Be Prepared For A Home Fire!

8/6/2019 (Permalink)

Be prepared for a house fire.

Before

• Install smoke alarms on every level of the home and outside each sleeping area. For the best protection, install interconnected smoke alarms in each bedroom and throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.

• Test alarms once a month. Change batteries at least once a year. Replace alarms every ten years.

• Consider installing smoke alarms with a “long-life” (10-year) battery. These alarms must be tested once a month.

• Consider installing a residential automatic fire sprinkler system.

• Plan and practice your family’s escape route. Make sure every room has two ways out. Make sure all doors and windows open easily. Consider escape ladders for upper floors and make sure security bars on your doors and windows open easily from the inside. Remember to plan for your pets.

• Never use flammable liquids inside and store them in approved containers in well-ventilated areas. Safely discard all rags or materials that have been soaked in flammable liquids outside in a metal container.

• Inspect your chimney regularly. Clear any branches and debris from the chimney area. Make sure your chimney is at least three feet taller than the roof, insulated, and equipped with spark arresters on top.

• Keep space heaters at least three feet from combustibles and away from open flames.

• Keep matches and lighters up high, away from children’s sight and reach.

• If you smoke, smoke outside. Use large deep, sturdy ashtrays.

• Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove. If you are simmering, boiling, baking or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that the stove or oven is on.

• Have an electrician check and maintain the wiring in your building. Inspect cords for frayed or exposed wiring and loosened plugs. Do not run wires or cords under rugs, over nails, or across high-traffic areas. Do not overload extension cords. Make sure insulation does not touch bare electrical wiring. • Inspect and clean dryer filters and exhaust frequently.

During

• Get out and stay out. Call the fire department from outside the home and do not return into the building until firefighters give the okay.

• If fire or smoke blocks your escape route, use your second way out. If you must pass through smoke, get low and go under the smoke and close doors behind you.

• If you need to open a closed door, feel the door. If it’s hot, use your second way out.

• If smoke, heat, or flames prevent you from exiting a room, keep the door closed, call for help and wait by the window for rescue.

After

• Evacuate immediately if you detect heat or smoke in a fire-damaged building.

• If you are a tenant, contact the landlord.

• If you have a safe or strongbox, wait several hours before opening it. It can hold intense heat and if you open it before it is completely cool, the contents could burst into flames.

• If you must leave your home after a fire because the building inspector has deemed it unsafe, ask someone you trust to watch the property in your absence.

Prevent a Deep Fried Turkey Fire

11/21/2018 (Permalink)

Prevent a Turkey Fire!

Tips to help prevent deep fried turkey accidents

• Keep outdoor fryers off decks, out of garages and a safe distance away from trees and other structures.
• Make sure the turkey is thawed and dry before cooking. Ice or water that mixes into the hot oil can cause flare-ups.
• Watch the weather. Never operate a fryer outdoors in the rain or snow.
• Place the fryer on a level surface, and avoid moving it once it's in use.
• Leave 2 feet between the tank and the burner when using a propane-powered fryer.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid overfilling. Oil can ignite when it makes contact with the burner.
• Choose a smaller turkey for frying. A bird that's 8 to 10 pounds is best; pass on turkeys over 12 pounds.
• Never leave fryers unattended.
• Purchase a fryer with temperature controls, and watch the oil temperature carefully. Cooking oil that is heated beyond its smoke point can catch fire. If you notice the oil is smoking, turn the fryer off.
• Turn off the burner before lowering the turkey into the oil. Once the turkey is submerged, turn the burner on.
• Wear goggles to shield your eyes, use oven mitts to protect your hands and arms and keep an "ABC" or grease-rated fire extinguisher close by. Do not to use water or a garden hose on a fire related to Turkey Fryers.
• Skip the stuffing when frying turkey, and avoid water-based marinades.
• Keep children and pets away from the fryer at all times.
• Once finished, carefully remove the pot from the burner, place it on a level surface and cover to let the oil cool overnight before disposing.
• Opt for an oil-less fryer. This uses infrared heat, rather than oil, to cook the turkey.

