Recent Fire Damage Posts
Why Do Fire Fighters Open the Roof?
4/14/2022 (Permalink)
Vertical Ventilation opens up the roof, allowing these toxic gases and smoke to be removed from the property.
If your property has experienced a large fire, you may have noticed the firefighters cut a hole in your roof. You may wonder, "why would they cause this type of damage to a person's property?" Why do firefighters open the roof during a fire?
Vertical Ventilation
This tactic is called Vertical Ventilation and is a common essential firefighting tactic. The science behind the tactic involves the smoke and how fire travels.
As a fire burns, toxic gases & smoke begin to collect and travel UP! This collection of smoke and gas can cause two things to happen, 1) Backdraft, and/or 2) Flashover.
- Backdraft is when the air combines with the unburned fuel, rapid ignition can occur with devastating force. - USFA FEMA
- Flashover is a thermally-driven event during which every combustible surface exposed to thermal radiation in a compartment or enclosed space rapidly and simultaneously ignites. - USFA FEMA
A Flashover or Backdraft can cause massive amounts of damage to the property and possibly threaten the lives of the firefighters. That's where Vertical Ventilation comes in.
Vertical Ventilation opens up the roof, allowing these toxic gases and smoke to be removed from the property. This tactic can save a property and neighboring properties from further fire damage. This tactic is not random, but an organized and effective way to preserve and save a property.
_____
When a disaster strikes, SERVPRO® is here to help. Call SERVPRO® of Downey for your disaster recovery needs. From Fire and Water Damage to sanitization, we are there to assist you. Call us at: (562) 392-3007
Prevent Fires in 3 Steps
2/10/2022 (Permalink)
Detail your fire evacuation plan and practice it!
Prevent fires in your business with these 3 steps
As a business owner, you must plan to protect your employees and customers. Without proper preparation, a fire could have deadly consequences. Follow the three steps below and help protect and guide your employees in case of a fire.
1. Perform a Risk Assessment
Evaluate your property and check for any possible risks that may lead to a fire. This may include any open flames, old electrical wiring, or overloaded outlets. This first step is crucial in knowing what could go wrong.
2. Test Fire Protection Equipment
Fire Protection equipment includes Smoke Detectors and Fire Extinguishers. These items need to be tested and replaced occasionally. Note these items so they will always stay current.
3. Create & Practice an Evacuation Plan
Have a floor plan for your facility. Mark the exit routes and have the plan visible for your employees. Practice the plan so everyone will be prepared in case of a Fire.
Take the time to prepare your facility for a Fire. Don't overlook these important safety tips!
SERVPRO® of Downey is here for all your Fire Restoration needs. Contact us 24/7 for emergency services at (562) 392-3007.
Wall Heater Fire Safety
12/10/2021 (Permalink)
Is your wall heater not staying on or has a bad smell? It may need to be serviced.
Gas heaters need to be serviced every 2 years to ensure they are safe to use. This includes all types of heaters such as gas fireplaces, wall units, and space heaters.
This service is to be performed by a licensed Gasfitter, or someone who is certified to work with gas and knows the dangers of carbon monoxide.
Gas Wall Heater Benefits:
- Provides Fast & Efficient Heat
- Temperture Control
- Easy Installation & Maintenance
- Saves Space
With the many benefits of using a gas wall heater, many safety risks need to be addressed.
Safety Tips for Gas Wall Heaters:
- Ensure Proper Ventilation
- Cover Exposed Flame
- Use Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
- Clean Unit Annually
Gas wall heaters are great for keeping your property warm during the winter months. Use these tips to ensure your unit is working properly.
SERVPRO® of Downey is here for all your property maintenance tips. For more information regarding fire damage, call us at (562) 392-3007.
Top 3 Causes for Commercial Fires
11/5/2021 (Permalink)
Is your facility taking the proper safety precautions?
A commercial building needs to be prepared for whatever happens. A building generating business and revenue can't lack safety measures for its property. One of the top risks to mitigate is Fire Damage. Commercial Fires happen more often than the news may tell. Here are the Top 3 Causes for Commercial Fires.
1. Cooking Equipment
Cooking equipment = restaurants. High temperatures, grease, and oil make kitchen fires all too common.
