The Best Fire-Extinguishing Method

12/28/2022 (Permalink)

Know how to put out a fire with a fire extinguisher

The Best Fire-Extinguishing Method

Although fire extinguishers are designed to put out fires, it is important that you know how to use them effectively. Knowing which type of fire extinguisher will work best for your situation is also important. Below you will find the most common types of fire extinguishers, as well as instructions on how they can be used.

Know the Fire Type

While it’s easy to think of fire extinguishers as a catchall solution for all types of fires, they are actually only effective for certain types of fires. So knowing the type of fire you are dealing with is critical.

Fire Extinguisher Class A

Extinguisher Class A is used for ordinary combustibles, such as paper and wood. This is the most common type of fire extinguisher and can be found in a majority of homes.

Fire Extinguisher Class B

Extinguisher Class B is used for flammable liquids, such as gas or oil. It's important to know that you should never use water on this type of fire because it will spread the liquid further. Instead, use foam or dry chemical extinguishers designed specifically for class B fires.

Fire Extinguisher Class C

Extinguisher Class C is used for electrical fires (including fires caused by lightning strikes). This type of extinguisher contains a conductive material that makes it safe to use around electricity without shocking yourself when discharged onto an electrical source or wire that has shorted out due to an electrical malfunction or lightning strike nearby your home

Fire Extinguisher Class D

A D-class fire extinguisher is used on fires involving combustible metals, such as lithium, potassium, sodium, and magnesium. It also works on fires involving flammable metals like zinc and aluminum.

A common mistake that people make with these types of fires is trying to smother them with a blanket or similar object. This will only make the situation worse; covering the material can cause it to explode violently and propel shrapnel at you or others nearby. Instead of attempting to prevent oxygen from reaching your metal fire by cutting off its air supply (which doesn't really work anyway), spray it down with an appropriate amount of water using a hose or bucket until all visible flames have been extinguished. Once you've killed off the flames in your metal fire's immediate vicinity, check for any embers still burning before leaving; if there are any leftovers they can reignite once exposed again so stay vigilant!

Fire Extinguisher Class K

Class K fire extinguishers are designed for use on grease fires. They should not be used on electrical fires or burning liquids. The best way to put out a kitchen grease fire is by smothering it with baking soda and water, which you can find in the cabinet above your stove.

If you are ever faced with a fire, having the right tools to extinguish it is important for your safety. You should know how to use a fire extinguisher correctly.

A fire can be caused by many things: electrical issues, smoking materials, and kitchen accidents are just some examples of ways that a fire starts. When you see smoke or notice flames in the home, keep calm and assess the situation. If there’s an exit nearby, get out immediately while calling 911 from a safe distance away from the house. If there isn't an exit nearby, make sure everyone knows what they're supposed to do if there's an emergency (i.e., get low on their hands so as not to cause burns when crawling under furniture).

If your home catches on fire, regardless of the reason, SERVPRO of Scarsdale/Mount Vernon can help restore your Scarsdale property to its original, preloss condition. Give us a call! 

3 Topics To Review With Kids Before a Fire

7/28/2022 (Permalink)

Plan for your family on what to do in case of a fire in your home breaks out

Kids Safety Tips

A top priority for parents in Scarsdale, NY is kids' safety. When developing emergency drills and plans, parents should remember these three often-overlooked concepts. They will especially help children be mentally and physically prepared for an emergency.

1. Visit a Firefighter in Full Gear

First, it is a terrific idea for children to visit a fire station in Scarsdale, NY, to see a firefighter in full gear before any emergency, especially a home fire. The basic uniform includes a coat, boots, pants, gloves, and a helmet. People may forget that a mask covers the firefighter’s face and his or her breathing device can sound more like Darth Vader. Children hopefully will feel less anxious if they’ve seen a firefighter’s apparatus before a true emergency.

2. Discuss Usage of the Fire Escape

The second item to discuss regarding kids' safety is how children actually use a fire escape if they are above the first level of a home or apartment. Children should practice unlatching and opening windows or doors nearby. They need to understand how to physically climb down the house or building. Every bedroom higher than the primary level should have a fire ladder. All family members should know where to find the ladders, how to set them up, and how to use them. This process can include pushing or kicking a screen to remove it.

