How to Prevent a Fire

10/12/2020 (Permalink)

As a fire prevention Month, SERVPRO of Hollywood/Hallandale/Aventura would like to share some tips and facts about preventing from any fire disasters.

• The first 48 hours after a fire damage can make the difference between restoring versus replacing your property and personal belongings. SERVPRO . SERVPRO'S 1-4-8 Service Response Guidelines can help prevent FIRE DAMAGE from creating long-term problems. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals provide timely response with MITIGATION services ranging from FIRE, SMOKE AND SOOT REMOVAL to contents claims inventory and document restoration. these services help ensure your property, belongings and memories are restored to preloss condition when possible. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are available 24-hours a day, 365 days a year to help you regain control quickly.
  WHAT YOU CAN DO UNTIL HELP ARRIVES
• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from spreading and additional damage from occurring
• Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs and high traffic areas and upholstery. 
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
• Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
• Change HVAC filter.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.
• Coat chrome faucets, trim and appliances petroleum jelly or oil 
• Place aluminum foil wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpet. 
• Do not shampoo carpet or upholstery
• Do not clean any electrical equipment.
• Do not send clothing to a dry cleaner since improper cleaning may set some odor.

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.

Have Smoke or Fire Damage? Call (954) 921-8992

How to Use Fire Extinguishers in Aventura

7/25/2019 (Permalink)

When using a fire extinguisher in Aventura, remember PASS; Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep.

Here at SERVPRO of Hollywood/Hallandale/Aventura, we hope you never experience the devastation that comes with fire damage. However, in the event that disaster strikes, be aware that our IICRC certified technicians are qualified in all aspects of cleaning up the damage left by smoke and fire in your business or residence in Aventura, Florida.

Fire extinguishers may help prevent fire damage or smoke damage, but only if you know how to use them.

SERVPRO of Hollywood/Hallandale/Aventura wants to share these tips from FEMA. You can try to fight a small fire only if:

• You have alerted others in the building that there is a fire
• Someone has called the fire department
• You are physically able to use a fire extinguisher
• The fire is small and contained (like a wastebasket)
• You are safe from the fire’s smoke
• You have a clear escape route

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher:   SERVPRO of Hollywood/Hallandale/Aventura suggests you remember PASS:

Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you and release the locking mechanism

Aim at the base of the fire

Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly

Sweep the nozzle side to side

Links:

https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/

https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/outreach/extinguishers.html

Tips To Prevent Kitchen Fires In Hallandale

7/1/2019 (Permalink)

Avoid Kitchen Fires In Your Hallandale Home

SERVPRO of Hollywood/Hallandale/Aventura knows that cooking equipment is the leading cause of fire damage and fire injuries in the home.

SERVPRO wants you to be safe, so to help prevent fire damage, we have these suggestions for preventing kitchen fires. They make more sense than not cooking at home.

SERVPRO of Hollywood/Hallandale/Aventura offers these tips for Fire Prevention in the kitchen:

• Keep anything that can catch fire at least 3 feet away from the stove top
• Many kitchen items can catch fire, including: dish towels, oven mitts, recipes, wooden tools, and loose clothing
• Never operate the stove or oven when you are tired or have been drinking alcohol
• Keep children at least 3 feet away from the stove or oven
• If you are frying, broiling, grilling, or boiling food, stay in the kitchen. If you leave, even for a short time, turn off the heat
• If you are baking, roasting, or simmering food, stay in the house. If you leave, even for a short time, turn off the heat

Remember that fire is fast. If you cannot contain a fire immediately, leave and bring everyone with you. Call 9-1-1 from outside the home.

SERVPRO of Hollywood/Hallandale/Aventura reminds you that fire prevention is the best strategy against fire damage.

Prevention is the best way to avoid fire damage, mold damage, and water damage from a kitchen fire.

Links:

https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/

Your Business In Hollywood Should Know FEMA Stats on Commercial Fires

7/1/2019 (Permalink)

Don't Allow A Fire To Keep Your Business Shut Down

The Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) reports that over 40% of businesses do not reopen after a disaster such as fire damage, storm damage, or other disruption. SERVPRO of Hollywood/Hallandale/Aventura wants to serve our community by keeping your business up and running. We think it is important to support our local fire departments by helping to educate owners of both businesses and homes about the importance of prevention.

Only 29% of those that do reopen remain open after 2 years.

SERVPRO of Hollywood/Hallandale/Aventura wants you to be aware of the causes of fire damage and fire injuries so that you can help prevent them.

