Fire Safety

7/5/2024 (Permalink)

Fire Safety is very important

Fire can devastate homes and businesses. At SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties, we understand the havoc it can cause. Let’s explore fire causes, prevention, and recovery, emphasizing SERVPRO's crucial role in restoration!

Common Causes of Fire

Fires stem from many sources: electrical faults, cooking mishaps, or natural disasters. Recognizing these triggers is vital for prevention. What is the main star of this blog is some of the things that we can do to work on preventing any fire mishaps.

Prevention Strategies

• Electrical Safety: Regular checks and proper usage prevent electrical fires.
• Kitchen Safety: Vigilance while cooking and smoke alarms enhance kitchen safety.
• Heating and Appliances: Maintenance and responsible use are key to preventing fire.
• Smoke Alarms and Extinguishers: Regular testing and accessible extinguishers are essential.

Recovery with SERVPRO of BGMH

SERVPRO offers swift, comprehensive fire damage restoration services:

• Assessment: Thorough evaluation of the damage.
• Cleaning and Restoration: Advanced techniques to restore items and eliminate odors.
• Structural Repairs: Skilled repairs to ensure safety.
• Mold Remediation: Remediation of mold growth.
• Insurance Support: Assistance with insurance claims.
• Compassionate Assistance: Emotional support throughout the process.

Prevention, awareness, and prompt action are vital in fire safety. SERVPRO of Decorah stands as a reliable partner in restoration, ensuring your home and peace of mind are restored swiftly and efficiently. Stay safe, stay prepared, and remember, SERVPRO is here to help you recover.

Smoke Detector basic maintenance tips

7/5/2024 (Permalink)

Smoke Alarm maintenance is needed.

Smoke alarms are essential to your home, and you may not realize it until the day comes when they save your life. While it is easy to forget about this tool when it isn’t beeping in your ears, you must keep it in order to keep everyone in your home safe.

Smoke alarms shouldn’t be ignored once they’re installed, and they’ll require your ongoing maintenance to stay in good working order. When flames finally appear, the work you put in to keep your alarms in working order could mean the difference between life and death!

Follow our recommendations for maintaining your smoke alarm and keeping your home free of fire for years to come:

What’s That Beeping Noise?

When you first hear a smoke alarm beep, it can make you panic and cause you to run around your house looking for a fire. If there is no smoke, that annoying chirping could indicate that your smoke alarm needs to be serviced.

Low batteries are the most common cause of a misbehaving smoke alarm. When the batteries in your alarm begin to fail, you’ll hear a chirping sound every now and then, indicating that it needs to be replaced.

Another common cause of beeping is that your alarm needs to be completely replaced. Replacing the batteries will not suffice in this case, and you will need to have a new model installed.

Keep Everything in Check

To protect your ears from that painful beeping when there’s no fire to be found, you’ll need to perform constant TLC! These actions will ensure your smoke alarms are on the job if flames were to break out.

You shouldn’t just check the batteries in your smoke alarms when the time changes, but at the end of each month! This will ensure all of your alarms are in good working order all year long.

With working batteries, smoke alarms can stay in working order for a long time, but they don’t last forever! Retire all of your alarms after 10 years and replace them with a new model.

You can contact SERVPRO of BGMH for any fire damage that happens.  Call us at 270-580-2200.

Process of Cleaning Fire Damage

2/10/2023 (Permalink)

What would you do if you came home after a long work day, and your house is on fire? Or you were about lock up for the night and you smell something burning and the business is in flames in the back room? A call to the fire department is the first step, butwhat aboutall the damage and soot inside? SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade, and Hancock Counties will take care of all your worries. We’re trained with all proper licenses to be able to handle fire.

For the best results, we should start as soon as we have approval from an adjuster. We have a “pack away” option for customers to have items packed up and cleaned to then returned to them at the end. We have non-salvageable sheets to make a listof what we think is not savable and with your permission, we can discard approved items. After everything has been removed from the house, we clean the ceiling with a fire sponge and that removes soot off ceilings. Then, the crew will over the affected walls and work together as a team. One willapply the first chemical treatment and then the second person will wipe the wall down with another chemical. The HVAC units in your home is cleaned to make sure all the soot, smoke, and any other debris in the system gets cleaned out. All the furniture that was in the home is cleaned, free of soot. Once, the inside is finished we mop all floors, if they didn’t get removed from damage. We will also provide one more specialized service at the end of cleaning process to get rid of any other smell that didn’t get completely out. If you have a fire in your home or business, let the professionals help you!

Space Heater Awareness

10/21/2022 (Permalink)

Winter related fires are extremely common, especially when you are trying to keep warm. 

Placing space heaters too close to other objects or using the wrong type of heater in a particular area can cause severe problems.

Oil Heaters - Should be used in areas where there is the possibility of moisture. This eliminates any electrical hazards that may be present due to water conductivity. Always keep a safe distance to avoid contact burns. 

Electric Heaters - These heaters come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be useful for many areas in your home. However, they should never be left unattended. Thinking of electric heaters as giant toasters can help you understand how important it is to keep a constant eye on them. Make sure you have sufficient wattage to run the device and never use extension cords.

Our SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade, and Hancock Counties staff receives an incredible amount of space heater-related calls every winter. Stay warm using a space heater, just use common sense, and always follow the directions of the manufacturer.

Guidelines when operating your space heaters: 

1) Always place space heaters on a flat, solid surface for proper stabilization. 