3. Explain the Need To Attract Attention

In a truly desperate situation, family members should all understand it’s okay to break a window to get attention from firefighters below. If children have trouble opening a window, teach them how to break the glass in an emergency.

When it comes to fires and kids' safety, drills and discussions are crucial. As children grow and mature, their understanding will expand and actions and responses will vary in any emergency situation. Hence, it’s also important to regularly review and revise your plans for what to do in case of a fire and the necessary work afterward.

Tips for Filing a Renters Insurance Claim After a Fire

6/13/2022 (Permalink)

If you rent your home in Tuckahoe, NY, you need renters insurance to cover expenses in case of a fire or another covered peril.

After a Fire, Here Are Some Tips for Filing a Renters Insurance Claim

If you rent your home in Tuckahoe, NY, you need renters insurance to cover expenses in case of a fire or another covered peril. Most tenants don't know how far those benefits reach, though. When filing your claim after a fire, be sure to include the following costs, if applicable to your circumstances.

Fire Damage to Belongings

One document you should prepare before you file your claim is an itemized list of belongings damaged by the fire and how much it costs to replace them. Your policy should cover all your personal property:

• Furniture
• Electronics
• Clothing
• Food
• Valuables

You may be surprised how many items fire restoration experts can repair. If they cannot be fixed, however, your provider should recoup the replacement cost rather than the depreciated value of the items.

Limited Liability

A fire can break out in your apartment due to your negligence. If this happens, the liability clause in your renters' insurance policy is likely to come into play. This protects you in the event that a third party has damages due to anything you did that led to the fire.

Medical Expenses

Even if you do everything right, it is still possible that someone can get injured when fleeing the burning building. Most policies for renters can cover medical expenses to a certain extent. Check with your agent to see how much coverage an injured party can get.

Temporary Relocation

If there is a lot of damage to the structure of the rental property, it may take some time to repair. You will probably have to live somewhere else while it is mitigated. Your policy should cover the cost of the hotel room or other temporary accommodations. 
You may not know a lot about your renters' insurance policy until you need to file a claim. Chances are good that it covers more than you expect.

3 Tips To Prevent a Dryer Fire

4/25/2022 (Permalink)

Make sure that birds, insects, or other animals do not build nests that could obstruct the exhaust vent. A clogged vent could lead to a lint fire.

Three Ways To Avoid A Dryer Fire

If you’re like most people in Yonkers, NY, you probably use your clothes dryer at least a few times per week, but when was the last time you cleaned out your dryer’s exhaust vent? According to the U.S. Fire Administration, clothes dryers cause approximately 2,900 home fires each year. The top cause of those fires is excessive lint buildup due to inadequate cleaning. Follow these tips to keep your dryer in good condition and reduce your risk of a lint fire.

1. Keep Up With Regular Dryer Maintenance

Make sure to clean your dryer’s lint filter every time you use the dryer. Every three months or so, remove any built-up lint from the back of the dryer and clean out any that has accumulated in the vent pipe. Twice a year, brush the filter thoroughly with a nylon brush to remove difficult lint fibers.

2. Remember To Check Your Outside Dryer Exhaust Vent

Nearly all dryers are required to vent to the outside of your house. Keep a cover on the outside vent opening to keep dirt and rain from entering the vent. Check the cover occasionally to be sure it opens fully when the dryer is running. Make sure that birds, insects, or other animals do not build nests that could obstruct the exhaust vent. A clogged vent could lead to a lint fire.

3. Call a Professional if Problems Arise

If you discover any unusual sounds or smells coming from your dryer or notice that your clothes are taking longer than usual to get dry, don’t wait for an inconvenience to develop into a major problem — or a dryer fire. Call a repair person who is licensed to work on your model of dryer. The cost to repair your dryer correctly will almost certainly be less than the fire cleanup costs after a home fire caused by a malfunctioning dryer.

Following these tips requires a small investment of time and energy. However, preventing a lint fire from destroying your home is well worth the extra effort.

3 Common Causes of a Lint Fire in Your Dryer

3/7/2022 (Permalink)

Contact your local fire damage restoration service if there has been a fire in your home due to lint. Contact SERVPRO, we are ready to help you!

