outdoors on a solid surface (not a deck or under a patio cover.)

• No Frozen Turkeys in the Fryer - Make sure you thaw your turkey completely prior to cooking. When a frozen turkey comes into contact with high temperature oil it causes lots of steam. The steam can make the oil boil over and catch fire. 

• Keep a Fire Extinguisher & Pot Holders Nearby - make sure you have a fire extinguisher and well-insulated potholders nearby since the lid, sides and handles get insanely hot and you could end up with harsh burns if not careful.

• Keep Others Safe - never let children or pets near the fryer when in use or after use as the oil can remain hot for hours.

SERVPRO of North Garland wishes you and your family a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

10 Tips for a Fire-Free Fall

11/2/2021 (Permalink)

Keep your fall fire free with these safety tips.

There are 2x more residential fires on Thanksgiving Day than any other day of the year. So November is a good month to remind everyone how to stay safe from fire. Here are 10 tips:

1. Watch your cooking - never leave a stove unattended. If you have to leave, turn it off.
   
   
2. Give space heaters space - portable heaters should be at least 3 feet from anything that could burn. Always turn them off when leaving the room or going to sleep.
3. No smoking in the house - ask smokers to smoke outside. Have sturdy, deep ashtrays for smokers.
4. Keep matches and lighters up high, out of the reach of children.
5. Replace electrical cords that are cracked, damaged, have broken plugs, or loose connections.
6. Keep candles at least one foot from anything that can burn. Blow them out candles when you leave the room or go to sleep.
7. Make a home fire escape plan and practice it with your family / roommates at least twice a year.
8. Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. Interconnect smoke alarms throughout the home so that when one sounds, they all sound.
9. Then, test your smoke alarms at least once a month and replace batteries once a year or when the alarm “chirps” to tell you the battery is low. Replace any smoke alarm that is more than 10 years old.
10. If you are building or remodeling your home, install residential fire sprinklers. Sprinklers can contain and may even extinguish a fire in less time than it would take the fire department to arrive.

At SERVPRO of North Garland, we've seen the damage that fire can do and want your to keep your fall flame free.

Be Alarmed

10/5/2021 (Permalink)

An alarm should be on each floor and in each bedroom of your home.

October is Fire Prevention Month and the perfect time to educate the family about fire safety.  One of the most important things in surviving a home fire is to have functioning alarms throughout your home.

Tragically, 3 out of 5 home fire deaths result from fires in properties without working smoke alarms.

 The US Fire Administration recommends the following:

• Have both a smoke alarm and a carbon monoxide alarm on each level of the home – and in every bedroom.
• Smoke alarms should be 10 feet away from cooking appliances to avoid “false” alarms.
• Test the alarms at least one time a month with everyone present so that they will know what the sounds mean.
• Choose interconnected alarms so when one sounds, they all sound.
• Replace alarms every 10 years.
• If you are a renter, you have a right to ask your landlord to install alarms outside each bedroom on the property.

Your family should be familiar with the sounds of the alarms and what they mean. Usually one beep indicates the battery needs replacing and 3 simultaneous beeps means smoke has been detected. When you hear a smoke alarm, you may have less than 2 minutes to get everyone outside and safe.

As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration, we stand on over 50 years of experience and expertise to help ensure you stay safe, informed, and ready for any disaster that comes your way. The time to prepare is now. SERVPRO North Garland is ready to help at any time.

5 Hazards that are Rare, but True.

10/5/2021 (Permalink)

Fire is destructive no matter the cause. Read about 5 rare, but real hazards.

Everyone knows that house fires can be caused by leaving things unattended on the stove, candles, smoking, lint accumulation in the dryer and outdoor grills that get out of control.

But there are also other, more bizarre ways that fires have started in homes – here are 5 that we’ve seen in our experience:

1 – Recalled Appliances – take a look at the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s website (www.cpsc.gov/Recalls) to make sure your microwave or computer battery hasn’t been recalled.

2 – Excess Sawdust – if you’re a DIYer, then you may have sawdust on your work surfaces. Make sure to clean workspaces with a vacuum designed to collect combustible materials to avoid accumulating dust which is flammable.

