Archived Fire Damage Blog Posts
Secure Your Home From These Holiday Decorating Hazards | SERVPRO® of Central Garden Grove
11/4/2022 (Permalink)
Should a fire issue pop-up during this holiday season, SERVPRO of Central Garden Grove will be on call ready to assist.
For many, the holidays are one of the most important times of the year. While gathering with family and friends to decorate the tree and hang holiday lights is a wonderful way to get festive, failing to take the necessary safeguards leaves your home vulnerable to fire.
Garden Grove puts on plenty of events during this time of year. Right at the start of December, Winter in the Grove delivers plenty of holiday activities the whole family can enjoy. Or you could test your ice skating skills at Westminster ICE.
You can enjoy all the holidays have to offer when you prioritize fire safety while decorating. Here are some ways you can protect your Garden Grove home and avoid an emergency during this special time of year.
Top Seasonal HazardsIn the United States, fire departments report that around 790 house fires spark each year due to poor holiday decorating.
Many of these fires started when decorations were too close to heating sources like fireplaces or space heaters and caught fire. Christmas trees and candles are other fire hazards that might ignite a fire in your home.
If you set up a real tree, keep it watered away from any heating sources or open flames. If you use an artificial tree, check for a label that indicates it’s fire-resistant. Remember to unplug your holiday lights before bed no matter what kind of tree your family decorates.
Take Preventive Measures“The stockings were hung by the chimney with care” is much more than a notable Christmas line! Use it to avoid placing decorations too close to any open flames to prevent creating a fire hazard.
Candle fires are to blame for around 20 house fires each day, so be sure to light them a safe distance from any flammable materials. If you use a fireplace to keep your home warm in the winter, have it cleaned and inspected before lighting that firewood.
It is important to categorize and assess outdoor decorations accurately. Use insulated nails made for harsh weather to fasten your lights firmly to prevent brush fires caused by dropped lights. Observe any local restrictions on outdoor decorations that may be in place in your neighborhood.
Make sure your smoke alarms are in good working condition, and have one installed in every bedroom for added security. Pass this helpful information down to your loved ones and turn to SERVPRO for professional restoration if a fire breaks out in your home over the holidays.
Have smoke or fire damage in your house? Contact us today to get cleaned up fast.
Keep Your Home Safe From Lightning-Related Flames | SERVPRO® of Central Garden Grove
9/26/2022 (Permalink)
If you are dealing with smoke or fire damage from a recent fire, call SERVPRO of Central Garden Grove to learn about a restoration solution for your i
Homeowners work hard to prevent fires using fire safety tools and practices. But while many house fires start in the kitchen, there are a few other natural hazards that could result in flames. These causes can be more difficult to prevent.
There were over 70,000 damage reports attributed to lightning strikes in 2020. The probability of lightning striking you personally is actually rather low, but the risk to your home is far greater. Additionally, lightning can cause a fire, fry your electrical system or even uproot trees when it does strike.
It’s estimated that lightning strikes around 6,000 times every minute. This makes everyone at risk of a strike.
So, we should all prepare ourselves and our homes for the impact this weather threat can have when a storm is brewing.
What Is Lightning?Lightning is a huge spark of electrical current that occurs between clouds in the air and the ground. While storms are known to create lightning, they can also occur during volcanic eruptions, severe wildfires and even large snowstorms.
Although lightning is typically associated with severe weather, it can also happen when the sky is clear and the air is dry. “Dry lightning” occurs when there is no rain, and it is a pretty dangerous phenomenon since it regularly starts wildfires. So, in addition to storm preparation, we also need to be fire-prepared.
Protecting Your Home From Lightning FiresA lightning strike can result in significant property damage, including flames. The heat of the impact itself or an electrical surge brought on by the impact both have the potential to ignite a fire.
After a fire sparks from the strike, it might not be instantly obvious as it will start inside your walls or up in your attic. After the strike, look for scorch marks and notify the fire department as soon as you spot any or smell any smoke.
One of the best methods to avert lightning-related fire is to install a lightning rod. This is a metal pole that can direct the power of lightning away from your home so that it is shielded from the full power of the electrical current and heat produced by lightning.
When Lightning Strikes NearbyWildfires and other flames that start outside are frequently brought on by lightning. There are several “peak” seasons for lightning fires in various areas of the country, but lightning strikes generate 9,000 fires annually.
Clear your yard of decaying plants or shrubs, and try utilizing defensible zones to defend your home from lightning strikes and fires. Make sure to install a smoke alarm on every floor of your home so that if a fire breaks out, you will be instantly notified.
If you face the impact of flames in your home, call our experts at SERVPRO. Even though fire cleanup and restoration can be a challenging process, we have the best tools in the business and thorough training to manage every stage of it. We will return you to your house as soon as we can.
Have you experienced smoke or fire damage in your home? Call us today to get the restoration finished fast.
Prevent Backyard Fires From Getting Out of Hand | SERVPRO® of Central Garden Grove
7/20/2022 (Permalink)
If you have experienced fire or smoke damage, contact SERVPRO of Central Garden Grove.
There’s nothing better than relaxing by the campfire with your family on a warm summer evening. S’mores, hot dogs and scary stories are just a few of the family activities you can enjoy around the bonfire.