The 3 Most Common Causes Of A Dryer Lint Fire

Homeowners in Mount Vernon, NY, whose dryers are no longer functioning, should think twice before purchasing a new appliance. Lint buildup is a common cause of a malfunctioning dryer. It is also a lint fire hazard that may go unnoticed for years. Lint can accumulate in places where it is hard to spot, such as:

• Dryer vents
  
• Inside the dryer
  
• Behind the dryer

Lint is made up of small thread particles, such as wool or cotton, that easily combust. These three common causes of a dryer fire should be prevented.

1. Failure to Maintain the Dryer Vent

Experts recommend that you service your dryer at least once a year to prevent a lint fire. Fluff and fuzz can fill the exhaust hose and dryer vent. An appliance that no longer dries your clothes is a sign that the vent is clogged. When the lint has no exit, it will eventually fill the vent until it has no other escape except into your home.

2. Lint Inside the Dryer

You should clean your lint filter before and after each use of your dryer. Lint is visible on the filter but can hide inside of the dryer as well. When you remove the filter, peer inside of the housing to make sure no fluff is left behind. If you see buildup inside of the filter housing, clean it thoroughly with a vacuum cleaner to prevent a dryer fire.

3. Lint Behind the Dryer

Lint hidden behind the dryer is a sign that the vent needs to be cleaned. Any spark near the lint can cause a house fire. To prevent this, clean behind your dryer regularly to keep lint buildup at a minimum. Then, contact a professional to service your dryer annually.

Contact your local fire damage restoration service if there has been a fire in your home due to lint. Taking preventative measures, such as yearly dryer maintenance, will keep your house safe from a lint fire.

3 Types of Fire Extinguishers You Should Consider Buying for Your Home.

12/7/2021 (Permalink)

To verify the type of home fire an extinguisher is designed to battle, you should carefully inspect the label.

Three Different Types Of Fire Extinguishers To Consider Purchasing For Your Home.

Every home in Yonkers, NY, is potentially susceptible to fire damage. A fire extinguisher is a valuable fire preparedness tool that can enable you to quickly extinguish a blaze, helping to minimize both destruction and subsequent cleanup and restoration needs. For this reason, you should purchase at least one device for your residence, preferably more if you own a multistory dwelling. Although there are numerous extinguisher types, one of the following options makes a suitable choice for most homes.

1. Class A

A Class A device contains air-pressurized water. It’s suitable for use on fires involving ordinary combustibles, such as paper, cloth, rubber and wood. As a result, this extinguisher may be useful in a variety of areas inside your residence.

2. Class B

A Class B unit contains pressurized carbon dioxide, which can help extinguish a home fire by displacing critical oxygen. This category helps douse flames ignited by grease, oil, gasoline and other flammable liquids. You may want to have this fire extinguisher readily accessible in your kitchen or garage, two of the most common places where you may store or utilize flammable fluids.

3. Multipurpose

Because there may be a variety of potentially combustible items inside your residence, you may wish to purchase a multipurpose device that can extinguish a variety of blazes. These devices utilize a fire-retardant powder to help smother flames.

In addition to paper, wood and liquids, a multipurpose extinguisher may also be useful in the event of an electrical fire. To verify the type of home fire an extinguisher is designed to battle, carefully inspect the label.

Because an inferno can erupt unexpectedly, it’s important to be prepared. Having at least one fire extinguisher accessible in case of an emergency is a wise decision. Understanding the different types of devices available can help every homeowner choose the most suitable option to meet their needs and preserve their safety.

What You Should Know About Beeping Fire Alarms

12/6/2021 (Permalink)

It’s often common for a smoke detector to beep if something needs to be changed.

Beeping Fire Alarms: What You Should Know.

A fire alarm is a useful item to have in your home in Scarsdale, NY and can help alert you in case of a fire. However, hearing constant beeping or chirping noises can quickly become frustrating. With a solid understanding of your alarm, you are more likely to know how to react if your alarm won’t stop beeping.

Why Is My Alarm Beeping?

A smoke detector going off is not always an indicator of danger or smoke damage, especially when the detector is making a chirping noise. The following could cause your alarm to beep:

• Dirt and dust may have caused buildup and the alarm needs to be cleaned
• Batteries need to be replaced
• The alarm may be faulty

How Often Should You Change Your Smoke Detector?

