Kitchen Fire Safety: Keeping Your Holidays From Going Down in Flames | SERVPRO of North and Southwest Oklahoma City

12/3/2024 (Permalink)

Keep your holiday cooking safe with SERVPRO of North and Southwest Oklahoma City's tips!

As the holiday season approaches, homes across Oklahoma City are gearing up for cozy gatherings and mouth watering feasts. Yet, it’s essential to remember that holiday cooking brings an increased risk of kitchen fires. In fact, Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, with more than double the average number of incidents happening on this day alone. SERVPRO of North and Southwest Oklahoma City is here to help keep you and your loved ones safe this season with some practical kitchen fire safety tips.

###Common Kitchen Fire Hazards During the Holidays

November’s chilly air and holiday festivities often lead us to spend more time in the kitchen. With multiple dishes cooking and loved ones in the kitchen, it’s easy to overlook potential fire hazards. Here are some of the main causes of kitchen fires during the holiday season:

1. Unattended Cooking: The leading cause of kitchen fires is leaving food unattended on the stove or in the oven. As you cook multiple dishes, make sure someone is always monitoring the stove, oven, or any other cooking appliance.

2. Grease Fires: A splatter of oil or grease can ignite quickly, especially in high-heat cooking. Keep a lid nearby to smother small grease fires, and never use water to extinguish a grease fire.

3. Cluttered Counters and Flammable Materials: Kitchen towels, oven mitts, and other flammable items can quickly catch fire if left too close to hot appliances. Clear your counters of anything flammable to keep your kitchen as safe as possible.

###Fire Prevention Tips for a Safe Holiday

Taking a few safety measures can go a long way in preventing accidents. Follow these fire prevention tips to enjoy a safe and stress-free holiday season in Oklahoma City:

1. Keep a Fire Extinguisher Handy: Every kitchen should have a fire extinguisher within reach, especially during the holidays. Make sure your family members know where it is and how to use it in case of an emergency.

2. Use a Timer and Check Food Often: When preparing multiple dishes, it’s easy to get distracted. Use a timer to remind yourself to check the oven or stovetop, even if you step away for a moment.

3. Watch What You’re Wearing: Loose or flowing clothing can catch fire easily. When cooking, wear fitted clothing and roll up long sleeves to stay safe around hot appliances.

4. Stay Alert: Cooking under the influence of alcohol or while overly tired increases the chance of accidents. Stay alert in the kitchen and ask for help if you’re feeling overwhelmed.

###Have a Plan in Case of a Kitchen Fire

Even with the best precautions, accidents can still happen. If a kitchen fire does occur, exit the home immediately and call 911. Once it’s safe, SERVPRO of North and Southwest Oklahoma City can help with fire restoration to make your home safe and comfortable again. Our team is here to support you with fast, reliable service when you need it most.

Don’t let a holiday mishap disrupt your season! Stay safe and enjoy a joyful holiday season!

For professional fire damage restoration, visit SERVPRO of North and Southwest Oklahoma City.

Protect Your Home: Preventing House Fires | SERVPRO of North Oklahoma City

8/2/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Oklahoma City is ready to help you have a fire-safe summer season with these helpful tips!

Grilling and Fire Pit Safety Tips for Homeowners: Protect Your Property | SERVPRO of North Oklahoma City

6/3/2024 (Permalink)

Gather around the grill, but don't forget about fire safety! Follow these tips from SERVPRO of North Oklahoma City to ensure a fun and safe night.

In the heart of Oklahoma City, where the warmth of community gatherings often revolves around grilling, fire pits, and campfires, safety should always be a top priority. As homeowners, it’s crucial to enjoy these activities responsibly to prevent accidents and property damage. Here are some essential tips to keep your outdoor festivities safe and enjoyable, brought to you by SERVPRO of North Oklahoma City.

Fire Safety for the Cozy Season | SERVPRO of North Oklahoma City

1/16/2024 (Permalink)

Fire safety is a top priority for us at SERVPRO of North Oklahoma City this winter. Keep your home safe with these helpful tips!

As the cold season fully sets in, it gives us the perfect excuse to cuddle up under blankets and wear fuzzy socks as often as possible. It is also the perfect time of the year to watch a fire in your fireplace.

Unfortunately, the number of house fires rises dramatically during this time of year as well. Fireplaces, space heaters and other heating devices leave our home susceptible to damage when they are used incorrectly or malfunction. That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy them—you just have to be safe when you do.

A Holly, Jolly Fire-Safe Holiday Season | SERVPRO of North Oklahoma City

11/17/2023 (Permalink)

Fire damage in your home? Not for long with SERVPRO of North Oklahoma City on the case!

The holiday season is back again! Is there a better time of year? Celebrations, family gatherings and, of course, good food. Whether you are the cook or you have been banned from the kitchen, a little extra safety while the meal is prepared can go a long way.

The number of house fires always rises during the holidays, and a large amount of them start in the kitchen. As scary of a statistic as that is, when safety is priority and precautions are in place, you can rest easy knowing that Grandma’s famous apple pie will be on your plate.

The Ultimate Guide to Grilling Safety | SERVPRO of North Oklahoma City

9/19/2023 (Permalink)

Have you had a barbeque gone wrong? Call SERVPRO of North Oklahoma City to get your space back in shape.

As the sweet summer days arrive in Edmond, we eagerly embrace the warmth and outdoor gatherings with our loved ones. However, it’s vital to prioritize grilling safety to prevent dangerous situations and potential fires.