After your turkey is prepared, remember these Thanksgiving food safety tips to help ensure your family has a safe, enjoyable holiday. 

If you do face a fire please call a professional restoration company like SERVPRO.

What To Do After A Fire

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
• Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
• Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
• Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
• Change HVAC filter.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

What NOT To Do After A Fire

• Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting us.
• Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
• Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
• Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

The Esporta

6/21/2018 (Permalink)

Before and After

Contents

Fire and water cause enormous damage to countless homes every year. Beyond structural damage, they also impact contents causing contamination that can prove very difficult to restore.

Leave it to us!

We know all to well that many items are extremely difficult too clean, but that is why we are the professionals. SERVPRO has a specialty Wash System that can clean almost irreversible damage. 

About the Esporta Wash System

The Esporta washing technology is capable of cleaning category 1, 2, and 3 water, heavy smoke, and soot damage.

You can count on Esporta to predictably clean and restore soft contents. Even the toughest soot, water damage and bio contamination is no match for Esporta. Our wash system consistently delivers 90% of soft contents back to “food grade” clean. Customers are wowed by what we can restore! 

What is the Esporta capable of cleaning:

• Bacteria
• viruses
• sewage
• soot
• grime
• mold
• biowaste
• mildew

Soft contents that can be cleaned include:

• Clothing
• bedding
• comforters
• pillows
• sleeping bags
• linens
• rugs
• jackets
• suedes
• furs
• linens
• stuffed animals
• shoes
• hats
• belts
• purses 
• Sports Equipment

More About Contents Restoration

SERVPRO professionals specialize in restoring contents damaged by fire, water, or mold. Their expertise and “restore” versus “replace” mentality can help you save money while preserving precious keepsakes that can’t be replaced. They pretest your contents to determine what items can be restored back to their condition before the water damage. SERVPRO Professionals utilize several methods of cleaning your contents, including:

• Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning.
• Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.
• Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that can’t withstand wet cleaning.
• Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned.
• Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned. 
• Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product. 

Smoke Damage

4/12/2018 (Permalink)

Fire Damage

Areas of a Home Commonly Affected by Fire Damage

The level of damage varies depending on where a fire originated. An enclosed space typically will not have as much smoke damage as a large, open room with multiple appliances and a lot of wiring in the walls. Additionally, certain parts of a room may experience more damage than others.

Ceilings
 
Hot air rises, the highest concentration of smoke residue is commonly found directly above where a fire started - usually on the ceiling above the point of origin. Nail heads in the ceiling (and walls) can also attract smoke particles, which appear as an outline of a ring around them.

Corners
 
When smoke particles are ionized - or have an electrical charge - they are attracted to certain surfaces. Smoke produced by burning plastic carries a stronger charge than smoke from wood, paper or cotton. This causes smoke residue to form in clusters that look like cobwebs in the corners of rooms where walls and ceilings meet.

Walls & Windows 
 
Windows and exterior walls are normally cooler than the center of a room and because smoke  travels to areas with a lower temperature, it's common to find smoke residue on outside walls and in spaces behind drapes and blinds, even more so than surrounding surfaces.

If you notice a lingering smoke smell in your home or business call SERVPRO at 303-576-6868

SERVPRO Tips

What To Do After A Fire

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
• Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
• Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
• Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
• Change HVAC filter.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

What NOT To Do After A Fire

• Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting us.
• Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
• Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
• Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

Restoring What Matters Most After Fire Damage To Your Castle Rock Home

11/21/2017 (Permalink)

Castle Rock Properties and Fire Damage Means It Is Time to Call SERVPRO

Content Cleaning of Possessions Rank High with Fire & Smoke Cleanup

Negligence and distraction are not the only excuses for your Castle Rock home to suddenly and inexplicably catches fire. Regardless of the reason, many people do not have the option just to uproot and move to a new location. The only solution is to get the damaged areas of your house restored to how they looked before the fire ever happened.
 
The thoroughness of the fire damage restoration in your Castle Rock residence is partially dependent on the experience of the qualified restoration company that you choose to do the work. Our professional SERVPRO staff prides itself on how we treat our customers and the speed with which we can restore their damaged homes to a preloss condition whenever possible. For extreme structural damage, we partner or can offer suggestions for full-service construction companies.
 