It’s often common for a smoke detector to beep if something needs to be changed. Tips on maintaining your fire alarm include:

• Change batteries yearly
• Test the function of your alarm frequently
• Replace the smoke alarm at least once every ten years

How Can You Stop the Beeping?

If you are unsure what is causing the chirping noise from your alarm, it’s often best to try several methods to fix common issues. The following can often stop an alarm from continuously beeping:

• Replace the batteries
• Clean the alarm
• Reset the alarm

If none of the above techniques work to quiet your alarm, consider replacing the alarm. Often, there will be a date on your alarm noting the year it was made, and if ten years or more have passed since this date, it’s likely that you need to replace the alarm entirely.

Having a thorough understanding of how your fire alarm functions can help you put a stop to chirping noises and can keep you safe in case of an emergency. If your home has been damaged by a fire, consider contacting fire damage restoration experts.

3 Keys to a Successful Fire Escape Plan

9/21/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Scarsdale/Mount Vernon has a certified team to perform fire and smoke restoration, call us!

Three Important Factors To Consider When Creating A Fire Escape Plan

Home fires in Tuckahoe, NY can be dangerous and frightening. When fire strikes, the most important thing can be that you get away from danger as soon as possible. Creating a fire escape plan can give you some peace of mind by putting everyone in your household on the same page about exactly what to do during a fire.

1. Planning

One of the most important elements of a successful plan can be attention to detail. A few of the key factors to consider when creating a fire escape plan can include:

• Locations of doors and windows
• Smoke detectors that are in working condition
• Places to meet outside your home

It can be best if you have two different escape routes from every room. You should decide on a meeting place where everyone can gather after evacuating.

2. Communication

Once you have formed your emergency escape plan, the next most important task can be to make sure everyone in your family understands exactly what to do. If a fire strikes, there may not be time for everyone to find each other right away. If everyone knows the plan, they can better focus on personal safety and reaching the meeting point to find everyone else.

3. Practice

Once you have a good plan in place that everyone understands, you should take some time to practice and review it. Fires can cause a lot of confusion, and the more familiar everyone is with what to do, the more prepared and calm you can be in the face of an emergency. Practicing your fire escape plan a few times and reviewing it often can both be worth it if it keeps your family safe.

Fires can be devastating, but by creating a good plan and working with your family members to understand and practice it, you can feel much safer. Property and possessions can always be replaced, it’s your safety that matters most. Once you know everybody is safe, you can be better prepared to handle fire restoration.

When Should I Clean My Dryer Vent?

7/23/2021 (Permalink)

To prevent lint fire damage caused by overheated combustible lint, the dryer venting system should be regularly inspected

When Should My Dryer Vent Be Cleaned?

When you clean the lint trap of your dryer after a load of laundry, you are removing pieces of the fabric that was just dried. As the clothing tosses to-and-fro within the drum, small bits of fabric often rub off because of the friction created when the materials brush against one another. Some of the bits of fabric often slip through the lint trap and can collect in the dryer exhaust tubing. Over time, the fluff can build up and become a hazard because a lint fire can start using the highly-combustible fabric bits and the tiniest of sparks.

Fire Prevention

To prevent lint fire damage caused by overheated combustible lint, the dryer venting system should be regularly inspected. Although it is often difficult to know when to clean the vent, here are some helpful hints that can act as red flags:

Airflow does not move easily through the tubing.
Vent hoses have kinks or holes.
An abnormal amount of lint begins to accumulate in the lint trap.
Dryer vent has not been cleaned in over a year.

Another sign that your vent may need cleaning is if the time it takes to dry your clothing changes significantly or if the body of the dryer becomes excessively hot. When the heat becomes extreme, the chances of a fire can grow. That is why dryer obstructions, even minor issues, can cause serious problems and possibly lead to a dryer fire.

Fire Cleanup

If a fire does break out in your laundry room, contact a fire damage restoration team. Not only can the professionals inspect the fire-damaged area, but they can also remove the water, smoke, and soot within the room. Once cleaning has been completed, the team can also help remove the smoke odor that can linger long after the fire-damaged area has been restored. A lint fire does not have to leave your home in Secor Gardens, NY in shambles; a team of experts can quickly restore the area.

3 Things to Keep in Mind While Creating a Fire Escape Plan

7/13/2021 (Permalink)

Make your escape plan as effective as possible.

How Do You Make an Escape Plan?

