How To Prevent a House Fire

12/14/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke alarms have a limited lifespan, usually 10 years.

House fires are one of the most devastating and life-threatening events that can happen to you. The good news is that they're avoidable if you take some simple steps. In this post, we'll outline how to prevent your house from catching fire. We'll also discuss what circumstances increase your risk of burning down—and what may be done to lower it again. Let's get started!

Fire Hazards

Fire hazards are everywhere in the home. If you can't see them, they may still be present and waiting to ignite. The following are some of the most common fire hazards in houses:

• Electricity – Electrical wiring that's not up to code or power cords running under rugs can result in electrical fires.
• Smoke detectors – Many homes have smoke detectors with dead batteries or missing battery covers. These aren't working as well as they should be, putting lives at risk when a fire breaks out.
• Candles – Candles cause over 12 percent of all residential fires each year (according to NFPA). It only takes a few moments for a candle flame to spread across your living room carpeting and send everything up in flames!

Another thing you can do to prevent many house fires is keep lighters and matches away from kids. Lighters, along with other sources of ignition such as candles and fireplaces, are a major cause of residential fires in the United States. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimates that two thirds of these fires are caused by smoking materials or careless use of candles—and that's just one source!

If you smoke indoors (or if anyone else who lives in your home does), please don't leave lighters or matches within reach of children. If kids come over to play at your house, make sure they don't have access to any matches or lighters that are lying around—no matter how safe they think their parents might be! This is especially important during the winter when everyone's wearing gloves anyway.

You should also store flammable liquids like gasoline in metal cans with screw-on lids instead of plastic bottles because metal will not burst into flames as easily as plastic if there is an explosion from static electricity buildup or friction caused by moving parts inside them (like pumps).

Install Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Smoke detectors should be installed on every floor of your home, including the basement and attic. Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed near sleeping areas, such as bedrooms, or in the garage where cars are parked.

Smoke alarms have a limited lifespan, usually 10 years. After that time, they must be replaced because they may not work properly any longer. The same is true for carbon monoxide detectors; although they're not required to be replaced as often as smoke alarms are — typically every 7-10 years — it's still wise to check them regularly to ensure they're working correctly so you can get an early warning in case of fire or CO poisoning before it becomes too late to escape safely.

Build and Practice a Fire Safety Plan

Practice your fire safety plan every month. You can practice with your children, pets, and neighbors or anyone else who lives in the house or might be visiting. Don't miss opportunities to remind people of what they should do. For example: If you're cooking a meal that involves grease or oil on the stovetop and someone is near the stove, warn them about it! Make sure everyone knows where the master key is kept if there's an emergency (either lock their door from outside or make sure someone else has a copy).

By taking the time and effort to learn about the most common causes of house fires, you can help protect your home from being destroyed by fire. We hope this article has given you some valuable information on how to prevent a fire in your Arnold, MO home, so that when one does happen, it doesn’t destroy everything. If you do have a fire in your home, know that there are steps for first responders who will come help save those inside as well as their homes. Take care of yourself and others around you so that we can all live safely in our communities without fear of tragedy striking again tomorrow. If you do experience a fire, call SERVPRO of Arnold/Jefferson County to restore your home!

Tips for Removing Dryer Lint From Your Exhaust Hose

7/14/2022 (Permalink)

Regular cleaning of dryer lint is important for preventing a dryer fire

Tips for Cleaning the Exhaust Hose of Dryer Lint

There are certain laundry room tasks that you complete daily or weekly. Other duties are performed less frequently. While some of these tasks are simple, others take more time and effort. A very important chore to prevent a lint fire in Murphy, MO, is cleaning your exhaust duct every six months. Here are three different ways to thoroughly clean the lint from the dryer exhaust vent.

1. Clearing the Exhaust With a Vacuum
A lot of lint can build up in the dryer exhaust. Even when you clean out the lint trap daily, some lint inevitably makes its way through the dryer. An easy method to clean out that vent is with the hose attachment of your vacuum. Make sure to unplug the dryer before pulling it out and disconnecting the exhaust. Thorough cleaning of the vent and the area around it can go a long way in preventing a lint fire.

