Archived Fire Damage Blog Posts
Baking Soda- A Superhero for multiple reasons!
11/1/2024 (Permalink)
Fire Safety Superheroes: Baking Soda, a Blanket and a Bucket of Water.
A few years ago, I purchased over 200 cans of baking soda and gave out as a Valentine gift to insurance agents!
That’s right, what says LOVE more than a can of baking soda!
Not only is it an ingredient in baking but it also can put out a small fire.
Many people did not know the properties in baking soda releases carbon dioxide and smothers the flames cutting off the oxygen.
An extra box on hand, located AWAY from the oven so you can safely grab it, could save your home. It can be used if something were to ignite in your microwave, on the stove top or in the oven.
We also advocate for having a blanket to use for gas fires or to use to extinguish flames on a person. And a good ole bucket of water strategically placed near an outside open fire is a necessity!
Saving someone from a catastrophe says LOVE to me!
We Are Thankful for Simple and Smart Fire Safeguards!
SERVPRO-Safe Candle Alternatives
9/10/2024 (Permalink)
Choose the SERVPRO-Safe way! LED Candles are a great additive to any cozy ambiance.
Many people love to embrace the Fall spirit with candles in jack-o'-lanterns and seasonal decorations. However, these charming touches come with their own set of risks. A glowing candle nestled inside a carved pumpkin can quickly turn from a spooky delight to a fire hazard if not handled properly. Let's not forget the mess of wax spills on your favorite furniture or carpet. Plus, candles placed too close to flammable decorations can be a serious fire risk. As you prepare for a festive season, you must be conscious of these potential mishaps to keep your celebrations safe.
Some Safe Decorating Alternatives
If you’re looking for festive ways to decorate without the risks associated with traditional candles, consider these three great alternatives:
1. Battery-Operated LED Candles: These candles mimic the warm glow of real flames without the fire risk. They’re perfect for illuminating jack-o'-lanterns and adding a cozy touch to other decorations.
2. Glow Sticks or LED String Lights: Add a splash of color and festivity to your decorations! They provide vibrant, flame-free lighting that works well both indoors and outdoors.
3. Solar-Powered Lights: Eco-friendly and efficient, solar-powered lights are ideal for outdoor displays. They use renewable energy and come with no heat or flame hazards, making them a safe and stylish choice for seasonal decorations and beyond.
By choosing these alternatives, you can create a festive atmosphere while keeping safety at the forefront of your celebrations. As always, if you encounter any fire hazards or other issues, SERVPRO of Decorah is Here to Help®!
Mulch Mayhem
7/10/2024 (Permalink)
Don't let your mulch be the reason you experience fire damage this summer.
As we celebrate summer, many of us eagerly anticipate outdoor activities like barbecues, bonfires, and family gatherings. SERVPRO® of Decorah supports a fun summer activity, however, it's essential to stay mindful of potential fire hazards that can quickly turn a fun gathering into a dangerous situation.
Grilling is a summer staple, especially on Father's Day, but it comes with fire risks if the grill is placed on unstable surfaces or too close to flammable materials. Unattended grills can lead to accidents that escalate quickly. Similarly, bonfires and campfires, while enjoyable, pose significant risks. Uncontrolled fires or those built too large can spread rapidly, especially in dry conditions, and campfires near overhanging branches or dry brush can easily ignite surrounding areas. Yard maintenance is also crucial in fire prevention. Dry leaves, grass, and other yard debris can ignite during hot, dry days, leading to potentially devastating fires.
An Unforeseen risk
One fire hazard that many overlook is mulch. Commonly used in landscaping for its aesthetic and moisture-conserving benefits, mulch can easily ignite when dry. A discarded cigarette, a stray spark from a grill, or even intense heat from the sun can cause mulch to catch fire. This risk is heightened when mulch is piled too thickly or placed near wooden structures and plants that could fuel a fire. Additionally, some mulches contain chemicals for staining and treating, which can make them more combustible. Under intense heat, these chemicals can cause the mulch to spontaneously combust, leading to fires that can quickly spread to nearby structures or vegetation. My sister knew a friend who this happened to and it caused their home to catch fire.