According to the American Red Cross, creating a fire escape plan is one of the best ways to prevent serious injury or even death in your home if and when a fire happens to break out. However, not just any old emergency escape plan is going to get the job done. Ideally, a good fire escape plan should:

• Take into account family pets and young and disabled family members who need assistance
• Include multiple exit routes
• Highlight what needs to be done after the fire is extinguished
  
  

By taking these issues into consideration during the beginning stages of planning, you can make your escape plan as effective as possible.

Assistance

Members of your family such as toddlers, the elderly, and pets will likely need assistance with getting out of the house if a blaze starts. Therefore, when you create your fire escape plan, appoint someone who is able-bodied to assist these individuals. Each appointed person should only be responsible for one other individual or pet.

Choosing Routes

The last thing you want is to have the exit you indicated in your emergency escape plan to be blocked off, ruining the plan and leaving you and your family fumbling for alternatives. Rather than risk that happening, make use of your home’s other exits, such as windows, back doors and more during your escape plan. Running drills using these exits is always advisable.

Post-Fire

Making it out of your house in one piece is the main point, but there are a few steps you’ll need to take after you make it safely outdoors. First, call 911 emergency services. Then, get in touch with your family and friends to notify them that you’re safe. Next, get any people or pets who’ve been injured to medical care right away. Stay out of your home, reach out to your insurance company, and get in touch with a fire cleanup crew in Fleetwood, NY ASAP.

Following Red Cross endorsed steps can keep your family safer and get your home back to normal sooner. Be sure to put these tips to good use.

How To Maintain Your Home’s Furnace

3/22/2021 (Permalink)

The furnace filter should be changed every couple of months.

Routine Maintenance Steps

If you have problems with your furnace in Scarsdale, NY, you are probably worried about needing a whole new heating system. A faulty furnace can cause a fire, however, and fire cleaning procedures can be even more expensive than the cost of a new furnace. The good news is that there are some routine maintenance steps you can perform at home to reduce the risk of your furnace malfunctioning.

1. Check the Burner Flames
Before you begin, turn off the electric power switch and remove the chamber door. Then turn the power back on and turn up the thermostat to activate the flames. Burner flames should be blue and even. If the flames are yellow, this indicates the burners are dirty.

2. Clean the Burners
Turn off the power again and then shut the gas off. Vacuum the burners and clean the base of the furnace as well. Check for soot and clean up any black powder to reduce the likelihood of needing a fire cleaning down the road. The blower door should also be removed to clean the blower compartment.

3. Remove and Clean the Blower
Remove the blower and carefully clean the blades with a small brush or handheld vacuum, making sure not to disturb the counterweights on the blades of the fan. A well-maintained fan also reduces the need for smoke cleaning in the event of a fire.

4. Change the Furnace Filter
The furnace filter should be changed every couple of months. Inexpensive fiberglass filters are usually sufficient in protecting both the blower motor and the blower. Consult your owner’s manual if you have questions about the type of filters recommended for your furnace.
Schedule an annual furnace maintenance checkup with a professional in addition to these DIY tips. It is also essential to call a fire restoration service if you ever experience a furnace fire.
Avoid the need for a fire cleaning by keeping your furnace well-maintained.

Tips on Proper Fire Alarm Management

12/16/2020 (Permalink)

Batteries in most smoke alarms last up to 10 years

Tips on Proper Fire Alarm Management

The word has probably gotten out that a smoke alarm in your home in Scarsdale, NY, is an excellent idea. It will quickly alert you to the presence of a fire, and it will go a long way to minimizing the effects of a fire, allowing for increased fire safety and a rapid response. Still, there are a number of things you can do to get the most out of your alarm system, whether you are using a regular alarm or have gone high tech with a smart system.

House Coverage and Batteries
To limit your exposure to fire damage, it is important to make sure your home has adequate coverage. Most homes should have at least five devices throughout the home, and a large home should have more. The devices should be placed strategically throughout the home:

• One in each bedroom
• One on each floor
• One near the kitchen
• One in any room that is particularly distant

It is also important to test the devices now and then. This is to ensure that the fire alarm will actually sound when it detects smoke. The batteries in most devices last up to 10 years, so you should change the batteries or buy a new smoke detector on this schedule. A non-working device does not do anyone any good.