3 – Non-Dairy Coffee Creamer – ok, we told you these were rare, but there are foods that are highly flammable, including the powdered creamer you may use in your coffee. Make certain you never spill this near an open flame to avoid a disaster during breakfast.

4 – 9-Volt Batteries – all batteries should be disposed of safely, but especially the 9-Volts. These have been known to spark when in contact with metal while in a trash can or junk drawer.

5 – Linseed Oil – if you use this to polish your butcher block countertops or other wood furnishings, make sure you wash the rag immediately after use as they can spontaneously combust.

Fire is destructive whether caused by a common or rare situation. Please exercise caution and know your risks. Proper fire safety is everyone’s responsibility.

It’s Summer – Try to Stay Cool

6/28/2021 (Permalink)

Summer heat can cause damage to humans and houses.

It’s summertime in North Garland! That means it’s H-O-T. On top of being a concern for people’s safety, heat can also cause damage to your home – especially if you live in a more urban development without distance and trees to provide some relief from the sun. We’ve got some tips to keep both humans and their homes protected from extreme heat.

• Stay inside on those super-hot days. Make sure your pets are also indoors – and that you are all hydrated. If you have to go outside - then loose-fitting, light-colored clothes are best, make sure to wear sunscreen and keep a water bottle nearby. If you’re at outdoor sporting events, an umbrella can also help block the hot sun.
• If you are going to exercise outside – leave a wet bandana in the freezer overnight and wear it around your neck when out in the sun to help keep your temperature from rising too quickly. Heat exhaustion is no joke – and can lead to heat stroke which is life threatening.
• When things get hot, they expand – and this includes hardwood flooring, doorframes, shingles, rafters and joists. This can cause doors to stick, sealant to stretch and shingles to crack. To decrease the impact of summer heat on your roof, you can install an attic fan, additional insulation or even ridge vents to help keep it cooler. We can’t say it enough but regular maintenance is key to avoiding damage in your home.
• Excessive temperatures can also crack the paint on your door and/or home. Look for bubbling, chipping, and flaking paint after a stretch of 100+ degree days. There are special types of paints and finishes that can offer some protection from our Texas temps.
• If you have a refrigerator in the garage, the compressor will work extra hard to keep its contents cold. Compressors get very hot when they run constantly and could become a fire hazard. Make sure there isn’t trash or anything flammable near your garage fridge and consider using a portable fan to reduce temperatures.
• Cars parked in direct sunlight will heat up considerably and items inside can melt or even explode in some cases. Never keep an aerosol can in the car and avoid leaving cell phones, cameras or other small electronics in the car when you are not driving. Remember that the door handles, seat belt buckles and any metal surface will also get hot when in the sunlight. Using a sun-shade or parking undercover will help reduce the effects of heat on your automobile.

Stay safe and cool this summer – and remember you can call SERVPRO of North Garland if you experience fire or water damage in your home. Call us anytime at 972-496-2441.

Deep Fried Turkey – Delicious, but Dangerous

11/2/2020 (Permalink)

Be Safe When Deep Frying a Turkey

There’s no question that fried turkey tastes great, but there are many dangers associated with using a deep fryer. It’s actually pretty easy for these to catch fire so make sure to follow these safety tips if you choose to cook this way:

• Don’t Overfill the Cooking Pot – even a small amount of oil can catch flame if it comes into contact with a burner. If the pot is too full, oil can spill when you insert the turkey. The U.S. Fire Administration suggests that you first place the turkey in a pot with water so you will know the correct amount of oil.
• Don’t Leave a Fryer Unattended – deep fryers may not have thermostat controls and can overheat to the point of combustion. It’s crucial to stay close and to check the temperature of the oil often. Deep Fat Fryers are also easy to tip over – so make sure the area is secure and monitored. Never use a fryer inside – these should always be used outdoors on a solid surface (not a deck or under a patio cover.)
• Make Sure to Thaw Completely - never drop a frozen turkey into a hot fryer. You can find hundreds of YouTube videos showing what can happen if you don’t properly thaw your turkey prior to deep frying. This happens when a frozen turkey reacts with high temperature oil causing a lot of steam which then forces the oil to boil over and catch fire. Flames can shoot up as high as 10 feet if it’s not handled the right way.
• Have the Right Tools - make sure you have a fire extinguisher and well-insulated potholders nearby since the lid, sides and handles get insanely hot and you could end up with harsh burns if not careful.
• Keep Others Safe - never let children or pets near the fryer when in use or after use as the oil can remain hot for hours.

