Prevent Home Fires

7/9/2021 (Permalink)

Fire is FAST! In less than 30 seconds a small flame can turn into a major fire. It only takes minutes for thick black smoke to fill a house or for it to be engulfed in flames.

Fire is HOT! Heat is more threatening than flames. Room temperatures in a fire can be 100 degrees at floor level and rise to 600 degrees at eye level. Inhaling this super-hot air will scorch your lungs and melt clothes to your skin.

Fire is DARK! Fire starts bright, but quickly produces black smoke and complete darkness.

Fire is DEADLY! Smoke and toxic gases kill more people than flames do. Fire produces poisonous gases that make you disoriented and drowsy. Asphyxiation is the leading cause of fire deaths, exceeding burns by a three-to-one ratio.

Home fires are preventable! The following are simple steps that each of us can take to prevent a tragedy.

Cooking

• Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
• Wear short, close-fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking.
• Keep children away from cooking areas by enforcing a "kid-free zone" of 3 feet around the stove.
• Position barbecue grills at least 10 feet away from siding and deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.

Smoking

• Smoke outside and completely stub out butts in an ashtray or a can filled with sand.
• Soak cigarette butts and ashes in water before throwing them away. Never toss hot cigarette butts or ashes in the trash can.
• Never smoke in a home where oxygen is used, even if it is turned off. Oxygen can be explosive and makes fire burn hotter and faster.
• Be alert - don’t smoke in bed! If you are sleepy, have been drinking, or have taken medicine that makes you drowsy, put your cigarette out first.

Electrical and Appliance Safety

• Frayed wires can cause fires. Replace all worn, old or damaged appliance cords immediately and do not run cords under rugs or furniture.
• If an appliance has a three-prong plug, use it only in a three-slot outlet. Never force it to fit into a two-slot outlet or extension cord.
• Immediately shut off, then professionally replace, light switches that are hot to the touch and lights that flicker.

Portable Space Heaters

• Keep combustible objects at least three feet away from portable heating devices.
• Buy only heaters evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
• Check to make the portable heater has a thermostat control mechanism, and will switch off automatically if the heater falls over.
• Only use crystal clear K-1 kerosene in kerosene heaters. Never overfill it. Use the heater in a well-ventilated room.

Fireplaces and Woodstoves

• Inspect and clean woodstove pipes and chimneys annually and check monthly for damage or obstructions.
• Use a fireplace screen heavy enough to stop rolling logs and big enough to cover the entire opening of the fireplace to catch flying sparks.
• Make sure the fire is completely out before leaving the house or going to bed.

Children

• Take the mystery out of fire play by teaching children that fire is a tool, not a toy.
• Store matches and lighters out of children's reach and sight, preferably in a locked cabinet.
• Never leave children unattended near operating stoves or burning candles, even for a short time.

More Prevention Tips

• Never use stove range or oven to heat your home.
• Keep combustible and flammable liquids away from heat sources.
• Portable generators should NEVER be used indoors and should only be refueled outdoors or in well ventilated areas.

For more information on fire information and prevention, please visit - https://www.ready.gov/home-fires

Understanding Mold

7/9/2021 (Permalink)

Solve moisture problems before they become mold problems!

In as little as 48 hours, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business when there’s a water intrusion, like a roof leak or leaking water line. Mold can cause health effects and can also cause significant damage to your property. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem.

Mold Prevention Tips

• Fix leaky plumbing and leaks in the building envelope as soon as possible.
• Watch for condensation and wet spots. Fix sources of moisture problems as soon as possible.
• Prevent moisture due to condensation by increasing surface temperature or reducing the moisture level in air (humidity). To increase surface temperature, insulate or increase air circulation. To reduce the moisture level in the air, repair leaks, increase ventilation (if outside air is cold and dry), or dehumidify (if outdoor air is warm and humid).
• Keep heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) drip pans clean, flowing properly, and unobstructed.
• Vent moisture-generating appliances, such as dryers or showers to the outside where possible.
• Maintain low indoor humidity, below 60% relative humidity (RH), ideally 30-50%, if possible by providing adequate ventilation.
• Perform regular building/HVAC inspections and maintenance as scheduled.
• Clean and dry wet or damp spots within 48 hours.
• Don’t let foundations stay wet. Provide drainage and slope the ground away from the foundation.
• Use exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, and cleaning in food service areas.
• Inspect the building for signs of mold, moisture, leaks or spills:
  • Check for moldy odors.
  • Look for water stains or discoloration on the ceiling, walls, floors and window sills.
  • Look around and under sinks for standing water, water stains or mold.
  • Inspect bathrooms for standing water, water stains or mold.
  • Do not let water stand in air conditioning or refrigerator drip pans.
• Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely.
• Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need to be replaced.
• Check the mechanical room and roof for unsanitary conditions, leaks or spills. v Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.

