Office Fire Safety 101: Tips for Fire Prevention in the Workplace

2/16/2023 (Permalink)

For more information on using a fire extinguisher, give SERVPRO a call for more details.

Office Fire Safety 101: Tips for Fire Prevention in the Workplace

Office fires are a serious problem. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there were 1.5 million reported fires in 2021 alone. This includes everything from small residential kitchen fires to massive fire disasters. Most commercial fires can be prevented with a little awareness and preparation. Here are some tips for preventing office fires:

Eliminate Office Fire Hazards

Make sure your office is a safe environment for your employees. Here are some ways to do that:

• Don’t smoke in the office.
• Ensure all machinery is working properly.
• Ensure that power outlets aren’t overloaded.
• Keep combustible objects far away from electrical equipment.

Prepare Ahead for Fire Emergencies with Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors are the most important tool for fire safety. Install smoke detectors throughout your building, including common areas such as hallways and stairwells. Test them every month and replace them every 10 years and immediately if they are damaged or malfunctioning.

Create an Evacuation Plan

Having a fire evacuation plan is an important part of workplace safety. An evacuation plan should be easy for your employees to follow and understand, so it's important to make sure that everyone knows how to use the exits, as well as where the first aid equipment and fire extinguishers are located. Be sure to include step-by-step instructions on how to safely evacuate the building in case of an emergency. Use clear signage for each exit, including floor numbers and directions on which side of the hall is closer to each exit—this will help people find their way out more easily during stressful situations.

Be alert for the smell of gas.

Your first line of defense against a fire is to be alert for the smell of gas. A gas leak is dangerous and can cause serious injuries or even death, so be sure to report any smells immediately. If you suspect you’re in a location with a gas leak, get out as quickly as possible and call 911.

Knowing what to do in case of a fire can help save lives.

In the event of a fire, there are several steps you can take to ensure your safety and that of your co-workers. Knowing how to use the fire extinguisher, how to escape through an exit, and how to call for help are all important skills that you should know.

As the old adage goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. If you take the time to make your office a fire-safe environment, you can reduce the risk of a fire starting and save lives in the event of one breaking out. It’s important to remember that any fire can be dangerous, so it’s best if you are prepared before anything happens.

Flameless Candle Alternatives

7/31/2022 (Permalink)

Candle warmers use the heat from lamps to heat jar candles

Benefits Of Using Candle Alternatives

Candles are a welcome sight and scent in many homes. Unfortunately, they pose a risk if left unattended or if accidentally knocked over. Consider the benefits of using candle alternatives in your home in Channelview, TX, when choosing your decorative accents.

1. They Can Be Left Unattended
Flameless candles can be used in areas of your home that you don't spend a lot of time in. If you'd like to keep your entryway or bathroom smelling fresh and inviting, battery-operated candles are a wonderful option. They can be left unattended for long periods of time without concern about catching anything on fire or causing damage. Fire damage can be time-consuming to correct. Fortunately, fire damage restoration specialists exist to help when needed.

2. Some Look Like Candles
If it's the look of a gentle flame that attracts you, many candle alternatives are designed to resemble traditional candles. Luminaries with flickering bases and plastic candles with flickering plastic wicks give the illusion of a burning candle without the risk of a candle fire. Batteries control a hidden light and the motion of the flicker. These faux candles are safe to turn on and forget. Several of them shut off automatically after a preset amount of time so as not to waste the battery.

3. They Smell Amazing
The incredible smell of candles can still be obtained without the risk of fire damage. There are candle warmers that use the heat from lamps to heat jar candles. The wax is heated, and the scent is released without needing to light a wick. Electric and battery-operated wax melters are an additional option to heat different scents of wax melts to release their fragrance without using flame.
A beautiful home accent can quickly become a hazard if something unexpectedly catches fire. Candle alternatives can brighten and elevate the sense of coziness in your home while lowering the risk of fire.

5 Ways To Clear Your Home of Smoke Odors

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

Using ozone for home deodorization.

5 Ways to Get Rid of Smoke Odors in Your Home

Walking into a house and getting hit with the strong scent of smoke within its walls can be off-putting. Stripping the home of cigarette smoke odor is possible with these home deodorization techniques used by cleaning and restoration specialists.