If your property is a healthcare facility or any other facility with cooking equipment, is a fire extinguisher near? Remember, think safe & think smart.
2. Heating Equipment
Some commercial buildings require heating to operate effectively. Heating from mechanical equipment, furnaces, boilers, and radiators is at risk of overheating and starting a fire.
- 14% of these fires take place in industrial or manufacturing properties.
3. Electrical & Lighting Equipment
Electrical wiring and lighting can be found in just about any and all buildings. Some wiring can be older or defective than others, causing overloaded circuits, loose connections, faulty fuses, imbalanced electrical loads, and many other electrical or lighting problems.
- 12% of these fires take place in office properties.
Keep your commercial building safe. Regular inspections and maintenance help mitigate the risk of fire damage. The additional use of Fire Extinguishers and Fire Sprinklers keeps the risk low.
SERVPRO® of Downey are professionals in Cleaning, Restoration, & Construction. If a fire has impacted your building in any way, call us at (562) 392-3007.
Assist & Assess | Wildfire Cleanup
10/26/2021 (Permalink)
Our highly skilled and trained crew will provide visual assessments and determine the best solution for your property clean-up.
Phase I: Inspection
Assisting in Wildfire Clean-up all starts with the inspection. If your property was near a wildfire, the possibility of Smoke Damage is high. Smoke particles can sometimes be clearly visible, other times a more thorough inspection must take place. We look for where smoke settles... baseboards, windowsills, shelves, mantels, door frames, and other locations.
Extensive damage requires establishing what hazardous materials are present. All hazardous materials must be addressed and removed before Ash and Debris can be removed.
Phase II: Cleaning & Removal
Smoke Damaged is addressed in three parts, 1) HEPA vacuum, 2) the wipe down, and 3) odor removal.
A HEPA vacuum is used to collect loose particles. After all the surfaces are vacuumed, surfaces are wiped with a microfiber cloth. With the use of Microfiber Technology, affected surfaces are wiped down and cleaned. Microfiber Cleaning Cloths can collect particles at a .3 micron level, while smoke particles are commonly 1 micron in size. After the wipe down, the surfaces will be HEPA vacuumed once more to collect fallen particles. O-zone Machines & Hydroxyl Generators are specialty equipment that cleans the air, breaking down odor molecules.
For extensive wildfire clean-ups, after hazardous materials are removed, Ash and Debris can be discarded and the remaining structure can be cleaned. If reconstruction services are required, our Director of Construction is available to address your reconstruction needs.
SERVPRO® of Downey is Your Wildfire Clean-up Team!
You don't need to handle Wildfire clean-up on your own. For the safety of everyone around, professionals should be tasked to handle and dispose of hazardous materials and debris. SERVPRO® of Downey specializes in clean-up services, including Fire Clean-up.
Our highly skilled and trained crew will provide visual assessments and determine the best solution for your property clean-up.
Call SERVPRO® Of Downey to schedule an inspection of your property! (562) 392-3007
National Preparedness Month | Week 1
9/3/2021 (Permalink)
Talk to your friends and family about how you will communicate before, during, and after a disaster.
MAKE A PLAN
Why is making a plan so crucial? Not everyone in the family may be together during a disaster. You may be at work and kids could be at school or with a sitter or relative. A plan needs to be made to ensure everyone will be safe and reunited together. How do you do it?
STEP 1: Put a Plan Together
Have a conversation with your family. Discuss questions like...
- How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
- What is my shelter plan?
- What is my evacuation route?
- What is my family/household communication plan?
- Do I need to update my emergency preparedness kit?
- Check with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and update my emergency plans due to Coronavirus.
- Get cloth face coverings (for everyone over 2 years old), disinfectants, and check my sheltering plan.
STEP 2: Consider the Needs to Your Family
Your plan needs to be unique to your family. Discuss the specific needs that need to be met, such as medical requirements, dietary restrictions, disability assistance, or language assistance.
STEP 3: Have an Emergency Family Plan & Practice It
Create a plan for your family and practice it. Know where the Go-Bags are, where everyone will be meeting, & how everyone will communicate. You can view and download a sample Family Plan here.