Be aware of the community regulations for outdoor fires in Edmond before you grill. Remember that recreational burning in Edmond is only allowed three hours after sunrise and must stop three hours before sundown.

In addition to staying up to date with community fire guidelines, here are some other tips to help you enjoy a delightful summer BBQ experience while ensuring a fire-free environment.

Starting an Outdoor Fire Safely | SERVPRO of North Oklahoma City

9/19/2023 (Permalink)

Bonfire season is upon us! SERVPRO of North Oklahoma City has your back with these helpful fire safety tips.

The weather is finally starting to cool off, which means fall is finally on the way. Sweatshirts, crunchy leaves and pumpkin-everything make fall a favorite for most of us—and even if you have no interest in any of that, the break in the heat and humidity is always a welcome change.

Many of us start spending more time outdoors this time of year, including gathering the family around the fire pit for s’mores and endless stories. If you are going to have a fire outside, make sure to do it safely so you can enjoy your time without worry.

SERVPRO® is here to help when a disaster strikes, but we also want to help you take every step possible to keep things safe.

Starting an Outdoor Fire Safely | SERVPRO of North Oklahoma City

9/19/2023 (Permalink)

Bonfire season is upon us! SERVPRO of North Oklahoma City has your back with these helpful fire safety tips.

The weather is finally starting to cool off, which means fall is finally on the way. Sweatshirts, crunchy leaves and pumpkin-everything make fall a favorite for most of us—and even if you have no interest in any of that, the break in the heat and humidity is always a welcome change.

Many of us start spending more time outdoors this time of year, including gathering the family around the fire pit for s’mores and endless stories. If you are going to have a fire outside, make sure to do it safely so you can enjoy your time without worry.

SERVPRO® is here to help when a disaster strikes, but we also want to help you take every step possible to keep things safe.

Empowering Your Kids With Lifesaving Fire Fundamentals | SERVPRO® of North Oklahoma City

6/14/2023 (Permalink)

Being a parent can be a tough role, but it always pays off when you see your children grow into responsible adults. The key to encouraging this growth starts with teaching them essential lessons, some of which might be a bit more complicated and nerve-wracking to bring up than others.

Fire safety should be taught early on to help your child grasp these lifesaving procedures. This won’t just help them while they’re young—they’ll carry this knowledge all their lives!

Fire safety is a serious topic to bring up in your household, but there are ways to make the conversation kid-friendly.

Will Your Smoke Alarms Wake You Up in Case of Fire?

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke detectors are an important part of keeping you and your family safe. An effective alert system will allow you to get help as soon as possible.

Will Your Smoke Detectors Wake You Up In The Event Of A Fire?

No one wants to think about the event of a home fire happening to them in Edmond, OK, but the best time to think about it is before it happens. A little preparation goes a long way to keeping you and your family protected. One major key to that preparation is keeping your smoke alarms up to date. You want to be sure that your smoke alarm will alert you rapidly in case of fire, especially during the night when those in the household will be sleeping. Here are a few things to keep in mind.

Do You Have Enough Alarms?

Experts say that you have just minutes to safely escape a burning home. Because of this, it is paramount that your smoke detector is able to detect and alert you rapidly, no matter where you are and no matter where the fire is located. Make sure that you have a smoke alarm in each of these key places:

• Inside each bedroom
• Outside each bedroom
• One on each level of the house

You can also get interconnected alarms, so that when one goes off, they all do. This is especially helpful in a large home or for heavy sleepers who may struggle to hear an alarm in another part of the house.

Are Your Batteries and Alarms Up-to-Date?

Once you are certain you have enough alarms, be sure to maintain them regularly. Check the date on each smoke alarm and remember to replace it after 10 years. Alarms powered by nine-volt batteries should have those batteries replaced every year. Newer fire alarms that use lithium batteries will not need to have the batteries replaced. The 10-year batteries are designed to last until the unit needs to be replaced. For all types of smoke detectors, it is important to test the alarm every month.

Smoke alarms are an important piece of keeping you and your family safe. An efficient alerting system will help you to get out and get help fast to prevent fire damage. Minimizing the damage to your home will help the fire restoration process to go more smoothly as well. A little preparation pays large dividends.

3 Reasons To Board Up After a Fire

3/18/2022 (Permalink)

You can trust our SERVPRO team to take care of your fire damage cleanup and restoration needs. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

After A Fire, There Are Three Reasons To Board Up Your Home.

If your home in Oklahoma City, OK, catches fire, your first thought is likely to be your family’s safety. Closely following that thought, however, is how you’re going to restore your home so that you can return to it. How do you protect your home between the time you call fire restoration specialists and the time they begin repairs? Board up services can protect your home from more damage and protect you from liability and insurance coverage loss. Here are three reasons it’s important to secure your home after a fire.

1. Protect Property

A fire can be devastating to your home. Emergency board up services help you keep any further damage from occurring. By covering broken windows, holes in your roof or walls and compromised doorways, you can protect the inside of your home from wind or rain before and during the repair process. Securing your home can also keep out animals and would-be vandals and thieves. It’s wise to minimize your worry in any way you can.

2. Protect People

Some people consider an opening to a home an invitation. If you board up your home after a fire, however, you can prevent them from entering. Your home is not likely to be structurally sound, so anyone who enters it is in danger of injury. If people are injured on your property, particularly if they can prove you did not indicate that it was unsafe to enter, they can sue you. Protecting people from injury also protect you from liability.

3. Protect Coverage

If your home has fire damage and you fail to secure it, your insurance company could discontinue your coverage. Because protecting your home from further damage saves your provider money, the company may consider it negligence if you don’t place boards or tarps over the open areas of your home and thus may refuse to accept your claim.

