Fire Extinguisher Classes

8/24/2023 (Permalink)

Fire extinguisher icon.

In order to safely extinguish fires and minimize their damage, it's crucial to recognize the diverse array of fire extinguisher types designed to effectively combat specific fire categories. There are five distinct classes of fires, each denoted by a corresponding letter:

Class A: The most prevalent form of fire, Class A fires involve combustible materials such as paper, wood, cloth, plastic, refuse, and other everyday substances commonly found in homes or businesses.

Class B: Fires stemming from flammable liquids are categorized as Class B fires. These liquids encompass substances like gasoline, paint, and oil. Class B fires can also involve combustibles such as propane or butane, which are classified as flammable gases.

Class C: Electrical fires fall under Class C fires, encompassing fires originating from outlets, wiring, and other electrical elements.

Class D: Fires ignited by combustible metals such as magnesium, sodium, aluminum, and potassium, referred to as chemical fires, are classified as Class D.

Class K: Fires involving combustibles like cooking oils, grease, and fats are designated as Class K fires.

It's essential to comprehend that there is no single fire extinguisher capable of safely and effectively extinguishing all types of fires. According to OSHA, "The three most prevalent types of fire extinguishers are air pressurized water, CO2 (carbon dioxide), and dry chemical." Additionally, wet chemical fire extinguishers are also available.

Backyard Fire Pit Safety

8/17/2022 (Permalink)

Keep your fire pit far from any structures, brush, and trees.

It’s summertime, and there’s no better time for an outdoor barbecue and some s’mores by the fire pit. If not cared for properly, however, a relaxing night around the fire could turn into a disaster. Use these tips to help keep your summer nights fun!

Positioning

Keep your fire pit far from any structures, brush, and trees. Ensure no branches or leaves hang anywhere above the fire pit so smoke has a clear escape path into the air. Keep the fire on a non-flammable surface such as concrete or sand. Avoid setting up the fire on grass, and never create a fire on a wooden deck.

Preparation

Keep any flammable materials away from the fire. Staying approximately 10-20 feet from surrounding vegetation and brush will help to prevent flames from jumping or spreading. Dig the pit about six inches deep in the center with a two-foot diameter to contain all embers and flames.

Extinguishing

Always use the proper method to extinguish the flames of a fire as described by your local fire marshal/fire department. Water is usually a primary source to extinguish fire. In addition, a shovel can help with putting out the remaining flames and suffocating the fire. Once the flames are drowned with water, stir with shovel until no flames remain. Ashes remain hot for several days, so ensure they are properly disposed and left to cool. Never dispose of ashes in a compost pile or flammable material.

Stay safe this summer and enjoy the outdoors! If you ever have a fire at your home, Call SERVPRO® of Ojai / Montecito at (805) 669-6662 to help with the restoration, we are 24/7/365.

Stay Safe from Fires in the Workplace

8/5/2022 (Permalink)

If a fire does occur in your business, call SERVPRO® of Ojai / Montecito to get the restoration process underway.

A fire is never fun. At the office or workplace, fires can cause danger to personnel in addition to property damage. Read these tips on basic fire prevention to stay as safe on the job as possible.

Steps of Prevention

• Ensure all staff is properly educated on fire prevention procedures, evacuation routes and fire hazards.
• Maintain a clean workspace to reduce the risk of fire.
• Be aware of potential combustible materials and flammable items.
• Keep a working fire extinguisher in the business and know its whereabouts.

General Safety

• Dispose of combustible or flammable materials in and around the workplace.
• Keep combustible materials in approved containers and away from other flammable items.
• Keep fire extinguisher in an accessible place not blocked by furniture or clutter.

Preventative Safety

• Keep fire equipment up to date, receive inspections on a regular basis.
• Have a working alarm system with both sound and lights.
• Be aware of local authority and fire department information for easy contact when necessary.
• Keep staff up to date on training, be aware of what’s going on.
• Work with SERVPRO® of Ojai / Montecito to create an emergency response plan for your business.

