Should I Change My Smoke Alarm Battery?

8/24/2022 (Permalink)

The value of smoke alarms is undeniable. Help your devices work as they should by keeping the batteries fresh.

When To Refresh the Batteries in Your Home's Alarm

The vast majority of American homes are equipped with fire and smoke alarms. They add security against fire damage and injury, but only when they work. Replacing batteries on time can be the difference between an alarm that is effective and one that fails. When should you do it? Keep reading for tips on when to refresh the batteries in your Kenmore, WA, home’s alarm.

Experts estimate as many as 96 percent of American homes are equipped with either a fire or a smoke detector. But there remains a gap between how many are installed and how many work. As a result:

• Nearly two-thirds of home fire deaths occur in homes with no alarms or alarms that don’t work
• Half of home fires in homes with alarms that failed were due to missing batteries

Fortunately, keeping your device working can be as easy as knowing when to perform basic checks.

Battery Type

Knowing your alarm’s battery type can help you know when to change it. If your home has a newer, lithium-powered battery, you’re good for a decade. Older alarms powered by a 9-volt battery need their batteries replaced annually.

Research Your Device

Smoke detectors don’t last forever. Get familiar with the owner’s manual that comes with your alarm. It can guide you on when your device will need fresh batteries or should be replaced entirely.

Heed the Beep

So-called nuisance alarms - that annoying beep that’s common when a smoke alarm is losing power - are a top reason many homeowners disconnect their devices. Sadly, this can have serious consequences. Instead of ignoring beeping, take it as a sign that it’s time to change the batteries.

The value of smoke alarms is undeniable. Help your devices work as they should by keeping the batteries fresh. Use these tips and any others from your local fire cleanup experts to help keep your alarms working properly.

Why Your Fire Alarm Is Beeping and What You Should Do About It

6/22/2022 (Permalink)

Always give maintenance to your fire alarms in your Bothell, WA home.

Why Is Your Fire Alarm Beeping and What Should You Do?

Have you ever heard an annoying chirp inside your Bothell, WA, home? It is likely coming from your smoke detector. Once you figure out the source of the noise, you must determine why the fire alarm is beeping. Here are three common types of smoke detector beeps and what to do about them.

1. Consistent Smoke Alarm Beeps

Sometimes, the detector will chirp at consistent intervals throughout the day. This could be a sign that the alarm has malfunctioned.

Without a functioning detector, you may not discover a blaze until it has already caused severe fire damage to your home. You should thus replace a defective alarm as soon as possible.

Consistent chirping could also be evidence of a battery malfunction. Press the “test” button on the alarm and listen for a loud sound. If you do not hear one, you should replace the battery. To do this, simply remove the detector’s cover and take out the batteries. Then put new batteries inside the device. Run another test to see if the alarm is working properly.

2. Erratic Fire Alarm Beeps

Erratic, irregular chirps from your smoke alarm could also be evidence of a battery issue. If the batteries are functioning, the alarm could be sounding due to extreme temperatures. The detector will chirp if it is too close to an HVAC system or open window.

3. Fast and Loud Smoke Detector Beeps

Loud and fast beeps usually indicate that there is a fire in your home. If you suspect a blaze is present, get everyone out of the house immediately and call 911. You may also want to contact smoke damage cleanup professionals who can assist with the restoration of your home.

Understanding the different causes of smoke detector chirps should help you respond appropriately to the annoying beeps. If your fire alarm is beeping erratically, you may just need to change the batteries. However, if the chirps are fast and loud, you may have a fire in your home.

Tips for Using a Home Fire Extinguisher

4/20/2022 (Permalink)

Different fires require different types of extinguishers.

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher at Home

Every home should have at least one fire extinguisher. This tool can help you put out a kitchen fire before it spreads. Here are some tips for utilizing extinguishers correctly.

1. Make an Evacuation Plan
Before you get too close to the fire, determine exactly how you will escape the room if the blaze becomes too big for you to handle. Make sure that no heat, smoke, or fire comes between you and your chosen evacuation path.