1. Cleaning Impacted Surfaces
Proper disinfecting will help strip much of the smoke residue off of items in the home, including the walls, carpet, and furniture. Even a few small particles that remain on surfaces will continue to produce odor, so thoroughly sanitizing a space is crucial.

2. Utilizing Pairing Agents
A pairing agent combines with the odor particle in two ways. It may either track airborne particles onto a surface to then be cleaned, or it will chemically alter the particle to destroy its odor-inducing properties.

3. Using Ozone for Home Deodorization 
An effective way to remove smoke odors is with the oxidation process. This technique combines oxygen with an odor-causing substance to destroy it. Oxidation may be achieved with the use of an ozone or hydroxyl generator to pump in the gas.

4. Filtering and Purifying the Air
A filtration agent may be used to capture odor particles and filter the odor gas itself. There is versatility in this method, as filtration agents can be used for either absorption or adsorption of the odor. An air purifier can also be helpful in freeing spaces in your home from lingering smoke odor.

5. Combining Methods
Depending on the severity of odor buildup within your home, cleaning professionals may use any combination of the previously mentioned methods. This can allow for the most effective removal of the smoke odor.
Your Pasadena, TX, home can be cleansed of any cigarette odors with a thorough home deodorization process. This can consist of cleaning impacted surfaces, using pairing or filtration agents and pumping ozone into the house for odor oxidation.

3 Tips To Keep Your Pets Safe During a Fire

4/4/2022 (Permalink)

Are you prepared to help your animal friends if a fire strikes?

Three Fire Safety Tips for Your Pets

When people are asked what they would save in the event of a fire emergency, family members and pets are always at the top of the list. Are you prepared to help your animal friends if a fire strikes? Here are the tips you need.

1. Have an Evacuation Plan

Your pets are part of the family. Include them in the family disaster plan. You can:

• Teach commands
  
• Have a transport crate ready to go
  
• Keep leash and harness accessible
  
• Have extra food, water, and medicine ready
  
• When away from home, keep pets near exits
  
  

Pet preparation includes teaching animals to come when called and having their essentials ready to go. Also, think about how to best evacuate them out of windows and doors.

2. Make Your Pets Known to First Responders

Unfortunately, sometimes you won't be able to tell firefighters or other responders about pets trapped inside. For this reason, it's best to make it clear now, before anything even happens. A "Beware of Dog" sign may be enough if you have one dog in the home. If there are more pets of different types, it's best to attach a window cling or sticker. You can write the number of animals in your home on the pet alert. First responders will know to look for this as well.

3. Prevent Pets From Starting a Fire

You can sometimes stop a fire emergency from happening in the first place. Loveable pets can, unfortunately, cause fires, as certain things left unattended around animals can be a fire hazard. Consider:

• Getting flameless candles
  
• Replacing easy-to-reach stove knobs
  
• Containing electrical cords
  
• Extinguishing open flames
  
  

Younger puppies and kittens especially are prone to chewing on things or knocking them over. This is another reason why training is crucial for pet safety.
Now you are prepared to keep your pets safe in a fire emergency. Keep in mind that fire damage can make structures unsafe to enter. If you have a house, condo, or apartment with pets in Baytown, TX, local fire damage assessment along with these tips can keep all of you safe, even after the fire occurs.

Preparation Is Important When Filing an Insurance Claim for Fire Damage

3/25/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial smoke damage in Pasadena, TX.

Filing an Insurance Claim for Fire Damage

If the worst happens and your commercial property experiences a fire, you should act to file a fire claim as quickly as possible. To keep the process smooth and ensure that you are receiving full coverage, there are several steps you can take to keep your insurance company happy in Pasadena, TX.

Secure the Property

Once the fire trucks are gone and the fire has died, you will want to keep the fire damage from getting worse. However, only do what you feel comfortable with, and if a situation feels unsafe you should leave it to the professionals.

If certain areas have been exposed or the windows have blown out, try to board them up as best you can.
If part of the roof is gone, it is a good idea to tarp it up to prevent rain and other elements from entering.
If pipes are burst you should shut off the water.