2) Purchase heaters with an automatic shut-off feature to prevent dangers from tipping. 

3) Maintain proper spacing between heaters and other objects in your home. 

4) Never leave children or pets unsupervised around operating heaters. 

5) Shut your heaters off properly before leaving your home or going to sleep. 

These simple steps will help lessen the likelihood for a fire. If this sort of incident still strikes your home this winter season, make the call to our office. We will respond quickly and provide you with the services you need to get back to normal fast. 

Call SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade, and Hancock Counties today at (270) 580-2200

We are Here to Help you Through Fire Damages

10/21/2022 (Permalink)

Fires do not take holidays off. SERVPRO® of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties is here for you when fire damage strikes. Whether it be from a smoke in the breakroom at work from popcorn left to long in the microwave, or a space heater left to close to a blanket at home, we are Here to Help. We know that just because we deal with emergencies every day, you do not. So, we are here to share experience with you, as we guide you through the process of making it “Like it never even happened.” Our crews work with you and your insurance to take care of the details to insure you can come out after the disaster as if the fire never occurred. We walk with you through the process, guiding you with answers, advice, and experience. We are always open to help you, call us at 270-580-2200

Dryer Fire Prevention Tips

9/1/2022 (Permalink)

Imagine pulling out your favorite fuzzy blanket, the newest favorite one you added to your blanket collection. It's toasty, and smells like springtime fresh out of the dryer. Ready for your bedtime slumber after a long day, you forgot to empty your lent trap for the next use. Your impressive blanket collection, built up an even more impressive lent collection over time and caused a lint fire. Fear not, here are some preventative tips provided by your local SERVPRO of BGMH: 

1. Have Your Dryer Professionally Installed
   Having your dryer installed by a qualified professional, will allow you to make sure that everything is installed correctly and working as it should. This will prevent any potential safety hazards.
2. Clean the Lint Filter and Dryer Vent Regularly
   The most common cause of a dryer fire, is caused by not keeping the unit clean. You should remove lint from the filter before and after each use. Lint can also build up in the back of the dryer, so be sure to clean that area too. The dryer vent should be cleaned at least every three months to prevent blockages.
3. Dryers Should be Serviced On The Regular.
   Hiring a professional to clean and inspect the appliance at least once a year can help minimize any problems and keep the unit safe to use.
4. NO Flammable Items Near the Dryer
   If a flammable liquid has been spilled on your clothing item, you should never put it in the dryer. Be sure to keep any flammable materials away from the surrounding area as well.
5. Keep the Dryer Off Before You Leave the House
   Unattended dryers could start a fire, and spread without you being aware of it.
   Prevent your home from harm. Keep your dryer cleaned and properly maintained. In the event of smoke or fire damages, you could hire a fire restoration company like SERVPRO. We are always here to help. 

How can SERVPRO help with Fire Damage?

2/18/2022 (Permalink)

Woman with fire damage

What would you do if you came home after a stressful day at work, and your house is on fire? Or you were about lock up for the night and you smell something burning and the business is in flames in the back room? Well, you’re going to call the fire department first but who is going to take care of all the damage and soot on the inside? SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade, and Hancock Counties will take care of all your worries. We’re trained with all proper licenses to be able to handle fire damage cleanup.

To be able to give you the best result we can, it’s best that we start as soon as we have approval from adjuster. We have a “pack away” with customers permission, we pack up personal items, we clean items and return them at the end. We have non-salvageable sheets and we bag up what we think is not savable and with your permission, we trash them. After everything has been removed from the house, we clean the ceiling with a sponge and that removes soot off ceiling. Then, we use a two-step method of cleaning the walls. We go through the affected walls and our crew work together as a team, one will go through the wall with the first chemical and then the second person will wipe with another chemical. We also, clean the HVAC units in your home to make sure all the soot, smoke, and any other debris that could be in the system gets cleaned out. We clean all the furniture that was in the house and remove soot. Once we are finished inside the house, we clean all floors if they didn’t get removed from damage. We will also provide one more specialized service at the end of cleaning process to get rid of any other smell that didn’t get completely out during the cleaning process. If you have a fire in your home or business, let the professionals help you! SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade, and Hancock Counties. Contact us at 270-580-2200

Halloween Fire and Safety Tips

10/15/2021 (Permalink)

For kids, Halloween is often one of the most anticipated holidays of the year. Dressing up, trick-or-treating, candy, parties, hayrides and corn mazes make for great fun and amazing childhood memories. Unfortunately, Halloween has become a holiday with increasing numbers of home fires.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), decorations were the first item ignited in an estimated average of 860 reported home structure fires every Halloween between 2009 and 2013. These fires resulted in an average of 13 million dollars in direct property damage per year. At such a high cost, it’s crucial that you take the necessary steps to help prevent a fire from igniting in your home this season.

To help you enjoy a safer holiday, follow these important Halloween safety tips from the experts at SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties.

HALLOWEEN SAFETY: DECORATIONS

Use these tips to help prevent your Halloween decorations from catching fire:

Pumpkin Safety

The traditional jack-o-lantern features a smiling or spooky face that’s illuminated from within by a candle. Placing candles inside a cleaned-out pumpkin is a fire hazard. In fact, any lit candle left unattended is a Halloween fire hazard. If they’re inside pumpkins, they can tip over, ignite surrounding materials and cause a fire. To stay safe, use a battery-operated candle or LED light to illuminate your festive pumpkins.