Professional restoration technicians are Here to Help in any way they can. They can board up your home as part of their repair process.

Embrace Fire Alarms in Your House, Even When They Are Annoying

2/3/2022 (Permalink)

With limited time to escape a fire and unit options that can detect fire and smoke damage, these inexpensive devices can save lives.

Fire Alarms Should Be Accepted In Your Home, Even If They Are Annoying

Everyone knows the chirping sound of the battery dying in a fire alarm. That noise can drive people crazy, but the alarms in your home in St Michael, MN protect the lives of you and your family. Here are four things to consider next time you contemplate bashing a chirping alarm.

1. How much time do you have to escape a fire?

Smoke can arrive before fire damage, and with only 3-4 minutes to get out, an alarm can be the deciding factor in your escape. Individual units go off when fire reaches them whereas connected units go off as soon as one unit is triggered letting the whole house know to escape.

2. What is the right alarm for your house?

Smoke alarms come in two styles - photoelectric and ionization. Photoelectric units sense smoky fires while ionization units sense more flames with less smoke. Since all fires are different, installing both types of alarms can be a great decision.

3. How long does an alarm device last?

Everyone knows that the batteries should be changed twice a year, but not many people know when to change the actual fire alarm unit. Typical devices can last for 8-15 years, so check the date on your alarm the next time you change the batteries. If it was manufactured in the 1990s, it's definitely time to install a new one.

4. How expensive are alarms?

Installing an alarm in each bedroom, on every floor, and more outside of every sleeping area of the house can seem like a huge expense. However, standard units cost just $6-20 and bi-annual battery replacements can cost just a few bucks.

If you thought fire alarms were too annoying, too expensive, or not really necessary, think again. With limited time to escape a fire and unit options that can detect fire and smoke damage, these inexpensive devices can save lives.

Your Business Is More Than Property, Equipment and Furnishings

1/14/2022 (Permalink)

If a fire brings you damage, property insurance will restore your building, equipment, and other assets but you won't reopen anytime soon.

Property, Equipment, And Furnishings Aren't The Only Things That Make Up Your Business.

Yesterday, you had a thriving business in Edmond, OK A fire brought that to a screeching halt, leaving you with extensive fire and water damage. Property insurance will restore your building, equipment and other assets but you won’t reopen anytime soon. Without revenue and customers, the company’s survival is in jeopardy.

It is at this moment that your interruption insurance comes into play. It may help you pay for the following:

• Taxes
• Rent and lease payments
• Loan payments
• Wages for key employees
• Training costs for replacement employees
• Temporary relocation to a new location, if practical
• Association fees and dues
• Continued advertising
• Lost profits

Not Every Business Interruption Triggers an Insurance Claim

You cannot purchase commercial interruption insurance without first having a property damage policy. The two are linked. If you have a property damage event that is not covered by your insurance, there won’t be interruption compensation.

Additionally, interruption payments will not be triggered if your closure is considered partial. Only a complete shutdown qualifies.

Your Policy Tells You When the Interruption Ends

From an insurance perspective, the interruption most likely ends when you reopen for business. Your next big challenge is to bring back your customers.
If you offer terrific products and services, it’s easy to have faithful customers. However, customers are also creatures of habit. If they are in the habit of frequenting your establishment, and you suddenly shut down, they will likely get in the habit of frequenting someone else’s establishment.
Your number one goal during the shutdown is to make sure that your customers know you are coming back. Advertising is an excellent way to accomplish this. Also, remember that grand reopening sales are always a good idea in the world of retail.

A Speedy Fire Restoration Keeps the Interruption Period Short

A short interruption insurance period is good for business. The best way to accomplish this is to bring in the best insurance-approved fire damage remediation firm to handle your restoration. You want to reopen quickly.

Now Is the Time To Teach Your Kids How To Escape a Fire

12/15/2021 (Permalink)

Be sure to test your fire alarm so children can hear what it sounds like. You can save lives by showing kids safety techniques to escape a fire.

Now Is The Time To Teach Your Children How To Get Out Of A Fire Safely.

Staying warm near a fireplace can be enough of a reminder that now is the time to have a conversation with your kids about how to escape a fire in your home in Edmond, OK. Here is some important information to include when you teach your kids safety for escaping a house fire.

Make a Plan

The first step to teach your kids how to escape a fire is to make a plan:

1. Draw a simple map showing how to escape their bedrooms or other key areas of the house.
2. Include a meetup location on the drawing. It should be away from the house but also have good visibility so you can see that everyone is out safely.
3. Practice the plan and incorporate important lessons about what to do during the escape.

During the Escape

Here are some escape techniques and guidelines to help them during a fire escape situation:

• Stay Low. Teach techniques such as rolling out of bed (instead of sitting up) and crawling to help keep kids low. Teach kids to crawl more quickly on their hands and knees, but to belly crawl if the air is hot above them. Show them how.
• Use Doors. Show kids how to check doors to see if they are hot before opening and to close doors when they leave a room.
• Find a Window. If trapped from an exit, teach kids safety by showing them how to open a window to escape (if low enough), or for breathing and signaling from an upper floor.

Be sure to test your fire alarm so children can hear what it sounds like. You can save lives by showing kids safety techniques to escape a fire.

A fire can be devastating, but getting everyone safely outside is the most important thing with a home fire. Stuff can be replaced. If you need help figuring out how to begin cleanup or repairs, contact a company that specializes in disaster recovery. They will have fire damage specialists to help you restore your home to the way it was before the fire.