Follow the conversation online @SERVPROdowney, @readygov, & @fema. Visit our blog for more #NatlPrep articles and disaster-related information.
SERVPRO® of Downey, Montebello, Compton, Vernon is here for your source of disaster preparedness. Prepare Now! // (562) 392-3007
How to Clean the Air After a Fire
4/9/2021 (Permalink)
For questions about Clean Air, call: (562) 392-3007
You know that nasty sting you feel in your nose when walking by a building that has recently burned down? It's unpleasant & hazardous. The odor is sulfur mixed with smoke. It's called Acrid. What’s the best way to get rid of it?
Smoke contains the residue of all the burned materials and it can be Caustic. Special equipment is used to completely clean the air.
- Ozone Machines
- Air Scrubbers
Ozone Machines destroy the Molecules, Bacteria, and Spores that cause unpleasant smells. Air Scrubbers clean the air by repeatedly moving it through HEPA filters which help reduce the smell.
What else is involved?
Other necessary steps involve: (1) Clean all the hard surfaces (2) Wash or treat clothes, drapes, carpets, and upholstery.
A fire doesn’t always destroy a building, smoke however, can ruin everything it contacts. Make sure you do all that’s needed to “clear the air.”
SERVPRO® of Downey is here to help with all your fire damage needs. We are open 24/7, 365 days a year to help you get back to normal. Call us at (562) 392-3007
The Impact of Smoke & Fire Damage
2/2/2021 (Permalink)
The longer you allow the smoke damage to set in, the more damage you will see.
When your Downey property is subjected to a fire; smoke, ash, and even water from the firefighters will cause damage. However, learning more about how smoke damage progresses as well as where you can obtain restoration services can prevent these issues from becoming problematic for you. Get the information you need to reduce the lasting impact that fire damage can have.
How Smoke or Ash Damage Progresses
- During the first few minutes of smoke damage, the soot’s acidic nature will start to yellow several types of plastics, including your small appliances. If not restored quickly, porous materials such as marble or alabaster can become permanently discolored.
- Several hours later, the acid from the soot will stain the grout in your kitchen or bathroom. It can also tarnish metal, yellow your fiberglass, discolor your furniture, or damage your major appliances.
- Within several days, your painted surfaces will be subjected to acidic soot. They will then start to yellow. Additional forms of deterioration include the corrosion, rusting, and pitting of metals. Your wood may also be in need of refinishing. Finally, you may have to replace your vinyl floors.
- Within a few weeks, the damage deepens. For example, your carpets can be permanently discolored. Additionally, your silver-plated possessions can be subjected to irreversible corrosion. Also, items like glass and china may become etched in the soot’s acid.
Seek Professional Smoke Damage Restoration Services
Smoke and fire damage can have a profoundly adverse impact on your property, time is of the essence. The longer you allow the smoke damage to set in, the more complications and deterioration you will see. For this reason, finding a high-quality fire and smoke damage restoration company is important. To ensure that you attain the excellent, expedient services you need, look for a restoration company that possesses the following attributes:
Locally Owned Company with National Resources
If you’re looking for a disaster restoration company SERVPRO of Downey should be your first stop. After years of serving our community, we have the skills and experience to respond quickly to any smoke or fire incident. In fact, our technicians are skilled in cleaning soot and smoke damage from most surfaces and belongings. Call us today at (562) 392-3007!
You Can Prevent Home Fires
1/18/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO® of Downey is here to help - (562) 392-3007
House fires happen. Homes end up getting damaged or destroyed, along with belongings. Yet, even though no one wants to experience these home fires, The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) notes more than 360,000 homes fires a year.
A majority of fires are preventable. Are you taking the proper steps to prevent a fire in your home? Note the 3 common causes of home fires:
3) Electrical Equipment & Lighting
Wires, Extension Cords, & Heaters are in almost every home. Malfunctions can cause this equipment to go up in flames. One of the most common is decorative Christmas lights. When left on or unattended for a long period of time, these lights can overheat and cause serious damage.
Keep in Mind...
Unplug electrical equipment that's not in use.
Check any decorative lights periodically to avoid overheating.