If a fire does occur in your business, call SERVPRO® of Ojai / Montecito to get the restoration process underway. We know a fire can be devastating, and that is why we take great care in restoring as many of your items as we can. No job is too big for SERVPRO® of Ojai / Montecito. Call today at (805) 669-6662, we are 24/7/365.

Facts and Falsehoods about Fire Suppression Systems

3/14/2022 (Permalink)

Acting fast when a fire breaks out in your business will be the difference in mitigating your losses.

Fire suppression systems are typically the first response to any fire in a commercial building. Acting fast when a fire breaks out in your business will be the difference in mitigating your losses. It is important to know what is true or false when it comes to your fire sprinkler system.

False: Water Damage from Fire Sprinklers is More Costly Than Fire Damage

Fact: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) advise sprinkler systems as more cost effective than damaging comparatively to other fire fighting efforts. Since they can keep the fire contained within a single room rather than allowing the fire and smoke to spread throughout the building.

False: Every Fire Sprinkler Will Trigger

Fact: First, confirm with the manufacturer and/or installer what the activation and release methods are for your buildings commercial fire suppression system. Typically, when one sprinkler in your commercial sprinkler system goes off, the others do not. Fire sprinklers act individually and should only release when high levels of heat are detected.

False: Fire Sprinklers are Overly Sensitive

Fact: Fire sprinklers only activate when high heat is sensed. Meaning, employees burning their lunch in the break room will not set off the fire alarm. Protection and safety are most important when keeping operations running.

When the unexpected happens, you are not alone. SERVPRO® of Ojai / Montecito at (805) 669-6662 is 24/7/365 and committed to helping you every step of the way. Use our fire, smoke, and water damage clean up services to return your business to its preloss condition.

4 Tips for Business Owners After Fire

2/23/2022 (Permalink)

Any delay in seeking professional help could result in damages extending past where they could have been mitigated.

When fire damage does occur, reach out to SERVPRO® of Ojai / Montecito to assess your fire damage restoration needs. Any delay in seeking professional help could result in damages extending past where they could have been mitigated. Smoke, a byproduct of fire, is acidic. It’s corrosive elements are capable of corroding away nearly any surface. Smoke and soot damage should be addressed immediately by experienced fire restoration professionals.

1. Call SERVPRO® of Ojai / Montecito – you need professional services, so before moving to the next step, call the experts.
2. Move children and pets to a smoke-free area. Move them to a relative's or friend's home until the fire cleanup or restoration is complete.
3. Open all the windows to get air circulating to help alleviate the smoke smell.
4. Inventory your belongings. Create a list of your business’s or home’s contents, this will assist when filing a claim with your insurance. Taking pictures of the affected items or damage is also a good idea. You will need these for insurance claims purposes, and for your own records.

Check Your Smoke Alarm

2/3/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke alarm testing.

The burning rate for objects depends on the substances caught ablaze and, in some cases, it takes less than 30 seconds for a small flame to turn into a major fire. In a few short minutes your entire property could be engulfed in thick black smoke or flames.

Heat is more dangerous than flames. Room temperatures in a fire can rise to 100 degrees at floor level and 600 degrees at eye level. This super-heated air undoubtedly will scorch your lungs and melt clothes to your skin.

As a fire burns it will impair your vision. It might start off bright, but quickly produces black smoke further blocking your sight.

Fire produces poisonous gases that make you disoriented and drowsy. Smoke and toxic gases do more harm to people than actual flames.

Smoke Alarms

A working smoke alarm significantly increases your chances of surviving a deadly home fire.

• Check your batteries recorded lifespan and set a schedule to replace prior to their expiration.
• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement.
• Review your smoke alarms manufacturing instructions and schedule replacements for the entire smoke alarm in accordance.
• Never disable your smoke alarm while in the process of cooking.
• If you are hearing or visually impaired there are smoke alarms that utilize vibrating pads or flashing lights in lieu of the traditional high pitch alert.

