Thanksgiving Fire Prevention Tips

11/24/2021 (Permalink)

As it comes together to celebrate Thanksgiving by preparing a delicious feast. Practice safe cooking habits will help prevent any fire emergencies. Here are some tips that you should keep in mind while cooking your family feast.

• You should never leave cooking food unattended. Make sure to stay in the kitchen while frying, grilling, or boiling food. If you need to leave the kitchen even for a short period of time, then the stove should be turned off.
• Make sure to check on food regularly while cooking. Someone should remain in the home while kitchen equipment is in use. Its best to use a timer as a reminder that the stove and oven is on.
• Small children should be kept away from the cooking area. Kids should stay at least three feet away from the stove an oven.
• Flammable items such as potholders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper r plastic bags, food packaging and towels should be kept away from the stove, oven or any other appliances in the kitchen that generates heat.
• While cooking do not wear loose clothing or dangling sleeves that can catch fire.
• Cooking surfaces should be cleaned regularly to prevent any grease build-up.
• Have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen year-round just as precaution.
• Before going to bed or leaving the house make sure to check all kitchen appliance are turned off.

SERVPRO of Thousand Oaks wishes you and your family a safe and happy Thanksgiving and holiday season.

Candle Fire Prevention

10/14/2021 (Permalink)

Although candles are very pretty to look at, they can cause house fires. A candle can easily ignite anything that can burn since it is an open flame. You should never leave a child alone in a room with a burning candle. Also keep matches and lighter out of reach from children. Candles should be blown out if you are going to bed or leaving the room. It’s best to avoid having candles where someone might fall asleep. A candle should be at least 1 foot away from anything that can burn. Did you know December is the peak month for candle fires? More then 1/3 of candle fires happen in the bedroom. It is recommended to use flameless candles since it can prevent a fire and you can still enjoy the smell of a real candle. If you ever happen to have a candle fire call SERVPRO of Thousand Oaks to assist your cleanup needs.

Fire Loss Structure vs Contents

9/9/2021 (Permalink)

When having a fire loss, the insurance policy’s separate structure and contents. This helps the restorers to scope out the loss by separating the structure and contents when estimating. You might be asking yourself what is the difference between structure and contents?  Structure is anything that is considered permanent to the structure.  Some examples included walls, ceiling, floors, cabinets, lighting, and certain appliances (i.e., dishwasher, oven, and stove). The best way to think about structure is anything that was existing before you moved into your residence. The contents are any items that can moved out and taken to another location. Sometimes during a fire loss content will be moved into another area that might not have been structurally damaged. If several rooms have structure damage sometimes the contents are moved into a pod. If there is major structure damage and contents are salvageable storage of contents might be offsite. If you find yourself with a fire claim call SERVPRO of Thousand Oaks at (805) 492-2434.

Have you planed your fire escape

9/7/2021 (Permalink)

Example of mapped out escape plan.

Did you know that if there is a fire in your home a smoke alarm sound will give you less then two minutes to evacuate safely? It is always best to have an escape plan incase of a fire. You should draw a map of each level of your home, and it should include all doors and windows. Everyone in the household should discuss the map to go over escape plan. There should be two plans to escape each room. Make sure to choose a meeting place in front of your house. Take into consideration any abilities that you might need to escape (i.e. cane, eyeglasses and or hearing aid) and place near your bead while sleeping. All doors and windows should be easily to open and should be inspected periodically.  There should be a household fire drill at least twice a year. Once you have gotten out of your home in a fire its best to stay out. Once the fire is extinguished you can call SERVPRO of Thousand Oaks for any of your structure or contents cleaning.  