Recognizing these fire hazards is the first step in ensuring a safe and enjoyable summer. Keep reading into our next section, where we will provide practical tips on how to prevent and stay safe from these outdoor fire risks.
Fire Safety and Recovery
11/2/2023 (Permalink)
SERVPRO is coming in HOT with the fire tips!
Fire, a captivating yet dangerous force, can devastate homes and businesses. At SERVPRO of Decorah, we understand the havoc it can cause. Let’s explore fire causes, prevention, and recovery, emphasizing SERVPRO's crucial role in restoration!
Common Causes of Fire
Fires stem from various sources: electrical faults, cooking mishaps, or natural disasters. Recognizing these triggers is vital for prevention. What is the main star of this blog is some of the things that we can do to work on preventing any fire mishaps.
Prevention Strategies
- Electrical Safety: Regular checks and proper usage prevent electrical fires.
- Kitchen Safety: Vigilance while cooking and smoke alarms enhance kitchen safety.
- Heating and Appliances: Maintenance and responsible use are key to preventing fire.
- Smoke Alarms and Extinguishers: Regular testing and accessible extinguishers are essential.
Recovery with SERVPRO of Decorah
SERVPRO offers swift, comprehensive fire damage restoration services:
- Assessment: Thorough evaluation of the damage.
- Cleaning and Restoration: Advanced techniques to restore items and eliminate odors.
- Structural Repairs: Skilled repairs to ensure safety.
- Mold Remediation: Remediation of mold growth.
- Insurance Support: Assistance with insurance claims.
- Compassionate Assistance: Emotional support throughout the process.
Prevention, awareness, and prompt action are vital in fire safety. SERVPRO of Decorah stands as a reliable partner in restoration, ensuring your home and peace of mind are restored swiftly and efficiently. Stay safe, stay prepared, and remember, SERVPRO is here to help you recover.
You're in the Dog House Now!
6/6/2022 (Permalink)
Burnt brisket was not on the menu!
You're getting ready to host a gathering at your home, time is fast approaching. The brisket that you have been carefully preparing is now resting on top of the stove and all is well. Until... the unspeakable happens. Your beloved family dog's mouth is watering for that brisket, how could it not, you've put so much effort into that delicious piece of meat! He jumps up to get a taste, hits the burner, and causes the stove top to turn on.
Unfortunately, this is not a fictional story and it is not the first time something like this has happened. You now have a very scorched brisket, and even worse, your whole house is burning along with your belongings.
You can never predict these things, however, you can take prevention and education seriously and always be doing things to lesson your chance of fires, water damage, and other disasters.
If you are not following us on social media, nows the time to do so! We post many helpful educational tidbits, home improvement tips, safety measures, and more! You will find our socials at the bottom of this newsletter!
Call SERVPRO today if you are in need of cleanup or restoration!
It's Time to Grill!
5/16/2022 (Permalink)
Grill a safe steak!
Grilling puts your home more at risk for a fire. It’s the time of year that people start breaking those grills out, there’s no better time than National BBQ month (May). We love a freshly grilled steak but we love it more when it is grilled SAFLEY! We are bringing you some reminders on grilling safety as we head into summer!
IMPORTANT SAFETY
- Only use propane & charcoal grills outdoors
- Place your grill away from the home, deck, or overhanging branches
- Never leave it unattended
- Keep a close eye on children & pets when in use
- Open gas grill lid before lighting
- Keep your grill cleaning by removing grease build-up & cleaning trays below
Happy safe summer grilling!
If you experience fire damage from grilling gone wrong, don't hesitate, call SERVPRO of Decorah!
Content Cleaning- Not for the Faint of Heart
4/20/2022 (Permalink)
We've got the means!
When we get a call to assist someone who has just had a fire in their home or business, we know that our team needs to be prepared for a big project ahead. They help put the space back together, and that is no easy feat when you are dealing with the aftermath of flames. Another BIG piece of the puzzle in getting you back to like it never even happened, is content cleaning.