2. Pick the Right Extinguisher
Different fires require different types of extinguishers. Water or class A extinguishers are designed for ordinary combustibles such as plastic, cloth, paper, rubber, and wood. Class B extinguishers utilize carbon dioxide and work best on flammable liquids, including grease, gasoline, and oil. Electrical fires require Class C extinguishers, which utilize dry chemicals.

Of course, when you spot flames in your home, you do not always have time to figure out the correct fire extinguisher to use. Ideally, you should keep a multipurpose extinguisher in your house, as it works on fires caused by combustibles, flammable liquids or electrical equipment.

3. Use the P.A.S.S. Technique
The acronym P.A.S.S. can help you remember how to use an extinguisher. You just Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle and Sweep the extinguisher from side to side.

4. Know When To Evacuate
Most importantly, do not be a hero when trying to put out the fire. If the flames take up more than 60 square feet, if you feel radiating heat on your exposed skin, or if you have trouble breathing due to excess smoke, evacuate the house immediately. Contact firefighters to extinguish the blaze and fire damage cleanup specialists to restore your Shoreline, WA, home.

You can try to suppress a blaze using a fire extinguisher. Make sure you pick an extinguisher designed for the type of fire in your home. If the flames get out of control, evacuate immediately and let the professionals handle the situation.

What to Do if You Smell Natural Gas in Your Home

2/15/2022 (Permalink)

To keep the gas from building up and creating the potential for a gas fire explosion, you should open all of the windows and doors.

If You Smell Natural Gas in Your House, What Should You Do?

If you have appliances in your Seattle, WA, home that are operated using gas, it is possible that a leak could occur. If you notice a gas smell in your house, you should take some precautions to prevent starting a gas fire.

1. Turn Off the Stove

A common source of gas in your home is the stove. If you have a gas stove, make sure that it is turned off. If the gas is coming from this location, that might be all you need to do to fix the problem.

2. Turn Off the Gas Meter

If natural gas is leaking from somewhere else in your home, you should turn the gas off at the meter. This should keep the gas from continuing to fill your home.

3. Open Doors and Windows

To keep the gas from building up and creating the potential for a gas fire explosion, you should open all of the windows and doors. This allows the house to ventilate and will make it easier for the gas to leave your home.

4. Don’t Use the Electricity

If you have a gas leak in your home, the built-up gas is highly flammable. Don’t turn on any electrical objects, including the lights, and don’t handle any plugs or outlets. Even a small spark could turn into a big gas explosion.

5. Call a Professional

After leaving the house, you can contact emergency restoration services to take care of the natural gas leak in your home. It is important that you have a professional inspect the house to make sure the built-up gas has dissipated, and the source of the leak is repaired.

Because you cannot see if there is a gas leak, an unusual smell will likely be the first indication that there is a problem. A gas fire can start and spread easily, so make sure to follow these steps to keep your family and your home safe.

Answers to Basic Questions About Interruption Insurance

1/12/2022 (Permalink)

Standard property insurance covers a lot of the physical damages and losses that fire leaves behind, but it doesn't cover everything

Answers To Frequently Asked Questions About Business Interruption Insurance

Even if you've taken all the appropriate steps, your Woodinville, WA, business could still be affected by fire. When this happens, one of the most worrying aspects of the situation is how much money you could lose because of business interruption. Fire isn't the only emergency that could put your business in danger; other financial perils could include extreme weather, hail, windstorms, tornadoes, flooding, and other circumstances that may temporarily close your business. Protect your business with interruption insurance.

What Is Included in the Coverage?

Standard property insurance covers a lot of the physical damages and losses that fire leaves behind, but it doesn't cover everything. There are three main things that business interruption policies cover that your property insurance probably won't.

• Profits you would have earned during the time period
• Operating expenses you're still obligated to pay, such as rent
• Moving costs to your temporary location

Sometimes this type of insurance is called business income insurance.

Who Qualifies for Coverage?

Sadly, there are business owners who don't qualify for this protection. One of the primary qualifications for this type of insurance is a dedicated commercial location. If you run a small business out of your home, you probably won't qualify for the policy. However, you may be able to get a business owner's policy. Other aspects of your business that may affect your eligibility include the type of industry, your history of business interruption claims, and the location.

