4 Things That Should Be Tossed After a Fire

7/23/2022 (Permalink)

The heat from a fire can affect the composition of the chemicals in medicines.

Here Are A Few Things That You Should Always Throw Away

The aftereffects of a fire in your Meredith College, NC, leave visible and nonvisible signs that are hard to miss. While a fire damage and restoration company has the expertise to return your home and many belongings back to preloss condition.

1. Exposed Non-Perishable Food
While it might seem like sealed jars or cans of food are heat- and smoke-resistant, high heat, and fumes may be a catalyst for bacteria to be activated and spoil the food. If located near the fire, the fumes or potential chemicals used to put out the fire may also infiltrate those sealed items. If any containers show visible signs of damage they should be tossed.

2. Perishable Food
Depending on the location of the fire, the refrigerator and freezer may provide enough barrier to protect perishable items even if the power temporarily went out. Even if the refrigerator shows no visible signs, food should be discarded if the fridge or food items have a smoky or strange odor.

3. Cosmetics and Medicine
While these might not seem like items that you will have to throw away, the heat from a fire can affect the composition of the chemicals in medicines, cosmetics, and hygiene products. If stored near where the fire took place, inspect them for signs of damage. If the containers are warped or there are signs of soot, it’s best to play it safe and replace the item.

4. Burned Clothing, Bedding, Mattresses
While experts have the tools and techniques to remove smoke damage from fabrics and textiles, anything that is visibly burned or charred is not salvageable. Along with mattresses, any upholstered furniture should also be inspected. Although wood can be saved, damage to upholstery or mattress may make them unsafe for use.
Dealing with the effects of a fire can be overwhelming. It may be tough to throw away belongings, but it is always best to take the safest course of action.

Important Fire Safety Tips When Grilling

6/12/2022 (Permalink)

Clean your grill after use

Outdoor cooking is a staple for many households, but unsafe grilling practices can lead to a fire. Use these helpful tips each time you grill to avoid a barbeque fire in your Wilbon, NC, home.

Understand Charcoal Grill Fire Safety

Charcoal grills are a popular choice for many outdoor barbeques but can be dangerous if not used properly. Practice the following safety protocol when using one.

Wisely use starter fluid when getting the grill warmed up
Never add charcoal fluid or flammable liquids to a fire
Allow charcoal to cool completely after grilling then dispose of in a metal container

Check Propane Grills for Gas Leaks
One of the most dangerous causes of a grill fire can be a gas leak on a propane grill. Before use, always check the gas tank hose for possible leaks.

Keep Grill Away From Flammable Structures
Keep your grill in a spot far enough away from deck railings, overhanging branches, and especially your house. Barbequing close to a house not only increases the risk of a grill fire but can cause smoke damage to the exterior, which can require repairs from a fire damage restoration company.

Keep a Watchful Eye
Your grill should never be unattended from the time you warm it up until it is shut off. Always keep a close eye on your ignited grill.

Clean Grill After Use
To avoid large flames next time you cook, be sure to efficiently clean your grill after each use. Scrape away the fat and grease residue both in the grill grates and in the tray below.
Taking all these precautions each time you fire up the barbeque can be monumental for preventing fire at your Wilbon, NC, home. Practice the right safety measures for your charcoal or gas grill, keep it a distance away from your house, and stay nearby when cooking, and clean after every use.

5 Steps Business Owners Should Complete After a Fire

5/10/2022 (Permalink)

Fires are devastating and damaging

Five Steps To Take After Fire and Smoke Damage

Business owners in Shearon Harris Nuclear Power Plant, NC, may feel lost when fire ravages their establishment. It's essential to regain focus and swing into action, seeking appropriate assistance from insurance and fire restoration professionals. Business owners should complete the following five critical steps once the smoke and flames subside.

1. Initiate a Fire Insurance Claim

Insurance agencies prefer immediate notification after a fire, so don't wait. Owners should reach out to a local agent, opening a claim. Provide the date and time of the blaze and any documentation provided by the fire department.

2. Remain Off the Property

It's tempting to walk around inside once the sparks die out; however, the building has several hazards, such as possible breaches in structural integrity and smoke accumulation. Remain outside until fire professionals permit entry. Do not touch or clean anything.