SERVPRO of North Garland urges you to follow these safety recommendations for a safe and successful turkey frying experience. A cooking fire can be devastating, causing injury as well as serious damage to your home or property. If an accident does happen, you can always call the experts at SERVPRO of North Garland. We'll be there to help get you back to normal 24/7, 365 days a year.

We Know Smoke & Soot

11/2/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke and Soot Cause Damage Too.

Fire damage is caused by flames, but also by the resulting smoke and soot which cause both visible and hidden damage far beyond the area of the original fire. There are different types of smoke & soot damage and understanding the properties of each help identify and remediate appropriately. These include dry or wet smoke, synthetic substances, protein material, petroleum or natural substances and the restoration process depends on the cause.

Dry vs Wet Smoke:

High-heat, fast-burning fires fueled by wood and paper typically produce dry smoke, resulting in a residue of fine power on the surface of things. While it can be simpler to clean (just wipe it off) it can also get into cracks and porous surfaces, leaving an odor which is more difficult to remove.

Wet smoke damage typically comes from low-heat, slow-burning fires – often from plastic or rubber items. It is thick and black and leaves behind a sticky residue with a strong odor. It smears easily which makes it more difficult to clean.

 Synthetic Substances:

As synthetic materials burn, they create a thick billowy black smoke that rises quickly and clings to everything, leaving a smudged-looking residue. This can cause a bigger mess if not cleaned properly using a vacuum and dry-chemical sponge cleaning.

Protein Residue:

When a fire consumes a protein source (such as meats or beans), it will leave behind a yellowish-brown residue resembling grease smears (think of the inside of your oven, the cooking grate on your grill, or a dirty pan after cooking meat). Since this residue is extra greasy, it’s extra difficult to clean. The best way to tackle this mess is with proper professional fire cleaning chemicals specifically for protein-based residue.

Petroleum Smoke:

Petroleum smoke comes from burning oil or oil-based substances. It is dark and will discolor anything it touches. This smoke can ruin upholstery and flooring if not taken care of quickly.

Since each type is a little different, each one requires a tailored solution for cleanup. Our fire experts know what to look for and how best to handle the many different conditions associated with smoke and soot.

Create a Fire Escape Plan

10/9/2020 (Permalink)

Create Your Fire Escape Plan

October is Fire Prevention Month and a good time to set the family’s emergency preparedness plans. If you don’t have a plan in place, here are some steps you can take to ensure everyone in the household knows what to do.

First, make sure you have smoke alarms – and that they are all in good working order. If there are kids in the house, you can press the test button so that they can hear what it sounds like. Ideally there is an alarm in each sleeping room as well as one in each hallway.  

Draw an outline of your home and indicate the escape routes for each room. Then walk each room and practice the exits. Your plan should include a meeting place outside of the house as well so that it’s easy to account for everyone.

If there are small children or other family members with mobility limitations, assign someone to assist them during drills and in the event of an emergency. It’s not a bad idea to have a backup person as well if the designee isn’t home during the emergency.

Homes with 2 or more floors should invest in escape ladders; practice using them and make sure they are easily accessible near the designated escape windows.

You should always choose the safest exit, but know what to do if you do have to go through a room with smoke and fire in it. Remember to cover your mouth and nose and get low to the ground.

As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration, we stand on over 50 years of experience and expertise to help ensure you stay safe, informed, and ready for any disaster that comes your way. The time to prepare is now. SERVPRO of North Garland is ready to help at any time.

To download a sample plan, visit the National Fire Prevention Association here.