A preloss condition is a goal for every structural component of the area affected by the fire, as well as the contents that occupy the space. Contents cleaning is something that many people are not aware that our SERVPRO team can do for them. Surprisingly, this often is done in the same way that the structural components and framework of your home are cleaned and restored, which can both save you money and help to preserve precious heirlooms and possessions that you believed were lost to the fire.
 
Content cleaning is a part of our complete restoration process that begins the moment that you give us a call with your emergency. Our experienced SERVPRO technicians make short work of assessing the damage both to the structure of your home and to the contents in the affected area. The assessment involves testing various cleaning methods on these contents to determine the best of the equipment and detergent combinations to use to remove residues, soot and other damages of this nature.
 
Be sure to relay to the professionals we send to your home which items that you value the most within the damage radius. Communication is a critical step in ensuring that nothing gets overlooked and that you are pleased with the restoration process as a whole.
 
There are no guarantees with restoring specific contents within the affected area of this fire, however. Damage can be too extensive for even the most elaborate of restoration efforts, and so it is best to council with the SERVPRO professionals sent to restore your home to determine which items can be brought to preloss conditions once more. Concerning insurance, the final say remains with you and your carrier.
 
Fires can happen to anyone. While you might not prepare for the damage they can do, we at SERVPRO of Castle Rock / Parker are always prepared. Give us a call anytime at (720) 842-1950.

For more information on the local fire department click here.

Lint Build-Up and Clogged Vents cause Preventable Fire Damage in The Pinery

10/13/2017 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO, it is our goal to get rid of your fire damage "Like it never even happened."

Clogged up Vents Can Cause Fire Damage in Pinery Homes

Residents in The Pinery look forward to winter but know that their wardrobes need adequate preparation first. Getting everything ready for the winter includes removing clothing from storage areas in your home and then laundering everything before placing these items in their designated locations.

Homeowners in The Pinery can reduce the risk of fire damage in their laundry rooms with a few precautions. As clothing ages, the fibers break down, and threads detach, forming the basis of substantial lint. Fashion items today often sport severely stonewashed or stressed details. These things can increase the amount of fiber produced significantly.

At the beginning of the dryer's cycle, lint still retains moisture and easily attach to the inside of the dryer's vent. Blockages and accumulations of lint can become very hot as the dryer's cycle continues and then burst into flame. The fire then spread throughout your home.

SERVPRO provides services designed to keep your family's dryer vent system from becoming clogged. Starting at the back of the dryer, we ensure the entire length is lint-free. Cleaning the outside vent removes any debris built up by birds or other animals. While cleaning the ductwork, we check for the existence of any other problems. These problems include ducts that have longer lengths than necessary, holes or tears, pinched areas, rusted locations, among others.

The act of preventing dryer fires comes with many benefits. Lint-free ducts help clothes dry more quickly, reducing energy costs and time waiting for clothing. A more efficient appliance lasts longer with fewer repair costs, saving you additional money over the life of your dryer.

SERVPRO invests extensively in the training and development of our employees. Doing so builds our teams' strength, ensuring our customers receive the best services possible whenever they have an emergency in their home. We strive to provide customer satisfaction with each new opportunity where we can make every once-damaged home “Like it never even happened” again.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

For dryer fires and other situations involving fire damage, contacting SERVPRO of Castle Rock / Parker at our local number, (720) 842-1950, starts your home on the path to restoration. Available regardless of the hour, our services are always open to our community.

For more information regarding the city of The Pinery, click here. 

SERVPRO Restores Castle Rock Candle Fire Damage

8/21/2017 (Permalink)

Damage from Fires in Your Castle Rock Home Get Restoration Help from SERVPRO

Damage Cleanup from Fire and Smoke Odors Get Professional Help

Candles offer a lovely ambiance to your home, but their small but significant flames can also cause serious damage. Unattended candles are a common cause of Castle Rock residential fires,  requiring professional help after the fire department leaves. SERVPRO counts fire damage restoration as one of its core services, and we take pride in being an industry leader in its provision.
 