Fourth of July Safety Tips

7/2/2021 (Permalink)

It’s that time again for 4th of July celebrations! Whatever you have planned; whether its just fireworks, a backyard barbecue, or maybe a quick trip to the beach, SERVPRO wants to make sure you take all safety precautions this holiday!

FIREWORKS SAFETY The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public fireworks show put on by professionals, while maintaining a safe distance. While the majority of the states prohibit most fireworks- If you, or someone you know is setting fireworks off at home, follow these safety steps:

• Never give fireworks to small children, and abide by the directions on the packaging.
• Keep a supply of water close by as a preventative measure.
• Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.
• Never toss or point a firework in the direction of people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials.

GRILLING SAFETY Every year people in this country are injured while using backyard charcoal or gas grills. Follow these safety tips to carefully grill up treats for the backyard barbecue:

• Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use.
• Never grill indoors
• Make sure everyone (including the pets) stays away from the grill.
• Keep the grill out in the open, and away from anything that could potentially catch on fire.
• Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using grills.

BEACH SAFETY If someone’s visit to the shore includes swimming in the ocean, they should make sure they know how to swim, and stay by a lifeguard station.Obey all instructions and orders from lifeguards. Rip currents are responsible for deaths on our nation’s beaches every year, and for most of the rescues performed by lifeguards. Any beach with breaking waves may have rip currents. Be aware of the danger of rip currents and remember the following:

• Keep alert for local weather conditions. Check to see if any warning signs or flags are posted.
• Swim sober and always swim with a buddy.
• Have young children and inexperienced swimmers wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
• Keep a close eye and constant attention on children and adults while at the beach. Wave action can cause someone to lose his or her footing, even in shallow water.
• If someone is caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore until out of the current. Once free, they should turn and swim toward shore. If they can't swim to the shore, they should float or tread water until free of the rip current and then head toward shore.
• Stay at least 100 feet away from piers and jetties. Permanent rip currents often exist near these structures.

SUN PROTECTION Limit exposure to direct sunlight between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., during the peak heat hours of the day. Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 15, and reapply sunscreen as often as needed. Remember to drink plenty of water regularly, even if not thirsty. Minimize drinks with alcohol or caffeine in them. Protect the eyes by wearing sunglasses that will absorb 100 percent of UV sunlight. During hot weather, watch for signs of heat stroke—hot, red skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; rapid, shallow breathing. If it’s suspected someone is suffering from heat stroke immediately call 9-1-1 and move the person to a cooler place.

Happy Fourth of July!

7/2/2021 (Permalink)

The 4th of July – also known as Independence Day– has been a federal holiday in the US since 1941. The tradition of Independence Day celebrations however, date back to the 18th century and the American Revolution. On July 2nd, 1776, Congress voted in favor of independence. Two days later representatives from the 13 colonies implemented the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. From 1776 until now, July 4th has been renowned as the birth of American independence, with celebrations varying from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues.

SERVPRO of Del Mar wants to wish everyone a wonderful, safe fourth of July!

Air Ducts & HVAC Cleaning

6/30/2021 (Permalink)

Concealed behind your walls and mostly ignored, your air ducts serve as vital pathways that deliver warm and cool air throughout your home during the year. While they may be unseen, your air ducts are working nearly year-round, whenever you have your air conditioner or heater running. Attached to your HVAC system, air ducts transfer the air from these systems throughout your home. What many homeowners do not realize, though, is that your air ducts, in nearly constant use, continually accumulate dust, grime, debris, pet dander and allergens throughout the year. In fact, according to National Air Duct Cleaners Association the average American home produces 40 pounds of dust per year!

While vacuuming and dusting may be a part of your weekly cleaning routine, these basic methods invariably leave dust and dirt behind, and no amount of regular cleaning can capture every dust mite your home produces. As such, much of that dust and dirt ends up in your air ducts. What’s worse is that this same dust continues to re-circulate over and over again, with the dust continuing to accumulate inside your ducts even while it’s redistributed throughout your home.