Gather Your Records

So you aren't left scrambling later, you should gather all documents relevant when assigning value to items that have been damaged or lost. You should keep a record of all expenses incurred from the moment the fire started. It is best practice to photograph all the damage, even before you start securing your property. Making a fire claim is even easier if you also take the initiative to get estimates for all your repairs.

Get Ready for a Visitor

Typically insurance companies will send one or more claims adjusters with specialized knowledge to investigate the claim and assess various forms of damage in order to determine your coverage. They may keep in touch in order to receive updates on the fire restoration process and make payments to your account. Payments are usually sent via direct deposit or check.
When making a fire claim to your insurance, the more information you have at the ready, the easier it will be for everyone involved. This will also make it more likely that you get adequate coverage. Going through a disaster is tough, there's no reason to make it tougher.

Five Safety Tips to Prevent a Dryer Fire

2/25/2022 (Permalink)

Clean the lint filter and dryer vent regularly.

Five Fire-Prevention Tips for Dryers

A clothes dryer is a common and convenient household appliance, but it can be dangerous if not properly maintained. Not only can the dryer break and need replacing, but it can also cause a lint fire in your Mcnair, TX  home. Follow these safety tips to help prevent any emergency situations.

1. Have Your Dryer Professionally Installed
Having your dryer installed by a qualified professional can put you on the right path to keeping your home safe. They can make sure that everything is installed correctly and working as it should, preventing any potential safety hazards.

2. Clean the Lint Filter and Dryer Vent Regularly
The most common cause of a dryer fire is not keeping the unit clean. You should remove lint from the filter before and after each use. Lint can also build up in the back of the dryer, so be sure to clean that area as well. The dryer vent should be cleaned at least every three months to prevent blockages.

3. Have the Dryer Serviced Regularly.
It is a good idea to have your dryer serviced on a regular basis. Hiring a professional to clean and inspect the appliance at least once a year can help minimize any problems and keep the unit safe to use.

4. Keep Flammable Items Away From the Dryer
A lint fire is not the only kind of fire that can occur when using your dryer. If a flammable liquid has been spilled on an item, you should never put it in the dryer. Be sure to keep any flammable materials away from the surrounding area as well.

5. Make Sure the Dryer is Off Before You Leave the House
If you are leaving your house or going to sleep, make sure that you turn the dryer off beforehand. If a fire were to start while the unit was unattended, it could spread and cause a lot of damage before you were aware of it.
You can hire fire remediation specialists to help in case of a lint fire, but keeping your dryer cleaned and properly maintained can help keep your unit safe.

Why Your Home May Not Be Covered by Insurance for Fire

12/15/2021 (Permalink)

House fire in Mcnair, TX.

Home Fire and Insurance

Having an insurance policy on your home in Mcnair, TX, is necessary to prevent devastating financial loss from fire. Many insurance companies define two exceptions to home fire coverage: intentional fires and vacant properties. You may need to talk with your agent to learn more about these exceptions if you have any of the following:

• A vacation home
  
• Split residency
• A house for sale
  
• Have recently combined assets, such as through marriage
  
  

It’s easy to recognize arson as a good reason for coverage to be void, but it’s a pretty big surprise to most people that their property may be considered a vacant home and excluded from their insurance policy.

Vacant Homes

While each company has a different definition of what constitutes a vacant home, most use a pretty aggressive period of just 30 days. That means, if your property is empty for 30 days or longer, you may not be covered even in the case of an accidental vacant home fire. This is a big surprise to many people, but the good thing is that you can purchase additional coverage for a vacant home.

Insurance Coverage for Fires

Most home insurance policies provide appropriate coverage, especially in the case of a home fire. Make sure your policy includes the following coverage:

• Financial recovery for structural damage and repairs
  
• Liability for accidental fires from neglect
  
• Loss of use coverage allowing for the cost of a hotel or rental while your home is rebuilt or repaired
  
• Personal property protection
  
  

Making sure your vacant property is covered is as simple as a phone call to your agent. Insurance companies are savvy enough to prevent people from exploiting claims through fraud, so they ensure a proper investigation is done each time a claim is filed designating fire as the source of the damage.

If you have had a home fire, you can count on a fire remediation specialist to assess the damage and manage the recovery process. When a company’s experience revolves around disaster recovery, you are sure to get the best knowledge and skill to ensure the job is done efficiently.