3. Locate a Fire Restoration Company

Experts in fire remediation should evaluate the property and secure it. Request aid that day, allowing the specialists to survey the building. Place tarps over roof vulnerabilities and board up openings within the walls and doors.

4. Discuss Content Cleaning Services

Smoke and soot seep into more than the structure. They can migrate throughout the building, impacting your products, supplies and equipment. In addition, intense heat from the fire and water from the hoses may also ruin items. Have professionals assess valuables, determining whether they require water or smoke cleaning. Focus on deodorizing, drying and sanitizing methods.

5. Gather Important Documents and Belongings

After the fire department and restoration teams have safeguarded and examined the premises, go inside and collect anything of value. Focus on documentation and equipment, locating any papers your insurance may need, such as financial books and rental or mortgage agreements.
When the sparks are over, business owners in Shearon Harris Nuclear Power Plant, NC, should strive to seek aid quickly. Don't enter the building. Instead, reach out to your insurance agent and specialists in fire restoration, allowing them to safeguard your property and guide you through the remediation process.

3 Facts About Smoke Alarms

3/28/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke alarms save lives.

Three Important Facts About Smoke Alarms

Did you know that many Lake Johnson, NC, homes don’t have a working smoke alarm in each of their bedrooms? While newly constructed homes are required to have alarms in order to pass inspection, many older homes don’t have them. According to the National Fire Protection Association, your risk of dying in a home fire is reduced by 50% if you have functioning smoke detectors. Here are three important facts about smoke alarms.

1. Smoke Alarms Save Lives

Most people don’t anticipate being involved in a home fire. Unfortunately, home fires often happen during the night when homeowners are asleep; therefore, it’s essential to have a working smoke detector in every bedroom and outside every sleeping area. There should also be smoke alarms in the basement, even if no one sleeps downstairs. To increase your level of protection, make sure your alarms are interconnected. Therefore, if one alarm sounds then the rest will also beep.

2. Smoke Alarms Should Be Tested

Once you’ve installed a smoke alarm in every room of your home, test them each month. While new alarms should work for many years, it’s still advised to test them monthly. Simply stand on a stool or ladder and press the test button. This simple test will ensure that your smoke detectors are in good working condition.

3. Smoke Alarms Need To Be Replaced

Most homeowners are unaware that smoke detectors need to be replaced; fortunately, there is a simple way to check them. Take the alarm off of the ceiling or wall and check the manufacture date. The date will likely be located on the back of the alarm. If the manufacture date is older than 10 years, your alarm needs to be replaced. If it’s less than 10 years old, place the alarm back on the ceiling or wall.
The risk of injury and death can be greatly reduced when homeowners have a working smoke alarm in every room of their homes. If your Lake Johnson, NC, experiences any type of fire damage, fire restoration specialists are available to help.

Train Employees for Fire Safety

12/27/2021 (Permalink)

The P.A.S.S Technique

Fire extinguisher training should be done on an annual basis, at least, and should also be part of the initial training for new employees in Wilbon, NC.

The P.A.S.S Technique

If employees aren't confident they can safely put out a fire, they should evacuate instead. The acronym P.A.S.S. helps employees remember each step of using an extinguisher to reduce fire damage.

• Pull the pin. Find the pin at the top of the canister and pull it out to break the tamper seal.
• Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire. When the source of water is doused, the flames should die down.
• Squeeze the handle to release the pressurized chemicals inside the canister.
• Sweep the spray from side to side, maintaining your focus at the base of the fire.

After working through the steps, keep your eye on the area. If flames reappear, repeat steps 2 to 4.

Annual Fire Response Drills

Use the following steps in case of a fire (and during yearly drills.)

• Pull the fire alarm and alert the fire department.
• Protect the designated evacuation path. If fire, heat, or smoke threatens to come between employees and the exit, personnel should evacuate instead of fighting the fire.
• Choose an appropriate extinguisher.
• Complete the P.A.S.S. technique.
• Observe the location of the fire to catch any flames that may reignite.
• Evacuate immediately if the fire is too big, if the air isn't safe to breathe, if the room is too hot or smoky, and/or if the evacuation path is compromised.