What is Soot?

2/2/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage on rooftop of business park.

Soot, aka that black residue left behind by fire and smoke, is made up of infinitesimally small carbon particulates resulting from incomplete combustion from substances like wood, oil, or coal. 

Soot contains harmful properties from whatever was burned. This can include chemicals, metals, soils, and dust which cause a lingering black substance and horrible smell that is difficult be rid of. Due to its acidic nature, it can even break down your electronics and render them useless. It is a substance which can be extremely damaging to your home and air quality if not cleaned and removed quickly. These harmful characteristics are another reason why it is important to have the professionals at SERVPRO of Ojai / Montecito clean it from your fire damaged business or property.

Finding Smoke and Fire Damage Professionals in Ojai / Montecito

Post fire, the removal process for soot from your home can become an arduous and time-consuming process and potentially dangerous depending on the substances burned. With SERVPRO’s proven system, our franchise professionals come in with the right equipment and knowledge to tackle any sized loss. The cleanup / removal process requires protective equipment, professional tools, and extensive expertise and knowledge. It’s best to leave the disaster restoration to the professionals. 

You want to re-enter your home knowing that it is safe for you and your family. The highly skilled technicians at Professional Fire Restoration will make sure to thoroughly clean and remove any soot particles left behind from a fire to ensure you and your family are entering a home that is safe. If you have experienced smoke or fire damage in your home, contact us today. 

5 Common Types of Smoke Damage

1/12/2022 (Permalink)

Kitchen fire damage.

Depending on the substance that a fire consumes determines the type of smoke damage which occurs. Prior to inspection, in the initial call, we may ask what burned or request photos to get a better grasp on the extent which fire and smoke damage occurred. Below are some common types of smoke damage SERVPRO of Ojai / Montecito may inquire about.

1. Tenant Smoking

This is the most common type and is caused by residents that smoke. In multifamily buildings, property managers / owners deal with these odors on a regular basis. This smoke can cause a great deal of damage to the structure, from unpleasant odors to surface damage. Smoking damage typically requires intense cleaning. 

2. Protein Smoke Damage

Second to tenant smoke kitchen fires are the most common. They typically produce protein smoke. Protein smoke damage occurs when food burns and clings to wood or painted surfaces and has the potential to discolor the surfaces it affects permanently.

3. Wet Smoke Damage

This smoke damage occurs when a fire is slow burning with a low temperature. It is one of the more difficult forms of smoke damage to address and is sometimes the hardest form of smoke damage to clean. It tends to be sticky and thick, and latches to almost all surfaces.

4. Dry Smoke Damage

Usually, this is one of the easier forms of smoke damage to take care of. It is nearly the opposite of wet smoke damage and occurs from high-temperature fires. This damage produces finer particulates, however, if it lands on porous surfaces this will make it more difficult to clean up.

5. Petroleum Smoke Damage

When an oil-based substance is burned, petroleum smoke damage occurs. This smoke is darker and lingers on nearly all material it comes in contact with, and often stains surfaces.

Commercial Fire Cleanup Steps

12/15/2021 (Permalink)

pressure washing foundation

These are typical steps in the commercial fire damage restoration process:

1. Inspection

Call your local SERVPRO to come and inspect the damage to your property. Our highly trained Project Managers and Technicians thoroughly inspect your property to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. Hiring a professional restoration company will allow for a complete comprehensive review of the property damage. They will also record and document all damage for your insurer if needed.

2. Safety Work

Property damage can continue even after the fire has been extinguished. The priority should be to prevent further damage to your property. A restoration company will look at what needs to be protected and take the proper steps to do so. With a lot of your windows, walls, and roof potentially damaged, the restoration company will look at what needs boarding up or if your roof needs tarping. This helps to protect your property from further damage.

3. Water Removal

Water removal post firefighting efforts is top of the list. Hiring a professional team to investigate the possibility of leaks or places where mold can develop is very important.