Practical Candle Alternatives for Your Home

10/26/2021 (Permalink)

Battery-operated candles are a safe alternative to real candles.

Eliminate The Risk Of A Candle Fire In Your Home

Admit it, candle lovers: Lighting a scented, warmth-emitting, aesthetically pleasing candle in your home for any reason is a wonderful treat. But as relaxing as they can be, candles are one of the top causes of house fires in the U.S. and have been known to cause fires for thousands of years. Many Cloverleaf, TX, residents are especially at risk for house fires during the winter months, and lit candles are often a factor. Consider the alternatives below to eliminate the risk of a candle fire in your home while still enjoying the benefits candles are known for.

Artificial Candles

Battery-operated candles are a safe alternative to real candles. They come in many shapes, colors, and sizes, and are often made with a flickering light bulb to mimic the appearance of a real candle flame. Some artificial candles even have the bonus feature of timer settings.

Scented Wall Plug-Ins

These come in an enormous variety of scents and colors and can be found at virtually any store. Many scented wall plug-ins often come with built-in nightlights, making them just as useful as a real candle by your bedside.

Nightlights

Want to light up a dark area without adding an extra scent to your home or risking a candle fire? Standard nightlights are a practical answer and a much safer alternative to real candles.

If You MUST Use Real Candles…

Despite the hazards, some people prefer the classic essence of real candles. If candle alternatives are not for you, remember these tips to use candles safely and avoid hours (or days) of smoke cleanup:

• Put all candles out before going to sleep.
  
• Keep flammable objects as far away from lit candles as possible.
  
• NEVER let young children or pets near lit candles.
  
  

A candle fire can easily turn into a homeowner’s worst nightmare. But whether you prefer real candles or are willing to try candle alternatives, the options are endless—as long as safety is considered for you and your home.

3 Simple Steps to House Fire Preparation

7/27/2021 (Permalink)

Make use of fire alarms. For best fire safety practices, replace batteries once a year.

House Fire Preparation In 3 Easy Steps

If you have ever seen a home fire, you know how fast it happens. Such an event leaves a lasting impression, so you've taken steps to prevent this disaster from happening to your family in Channelview,TX. You practice good fire safety such as using flashlights instead of candles, keeping lighters and matches where kids can't reach them, keeping space heaters three feet away from anything, and taking fire safety precaution around the stove. You've made all this effort to prevent a fire, but have you prepared your family in the event a fire actually happens? Here are three simple steps for fire preparation:

Have an escape plan. You actually need to have two paths planned for each room in the house and make sure everyone knows them. Keep escape ladders in upstairs bedrooms, and have drills to practice the plan.

Have a communication plan. In your fire preparation plan, designate an obvious location to meet. The place should be just far enough from the house to be safe, but so you can all account for everyone. Also, always have a designated contact for communication. The person should live far away so that she or he is unlikely to be in the disaster area.

Use fire alarms. You should have a fire alarm on every floor, outside each bedroom and inside each bedroom. Make sure children know what they sound like and what to do when they hear the alarm. Replace batteries every year for best fire safety practices.

The American Red Cross advises that you only have two minutes to escape once a fire starts in your home. It's especially important to discuss and practice the plan with kids regularly. During fire preparation drills, teach them to stay low while leaving the house during a fire because the smoke is dangerous. Using fire alarms and having an exit plan paves the way for a better chance of getting your family out safely during a fire.

3 Ways To Prevent a Puff Back

7/2/2021 (Permalink)

A puff back can impact every room of your house.

3 Ways To Prevent a Puff Back

A puff back occurs when soot discharges out of a heating unit. It is technically a tiny explosion consisting of unburned oil in the furnace. Sometimes it will be a relatively small ignition that only gets soot on items in the surrounding area. Other times, it can be quite large. The furnace itself may sustain damage if the explosion is big enough. Regardless of what caused the problem, it needs to be addressed immediately. A large enough incident can make a house uninhabitable. Luckily, there are ways to decrease your chances of experiencing furnace issues in your home in Baytown, TX.

1. Have Heating Appliances Serviced Regularly

You should have a professional come out to your house at least once a year to inspect your HVAC system. This visit should involve more than just a standard cleaning. You should hire someone who knows how to open up all the appliances and can really inspect the systems to see if there are any outstanding problems that could lead to a puff back. In the event there is a broken component, get it fixed right away.

