Stop Fires Before They Start: Essential Tips for Fire Prevention

4/29/2023 (Permalink)

Having an evacuation plan is essential to keep your home and business safe.

If you want to be sure that your home is safe, it's important to know the sources of fire hazards and how they can affect you. If you have any questions about what might be considered a potential hazard in your home, contact an electrician or other professional who can help assess the risks involved.

Developing an Evacuation Plan

Planning for an emergency is the first step in preventing it from happening. Your home should be equipped with a fire extinguisher, smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. If you have small children or pets in your home, make sure that you have a plan for them as well.

Installing fire alarms

Fire alarms are important because they alert people when there is a fire so they can get out safely before it gets too big to handle on their own. They also give off warning sounds so that people know when there is danger nearby and need help immediately!

Maintaining smoke detectors

Smoke detectors should be replaced every 10 years or sooner if they stop working properly (such as making loud noises). You should also clean them regularly by vacuuming around them once per month; this will prevent dust buildup which could cause false alarms later down the road.

Inspect your home for fire hazards, such as frayed wires or worn insulation on electrical cords, loose screws on heaters and air conditioners that could cause arcing if they come into contact with something else (like a carpet), and space heaters that aren't vented properly.

Fire Extinguishers

If you have a fire extinguisher, it's important to know how to use it. There are several different types of extinguishers and each one works differently. You should familiarize yourself with the different types of fire extinguishers so that you can identify them in an emergency situation and know what type of fire they will be able to put out (e.g., Class A, B or C).

You should also practice using your fire extinguisher regularly so that when an actual emergency occurs, you will be able to act quickly without hesitation or confusion about how best to handle the situation at hand.

Fire Prevention in the Workplace

Your business should have a written fire safety plan that includes information about how to detect and extinguish small fires before they become larger ones, how to prevent electrical hazards, how you'll handle emergency evacuations, who will be responsible for fighting any type of blaze (for example, trained personnel) and what steps need to be taken if an employee has been injured by smoke inhalation or burns while working onsite.

Training Employees on Fire Safety

It's important for all employees--not just those who deal directly with flammable materials--to understand how best keep themselves out of harm's way when dealing with potential fire hazards like open flames or hot surfaces.

Understanding Regulations

If you're operating within certain industries such as manufacturing, construction or transportation (or any other industry where flammable materials are present), then it may fall under OSHA regulations regarding workplace safety standards including those related specifically toward preventing fires from starting up again after being extinguished once already extinguished.

Ensuring your home and business are safe in cause of a fire is essential to having a safe home and work environment. Have a fire evacuation plan in place to ensure your family and employees are safe.

Fire Evacuation Plan

1/10/2023 (Permalink)

Create a Fire escape plan and practice it

Fire Evacuation Plan

Planning for the possibility of a fire can be difficult. The thought of evacuating your Golden Beach, FL home in an emergency is enough to send shivers down your spine, even if you know it's for the best. But with some advance planning and preparation, you can keep your family safe and reduce the risk of injury or death during an evacuation.

What to do Before a Fire

Create an evacuation plan and practice it. If you have young children, make sure they are familiar with the plan and know what to do if there is an emergency.

• Practice the plan.
• Make sure everyone knows the plan.
• Make sure everyone is ready to leave at a moment's notice.
• Make sure everyone knows where to go if there is an evacuation (family/friend’s house, hotel, etc.).
• Get a fire extinguisher. The best way to fight fires is by preventing them in the first place, and one of the best ways to do that is with a fire extinguisher. A small extinguisher will cost only $20-30, but it could save you thousands of dollars worth of damage if you have one on hand when an unexpected fire breaks out.
• Know where your exits are located and practice using them regularly so that everyone knows how quickly they can get out of their home safely in an emergency situation (i.e., practice opening windows).

What to do During a Fire

If you're at home when a fire breaks out, you'll likely be the first to notice it.