To Keep or To Toss: What Must Be Replaced After a Fire

10/5/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is a trusted leader in disaster restoration for your fire damage cleanup and restoration needs.

What to Keep And What to Throw Away After a Fire

A residential fire can be devastating. The recovery process is often long and arduous. If your home in Oklahoma City, OK, is damaged or destroyed by a fire, chances are high that many things within your home are damaged beyond repair as well. Fire restoration specialists may be able to salvage some things, but here are some items you will probably need to throw away.

Medication

If you look on the bottle or instruction sheets for most medications, you may see a warning to keep them away from high heat. Heat changes the chemical properties of substances, which can change the effects that those substances have. It is not a good idea to ingest anything that has been altered without knowing exactly how that change will affect you. To be on the safe side, dispose of any medications that were affected by the fire.

Food

The cans lined up in your pantry may seem okay, but if fire, smoke or even excessive heat came anywhere near them, it is best to toss them out. The seal that protects the food inside the cans may have been weakened by the heat. It is better to throw away questionable items than take a chance on eating something that may have gone bad.

Cosmetics

What you put on your body can be just as important as what you put in your body. High heat can destroy any of the following items:

• Makeup
• Facial cleanser
• Moisturizer
• Contact solution
• Perfumes

Without knowing what affect the altered state of these product may have on your skin, it is safer to dispose of them.

Replacing everything may be expensive, but you can’t put a price on peace of mind. If you are unsure whether an item is safe to use, it is best to get rid of it. When you throw away items that have fallen victim to fire damage, you are protecting yourself from the potential of further complications to your overall recovery process.

5 Steps for Extinguishing a Grease Fire

7/15/2021 (Permalink)

A grease fire may start small, but it can become big in a hurry.

How To Put Out A Kitchen Grease Fire

No one plans to have a grease fire in the kitchen, but when oils from cooking build up, fire is more likely to occur. What you can plan is how to put out the fire once it has started. It is also important to know your limits and when to involve emergency services. If a fire breaks out on the stove in your home in Edmond, OK here are some steps to help minimize the damage.

1. Contain the Flames.

A metal lid or cookie sheet is a great tool for suffocating a fire. The lid can be especially helpful, as it is more likely to be able to cut off more of the oxygen feeding the fire.

2. Turn off Heat.

The faster you can get the burner cool, the better. If you can safely get to the knob on the stove to turn it off, you should do so.

3. Smother the Fire.

If the fire is small, use baking soda or salt to put out the flames. Never douse a grease fire with water; it will only antagonize it!

4. Recognize Limits.

If the fire is still going strong after the first three steps, call emergency services as you are leaving the house. Don't try to fight a fire that is too big on your own, and don't stay in the house with the fire. Get to safety and call in the experts.

5. Repair Damage.

No matter how small the fire is, it likely left some damage behind. Fire restoration specialists can assess the damage and restore your kitchen and any affected surrounding area to be like new again. Let them take the lead on the fire cleanup.

A grease fire may start small, but it can become big in a hurry. If you are not able to extinguish it immediately, it is best to call professional firefighters to do the job.

How To Avoid a Cigarette Fire

7/5/2021 (Permalink)

Keep a fire extinguisher accessible.

In addition to causing health effects, smoking may also pose a safety hazard. Failure to recognize the potential dangers of a lit cigarette can result in disastrous consequences. To safeguard their homes from a potentially destructive cigarette fire, homeowners in Edmond, OK, should abide by several important protocols.

Properly Extinguish Butts

Properly extinguishing butts is vital to preventing infernos. To accomplish this, you can utilize several strategies:

• Ensure butt is not smoldering
• Discard in an ashtray, not on the ground
• Wet butt before disposal
  
  

Throwing a smoldering cigarette on the ground may ignite nearby combustibles, such as dry vegetation. To avoid this, place used butts in a glass or ceramic ashtray.

To minimize the risk of an ashtray fire, routinely clean the container and wet your butt before placing it inside. Never throw a used cigarette into a trash receptacle until it has been properly extinguished.

Avoid Smoking in Bed

The best way to prevent a cigarette fire in your home is to refrain from smoking inside. If you choose to smoke indoors, avoid doing so while lying in bed. Falling embers can easily ignite clothing, bedding and your mattress. Because you may not be alert enough to properly extinguish a cigarette, you should also refrain from smoking inside if you are excessively drowsy.

Never Leave Cigarettes Unattended

Whether indoors or outside, leaving a lit cigarette unattended can be dangerous. The burning object can fall from its resting place and ignite surrounding combustibles. Embers can also fall into potentially hazardous areas, such as cushions, the carpet, or dry leaves.

Keep Fire Extinguisher Accessible

Any flame inside or near your residence poses a potential danger. Keeping a fire extinguisher accessible can help you smother a small blaze, minimizing damage and fire cleanup requirements.

No homeowner wants to endure a blaze and a time-consuming fire damage restoration project. Although refraining from smoking in or near your residence is the safest way to prevent a cigarette fire, employing conscientious practices can minimize the threat.

5 Critical Steps To Clean a Home After a Fire

6/8/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage in Edmond, OK.