2) Dryers
Dryers are commonly known for starting fires, yet many don't take the time to properly maintain their dryer. Maintenance includes proper cleaning of the lint tray and duct system connected to dryer.
Keep in Mind...
Clean out the lint tray after every use.
Never run your dryer without the lint tray in place.
1) Cooking
According to the NFPA, 46% of home fires start in the kitchen with cooking. Cooking can easily be distracting, especially when making large meals during the holidays.
Keep in Mind...
Never leave your stove top unattended.
Keep children away from hot areas in the kitchen.
This information will help you to minimize your risks of a home fire like never before. Aside from this information, Smoke Alarms need to be replaced and tested to help keep your household aware of any potential fire danger. Review and share this information to keep you and your loved ones safe from a home fire.
SERVPRO® of Downey is here to help if Fire Damage or Smoke Damage services need to be performed after the firefighters have left the scene. Call us at (562) 392-3007
Dirty Dryer Vents Can Cause Fires
11/2/2020 (Permalink)
Clogged dryer vent
For most of us, convenience is everything. This is especially true in our homes. Imagine where we would be without the air conditioner, dishwasher, or microwave. You may remember the days of collecting all your quarters and going down to the Laundromat to do laundry. However, there was a benefit to that.
The benefit: not having to clean your dryer vents. Hardly any of us think about cleaning our vents or even know we should be. The fact of it is Lint accumulates in our dryer vents overtime. We can see a sample of this when we reload our dryer and clean out the small vent trap. Now imagine that on a larger scale. Say you've lived in the same home for 10-15 years+ and never had the vents cleaned...They'd be clogged!
The truth of the matter is we sometimes take convenience for granted. That mistake could cost us our home, or even our life. Around 2,900 Dryer Fires are reported each year. How can we bring this statistic down? Clean our dryer vents.
How do you know if you need your vents cleaned?
- Your laundry may take longer to dry.
- The dryer may be hotter to the touch than usual.
- A burning smell may be present when the dryer is running.
Where do you start? Professionals. Although DIY kits are sold, nothing beats the expertise and assured safety of a professional. Find out more dryer vent information here: https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/outreach/clothes_dryers.html
Include Your Pets in Fire Evacuation Practices
10/26/2020 (Permalink)
Practice the evacuation plan several times with your pet.
We are used to Fires in the Los Angeles/Orange County area. During a Fire, your first priority is to get yourself and your family members out safely. You will not want to forget your pets too! It is important you have a plan in place to evacuate your pets in case a fire emergency should occur. Start by including your pets into your home escape plan.
5 Tasks to Prepare Your Pet
Preparation is key when it comes to protecting your pets in a fire. In case your pets are in an unsafe location that you or your other family members can’t get to, there are several steps you can take to better the chance of their rescue:
1. Keep your pet in rooms or areas that are easily accessible to fire fighters.
2. Update your pet alert window cling on the front window of your home.
3. Set aside a disaster supply kit just for your pet. Include any medication or dog supplies you may need.
4. Place important pet ownership documents and proof of vaccinations in a fire box that you can easily retrieve.
5. Teach your pets the “Come” command so you can easily direct them towards you in an emergency.
Creating Your Pet Evacuation Plan
In addition to these important pet safety tasks, you will need to create a pet evacuation plan. Assign an individual or two to be in charge of retrieving the pets. If your pets are located in a specific part of the house during the night, identify several different routes to that location. Practice the evacuation plan several times with your pet.
In the event of an evacuation due to a wildfire, have arrangements in place for your pet to stay.
Keep your pets and family members safe by having a well thought out plan if a fire emergency does occur. Never risk your safety or the safety of a family member to save your house pet. While your pets might be able to escape safely on their own, you can increase the chance of their rescue with these tips!
National Preparedness Month: Build a Kit
9/3/2020 (Permalink)
Don't Wait, Build Your Kit Today!
Do you have an up-to-date emergency kit? Many procrastinate getting one. But these emergency kits or Go Bags are essential in a disaster. If certain resources such as food, water, light, or shelter aren't available, the emergency bag will have what you need to survive.