Once the ability to use the fire extinguisher has been mastered and employees have been trained in the fire response routine, schedule opportunities for employees to practice their responses to a fire.

Practice Safety

It doesn't take long for a kitchen fire to pop up in a restaurant or flames to appear in an industrial setting. Protect your employees with training on how to use a fire extinguisher and regular drills in fire safety techniques. Fire damage restoration professionals could provide you with further resources.

How Can You Avoid Kitchen Fires?

12/27/2021 (Permalink)

Install smoke alarms near your kitchen.

How To Avoid Kitchen Fires

Kitchen fires are one of the leading causes of home fires in Cameron Village, NC. Because of the potential danger this room poses, you should learn how to cook safely. Use these tips to reduce your chances of starting a fire.

• Install Alarms: Smoke alarms near your kitchen can help alert you and other members of your house to the possibility of a fire and reduce the amount of fire damage done.

• Use Timers: Timers remind you that your stove or oven is on, so you can check on food and turn the appliances off.

• Stay Attentive: When you've cooked a meal hundreds of times, you may wander away from the kitchen, but it's best to remain near whatever you're cooking.

• Keep a Perimeter: As you cook, your pot holders, wooden utensils and wash rags should be kept away from any appliances that generate heat.

• Get a Fire Extinguisher: Keep a fire extinguisher in your kitchen and figure out which tips you need to know to use it properly.

• Clean the Area: Grease buildup can increase the risk of a grease fire starting, so you should clean your stove, oven and countertops regularly.

• Think About Clothing: While you don't have to wear chef's clothes at home, you should consider keeping dangling jewelry and loose-fitting sleeves out of the kitchen as these can catch on fire.

• Stop in the Kitchen Before Bed: It's easy to forget to turn off a burner or the oven, so you should make it a habit to stop in the kitchen each night before bed to ensure all of the appliances are turned off.

• Schedule Inspections: A fire damage restoration specialist can come in to inspect your home for potential dangers.

Because of the heat used in the kitchen, these rooms are notorious as starting points for house fires. Keeping safety tips in mind may help you keep your home from being engulfed in flames.

Fire Sprinkler Systems: Do You Have the Right System for Your Building?

12/12/2021 (Permalink)

Flooding from fire sprinkler systems may be a small concern, but with the appropriate system installed this concern can be minimized.

Most states require the installation of fire sprinklers before a business can open; however, in Raleigh, NC, there may be other considerations to make, like what type of system should you install. Installing the proper fire safety system may reduce the risk of system malfunction and flooding, which can reduce the possibility of needing a restoration specialist.

1. The Prefilled System

Prefilled systems, or wet pipe systems, are the most common systems installed. The sprinkler lines are filled with water, and when heat from a fire occurs close to one of the heads, the system activates, opening only the heads in the affected area. These lines may be sensitive to temperature fluctuations and may be more prone to freezing, meaning that they should only be installed in a controlled environment.

2. The Dry System

If you are going to install a fire suppressant system in an area prone to temperature shifts below freezing, then you may want to look into the dry pipe system. Pressurized gas is pumped into these lines to keep water in a heated space, and when a fire happens, the pressure drops, causing the water to flow freely to the sprinkler heads.

3. The Deluge System

If you operate a business that is considered high-risk for fires, then you may be more interested in the deluge-style system. This system does not only activate sprinklers in the affected areas, when a fire happens all sprinklers are activated. Due to the activation of all sprinklers, flooding can occur over a large area, even if the original fire is small, causing water damage.

4. The Pressurized System

A pressurized system, or pre-action system, has a delay before activation. As with the dry system, the lines are filled with pressurized gas or air, and when the pressure drops water fills the lines; however, before releasing water, an alert is sent, providing owners the opportunity to investigate. The water will disperse when heat from the fire activates the heads, but only in the affected area.

Flooding from fire sprinkler systems may be a small concern, but with the appropriate system installed this concern can be minimized.

Ways To Prevent a Cigarette Fire In Your Home

10/23/2021 (Permalink)

Choose to smoke outdoors.