Halloween Safety Tips for North Garland

10/7/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO North Garland and the National Fire Protection Association Have Tips for a Fire Safe Halloween

October brings pumpkin flavored everything, fall décor and of course – candy! Halloween traditions like decorative haystacks, paper ghosts, glowing jack-o-lanterns and flowing costumes can unfortunately, also be fire risks. There is good news though – all of these are easily controlled with the following safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association:

• Use a battery-operated candle or glow stick in jack-o-lanterns.
• When choosing costumes, stay away from long trailing fabric.
• Teach children to stay away from open flames, including jack-o-lanterns with candles in them.
• Dried flowers, cornstalks, and crepe paper catch fire easily. Keep all decorations away from open flames and other heat sources like light bulbs and heaters
• Provide children with flashlights to carry for lighting or glow sticks as part of their costume. 
• Remember to keep exits clear of decorations so nothing blocks escape routes. Make sure all smoke alarms are working.

At SERVPRO of North Garland, we wish you and your families a safe and happy Halloween! Remember that if anything scary happens we are here around the clock to help. Give us a call at  972-476-2441.

North Dallas Damage Restoration Company Urges People to Consider Fireworks Safety This 4th of July

6/30/2020 (Permalink)

Here to Help

Summary: SERVPRO of North Garland provides five fireworks safety tips to keep holiday celebrations safe and fun. 

Celebrating the 4th of July with fireworks is a great American tradition. Residents of North Garland are no exception. SERVPRO of North Garland, a residential and commercial damage restoration company, urges residents of the North Dallas area to celebrate their independence safely this July 4th.

Fireworks Can Be Dangerous

The National Fire Protection Association provides the following fireworks fire and injury statistics to drive home the point of the potential danger that can arise from improperly handling fireworks.

“Fireworks started an estimated 19,500 fires in 2018, including 1,900 structure fires, 500 vehicle fires, and 17,100 outside and other fires. These fires caused five deaths, 46 civilian injuries, and $105 million in direct property damage. In 2018, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 9,100 people for fireworks-related injuries; half of those injuries were to the extremities and 34% were to the eye or other parts of the head. Children younger than 15 years of age accounted for more than one-third (36%) of the estimated 2018 injuries. These injury estimates were obtained or derived from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s 2018 Fireworks Annual Report by Yongling Tu and Jason Ng.”

How to Stay Safe When Using Fireworks

The Texas Department of Insurance offers these fireworks safety tips to have fun with fireworks and stay safe.

1. Abide by local laws.

Most areas do not allow fireworks within city limits or during burn bans, and some areas allow only certain types of fireworks. Follow the local law and contact the local fire officials if there are any questions.

2. Find out if a permit is required.

Organizers will need a permit from the local fire department if they are putting on a fireworks show for a group of fifty people or more.

3. Hire licensed professionals.

An individual putting on a fireworks display for a group must have a Texas pyrotechnic operator’s license. To see if a person or organization has a Texas license, contact the State Fire Marshal’s Office at 1-800-578-4677 or Fire.Marshal@tdi.texas.gov.

4. Make sure fireworks are legal in the area.

Fireworks can be sold only during certain times of the year, usually within the week or so leading up to an important holiday. Besides the 4th of July and New Year’s celebrations, Texas counties may include Texas Independence Day (March 2nd), San Jacinto Day (April 21st), Cinco de Mayo (May 5th), and Memorial Day. Anyone can use fireworks any day of the year as long as they are not banned in the area where they are being used.

5. Be safe!

• Ensure that an adult is always watching when children are near fireworks.
• Children should never shoot off fireworks.
• Do not drink alcohol while using fireworks.
• Carefully follow the instructions on the firework.
• Do not shoot fireworks towards or near dry grass, brush, or any other flammable material.
• Never aim fireworks in the direction of a person or animal.
• Do not aim fireworks at a house or other structure.
• Keep a bucket of water, garden hose, or other water sources on hand for potential emergencies.

SERVPRO of North Garland provides these fireworks safety tips as a public service to the residents of North Garland in the hopes that everyone will have an enjoyable, safe, and patriotic 4th of July.

Fire and Water Damage Restoration Process

When a home or business is dealing with the aftermath of a fire, the damage that it can cause to the property structure and valuable possessions can be extremely devastating. At SERVPRO, the team understands the stress, confusion, and all the emotions that are present when dealing with this kind of ordeal. The SERVPRO technicians are highly skilled and certified, as well as equipped with fire damage restoration equipment to take special care of the client’s property and possessions. The SERVPRO team will be there with the customer every step along the way to explain the process to help get them through this stressful time.