4. Smoke and Soot Removal

Odors and staining left behind from smoke or soot damage go beyond surface level. With SERVPRO’s specialized techniques, the next step for SERVPRO of Ojai / Montecito is to remove the smoke and soot left behind on the ceilings, walls, and other surfaces.

5. Cleanup

There are a variety of cleaning techniques that can be used to clean up these damaged items and structures, along with equipment such as industrial air scrubbers and foggers that will help remove smoke odors.

Reduce Structural Risk Against Wildfires

10/20/2021 (Permalink)

Home Ignition Zone.

Readyforwildfire.org advises that a large step in reducing wildfire risk to your property is creating defensible areas or zones. These are described as (3) zones with varying defined distances and tasks to perform within each Zone: 0, 1, and 2.

Zone 0: (0) to (5) feet

The Immediate Zone is the area closest to the structure and the most vulnerable. Remove any combustible material surrounding your property. This can be dry grass or brush, outdoor furniture, trashcans etc. Clean any fallen leaves and needles regularly and repeatedly during the fire season.

Zone 1: (5) to (30) feet

The Intermediate Zone can include other buildings, structures, trees, etc. Keep it “lean, clean, and green.” Remove dead plants, dry leaves, pine needles, etc. from your rain gutters, roof, and yard. Regularly trim your trees to a minimum of 10 feet from other trees. Branches that hand over your roof should be removed and any dead branches should be kept 10 feet away from your chimney. Move any woodpiles at least 30 feet from any structure.

Zone 2: (30) to (100) feet

The Extended Zone includes space more than 100 feet away if defined otherwise by vegetation conditions, steep slopes, and or your local fire department. Cut down/back annual grass to the regulatory size in your area.

How Old is My Fire Extinguisher?

8/21/2021 (Permalink)

Fire sprinkler with hang tag.

Fire extinguishers do not last forever. Manufacturers prescribe most extinguishers with a lifespan of 5-15 years. What you may not know is how long ago you received yours. Any fire extinguisher with one or more of the following should be headed towards retirement:

• Hose or nozzle is broken, cracked, and or blocked with debris.
• Locking pin is missing or unsealed
• Handle is wobbly or broken
• Inspection sticker or hang tag (the record of checkups and maintenance) is missing

There are different types of fire extinguishers. Those with compressed gas can leak contents slowly as their seals weaken, while those with ammonium phosphate will solidify over the years, rendering the entire device unusable. You’re being proactive and putting your safety first and by asking this question because the answers can mean the difference between successfully responding to an emergency and being caught empty-handed.

SERVPRO Should Be Your First Call. Here's Why

7/24/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO professionals understand all of your situations when it comes to remediating water, fire, mold, or storm damage. 

Our technicians have regular training, even if they are the most knowledgeable in the game. We make sure to have refresher courses and are constantly studying up with our crews to make sure they always know what to do. You can trust that when a SERVPRO technician enters your home you will be satisfied with them.

Restoring property is SERVPRO's first priority. You will appreciate the immediate response and you will know everything is being done to limit the damage. It doesn't matter what time or what day you call we will have a crew to you in a matter of hours, assessing the damage, and beginning work on your home in Ojai or Montecito. 

Fire & Smoke Restoration for Ojai/Montecito

2/1/2021 (Permalink)

After a fire, its best to assess your property for visual and hidden damages. In the case of a fire or smoke emergency, SERVPRO of Ojai/Montecito provides all of the services to return your home to its original state. Whether you suffered from a local wildfire or had an accidental fire in your kitchen, SERVPRO of Ojai/Montecito will make your home new again. We clean every affected surface, content, and furniture and remove soot, ash, and smoke.

When a fire causes physical damage to your structure or building materials, you can have peace of mind with our complete reconstruction services. A SERVPRO expert will guide you on getting your life and property back to normal. 

Our goal is to remediate your home to make it even better than it was before. Our professionals will work with you to ensure all repairs are completed in a timely manner and that they meet the highest standards for quality.