Fire Response and Follow Through
When a fire alarm does sound in your home, it is important to act quickly and get everyone out of the home. A 911 call should be made to the local authorities as soon as possible. After the fire is stopped, your next step should be to call in fire remediation experts. SERVPRO professionals are Here to Help, and they will arrive quickly whether it is after midnight or on a weekend or holiday. They will work to restore your home. Fire detection management and the fast response of professionals is a solid recipe for dealing with fires.

Types of Water Damage After a Fire

10/26/2020 (Permalink)

Invisible mold spores can penetrate the air and a musty odor indicates their presence

Ways Water Can Damage Your Business 

If a fire accidentally breaks out at your business in Tuckahoe, NY, water cleanup may not immediately occur to you. Your immediate concerns will focus on the following:

• Safety of your staff
  
• Evacuation of the premises
  
• Extinguishing of the flames
  
• Damage to your property
  
  

Although smoke cleanup is necessary, most people don't realize that a significant part of the fire cleanup work performed by restoration professionals is due to the water used to extinguish flames. These are some ways water can damage your business.

Mold Spores in the Air
It is critical to extract as much water as possible from the environment after a fire. Restoration services can employ rigorous water vacuuming methods to remove moisture before mold can develop. Invisible mold spores can penetrate the air and a musty odor indicates their presence. Air filtration devices using charcoal lined HEPA filters can remove mold particles and restore pure air.

Water-Soaked Documents
When valuable documents are water-drenched, it may be possible to salvage them. Although some damage is irreversible, vacuum freeze-drying is an effective procedure that prevents additional water damage freezing the document and removing the water in the form of vapor. This method can helps to retain the structural integrity of the paper's fibers.

Flooded Electronics
Water-drenched electronics require prompt attention but may not be reparable. Corrosion prevention is a primary concern. Trained technicians will dry the outer case of the equipment and perform delicate procedures to dry the interior parts. Water cleanup for electronics is often unsuccessful

Wet Drywall
Drywall frequently absorbs much of the water emitted from a fire hose. Wet drywall is a breeding ground for mold and must often be cut out and replaced. Mold remediation specialists can remove and patch section of moldy drywall before mold spores migrate deeper into a wall.
One of the most labor-intensive aspects of dealing with the aftermath of a fire is the water cleanup. Experienced fire restoration professionals in Tuckahoe, NY, are available to help.

How to Safely Clean an Outdoor Grill

9/17/2020 (Permalink)

Outdoor grill in Mount Vernon, NY

How To Clean an Outdoor Grill

There's nothing quite like gathering your friends and family for a few char-grilled burgers, steaks, hot dogs, or whatever else you like to cook. After you're done cooking, it's important that you follow the proper grill cleaning and maintenance steps in order to reduce your risk of a grease fire. Use this checklist next time you use your backyard grill in Mount Vernon, NY.

1. Turn Off and Disassemble the Grill.
Before you start your grill cleaning, you need to turn it off. Turn all the dials to the off position and disconnect the propane tank. Next, put on some heatproof gloves to remove the grate and the plates underneath. Set these off to the side in a bucket full of hot, soapy water.

2. Scrub the Grill Itself.
Cover the burners loosely with a piece of foil to protect them during this process. Use your grill brush to scrub the underside of the grill's hood and inside walls. Don't worry you appear to see paint chipping off; this is merely grease and carbon smoke buildup. When you finish, wipe down the grill walls with a damp paper towel.

3. Empty the Drip Pan and Dry the Grill Elements.
Take out the drip pan and empty the contents into a trash can before placing it in the bucket with the grate. Let it soak for a few minutes before taking everything out of the bucket. Lean everything that was in the bucket against a wall and hose it down.

4. Reassemble the Grill.
Remove the protective foil and replace the elements that you just hosed down. Reconnect the propane tank. Finish by wiping down the grill's exterior with a stainless steel wipe.
Backyard grilling is a great summertime family activity, but you still need to prioritize safety while you do it. Proper grill cleaning and maintenance can greatly reduce your risk of falling victim to a grease fire. Contact fire remediation experts if your home does fall victim to a grill-related fire, or you would like more grill maintenance tips.