WE’VE GOT THE MEANS
We have a wonderful team of Cleaning Technicians who work tirelessly to get people's treasures back to their preloss condition. They use a plethora of cleaners, deodorizers, and counteractants, all created by our very own SERVPRO chemist. Additionally, we have equipment like our ozone machine. An ozone generator is a machine that splits apart oxygen to generate OZONE with electrical charges. Ozone is composed of 3 oxygen molecules, where the third molecule detaches itself and reattaches to other substances like tough odors. Read more about the ozone machine here!
WE’VE GOT THE HEART
We had a recent fire loss, and like many of our fire jobs, the contents got boxed up and brought back to our facilities to get the soot/smell out and make them sparkle again. For precious belongings, this process is more than just a scrub-a-dub-dub and done. Contents are handled with care; our cleaners know that these items hold special places in our customer’s hearts.
In the event that your home or business undergoes fire damage, call SERVPRO of Decorah so we can help put your life back together!
563.277.1615
Fish Fry
3/24/2022 (Permalink)
The burnt remnants of the fish aquarium
There are many unsuspected culprits that cause house fires these days, especially with numerous electronic devices plugged in and advances in technology. One uncommon household item that you might never expect to be a source of disaster is your fish tank or aquarium. What was once home to these little fish, is now the cause of disaster in another.
What is even more surprising is that it's not as rare as you'd think. In an article posted by Fox43, they explain the ins and outs of aquariums and fire safety. Take a look and get up to speed on all things fire safety when it comes to your fish friend's little home, and protecting your own!
HOW SERVPRO STEPS IN
SERVPRO of Decorah has worked on jobs that require both fire and water restoration. Sometimes these two messes go hand in hand. What do you often use to put out the flames of a fire (other than an extinguisher of course)? That’s right… Water. Thankfully you can have peace of mind that we have all the tools and training on how to deal with BOTH of these messes, even if that means simultaneously.
If you find yourself in a situation similar to this, fish friends or no fish friends, we are HERE TO HELP!
Call SERVPRO of Decorah and leave the mess to us!
563.277.1615
Bike on Fire
3/3/2022 (Permalink)
Sometimes the cause of the mess is something you never expect!
An electric bike was stored in a basement when the battery pack exploded and caught fire. If exercising was this individual's new year's resolution, it literally went up in flames. Luckily the customer was able to put out the fire with an extinguisher, however, the electrical explosion caused a lot of fire and smoke damage to the home. There are many lessons we can take away from this, and no, it's not to ditch the new year's resolution. Let us leave you with 3 efforts that will help you prepare and prevent!
1. Never leave electrical equipment plugged into the wall when not in use
2. Know where your fire extinguisher is and how to use it
3. Put SERVPRO's number in your phone so we can be there right away to help remediate your home or business.
(563) 277-1615
May Your Holidays be Merry and Safe
12/22/2021 (Permalink)
Wishing you a warm holiday!
It’s that time of the year where chestnuts roast on open fires and Christmas trees are lit up providing extra holiday cheer. While the holidays are a great time for lights, warmth, and other festive things, this can sometimes be hazardous.
CELEBRATE SAFELY
While we want you to all celebrate this holiday with all the pizzaz, we also want you to be safe. Here are some good guidelines to keep in mind when getting holly and jolly!
- Keep all decorations at least 3 feet away from heat sources
- always unplug your Christmas tree before you leave the house or go to bed
- If you have a real tree, make sure to water it to keep it hydrated and safe
- Inspect your fireplace and make sure it is working properly before use
- Check lights and other electrical decorations for shortages or broken wires
- Only plug in Christmas lights in dry areas
WRAPPING IT UP
We hope that your holidays are safe and Merry, but if disaster creeps its way into your festivities, call SERVPRO so we can help you get back to your celebration and loved ones.
Warning: Knobs on your Kitchen Stove can cause a fire.
1/18/2021 (Permalink)
Don’t get BURNED for not cooking.
What’s on your stove and Inside your oven?
Who loves pizza? No one would imagine that ordering out pizza and NOT COOKING could actually result in a house fire… but it has happened. Have you ever left a cardboard pizza box on the cold stove or inside a cold oven for the next day? I mean, I have. SERVPRO has responded to fire losses that started because something flammable was left in or on appliances used to cook and why not? It was off.
