Safeguarding Your Home: Tips to Avoid House Fires During the Holiday Season | SERVPRO of North Calhoun County

Name: SERVPRO of North Calhoun County, Northwest Jackson County
Address: 223 N 30th Street, Springfield, MI, 49037
Telephone: (269) 963-3033

11/15/2024 (Permalink)

Stay safe this winter with these fire prevention and safety tips from SERVPRO of North Calhoun County.

The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, but it also comes with an increased risk of house fires. From festive decorations to cooking gatherings, various activities can inadvertently pose fire hazards.

Here are essential tips to help you protect your home and loved ones during this festive time.

Safe Decorating Practices

Holiday decorations contribute to the festive atmosphere but can also be potential fire hazards if not used safely. When decorating your home, opt for flame-retardant or non-combustible materials whenever possible. Ensure that trees are placed away from heat sources such as fireplaces, radiators, or heating vents. Keep trees well-watered to prevent them from drying out and becoming more flammable.

Inspect holiday lights for frayed wires, broken sockets, or loose connections before use. Avoid overloading electrical outlets and use extension cords sparingly. Turn off holiday lights and decorations before leaving home or going to bed to reduce the risk of electrical fires.

Safe Cooking Practices

Holiday gatherings often center around meals and festive treats, increasing the use of stovetops, ovens, and other cooking appliances. Remain vigilant while cooking and never leave stovetops or ovens unattended, especially when frying, broiling, or boiling food. Keep flammable items such as kitchen towels, pot holders, and packaging materials away from heat sources.

Use timers to remind yourself of cooking times and check food regularly. Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and ensure all family members know how to operate it. In the event of a stovetop fire, carefully slide a lid over the flames and turn off the burner. Avoid using water to extinguish grease fires, as it can cause the flames to spread.

Candle Safety

Candles add ambiance to holiday decorations but should be used cautiously to prevent fires. Place candles in sturdy holders on flat surfaces where they cannot be easily knocked over. Keep candles away from curtains, bedding, and other flammable materials. Never leave candles burning unattended, and extinguish them before leaving a room or going to sleep.

Consider using flameless LED candles as a safer alternative, especially in households with children or pets. Ensure that candles are completely extinguished before disposing of them to prevent accidental fires.

Staying Safe and Jolly

By following these tips and practicing fire safety precautions, you can enjoy a safe and festive holiday season with peace of mind. Stay mindful of potential fire hazards associated with decorations, cooking, and candles. Taking proactive steps to prevent house fires ensures a joyful and hazard-free celebration for you and your family.

Contact SERVPRO of North Calhoun County for professional fire damage restoration services if you experience a fire-related incident during the holiday season. Our expert team is available 24/7 to respond swiftly and restore your home to its pre-fire condition.

Preventing Fires at Your Michigan Property | SERVPRO of North Calhoun County

9/7/2023 (Permalink)

Fire and smoke billowing out of the roof of a brick two story home

If you've experienced a house fire recently, call SERVPRO of North Calhoun County to restore your space back to preloss condition.

From the cozy comfort of your living room to the bustling hub of your kitchen, your North Calhoun County home is filled with spots where potential fire risks lurk. Fires can spark in just about any room, but some areas are especially hazardous.

Fires can wreak havoc both indoors and outdoors, so it's crucial to know where these common fire-prone areas are in each setting. Having a professional team on standby is also a smart move in case a fire ever strikes your property.

Here are the places that require your keen attention as you work to prevent fires in your East Lansing home:

Cooking Up Kitchen Safety

The kitchen is a hotspot for fires, so it's a place where you need to stay vigilant. Many of the cooking gadgets you rely on can turn into fire hazards if you're not careful.

Your stove and oven, those big kitchen appliances, can potentially lead to big fires. Leaving the room while food is cooking, cranking up cooking temperatures too high, or having a cluttered cooking area are all recipe ingredients for flames.