Candle Safety

Using paper bag luminaries or lining a mantle, porch stairs or windowsills with lit candles can create an eerie effect for Halloween night. However, this type of decorating is a fire hazard and poses a risk of injury to you and your guests. To help prevent a fire from decorative candles, replace them with battery-operated, no-flame candles that still provide the same spooky ambiance.

Decoration Safety

Some decorations, both inside and outside of your home, can be dangerous if left near a heat source. Straw, hay bales, corn stalks and other dry materials are flammable. To protect your home from a fire, keep these decorations away from any kind of heat source, including fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, candles and outdoor fire pits.

HALLOWEEN SAFETY: YARD MAINTENANCE

Halloween has the potential to bring plenty of residents through your lawn. To help keep trick-or-treaters and their parents safe, check that your yard is properly maintained and has adequate lighting. Before night falls, complete these tasks:

• Remove large amounts of debris, including leaves or sticks, to help reduce the risk of trips and falls.
• Check that the exterior lights are working properly, including any path lights or Halloween decorations.
• Ensure that steps and railing are secure, if necessary.

By following these tips, you can help keep everyone safe. We hope you have a happy and fun Halloween this year!

Unfortunately, accidents still happen. In the event that a fire broke out in your home, call on the experts at SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties. We’re available 24/7 every day of the year to get your home back to normal after a disaster. With the proper expertise, tools and innovative equipment, we can restore your home fast. Learn more about our residential fire and smoke damage removal services before the unexpected happens.

How to Recover From Fire Damage

10/15/2021 (Permalink)

A fire can sweep through a commercial building quickly. The sooner the flames are put out, the less damage there will be. However, water is one of the main ways to stop a fire, and water damage can sometimes wreak just as much destruction on a property as the fire itself.

Water damage after a fire can occur from the water hoses firefighters use, as well as the activation of the built-in sprinkler systems inside a commercial building. Find out how your business can recover from both types of water damage after a fire with help from the experts at SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties.

THE TRUTH ABOUT WATER DAMAGE

Excess water can soak everything inside a building, including equipment, electronics, upholstery, flooring and building materials. The longer water sits, the greater the risk that your building's contents will be permanently damaged or destroyed. Beyond the physical damage water can cause, moisture can also cause mildew and mold growth. If mold has an opportunity to spread in your business, you could face additional damage or restoration costs in the hundreds or thousands of dollars. That's why immediate water extraction after a fire is crucial.

Whenever water damage occurs, take the following steps as soon as possible:

1. DOCUMENT THE DAMAGE

After officials have declared it safe to re-enter the building, document the fire and water damage. Create a list of all items that were damaged or destroyed, and take plenty of photos before attempting any clean-up. Provide your insurance with as many details as possible about your losses so they can properly adjust your claim.

2. CONTACT YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY

Notify your insurance company as soon as possible, and advise your agent about any repairs you intend to make immediately. The agent may advise you to wait for an adjuster to visit your commercial property before you make repairs or begin the clean-up process.

3. REMOVE EXCESS WATER

Open doors and windows to allow plenty of fresh air to circulate and dry your building. If possible, use a sump pump to remove excess water.

4. PREVENT FURTHER DAMAGE

Mold and mildew can begin to grow within one to two days of water damage. To prevent extensive damage to your property, contact a professional water restoration company right away.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM WATER RESTORATION SERVICES

In order to minimize damage, removing excess water as quickly as possible is of the utmost importance. A professional water restoration company will work to save as much equipment as they can, including saving your business's electronics after water damage. They'll also restore your commercial property back to its former state to help you get back to business.

When you call for water restoration services, you can expect professional technicians to help in the following ways:

• Use specialized equipment to quickly remove all water.
• Thoroughly dry affected areas, including wall cavities, flooring and other building materials.
• Get rid of remaining moisture in the building by dehumidifying affected areas.
• Conduct an expert mold and mildew inspection and provide treatments, if necessary.
• Conduct thorough bacteria inspection and treatment to ensure the building is safe to return to.
• Restore the building and any items that are salvageable.

Dealing with water damage after a fire can be challenging and stressful. When you call in the professionals at SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties, you won’t have to go through it alone. Our commercial water damage services use state-of-the-art equipment to get your business up and running again. With a commitment to be at your side every step of the way, we'll work with you to develop a comprehensive plan that restores your building and helps you get back to business.

Structural Fire Damage in Our Territory?

9/1/2021 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade and Hancock Counties today at (270) 580-2200 if you need help with professional fire damage restoration.

Every year, structural burns account for a large percentage of residential insurance claims. The most common cause of blazes is cooking mishaps. Once the flames ignite, the smoke coming from it can travel through your home and cause several other issues.

During many fire damage projects in our territory, our technicians find that smoke causes issues, including residue-coated surfaces and unpleasant smells. To completely restore your structure after it suffers from smoke damage, our SERVPRO team can take the following measures:

• Removal of Residues: Depending on the surfaces that got affected, we can use water-based solutions or dry methods to clean off of your walls, ceilings, or contents.
• Fogging Procedures: If burnt aromas are still prevalent after all surfaces have been cleaned, then we can utilize either an Ultra-Low Volume (ULV) or thermal fogger that dispenses deodorants into the form of a mist or fog.
• Ozone Generation: We can also use a machine that dispenses O3 into the air that oxidizes malodor molecules.