How Long Does the Interruption Coverage Last?

Fortunately for many business owners, interruption insurance is available for the entire period of restoration. This is defined as the length of time necessary for repairing, rebuilding, and replacing any of your property that is damaged or destroyed. It's a good idea to find out exactly what is covered before you talk to the fire restoration professionals.

As you put safety procedures in place and provide training for your employees, don't forget to research interruption insurance in Woodinville, WA. You'll want the peace of mind that comes from knowing your business won't fail when disaster strikes.

How To Make a Home Fire Escape Plan

12/16/2021 (Permalink)

If your home suffers soot and smoke damage after a house fire, give SERVPRO of Shoreline/Woodinville a call.

How To Create A Fire Escape Plan For Your Home

A fire escape plan should account for the layout of a home and the needs of the occupants. This guide to making an emergency escape plan draws attention to several factors you should consider. Planning ahead can promote the safety of every occupant in a household in Shoreline, WA.

Plan Evacuation Routes

A fire plan should have at least two evacuation routes from every room in a house. To develop this plan you should:

• Work with an accurate floor plan
• Practice using evacuation routes
• Factor in the age and physical condition of occupants

If your home has two stories, you may want to invest in a non-combustible escape ladder. Keep hallways and other passages clear at all times.

Plan for Children

It is very important to account for children in a fire escape plan. In addition to child-appropriate evacuation routes, it is also a good idea to teach kids:

• How to roll out of bed
• Fire crawls
• How to check doors

You may want to test a fire alarm during drills so that children will associate these safety measures with the sound. It is important that kids participate in drills.

Plan for Pets

A homeowner can take several measures to promote pet fire safety. It is a good idea to:

• Post pet decals near the front entrance and exterior doors
• Store pet records in a fire box
• Practice evacuating with pets

A decal should indicate the number and type of pets in a household. A fire box can be easy to grab, but may also protect important documents if it is left behind.

The Red Cross provides further guidance on developing a fire escape plan. If a fire breaks out at your home in Shoreline, WA, contact the fire department as soon as possible. Once the fire is extinguished you should schedule a consultation with a fire damage restoration company.

4 Ways To Protect Your Family and Your Home From Fire

10/26/2021 (Permalink)

If your home suffers soot and smoke damage after a house fire, give SERVPRO of Shoreline/Woodinville a call.

4 Fire-Proofing Techniques For Your Family And Home

A home fire in Woodinville, WA, is a concern for every family, and you should be prepared. There are four key fire preparation and fire safety measures that you should implement.

1. Install Smoke Alarms

Generally, the most important measure you can take is to have smoke alarms installed in your home. Alarms can serve as an early warning system. Place a smoke alarm on every level of your home and inside and outside each bedroom.

2. Maintain Your Smoke Alarms

Alarms are worthless if they aren’t working. As part of your fire preparation, replace the batteries once a year. Test your smoke alarms every month, and change batteries as needed. Make sure everyone knows the alarm sound and what to do if they hear it.

3. Establish Fire-Safe Habits

Make yours a smoke-free home. If you smoke, do so outside. Never smoke in bed or when impaired in any manner. Dispose of ashes and butts with water.

Do not ever leave burning candles unattended. Keep flammable items at least three feet away from space heaters or anything hot. Turn off portable heaters when you go to sleep or leave the room.

4. Have a Fire Safety Plan

Prepare a diagram of your home, and show each family member two ways to escape from each room. In the event of fire or an alarm, get low, go and stay out. Establish a family meeting spot outside your home away from the house. Additionally, specify one emergency contact for family members to contact if they are unable to locate other family members following a home fire.

Practice fire drills twice a year. Press the test button on your smoke alarm, and everyone should leave your home and go to the meeting spot.

Fire preparation is important for you and your family. If you have a fire, contact a restoration specialist for help.

How To Save Your Belongings From Smoke Damage

7/29/2021 (Permalink)

If your home suffers soot and smoke damage after a house fire, give SERVPRO of Shoreline/Woodinville a call.