5 Critical Steps To Clean a Home After a Fire

Fires happen every day in homes across the U.S. They are scary events for the residents of a home. In addition to having the power to cause injury and death, a home fire creates a mess in the home. Smoke damage is one aspect of the impacts on a home and it can be tricky to clean. A local fire restoration company in Edmond, OK, is often your best resource for quick and effective fire cleanup. A team of highly trained specialists will come to your home and begin a proven process to restore your home. These steps are the foundation of a professional cleanup:

• Inspection and Assessment
• Water Removal and Drying
• Removal of smoke damage from all surfaces
• Cleaning and sanitizing
• Restoration
  
  

Steps 1 and 2 Explained
The inspection and assessment determines the scope of the problem. At this time the technicians can give you a better idea of the process and how long remediation efforts will take. If the damage is severe, a board-up and roof-tarp service might be needed to secure the home from additional damage from rains or vandalism. Water removal might be undertaken if fire fighting resulted in water damage.

Steps 3, 4, and 5 Explained
The impacts of a fire extend to the pernicious effects of smoke and soot damage. Both soot and smoke can permeate the home and require advanced equipment to completely remove. The step of smoke cleaning is also likely to include the cleaning and restoration of carpeting, furniture upholstery, clothes, and other personal belongings. It might include the use of air filtration devices to eliminate smoke odors. Cleaning and sanitizing wipes down all surfaces with effective and safe disinfectants. Finally, restoration includes repairing any items such as drywall or flooring that have been damaged. Your home is considered restored when all of the effects of the fire including smoke damage are completely addressed to your satisfaction.

3 Ways To Prepare Your Home for a Fire

3/24/2021 (Permalink)

Install a smoke alarm in every bedroom of your home.

Three Ways You Can Prepare Your Home

No one ever expects to have a fire in their home; however, the problem with fire is that it’s unpredictable. Since you can’t foresee if your home will be involved in one, it’s best to employ fire preparation strategies. Here are three ways you can prepare your Edmond, OK, home.

1. Install Smoke Alarms
The best thing you can do to reduce your risk of injury or death is to install smoke alarms in every bedroom of your home. The National Fire Protection Association states that your risk of dying in a home fire is reduced by 50% if you have working smoke detectors. This statistic alone should encourage all homeowners to install alarms.
Each bedroom needs to have an alarm, and the area right outside each bedroom should also have an alarm. Make sure that every level of your home has a working smoke alarm and that the alarms are interconnected. This means that if one beeps, the rest should also beep, ensuring the whole household can hear it wherever the fire occurs.

2. Educate Family Members
Another fire preparation strategy is to educate family members. Young children should know what a smoke alarm sounds like and what to do if they hear it beep. Teach children the fire safety training of stop, drop and roll if their clothes should catch flame. All family members should also know how to call 9-1-1.

3. Establish an Emergency Plan
A major part of educating family members is creating an emergency plan. Identify two ways for individuals to get out of every room, and teach children that their goal is to get outside and stay outside. Create an outdoor family meeting place and call 9-1-1 from a cell phone or neighbor’s phone.
Fire preparation doesn’t need to be difficult or time-consuming. Follow these three tips to prepare your household in case of a fire.

How To Prevent a Lint Fire

12/31/2020 (Permalink)

Scrape the lint off the screen after each load of laundry

Three Ways To Prevent A Laundry Room Fire

A lint fire, or any type of dryer fire, at your Edmond, OK, home can cause serious damage. Fortunately, a little preventive maintenance minimizes the risk. 

1. Clean the Lint Trap
In your dryer, there is a screen that traps lint. Scrape the lint off the screen after each load of laundry. To make doing so more convenient, keep a small trash can in the laundry room and make it a habit to clean the lint trap before removing the clothes from the dryer.

2. Clean the Dryer Duct
Another key aspect of preventing a lint fire is regularly cleaning out the dryer duct. The duct is generally located at the back of the dryer and goes through the wall to a vent on the outside. Some dryers have sensors on them that will alert you when the duct is blocked. Even still, it is important to check for yourself. With the dryer turned on, go outside to the vent and make sure the air is coming out normally. If not, it is time to clean the duct. Even if the air seems to be flowing normally, clean the duct at least once a year.
Disconnect the power to the dryer, and shut off the gas valve if necessary. Carefully pull the dryer forward, being mindful of any gas lines. Disconnect the duct from the dryer’s exhaust vent. Then vacuum out the vent and the duct. You can also use a stiff brush to remove the buildup.

3. Upgrade the Dryer Duct
The ideal dryer duct is rigid metal. Flexible varieties can lose their shape over time and allow lint to build up. Remember not to use sheet metal screws when connecting sections of ductwork because the screws can trap lint.
Fortunately, a professional restoration service can help you repair fire damage after a lint fire. However, it is easier to perform a little routine maintenance and prevent such a fire in the first place.

4 Steps to Stop Looters After a Fire

11/4/2020 (Permalink)

Boarded up windows and other entrances are the primary defense against looters

Follow These Tips To Deter Any Looters Immediately

Has your building in Oklahoma City, OK, been damaged by a fire? Fire damage is devastating, and, among all the other overwhelming aspects of a fire is the possibility of looters. If your city is prone to looting, it may be a good idea to prepare your building and seek prompt repairs so your possessions can be safe.

1. Remove Valuables
If it is safe to enter the building, be sure to remove as many valuable possessions as you can. Important items to take with you include official documents or papers, jewelry or jewels, operational electronics and cash or credit cards.

2. Board Windows, Doors, and Holes
Boarded up windows and other entrances are the primary defense against looters. After all, deterring crime is the best way to stop crimes from occurring. Most people aren't going to waste time and make excessive amounts of noise hacking through the plywood to enter a burned building. When covering holes, be sure to use at least an inch thick sheets, and nail an inch apart along every side of the board. Firefighters also may have knocked holes in your windows or roof to allow smoke to escape. Be sure to check everywhere and use proper judgment on which areas should be boarded up.