Well, although it was off, some kitchen stove knobs are extremely sensitive and may accidentally be turned on without a homeowner realizing it. Have small children and pets? They could turn it on without you noticing too. Check out this video of a dog who turned on the stove as she reached over it.
A recent loss we responded to was a result of a cereal box catching on fire after the homeowner bumped into the stove’s knob without realizing she turned it on.
Leaving anything in the oven is not a good idea. It becomes “out of sight, out of mind.” In other words, you can forget it’s there! All of sudden, because you had the intention of cooking a Baked Ziti dish, preheated the oven without realizing that there is something in there, and then PUFF, fire!
Stove & Oven Safety Tips
- Do not put anything flammable on your stove or in your oven.
- Keep your stove and oven clean from spills, grease, food, or oil residue.
- Always check inside your oven before preheating it. Do not use for storage.
- Install a smoke detector in or near the kitchen.
- Invest in a Stove Knob Covers or Stove Locking Straps.
- Make sure your stove or oven has not been recalled (https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls ).
- Keep a fire extinguisher (specifically for grease fires) nearby. Baking Soda can help extinguish a small grease fire. Metal Lids can help suppress a small fire.
- Turn off burners or ovens immediately after use.
- If there is a fire, act quickly. Evacuate everyone and call 911 first!
Need Help Cleaning up After a Fire?
Let SERVPRO of Decorah help you by restoring your home or business “Like it never even happened.” Our team is highly trained as Fire Restoration Technicians and content cleaning experts. Give us a call at ((563) 277-1615.
Resource: How to Safely Put Out a Kitchen Fire
Beware of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
1/18/2021 (Permalink)
Test your Carbon Monoxide Alarm
Don’t ignore the beeping sound of your smoke or carbon monoxide alarm.
Yes. We are talking to you, the person who has justified the sound to low batteries. Admittingly, that has been me. It could be low batteries but don't take that risk. Do you know that besides water and fire disasters, we also have cleaned after TRAUMA disasters related to CO poisoning? Death by carbon monoxide is tragic and traumatic for anyone involved. What’s worst is that carbon monoxide is an invisible, tasteless, and odorless gas so there are no alarming indicators to alert you naturally and right away.
Here are a few tips to make sure you and your family are safe in your home.
- Test your Carbon Monoxide Alarm monthly.
- Install CO alarms on the outside of bedrooms and on each floor including the basement.
- Invest in a Plug-in with Battery Backup CO Alarm.
- First Alert recommends replacing CO alarms every 5-7 years.
- If the alarm goes off, quickly go outside and call 9-1-1.
Household items that produce CO.
It is important to do a maintenance check-up on heating sources such as the furnace, generators, stove, oven, dryer, and chimneys to ensure everything is working properly. Changing filters on your equipment will help it be more efficient and safer. In addition, do not leave your car running in an enclosed space even if you are just heating up the car before traveling especially if it’s the enclosed space is an attached garage.
P.S. If you visiting a family or friend overnight and they are ignoring a beeping CO alarm, DO NOT STAY THERE.
We are here to help PREVENT disasters. Disaster will always happen and although we are good at restoring homes and content, we can’t restore someone's passing. That’s why it’s important for us to share safety tips and bring awareness to topics such as these. Be safe.
More Resources: 6 Things to Know About Carbon Monoxide Alarms.
Celebrate Safely This Holiday Season
11/19/2020 (Permalink)
Stay safe this season. Image Source: USFA/FEMA
As a restoration specialist, SERVPRO of Decorah wants to encourage you to have a safe holiday season by practicing some caution when dealing with fire.
Did you know that this holiday season is also the season of home fires? Christmas lights, candles, and holiday cooking can all heighten the chances of a fire. We appreciate the beauty and the glow of these light sources but what could have been just home décor could turn into a home disaster.
Here are some statistics from the U.S. Fire Administration on Holiday Fires.
- The top 3 days for home candle fires are Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and New Years’ Eve.
- More than half of the home decoration fires in December are started by candles.
- A heat source too close to the Christmas tree causes one in every four winter fires.
- On average, one of every 52 reported home Christmas tree fires resulted in death.
Wow! These numbers can be a bit frightening. It’s really important that we be safe by practicing these simple safety tips.