If you ever have a cooking mishap and a fire starts inside your house, call SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade and Hancock Counties at (270)580-2200.

Can Smoke Damaged Carpets Be Cleaned In My Home?

9/1/2021 (Permalink)

To schedule a service call, contact SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade and Hancock Counties at (270)580-2200.

SERVPRO Can Restore Carpets in Your Home

Fire can do more than damage your carpet, it can leave behind unpleasant odors. These odors can be the hardest thing to remove after a fire, especially from carpet. The odors can become trapped in carpet fibers leaving you with a constant reminder of the fire you want to forget.

Do I Have To Remove My Carpet?

As long as there is no burn damage, you do not have to remove your carpet. SERVPRO offers carpet cleaning services that will get your carpet looking like new again. We have a range of services, including:

    •    Bonnet Cleaning
    •    Hot Water Extraction
    •    Deluxe Precondition and Rinse
    •    Showcase Premier Cleaning

We can get any carpet clean and ensure that smoky odors do not linger. Should any of the carpet be permanently damaged, we will remove it for you.

Is The Carpet Safe Once The Odors Are Gone?

Fires cause enough damage, and the last thing you want to worry about is whether the carpet is clean and safe. Can your kids and pets sit or play on the carpet? The answer is yes. SERVPRO provides professional carpet cleaning that removes all traces of fire odor.

We offer SERVPRO Cleaned standards which meet the requirements of the Center for Disease Control and state health agencies. The deep cleaning service even removes any other build-up and debris that may have been trapped in your carpet, making it overall a safe place to have a seat.

What Is The Next Step?

Call us today to schedule an inspection. How far the smoke traveled through your home will affect the level of carpet damage. We will assess the damage and begin work right away. Cleaning time frames can vary, depending on how much damage was done.

To schedule a service call, contact SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade and Hancock Counties at (270) 580-2200.

How Can SERVPRO Remove Smoke Odors from Homes?

4/1/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade and Hancock Counties

Fire damage restoration hinges on appropriate cleaning and deodorization tactics

We appreciate how fast fire and smoke damage can spread through fire damaged homes and mobilize quickly after these emergencies to help. Often efficient mitigation and emergency services can limit the irreparable damage and destruction that post-fire effects can cause.

• Fire damage restoration
• Fire damaged homes
• Smoke remediation
• Fire and smoke damage

How Can Smoke Remediation Help Fire Damaged Homes?

The need for smoke remediation after fire damage in homes and businesses is often universal.

Between partially combusted fuels that generate smoke and soot particles coating surfaces in the damaged portions of the property to lingering odors, we have multiple tools and products explicitly designed for remediating, neutralizing, and cleaning smoke damage and soil.

Regardless of how damaging a fire might become, our SERVPRO team has extensive training and experience in making it “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call anytime that you need us at(270)580-2200

Maintaining Your Furnace for a Warm, Worry Free Winter

1/27/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO

Most people don’t think about their furnace until it’s time to crank up the heat. however, neglecting this crucial piece of home equipment when it’s not in use could wind up costing you in the long run not only in higher heating bills but also in fire cleaning and smoke cleaning costs. Here are some tips to keep your furnace in good working condition.

Get Your Furnace Professionally Serviced

The general rule of thumb is to get a professional to inspect and service your furnace once a year, typically in the early fall. This timing gives you the opportunity to fix any problems a technician finds before temperatures drop and you need to turn up the heat. Professional furnace technicians typically do the following during an annual inspection:

• Clean your furnace
• Test for operational efficiency
• Tighten loose hardware and replace any broken parts
• Check the wiring for fire hazards
  
  

The last action is essential to preventing home fires and avoiding additional fire cleaning costs, including flooding and smoke remediation.

Perform Simple Furnace Maintenance Throughout the Year
While it is best to have a professional take on more complex furnace maintenance tasks, there are some easy things you can do throughout the year to keep your furnace in prime condition. The most critical thing is to replace your filters regularly — every 90 days is standard for some filter types. If you have pets, however, it is best to switch the filters every 60 days.
You also need to check your thermostat to ensure it is working in tandem with your furnace’s electrical system. Circuits can get tripped and if they aren’t fixed, it can cause a larger, more expensive issue down the line. Finally, make sure you choose a sensible temperature for your home so as not to exhaust your system and keep your heating bills down.
Avoid the need for fire cleaning. If you diligently maintain your furnace, it will thank you with years of worry-free and fire-free warmth.

Microwave Oven Safety

8/17/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO

We have all thought about the left-over pizza in our refrigerators and cannot wait to get home to reheat it in a microwave oven. These appliances are great to reheat and enjoy leftovers and other snacks without the hassle of actually cooking them. But, did you know that there are potential hazards to microwaves?

 When not maintained properly, microwaves ovens can become extremely hazardous. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 in 6 of microwave ovens cause home fires every year. Once a fire is ignited in the microwave, it can quickly catch the whole appliance on fire. This can lead to the fire spreading to other areas of your kitchen and potentially your whole house. These fires can cause an annual average of 10 deaths, 150 injuries, and around $31 million in property damage.