Methods for Preventing a Cigarette Fire in Your Home

These days, there is a myriad of ways for a house fire to start in Middle Creek, NC, but the most common cause is reportedly through the improper handling of cigarettes. Anything from drapery going up in flames due to a lingering cigarette butt or an ashtray fire spreading outwards across your home can cause a hazardous safety issue and significant fire cleanup. Here are various ways to prevent a cigarette fire from occurring in your residence, keeping you and your family safe from the underlying dangers of cigarette use in the home.

- Choose to smoke outdoors. If you have the option of smoking outdoors, this can be the best method for eradicating fire damage and preventing odor build-up inside of your home. Keep any ashtrays away from the sides of the residence and make sure to extinguish the cigarette butt fully before walking away.

- Teach your children to stay away from any cigarettes. Since kids are naturally predisposed to be curious by fire, storing all of your cigarettes, matches, lighters and any other paraphernalia out of their reach is crucial for everyone’s safety.

- Don’t lounge in highly flammable areas while smoking. The most dangerous areas for starting a cigarette fire can be in the living room (on upholstered furniture or near drapery) and in the bedroom (on flammable bedding and mattresses). Therefore, avoiding these places while smoking is a key preventative measure.

- Only use stable ashtrays and fill them with sand. Never use an ashtray that is frequently known to tip over or fall easily, which can cause consistent ashtray fire hazards. Find one that’s stable and fill it with sand to ensure that every butt you put out is fully extinguished.

If you’re a smoker who enjoys lighting up in your Middle Creek, NC, home, learning the ways to avoid a cigarette fire is vital to the safety and protection of your home and everyone in it.

3 Steps To Fire Restoration at Your Home

8/30/2021 (Permalink)

Fire restoration can give you comfort that your Wilbon, NC, home can rise from the ashes of an unexpected blaze.

Fire Restoration Steps

When a fire sweeps through your Wilbon, NC, home, the impact can be devastating on both your property and your emotional well-being. Walls, ceilings, and precious keepsakes may have flame and smoke damage, and you might not know where to begin when it comes to cleanup efforts. Understanding the steps a fire restoration service usually takes can offer you peace of mind as the recovery process begins.

1. Inspection
When your restoration technicians arrive, they will likely inspect each floor for different types of damage to gauge the severity of the fire and which building materials need immediate attention. You might have both smoke and water damage on each floor, so each of these issues needs to be addressed so the technicians can begin cleaning up the worst of the damage.

2. Mitigation
Fire damage cleaning often begins by preventing further damage to your home in a process called mitigation. During this phase, fire restoration technicians might remove debris that blocks areas where restoration will take place in the near future, clear away standing fire hose water to prevent mold growth, and remove items to protect them from further smoke and soot damage. If there are items you might be especially concerned about, such as important documents or electronics, you can ask the technicians to remove these items first.

3. Restoration
Once fire debris is removed from your home, your fire damage cleanup service will likely begin the final phase by tearing out and replacing damaged building materials and cleaning away soot and smoke. Carpet cleaning and replacement, as well as air quality issues, may be addressed during this process. Your technicians can also remove fire and smoke odors from the air with air cleaning and ozone machines, which can help leave your restored home smelling clean and fresh.

Fire restoration can give you comfort that your Wilbon, NC, home can rise from the ashes of an unexpected blaze and once again look and feel like the space you have come to love so much.

3 Things You Should Know About Smoke Alarms

4/13/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke damage in Garner, NC

3 Things You Should Know About Smoke Alarms

While it is a small device that you likely think little about, the smoke alarm is an important part of every Garner, NC, home. It can alert you to a fire in time to prevent serious damage or allow you to safely leave the building in the event of a serious blaze. There are a few important pieces of information that you should know about this useful item.

1. How Many Alarms Do You Need?
The number of smoke detectors needed in your house depends on how large it is. Each floor should have at least one alarm. Also, make sure that there is an alarm in each individual bedroom as well as one outside of each sleeping area. If you have a basement or attic, these should have their own alarms as well.