2. Watch Out for Warning Signs

If you hear loud rumbling sounds coming from your furnace, then you need to give it an immediate inspection. You should also be aware of any strange odors coming from the system. Additionally, if you notice any soot building up on the surface of your heater, then you need to clean it up and determine where it came from.

3. Address Oil Leaks Immediately

The presence of oil around your heater is a dangerous sign. A dripping flare connector can vastly increase your chances of having furnace issues. It is preferable to have a professional clean up the oil and fix the piping for safety reasons.

A puff back can impact every room of your house if the soot goes through the vents. Prevention is ideal so you do not have to worry about throwing away all your fabrics.

3 Reasons Why You Should Have a Professional Clean Your Electronics After a Fire

6/9/2021 (Permalink)

Kitchen fire damage in Channelview, TX.

How Can Cleanup Your Electronics After A Fire?

You don’t like to dwell on it or think about it, but the possibility of dealing with a house fire is a reality. This is why you have insurance and put in place as many safeguards as you can to avoid this tragedy. Still, if the unthinkable does happen, you want to trust your fire cleanup to a trained expert who knows who to preserve or restore your home and belongings. The best professionals can even clean up your electronics.

They Handle Most Electronics

In the most severe fires, you might not have much luck salvaging items in your Channelview, TX, home. However, if your fortunate, the best companies have the means to repair most electronic devices that have suffered smoke damage. Some of these devices may include:

• Computers, including laptops and desktops
• Stereo equipment
• Televisions
• Printers
• Smartphones

They Have the Expertise

If you notice during the fire cleanup process that some of your electronic devices fell victim to smoke, you shouldn’t take on the responsibility to clean it up yourself. An experienced technician will use tried and true methods to safely inspect and restore your device. If you’re not careful, you could not only cause more damage to the equipment, but you could harm yourself as well. The professionals employ dependable techniques that will preserve the items without compromising them or anyone in your home.

They Use the Right Tools

One should only use the most specialized equipment available to clean up electronics. Fortunately, a dependable professional will come to your home with advanced tools and methods. The technician will act promptly. Your best course of action is to back up the memory of computers and to unplug all electronics.

There’s cause for concern during a fire and fire cleanup. You can breathe a sigh of relief knowing a professional will treat your electronic items with care and may be able to salvage these important items.

4 Essential Things To Do When Filing a Fire Damage Claim

4/8/2021 (Permalink)

House fire in Lynchburg, TX.

Four Things To Do When Filing A Fire Damage Claim

If a fire occurs in your  Lynchburg, TX, home, you may be at a loss for what to do next. One of the most important tasks to complete is filing a fire damage claim. Doing this can allow you to cover the fire restoration process. If you're unfamiliar with this task, here are four essential things to do when filing a fire damage claim.

1. Study Your Coverage
To make the most out of your insurance policy, you must study your coverage. These are particularly important factors to investigate:

• What damages are covered
  
• How soon your claim should be filed
  
• What your next steps are
  
  

If you need more thorough information, you can call your insurance company for help. Just be sure beforehand that you're planning on filing a claim.

2. Ask About Assistance
If your home is uninhabitable after the fire, you may be able to receive assistance from your insurance company. Part of your fire insurance could include housing, at least until your home has been restored. You may also be able to get essential products replaced. Keep in mind that these expenses may be taken out of your claim.

3. Document the Damage
Your fire restoration costs won't be covered unless the damage can be located and proven. If it's safe, walk through your home and look for damaged areas or items. Be sure to document what you see, preferably with visual proof. This will also be useful when an adjuster comes to inspect your home. When this happens, you can be sure every bit of damage is noted.

4. Keep Your Claim Open
While it may be easy to close your claim after getting the initial fire restoration payment, this could become problematic after a while. You may find that further damage has occurred since the accident. In case this happens, consider keeping your claim open for a while afterward.
Covering smoke cleaning and other aspects of the restoration process is essential. Therefore, it's important to file a claim as soon as possible.