To prevent potential, follow these tips below:

• Purchase a microwave oven that is listed by a qualified testing laboratory. Make sure to complete and return the product registration card. This way the manufacturer can reach you if there is a recall on the product.
• Make sure children are supervised when using microwaves.
• Plug the microwave oven directly into the wall outlet – never use an extension cord.
• Make sure the microwave oven is at a safe height, within easy reach of all users.
• Open food slowly, away from the face. Hot steam or the food itself can cause burns.
• Food heats unevenly in microwave ovens. Stir and test before eating or giving to children.
• Never heat a baby bottle in the microwave.
• Clean regularly.

If a fire happens to break out, follow these steps:

• Leave the door to the microwave closed.
• Turn the microwave off and unplug it from the wall.
• Call the fire department immediately.

Home fires happen unexpectedly and are can sometimes be out of control. Remember if your home suffers from fire damage, SERVPRO will be ready to help and make it “Like it never even happened.”

Stay Home and Create a Fire Plan

8/17/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO

Since most of us are at home, it is a perfect time to start creating a fire plan for your family.

SERVPRO can help you with the after effects from a fire and we can get your home back like nothing ever happened. More importantly, is the safety of your family should a fire happen to you.

There were an estimated 1,318,500 reported home structure fires and 3,655 associated civilian deaths in the United States in 2018.

They say that your ability to get out depends on advance warning from smoke alarms and advance planning.

Fire can spread rapidly through your home, leaving you as little as one or two minutes to escape safely once the alarm sounds. A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire.

Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home. Smoke alarms should be interconnected. When one sounds, they all sound.

Before a fire happens, pull together everyone in your household and make a plan.

• Draw a map of your home. Show all doors and windows.
• Visit each room. Find two ways out.
• All windows and doors should open easily. You should be able to use them to get outside.
• Make sure your home has smoke alarms. Push the test button to make sure each alarm is working.
• Pick a meeting place outside. It should be in front of your home. Everyone will meet at the meeting place.
• Make sure your house or building number can be seen from the street.
• Talk about your plan with everyone in your home.
• Learn the emergency phone number for your fire department.
• Practice your home fire escape drill!

If you have any questions about fire safety in your home, please call SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade and Hancock Counties.

Laundry Room Safety

8/14/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO

When you’re thinking about household fire hazards, you probably think about your kitchen, fire place, or electrical system. But do you ever think about your laundry room? According to U.S. Fire Administration, home dryer fires cause $35 million in property loss.

The most common reason for these fires by far is dirty or congested dryer vents and ducts. To reduce the risk of these fires happening, hire a professional cleaning and restoration company like SERVPRO® to clean your ducts when you notice your clothes are taking longer than normal to dry.

Other safety tips for your dryer from the National Fire Protection Agency include 

• Cleaning the lint filter before and after each load. Purchase a vent brush (it’s like a giant bottle brush) to use between professional cleanings.
• Making sure the outdoor vent flap will open and is not blocked by a bird’s nest or other potential obstacles
• Keep your laundry room tidy. Don’t leave laundry or old lint near the machine where they could be ignited by an overheating machine.
• Never run the dryer while you’re sleeping or away from home. 

For more information on cleaning dryer vents contact SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade and Hancock Counties at (270)580-2200. We are always here to help!

Safer Outdoor Cooking

8/14/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO

Summer is a great time to enjoy cooking outdoors with your family and friends, but that means it’s also time to remind ourselves of fire safety. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), non-gas grills were involved in 1,300 home fires per year. That’s why they’ve offered the following tips for using outdoor grills or fire pits.

Starting Fires

• Always build a campfire downwind from the tent area. Clear vegetation and dig a pit before building your fire. 
• Place an outdoor grill six feet from your home on level ground.
• When using a charcoal grill, only use starter fluids designed for barbecue grills, never gasoline or other accelerants.
• Store liquid fire starter  away from your tent and campfire, and only use dry kindling to freshen a campfire.
• Never add starter fluid to charcoal or kindling that is already on fire.

Extinguishing Fires

• Fully extinguish fires before leaving a campsite or going to bed. Start by dousing the fire with water, then gently spread the ashes out to cool. Only leave a fire site once the ashes are cool to the touch.
• Keep something on hand in case the fire spreads. A fire extinguisher is obviously the most effective tool, but a spray bottle of water or garden hose can work if you’re grilling in your yard. If you’re camping, a bucket of sand is a helpful tool to keep near a camp fire.
• Never empty used coals directly into a trash can. Designate a metal container (with a lid) just for the purpose of disposing of coal.

For more information on fire safety, follow the NFPA on Facebook and Twitter.

SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade and Hancock Counties wishes you a safe and happy summer!

Fire Tips for Kids

3/29/2020 (Permalink)

Children are going to be curious about fire, but it can be dangerous and costly.

According to the American Burn Association, children are the most susceptible to burn injuries. 73% of all burn injuries happen in the home. At some point in time, children are going to be curious about fire, but it can be dangerous and costly.

Here are some tips to follow to keep your family safe according to the National Protection Association:

• Be sure to keep all matches and lighters out of the reach of children, preferably somewhere up high or in a locked cabinet.
• Closely supervise your children, making sure that they are away from any fire sources, including lit candles, cigarettes, fire pits, and stoves.
• Take advantage of any opportunity to teach your children about fire safety.
• Explain that fires are something to be taken seriously as they move very fast and can hurt you with contact.
• Teach young children to not touch matches or lighters, and to notify an adult immediately if found.
• Establish a clear set of rules and consequences about unsupervised and unapproved uses of fire.
• Remember, children are always watching. Make sure you set a good example by handling fire in a safe manner.
• Show your children appreciation for displaying respect and age-appropriate responsibility when it comes to fire.