• Get out of the house immediately, making sure that everyone else leaves as well.
• Call 911 with your location and follow your evacuation plan—whether it's to meet at a neighbor's house or drive away from the burning building in an emergency vehicle. Stay calm and listen carefully to all directions given by law enforcement or firefighters. You may need to evacuate again if conditions change; be prepared for this possibility by keeping an emergency kit on hand and knowing how long it will take you to get where you're going (in case of power outages, maps should be available online).

You should have a plan for what to do if there's a fire in your Golden Beach, FL home. Keep an emergency kit on hand and know how long it will take you to get where you're going (in case of power outages, maps should be available online).

What to do After a Fire

If the fire is contained, stay away from the building. If you have time to grab anything, grab important documents and your pets. Call 911 if you see someone who needs help escaping or if there is a serious injury. If you are outside and see flames or smoke, get away from the building as quickly as possible.

We hope this article has helped you understand the importance of having an evacuation plan and how to put it into practice. If you have any questions or would like more information on our services, please contact us today!

Holiday Fire Safety in your Kyle Home

12/9/2022 (Permalink)

Winter holidays bring families together to decorate the Christmas tree, family meals and sitting by a cozy fire to stay warm. This also present fire risks that can quickly turn this festive time of year into a devastating one.

Christmas Tree’s

According to the National Fire Protection Association, “Almost one third of home Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical problems.”

• Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.
• Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of light strands to connect.
• Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
• Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.

Holiday Decorations

The National Fire Protection Association says, “More than one-third of home decoration fires are started by candles.”

• Be careful with holiday decorations. Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.
• Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn.
• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of light strands to connect.

Holiday Entertaining

• Test your smoke alarms and tell guests about your home fire escape plan.
• Keep children and pets away from lit candles.
• Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop.

Don’t Fall for these Safety Risks

9/27/2022 (Permalink)

As the season change from summer to fall also brings fire safety risks associated with fall activities. Here are some fire prevention tips you can follow while enjoying fall festivities.

• Campfire Safety

 According to the National Fire Protection Association, “Campfire accidents send thousands of people to emergency rooms with burn injuries every year.” Here are some tips you can use for safety around the fire

- If campfires are permitted, they need to be at least 25 feet away from any structure and anything that can burn.

- Watch children while the fire is burning. Never let children or pets play or stand too close to the fire.

- Always attend to the campfire. A campfire left alone for only a few minutes can grow into a damaging fire.

- Always have a hose, bucket of water, or shovel and dirt or sand nearby to put out the fire. Make sure to put it completely out before leaving the site.

• Halloween

According to the National Fire Protection Association, “Decorations are the first thing to ignite in roughly 800 reported home fires each year.” 

- When choosing a costume, stay away from long trailing fabric. If your child is wearing a mask, make sure the eye holes are large enough so he or she can see out.

- Use a battery-operated candle or glow-stick in jack-o lanterns. If you use a real candle, use extreme caution.

- Remember to keep exits clear of decorations, so nothing blocks escape routes.

- Dried flowers, cornstalks and crepe paper catch fire easily. Keep all decorations away from open flames and other heat sources like light bulbs and heaters.

• Burning Leaves Safely

One popular way to dispose of falling leaves is to burn them. This can lead to higher fire and burn accidents. Here are a few safe alternatives to burning your leaves and grass clippings.

-Recycling your tree limbs, grass clippings, leaves can be composted and mulches into landscaping material.

-Many cities and towns provide curbside collection of bagged leaves and yard waste. Check your local public works department on the designated days for these pickups.

-Another option is calling a yard waste/junk removal service. These services take the debris to a dump or recycling center.

Common Commercial Fire Causes in your New Braunfels Business

7/2/2022 (Permalink)

If you own a New Braunfels business, fire safety and prevention should be among your primary concerns. By knowing the causes of commercial fires, you can take proper precautions to prevent damage to your property.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the five most common causes of fires in commercial buildings are cooking equipment, heating equipment, electrical and lighting equipment, smoking materials, and intentional fire setting.  A few risks and ways to prevent these common commercial fire risks:

• Cooking Equipment

This area doesn’t just pertain to restaurants but also healthcare facilities, educational institutions, offices, and retail stores. Flammable oils and equipment using gas all contribute to fire risks. Ensuring all people using cooking equipment are operating properly and have fire prevention training.