After the fire trucks leave, the home or business likely suffers from fire and smoke damage and extensive water damage from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO has the specialized fire restoration training needed to restore a home to its pre-fire condition.

Every fire damage event requires an individualized solution, but the general process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate the process for the typical fire damage emergency.

Step 1: Emergency Contact

The restoration process begins when a customer calls SERVPRO. A representative will ask questions regarding the fire damage event that will help SERVPRO respond immediately with the appropriate equipment and resources.

Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment

SERVPRO technicians carefully inspect and test adjoining rooms of the property to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is crucial to developing a plan of action.

Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service

Fire damage can often compromise windows, walls, and roofs. To maintain security and to protect against further damage, the team can board up missing windows and walls and place tarps on damaged roofs.

Step 4: Water Removal and Drying (If Water Damage Is Present)

The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. SERVPRO technicians then use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process.

Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot From All Surfaces

Specialized equipment and techniques are used to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces.

Step 6: Cleaning and Sanitizing

Skilled technicians clean, sanitize, and disinfect all of the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. SERVPRO employs a variety of cleaning techniques to restore belongings to their pre-fire condition. The SERVPRO specialists are also trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

Step 7: Restoration

Restoration is the final step—getting a home or business to its pre-fire condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet, or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

Conclusion

SERVPRO of North Garland hopes that everyone’s July 4th celebration will be safe, enjoyable, and fire-free. For more information about fire and water damage restoration, visit the SERVPRO of North Garland website at  https://www.SERVPROnorthgarland.com. Contact the office by phone at (972) 496-2441.

North Garland Fire Safety and Awareness

9/27/2019 (Permalink)

Safe practices when using the kitchen are always best, but in your worst case scenarios SERVPRO of North Garland is there.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home injuries. The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking. Follow these tips to create a safer cooking environment: 

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

If you have a cooking fire, consider the following safety protocols to help keep you and your family safe.

• Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
• Call 911 or the local emergency number after you leave.
• For an oven fire turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
• If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear way out.
• Keep a lid nearby when you are cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave a pan covered until it is completely cooled. Never add water to a grease fire!

If you have experienced a kitchen fire call the professionals at SERVPRO of North Garland at 972-496-2441.

Professional Fire Damage Clean Up- North Garland.

9/6/2019 (Permalink)

Once the fire is out doesn’t mean you’re safe. Find out what damages the fire left behind before you begin restoration services.

The reasons why professional fire cleanup is crucial focus on safety and thorough remediation in North Garland as elsewhere. A seemingly minor fire quickly extinguished, might appear to need merely a slightly more intense than usual seasonal cleaning. Taking this perspective is risky, with the potential to expose your loved ones and the structure of your home to invisible yet severe progressive damage.

Significant Water Damage

Merely because it was introduced on purpose to mitigate fire damage in your North Garland home does not negate the hazards of water damage. Slips and falls, electrical shocks, and permanent harm to building materials are just some of the dangers of firefighting water incursion. Efficient water removal and structural drying are essential before or while soot and other debris are cleared. Our technicians hold multiple certifications from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and can move between tasks seamlessly.

Safety Concerns When Managing Toxic Residues

Regardless of the extent of the smoke and soot damage, cleaning is a hazardous endeavor. The chemicals, tar, and gasses produced by fire are toxic and abrasive. SERVPRO Fire and Smoke Restoration Technicians (FSRT) are highly-trained in appropriate strategies that clean fire residues efficiently while avoiding smearing and further damage to surfaces by sharp-edged soot particles. We match the type of soot with appropriate cleaners, tools, and methods based on research and experience, not trial and error. 

Specialized Professional Equipment

SERVPRO technicians don personal protective equipment (PPE) when evaluating and cleaning your home. We frequently contain the work area with heavy-duty plastic sheeting and by operating a negative pressure air scrubber. The pressure seals the partition and forces airborne contaminants through HEPA filters before exhausting outside.

Pack-Out Possibilities

The contents of your home suffer from smoke, smells, and soot, too. We offer a Contents Claim Inventory Service (CCIS) to document any items we remove for assessment, cleaning, deodorization, and other restorative procedures at our production facility. Our talented Contents Processing Technicians (CPT) employ a broad range of strategies to save personal possessions you feared ruined beyond repair.