How To Prevent Smoke Damage To Your Property

The effects of a house fire can be terrible. Your first concern is the safety of your family members. You’re probably then worried about whether you’ll be able to salvage your home. You probably also have many belongings you hope to preserve. While some things might be a lost cause, with proper dry-cleaning and other methods, you can save some belongings, even if they were damaged by the smoke.

Inspect Your Home

The best thing to do for full-scale content cleaning after a fire in your Bothell, WA home is to contact the professionals. A trusted company will send representatives to first inspect the affected area.

• Inspect and test rooms the fire directly affected as well as adjacent rooms.
• Check for smoke damage to the floor, walls and items.
• Check for leftover soot.

Board and Tarp

In order to prevent any further damage, the professionals will board up windows and place large tarps over damaged portions of the roof or siding. The company representative may also discuss your options for content storage while the restoration process is underway. By boarding your home and putting tarps over vulnerable spots, you can avoid further damage.

Get rid of Smoke and Soot

It’s vital to remove this damage as soon as possible. The professionals have high-quality methods to not only clean and sanitize affected areas but also to remove the lingering smells smoke leaves behind.

Clean and Sanitize

Smoke can do extensive damage to all areas of your home. The professional company you choose will send technicians to use dry-cleaning and other proven cleaning and sanitizing agents to help ensure your home is as close to the state it was in before the fire occurred.

Dry-cleaning, sanitizing and preservation are critical to this restoration process. When you have the pros on your side, you can breathe a sigh of relief that you will once again have a livable home.

What To Throw Out After a Fire

7/5/2021 (Permalink)

Throw away medication that has been exposed to the fire

What To Throw Away After a Residential Fire

A fire can damage contents that are not directly burned. Items in surrounding areas may be exposed to high heat, soot and smoke. This exposure can destabilize medicine, personal care products and food items. Learn more about what to throw away and replace after residential fire in Shoreline, WA.

Health and Body Care Products

Medications have a safe temperature range printed on the labeling. Many personal care products are also formulated for maximum effectiveness at normal temperatures. Exposure to intense heat or smoke can destabilize any of the following items:

• Medication
• Body wash
• Cosmetics
• Haircare products
• Lotions
  
  

Anything intended to be ingested or applied to the skin or hair should not be contaminated with compounds found in soot or smoke. These contaminants may result in irritation or exposure to chemicals that are otherwise removed during cleanup and restoration. Excessive heat can also render medicines and beauty products less effective.

Open or Bagged Food

It is important to throw away any food items that could be contaminated with soot, smoke, or destabilized by heat. This is particularly the case with the following items:

• Food stored in containers or bags
• Pet food stored in bags or containers
• Cans exposed to high heat
  
  

Cans that were not exposed to very high temperatures may be kept. Remove the label and write the contents on the can in a permanent marker.

Damaged or Porous Items

Any charred or burned items will probably not benefit from cleaning. Fire causes chemical changes that will continue to pose a contamination risk. It is particularly important to dispose of items that make direct contact with skin or food, such as bedding, clothing, cutting boards, dishware, or cups.

All of these contents are likely to contain the toxic residues of a fire. Fire damage restoration experts can identify items to throw away and other contents that may benefit from cleaning.

What To Know About Fire and the Damage it Causes

6/21/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot damage in a Shoreline, WA home.

What To Know About Fire and the Damage it Causes

When you’re a homeowner in Shoreline, WA, fire damage to your property can be a concern. Fortunately, there are a number of things you can learn beforehand that may help if you ever find yourself dealing with this type of situation. Here are a few things you may want to know.

1. Fire Can Lead To Multiple Damage Types

Fire doesn’t just leave smoke and soot damage behind. In some cases, it can lead to water damage as well. Water from a fire hose or installed sprinklers can lead to flooding. Water can also become a factor if pipes burst after being heated to the point of breaking, or if the fires causes a leak in the roof. Fortunately, most restoration services are prepared to handle this type of damage as well.

2. Repairs Should Begin as Soon as Possible

As with any type of damage to your home, fire damage repairs should begin as soon as you can. This will help prevent further damage. If an area can’t be repaired quickly it should be covered over to keep it protected from the elements when not being worked on.