Build Your Kit
Many of the items are relatively inexpensive and can be found at most stores. Items such as:
- Food & Water
- First Aid Kit
- Batteries
- Shelter (Tent, Sleeping bag, Blanket)
- Phone Chargers
- Maps
For a complete list of essential emergency bag items, visit this link.
Include Additional Supplies
Think about your family and their needs. Do prescriptions need to be included? Pet supplies? Or baby diapers & formula?
These items will be unique to each family and their needs.
Maintain Your Kit
After you have your kit in place and ready to go, continue to update it with unexpired food and water, additional clothing, or other items as your needs change.
Don't Let Emergency Kits Overwhelm You
These kits can prove to be life saving when we need them. Take the time now to get them organized for your home, car, or workspace. You can build your own or buy a pre-packed one.
Here are some of our favorites!
Judy - Emergency Kit
Uncharted Supply Co
Health Hazards in the Fire House
5/1/2020 (Permalink)
Fire Fighters Protect Us, We Want to Protect You
The importance of Health & Safety within Fire Stations is of growing concern.
- What Risks are Present in the Fire Station?
- Can those Risks be Mitigated?
YOU Fire Fighters Protect the Public, We Want to Protect You. At SERVPRO® of DOWNEY the Health Hazards in Fire Stations is an important topic for us. An increase of Fire Departments are including Safety & Risk Management into Fire Station Planning. The goal? To make Fire Stations Safer for first responders. Here's how we can help:
Free Fire Station Risk Assessment:
- Specialized Gear & Uniform Cross Contamination
- Air Quality (Vehicle Exhaust Fumes, Duct Maintenance)
- Mold, Lead, & Asbestos Testing
- Carcinogenic Pollutants & Soot
- COVID-19 & Viral Pathogens
Our experience in handling Fire Stations has given us the ability to provide a variety of detailed services for your facility:
- Mold Remediation
- Lead & Asbestos Abatement
- Specialized Gear & Uniform Decontamination
- Odor Elimination
- Fire House Specialized Cleaning
- COVID-19 & Viral Pathogen Sanitation
- Duct Cleaning
For more information on Fire House or Fire Truck cleaning, call us at (562) 392-3007. We're Here to Help.
Reduce the Impact of Smoke & Fire Damage
2/6/2020 (Permalink)
The longer you allow the smoke damage to set in, the more damage you will see.
When your property is subjected to a fire; smoke, ash, and even water from the firefighters will cause damage. However, learning more about how smoke damage progresses as well as where you can obtain restoration services can prevent these issues from becoming problematic for you. Get the information you need to reduce the lasting impact that fire damage can have.
How Smoke or Ash Damage Progresses
- During the first few minutes of smoke damage, the soot’s acidic nature will start to yellow several types of plastics, including your small appliances. If not restored quickly, porous materials such as marble or alabaster can become permanently discolored.
- Several hours later, the acid from the soot will stain the grout in your kitchen or bathroom. It can also tarnish metal, yellow your fiberglass, discolor your furniture, or damage your major appliances.
- Within several days, your painted surfaces will be subjected to acidic soot. They will then start to yellow. Additional forms of deterioration include the corrosion, rusting, and pitting of metals. Your wood may also be in need of refinishing. Finally, you may have to replace your vinyl floors.
- Within a few weeks, the damage deepens. For example, your carpets can be permanently discolored. Additionally, your silver-plated possessions can be subjected to irreversible corrosion. Also, items like glass and china may become etched in the soot’s acid.
Seek Professional Smoke Damage Restoration Services
Smoke and fire damage can have a profoundly adverse impact on your property, time is of the essence. The longer you allow the smoke damage to set in, the more complications and deterioration you will see. For this reason, finding a high-quality fire and smoke damage restoration company is important. To ensure that you attain the excellent, expedient services you need, look for a restoration company that possesses the following attributes:
Locally Owned Company with National Resources
If you’re looking for a disaster restoration company SERVPRO of Downey should be your first stop. After years of serving our community, we have the skills and experience to respond quickly to any smoke or fire incident. In fact, our technicians are skilled in cleaning soot and smoke damage from most surfaces and belongings. Call us today at (562) 392-3007!
Restaurant Fire Protection Tips
1/21/2020 (Permalink)
Is your restaurant protected from a Fire threat?