SERVPRO of North Garland offers victims of fire damage a comprehensive array of professional mitigation and remediation services. Partner up with our skilled and certified team by scheduling an assessment at. (972)-496-2441

Kitchen Fire Safety

5/29/2018 (Permalink)

Firefighters work to put out a house fire.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home injuries. The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking. Follow these tips to create a safer cooking environment: 

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

If you have a cooking fire, consider the following safety protocols to help keep you and your family safe.

• Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
• Call 911 or the local emergency number after you leave.
• For an oven fire turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
• If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear way out.
• Keep a lid nearby when you are cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave a pan covered until it is completely cooled. Never add water to a grease fire!

If you have experienced a kitchen fire call the professionals at SERVPRO of North Garland at 972-496-2441.

Preventing Grill Fires

5/29/2018 (Permalink)

As we get further into summer more and more people will be lighting up their grills family gatherings and holidays. While it may not seem like an outdoor grill would pose much of a risk to your home, without the proper safety precautions a barbecue can cause extensive fire and smoke damage to your home. The following tips can help you reduce the risk of a grill fire at your home this summer:

• Inspect the propane tank for holes or loose hoses before using. Periodically check the hose for holes by submerging it in soapy water. If any bubbles form the hose should be replaced.
• Keep the grill at a safe distance from the home and any flammable items. Never grill under any kind of overhang like a garage or a porch. 
• Always keep a fire extinguisher in an easily accessible location not too far from the grilling area. 
• Never leave a lit grill unattended, especially around children or animals that could easily knock it over.
• Use tools with long handles to keep a safe distance from the flame, and avoid wearing any clothing items that may easily catch fire (i.e. long, baggy sleeves)
• Always clean a grill after use, while its still hot, with a wire brush to avoid accumulations of fatty, greasy materials. Periodically check and empty any trays below the grill that may collect grease. 
• If you use lighter fluid to light a charcoal grill, only use charcoal starter fluid. Never add the fluid to a flame, add it before lighting the grill. 

If you experience any fire or smoke damage this summer call SERVPRO of North Garland anytime at 972-496-2441.

What To Do After a Fire: Dealing With the Damage

3/20/2018 (Permalink)

From the first call to 911 to calling in a remediation team, dealing with a fire is extremely overwhelming and stressful. After the fire has been put out it can be hard to know what your next steps should be, so here are a few tips on what you can do to get your life and home back to normal as quick as possible. 

1. Call in your local SERVPRO remediation specialists. A fire can result in multiple types of damage to your home or business, including water, so call in the professionals who have years of experience in all realms of restoration. 

2. Call your insurance agent in order to get your insurance claim rolling, and to find out important information such as coverage provisions, emergency housing options, etc. If you are a tenant, call your landlord so that they know to get in touch with their insurance agent.

3. Do not enter the home until a fire fighter has assured it is safe for you to do so. Once inside try to limit your movement around the home so soot particles are not spread or embedded. Also avoid touching anything to avoid soiling previously clean areas. 

4. Carefully move any undamaged items that are at risk in the effected area (i.e. television at risk for water damage) to a safe zone if possible.  

Our SERVPRO professionals will be onsite within just a couple of hours after a call to begin the cleanup. We work with insurance agents to ensure that people get their homes or businesses back to normal as quickly as possible. If you experience a fire, do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of North Garland at 972-496-2441 anytime of the day or night. 

Understanding the Behavior of Smoke

5/31/2017 (Permalink)

The damage to your property following a fire can often be complicated due to the unique behavior of smoke. There are two different types of smoke – wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire, SERVPRO of North Garland Professionals are thoroughly trained in fire cleanup and restoration and know the different types of smoke and their behavior patterns. Knowing this information is vital to proper restoration. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of North Garland Professionals will survey the loss to determine the extent of impact from fire, smoke, heat, and moisture on the building materials and contents. The soot will then be tested to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. Pretesting determines the proper cleaning method and allows SERVPRO of North Garland to focus on saving your precious items.