The Do's and Don'ts of Dealing with Fire Damage

1/19/2021 (Permalink)

Facing a fire in your home or business can be overwhelming, to say the least. It’s crucial, though, to start your fire damage cleanup and restoration process as soon as possible, to get your life back to normal.

The Do's

• Make safety a priority
• Call your insurance agent
• Call SERVPRO
• Remove all clothing from the property and have it cleaned by professional fire damage restoration cleaners, not just a dry cleaner

The Dont's

• Enter the building before the fire department gives you the go-ahead, even if it looks safe
• Start to clean or wipe residue from walls, ceilings, and other surfaces
• Use or try to clean carpets or furnishings impacted by smoke residues or debris until they are professionally cleaned

The residue left behind after fire damage may cause health problems if it’s not handled correctly. Only trained experts with professional equipment can ensure fire damage restoration is done safely and thoroughly. Call SERVPRO immediately when dealing with fire damage in your home or business.

Removing Smoke Damage After a Fire

1/2/2021 (Permalink)

Any fire restoration professional can tell you when it comes to fire damage, the fire is the easy part. There’s really only one way to get rid of most damage to building materials charred by fire: remove them. Getting rid of the sight of smoke damage is a fairly easy thing to do. You can clean it, paint over it or remove the items. Odor on the other hand is invisible and even more bothersome and must be dealt with immediately. SERVPRO uses scientific methods and quick measures to remove smoke damage after a fire.

1. Get rid of the source of smoke odor

2. Seal salvageable surfaces

3. Clean everything left behind

Having your home professionally cleaned after soot, smoke, and fire damage can impact your health. The hidden damage from smoke can be hard to detect, you should always call SERVPRO after experiencing a fire loss of any size. 

Fireplace Safety Guidelines

11/25/2020 (Permalink)

It is that time of year when the weather cools down and temperatures in most states drop. If you enjoy the occasional cozy fire in your wood-burning fireplace, keep in mind that heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fires during the winter months. Furthermore, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), more than a third of home heating fires in the U.S. involve fireplaces and chimneys. Here are some critical fireplace safety tips that could help prevent a smoke or fire-related accident in your home during these cold months.

• Inspect your chimney cap regularly. If it’s damaged, repair or replace it. If your chimney doesn’t have a cap at the top, have one installed fitted with wire-mesh sides to prevent debris or animals from entering the chimney.
• Keep all flammable objects, such as newspapers, books, holiday decorations, and furniture, at least two feet away from the fireplace.
• Use only dry, seasoned wood, cut to the correct length.
• Have a mesh metal screen or glass fireplace doors installed to prevent embers from shooting out of the fireplace.
• Use fireplace tools to maintain the fire.
• Remove the ashes from the previous fire but let them cool for several hours before disposing of them. Building a fire on top of the ashes will result in more smoke, as it reduces the air supply to wood.

Even with all the proper fireplace safety measures in place, accidents can still happen. As smoke can severely damage a home, it’s essential to get the house remediated as soon as possible. The longer soot and smoke sits on a surfacer, the more damage it can do. Our fire damage restoration technicians use the latest equipment and techniques to remove soot and deodorize your house after fire damage, quickly and properly.

What do Fire Restoration Companies Do?

10/29/2020 (Permalink)

Sometimes it is confusing understanding exactly the purpose of a fire restoration company. We are not the fire department and we cannot put out your fire, however we can clean up the aftermath. The job of a restoration company is to clean up the mess and to preserve and protect the home and its contents so that further damage will not occur. Our crews of professional technicians will enter your home and immediately begin logging your items and begin cleaning your home from soot and smoke damage. 

The fire damage restoration process can reverse the damage caused by a fire in your home or business premises so that you are able to get back to normal living as quickly as possible. If you experience a fire loss always call SERVPRO of Ojai/Montecito immediately. 

Get Your Home Back to Normal

10/19/2020 (Permalink)

Fire and smoke restoration experts, that's SERVPRO of Ojai/Montecito. While water damage makes up for most of our work, our franchise location prides ourselves on also effectively handling fire/soot/smoke damage as well. 