The restaurant industry is what we'd call 'High Risk,' specifically for Fires. Think about it... Cooking oils, grilling equipment, cleaning equipment, paper products, and a single open flame can spark a massive fire. That can lead to damaged property, loss of revenue, or possibly closure of the restaurant.
How can Restaurants Protect themselves from the Threat of Fire?
Fire Suppression System
This automatic system can be installed to dispense chemicals to suppress flames before they spread. Once it's activated, fuel or electricity that is powering the cooking equipment is automatically turn off.
Fire Extinguishers
Protect your restaurant by strategically placing fire extinguishers both in the restaurant and in the kitchen. Class K extinguishers work best within kitchens to fight off grease, oil, and fat fires. Class A, B, & C extinguishers can ensure fires don't spread to the sitting area.
Fire Alarm System
A fire alarm system will monitor your restaurant environment for the presence of fire. The system will not only alert those in the building, but may also activate a Fire Suppression System.
Maintenance Checkups
Regular maintenance checkups of your cooking equipment, pipes, and fire protection systems will ensure your restaurant will be protected from fires.
What to Pack During an Emergency Evacuation
11/1/2019 (Permalink)
During the last few weeks we've seen Wild Fires over take various parts of California. From Sonoma County to LA County these fires continue to displace people from their homes. With all the stress, we may not know what we need (besides our Go-Bag) during an emergency evacuation.
The LA City Emergency Service Department gave some sound advice to help those who need to evacuate. These tips also apply to whatever emergency situation you're in, including Wild Fires, a Hurricane, Black Outs, or Earthquakes.
Keep the six “P’s” ready:
- People and pets
- Papers, phone numbers, and important documents
- Prescriptions, vitamins, and eyeglasses
- Pictures and irreplaceable memorabilia
- Personal computers
- “Plastic” and cash
These tips can easily fit to your needs and type of emergency.
Of course, you'll always want to have a Go-Bag on hand if you'll be displaced for a lengthy amount of time. These tips give us a great overview for what we need to grab when the evacuation alert goes off.
For more evacuation or emergency tips, visit FEMA or our other blog articles.
Practice Safe Cooking Habits this Holiday Season
10/24/2019 (Permalink)
Kitchen & Cooking Safety
According to the US Fire Administration, over 51% of home fires resulted from cooking. No doubt the risk of a fire goes up during the holiday season where cooking plays a prominent part in the festivities. Practicing safe cooking habits in the kitchen can help lower that percentage.
Protect Your Family with These Safe Cooking Tips:
- Keep children out of the kitchen. Many hot foods & liquids create a high risk area for burns.
- Don't leave cooking unattended. Items can overheat or spillover, this is especially dangerous with gas stoves.
- Use caution when using fryers and working with hot oil. Operate at a safe distance in case oil catches fire.
- Keep flammable items away from heat sources. These can include, Pot Holders, Wooden/Plastic Utensils, Towels, or Food Packaging.
- Make sure smoke alarms have batteries and are working.
- If possible, keep a fire extinguisher in kitchen area.
Above all, use common sense to avoid injuries or fires in your kitchen. Keep you and your family safe this holiday season by practicing safe kitchen habits.
Follow @SERVPROdowney for regular updates on safety in the home and workplace.
Fire Prevention Week: October 2019
9/26/2019 (Permalink)
Have you thought about what you will do in a fire? Our actions before and during a fire can influence the outcome, whether good or bad.
Each year 1 week in October is dedicated to Fire Prevention. Why? Because fires occur everyday and put people's lives at risk.
The theme for this year is "Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape!" The theme will teach children, teens, and elderly ones important actions that will help keep ourselves and those around us safe. Everyone needs to take these safety measures.
Did you know?: You may have as little as 1 to 2 minutes to escape safely from the time the smoke alarm sounds.
We can see the need to plan and practice if we're to successfully make it out in time. Be the hero of your family, and make a plan & practice it. Stay updated with Fire Prevention Week by following @NFPA & @SERVPROdowney on social media for tips all week long.
