The Holiday Season is associated with family get-togethers, great family meals, and beautiful home decorations including lights, candles, and Christmas trees.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires, with Thanksgiving the peak day of the entire year. Nearly all cooking fires start with the ignition of food or cooking oil. Other items normally found in a kitchen help feed the fire - such as cabinets, paper, plastic, and curtains. In 2006, U.S. fire departments responded to 112,500 home structure fires. These fires caused nearly $7 billion in direct property damage. Cooking fires accounted for 40% of all reported home fires. Twelve percent of the fires occurred when something flammable was left too close to cooking equipment.
The CDC and the National Fire Protection Association recommend:
• Stay in the kitchen when cooking. If you must leave the kitchen for any reason, turn off the stovetop.
• If you are simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly. Remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you to check the food.
• Wear short, close fitting sleeves when cooking. Loose clothing can easily catch fire.
• Never use water to extinguish a cooking fire.
• If oil starts to boil, remove it from the heat source. Simply lowering the heat will not reduce the temperature fast enough.
• Be careful not to overfill pots with oil. You need room in the pan to add food. Overflowing oil can easily catch fire.
• If oil catches fire, use an oven mitt to carefully slide a lid over the pan to smother the fire.
• If oil has overflowed and is burning, get everyone out of the house and call the fire department from outside.
• Keep towels, bags, plastic, and food packaging away from flame and heat.
• Never cook when under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.
• Install smoke alarms if a home does not have them.
• Test smoke alarms monthly and replace batteries as needed.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, Christmas trees (both real and artificial) are the first items ignited in an estimated 300 reported home structure fires per year.
The U.S. Fire Administration offers the following fire safety tips for homeowners:
• When decorating, be sure to use only lights rated for indoor use.
• Replace any lights that have worn, frayed, or broken cords.
• Always unplug Christmas tree lights before leaving the home or going to bed.
• Keep live trees moist by watering daily. Do not purchase a tree that is dry.
• Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source.
• Safely dispose of the tree when it begins dropping needles - dried out trees are highly flammable.
• Make sure artificial trees are fire retardant.
• Place the tree near an outlet to avoid running long extension cords.
• Do not burn a Christmas tree in a fireplace. They are practically explosive.
Candles around the home often invoke a warm holiday spirit, but they are a significant fire hazard - and a leading cause of residential fires! If you choose to set the mood with candles, use extreme caution.
The National Candle Association recommends:
• Always keep a burning candle within sight - never leave it unattended.
• Never burn a candle near anything that can catch fire.
• Always use a candleholder specifically designed for candles and place on a stable, heat-resistant surface.
• Make sure a candle is completely extinguished and is no longer glowing before leaving it.
• Never use a candle as a night light.
In the event a fire should occur, it is important for property owners to know what to do, what not to do, and who to contact once it is extinguished. PuroClean, known as The Paramedics of Property DamageTM, is a professional mitigation company specializing in property remediation after a home or commercial structure is damaged by fire and smoke. Fire, along with the resulting smoke and soot, can rapidly harm household items - even after the fire has been extinguished. It is imperative to seek help immediately from a professional restoration company such as PuroClean to prevent further damage.
Regardless of the circumstances - dealing with fire/smoke damage, water damage, or mold remediation - call us with questions/concerns.
Good luck and enjoy the holidays!
Showing posts with label fire. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fire. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Homeowners & Business Owners Should Be Alert of Winter Fire Risks
PuroClean’s Paramedics of Property Damage Provide Tips to Property Owners to Prevent Cold Weather Fires
During the winter months, the majority of the country experiences colder and wetter weather conditions, increasing the need for structural heating and causing the peak season for heating fires. According to FEMA, heating fires account for 36 percent of residential home fires in rural areas every year. When a fire occurs, PuroClean is called to the scene, usually by a local insurance agent, to bring the situation under control, prevent it from becoming worse, and finally, to provide restoration services to help put the property back to pre-loss condition.
We at PuroClean have commonly been referred to as “The Paramedics of Property Damage.” We are a professional mitigation company specializing in property remediation after a home or commercial structure has been damaged by fire and smoke. Structural heating such as fireplaces or furnace malfunctions are a common cause of many of the fire mitigation calls we receive in the winter months.
With more than one-third of Americans using fireplaces and other fuel-burning appliances as a primary heat source, take note of the following tips to help reduce the risk of winter fires:
• Keep fireplaces clean
- Have chimneys inspected and cleaned annually by a certified chimney specialist
- Clear the area around the hearth of debris, decorations and flammable materials
- Always use a metal screen with fireplaces and leave doors open while burning
• Burn fuels safely
- Never use flammable liquids to start a fire
- Only use seasoned hardwood, not soft or moist wood
- Build small fires that produce less smoke
- Never burn boxes, trash or debris in a fireplace
- When building a fire, place logs at the rear of the fireplace
- Never leave a fire unattended, extinguish it before going to bed or leaving the house
- Soak hot ashes in water and place them in a metal container outside
• Protect the outside of your home
- Stack firewood at least 30 feet away from your home
- Keep the roof clear of pine needles, leaves, etc.