3. Contact a Professional
If you haven't already, it essential that you contact a professional service to start the process of fire cleanup in your building. It's best to contact a service with fire damage experience that will arrive promptly and work with efficiency so that your building can be made secure as soon as possible.

4. Notify the Police
Inform your local police force of your situation and circumstances. Ideally, they can have officers check the area periodically. Additionally, if a theft would occur, the officers would already be informed and up-to-date on the situation.
It's best to follow these tips as soon as you can, as to deter any looters immediately. Criminals will take even the smallest window of opportunity given, and fire damage is enough of a hassle on its own.

Why You Should Buy a Smart Smoke Detector

9/25/2020 (Permalink)

Smart Safety Devices

Smart technology is everywhere nowadays. So it is no surprise that smart features have been added to smoke alarms. Some may be wary of these updated detectors. After all, the traditional smoke alarm has worked effectively for years.
However, there are some benefits to smart alarms. A smart smoke detector can bring an extra level of fire protection to your Oklahoma City, OK, home. You can be notified of a blaze while you are outside the house, allowing you to contact emergency personnel immediately. Specifically, smart devices send a push notification to your phone alerting you that the alarm is beeping.
If firefighters respond to your burning home right away, they can extinguish the blaze before it causes extensive harm. Fire damage cleanup professionals will also have less work to do, so your house will get back to normal more quickly.
There are three main types of smart fire safety devices. Which one is best for you depends on your specific needs.

1. Smart Detectors
A smart smoke alarm is essentially a detector that is connected to the internet. Some of these detectors can detect carbon monoxide in your home, as well. Many of them even notify you when the battery is low and let you silence the alarm from your phone. Each smart detector typically costs approximately $100.

3. Smart Listeners
If you do not want to replace every smoke detector in your house, you can opt for a smart listener instead. This device connects to all the alarms on a floor and alerts you when one of those alarms is beeping. Each one costs $50 to $100, making listeners ideal for those in big homes with several detectors.

3. Smart Batteries
There are few smart batteries on the market at the moment. As with smart detectors, smart batteries tell you when the alarm is beeping and when the battery is running low.
You should consider adding a smart smoke alarm, listener, or battery to your home. All three options can help mitigate any fire damage.

3 Aspects of Fire Damage

7/3/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial fire damage in Edmond, OK

Three Major Aspects of Fire Damage

Fire can damage the structure and contents of a commercial building. When estimating restoration costs, it is important to account for all of the effects of fire. Learn about three major aspects of fire damage to factor into a risk assessment, safety plan, and insurance claim for a commercial property in Edmond, OK.

1. Structural Components
One of the worst consequences of fire is damage that undermines a structure. This degree of damage necessitates extensive repairs. A commercial property owner should thoroughly document damage for an insurance adjuster before starting mitigation. Timely cleanup may limit the severity of primary or secondary damage.

2. Building Materials
Building materials that contribute toward comfort or have cosmetic value may also suffer damage. Fire may burn through or char drywall and destroy insulation. Have the affected area cleaned and replace these materials. Depending on the measures taken to extinguish a fire, standing water can compound fire damage. Pumping out water may be one of the earliest stages of fire mitigation and cleanup.

3. Contents
The contents of a commercial building that do not get incinerated may still get damaged by proximity to fire. This can take the form of heat damage or exposure to soot and smoke. Contents that have become charred have undergone chemical changes and will require replacement. It is important to thoroughly all clean furniture and fixtures to eliminate smoke odor. Electronics may need to undergo content cleaning or data recovery.
Fire damage can affect every aspect of a commercial building in Edmond, OK, from structural components to building materials and contents. The severity of a blaze will determine whether it is necessary to completely rebuild a structure, an affected area or just clean up smoke damage and do cosmetic repairs. Restoration experts can help property owners assess the damage and provide an estimate to support a commercial property insurance claim.

What Is Involved in the Fire Cleanup Process?

6/23/2020 (Permalink)

A fire in your home in Oklahoma City, OK can be devastating, and you are probably likely to want to start the process of cleaning your home. However, there are several steps that are helpful to take when cleaning smoke damage and other forms of damage from a fire in your home.

1. Taking Inventory

After a fire has taken place in your home, one of the first steps in the cleanup process is to take inventory of what damage has occurred. The items in your home, as well as the structure of the home itself, is examined by restoration professionals. Once you have an idea of what is damaged in your home, it is likely that you will have an estimate of how long the cleanup and restoration will take.

2. Cleaning

Once an assessment of your home has been made, the process of smoke cleaning and removing soot damage and smoke damage can begin. Many of your personal belongings, including clothes, photos and electronics can often be restored. Generally, a restoration company can help to determine the best methods to clean your belongings. If there is not a great amount of structural damage that has occurred, the process of cleaning may not take a great amount of time.

3. Removing Residual Odors

In addition to damaging items in your home, smoke can leave a lingering scent. While masking the odor with sprays or other products may be seen as a short-term solution, the smoke smell is likely to return. Methods to help remove the smell of smoke in your home can include replacing air filters, thoroughly sanitizing carpets, walls and ceilings and replacing the drywall in your home. After items in your home are clean and odors have been removed, reconstruction can begin if necessary.

Understanding the necessary steps to remove of smoke damage and other forms of fire damage can help you feel more at ease as the cleanup process begins in your home. If your home has already been damaged by a fire, it can be helpful to work with fire damage restoration experts.

How Often Should You Change Smoke Alarm Batteries?