Another kitchen hazard is electrical fires. Appliances like toasters, blenders, and microwaves, powered by electricity, can quickly ignite fires when left unattended or if there are wiring defects.

Stay Safe Outdoors

Fires that start outside your home can also spell trouble. These flames won't just affect your property; they can spread rapidly to the surrounding environment.

Grilling is a fun warm-weather activity, but it can turn risky without proper safety measures. Make sure to give your grill a good cleaning before using it and always operate it outdoors.

Fire pits are another outdoor area to watch out for. Never light a fire pit on a windy day, and never leave it unattended. Maintain a safe distance of at least 10 feet from your home when enjoying your fire pit.

Have Ways to Fight Back

Prevention is key to safeguarding your East Lansing home. While there are steps like keeping flammable items away from heat sources and maintaining your smoke alarms that can help prevent disasters, fires can still occur despite your best efforts.

If flames unexpectedly erupt, you'll need a team that's available 24/7. Whether the fire starts indoors or outdoors, our SERVPRO® team is ready to respond quickly to repair the damage before it escalates.

When you need fast fire recovery, call SERVPRO of North Calhoun County for top-notch restoration services! Your peace of mind is just a phone call away.

Deodorization

9/26/2022 (Permalink)

Interesting fact about SERVPRO of North Calhoun, we can deodorize your home and business of the toxins that come from substances such as cigarette smoke!

Tobacco smoke is composed of numerous types of gasses as well as carcinogens and heavy metals, like arsenic, lead, and cyanide. Sticky, highly toxic particulates, like nicotine, can cling to walls and ceilings. Gases can be absorbed into carpets, draperies, and other upholsteries.

Many times hotels or realtors will call on us to come in and clean rooms that have been inhabited by heavy smokers. Your basic cleaning service is not going to have the expertise to effectively deodorize your home.

Take advantage of SERVPRO’s residential cleaning services to remove unwanted odors (including animal smells such as skunk and wet dog). Call us today 269 963 3033

Commercial Fire Damage

9/26/2022 (Permalink)

You probably have a fire emergency plan in place for your home, but what about your business? Fire damage is probably one of the most devastating aspects of business disasters. It can be problematic to get rid of soot damage and smoke damage that lingers after a fire hose has been used. Plus, a fire hose adds water to the area, so not only are you dealing with the residual effects of a fire but also immense water damage. Whether the fire is from an electrical issue or a utility room fire, it’s important to have commercial fire damage repaired and restored as soon as possible.

If you do not currently have a fire suppression system or sprinkler system, you are going to need to invest in something. Most firefighter professionals will tell you that in order to prevent fire damage altogether, you’re going to need a fire sprinkler system. Firefighters even have them on their fire trucks so it’s ideal to see how it works for them. The sprinkler system should be placed around the business to prevent a fire from spreading.

The biggest concern with commercial fire damage is the resulting soot damage and smoke damage that is present after a fire hose has been used. This smoke damage may not only smell up the office, but it can also be quite unhealthy to breathe in. If the firefighters have put out the fire, chances are that you're still going to be left with soot damage and a lot of smoke damage. The best way to get rid of this is to hire a company that specializes in commercial fire damage repair.

Fire restoration begins when the firefighters have finished putting the fire out. The restoration company will come out to your business to take care of both the soot and smoke damage.

When choosing your fire damage restoration company there are a few things you need to keep in mind: quick response, equipment, specialty, experience, the right team and service cost. Rapid response is essential for commercial fire damage. Avoid shutting the business for long to protect its future. Talk to an experienced fire restoration company that responds immediately to solve all damage types and financial losses.