During a recent party, you decorated with a number of lit candles, one of which set ablaze draperies too close to the flame. Fire damage to your Castle Rock home is widespread as the fire smoldered for a time before being discovered. Both stories of your two level home have surfaces coated with soot, and the dining room also has chemical and water damage. We offer full-service restoration, able to handle harms done to your home by any of a broad range of causes.
 
Since the fire department used water to douse the flames after a fire extinguisher could not complete the job, the SERVPRO team first addresses the water damage. Removing the moisture before concentrating on the fire damage follows industry best practices according to the training our workers receive from Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, Restoration, and Certification (IICRC) approved coursework. Water extraction and then drying of the premises, via air movers and dehumidifiers, complete and then the crew proceeds to clean up the ash, soot, and smoke damage.
 
SERVPRO workers use dry sponges and HEPA equipped vacuums for lighter fire debris, but smoldering fires often deposit a thicker, sticker residue. We utilize spray cleaners developed to remove tough coatings and may move on to abrasive techniques for really stubborn areas. It is important that the abrasive tools, cleaners, and methods be completed by experienced professionals to avoid harm to your property.
 
Although the curtains were ruined and need replacement, with SERVPRO on the job you count on nearly every other task being restorative. We focus on restoring rather than tear-outs and repairs and remodeling to limit the time your home is disrupted and to save on materials and other expenses. We work closely with your insurer throughout the process to ensure you receive no unpleasant surprises.
 
When an accident seems to destroy your lovely home, call SERVPRO of Castle Rock / Parker because we know how to restore fire damage “Like it never even happened.” Contact us at (720) 842-1950 for an estimate in Parker, Castle Rock, and Castle Pines for a swift response to the harm done.

Mountains and more click here.

The Reason You Need SERVPRO's Help After a Fire

3/3/2017 (Permalink)

This is a before photo of a fire that we responded to in Franktown, CO. It may look like a disaster, but we have the tools to restore it.

The following was taken from the University of Missouri Extension's website. The author, Betty Feather, explains why it is better to call the professionals than to try to "do-it-yourself" after a fire. SERVPRO Castle Rock/Parker is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. 

Removing smoke odor from household textiles

Smoke odor could remain in clothing, upholstered furniture, carpets and draperies unless it is properly deodorized. Professional fire restorers and some dry cleaners use a deodorizing process that actually breaks up the smoke molecule to eliminate the odor. This deodorization process is called the ozone treatment. The ozone treatment produces an oxidizing agent that creates the same sweet smelling air associated with a rain storm. The ozone treatment can be done by a professional fire restorer at the home with an ozone generator. Sometimes household textiles are deodorized in an ozone room. If the process is done at home, clothing, upholstered furniture and other textile items are put under a tent while the ozone generator is operating. Clothing and other textile items should be deodorized before they are cleaned; otherwise, the smoke odor could be set in the fabric.

Household deodorizing products are temporary relief methods. Deodorizing with perfumes, aerosol sprays, and disinfectants generally only mask the smoke odor. The smoke odor will still remain after the spray or perfume evaporates. In addition, deodorizing sprays may interact with smoke odor and create an additional odor.

Removing smoke odor from the home

Smoke can enter and remain in and between the walls of the living space. If it is not properly removed, the smoke odor reoccurs from time to time, particularly during damp periods. Therefore, action should be taken to properly remove all smoke odors.

During a fire, the heat will expand pores in the walls and fill the pores with smoke. After the fire, the house cools, the pores close and trap the smoke odor. On warm days the pores will open and release the trapped smoke odor, which could settle on furnishings. Professional fire restorers can eliminate the smoke odor with a process called thermal fogging, which opens the pores in the walls and neutralizes the smoke odor. There is probably no process a home owner could use that would work as effectively as thermal fogging.

Household vents and ducts trap smoke odors. During a fire, smoke drifts through the ducts and becomes lodged on the sides. Since it may be impossible to clean the ducts; some professional fire restorers will use a chemical sealer to secure smoke permanently to the sides of the ducts. This procedure prevents smoke odors from drifting in the air at a later time.