Eradicating Smoke Damage

7/2/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke cleanup in Mount Vernon, NY

Whether your building in Mount Vernon, NY, had fire damage or smoke damage has seeped over from an adjoining building, the smoke and soot left behind have lingering effects. Even a small fire that creates minimal fire damage can leave behind extensive soot damage and a strong odor.

The Smoke Challenge

Unlike soot or fire damage, smoke damage isn’t always visible. Even if you think you have cleaned up the mess, the smell can stick around for a long time. There are a number of reasons that it can be sometimes overwhelming or sometimes minimal.

Air Movement During Fire – The temperature of a fire can determine the strength of the smoke’s presence. Since warm air rises, hot fire with strong air currents means residue rising to the ceiling. That can lead to penetrating walls, windows, and ductwork.
Enclosed Spaces – Although every business is different, there is a good chance that there are enclosed areas with equipment, furniture, and other items easily damaged by smoke. Without airflow, those areas will be more saturated than others.
Ionization – The particles in smoke are ionized, which means they are attracted to specific surfaces, including ceiling nails, room or building corners, and synthetic materials.

Professional Cleaning
While the smell is obvious, the smoke cleaning process may be something a business owner has never had to deal with before. Instead of dealing with lingering odors and unpleasant environment, contact a fire and smoke damage restoration specialist. These certified professionals have the tools, techniques, and expertise to eradicate the smell. Depending on the situation, they will use air movers, air scrubbers, or dehumidifiers to clean the air, as well as the proper cleaning solution to remove residue and invisible damage from the structure. There are also cleaning services for belongings, such as furniture, artwork, electronics, and much more.
Ensuring your business or property has a pleasant environment is important. Instead of dealing with unwanted lingers, get help to make it “Like it Never Even Happened.”

3 Practices That Reduce Your Home Fire Risk

6/9/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke alarms are successful at warning residents that smoke is present in their home

Emergency services respond to more than 300 thousand home fires each year. The actual number of home fires is higher, but many of them were extinguished by the homeowner. Fire preparation is what creates the distance between the two categories. This discussion of the three aspects of fire readiness may help you protect your Eastchester, NY, home from serious property damage.

Prevention

Fire prevention measures can help reduce your risk of property damage. These preventive measures may reduce the number of potential fire sources in your home.

Maintenance – Annual clearing of heat and dryer vents can help prevent fires from sparking due to the presence of bird’s nests or lint buildup.
Inspections – Over time, natural-gas lines can develop small leaks, causing a fire risk. Part of fire preparation is having your gas-line connections inspected annually.
Common Sense – Human carelessness causes unnecessary fires. When operating anything with a heating element, such as a space heater, candle or cigarette, it is important that you not leave the item unattended.

Preventive measures reduce risk. The ability to detect fires in the early stages is another way to protect your household from significant damage.

Early Detection
Smoke alarms are successful at warning residents that smoke is present in their home. Residential building codes require them because they are at the center of home fire preparation, and they save countless lives and homes. It’s important to change the batteries in your alarms every 6 months. Well-functioning smoke alarms are the pillar of any approach to fire safety.

Participation
Involving your household in fire-response activities enables you to practice working as a team. In an emergency, it’s important to stay focused and work together to call emergency services and either extinguish the fire or evacuate. Fire drills will help your family be ready to perform assigned tasks and stay safe. Your local fire remediation service will generally provide you with pertinent literature or offer in-home training.
Choosing to proactively engage in fire-safety measures can reduce your risk of a home fire significantly. A plan that encompasses prevention, early detection, and participation could mean the difference between a little smoke damage and a devastating loss.

Steps of the Fire Cleanup Process

2/28/2020 (Permalink)

It's important to know what is going on with your home remediation

Steps of the Fire Cleanup Process

When your home in Eastchester, NY, catches fire, you expect that there will be a lot of fire damage. You may not be prepared for the true extent of the damage that fire restoration experts will need to clean up in your home, though. Many homeowners overlook the residual effects of dealing with the fire. Knowing these steps can help you be better prepared.

1. Assessment
The first thing the technicians will do is assess the damage to your property. This includes both fire and water damage. It takes a lot of water to put out a fire, and that water bursts out of the fire hose and seeps into your structure and belongings. Experts look at the whole problem so they can give you a clear estimate of the timeline and cost of remediation.

