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Fire Damage Restoration

Emergency Tips, Fire Damage Restoration

What to Do After a House Fire

Not many homeowners believe that a fire will actually happen to them. But when it does, not only are they not prepared, but they have no idea what to do after the flames are extinguished. Taking steps to recover from a fire can indeed be stressful, if not overwhelming. Simply deciding what to do first can even be a headache. But your insurance agent can provide some answers, and even help to settle your claim quicker to have your home restored to its original condition. Here are 6 things you will want to do right after a house fire: Call your insurance company right away. Public adjusters and contractors will be calling you left and right, offering to restore your home. But as this can create additional stress, it’s recommended to speak with your insurance company first before r...
Fire Damage Restoration, Safety Tips

Childproofing Your Home: Protect Them from Fires and Burns

Every year, thousands of children are rushed to hospitals from playing with fire hazards around the house. But many of these accidents can be prevented, such as keeping matches away from their reach. Here are some more fire safety tips for parents to protect kids from fires and burns. Fire Safety in the Home Establish and frequently practice an emergency fire escape plan Never use doors with locks in kids’ rooms Teach kids to crawl under smoke, if present Find a safe place to meet outside the home Establish and practice 2 escape routes from the home Teach children to stop, drop, and roll if their clothes are on fire Stop right away Drop to the floor, covering their face with their hands Roll on the floor to extinguish the flames Choose natural...
Fire Damage Restoration

Dryer Fire Prevention Tips

Everyone will need to use a washer and dryer at some point; gone are the days that we wash everything by hand. But keeping these appliances in good condition as well as maintaining the safety of your family and home are crucial. Here are some dryer fire tips to keep in mind to prevent the risk of disasters. Installation by a Professional To ensure that your dryer is installed properly, it is best to have it installed by a professional technician. They will be knowledgeable about numerous units, including those that use gas and electricity as well as how they work with washers. They will also be familiar with the manufacturer’s instruction manuals, including installing a vent pipe. If asked, a professional can explain how preventing bends in the pipe will reduce the amount of lint ...
Cleaning and restoration tips, Fire Damage Restoration

How to Remove Soot from Walls

You don’t need to experience a large fire in your home or business to have soot on the walls and ceiling. Fireplaces and candles can leave dark, smoky residue on the interiors of your rooms, and years of cigarette and cigar smoke can turn light colored walls dull and dingy. Restoring Soot and Smoke Damage Removing soot from an entire home will require professional help, but it’s easy to learn how to remove soot from walls in smaller cleaning situations. Cleaning soot from walls requires more than just wiping away the residue however; improper cleaning techniques can spread soot and make things look even worse. Follow these suggestions to learn how to clean soot from walls without causing further damage. As with any cleaning job, you’ll need the right tools to ensure you can get th...
13 Fireworks Safety Tips
Fire Damage Restoration, Safety Tips

13 Fireworks Safety Tips

People have used fireworks to celebrate special occasions and holidays like the 4th of July for decades. Currently, all states in the U.S. allow for the sale of some types of fireworks during the year, except Massachusetts. The types of fireworks available for sale vary by state; some only allow sparklers and other small ones while others have almost no restrictions. Check with your state and local laws before buying fireworks to avoid visits from law enforcement. Risks with Fireworks No matter what type you use, fireworks safety should be a top priority at all times. Every year, thousands of children and adults are injured in fireworks accidents, and the majority of the injuries could have been prevented. According to the National Fire Protection Association, over 10,000 people w...
Fire Damage Restoration, Safety Tips

Christmas Tree Fire Safety Tips

While they don’t occur very often, Christmas tree fires can be deadly, lighting the entire home on fire with just one spark. But the majority of them occur when the tree hasn’t been watered in days - when it is fully dried out. Don’t let your Christmas celebrations result in a disaster after forgetting to water the tree. Here are some Christmas tree fire safety tips to remember when setting up, decorating, and maintaining this beautiful decoration. Tree Fire Safety Tips In order to minimize the risk of a Christmas tree fire this year, follow these holiday fire safety steps and you can carry on to having a merry holiday. Proper Live Tree Care After picking up the perfect tree from the best vendor, make sure that it is properly maintained and “fed” in order for it to last past Chr...
Fire Damage Restoration, Smoke Damage Cleanup

How to Prevent Smoke from Coming Out of the Fireplace

Winter is fast approaching, and the balmy indoors are starting to once again appear very appealing. If your home features a fireplace, you may decide to make use of it in the cool season. After all, what could be better on a blistering winter day than cozying up to the warmth of a blazing fire with a mug of hot cocoa and a comfy couch to take it all in? Many homeowners who enjoy the crackling heat of a fireplace fire also report that they have almost no luck with containing the smoke to within the fireplace flue, or chimney. Instead, they experience billowy smoke wafting into their living room. If you’ve got a functional fireplace and a wish to use it, then the following tips will help you experience your fireplace as intended—without the unwanted smoky guest entering uninvited into...
Oil Furnace and Burner Puff Back Causes, Prevention, and Treatment
Fire Damage Restoration, Smoke Damage Cleanup

Oil Furnace and Burner Puff Back Causes, Prevention, and Treatment

If your home’s heating system contains an oil burner or furnace, it is prone to a puff back. When these occur, oil explodes when ignited within the system, releasing smoke and soot onto surrounding surfaces. If your home uses a forced air system, the byproducts also can spread throughout the home via the air ducts, covering the entire property in a thick oily, residue. While it looks disgusting and will surely cause permanent damage if left untreated, this residue should never be cleaned with home remedies. Instead, contact a professional cleaning and restoration company; they will use professional cleaning products to remove all smoke and soot byproducts. What is a Puff Back A puff back occurs when an oil burning furnace does not ignite when prompted. The vapors build up in the b...
Fire Damage Restoration, Safety Tips

How to Winterize a Gas Grill

In the rush to get your home and yard ready for winter, don’t forget about your grill! After using it over the summer, it will need some cleaning and preparation for winter. But don’t wait until the last minute or cut corners as it may lead to damage and shorten its lifespan. Besides, nobody likes cleaning or fixing a grill during a snowstorm. Thorough Gas Grill Cleaning Anything that remains on your grill over the winter will cause deterioration until spring. This includes food particles, dirt, grease and any other built up debris. Here are some cleaning tips to help you get started: Remove cooking grates, drip tray, heating plates, and warming rack from the grill. Scrape each part with a grill brush, washing with soap and warm water, and drying them thoroughly. Wipe both...
Fire Damage Restoration, Safety Tips

Microwave Safety – What Not to Put in the Microwave

Did you know that 9 out of 10 homes in the United States have microwaves? Because we are always on the go, we are not often left with much time to cook when we get home. Many Americans often work late nights and are simply too tired to cook a full meal. The fastest option that comes to mind is grabbing something from the fridge and popping it in the microwave. Within minutes, you have a hot meal readily prepared after putting in the least effort possible. But as convenient as these appliances can be, remember that they can be extremely dangerous to your health, safety, and home if used improperly. Prolonging cleaning, using the wrong materials, and overheating or exploding food within the machine can also cause significant damage. But when used properly, they can be extremely safe t...