We use these backyard fires to prepare meals, for our own enjoyment, bug control or as a way to clear out dead debris, but even the most contained fires pose a threat. The National Park Service states that around 85% of wildfires are ignited by humans.
California is the most wildfire-prone state in the nation, with over 9,000 wildfires in 2021. California is a very dry state, which affects how quickly these fires can spread and increases their severity.
Of course, you’re still able to light your tiki torches, toast your marshmallows, burn your lawn trimmings and barbecue your burgers, if local laws allow you to. As long as you make sure to follow a few safety precautions every time you burn, you can keep enjoying your backyard fires and reduce the spread of unintentional flames.
Recreational Fire HazardsEvery outside fire has its own set of hazards, but campfires, grills, fire pits and fireworks are some of the most prevalent causes of igniting flames outdoors. Improper usage of grills leads to around 8,800 home fires annually.
Before firing up the grill, check the propane tanks and gas lines that fuel it prior to starting it, and always attend to your grill, even after you’re done using it.
When constructing a campfire, build it in a safe area away from any buildings or vehicles, and only use a lighter or a match to keep your fire burning. Once your campfire is ready, be sure only to use wood to keep the flame going and supervise embers even after you’re done roasting hot dogs.
Fire pits are an easy way to create the feel of a campfire in your own backyard, but this piece of equipment should be used with the same caution as a normal campfire. If you are able to move your fire pit, make sure to locate it away from any overhangs and keep it off of a wooden patio.
While it might seem like an easy way to get rid of construction or household debris, you should only burn approved firewood.
Other Outdoor Fire HazardsEven with the threats they hold, fire and flammable materials can still be put to good use. During the fall, if your lawn collects a large number of leaves and you don’t have trash disposal or a street pickup option, burning your yard debris might be the only solution to tidying up your lawn.
Before burning anything, make sure your local authorities allow you to burn debris, to begin with. Be aware of any active burning and apply for a permit if necessary. A burn ban is immediately put in place when Orange County’s drought index exceeds 500. This ban will be announced through the local news and social media so keep an eye out for any alerts.
Cleaning dead leaves and yard trimmings is actually a helpful way to safeguard your home from wildfires, as well as strategic landscaping to slow the spread of flames before they can reach your doorstep. Knowing what you can safely burn and understanding the basic fire safety principles can help you keep any backyard flame under control.
We all use our sheds and garages to store materials like gas to fuel our vehicles and yard tools, but irresponsible storage can have disastrous consequences. Make a point to only use authorized containers to keep gas in, and place your containers out of the reach of any children. Gas should only be used for its intended purposes as well, so if you are unable to light your bonfire, don’t turn to your gasoline container for any assistance.
Before lighting any outdoor fire, be sure to check local weather forecasts and local laws. If conditions are very windy or dry, light that fire another day, and save the marshmallows for later.
And if your home is impacted by an outdoor fire, contact our experts at SERVPRO. Our team has years of experience dealing with the aftermath of fires and can work hard to restore your home or its former glory.
Burn safely outdoors. And save some chocolate for us! If you have experienced fire or smoke damage, contact us today to get restoration started faster.
Ready, Set, Grill!
5/9/2022 (Permalink)
Local SERVPRO fire remediation specialist advises Garden Grove grill masters to prepare now for a safe, savory outdoor cooking season
Local SERVPRO fire remediation specialist advises Garden Grove grill masters to prepare now for a safe, savory outdoor cooking season
Garden Grove, CA (Grassroots Newswire)
For many, the Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of the summer season. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) warns families that the onset of the summer season also marks a rise in home fires started by outdoor grilling activities. According to the NFPA, on average, 10,600 home fires are started by grills each year. July is the peak month for grill fires, followed by June, May, and August.1
“Sixty-one percent of U.S. households own a gas grill,” says fire remediation specialist Constantin of SERVPRO of Central Garden Grove. “A total of sixty-four percent own at least one outdoor BBQ, grill, or smoker. The popularity of this outdoor cooking equipment combined with longer, warmer days creates a unique fire hazard that should be taken seriously.”
The time to take precautions is now, adds Constantin, before the outdoor cooking season is in full swing. The NFPA offers these basic tips for fire-safe grilling:
For gas/propane grills:
- Check the gas tank for leaks before using.
- Open the lid on all gas grills before lighting the grill.
For charcoal grills:
- Use only charcoal starter fluid to start the fire but never add it or any flammable liquids to a fire that is burning.
- Cool coals completely before you dispose of them in a metal container.
For all grills:
- Place grill well away from house and deck railings. Don’t place under eaves or branches.
- Remove grease and fat buildup from grills and trays after each use.
- Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill.
- Never leave the grill unattended when in use.
“Basic precautions set the stage for a safe and enjoyable outdoor cooking season,” says Constantin. “Life is unpredictable, but you can take steps to control the risk of house and property fires caused by outdoor cooking. Whether you are strictly a summer grilling warrior or you use your grill year-round, simple, common-sense actions can help ensure that the only smoke you smell this summer is the sweet aroma of steaks and vegetables grilling.”
SERVPRO specializes in fire and water cleanup and restoration services and repair services, helping to remediate damage for both commercial and residential customers. For more information on SERVPRO® of Central Garden Grove, please contact Constantin at 714-591-0646 or office@SERVPRO10911.com. For more information on SERVPRO, please visit www.SERVPRO.com.
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