If you find yourself needing fire restoration for your business, call SERVPRO of North Calhoun County. We are available 24-hours for all your emergency needs. 269-963-3033

SERVPRO of North Calhoun Smoke and Soot Cleanup

9/26/2022 (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 North Calhoun 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 – (269) 963-3033

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help, Ready to Do What it Takes

9/26/2022 (Permalink)

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of North Calhoun has the specific fire restoration training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in fire damage restoration.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your loss, damage and details concerning you emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

Your name and contact information
Your insurance information (if applicable)
The street address of the water-damaged home or business
When did the fire damage occur?
What caused the loss (if known)?
Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of North Calhoun

SERVPRO of North Calhoun specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Focus on Fire

9/26/2022 (Permalink)

Fall and winter weather, coupled with seasonal holiday heating, cooking and decorations, typically brings about an increase in residential fire frequency. SERVPRO of North Calhoun County fire damage restoration experts realize that people have as little as two minutes to escape a burning home before it's too late to get out. In a matter of moments, a small flame can become a major fire, making it critical to be prepared with an escape plan in place. Once a plan is developed, it is critical everyone in the home understands the plan; the best way to do this is by practicing the escape plan at least twice a year.

Working smoke detectors along with building and practicing a home escape plan increase your chance of surviving a fire. The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) promotes steps to help you develop an emergency escape plan. Simply having a plan for your home or business is not enough. Your family and employees must be fully aware of the plan and practice it on a regular basis.

Were You Aware There Are Different Types Of Smoke?

4/9/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Calhoun County specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Did you know there are two different types of smoke? There is wet smoke and dry smoke. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of North Calhoun County 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.

So give us a call! We are ready to put our knowledge, experience, and equipment to work for you! We are faster to any disaster and are here to help make things "Like it never even happened."

Smoke and Soot Damage Can Cause Extensive Damage

4/4/2022 (Permalink)

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 North Calhoun County 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.

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 – 269-963-3033

Smoke and Soot Cleanup Is Just One Call Away To SERVPRO of North Calhoun

10/1/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke Damage - technicians with equipment

Smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions - call us today!

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 North Calhoun 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 – (269) 963-3033

Have Smoke Damage and Need Fire Restoration? Call SERVPRO!

9/28/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Calhoun has all of the above. Call us today!

The fire trucks may be gone but without proper immediate response, the real damage and the costs are just beginning. To return your residential or commercial property to its preloss condition requires professional restoration. This is not the job for a do-it-yourself property owner.

For results you can have confidence in, the IICRC recommends hiring a certified restoration firm. Restoration to a property can be complex. Proper smoke and odor removal are tasks that require technicians certified in these specific areas.

When selecting a certified restoration firm several factors must be considered:

Formal and up-to-date specialized training
Health and safety certifications
Experience in a wide range of restoration projects
Proof of proper insurance and licenses

SERVPRO of North Calhoun has all of the above. Call us today!

Leave Smoke Damage Clean Up To The Professionals - SERVPRO!

9/28/2021 (Permalink)

When your business operations are interrupted by fire or water damage, you need professional help to get your property back to business.

When it comes to cleaning smoked-damaged contents after a residential or commercial fire, the variety of contents in a typical job requires restorers to utilize a variety of cleaning methods. Here is a quick description of each method of content cleaning:

Dry Cleaning - Removes light to medium nongrease-based soils.

Wet Cleaning - Removes moderate to heavy residues. The process involves cleaning using water, with or without a cleaning agent.

Spray and Wipe - Apply a cleaning product using a spray bottle. After spraying, wipe the surface with a clean white towel. This method is effective for materials possibly damaged if saturated with cleaning product.

Foam Cleaning - Effective for light residues or delicate materials. Clean with the foam of a cleaning agent rather than the liquid

Abrasive Cleaning - Agitates the surface being cleaned. Apply a cleaning product containing abrasive ingredients

Immersion Cleaning - Dipping contents items into a bath of cleaning product. This bath is an ultrasonic tank filled with water and cleaning solution. High-frequency sound waves then create high temperatures and microscopic jet streams of fluid to agitate and scrub contents. SERVPRO recommends that you

DO NOT attempt to clean smoke-damaged surfaces or contents yourself.

Call the professionals! SERVPRO of North Calhoun (269)-963-3033

SERVPRO Tips: How to Keep Your Valuables Safe From Fire Damage

9/28/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Calhoun will help you through the process of a fire loss and your valuables that were damaged.