2/28/2020 (Permalink)

Replace the batteries of your smoke alarm every ten years

How often should you change the batteries in your smoke alarm? It's a common question from Oklahoma City, OK, homeowners who are concerned with protecting their families and homes from fire damage. The standard answer is twice a year. A good way to remember is to swap out the old batteries when daylight savings begins and ends.

Is It Really Necessary To Replace Batteries Twice a Year?

Although, there isn't much power drawn from day to day, the consistent, low draw of power does affect how much juice is available when an emergency occurs. Even if the alarms haven't sounded at all, you still need fresh batteries to be confident that you'll get a robust alarm in the event of a fire. Here are some tips for getting the best batteries for your smoke detector:


Check the alarm to determine the appropriate type of batteries. Many alarms take 9-volt alkaline, but some require AA. Experts recommend avoiding rechargeable or lithium batteries for alarms; both lose their charges quickly.
Invest in brand name batteries. Off-brand products aren't always as reliable as their competition. When it comes to keeping your family safe, invest in dependability.
If you aren't sure that your batteries are fresh, buy new ones. You can run a few tests to see if batteries are old: Drained batteries are bouncy when you drop them. A multimeter or voltmeter tells you how many amps or ohms are in each battery.


When it comes to keeping your family safe, it's better to invest a little extra time and money in keeping your smoke alarm running. Compared to the costs of paying fire damage cleanup and repair professionals, it's a minimal investment.

When Should You Replace the Alarm?

In addition to changing batteries, you should also keep track of how old the alarm itself is. Modern alarms are long-lasting and only need to be replaced every ten years. A good way to remember whether it's time to replace an old alarm is to write the date of manufacture on the front where you can see it. This way, you'll see the replacement date every month when you test the smoke alarm and every six months when you replace the batteries.

3 Tips for Buying the Right Number of Fire Alarms

11/22/2019 (Permalink)

Smoke alarms – triggered by ions in high levels of smoke

Most homeowners know that a smoke detector is a critical tool in reducing the chance of injury or smoke damage from a house fire. But that’s only part of the story. To be effective, smoke detectors and fire alarms must be properly used, and that means having the right number of them for your home. Determining how many is right for your Oklahoma City, OK, home doesn’t have to be confusing. Follow these tips to secure your home against fire the right way.

Fire Detector Facts

There’s more than one type of alarm to protect your home from a blaze. The main options include:

• Heat detectors – triggered by high temperatures
  
• Smoke alarms – triggered by ions in high levels of smoke
  
  

You may choose one or the other, or even a mixture of both types. Whichever you choose, it’s key that you have enough of them.

Number of Rooms

Smoke and fire alarms can only cover so many rooms. The National Fire Protection Association suggests you make up for this by having smoke alarms in every room and outside each sleeping area throughout your home.

Home Size

Room count is only one consideration when picking the number of alarms that’s right for your home. You also need to consider your home’s total square footage. A smoke detector will typically cover about 900 square feet. Divide your home’s total square footage by this amount to get a good gauge on how many alarms you’ll need.

Number of Levels

Experts say it’s key to have a detector on every level of your home. This includes the obvious living areas, but also less used places like unfinished basements and attics. These less-trafficked areas are exactly where fires can smolder unnoticed and cause lots of damage.
Fire alarms are easy to come by and effective – if there are enough of them. Use these rules of thumb from fire damage experts and your home should be safe.

How Renters Insurance Can Help You After a Fire

10/9/2019 (Permalink)

Your renters insurance can help you replace your belongings following a robbery

How Renters Insurance Can Help You After a Fire

You have probably heard that your renters insurance can help you replace your belongings following a robbery. Yet this insurance can also come in handy after a fire.
Fire damage cleanup typically addresses both the apartment itself and the contents inside. The landlord's insurance should cover the cost of repairing the actual building. However, your tenants insurance policy provides plenty of additional coverage.

Personal Property

Your tenants insurance policy primarily covers the loss of your personal property. This includes any damage to your belongings after a fire. Insurance can also help you pay for fire restoration services.
Of course, your furniture and electronics have depreciated in value over time. Thankfully, most renters insurance policies will give you the amount of money you need to replace your belongings rather than the actual value of those items.

Fire Liability and Medical Payments

A fire may not just affect your Oklahoma City, OK, home. The flames could cause fire damage to nearby apartments, as well. Your neighbors could also suffer burns or smoke inhalation.
If the fire started in your apartment, you may have to pay for the repairs to your neighbors' valuables. Your tenants insurance should cover these costs. Specifically, the insurance covers any property damage of third parties not named on your policy.
Your policy may also provide some coverage for your neighbor's medical bills. Typically, this medical payment coverage is minimal and applies to minor injuries such as a sprained ankle.

Loss of Use

Finally, tenants insurance can cover any expenses you incur due to the temporary loss of use of your apartment after a fire. For instance, the insurance can pay for the cost of a hotel for you and your family while the apartment is being restored.
Fire cleanup is an extensive and costly process. Renters insurance can help you replace or repair your belongings and pay for other fire-related expenses.

How To Prevent Space Heater Fires in Your Home

7/17/2019 (Permalink)

Space heater fires can happen

How To Prevent Space Heater Fires in Your Home

Space heaters can keep you warm during those long winter months. A burned space heater, however, can cause severe fire damage to your Edmond, OK, home that may require extensive smoke cleanup.
Space heater fires most commonly occur when the heater is left next to a flammable substance. You should thus avoid placing your space heater next to:

• Upholstered furniture
  
• Curtains
  
• Bedding
  
• Gas cans
  
• Matches
  
• Paint
  
  

There are several other steps you can take to avoid a space heater fire in your home. You can check for certain safety features before purchasing a heater. Once you do choose a heater, you should also make sure it is used properly.