This constant cycle of dust accumulation and redistribution can have serious effects on your home’s cleanliness and your family’s health. Constantly re-circulated allergens will irritate allergy sufferers throughout the year, even when their allergies are not in season (like pollen and weed allergies). Additionally, people with compromised respiratory systems may experience difficulty breathing in homes with high dust quantities.

Emergency Board-Up

6/30/2021 (Permalink)

When you think of natural disaster mitigation, you might think of picking up tree limbs or dealing with excess water. Boarding up a structure is probably the last thing on your mind. If a tree damages the roof or breaks windows, or a car hits the side of the house, you’ll need board-up services right away to prevent further damage.

There are many reasons to board up a home or business after a disaster, but these three are the most important:

-Shelter from the elements. During a disaster, your home or business can take quite a beating from high winds, heavy rains and debris. Broken windows, damaged roofs and walls can let in rain, snow and wind to cause more damage to your interior and its contents.  Water buildup can ruin flooring and carpet as well as damage electronics. Mold begins growing within just a few days, causing even more damage.

-Shelter from animals. A wild animal does not need much room to squeeze inside, so even a small broken window can let in unwanted guests. Dogs, raccoons, rats and other pests can wreak havoc inside a building. Not only will they track dirt everywhere, but they’ll tear up furnishings, urinate and defecate anywhere they can.

-Protection from vandals. One sad fact of human nature is that even after the worst storms, there are those who will take advantage and help themselves. At best, they’ll do more damage by breaking things and spray-painting walls. At worst, they will steal anything they can lay their hands on – electronics, money, and artwork to name a few. The building will be unoccupied at the time, and security equipment may be damaged, or the power can be out, so they may get away free and clear.

No matter the size - residential or commercial, you can count on SERVPRO to secure and protect the setting.

How hoarding can lead to Danger

6/22/2021 (Permalink)

People with hoarding disorder excessively save items that others may view as worthless. They have difficulty getting rid of possessions, leading to clutter that disrupts their ability to use their living or work spaces.

Hoarding is not the same as collecting. Collectors look for specific items, such as model cars or stamps, and may organize or display them. People with hoarding disorder often save random items and store them.

Possible Dangers Related To Hoarding:

• Increased Risk of Fire – The more items around a home, the higher the chances a fire can ignite and the more fuel it has to spread, which can put you in a dangerous situation.
• Decreased Escape Routes – Rescue crews often have limited access to a home due to piles of stuff blocking windows and doors. Thus resulting in fatalities, when salvation could have been otherwise possible.
• Increased Indoor Air Pollutants – Mold, Mildew, Radon, Carbon Monoxide, Pollen, Dander and Cigarette Smoke are just some of the indoor serious air impurities and odors that hoarding can cause a contaminated house and the results can lead to adverse health effects.
• Tripping or Falling – Piles of items and stacks of belongings that start to consume a house make it harder to navigate through, and easier to stumble upon. The risks increase with age, falls can even be fatal in seniors that don’t have the strength to get back up.
• Structure Collapses – The more your home stores, the greater the weight becomes and if rooms are filled with possessions the load can and has led to structures collapsing.
• Biohazard Development – If items are growing at an alarming rate, there is probably a good portion of garbage, debris possibly pharmaceuticals and if animals and pets are present feces and urine. All of these are considered a biohazard and the health risks grow the longer they remain in your home. Serious toxins and diseases such as E. Coli, Staph Bacteria, and the Hanta Virus can thrive in your house.

Luckily for you – SERVPRO is available 24 hours a day—our highly trained technicians are standing by. We have the qualified trained professionals who are ready to respond to these incidents. We will always treat your property and the people involved with the greatest empathy and respect in the face of trying circumstances.

What to do until help arrives

6/22/2021 (Permalink)

Here is a list of some DOs and DON'Ts to help reduce damage, and increase the chances of a successful restoration. 

DO:

• Shut off the source of water if possible. (Or contact the qualified party)
• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and any additional tabletop items.
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting
• Hang draperies with coated hangers to avoid contact with wet carpeting or floors.