Top Causes of Commercial Fires in Hollywood/Hallandale/Aventura:

• Cooking: SERVPRO of Hollywood/Hallandale/Aventura has more information here
• Equipment: Almost 38% of business fires start from faulty equipment or from mis-used equipment. Some materials can catch fire or explode when exposed to heat
• Carelessness: Remember to cover light bulbs, turn off equipment at the end of the day, and to replace frayed cords

SERVPRO of Hollywood/Hallandale/Aventura wants you to remember that the best way to fight fire damage or smoke damage is to prevent it.

Links:

https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/firesafety/

https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/statistics/nonres_bldg_fire_estimates.pdf

Extinguisher Types For Hollywood Beach, Golden Beach, and Aventura

6/6/2019 (Permalink)

Types Of Fire Extinquisher

All of us at SERVPRO of Hollywood/Hallandale/Aventura hope your business stays safe from fire.  If the worst happens, we are experts in cleaning fire damage and smoke damage.

Just to be safe, SERVPRO of Hollywood/Hallandale/Aventura recommends you keep, maintain, and know how to use fire extinguishers. 

A fire-extinguisher may prevent fire damage and smoke damage from spreading throughout the office.

If you see a small fire that you can take care of yourself, use the following tips.  If you have any worries, you and everyone else should leave the house and call 9-1-1 when you are outside.

SERVPRO of Hollywood/Hallandale/Aventura wants you to know that you can try to fight a small fire only if:

• You can get to the fire extinguisher quickly. Fire is fast. Fire damage and smoke damage are less painful than personal injuries
• You have the right class of fire extinguisher
• You know how to use the fire extinguisher

SERVPRO of Hollywood/Hallandale/Aventura explains Types of Commercial Fire Extinguishers:

(art from U.S. Fire Administration)

Classes A, B, and C fire extinguishers are found in both homes and businesses

• Class A is for cloth, wood, and paper
• Class B is for liquids that can burst into flame or explode, such as grease, gasoline, oil, or oil-based paints
• Class C is for electrical equipment like computers, tools, or anything else that is plugged in
• Most home-improvement stores sell multi-purpose fire extinguishers: Classes A:B:C
• Class D is for metals that can burst into flame. Class D fire extinguishers are usually needed only in some factories
• Class K is for vegetable and animal oils and fats that are in cooking appliances. Commercial kitchens (restaurants, cafeterias, catering businesses) often use them

Links:

https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/

https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/outreach/extinguishers.html

BUSINESS CHECKLIST FOR FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY

12/29/2016 (Permalink)

Whether you are the Head Honcho or one of the all-important cogs that makes the wheels of efficiency and profitability turn smoothly you have some measure of responsibility for keeping your workplace safe. Many fire departments provide special training for businesses. As the slogan goes, learn not to burn!

Employees in small and large businesses have responsibilities related to fire and life safety. Employers and supervisors must be certain their co-workers are well informed, trained and prepared. Fire can happen anytime anywhere. Every business has potential fire hazards. All employees should keep fire protection and fire and life safety near the top of their list of concerns.

Perhaps your fellow workers should conduct a survey to gather ideas about potential hazards unique to your workplace. Meanwhile, here’s a list of things every business should consider:

Does your workplace have a fire safety plan?
When was the last time your fire safety plan was reviewed and updated?
Is the staff trained based on the plan?
Do you have a well-rehearsed evacuation plan?
Do employees know where to gather after an evacuation?
Does your workplace or business take advantage of fire and safety services training provided by the fire department?
Are differently abled employees prepared and capable of evacuating safely?
Are their fellow employees ready to assist them if necessary?
Are your local fire protection professionals aware of any potential hazards in your workplace?
Do you have a functioning and regularly tested fire alarm system?
Do employees know how to activate the fire alarm?
Are employees familiar with the sound emitted by the fire alarm system?
Are smoke detectors and sprinkler systems in good working order?
Are electrical outlets overloaded?
Are heat generating office machines and other devices placed safely and operated according to manufacturer’s instructions?
Are flammable materials labeled correctly and stored safely?
Are your stairways uncluttered and safe?
Are your hallways and passageways kept free of flammable materials and clutter?
Are all exits clearly marked and free from obstructions?
Do employees know what to do when they smell smoke?
Do employees know not to use elevators if a fire breaks out?
Do smokers on your staff practice fire safety?
Are employees trained to use fire extinguishers?
Do employees know a fire extinguisher is only effective on small fires?
When was the last time your fire extinguishers were inspected?