If your children happen to burn themselves, cool the burn by running it under cold water for 10 to 15 minutes.

If it is a more serious burn, CALL 9-1-1.

Fire In Local Resturant

1/15/2020 (Permalink)

Fire at local restaurant in Breckinridge County

This popular restaurant in Hardinsburg suffered from a devastating electrical fire. 

SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties was on site the next  morning and have been working for the course of several days with the help of the owner and employees of the restaurant so that business can be restored as quickly and seamlessly as possible.

Many businesses are at risk for a fire. Our crew has the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial fire damage emergencies. Fire damage is especially devastating for a business or commercial property. In addition to the fire and smoke damage, significant water damage from firefighting efforts and fire suppression systems may occur.

Whether your fire emergency occurs in a restaurant, motel, or office building, we will respond quickly to mitigate the damage and manage the restoration project through to its completion.

270-580-2200

Talk About Structural Issues

7/10/2019 (Permalink)

If a fire ever burns inside your Kentucky home, the flames can cause devastation to your property. If the blaze gets hot enough, it can cause fire damage to your building materials and contents. If the conditions are ideal, flames can engulf just about anything that is in their path. The amount of time the blaze burns can make a difference as to how much fire damage takes place.

Items that are close to the source of the initial burn are the ones that get torched first. As the flames grow, your fire damage situation in Fort Worth can get worse and cause things to get ruined due to burning, charring, and soot residues. The amount of oxygen and how hot the fire got while burning can both change the types of damage caused during a burn. Slow burning, oxygen-starved blazes tend to create wet smoke that is tough to clean, but the number of objects burns may not be as high. When flames have plenty of oxygen and things, burn hot more charring on contents, and structural components are likely to occur.

Since insurance companies separate their coverage based on your contents and your building materials, our SERVPRO technicians categorize the damage caused to your home in either the contents or structure classification. If your possessions like furniture or art displayed on walls get ruined, then the problems would be placed in the estimate as damage to contents. If items such as your ceilings or walls get torched, then the problems would be classified as structural issues.

If fires do not get put out quickly, it is likely that structural components will get burnt. When things like drywall and ceiling materials get burned, they often get replaced. In some situations, our SERVPRO restoration crew has to remove and replace wooden studs or floor joists due to charring as well.

The general rule when determining whether wooden structural components are ruined or not is if there is more than a quarter inch of charring then the item must get replaced. If the charred material is less than a quarter inch deep, then it is possible to save the items by sanding them down and applying a specialized sealant paint to trap in pungent aromas. If you ever need help with structural charring issues, call SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties at 270-580-2200 24 hours a day.

Five Safety Tips to Prevent a Dryer Fire

6/29/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties

A clothes dryer is a common and convenient household appliance, but it can be dangerous if not properly maintained. Not only can the dryer break and need replacing, but it can also cause a lint fire in your Kentucky home. Follow these safety tips to help prevent any emergency situations.

1. Have Your Dryer Professionally Installed
   Having your dryer installed by a qualified professional can put you on the right path to keeping your home safe. They can make sure that everything is installed correctly and working as it should, preventing any potential safety hazards.
2. Clean the Lint Filter and Dryer Vent Regularly
   The most common cause of a dryer fireis not keeping the unit clean. You should remove lint from the filter before and after each use. Lint can also build up in the back of the dryer, so be sure to clean that area as well. The dryer vent should be cleaned at least every three months to prevent blockages.
3. Have the Dryer Serviced Regularly.
   It is a good idea to have your dryer serviced on a regular basis. Hiring a professional to clean and inspect the appliance at least once a year can help minimize any problems and keep the unit safe to use.
4. Keep Flammable Items Away From the Dryer
   A lint fire is not the only kind of firethat can occur when using your dryer. If a flammable liquid has been spilled on an item, you should never put it in the dryer. Be sure to keep any flammable materials away from the surrounding area as well.
5. Make Sure the Dryer is Off Before You Leave the House
   If you are leaving your house or going to sleep, make sure that you turn the dryer off beforehand. If a fire were to start while the unit was unattended, it could spread and cause a lot of damagebefore you were aware of it.
   You can hire fire remediation specialists to help in case of a lint fire, but keeping your dryer cleaned and properly maintained can help keep your unit safe.

Tips for Using a Fire Extinguisher

6/10/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties

As a homeowner in Kentucky, you need to be prepared for emergencies. If you've ever had a house fire and had to call in professionals to restore your home, you understand the importance of having a fire extinguisher on hand. Following the steps below can ensure that you're using it correctly.

1. Assess the Situation

First, understand what you're dealing with. If the blaze is already too big, the best idea may be to call the fire department and get yourself and anyone else in the house to safety. If you can safely douse it with a fire extinguisher, you need to next make sure that you have right type for whatever material is burning.

2. Use the Right Extinguisher for the Fire

Experts classify extinguishers based on the type of fire they can combat. These include:

• Type A: for fires involving plastics, wood, textiles and paper
• Type B: used on fires involving solvents, gasoline, oils, paints and other flammable liquids
• Type C: for electrical fires, including plugged-in equipment like computers or appliances
• Type D: for fires involving combustible powders or metals
• Type E: commonly used for a kitchen fire involving fats or cooking oils

These letter classifications are always found on the sides of the extinguishers, many of which are rated for putting out fires of more than one type.