2. Water Removal
If there is a lot of standing water in your home, the first thing technicians have to do is pump it out. Once the water is removed, they can move on to the fire damage.

3. Tear-Out
Any of your belongings that were affected by the fire must be removed and either cleaned or discarded. Likewise, any part of the structure that is destroyed has to be torn out. This includes not only walls but also ceiling tiles, flooring, and vents.

4. Cleaning
Once the bare bones of the structure are left, technicians go to work cleaning what remains. They use industrial cleaners and special equipment to remove bacteria, soot, smoke, and grime. They also have to make sure that the entire area is dried thoroughly to prevent secondary damage.

5. Rebuilding
The last step of the process is restoration. Specialists can replace the missing drywall or flooring and make it match what they were able to salvage. That way, your home looks "Like it never even happened."  
It's important to know what is going on with your home remediation. There is more to fire damage cleanup than just replacing the charred portions of your home. Technicians must account for water cleanup and the restoration process as well.

What To Do When You Smell Gas

2/4/2020 (Permalink)

Avoid smoking!

So, If You Smell Natural Gas, What Should You Do?

Each year in Tuckahoe, NY, homes are damaged and people seriously injured as a result of a gas fire or gas explosion. Often, the resulting structural damage requires the services of a professional fire restoration company. Many of these disasters could have been avoided had quick action been taken. 

1. Avoid Flame

This may seem obvious, but it's important to avoid flame until you know what's going on. Never use a match to light a candle or smoke a cigarette!

2. Avoid Making a Spark

If you smell gas, lights should stay off to avoid a spark that might cause a gas fire or explosion. Always have a flashlight on hand and within easy reach. Also, avoid operating any motorized equipment that might result in a spark.

3. Look for the Source

If you have a gas stove, look to see if someone has left one of the burners or the oven on without the flame being lit. If it's not the stove, listen for a hissing noise along the gas lines. Check behind any gas appliances such as dryers or water heaters.

3. Create Ventilation

If the windows are closed in your house, open as many as you can immediately. Open all the doors as well. This will help dissipate any gas trapped in the house and get it outside.

4. Locate the Gas Meter

It's important to know the location of your gas meter so that you can act in the event of a gas leak. If you're smelling gas, get a wrench and turn the valve on the meter from on to off.

5. Leave the House

If you haven't identified the leak and stopped it, and are smelling gas or hearing a hissing noise, get out of the house immediately and get to a safe location, such as across the street. Then call the gas company or 911.

It's important to act quickly if you smell a leak. By taking the steps outlined above, you can easily avoid a gas fire or explosion.

Smart Fire Detectors

2/4/2020 (Permalink)

Although budget-friendly options exist, most smart smoke detectors are significantly more expensive than traditional units.

Smart home features such as thermostats and doorbells are becoming increasingly popular. Some homeowners in Bronxville, NY, may also utilize a smart smoke alarm. Although these interactive devices offer numerous convenient and appealing features, it’s important to carefully evaluate your options to ensure a smart smoke detector is the right choice for your home.

Interactive Features

In decades past, a detector that could sense both smoke and carbon monoxide was considered advanced. Today’s smart detectors can interact with other home devices and offer a variety of technological features, such as the following:

• Ability to transmit an alert to your mobile device if the alarm is triggered
• Smart touch button allowing you to quickly deactivate false alarms
• Included nightlight or motion-activated lighting

Each of these capabilities provides useful benefits. However, there are two important considerations that you can assess before purchasing your next smoke alarm.

Cost Comparison

You may want to decide what features are most important to you and complete research on available devices before finalizing your purchase to help ensure you obtain the ideal detector for your home and budget.

Compatibility Issues

Not every smart detector may be compatible with every interactive interface. Consider carefully reviewing the details of your desired detector to ensure it’s compatible with your home’s current smart system.

Ensuring Safety

Like a traditional detector, a smart smoke alarm is designed to be an effective fire safety device that may help your family evade a potentially destructive fire. Technological advances have expanded fire alarm capacities, enhancing alert capabilities and the unit’s overall effectiveness. Remote alerts can, for example, warn you of a fire when you are away, helping you quickly request emergency assistance and potentially minimize fire damage and restoration needs. Because of its enhanced usefulness and interactive abilities, a smart smoke detector may be an ideal choice for many homes in Bronxville, NY.