Safety Features

When you are considering a space heater for your house, make sure you choose one with a strong cord. The cord should also be long enough so that it doesn’t require the use of a power strip or extension cord. An extension cord or power strip can lead to a burned space heater.
You should additionally look for a space heater with an automatic shut-off feature. This causes the heater to turn itself off when it tips over or gets too hot.

Proper Use

After you take your space heater home, make sure to place it on a level, non-flammable and hard surface. The floor is an ideal spot. You should similarly put it at least three feet away from flammable items. Keep your children and pets a safe distance away from the heater, as well.
Make sure to clean the space heater’s filter regularly. When you aren’t using the heater, turn it off and unplug it from the wall. You should also regularly check the cord and replace it if it appears worn or frayed.

Even if you follow the above advice, space heater fires can happen. If a burned space heater damages your home, you need to hire fire cleanup professionals. Fire damage cleanup experts can eliminate the smell and even remove soot from your carpets.

How To Respond to Burns in the Workplace

6/26/2019 (Permalink)

Apply a sterile gauze bandage

A fire safety plan is an essential for business owners, and part of that plan must include how to response when fire damage directly affects a staff member or a customer. Are you prepared to treat burns and administer first aid? Take a look at important steps for preventing injuries and an overview of the appropriate treatment steps.

Prevent Burns

The best scenario is to avoid using the burn first kit altogether. Use the following tips to decrease the possibility of fire in your workplace. Prevention starts by recognizing the three most common workplace burns:

• Thermal (heat)
  
• Chemical
  
• Electrical
  
  

Preventing burns starts with compliance with OSHA standards and MSDS safety protocols. The next step is to train employees according to your company safety plan. Finally, consistently maintain building safety systems and reinforce safe behaviors in your employees.

Contact Emergency Services

When fire damage affects the building, one of your first steps should be to contact emergency personnel and fire remediation and reconstruction experts. The same is true when an employee or customer is injured; immediately contact emergency medical professionals. With paramedics or EMTs on the way, it's time to implement some basic burn first aid.

Treat Minor Burns

Minor burns can usually be treated simply and without medical help:

1. Cool the burned area.
   
2. Remove jewelry and other tight items before swelling sets in.
   
3. Leave blisters alone.
   
4. Treat the area with a moisturizing lotion or aloe vera.
   
5. Apply a sterile gauze bandage.
   
   

Treat Major Burns

Major burns require more attention. While waiting for the medical technicians to arrive, take the following steps:

Move the burned individual away from further harm.
Check for breathing. If the person isn't breathing, begin rescue breathing as appropriate.
Remove jewelry, belts, and other tight items before the person begins swelling.
Cool the burned area with a moist cloth or bandage.
Elevate the affected body parts above heart level.
Don't submerge large burns in water.

Hopefully, your Oklahoma City, OK, business won't be affected by fire. However, it's best to take steps to reduce the possibility of fire damage and prepare for the worst with appropriate first aid training.

Treating Burn Injuries in the Workplace

6/24/2019 (Permalink)

If a first-aid kit is available, use burn dressings or slightly moist sterile gauze pads to cover the burned area..

Fire damage can result in large losses to your business' material assets in Oklahoma City, OK. Along with those damages, there may be injuries to employees. Knowing how to provide burn first aid can be very beneficial in this situation. After calling the appropriate local emergency services, here are four things you can do to help.

1. Stop the Burning Process

Once the injured person has been safely evacuated from the building, take them to a safe area and have them sit or lie down so the injury can be looked at. Be sure there is nothing still burning, such as hair or clothing, that can cause further injury. If it is safe to do so, remove any restrictive clothing or jewelry before the burned area swells.

2. Asses the Injury

Just as the fire damage to your business needs to be assessed, so does the injury to an employee. Check the person to see how many areas of his or her body have been burned. Look carefully for burns to the face, as these types of injuries can cause the person to have trouble breathing, and he or she may need special attention or rescue breathing.

3. Cover the Wound

If a first-aid kit is available, use burn dressings or slightly moist sterile gauze pads to cover the burned area. A clean cloth can be used if emergency supplies are not available. 

4. Treat the Injured Person for Shock

Have the injured person lie down with his or her feet and, if possible, the injured area elevated above the level of his or her heart to help prevent shock. If the person is cold, cover him or her with a blanket or similar item. Have someone remain with the person until emergency services arrive.

Handling fire damage to your business in Oklahoma City, OK, and having an injured employee is a stressful situation. A little bit of preparation and first aid learned beforehand can go a long way in keeping everyone calm and ensuring the best outcome.

SERVPRO of North Oklahoma City offers cooking safety tips

11/2/2018 (Permalink)

November is here and with it comes some of our favorite things. We hear at SERVPRO of North Oklahoma City love the smell of pumpkin spice, leaves changing, warm fires and lots of turkey. November brings in the start of the holiday season and with that comes lots of cooking and time spent in the kitchen. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by the day before Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and Christmas Eve. Fire departments responded to an estimated 1,760 home cooking fires on Thanksgiving alone. Below are some easy steps everyone should follow to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday season.

The NFPA recommends the following safety tips:

• Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop so you can keep an eye on the food.
• Stay in the home when cooking your turkey and check on it frequently.
• Keep children away from the stove. The stove will be hot and kids should stay 3 feet away.
• Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.
• Keep matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children — up high in a locked cabinet.
• Never leave children alone in room with a lit candle.
• Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.