3. Remember: "PASS"

The PASS method is an easy way to remember how to use most fire extinguishers. Each letter in "PASS" stands for the first word of an operational step. The "P" tells you to pull the pin at the top of the extinguisher; it needs to be removed before operation. The "A" tells you to aim the nozzle. The nozzle should not be aimed at the top of the flames, but at the bottom, where the combustion is taking place. The first "S" tells you to squeeze the handle to start the flow, and the second one reminds you to sweep from side to side while spraying.

By acting quickly and following the instructions above, you can safely prevent fire damage before it has a chance.

5 Steps To Take If You Smell Gas in Your Home

6/10/2019 (Permalink)

If a strong odor is lingering in your home that smells like rotten eggs or sulfur, it is possible you have a gas leak. You might also hear a faint hissing noise. While natural gas is not toxic to breathe in, leaking gas is extremely flammable and is considered an immediate emergency. If you smell gas in your home, quickly take these five steps to avoid a gas explosion and keep your family safe. 

1. Turn Off the Stove 

Often, a suspected gas leak is actually the smell of gas from the stove that someone accidentally turned on. If that’s the case, quickly turn off the stove. Is the stove is not the source of the smell, make sure the oven and stove are both turned off regardless to prevent a gas fire.

2. Put Out Any Open Flames

If you smell a gas leak, never use a lighter or ignite any kind of flame. If any candles are lit or the fireplace is on, quickly extinguish the flames. 

3. Keep Lights and Electronics Off

As soon as you detect the smell of natural gas in your home, refrain from turning on any lights or electronics which can start a gas fire. Grab a flashlight if necessary. 

4. Open Doors and Windows

Allow gas to quickly escape your home by opening all the windows and doors. You can turn on the oven range hood fan to help remove some of the gas. 

5. Evacuate Your Home

As soon as you feel it is unsafe to remain in your home, quickly get everyone, including pets, out of your home. Once you make it across the street from your home call 9-1-1. 

Keeping your family safe and escaping your home should always be your priority if you smell a gas leak. If a gas fire does start, a fire damage restoration specialist can help restore your home back to its pre-fire condition.

What TO do and what NOT to do after a fire

3/29/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties 270-580-2200

What TO do after A Fire

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
• Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
• Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
• Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
• Change HVAC filter.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

What NOT to Do After A Fire

• Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting us.
• Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
• Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
• Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

Space Heater Safety

1/3/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties 270-580-2200

SERVPRO Warns About the Dangers of Space Heaters When Not Used Properly

Fire does not care what season it is or whether it’s cold outside. Winter related fires are extremely common, especially when you are trying hard to keep warm. 

Our offices in Westview, KY have experience in fire damage from space heaters and can provide you with some tips to help avoid having to deal with these types of destructive events this winter season. 

SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade, and Hancock Counties technicians understand that accidents happen. Placing space heaters too close to other objects or using the wrong type of heater in a particular area can cause severe problems. Please take a moment to consider some factors leading to these fires.

Oil Heaters - Should be used in areas where there is the possibility of moisture. This eliminates any electrical hazards that may be present due to water conductivity. Always keep a safe distance to avoid contact burns. 

Electric Heaters - These heaters come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be useful for many areas in your home. However, they should never be left unattended. Thinking of electric heaters as giant toasters can help you understand how important it is to keep a constant eye on them. Make sure you have sufficient wattage to run the device and never use extension cords.

Our SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade, and Hancock Counties staff gets an incredible amount of space heater-related calls every winter. People are trying to stay warm and use space heaters quite often for this purpose. However, using a space heater does not need to cause so many problems during a cold spell. Just use common sense, and always follow the directions of the manufacturer.

The professional technicians at SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade, and Hancock Counties state that you follow a few simple guidelines when operating your space heaters. 

1) Always place space heaters on a flat, solid surface for proper stabilization. 

2) Purchase heaters with an automatic shut-off feature to prevent dangers from tipping. 

3) Maintain proper spacing between heaters and other objects in your home. 

4) Never leave children or pets unsupervised around operating heaters. 

5) Shut your heaters off properly before leaving your home or going to sleep. 

Following these guidelines does not ensure that you will never have to deal with fire damage from space heaters. However, you are less likely to have an unwanted consequence. If this sort of incident still strikes your home this winter season, make the call to our offices immediately. We will respond quickly and provide you with the services you need to get back to normal fast. 

Call SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade, and Hancock Counties today at (270) 580-2200

Firework Safety

6/29/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties 270-580-2200

Did you know fireworks cause nearly 20,000 home fires every year? Don't let your relaxing holiday weekend turn into a statistic

• Obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks.
• Know your fireworks; read the cautionary labels and performance descriptions before igniting.
• A responsible adult SHOULD supervise all firework activities.  Never give fireworks to children.
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix.  Save your alcohol for after the show.
• Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks.
• Light one firework at a time and then quickly move away.
• Use fireworks OUTDOORS in a clear area; away from buildings and vehicles.
• Never relight a “dud” firework.  Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
• Always have a bucket of water and charged water hose nearby.
• Never carry fireworks in your POCKET or shoot them into METAL or GLASS containers.
• Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.
• Dispose of spent fireworks by wetting them down and place in a metal trash can away from any building or combustible materials until the next day.
• FAA regulations PROHIBIT the possession and transportation of fireworks in your checked baggage or carry-on luggage.
• Report illegal explosives, like M-80s and quarter sticks, to the fire or police department.