2. Using a Cleaning Rod in the Wall Vent
At your local hardware store, you can find tools made specifically for cleaning your dryer exhaust. The most common tool to use is a flexible rod to attach to your power drill. You will use the same steps with the auger as you did the vacuum.

3. Going the Extra Distance to Prevent a Lint Fire
Along with the exhaust vent, you will want to take the back off your dryer at least twice a year and vacuum all the lint from the rear of it. Unplug your dryer, take the screws off the back, and carefully set the back panel aside. Careful to avoid any wires, clear all the lint that has settled on the bottom of your dryer.
Regular cleaning of dryer lint is important for preventing a dryer fire. While these cleaning tasks can easily be undertaken by anyone, it may be a task you want to leave to a professional residential cleaning service. No matter how you go about it, make sure that your dryer gets cleaned regularly and thoroughly so you don't have to worry about cleaning up after fire damage.

Cleaning Up After a Residential Fire

6/3/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage in a home in House Springs, MO.

Residential Fire Cleanup

Dealing with the aftermath of a fire disaster can be stressful for homeowners. The fire, water, and smoke damage are often overwhelming, and if you have never experienced such disasters before, it is disheartening. Fire and smoke cleaning professionals in House Springs, MO, understand the complexity of the cleanup process and urge homeowners to follow tried and true methods for recovery.

1. Focus on Water Removal
Water removal should be a homeowner's primary focus after a fire. Hoses, plumbing, and suppression systems can saturate houses. You want to get the Water out as soon as possible to reduce the risk of other issues, such as mold and further structural damage.

2. Remove All Debris
You cannot get an accurate overview of property damage until all trash is removed from the house. Obviously, if any items are salvageable, put them aside. However, you will still want to remove the items from the property.

3. Clean Smoke and Soot Damage
Soot and smoke damage can be prevented after a fire. Smoke can infiltrate HVAC units and appliances. Depending on the severity of the damage, you may need to replace equipment. However, before throwing expensive purchases away, consult with a fire restoration professional. they can often provide greater insight into whether an item can be saved

4. Restore Your Property
With all surfaces clean, you can tell what structures need help or work. You will want to fix all systems and support all structures before closing walls and ceilings. Once all aspects of the home are restored, you can work on finishing touches, allowing you to return home. 
Fire and smoke damage are challenging to face. A homeowner can become overwhelmed by the disaster, wishing only to step away. However, following a process makes it easier to manage such disasters and come out the other side with a restored property. 

Property Security After a Fire

1/7/2022 (Permalink)

Boarding up services in Parkdale, MO.

How To Keep Your Property Safe After a Fire

The list of things to handle after a fire can be long and overwhelming. But one of the things that should be near the top is security. As devastating as a business fire can be, suffering additional damage can make things much worse. Read on to learn steps you can take - from boarding windows to getting a security fence - to keep your Parkdale, MO, property safe after a fire.

Secure Data

Data is easily one of the most valuable resources any business has. Examples include:

• Credit card information
  
• Medical records
  
• Tax documents
  

If your business has this or other information stored in computers or files, and there’s no longer a way to lock up your property, it’s critical that you remove these materials. Identify a safe place, such as a secure storage unit, and move sensitive data there promptly.

Protect Against the Elements


Fire can destroy many things in your business, but the wrath of the weather can be just as damaging. Just one heavy rain penetrating a compromised roof or door can multiply damage costs. Invest in a heavy-duty tarp for damaged roofs. Boarding up broken windows and doors will also help keep water out as well as animals.

Secure Against Thieves


Vandals know that a burned-out property can be a gold mine. Don’t rely on a security system to protect your business - those can be damaged by the fire! Instead, in addition to securing windows and doors, invest in a security fence. Security fencing creates a barrier that makes it harder and longer to break into your building. Such fencing also helps in the insurance process by preventing further damage that your provider may not cover.

Dealing with a fire is challenging enough. Don’t multiply your problems by becoming a victim of weather or looters. Connect with a fire clean-up firm to discuss a security fence or other methods to keep your business safe.

Fire Prevention Strategies

12/3/2021 (Permalink)

A smoke detector can prevent a small fire from growing into a larger one.

Fire Preparation Tips

Don’t let a devastating residential fire affect your life in House Springs, MO. Remember the following simple fire preparation tips in order to minimize the risk of personal injury or property damage.