If the attic has been insulated prior to the fire, it may be necessary to remove the insulation. Insulation cannot be cleaned; unfortunately, it will need to be replaced because insulation retains smoke odors.

Source: http://extension.missouri.edu/p/GH145

December Candle Safety

12/1/2016 (Permalink)

Candles can add to your holiday enjoyment. Just make sure to use them safely.

From 2009-2013, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 9,300 home structure fires that were started by candles. These fires caused 86 deaths, 827 injuries and $374 million in direct property damage. 

Facts and figures

During the five-year period of 2009-2013:

• Candles caused 3% of reported home fires, 3% of home fire deaths, 6% of home fire injuries, and 5% of the direct property damage in home fires.
• Roughly one-third (36%) of home candle fires started in bedrooms. These fires caused 32% of the associated deaths and 47% of the associated injuries.
• Falling asleep was a factor in 11% percent of the home candle fires and 30% of the associated deaths.
• On average, 25 home candle fires were reported per day. 
• More than half (58%) of home candle fires occurred when some form of combustible material was left or came too close to the candle.
• December is the peak time of year for home candle fires. In December, 11% of home candle fires began with decorations compared to 4% the rest of the year.

Safety tips

Remember that a candle is an open flame, which means that it can easily ignite anything that can burn.

• Blow out all candles when you leave the room or go to bed. Avoid the use of candles in the bedroom and other areas where people may fall asleep.
• Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn.
• Think about using flame-less candles in your home. They look and smell like real candles.
• Use candle holders that are sturdy, and won’t tip over easily.
• Put candle holders on a sturdy, uncluttered surface.
• Light candles carefully. Keep your hair and any loose clothing away from the flame.
• Don’t burn a candle all the way down — put it out before it gets too close to the holder or container.
• Never use a candle if oxygen is used in the home.
• Have flashlights and battery-powered lighting ready to use during a power outage. Never use candles.

Religious candle safety

Lit candles are used in religious services, in places of worship, and in the home. Whether you are using one candle, or more than one on a candelabra, kinara, or menorah, make sure you use them safely.

• Candles should be placed in a sturdy candle holder.
• Handheld candles should not be passed from one person to another at any time.
• When lighting candles at a candle lighting service, have the person with the unlit candle dip their candle into the flame of the lit candle.
• Lit candles should not be placed in windows where a blind or curtain could catch fire.
• Candles placed on, or near tables, altars, or shrines, must be watched by an adult.
• Blow out candles when you leave the room or go to sleep.
• If a candle must burn continuously, be sure it is enclosed in a glass container and placed in a sink, on a metal tray, or in a deep basin filled with water.

Source: http://www.nfpa.org/public-education/by-topic/top-causes-of-fire/candles

Space Heater Safety

12/1/2016 (Permalink)

Space heaters account for about one third of all winter house fires.

In order to save money in the colder months, many people opt to use a space heater to heat one room rather than heat the entire structure. Regardless of your plan, it is important to be cautious. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimates that nearly 18,000 residential fires every year are associated with the use of room (space) heaters.* 

Space Heater Selection

Before purchasing a space heater, it is important to consider how it will be used. Will it be used for supplemental heat in colder rooms or other areas, or will it be used for emergency heat? As a general rule of thumb, electric space heaters are typically safer than portable fuel-burning models (e.g. natural gas, propane, kerosene.)

Remember to choose a unit that is listed or labeled by a nationally recognized testing laboratory such as UL (Underwriters Laboratories), CSA (Canadian Standards Association) or ETL (Intertek). This will ensure that the heater’s construction and performance meet voluntary safety standards.

Also, look for specific safety features that will shut the unit off under certain conditions. These can include:

• Overheating
• Low oxygen levels (aka oxygen depletion sensor)
• Tip-over switch
• Touch sensor (if the grill is touched)

CELEBRATE SAFELY WITH A RECIPE FOR SAFETY

11/11/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Castle Rock/Parker wishes you a safe and Happy Thanksgiving with your family and friends.