3. A Restoration Team Can Help

After a fire, you may want to contact a professional restoration team to help with the repairs. These professionals know how to deal with every type of damage that comes with a fire, and can take care of the restoration from start to finish. In many cases, they may also be able to work with your insurance by providing up-to-date information your agent may need to file your claim.
When it comes to fire damage in your home it may help to be prepared. Knowing that a fire can lead to several types of damage can help you know what to expect when it comes to making repairs. Remember, a restoration service can help you through every step of the restoration process.

Where Should You Place Fire Alarms in Your Home

5/16/2021 (Permalink)

If you don't currently have a fire alarm in the right spot at home, make sure you add this safety measure today.

There are certain smells and sounds you never want to encounter in your home. The odor of smoke and the high-pitched noise coming from our fire alarm signifies a big emergency in your house. As scary as this situation may be, you are thankful that you have properly working smoke alarms to alert you of possible danger. Without these devices, you put your loved ones at risk.

Smoke Alarm Tips

Anyone in Shoreline, WA, knows that potential fire damage could be devastating and deadly. It's one thing to have these in your home, but you need to make sure you place them correctly and that they are in good working order. Here are some ways to make sure they'll do their job well:

• Change the batteries every year.
• Test the alarm every year (most devices have a "Test" button that you can push).
• Replace the alarms themselves every 10 years.
  

Place at Least One on Every Floor
Due to different layouts, sizes and designs, homes will have different numbers of alarms. Regardless of your home's square footage, make sure you have a fire alarm on every level of the structure. You should have in the basement as well, even if it is unfinished and no one sleeps there.

One in Every Bedroom
Wherever a member of your family sleeps, you need a smoke alarm there. This should be the case whether it's a small area, a master bedroom or anything else in between.

One in Nearby Hallways
Before you ever call a professional fire cleanup company to take care of smoke damage, you need to safely exit your home during a fire. Having a fire alarm in the hallway outside every bedroom is an effective way to sense any sign of a fire in your home.

If you don't currently have a fire alarm in the right spot at home, make sure you add this safety measure today. Follow this list so you can have peace of mind.

5 Things To Teach Your Kids About Fire Safety

4/7/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage is disruptive and highly traumatic.

Teaching kids safety is an important factor when making an emergency fire plan for your Woodinville, WA home. One way you can help protect them is by instructing them in what to do if a fire does occur. Many firemen and fire damage restoration professionals agree that learning the following tips can help.

1. What Fire Hazards Are

One step toward preventing a home fire is to tell your children what a fire hazard is. This way they will know what items not to play with, and to tell you immediately if they see something amiss.

2. How To Stay Low

During a fire smoke and heat rise, meaning the cooler air is closer to the floor. Teaching your child to stay low can help them avoid the smoke and find fresher air.

3. How To Check a Door

One important step for kids safety during a fire is to know how to check a door before opening it. They should know to use the back of their hand to test the door’s surface for heat, and to open it only if it doesn’t seem hot.

4. What Safe Routes Are

Safe exit routes are an important part of a fire escape plan. Explain to your child where the closest exits are and how to use them safely.

5. Where to Meet Up

Instruct your child to go to a pre-selected location to meet up with you once they’re safely out of the house. This should be an easily identifiable location such as a neighbor’s porch or a fire hydrant.

In the event of a fire, kids safety is important, and by teaching your child these things, you can feel more secure knowing they understand what to do in a fire. Telling them what a fire hazard is can help prevent a fire before it starts. They should also learn to stay low, check doors before they enter a room, follow safe routes out of the house, and where to meet up with everyone else.

A Quick Guide To Stopping and Preventing Grease Fires

3/18/2021 (Permalink)

Grease fire causes damage in a home in Shoreline,WA.

Every grease fire has the potential to do serious damage. When one breaks out in your kitchen, a residential restoration service may be necessary to put things back together. Here are the steps you should take after an oily disaster takes hold, followed by practices for preventing greasy blazes from causing harm.