Wildfire Season: 2019
8/1/2019 (Permalink)
Last year's fire season was one for the records. The Camp Fire, in Butte County, was one of the most expensive and deadliest fires to date. Then there was the Mendocino Complex Fire, one of the largest of the many fires of 2018.
This year, our hopes are for the 2019 fire season to be nonexistent really. However, recent data shows how it's possible that 2019 will be much worse than 2018.
The real heat of the fire season is August-September. Due to the lack of rain and increased heat and drought, the circumstances are perfect for the fires to flair up again. If these conditions continue, it's possible that these wildfire prone areas can double in size as time goes on.
The real heroes of any fire season are the firefighters. Due to the recent prolonged government shut down and recruitment issues, there is a real shortage of firefighters this wildfire season.
Now let's go around the globe, California isn't the only place wildfire season strikes. Wildfires are now raging in Siberia/Russia, Greenland, Alaska, and Canada. These fires are so great the smoke can even be seen from space.
It's not looking good for 2019. What can you do? Follow your counties direction on wildfire preparation and evacuation. We can fight these fires together.
Pet Safety During Fire Evacuation
5/20/2019 (Permalink)
Practice the evacuation plan several times with your pet.
If a fire occurs in your home in Downey or the surrounding LA area, your first priority is to get yourself and your family members out safely. While you should leave belongings behind until a fire restoration company can retrieve them, you will likely not want to leave your pets behind. It is important you have a plan in place to evacuate your pets in case a fire emergency should occur. Start by including your pets into your home escape plan.
5 Tasks to Prepare Your Pet
Preparation is key when it comes to protecting your pets in a fire. In case your pets are in an unsafe location that you or your other family members can’t get to, there are several steps you can take to better the chance of their rescue:
1. Keep your pet in rooms or areas that are easily accessible to fire fighters.
2. Update your pet alert window cling on the front window of your home.
3. Set aside a disaster supply kit just for your pet. Include any medication or dog supplies you may need.
4. Place important pet ownership documents and proof of vaccinations in a fire box that you can easily retrieve.
5. Teach your pets the “Come” command so you can easily direct them towards you in an emergency.
Creating Your Pet Evacuation Plan
In addition to these important pet safety tasks, you will need to create a pet evacuation plan. Assign an individual or two to be in charge of retrieving the pets. If your pets are located in a specific part of the house during the night, identify several different routes to that location. Practice the evacuation plan several times with your pet.
In the event of an evacuation due to a wildfire, have arrangements in place for your pet to stay.
Keep your pets and family members safe by having a well thought out plan if a fire emergency does occur. Never risk your safety or the safety of a family member to save your house pet. While your pets might be able to escape safely on their own, you can increase the chance of their rescue with these tips!
Document Restoration
2/15/2019 (Permalink)
Disasters can take allot from your home. Your belongings, family heirlooms, your furniture, piece of mind, and even your important documents. Our job is to make your house a home again and restore back to you what's possible.
Many don't realize just because their documents are water damaged doesn't mean they can't be restored. Aside from restoring your documents, we can help you prepare for a disaster by backing your documents up. Whether big or small, we help hospitals, schools, and government agencies to make sure they are protected no matter what disaster may come their way.
Contact SERVPRO® of Downey for more information.
Tip: Store all your important documents in a fire proof file cabinet. Doing so can save you allot headaches.
Prevent Home Fires: Dryer Vents
1/28/2019 (Permalink)
Clogged Vent
For most of us, convenience is everything. This is especially true in our homes. Imagine where we would be without the air conditioner, dishwasher, or microwave. You may remember the days of collecting all your quarters and going down to the Laundromat to do laundry. However, there was a benefit to that.
The benefit: not having to clean your dryer vents. Hardly any of us think about cleaning our vents or even know we should be. The fact of it is Lint accumulates in our dryer vents overtime. We can see a sample of this when we reload our dryer and clean out the small vent trap. Now imagine that on a larger scale. Say you've lived in the same home for 10-15 years+ and never had the vents cleaned...They'd be clogged!
The truth of the matter is we sometimes take convenience for granted. That mistake could cost us our home, or even our life. Around 2,900 Dryer Fires are reported each year. How can we bring this statistic down? Clean our dryer vents.