DON’T:

• Enter rooms with standing water where electrical shock hazards may exist.
• Enter affected areas if electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers, or any other electrical equipment is exposed to water.
• Leave books, newspapers, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpets of floors to cause staining.
• Use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water, possible causing electrical shock or damage to the vacuum.
• Use TV’s or other appliances while standing on wet floors.
• Turn on ceiling fans if ceiling is wet, or enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.

The Front Line of Wildfires

6/16/2021 (Permalink)

From prevention to containment, learn about the many types of wildland firefighters protecting our nation from the ravages of unwanted wildfires.

• Wildfire Prevention Specialists/Program Managers

Implement plans with partners to promote wildfire prevention within their region, state, forest, or community.

• Wildfire Prevention & Patrol Specialists

Provide education in the classroom and community, write warnings for violations that may cause fires, perform initial attack on new fires, and investigate fires to determine their cause.

• Lookouts

Though used less often today due to other forms of aerial detection, lookouts are stationed in towers in remote areas or during times of heavy lightning to observe, plot and report locations of fires.

Lookouts spend days, weeks or months alone in some of the wildest, most remote places in the country. Life is rustic in a fire tower, but lookouts have provided an invaluable service for 100 years.

• Fire Prevention & Education Teams

Skilled and mobile personnel who enhance local wildfire prevention activities where risk is elevated. They reduce unwanted human-caused fire ignitions through prevention assessments and education.

• Fire Scientists

Study environmental conditions, fire behavior, and the effects of fire. They also provide predictive services and offer management options before, during and after wildfires and prescribed fires.

• Fuels Specialists

Fuels specialists and prescribed fire managers develop and implement plans for maintaining healthy ecosystems where fire plays a necessary role. Using the best available science, specialists determine treatments and timing, which can include mechanically removing vegetation or prescribed burning during different times of the year.

• Prescribed Fire Managers

Prescribed fire managers, along with fuels specialists, develop plans and implement prescribed fires to maintain healthy ecosystems where fire plays a necessary role.

• Fire Managers

With years of extensive training and experience, fire managers analyze wildfires to determine a suppression strategy and assemble the firefighters and equipment needed to implement it.

• Handcrews

These crews, of about 20 firefighters, are the foundation of wildland firefighting. They often work 12-hour shifts using hand tools to create the fireline, a perimeter cleared of flammable materials.

They also eliminate hotspots, monitor unburned areas to make sure sparks don’t jump the line, and “mop up” contained areas of the fire by making sure it is completely extinguished

• Dozer/Tractor Plow Crews

These crews, which range in size from three to five firefighters, operate heavy equipment such as bulldozers and tractor plows to indirectly attack wildfires by clearing vegetation and constructing firebreaks around the perimeter of the fire.

• Hotshot Crews

The most experienced handcrews, hotshots meet stringent qualifications and work in some of the roughest, most remote terrains, on the most complex fires. They are highly mobile and self-sufficient.

• Helitack Crews

Helitack crews are specially trained to use helicopters to fight wildfires. They sometimes even rappel from helicopters to reach fire in remote areas quickly. They are often first to reach a wildfire.

• Smokejumpers

Since 1940, highly skilled and physically fit smokejumpers have parachuted to wildfires that can’t otherwise be reached. They are often supported by cargo drops of food, water and firefighting gear.

• Engine Crews

Engine crews, which range in size from three to five firefighters, work with fire engines that carry 250 to 750 gallons of water and several hundred feet of hose to directly attack wildfires.

• Incident Management Teams

Fire experts whose main responsibility is to develop and implement strategies to fight wildfires by managing the equipment, transportation and other goods and services wildland firefighters need.

The Importance of Professional Carpet Cleaning

6/16/2021 (Permalink)

The dirtiness and discoloration in your carpet may sometimes looks obvious; however, at other times, a clean looking carpet can conceal unseen dirt, grime, soil, dust and pet dander. Regular traffic buries this dust and dirt deeply into the carpet fibers, where it can become indiscernible, release unpleasant odors, and harm your air quality. While regular vacuuming might remove some of the dust and dirt, most standard vacuums lack the power to extract deeply embedded dirt. SERVPRO of Del Mar has the expertise to provide a deeper clean than your basic house cleaning service. Our residential cleaning services will ease the burden of the constant maintenance cleaning of your home, but will also create a safe, clean and comfortable living environment for you and your family. SERVPRO will ensure that your carpet remains free from all of the unnoticeable dirt and grime. For a free quote, contact us at (858) 587-1722.