What to do after the fire

10/10/2016 (Permalink)

Recovering from a fire can be a physically and mentally draining process.

When fire strikes, lives are suddenly turned around. Often, the hardest part is knowing where to begin and who to contact.

Contact your insurance company or agent right away.

Ask your agent:

What to do about the immediate needs of your home. This includes pumping out water and covering doors, windows, and other openings.
What you should do first. Some companies may ask you to make a list of everything that was damaged by the fire. They will ask you to describe these in detail and say how much you paid for the items.
Entering the home after the fire:

Do not enter a damaged home or apartment unless the fire department says it is safe to go in!
Fires can start again even if they appear to be out.
Soot and dirty water left behind may contain things that could make you sick. Do not eat, drink, or breathe in anything that has been near the fire’s flames, smoke, soot, or water used to put the fire out.
SERVPRO technicians are experts in cleaning and/or restoring your personal items.

Residential and Commercial Restoration and Cleaning Services

SERVPRO of Hollywood / Hallandale / Aventura provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any size disaster. Our highly trained technicians can respond immediately to your residential or commercial emergency.

24-Hour Emergency Service

Faster to Any Size Disaster

Highly Trained Restoration Technicians

A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry

Locally Owned and Operated

Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment

Have Questions? Call Us Today – (954) 921-8992

9 Fire Safety Tips

10/7/2016 (Permalink)

Keep your family safe: Practice fire safety

It must be fire safety month at Safe Sound Family, because clearly, I have fire on the brain. I don’t want to be alarmist (haha), as that is truly not my intent. It’s just that my parents once taught me that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and I can’t think of many situations in which that idiom rings truer than it does with fire prevention and safety.

So think of today as your Cliff’s Notes to fire safety – a quick & dirty guide to protect your family from the dangers of faulty electronics, flammable goods, lightening storms, and wayward appliances.

1. Educate Your Kids

Kids have an awesome capacity for learning and understanding, so school them in fire safety. Children do really well with mnemonics and mantras and other tools to jog their memories in case of emergency. (For some specific tips, check out our article on fire prevention for kids or our comprehensive guide to Fire Safety for Kids.)

2. Smoke Alarms & Fire Extinguishers

You should have at least one smoke alarm per level of your home, plus extras in every sleeping area and near the kitchen. You should also have at least one fire extinguisher in your home, and preferably one per floor. Check smoke alarm batteries & extinguisher pressure regularly, and change batteries at least twice a year. (Read more about smoke detector placement & maintenance.)

3. Fire Sprinklers

Did you know you can get fire sprinklers installed in your home? I know, sounds fancy schmancy, but they’re actually quite affordable. In fact, once you factor in insurance discounts and increased property values, home fire sprinklers are actually a great investment in your family’s safety.

Kids are great – and eager – allies in your family’s fire safety plan

4. Plan Your Escape

You may not want to think about it, but you do need to create an emergency escape plan in case of fire.

5. Appliances & Electrical Safety

Nearly half of all house fires are attributed to faulty appliances, electronics, and electrical wiring. Practice proper electrical safety at home, including regular safety checks.

6. In the Kitchen

Okay, the number one fire safety tip in the kitchen is never leave your cooking unattended! Even if it’s just a turkey roasting for hours in the oven, don’t leave the house. If you’re using the stovetop, take extra precautions and move flammable materials (napkins, oven mitts, etc.) to a safe distance.

7. Smokers, Be Safe

If you smoke, you need to follow extra safety precautions. Keep lighters and matches out of reach of little hands. Always be sure to stub out your cigarettes thoroughly (or douse them in water). Never smoke near oxygen tanks, aerosol cans, or other flammable materials. Don’t smoke in bed.

8. Lightening

I don’t know about you but for me, lightening is both awesome and terrifying. A lightening storm, especially at night, is absolutely gorgeous. But it’s also potentially dangerous, so remember to stay inside. Stay away from water (don’t even wash your hands). Don’t use electronics. And if you feel your hair stand on end, lightening is about to strike. Duck! (Not kidding.)

9. Fire Protection Systems

Think of it like this: fire protection is to smoke alarms what a home security system is to DIY door sensors. In other words, a fire protection system links your smoke alarms to a security company, so they can monitor your home while you’re at work or on vacation, or can call the fire department in an emergency. Fire protection means someone else is looking out for your family, too.