1. Eliminate Open Flames

A candle or crackling fireplace can contribute to the cozy atmosphere of a home, but unattended flames are frequently the origin point of a home fire. If you cannot remain present to ensure that a controlled fire does not get out of hand, put it out and relight it later. Small incandescent bulbs, such as those found on Christmas tree lights, can also cause problems given their proximity to flammable surfaces. Check these lights for frayed wires regularly and unplug them when not in use.

2. Heating Components

Dust in central heating and air units can pose a fire safety risk in the winter months. Ducts and wiring should be inspected occasionally by a technician and cleaned or repaired if necessary. Even small electrical space heaters can cause a fire if neglected. To maintain optimal fire preparation, keep these units away from walls or fabric. Ensure that the cutoff switches stay in functional order in case the space heater falls over.

3. Smoke Detectors

While a smoke detector can never stop a fire outright, it can still alert residents to an incipient fire and allow them to begin evacuation. This can prevent a small fire from growing into a much larger one and require costly repairs or fire restoration services. Check the backup battery and functionality of each unit monthly, and familiarize your family with the sound of a smoke detector alarm.

With a little prudence, many common residential fire scenarios can be eliminated or mitigated. Develop a fire preparation strategy that includes both fire prevention and evacuation plans. Review this procedure with all residents and have the contact information of relevant emergency personnel ready.

Celebrate the Holiday Season Safely

12/14/2020 (Permalink)

Tips for a Fire-free Yuletide

Pretty lights, candles, and decorations are just a few of the items bringing charm and cheer to the holiday season—however, if they are not used carefully your holidays may go from festive to frightening. The American Red Cross offers the following safety tips to help greatly reduce the fire risk in your home or business this holiday season.

• Place Christmas trees, candles, and other holiday decorations at least three feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, portable heaters, radiators, heat vents, and candles.
• Make sure light strings and other holiday decorations are in good condition. Do not use anything with frayed electrical cords and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Always unplug tree and holiday lights before leaving the property or going to bed.
• Never use lit candles to decorate a tree. Always extinguish candles before leaving the room or before going to bed.
• Use only sturdy tree stands designed to not tip over. Keep curious pets and children away from Christmas trees.
• Keep anything that can catch on fire—like pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains—away from your stove top.
• Designate one person to walk around your property to ensure all candles and smoking materials are properly extinguished after guests leave.

The SERVPRO of Arnold/North Jefferson County team wishes you a safe and happy holiday season. Remember: our emergency services are available 24/7/365.

Did You Know?

According to the National Fire Protection Association, the top three days for home candle fires are Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve.

Choosing the Appropriate Fire Extinguisher

10/27/2020 (Permalink)

To conclude Fire Prevention Month, We want to make sure that now that you know how to use a fire extinguisher, and are aware of other helpful fire prevention tips, you know how to choose the right type of fire extinguisher for your needs.

Fire Extinguisher Classes

There are five different classes of fire extinguishers from which to choose. Use the following as a guide to determine what is best for your situation:

• Class A: This is the most common extinguisher and can be used to put out fires in ordinary combustibles such as cloth, wood, rubber, paper, and many plastics.
• Class B: used on fires involving flammable liquids, such as grease, gasoline, and oil.
• Class C: Designed for fires involving appliances, tools, or other equipment electronically energized or plugged in.
• Class D: For use on flammable metals; often specific for the type of metal in question. These are typically found in factories.
• Class K: Intended for use on fires that involve vegetable oils, animal oils, or fats in cooking appliances. Generally found in commercial kitchens.

As always, we want you to stay safe. We understand accidents happen. Should you experience a fire and in need of having it cleaned up, give SERVPRO of Arnold/North Jefferson County a call. Don't take the risk of doing it yourself and causing more damage. SERVPRO of Arnold/North Jefferson County is working to make it "Like it never even happened."

October: Fall, Family, and Fire Prevention Month

10/13/2020 (Permalink)

May you enjoy all the pleasures and beauty of fall this season.