Fire Safety

6/7/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties 270-580-2200

According to the National Fire Protection Association, firefighters respond to a home fire every 79 seconds. Simple steps can be taken throughout the home to reduce the risk of fire and injury/loss of life:

• Working smoke alarms should be found in each bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home. Smoke alarms should be tested monthly to ensure they are working properly and the batteries are good
•  Be sure fire extinguishers are available on every level of the home and that each household member knows how to use them
• Reduce the risk of fire outside of the home by removing dying or dead trees and shrubs and by keeping dry brush and debris at least 30 feet away from the home. Keep gutters, roof, and eaves clear of debris
• Be sure any candles in the home are placed away from curtains and other furniture, as well as out of reach of children and pets. Consider using safer alternatives such as flame less candles.

10 Tips To Make Your Home Safer From Fires

5/31/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties 270-580-2200

It’s an unfortunate tragedy. A raging fire has ravaged your home. A restoration company has come to the rescue to return your home back to its prior condition. Hopefully you will never experience such loss again, but it is wise to prepare your home in the event of future disasters. Even if your home has never been devastated by a fire, the following fire preparation tips can prove beneficial in giving you greater peace of mind regarding fire safety in your home.

1. Smoke alarms: Test smoke alarms monthly and replace batteries annually.
2. Prepare children: Teach fire preparation to children, including the dangers of fire. Make sure they know the proper use of 911 for emergencies. Keep matches and lighters out of their reach.
3. Plan where to go: Create an escape plan and make sure everyone in the household is aware of it. Choose an outside meeting spot for all family members to gather upon escaping. Conduct practice drills at least twice a year.
4. Share contact information: Make sure all household members know who to contact in the event that they cannot find each other during a home fire.
5. Educate on proper techniques: Teach everyone in the household to stop, drop and roll in the event their clothes catch on fire.
6. Act if you smoke: Smokers should take extra precautions, as many residential fire deaths are caused by smoking materials. Avoid smoking in bed, especially while sleepy or medicated. It is better to smoke outside.
7. Handle heaters: Portable heaters should be turned off when not in use.
8. Take care of candles: Candles should be extinguished when not in use, and never left unattended.
9. Store other sources of light: Speaking of candles, consider using flashlights during a power outage instead of candles.
10. Examine the home for other fire hazards: Check the electrical wiring and home heating sources to make sure they are safe.

The Steps You Should Follow After Fire Damage in the Home

5/22/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties 270-580-2200

The Steps You Should Follow After Fire Damage in the Home

Few things are more complicated than having to deal with fire damage in the home. Sometimes, the steps that you as the homeowner take after the fire damage determine the speed at which the home will be restored to the state it was in before the fire damage happened. Below are is a guideline outlining the steps you ought to take after an electrical fire or another type of fire breaks out in your home.

Evacuation

The very first thing you need to do is ensure that all the people who were in the building have gotten out. In case there is someone still trapped in the building because of soot damage or smoke damage, you should call in emergency services such as the fire truck, fire sprinkler systems, fire hoses, and firefighters to help rescue them and put out the fire. Do not try to get back into the house once you are out where it is safe.

The fire suppression

The fire trucks and firefighters will arrive and assess the situation. The firefighters, fire hoses, and their fire trucks will do their best to try and put out the fire within the shortest time possible after getting to the scene. You might see a firefighter going into the house and trying to rescue people who are trapped in the soot damage. They use equipment such as fire hoses, fire sprinkler systems and other appropriate equipment to help them achieve fire suppression within the shortest time.

Cooking fires are leading cause of fires

5/15/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties. 270-580-2200

Fire can and do happen anywhere and anytime, they do not take holidays off. SERVPRO® of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade & Hancock Counties is here for you when disasters such as water or fire damage strike. Whether it be from a smoke in the breakroom at work from popcorn left to long in the microwave, or a space heater left to close to a blanket at home, we are Here to Help® you to life as it was before the disaster. We know that just because we deal with emergencies every day, you do not. So, we are here to share experience with you, as we guide you through the process of making it “Like it never even happened.” Our crews work with you and your insurance to take care of the details to insure you can come out after the disaster as if the fire never occurred. We walk with you through the process, guiding you with answers, advice, and experience through to the other side where life will come back together. We are always open to help you, call us at 270-580-2200

Candle Fire in Bedroom

2/28/2018 (Permalink)

Blow out candles when you leave the room or go to bed. Avoid the use of candles in the bedroom and other areas where people may fall asleep.

Candles may be pretty to look at but they are a cause of home fires - and home fire deaths. Remember, a candle is an open flame, which means that it can easily ignite anything that can burn.

Facts:
* December is the peak time of year for home candle fires.
* Roughly one-third of home candle fires start in the bedroom.
* More than half of all candle fires start when things that can burn are too close to the candle!

Candles and Kids:
* Never leave a child alone in a room with a burning candle.
* Keep matches and lighters up high and out of children's reach.

Candles are pretty and smell good, but think about using flameless candles, they look and smell like the real thing!

Be safe!

If something should happen, please don't hesitate to call SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade, and Hancock Counties at 270-580-2200 for assistance. We will make it "Like it never even happened."