4 Ways To Achieve Candle Zen Without Candles

12/17/2020 (Permalink)

Try using a candle warmer

Here Are Four Alternatives To Candles

Wax candles may be a traditional favorite for creating ambience, but with their associated risk of fires, candle alternatives have become popular in Mcnair, TX. With so many options to suit a variety of tastes, it may be worth giving some of these low-risk replacements a try.

1. Candle Warmers
If you have a favorite scented candle that you cannot do without, try using a candle warmer. These warmers are designed to work with jar candles, heating them evenly to release their fragrance from the scented wax.

2. Flameless Candles
These battery-operated lights look just like candles but do not carry the risk of a candle fire since there are no flames. They are lightweight and portable, and they can be used repeatedly.

3. Room Sprays
For those that love filling a room with a favorite fragrance, room sprays are the perfect candle alternatives. They come in a variety of scents, and some candle retailers sell sprays that match the scents of their bestselling candles. One small spray will immediately refresh an entire room with a fragrance and can mask odors in the kitchen or bathroom. Room sprays provide temporary enjoyment, and the smell will dissipate within a couple hours.

4. Reed Diffusers
Another great option for anyone looking for a fragrant ambience, reed diffusers pull scented oils from a vase and release vapors of the scent evenly throughout the room. Unlike room sprays, diffusers are designed for longer lasting use, and will continue to diffuse the fragrance if there is oil in the vase.
All these options carry zero risk of an open flame and eliminate the danger of a candle fire. They are perfect for providing ambience without needing constant supervision while in use. Fires are extremely dangerous, and the smoke cleanup and damage very time consuming without the help of fire restoration professionals.
With a variety of safe candle alternatives on the market, it is easy to see why many people are making the switch. Maximize your enjoyment while minimizing your risk!

Understanding Your Commercial Property Policy

10/26/2020 (Permalink)

Your commercial insurance policies are designed to protect you financially if you experience some type of loss

Every business owner knows that it's important to have a basic business owners package when purchasing commercial insurance. One of the items included in your BOP is the property policy. Here are the answers to two common questions business owners in Galena Park, TX, have about commercial property coverage.

What Does a Commercial Property Policy Cover?

Property insurance is designed to compensate for losses from fire, theft and certain natural disasters. Most property policies cover damage to the structure itself as well as other features of the property:

• Office equipment
  
• Manufacturing equipment
  
• Important documents
  
• Inventory
  
• Signs
  
• Fences and gates
  
  

Most commercial insurance policies cover the cost of the work done by certified restoration specialists to repair your building and restore the items that have fire damage in it. If the materials and items are a total loss, your coverage may also pay for their replacements.

How Much Does a Commercial Property Policy Cost?
Your provider may have a base rate for property coverage, but there are several factors that can cause the cost of your premiums to fluctuate. Your overall fire protection is one such factor. Some cities have better fire protocols than others, and it's generally less expensive to insure commercial property in those cities, particularly if your building is located close to the fire department. If your building is constructed of fire resistant materials or you have a superior fire suppression system installed, this can also lower your costs. Finally, the type of business you own plays a role in how much your premiums are likely to be. A restaurant, for example, inherently has more fire hazards than the typical office setting, so it may cost more to insure.
Your commercial insurance policies are designed to protect you financially if you experience some type of loss. Good property coverage allows you to repair damage to your building and surrounding structures without having to pay a lot out of pocket at the time of the event.

How Fire and Smoke Can Damage Expensive Electronics

7/2/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can clean electronics after a fire.

How Fire and Smoke Can Damage Expensive Electronics

Smoke and flames can come from many sources. In an office environment, improperly stored or maintained electronics can result in an electrical fire that spreads and damages valuable computers and hardware. Conventional fires can also create smoke and fire that damage electronics, requiring extensive restoration. While covered electronics may seem immune to the effects of smoke and soot, there are several reasons that this is not the case.

1. Excessive Insulation
When electronics are exposed to a large enough volume of smoke, they become coated in a black film. This film insulates important components, causing them to overheat and expire.

2. Soot Corrosion
Removing smoke damage from surfaces such as walls or windows as early as possible is important because soot is highly acidic. The same goes for your electronics.