SERVPRO of North Garland Professionals know smoke can penetrate various cavities within the structure, causing hidden damage and odor. Their knowledge of building systems helps them investigate how far smoke damage may have spread. The following are additional facts you may not know about smoke.

• 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 types of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

Wet Smoke (Plastic and Rubber)

Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke (Paper and Wood)

Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue (Produced by evaporation of materials rather than from a fire)

Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.

Fuel Oil Soot (Furnace Puff Backs)

While “puff backs” can create havoc for homeowners, SERVPRO of North Garland Professionals can, in most cases, restore the contents and structure quickly.

Other Types (Tear gas, fingerprint powder and fire extinguisher residue)

Special loss situations require special care.

SERVPRO of North Garland Professionals are trained to handle even the toughest losses. If your home or business suffers fire or smoke damage, contact us, at 972-496-2441, to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

Celebrate Safely with a Recipe for Safety

5/31/2017 (Permalink)

Each holiday season, families gather to celebrate by preparing delicious feasts, but if you don’t practice safe cooking habits, your holiday could become hazardous very quickly. According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home injuries. The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking. It’s important to be alert to prevent cooking fires.

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

If you have a cooking fire, consider the following safety protocols to help keep you and your family safe.

• Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
• Call 911 or the local emergency number after you leave.
• For an oven fire turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
• If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear way out.
• Keep a lid nearby when you are cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave a pan covered until it is completely cooled.

SERVPRO of North Garland Professionals wish you a safe a happy holiday season.

Smoke Alarms Save Lives

5/31/2017 (Permalink)

Smoke alarms play a vital role in saving lives, and when properly installed, can reduce the risk of fire injury in half.

The National Fire Protection Association recommends smoke alarms be installed in every bedroom, outside all sleeping quarters and on every level of the house. Business owners should consult the local Fire Marshall to ensure specific building fire codes and smoke detector requirements are met.

Smoke alarms work best when paired with a fire escape plan. A plan allows your family, employees or clients to escape quickly and safely in an emergency situation.

Review the following tips regarding smoke detectors installation and maintenance. For more on emergency preparedness, contact SERVPRO of North Garland at 972-496-2441.

• Install smoke alarms on every level of the home, including the basement.
• Smoke alarms should be installed away from kitchen to prevent false alarms. Generally, they should be at least 10 feet from a cooking appliance.
• Test smoke alarms at least once a month using a test button.
• Replace batteries in all smoke alarms at least once a year. If an alarm “chirps,” the battery is low and should be replaced right away.
• Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.

Extreme Heat

5/22/2017 (Permalink)

As summer approaches, it is time to consider safety precautions for extreme heat in the coming months. Heat affects all people, but especially the young, elderly, sick and overweight. Urban area residents also have a greater chance of being affected than those who live in rural areas due to the heat island effect. 

According to the EPA, "the sun can heat dry, exposed urban surfaces, such as roofs an pavements, to temperatures 50-90 degrees F hotter than the air, while shaded or moist surfaces - often in more rural surroundings - remain close to air temperatures." These surface heat islands are strongest during the day when the sun is shining, while the atmospheric heat islands are more likely after sunset "due to the slow release of heat from urban infrastructure."

Whether you are in an urban or rural area, there are several things you can do to prepare for and prevent extreme heat from affecting you. If possible, stay indoors in air conditioning. Be sure to check on your pets who may be outdoors or bring them inside. Stay hydrated and limit alcohol and caffeine intake.

If you must go outside, wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing, and be sure to apply sunscreen often. Pay attention to signs of heat exhaustion, which are heavy sweating; weakness; cold, pale, and clammy skin; nausea or vomiting; fainting, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, which is life-threatening. Signs of heat stroke are a high body temperature (103+), rapid and strong pulse, and possible unconsciousness. If you think someone has heat stroke, call 911 immediately and move the person somewhere cool. Reduce body temperature with cool, wet cloths or a bath. Do not give a person with heat strokes fluids, and treat the situation as a serious medical emergency (CDC).

If you live in a humid climate, be aware of the heat index. The heat index factors in the humidity, which can make the temperature feel 15 degrees hotter.

Extreme heat is a serious danger. For more information on preparation and prevention, visit ready.gov or cdc.gov.