Celebrate the 4th of July with Safety in Mind

6/7/2024 (Permalink)

Celebrating the 4th of July can be a blast – literally.

Celebrating the 4th of July can be a blast – literally. When getting ready to celebrate the long weekend, it’s important to take note of the proper safety precautions to avoid series injury or potential fire hazards when grilling or setting off fireworks to celebrate Independence Day. 

Tips for Grilling Safely 

• Keep your grill at least 10 ft. away from the walls of your home, garage, etc.  
• Never leave a lit grill unattended.  
• Never add starter fluid to ignited coals. 
• Use long-handed grilling equipment to avoid getting burned. 

Safely Setting Off Fireworks 

• Stay at lease 500 ft. away from a public, live firework show. 
• Keep a fire extinguisher or a supply of water nearby in case any fireworks do cause a fire. 
• Never hold any part of your body directly over a firework as you light them to avoid burning your hands, face, chest, etc. 
• Keep fireworks out of the reach of children. Always keep children within your sight if they are playing with sparklers. 
• If a firework does not go off, do not attempt to light it again. 

If an unavoidable fire disaster does occur to your property, know that SERVPRO® is available 24/7/365 to help you with every step of the fire restoration process. 

Bonfire Season Is Coming

6/7/2024 (Permalink)

Follow these tips to have fun and safe summer nights!

Surrounding a campfire with loved ones creates special memories that you can cherish forever. Putting forth safety measures when having a bonfire can lessen the chances of having fire related injuries and property damage. Follow these tips to have fun and safe summer nights! 

Starting the Fire 

• Make sure your fire pit is enclosed and there is enough room for a seating area. 
• Make sure that your bonfire is 10 feet away from your home or any structures. 
• Do not use gasoline or lighter fluid to start or light the bonfire. 

Bonfire Safety 

• Keep a bucket of water or hose handy in case of emergencies. 
• Do not leave the bonfire unattended. 
• Keep children and pets away from the bonfire. 
• Do not throw fireworks into the bonfire. 
• Do not burn aerosols or anything that may produce toxic fumes or explode. 

Putting Out the Fire 

• Slowly pour water over the ashes and check to be sure that the fire is completely out. 
• Use a shovel to spread out the ashes to let them cool down. 

How to Put Out an Electrical Fire

1/17/2024 (Permalink)

Electrical failures and malfunctions also account for the highest share of civilian deaths and direct property damage.

Electricity is an essential part of life. From lights to heating systems to TV’s, it provides the energy for most powered objects in a house. Electricity is important to have in every home, but it can also be extremely dangerous. According to the National Fire Protection Association, electrical failures or malfunctions are the second leading cause of home fire in the United States. Electrical failures and malfunctions also account for the highest share of civilian deaths and direct property damage. 

If an electrical fire were to break out in your home, here are actions that you should do immediately: 

• Cut off the Electricity – If the device that is causing the fire is found and you can safely reach the cord, unplug it. 
• Add Sodium Bicarbonate – If the fire is small, you may put it out by pouring baking soda on it. 
• Don’t Use Water – Using water to put out an electrical fire can put you at risk of being shocked or electrocuted because water is a natural conductor of electricity. Water also may cause the fire to spread by conducting electricity throughout the room and potentially igniting flammable materials. 
• Remove the Oxygen Source – An electrical fire may also be put out by removing the oxygen source with a heavy blanket or clothing if the fire is small. 
• Check Your Fire Extinguisher – Electrical fires are considered a Class C Fire, which means that you will need to have an extinguisher that is appropriate for this type of fire. Residential fire extinguishers are often multi-purpose and labeled as ABC, but it is very important to make sure that it is before using it on an electrical fire. 

Fireplace Safety

1/3/2024 (Permalink)

Fire and smoke damage is especially destructive.

In the winter, you may be using your fireplace to heat up your home. Residential fire safety is crucial, especially when you have open flames within your home. It’s important to know that any type of fireplace, whether wood-burning, gas, or electric, creates potential danger to your home and loved ones. 

Fireplace Safety Tips 

• Open a window while the fire is it. 
• Be sure the damper or flue is open before lighting or starting a fire, and until embers have completely stopped burning, to draw smoke out of the house. 
• Check the damper by looking up into the chimney with a flashlight or mirror. 
• Use smaller pieces of dry and well-aged wood for home fire safety, avoiding wet or green wood, which cause more smoke and soot buildup in the chimney. 
• Have a professional check the chimney annually. 
• When cleaning a fireplace, remove ashes from previous fires, keeping levels to 1 inch or less for less smoke 
• Check for animal nests or other blockages that could prevent smoke from escaping. 
• Make sure the area around the fireplace is clear of anything that is potentially flammable. 
• Never leave a fire in the fireplace unattended and be sure it’s completely out before going to bed or leaving the house. 
• Home fireplace safety should include keeping a fire extinguisher on hand. 

Fire and smoke damage is especially destructive. In many instances, your Saginaw property will also suffer from water damage from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO® has specialized equipment, specific training, and certifications that allow us to restore your home to pre-fire condition "Like it never even happened."