- Cover chimney with a mesh screen spark arrester
- Remove branches hanging above the chimney, flues or vents
If property is damaged by a fire, it is important to call a fire restoration professional immediately. Cruz said the faster the response, the greater the chance of saving property and possessions and minimizing insurance claims.
About PuroClean
PuroClean is a leader in property damage restoration and has earned the trust of property owners, insurance professionals and home service providers throughout the United States and Canada since 2001. Backed by a comprehensive network of over 230 franchise offices and a national training and business support center, each PuroClean office responds promptly to property emergencies demonstrating a high degree of professionalism and compassion. PuroClean technicians are thoroughly screened, insured and trained in utilizing the latest in mitigation technology and procedures throughout the remediation process while operating under a strict code of ethics. In addition to serving the needs of property owners, PuroClean offers hundreds of continuing education classes each year to insurance professionals and property service providers nationwide. In 2007, PuroClean trained over 3,500 insurance professionals nationwide helping them earn their continuing education credits. For more information on PuroClean, please contact George Cruz or Emilio Soli at 866-944-PURO(7876) or visit www.PuroCleanProServices.com.
During the winter months, the majority of the country experiences colder and wetter weather conditions, increasing the need for structural heating and causing the peak season for heating fires. According to FEMA, heating fires account for 36 percent of residential home fires in rural areas every year. When a fire occurs, PuroClean is called to the scene, usually by a local insurance agent, to bring the situation under control, prevent it from becoming worse, and finally, to provide restoration services to help put the property back to pre-loss condition.
We at PuroClean have commonly been referred to as “The Paramedics of Property Damage.” We are a professional mitigation company specializing in property remediation after a home or commercial structure has been damaged by fire and smoke. Structural heating such as fireplaces or furnace malfunctions are a common cause of many of the fire mitigation calls we receive in the winter months.
With more than one-third of Americans using fireplaces and other fuel-burning appliances as a primary heat source, take note of the following tips to help reduce the risk of winter fires:
• Keep fireplaces clean
- Have chimneys inspected and cleaned annually by a certified chimney specialist
- Clear the area around the hearth of debris, decorations and flammable materials
- Always use a metal screen with fireplaces and leave doors open while burning
• Burn fuels safely
- Never use flammable liquids to start a fire
- Only use seasoned hardwood, not soft or moist wood
- Build small fires that produce less smoke
- Never burn boxes, trash or debris in a fireplace
- When building a fire, place logs at the rear of the fireplace
- Never leave a fire unattended, extinguish it before going to bed or leaving the house
- Soak hot ashes in water and place them in a metal container outside
• Protect the outside of your home
- Stack firewood at least 30 feet away from your home
- Keep the roof clear of pine needles, leaves, etc.
- Cover chimney with a mesh screen spark arrester
- Remove branches hanging above the chimney, flues or vents
If property is damaged by a fire, it is important to call a fire restoration professional immediately. Cruz said the faster the response, the greater the chance of saving property and possessions and minimizing insurance claims.
About PuroClean
PuroClean is a leader in property damage restoration and has earned the trust of property owners, insurance professionals and home service providers throughout the United States and Canada since 2001. Backed by a comprehensive network of over 230 franchise offices and a national training and business support center, each PuroClean office responds promptly to property emergencies demonstrating a high degree of professionalism and compassion. PuroClean technicians are thoroughly screened, insured and trained in utilizing the latest in mitigation technology and procedures throughout the remediation process while operating under a strict code of ethics. In addition to serving the needs of property owners, PuroClean offers hundreds of continuing education classes each year to insurance professionals and property service providers nationwide. In 2007, PuroClean trained over 3,500 insurance professionals nationwide helping them earn their continuing education credits. For more information on PuroClean, please contact George Cruz or Emilio Soli at 866-944-PURO(7876) or visit www.PuroCleanProServices.com.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Christmas Tree Fires
Tips to Prevent Christmas Tree Fires for Property Owners
PuroClean's Paramedics of Property Damage Warn Residents of Dangers of Holiday Fires
The Christmas holiday is traditionally celebrated with lights, candles, wreaths, and Christmas trees to decorate homes. According to the National Fire Protection Association, Christmas trees, both real and artificial, were the first items ignited in an estimated 300 reported home structure fires per year in 2000-2004.
The US Fire Administration offers the following fire safety tips for homeowners:
- When decorating, be sure to check if lights are indoor or outdoor use, not both
- Any string of lights with worn, frayed or broken cords should not be used
- Always unplug Christmas tree lights before leaving or going to bed
- Never use lit candles to decorate a tree, and make sure all lit candles are placed well away from tree branches
- Keep live trees as moist as possible by giving them plenty of water daily. Do not purchase a tree that is dry or dropping needles. If purchasing an artificial tree, be sure it is labeled flame retardant.
- Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, such as fireplaces or radiators. Try to place the tree near an outlet to avoid running long cords, and do not place it where it may block exits.
- Safely dispose of the tree when it begins dropping needles, as dried out trees are highly flammable.
In the event of a Christmas tree fire, it is important for property owners to know what to do (and what not to do) and who to contact once it has been extinguished. PuroClean, known as “The Paramedics of Property Damage,” is a professional mitigation company specializing in property remediation after a home or commercial structure has been damaged by fire and smoke. We experience an increased number of fire mitigation calls around this time of year. The source of many of these fires is commonly attributed to holiday decorations such as Christmas trees. Fire and smoke can very rapidly harm household items, even after it has been extinguished. It is imperative to seek help immediately from a professional restoration company to prevent further damage.
Examples of how quickly fire and smoke can harm property:
- Within minutes plastic and marble surfaces begin to permanently stain
- Within hours metals tarnish, grout stains, fiberglass yellows and furniture yellows
- Within days flooring stains, fabrics are lost and wood furniture finish is compromised
About PuroClean
PuroClean is a leader in property damage restoration and has earned the trust of property owners, insurance professionals and home service providers throughout the United States and Canada since 2001. Backed by a comprehensive network of over 215 franchise offices and a national training and business support center, each PuroClean office responds promptly to property emergencies demonstrating a high degree of professionalism and compassion. PuroClean technicians are thoroughly screened, insured and trained in utilizing the latest in mitigation technology and procedures throughout the remediation process while operating under a strict code of ethics. In addition to serving the needs of property owners, PuroClean offers hundreds of continuing education classes each year to insurance professionals and property service providers nationwide. In 2007, PuroClean trained over 3,500 insurance professionals nationwide helping them earn their continuing education credits. For more information on PuroClean, please contact Contact George Cruz at 440-944-7876 or visit www.PuroCleanProServices.com
PuroClean's Paramedics of Property Damage Warn Residents of Dangers of Holiday Fires
The Christmas holiday is traditionally celebrated with lights, candles, wreaths, and Christmas trees to decorate homes. According to the National Fire Protection Association, Christmas trees, both real and artificial, were the first items ignited in an estimated 300 reported home structure fires per year in 2000-2004.
The US Fire Administration offers the following fire safety tips for homeowners:
- When decorating, be sure to check if lights are indoor or outdoor use, not both
- Any string of lights with worn, frayed or broken cords should not be used
- Always unplug Christmas tree lights before leaving or going to bed
- Never use lit candles to decorate a tree, and make sure all lit candles are placed well away from tree branches
- Keep live trees as moist as possible by giving them plenty of water daily. Do not purchase a tree that is dry or dropping needles. If purchasing an artificial tree, be sure it is labeled flame retardant.
- Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, such as fireplaces or radiators. Try to place the tree near an outlet to avoid running long cords, and do not place it where it may block exits.
- Safely dispose of the tree when it begins dropping needles, as dried out trees are highly flammable.
In the event of a Christmas tree fire, it is important for property owners to know what to do (and what not to do) and who to contact once it has been extinguished. PuroClean, known as “The Paramedics of Property Damage,” is a professional mitigation company specializing in property remediation after a home or commercial structure has been damaged by fire and smoke. We experience an increased number of fire mitigation calls around this time of year. The source of many of these fires is commonly attributed to holiday decorations such as Christmas trees. Fire and smoke can very rapidly harm household items, even after it has been extinguished. It is imperative to seek help immediately from a professional restoration company to prevent further damage.
Examples of how quickly fire and smoke can harm property:
- Within minutes plastic and marble surfaces begin to permanently stain
- Within hours metals tarnish, grout stains, fiberglass yellows and furniture yellows
- Within days flooring stains, fabrics are lost and wood furniture finish is compromised
About PuroClean
PuroClean is a leader in property damage restoration and has earned the trust of property owners, insurance professionals and home service providers throughout the United States and Canada since 2001. Backed by a comprehensive network of over 215 franchise offices and a national training and business support center, each PuroClean office responds promptly to property emergencies demonstrating a high degree of professionalism and compassion. PuroClean technicians are thoroughly screened, insured and trained in utilizing the latest in mitigation technology and procedures throughout the remediation process while operating under a strict code of ethics. In addition to serving the needs of property owners, PuroClean offers hundreds of continuing education classes each year to insurance professionals and property service providers nationwide. In 2007, PuroClean trained over 3,500 insurance professionals nationwide helping them earn their continuing education credits. For more information on PuroClean, please contact Contact George Cruz at 440-944-7876 or visit www.PuroCleanProServices.com
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