3. Magnetism
Although the magnetic charge carried by smoke is very slight, it can still short circuits in computer electronics or appliances. Magnetism caused by smoke is unlikely to stop functioning completely, but it can shorten the life of many devices.
Computer cleanup after a fire requires a thorough understanding of both appropriate disassembly practices and buildup removal. When attempting a cleanup, all electronics should be turned off and unplugged to avoid short-circuiting or further electrical fire. All components that contain memory, such as hard drives should be removed. Transfer important data to an undamaged computer at your earliest convenience, in order to ensure that your data is not lost, should the restoration process fail to revive the host device.
If you are unsure whether you can successfully restore your businesses' devices on your own, you should not hesitate to contact a qualified electronics technician. Repairing electronics after your Pasadena, TX  electrical fire can be the difference between getting back to work and having to buy a whole new set of equipment. These days, office computers do a lot more than hold memos and payroll records. Make sure yours are restored correctly.

What to Expect During Fire Cleanup

6/8/2020 (Permalink)

Fire damage in Lynchburg, TX

What to Expect During Fire Cleanup

A fire in your Lynchburg, TX, home creates more issues than just the visible char of soot damage to your belongings and the structure itself. Along with smoke damage, there is likely water damage from extinguishing the flames. Although the situation can be overwhelming, a certified fire and smoke restoration professional will have the tools and know-how to get your home back to new. Below are the six main steps to expect.

1. Assessment
Even after the fire is out, your home should still be considered in a state of emergency. Quick action is vital for the protection of your home. An expert will walk through the property to assess visible and hidden damage that needs to be restored.

2. Protection
Any structural components compromised by the fire take the top priority to ensure the damage doesn’t spread or create new damage. Unsafe areas will be blocked off. Damaged roofs or windows will be temporarily boarded up.

3. Water Removal
If water is still present, air movers and dehumidifiers will be used to dry the home out. This helps reduce the chances of mold growth or wood rotting.

4. Soot and Smoke Removal
Using advanced equipment, soot and smoke damage will be removed from surfaces within the home. Along with walls and ceilings, it includes salvageable items, such as furniture.

5. Cleaning and Sanitizing
A professional has an arsenal of cleaning methods for sanitizing and smoke cleaning your belongings. Any items that aren’t salvageable will be removed. Some items may need to be taken to another location for full restoration work. in the fire, as well as hauling away unsalvageable materials and preparing the location for full-on restoration work.

6. Restoration
With a fresh slate, the experts will begin restoring your home back to its pre-fire glory.
Once the cleaning is finished, it’s time to start the damage reversal process. Along with being damage experts, they are also restoration experts who can install carpet, replace walls, and perform other repairs.
Even a small fire can result in extensive smoke damage. To get your home back to normal, call the experts who are Faster to Any Size Disaster.

What To Know About a Home Fire Extinguisher

2/24/2020 (Permalink)

Pull the pin, aim the hose, squeeze the trigger, and sweep the suppressant over the flames

Tips On How To Prevent Fire and Damage In Your Home

If you’re looking at getting a fire extinguisher for your Baytown, TX, home, you may have a few questions. Here are a few of the most recommended tips from many fire restoration professionals on how to prevent fire and damage in your home.

1. Keep One in At Risk Areas
One step toward fire preparedness in the home is to keep an emergency extinguisher in high-risk areas. This includes the kitchen where many appliances such as the oven, toaster and stove top utilize heat to cook food. It may also include work areas such as a garage or shop space where work with power tools or other electronics may be used. Some people also keep a smaller extinguisher near the laundry room as the dryer also uses heat.

2. Regularly Maintain the Unit
It’s important to regularly maintain your fire extinguisher, look it over to insure that all the pins are in place and that the canister is still full of suppressant. You may also want to replace unused units that are passed their recommended use date to ensure full functionality. If you do use an extinguisher, make sure to get it refilled

3. P.A.S.S.
Knowing how to properly use an extinguisher can be just as important as having one close at hand when it comes to preventing a home fire. The acronym P.A.S.S is often used to describe the four-step process used by most of these units. It stands for pull, aim, squeeze, sweep. Pull the pin, aim the hose, squeeze the trigger, and sweep the suppressant over the flames as it sprays.
When placing a fire extinguisher, in your home it’s important to include one in each high risk location. You will also want to regularly maintain the unit to ensure functionality, as well as teach each member of the household how to use the unit.