Holiday Fire Safety Tips for you!
- Only use decorations that are flame-retardant or not flammable.
- Check holiday lights each year for frayed wires or excessive wear.
- Don’t link more than three strands of holiday lights.
- Water your Christmas Tree (REAL TREE).
- Put any heat source at least 3 feet away from flammable objects.
- Try using battery-operated candles instead.
- Do not leave your kitchen if you are cooking.
- Make sure you’re smoke alarms are working.
“Stay safe’ has become a common expression in the context of public health, but this holiday season, we urge all -area home and business owners to think about ‘staying safe’ in their homes as they prepare for and enjoy the holiday season. If you experience a recent fire loss, we are here to help. Call SERVPRO of Decorah at (563) 387-7333.
2020 Fire Prevention Week is on October 4th – October 10th
10/1/2020 (Permalink)
HERE TO HELP PREVENT FIRES AND CLEAN AFTER THEM!
SERVPRO of Decorah wants to encourage our community to be proactive in fire safety for the protection of yourself, family, and home. As a restoration business, we understand that disasters will happen but we see firsthand on the perils, heartache, and stress a house fire truly is so speaking up on fire prevention is important to us. This year’s National Fire Protection Association theme for Fire Prevention Week is “Fire Safety in the Kitchen!” According to NFPA, “Cooking is the #1 cause of home fires and home fire injuries.” Here are just a few quick tips to prevent a fire while in the kitchen.
5 Tips to Prevent Fire While in the Kitchen.
- Do not leave your kitchen unattended while you are cooking even if it’s just heating up some toast.
- Set reminders and timers for when you are cooking. Cooking may require multitasking from prepping items, baking or cooking so set a timer to remind you if you have something in the oven or stove you need to check on.
- Do not leave flammable items near or on your stoves such as paper towels, pizza boxes, or kitchen towels.
- Have a fire extinguisher nearby.
- Some stove’s knobs turn on easily. Make sure you look into devices to childproof or pet-proof the gas stove. Clear Stove Knob Covers or Silicone Child Safety Knob locks are some items you can purchase for the stove.
TEST YOUR SMOKE ALARM
You should test your smoke alarm at least once a month by pushing the test button. It’s really important that your smoke alarm is working properly in order to warn your family about a possible fire. If the smoke alarm does go off while you are safely cooking, avoid taking the battery out of the smoke alarm even if your intention is to put it back in there. Forgetting to return the battery in your smoke alarm can be a costly mistake in the future. If it’s only smoke from hot oil and there is no fire, simply open your windows and doors and wave the smoke away from the alarm. Again, do not leave your kitchen unattended while cooking.
If you have any questions about Fire Cleanup or Smoke Odor Removal, Call SERVPRO of Decorah.
Ways to Prevent Fire from Toasters.
7/27/2020 (Permalink)
Toast your bread, not your home.
Don’t be Toast because of Toast.
A regular morning routine of putting white bread in the toaster might turn into an unexpected fire inside your house. It is possible to accidentally start a fire when using what seems to be a fairly harmless kitchen appliance. Just recently, SERVPRO of Decorah responded to a call about a house fire and the cause of loss was a rag that was near a toaster! Let’s go over a few safety tips to avoid a fire from your toaster.
5 Ways to Prevent Toaster Fires
- When choosing a toaster, read up on reviews and check for recalls. Some brands of toaster may have a history of fire-starting issues.
- Make sure there is nothing flammable near your toaster such as paper towels, curtains or rags.
- Regularly clean your toaster from breads crumbs and any grease or dirt residue.
- Keep your toaster unplugged when not in use and inspect the health of its cords. Do not ever plug in an electrical appliance that has frayed wires.
- Stay near the toaster when using it. Depending on how brown you want your toast, it will only take about 2-3 minutes of your time that can easily fly by. Just pull out your phone and watch a YouTube video on Toasters catching Fire while waiting.
BONUS SAFETY TIP - GET A FIRE EXTINGUISHER FOR YOUR KITCHEN!
We restore and clean up after fires. If you experienced an unfortunate fire disaster, we are here to help. Call us at 563-277-1615.
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