How do you know if you need your vents cleaned?
- Your laundry may take longer to dry.
- The dryer may be hotter to the touch than usual.
- A burning smell may be present when the dryer is running.
Where do you start? Professionals. Although DIY kits are sold, nothing beats the expertise and assured safety of a professional. Find out more dryer vent information here: https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/outreach/clothes_dryers.html
How Clean is Your Air After a Fire?
11/1/2018 (Permalink)
You know that nasty sting you feel in your nose when walking by a building that has recently burned down? It's unpleasant & hazardous. The odor is sulfer mixed with smoke. It's called Acrid. What’s the best way to get rid of it?
Keep in mind, smoke contains the residue of all the burned materials and it can be caustic. It usually requires special equipment to completely clean the air. Ozone Machines and Air Scrubbers are designed specifically for this work.
Ozone Machines destroy the Molecules, Bacteria, and Spores that cause unpleasant smells. Air Scrubbers clean the air by repeatedly moving it through HEPA filters which help reduce the smell.
What else is involved? Other necessary steps involve: (1) Clean all the hard surfaces (2) Wash or treat clothes, drapes, carpets, and upholstery.
A fire doesn’t always destroy a building, smoke however, can ruin everything it contacts. Make sure you do all that’s needed to “clear the air.”
Smoke Damage
11/1/2018 (Permalink)
Every year in the U.S. there are about 80,000 commercial fires. Fire damage is Bad. The damage caused by Smoke is Worse!!!
The actual fire may be contained to one room or a section of a building, but smoke goes everywhere. It carries the chemical breakdown of what’s been burned. The resulting damage and odor can be costly to remove.
This article highlights the toxic dangers of fire & smoke. If there's a fire on your site, call a professional. This is something you shouldn't attempt on your own. The long term effects of the smoke can be fatal.
After the Fire trucks leave, the real work is just getting started. Don’t quickly sign an agreement with first company who hands you a card. Take your time and do your research. A fire in your workplace is devastating. Find the right people to guide you thru the restoration process.
Top 3 Causes for House Fires
11/1/2018 (Permalink)
There isn't a single person who wants to experience a house fire. Their home ends up getting damaged or destroyed, along with most of their belongings. Yet, even though no one wants to experience a home fire, The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) notes more than 360,000 homes fires a year.
A majority of fires are preventable. Are you taking the proper steps to prevent a fire in your home? Note the 3 common causes of home fires:
3) Electrical Equipment & Lighting
Wires, Extension Cords, & Heaters are in almost every home. Malfunctions can cause this equipment to go up in flames. One of the most common is decorative Christmas lights. When left on or unattended for a long period of time, these lights can overheat and cause serious damage.
Keep in Mind...
Unplug electrical equipment that's not in use.
Check any decorative lights periodically to avoiding overheating.
2) Dryers
Dryers are commonly known for starting fires, yet many don't take the time to properly maintain their dryer.
Keep in Mind...
Clean out the lint tray after every use.
Never run your dryer without the lint tray in place.
1) Cooking
According to the NFPA, 46% of home fires start in the kitchen with cooking. Cooking can easily be distracting, especially when making large meals.
Keep in Mind...
Never leave your stove top unattended.
Keep children away from hot areas in the kitchen.
This information will help you to minimize your risks of a home fire like never before. Aside from this information, Smoke Alarms need to be replaced and tested to help keep your household aware of any potential fire danger. Review and share this information to keep you and your loved ones safe from a home fire.
Home Fire Sprinkler Day
5/17/2018 (Permalink)
The great majority of fire deaths in America happen in a home. What's the solution to this nationwide problem?
NFPA's Fire Sprinkler Initiative, the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition, and the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition-Canada are initiating Home Fire Sprinkler Day.
The goal is to have safety advocates host at least one sprinkler-related event in all 50 states and in some Canadian provinces and territories.
These events will focus on the benefits of having home fire sprinkler systems. The results are amazing to see what sprinklers can do for you and how they work to save lives.
Taking action is easy. Join the conversation online by following the hashtag or attend one of these events nearest to you. Visit the NFPA's website for more info on #HomeFireSprinklerDay
24/7 Emergency Service