Home Fire Sprinkler System

9/3/2021 (Permalink)

Did you know with just the installation of fire sprinklers can increase you chance of survival from a fire by more than 82 percent? A home sprinkler is more sensitive to heat then the sprinklers found in businesses. This sensitivity helps for a fire to be detected sooner. By installing a sprinkler system, you have the potential of lowering your insurance rate by meeting code requirements.  The installation of a home sprinkler system can be done during construction or during a remodel. The system will require extra piping and labor but will increase the safety of the residence.  The home fire sprinklers can be connected to your homes water supply. Home system will require less water than a business system.  The cost of a sprinkler is about $1.35 per square foot. You should consider sprinklers as an investment since it can help limit the damage caused by smoke and fire. Also, sprinklers can cause less damage than firefighting hose line. If you find yourself in situation of fire damage or water damage from sprinklers call SERVPRO of Thousand Oaks at (805) 492-2434.

Thanksgiving Safety

11/5/2020 (Permalink)

Are you aware that Thanksgiving is the leading day of the year for home fires caused by cooking equipment? There are several cooking tips that should be followed this holiday season.  It is advised to never leave cooking food unattended. It is best to stay in the kitchen while frying, grilling, or broiling food. When leaving the kitchen even for such a short period of time it is recommended to turn off the stove.  If your cooking a turkey do not leave your house and check on it frequently.  Children should stay 3 feet away from the hot stove. Make sure to keep the floor clear of any items you might trip over.  Make sure no kitchen electronic cords are dangling off the counter within children's reach.  While cook you should not wear loose clothing or dangling sleeves.  To prevent any grease buildup by cleaning cooking surfaces regularly. There should be a fire extinguisher and smoke alarm near the kitchen. Before going to bed make sure you check all kitchen appliances are turned off. SERVPRO Thousand Oaks wishes your family a safe and joyous Thanksgiving.

Kitchen Fire

9/30/2020 (Permalink)

The number one cause of home fires and home injuries are caused by cooking fires. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of fires in the kitchen. Make sure to be alert when your cooking. It is best to not use the stove or stovetop if your sleepy or under the influence of alcohol. If you are frying, grilling, or broiling food it is advised you stay in the kitchen until the stove is turned off.  It is advised if you must leave the kitchen even for a short period of time you should turn off the stove.  Check on your food regularly if you are simmering, baking, or roasting food.  It is best to stay in the home while food cooking and recommended to use a timer to remind you that you are cooking. Make sure to keep anything flammable like mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels, or curtains away from your stovetop. Kids should be at least 3 feet away from hot food or drinks being prepared.

Home Fire Escape Plan

9/17/2020 (Permalink)

Have you made your home fire escape plan? Especially if you have kids it is important to have a plan in place. It is recommended to draw a map of your home. In the is map, it should show all doors and windows. Visit each room and find two ways out of the rooms in case of a fire.  Make sure all doors and windows are easy to use in case you need them as an exit. Your home should have smoke alarms and tested to make sure they are working. Make a meeting place that is in front of your house for everyone to meet. Make sure to have your house or building number visible from the street.  Talk to everyone at your home about the plan that is in place. Have your local emergency company number handy in case of an emergency.

Smoke Alarm

9/16/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke alarms can save lives and reduce injuries is installed and maintained properly.   A smoke alarm purpose is to give you extra time to get out if there is a fire in your home or place of business.  Did you know a closed door might slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire? This is a reason for a smoke alarm in every sleeping room. It is also recommended to have a smoke alarm outside of each sleeping area.  A Smoke detector should be installed on every level of your home. All smoke alarms should be interconnected so that if one goes off, they will all go off. It is recommended that you check/test your smoke alarm monthly.  Remember to replace your smoke alarm ever 10 years.

Children Fire Safety

10/1/2019 (Permalink)

It’s never too early to think escape plan for your children during a fire. It’s important to remove that children sometimes need assistance getting out of the house. Children may not know how to escape or what to do without an adult showing them what to do. There should be a plan for children that cannot get outside by themselves. Its best to have a plan on who will be the one to help each child to get out safely. In case one exit is blocked or to dangerous to use make sure to have two ways out of each room. Make sure to have a meeting place and practice with your child. Have your child know what to do if they ever hear a smoke alarm go off. It’s very important to teach them to never go back inside to house or building that is on fire. There are some children that curious about fire but there are steps that can be taken to make them safe. Keep any children at the least 3 feet away from anything that gets hot. Some examples are space heaters and stoves. Have any smoke material (i.e. lighters and matches) out of children’s reach. Also never play with matches or lighters while in presents of a child because they may try to emulate.