Stopping a Fire Caused by Grease

Executing proper anti-fire measures can halt kitchen infernos. As soon as one occurs:

• Cut off the heat source
  
• Pour baking soda or salt over the flames
  
• Cover the flare-up with a cookie sheet or metal pan lid
  
  

Acting quickly increases your odds of ending a grease fire in Shoreline, WA before upsetting destruction occurs. Even if flames do not noticeably char your walls or cabinetry, expect a thorough fire cleanup to drain plenty of time and energy.

Preventing a Fire Caused by Grease
The best way to stop a grease-triggered mishap is by making certain one doesn’t even happen. Maintain the recommended cooking temperature and act quickly if you believe your pan has overheated. Only cook while sober and rested. Stay present in front of food that is grilling, broiling or frying.
Heat oil slowly. Doing this offers added control that can help keep oils from reaching unwisely high temperatures. Remove moisture from food to the best of your ability before dunking anything in grease. Defrost frozen items prior to dropping them into hot pans, as they are prone to splatter. Ease food in so that splashing is minimized.
Have children play in another room while oils are in use. Remove anything flammable from the vicinity and keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case your best efforts at preventing a blaze fail.
A grease fire can cause horrible destruction to your home. Keep these tips in mind when cooking with oil, as any one of them may be the key to averting a disturbing scenario.

What Personal Protective Equipment Is necessary for Mold Removal?

7/23/2019 (Permalink)

Personal Protective Equipment for mold removal

What Personal Protective Equipment Is necessary for Mold Removal?

If you smell a musty odor in your Bothell, WA, commercial property, you may be dealing with a mold problem. Excessive mold growth can occur when there is a plumbing or roof leak in your building.
Individuals need to protect themselves when they clean up mold. There are several pieces of personal protective equipment that they can use, including:

• Disposable shoe and hair covers
  
• Goggles
  
• Disposable gloves
  
• Face masks
  
• Tyvek suits
  
  

Hair and Shoe Covers

As their name implies, hair covers go on top of the head and prevent mold spores from getting into a person's locks. Similarly, shoe covers are placed on the bottom of shoes to limit the tracking of mold as cleaners move from place to place.

Goggles

Goggles do not just prevent mold spores from getting into people's eyes. They also protect the eyes from the harsh chemicals used to clean up the mold.

Gloves

Gloves come in a variety of sizes and materials. Finding the right size is critical because loose-fitting gloves can allow mold spores to contact the skin.

Face Masks

Regular face masks, such as those used by doctors, are not sufficient for cleaning mold. This task requires a special face mask called an air-purifying respirator. It specifically filters out mold spores and other particles. Air-purifying respirators are categorized based on efficiency, with N-99 respirators filtering 99 percent of particles.

Tyvek Suits

For large mold jobs, disposable Tyvek suits may be necessary. Regular clothes may be acceptable for smaller cleanups. Any outfits worn during mold removal should be washed in hot water immediately after use.
While you may be able to find all of these items at your local hardware store, your best bet is to hire mold remediation specialists who already have all of this equipment handy. They can safely and promptly restore the normal mold levels in your commercial space. This will protect your employees and let you re-open your building quickly.

Preparing for Space Heater Safety 101

7/5/2019 (Permalink)

When trying to heat a Shoreline, WA home, the last thing any homeowner wants is a burned space heater. Fortunately, many space heaters now come with built-in safety features to help keep you and your family safe. Here’s what you may want to look for in your next space heater, along with some safety tips you can follow.

Safety Features Included in Most Space Heaters

Many space heaters include features to help ensure that they are safe to use. Some of the features you may want to look for include:

• Sensors that detect if the unit is overheating and turn it off automatically
• Sensors that detect if the unit has been tipped and turn it off automatically
• Proper certification from an independent safety testing organization that clearly outlines performance
• A cord sturdy and heat resistant at the length you need your heater to have
• A ground fault circuit interrupter (GCFI) plug that can help prevent electric shocks

Safe Space Heater Usage

Using the unit safely can help prevent a burned space heater. Keep your unit on the floor and in a level and nonflammable area. Do not use the space heater around water. Never leave the heater on unattended or in an area where pets or children may knock it over. It’s also recommended to keep the area around the heater clear of debris and to not use it in an area like a workshop where the fumes from flammable materials may be present.