Fun in the Fall

Fall Hazards

Fire Prevention Month

We hope you never need our fire restoration services, so we want to make you aware that October is Fire Prevention Month. We have three simple tips for you to do this month—and every October—to help keep your home or office safe from fires:

1. Change batteries in all smoke detectors.
2. Check all electronics and appliances for frayed cords and replace any you find.
3. Educate yourself on how to use a fire extinguisher, and make sure you know where to find it if/when you may need it.

How to Work a Portable Fire Extinguisher

9/8/2020 (Permalink)

Don't be caught off-guard in an emergency. Learn how to use a portable fire extinguisher.

As part of National Preparedness Month, we want to make sure that you are prepared to use a portable fire extinguisher, should an emergency arise.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) suggests remember the word PASS in order to operate a portable fire extinguisher:

Pull the pin. Hold the nozzel pointing away from you and release the locking mechanism.

Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.

Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.

Sweep the nozzel from side-to-side.

Portable fire extinguishers can be life and property saving tools, but you have to know how to operate them correctly. Read the instructions on the fires extinguisher and become familiar with them before a fire breaks out. Remember, they do have limitations, so it's important to ensure you have the correct extinguisher for your facility. To help identify the appropriate class of extinguisher needed, please visit the NFPA website.

Watch this video for a quick recap on how to use a fire extinguisher.

Remember that SERVPRO of Arnold/North Jefferson County is ready and able to aid in any-size fire damage. Our goal is to help make it "Like it never even happened."®

The Importance of Cleaning Dryer Vents

6/3/2020 (Permalink)

According to FEMA, failure to clean home dryers causes 34% of home dryer-related fires. Home dryer fires cause $35 million in property loss and can even cause possible injury or death. To reduce the risk of these fires happening in your home or business, SERVPRO® of Arnold/North Jefferson County can help clean your dryer vents and ducts that may have lint buildup.

Other tips for keeping your dryer vents clean include cleaning the lint filter before and after each load and making sure the outdoor vent flap opens correctly and is not restricted by snow, a bird’s nest, or other potential obstacles. For more information on cleaning dryer vents, contact e professionals at SERVPRO of Arnold/North Jefferson County today at 636-296-6813.

Destroy Fire Odors with Deodorization

5/12/2020 (Permalink)

Even a small fire can cause odors for years to come if the affected areas are not properly cleaned and deodorized. Fire, smoke, and soot damage in your home or business can create unpleasant and potentially permanent problems.

As various materials burn, the smoke produced travels throughout the structure, leaving odorous residues and deposits on surfaces and in hard-to-reach places. Unless fast, professional action is taken, these residues and deposits can cause permanent damage to contents and may result in resurfacing odors.

With technicians certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration (IICRC), SERVPRO® franchise professionals provide specialized services that can rid your home or business of offensive odors left by fire or smoke damage. SERVPRO® of Arnold/North Jefferson County professionals do not cover up lingering odors with a fragrance; they seek out and remove the source of the odor. Once the source is found, SERVPRO’s own proprietary line of cleaning products is used to treat and prevent the odor from returning. Any restorable item in affected areas will also be professionally cleaned and deodorized, including furniture, draperies and upholstery, electronics, art, flooring, walls, ceilings, HVAC air ducts and more.

Ask one of our professionals here at SERVPRO® of Arnold/North Jefferson County to explain the various deodorization methods available and which one will work best for you.

If you or one of your insured customers suffer a fire damage or some other accident and require deodorization services, contact SERVPRO® of Arnold/North Jefferson County immediately.

Whether it’s fire, water, or mold damage or just a stubborn odor that refuses to go away, we’ll help make it “Like it never even happened.” 

Stop the Damage

A fire can leave behind soot, smoke damage, and a host of other problems. Ceilings, walls, woodwork, carpeting, and floors will often need a thorough professional cleaning. If your home or business suffers a fire, it is important to take the appropriate steps to prevent further damage until our team of heroes arrives. You can call us 24/7/365 at 636-296-6813.

High Ridge Smoke and Soot Cleanup

4/15/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke and Soot Damage Can Cause a Pervasive Odor in Your High Ridge Home.

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Arnold/North Jefferson County will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – 636-296-6813

Arnold/North Jefferson County Smoke and Soot Cleanup

8/7/2018 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Arnold/NJC will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Us Today – (636) 296-6813