When a fire starts

8/16/2019 (Permalink)

This is a reminder of things to do in case of a fire. Make sure you know how to properly use a fire extinguisher. It’s always recommended to get out of a structure on fire and stay out and contact your local emergency phone number (911.)  If there are any other occupants in the structure, make sure to yell fire as a warning. It recommended that if you’re in a building with and elevator to take the stairs. Do not try to grab your things just leave them where they are and save yourself. Never try to open a door that is warm to the touch. When you must escape through the smoke, make sure to get low under the smoke to your exit. When exiting try to close the door behind you. Stay in the room if smoke, heat or flames block your exit route. Also place a wet towel under the door and call emergency phone number. If you get trapped in a fire, make sure to open a window and make yourself visible by waving bight color cloth or using a flashlight. If you can make it out safely make sure to go to the designated meeting place. If by chance your clothes catch fire stop what your doing and drop to the floor cover your face and roll over back and forth. Please note that running while clothes are on fire only makes it burn faster. If the flames burned the skin place water on it for up to five minutes and seek medical attention.

Wildfire Community Preparedness Day

4/30/2019 (Permalink)

Did you know that wildfires across the United States has cost more then $25 billon dollars in property loss in just the past 2 years? These wildfires have also taken more then 100 lives.  The is why on May 4th Wildfire Community Preparedness gives us a chance to see how we can help. It’s recommended to rake and remove dry leaves and pine needles with a minimum of 3 to 5 feet from home’s foundation and from roof and gutters. Make sure to once debris is collected to dispose in yard waste receptacles. Have any grass areas mowed to four inches or less. Remove any downed tree limbs or broken branches and properly dispose of. If available, take the time to help any elderly person with any of the recommendations we have listed.  Remove items that are stored under decks and porches and relocate it to a place of storage. Please remember gasoline cans and portable propane tanks should never be stored indoors and recommended to be located away from the home. We recommend looking up for other ways to prevent wildfires. 

Fire Prevention Month

9/26/2018 (Permalink)

Did you know that October is fire prevention month? This is the perfect time to make sure your household plans are in place. Its recommended to go and check ever smoke alarm to make none of them need their batteries replaced. Always have a listening ear for when your smoke alarm alerts you of potential dangers. You should also have a fire escape plan implemented. It is recommended that there is a backup escape plan due to the different options on where a fire can start. The NFPA recommends having two ways out of every room. This would be a great time to make sure windows and doors leaning to the outdoors are cleared from clutter. Now is a great time to look around your home to find any potential fire hazards. Although we hope you never have a fire emergency but if you do know SERVPRO of Thousand Oaks is here to help.

Grilling Fire Safety in Thousand Oaks

6/21/2018 (Permalink)

With the start of summer brings barbeque fun! Here is some tips from your local Thousand Oaks office regarding grilling fire safety.

*Remember to only use your grill outside and make sure it’s at least 3 feet from siding, deck rails and eaves.

*Make sure to clean your grill after every use. This will prevent grease build up that can create a fire.

*Open your gas grill before lighting.

*Have a 3-foot safe zone around your grill. This will insure that kids and pets are safety.

*Place the coals from your grill in a metal can with a lid once they have cooled.

*Always keep an eye on your grill, fire pit or patio torches. Do not walk away from them once they are lit.

* Keep a fire extinguisher nearby just in case.

Most important SERVPRO Thousand Oaks wishes your friends and family a safe and fun summer!

Thousand Oaks Smoke and Soot Cleanup

6/19/2017 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Thousand Oaks will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Us Today – (805)492-2434