2. How Should You Maintain Them?
Keeping your alarms in working condition can help prevent the need for fire damage remediation and serious repairs by quickly making you aware of a conflagration. Every smoke alarm should be tested at least monthly to ensure it is functioning properly. Dust and debris should be removed to prevent the sensors from malfunctioning. Most alarms will need to be replaced at least every 10 years.

3. How Often Should You Change the Batteries?
Depending on the type of smoke detector you have, this varies. Devices that use traditional 9-volt batteries need to have them replaced every six to 12 months. This includes hardwired alarms that use batteries as a backup in case of a power outage. If your alarm uses a lithium battery, this does not need to be replaced.
Having a smoke alarm in each area of your home as well as properly maintaining them is a vital way to help keep you and your family safe if you experience a fire. Test them regularly and change the batteries often to keep these useful little devices ready in case of emergency.

How Ozone Tackles Cigarette Smoke Odor

12/30/2020 (Permalink)

Ozone is an effective deodorizer that can work wonders

After you find the perfect home to purchase in Boylan Heights, NC, you may be disappointed when your nose picks up the lingering odor from the previous owner's smoking habit. Fortunately, home deodorization can remove the aroma and improve the air quality before you move in.

Why Does Cigarette Odor Linger?

Odor-producing particles in tobacco smoke linger in the air when the oil and tar they contain stubbornly attach themselves to various surfaces throughout a home, including:

• Walls
  
• Ceilings
  
• Floorboards
  
• Carpets
  
• Window treatments
  
  

Removing cigarette smoke odor is extremely difficult, but a professional restoration service can apply powerful techniques to remove all smoke traces. Ozone is one of the most effective substances for removing persistent odors.

What is Ozone?
Ozone is oxygen with three oxygen atoms instead of two. Ozone generator machines pump ozone into the affected environment, where its third molecule breaks away from the other two when it comes in contact with an odor-producing particle. The ozone atom neutralizes the offending odor through the process of oxidization.

What Else Does Ozone Deodorization Involve?
Home deodorization with ozone can take up to several days but may vary according to a house's size. It is critical to ensure that the house is empty before running the machine to prevent inhaling ozone, which can have detrimental effects on the respiratory system. Re-entry into the home is possible when normal oxygen levels return.

Why Hire a Professional Deodorizing Service?
Ozone is an effective deodorizer that can work wonders, but it is critical to know how to use it. Professionals with ozone experience know how to adjust an environment's temperature and humidity and the appropriate length of time to run the ozone generator.
Whether you are considering purchasing a home with a pungent cigarette smoke odor or you need home deodorization after a fire, a professional cleaning company is best suited to handle ozone treatment in Boylan Heights, NC.

After a Fire, Expect Water Damage

10/30/2020 (Permalink)

Fire and water damage in a commercial building

The aftereffects of a fire in your Cameron Village, NC, building often means much more than charred walls and belongings. Depending on the size of the fire, along with the fire damage, there may be water issues you have to contend with. Since an industrial-grade fire hose has the potential to release up to 500 gallons of water per minute, putting out the flames may result in secondary damage.

Effects of Water

Water damage is just as important to address quickly as the fire losses. Since mold can start growing within 48 hours, it may mean damage spreading to unaffected areas or making things worse. After a fire, water can seep into the following areas of a building:

Drywall – A breeding ground for mold, this porous material quickly absorbs water and often needs to be replaced.
Flooring – Depending on what type, floors may be salvageable. Carpets and rugs may have too much damage, but wood and tiles can often be cleaned if quick action is taken.
Ceilings – It water is trapped above, it can mean lingering problems that could affect the integrity of the structure. The effects from the fire may make it hard to see visible signs of trouble, such as water spots.
Personal Items – While some items may have to be tossed, there are services available to salvage much more than one might think is possible.

Professional Help
A fire can be an overwhelming experience. The cost of the loss often goes beyond money. To help get your business back up and running, rely on a fire damage and water remediation company to handle the mess. Although the cleanup process takes time, they will have the equipment and skills to handle whatever damage is left behind. From restoring the restructure to providing smoke cleaning services and mold prevention, they can help you get back to “Like it never even happened.”
If a fire happens, it’s important to know that fire damage won’t be the only thing faced. Get help that is Faster to Any Size Disaster and can provide all the services need to get your business back up and running.