• Heating Equipment

In the winter months all buildings require heat to stay comfortable. Heaters, furnaces, boilers, and radiators are all at risk of overheating. Regular inspection and maintenance on all heating systems can prevent malfunctions that can cause fires.

• Electrical & Lighting equipment

Old or defective wiring in a building, overloaded circuits, faulty fuses, and loose connections can develop to overheating or sparks that can ignite a commercial fire. Making sure all lighting and electrical sources are inspected and up to code to prevent electrical fires.

If you suffer a fire damage event, SERVPRO of San Marcos / New Braunfels has the specialized fire damage equipment and expertise to help you through this tough time. Call Us Today – (830) 625-0578

Grilling Fire Safety Tips for your San Marcos Home

6/22/2022 (Permalink)

When the warmer weather hits, there is nothing better than having family over and the smell of BBQ on the grill. According to the National Fire Protection Association “Seven out of every 10 adults in the U.S. have a grill or smoker.” This means there is an increased risk of home fires caused from grilling.  

Follow these simple safety tips for safe grilling this summer:

• Propane and charcoal grills should only be used outdoors.
• Never leave your grill unattended.
• Grills should be placed away from the home, deck railings and out from overhanging branches.
• Keep your grill clean by removing buildup inside and out from the under tray .
• Use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid to the fire.
• Always check propane hoses for any leaks prior to grilling.
• Keep children and pets away from the grilling area
• When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container

Whichever way to choose to grill your delicious summer meals, please keep these fire safety tips in mind.

If you need emergency fire services, SERVPRO of San Marcos/New Braunfels has the specialized fire damage equipment and expertise to help you through your fire disaster. Call Us Today – (830) 635-0578

Smoke Alarm Safety: How to maintain your smoke detectors in your Kyle home

5/20/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke detectors in your Kyle home are a vital part of keeping you and your family safe. These devices should be installed and maintained in your home to provide you with protection. According to the National Fire Protection Association, in one quarter of US home fires their smoke detectors failed or had dead batteries. By properly installing and maintaining your smoke alarms you can have peace of mind in protecting your family in case an emergency occurs.

Here are some safety tips and a few ways maintain your smoke alarms:

•Check your smoke alarms manufacturing instructions
• Install smoke alarms in every room and every level of your home.
• Mounted alarms should be installed not more than 12 inches away from the ceiling
• Test your smoke alarms at least once a month
• Replace all smoke alarms every 10 years
• Change your smoke alarm batteries often if your alarm is not hardwired into your electrical system

If you suffer a fire damage event, please refer to our Fire Damage Tips—Until Help Arrives Guide and follow these tips to protect yourself and your property.

Have any questions about fire damage? Call us today (830) 625-0578

Do You Know How to React to a Kitchen Fire in Your Buda Home?

2/17/2022 (Permalink)

Large flames are rising from inside a chrome pan on a kitchen stove burner.

Fire makes people react more frantic than any other emergency. However, if you are equipped with a few basic tactics, you'll reduce that panic and respond effectively if a kitchen fire were to happen in your Buda Texas home. 

React fast: 

• Unplug the cord and use a dry chemical fire extinguisher or pour baking soda into the toaster if it's a toaster fire. 
• If it's a stovetop fire, turn off the burner and smother the flames by dousing them with baking soda or putting the lid on the pan.
• If it's an oven fire, the most dangerous thing you can do is open the door. Just leave the oven door closed and turn off the heat to the oven. The fire will eventually smother itself.

The biggest mistake you can make is using water to put out a grease fire. It can splash the burning grease and cause burns. Another safety tip is never to carry a burning pan outside. It can cause a full-scale house fire if flaming grease spills and ignites something else.