What To Do If a Fire Occurs

In the event a fire does occur, it’s important to get it out as quickly and safely as possible. Always follow proper fire safety procedures. Afterward, a fire damage restoration service can help with repairs and smoke cleanup.

It’s important to follow proper usage guidelines and to pay attention to the safety features in your heater in order to help prevent a house fire. If you have a burned space heater, a professional may be able to help with any cleanup and repairs needed in your home.

Commercial Property Fire: Important Considerations After a Fire

7/3/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Shoreline/Woodinville is here to help after commercial fire damage.

After your commercial or multifamily property experiences a fire, your brain will likely be going a mile a minute trying to figure out the next steps. Though the apparent structural damage will bring about thoughts of roof repair and rebuilding, there are other important considerations to make before the initial fire cleanup and restoration.

1. Safety and Self-Evaluation

The safety of employees, tenants and you are paramount after experiencing a fire disaster. After calling emergency services, you should be most concerned with getting everyone out of the building because the structural integrity of the property is most assuredly in question. Standard practices of fire safety should also be followed. For example, you should avoid drinking, eating or breathing in anything that has contacted soot, fire or smoke.

2. Financial and Insurance Contacts

You should immediately call your insurance company, mortgage lender and credit card institutions before starting any fire cleanup. Calling your insurance provider will ensure that the claims process begins immediately. Calling your mortgage lender will also help in getting through the bureaucratic procedures. Finally, if you lost any credit cards in the fire, you will be able to get replacements mailed to you sooner by notifying them.

3. Restoration Services

After ensuring your safety and making all the necessary contacts, you can begin the cleanup and mitigation process. As fires often create extensive damage, this process is better left to fire remediation specialists in the Woodinville, WA area. These services help to streamline the operations of mitigation, offering board up and tarp services, and restoration, ensuring that your property is functional as quickly as possible.

While the experience of a fire and the resulting damage can be devastating and emotionally taxing, it is necessary to keep your wits about you. Between general safety and financial obligations, you will need to focus on the process ahead. Thankfully, fire remediation services will help to restore your facility through the fire cleanup and restoration process. Visit https://www.SERVPROshorelinewoodinville.com/ for more information on fire damage restoration services.

How To Use a Fire Extinguisher

7/2/2019 (Permalink)

Knowing how to use a fire extinguisher is a necessity as a homeowner and business owner.

Employers are typically responsible for training their employees in the use of any available fire extinguisher in the building. This relates to small fires and should cover the procedures to be used when a fire is just starting and how to recognize when employees should evacuate the building.

The P.A.S.S. Technique

One each method to help employees remember how to operate an extinguisher is to practice the P.A.S.S technique.

• PULL the pin. This quick movement should also break the tamper seal on most devices.
• AIM the nozzle low, toward the base of the fire.
• SQUEEZE the handle at the top of the extinguisher.
• SWEEP the spray from one side to another in a smooth motion until the fire is out.

Once it appears the fire has been extinguished, keep an eye on the area to be sure the fire doesn't reignite.

Operation of the Fire Extinguisher

Learning to operate a fire extinguisher isn't the only step your employees may need to take to prevent injuries and fire damage. Before an emergency situation occurs, each worker must be able to judge whether they can put the fire out or should evacuate. As the employer, you should assign reliable workers to operate the fire alarm and to call the fire department.

Safety Plans and Evacuation Display

A safe evacuation route should be displayed prominently, and an appropriate extinguisher should be chosen. Once the fire is out, your workers need to know where to gather and how to communicate during and after the emergency. These decisions are important parts of your preventative and safety plan. If you have questions about where to get an extinguisher, which type to get, and where to install the device, contact a fire remediation professional for more information.

With preventative measures are in place, your employees may be ready to respond to an office or kitchen fire. They should understand how to safely evacuate your Shoreline, WA building and how to operate the fire extinguisher. These steps could prevent serious injuries and damage. Visit https://www.SERVPROshorelinewoodinville.com/ for more information on our fire damage services.