First Step: Itemizing and Photographing

We know how important it is to keep your valuables safe. Some are irreplaceable. The first step in keeping your valuables safe is listing and photographing. Keep this information in a safe place. Then in the event of a fire contact SERVPRO of North Calhoun to help, they will begin to work with your insurance and walk you through the steps of either restoration or creating write off lists.

What SERVPRO Can Do

If your home does suffer from a fire, SERVPRO can help make it “Like it never even happened.” SERVPRO of North Calhoun specializes in restoring contents damaged by fire. Our expertise and “restore” versus “replace” mentality can help you save money while preserving precious keepsakes that can’t be replaced.

14 Bad Habits That Can Start A Fire (Part 2)

4/6/2021 (Permalink)

House fires are more common than you may realize, with potential fire starters like light bulbs, laptops and lint traps hiding in plain sight throughout your home, disguised as harmless everyday necessities. Join us today as we look at the second 1/2 of our list of things you shouldn't be doing that can cause a fire!

Are you guilty of these bad habits that could start a fire in your home?

Misusing Electric Blankets: A warm and cozy electric blanket is a welcome comfort in the winter but, it also poses a potential fire hazard. Never allow pets to snuggle on top and don't pile extra covers over the electric blanket. Excessive heat builds up may lead to a fire. Never bend the coils, always keep your blanket at it's lowest setting and always turn it off in the morning.

Piling up dirty rags: A wood stain may be the perfect finishing touch on a DIY project, but later on, that pile of oil-soaked rags you tossed in the corner could trigger the perfect storm. Those rags are a very real fire hazard if left unattended. The rags could oxidize and spontaneously combust, causing a house fire. Two proper ways to dispose of oily rags are to lay them flat outside to dry or to put them in a metal can filled with water and a tight fitting lid.

Neglecting appliance recalls: Home appliances have caused an estimated 150,000 fires each year, just during the last decade! A significant number of these were caused by faulty appliances. You can visit www.recalls.gov or register your appliance with the manufacturer to keep on top of recalls and prevent disaster.

Lingering dryer lint: We're sure you know emptying the lint screen increases your dryer's efficiency, but did you know that lint is flammable? The combination of lint buildup and excessive heat is a recipe for disaster. Make sure to clean the interior of the dryer frame as well as the dryer vent and exhaust duct regularly to clear away lint and clogs and to reduce the risk of fire.

Letting your laptop overheat: If you own a laptop, you know how hot it can get, Leaving your computer on your bed, chair, rug or another soft flammable surface, you increase the risk of restricting airflow through the cooling vents. This can cause your laptop to overheat and possibly catch fire. Keeping your laptop on a desk or table will help prevent fires.

Choosing the wrong wattage: If you've ever thought "It's okay to use this 60-watt bulb in this 40-watt socket" you're not alone. However, you are putting your home at risk. A leading cause of electrical fires is using a light bulb with a wattage that is too high for a lamp or light fixture. Always check the light fixtures maximum wattage and never go over the recommended rating.

Using too many extension cords: Extension cords are meant to be a temporary response to a lack of electrical outlets; not a permanent solution. The reason why is this: connecting a large number of cords for a significant amount of time causes an overload that will lead to a short circuit - which could start a fire. Hiring a qualified electrician to install additional outlets could help you avoid this problem altogether.

If you find yourself in need of restoration after a fire, call SERVPRO of North Calhoun County. We're available 24-hours at 269-963-3033!

We are faster to any disaster and are here to help get you back to "Like it never even happened."

14 Bad Habits That Can Start A Fire (Part 1)

4/1/2021 (Permalink)

House fires are more common than you may realize, with potential fire starters like light bulbs, laptops and lint traps hiding in plain sight throughout your home, disguised as harmless everyday necessities. Join us today as we look at the first 1/2 of our list of things you shouldn't be doing that can cause a fire!