After a fire, it's best to assess your property for visual and hidden damages. In the case of a fire or smoke emergency, SERVPRO provides all of the services to return your home to its original state. Whether you suffered from a local wildfire or had an accidental fire in your kitchen, SERVPRO will make your home new again. We clean every affected surface, content, and furniture and remove soot, ash, and smoke. You can have peace of mind with our restoration services to restore your home to make it better than new.

Smoke Damage Restoration

10/5/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke damage is a common side effect of fire damage, but it can happen on its own if a fire is contained. After a fire, even a small one, it’s important not to skip the important step of smoke damage restoration. A fire can devastate you and even affect your sense of security in your home or office. And while fire damage tends to be obvious, smoke damage can be a bit more subtle. However, smoke damage also needs to be repaired to restore the beauty and stability in your building’s interior.

A fire is easier to contain than smoke damage and smoke damage can be destructive even if it doesn't seem that way. Smoke restoration requires special equipment and knowledge, it also takes a special knowledge of where smoke can penetrate, the sources of smoke odor, and the best cleaning and restoration method for specific surfaces and materials.

What To Do After Flooding

8/11/2020 (Permalink)

What should you do after flooding? Are you in need of some tips for what to do after flooding?  Either way, being prepared just in case it might ever happen is helpful as well!

Here are some tips:

• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after the removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in the summertime.
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• Remove art objects to a safe and dry place.
• Gather loose items from floors.

Avoid additional risks and do not hesitate to call us at SERVPRO.  We are ready and here to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days all year!

Commercial Owners Be Prepared When It Comes To Mold Testing

7/31/2020 (Permalink)

Mold becomes a problem only when there is too much of it. In commercial buildings, mold overgrowth occurs in places that collect too much moisture such as air conditioning ductwork, trash chutes, and around water leaks from pipes, fixtures, or into the building envelope. Sometimes overgrowth is obvious to the eye and nose, drawn by a moldy smell, you discover a patch of greenish mold in the bathroom under a dripping sink valve. 

Other mold problems flourish out of sight with faint or no odor clues: behind the wall, for example, fed by a failing roof. 

Always schedule professional cleaning if you suspect the following on your property(s):

• There is no visual evidence of mold but the smell of mold is present.
• There has been a history of leaks or standing water issues.
• Tenants complain of allergy or health symptoms that could be caused by mold such as sneezing, coughing, and headaches.
• Tenants suspect mold issues or are unsure whether mold may be present.

You should call SERVPRO for any mold infestation that is more than a few feet in diameter; related to flooding or water damage; inside ventilation or heating systems or inside walls.

Little Things Can Cause Big Fires

12/28/2019 (Permalink)

Leave it to the professionals.

Every year the US Fire Administration provides statistics detailing the amount of home fires they record and there’s no sign that they are stopping. But as a homeowner you can take precautions to reduce your chances of sparking a large fire. Be aware of everyday activities such as cooking, using the heat, smoking, and doing laundry, can all be considered fire hazards. Being cautious and watching the stove when you are cooking or even smoking outside instead of putting out cigarettes in your home can mean the tiniest difference but save you a big headache. While we hope you never suffer from fire damage, the off chance that you do you should always exit the home safely and let the fire department do their job; and once they have deemed it safe call SERVPRO. We have many years of professional fire restoration and can be sure to walk you through the entire process and restore everything we possibly can.  

3 Things to Keep in Mind After a Fire Damage

12/23/2019 (Permalink)

Finding someone to help you repair your home after a fire can be stressful. Here are three reasons why you should hire SERVPRO of Ojai/Montecito specialists to assist you.

1. We are the best in the business and the most reliable professionals you can call. We know how upsetting it can be to deal with a fire in your home. The stress can be maddening. You just want to get back to your normal life. Instead of taking everything on yourself, you can count on our team to help you. It will be one less thing for you to worry about.
2. We have all of the necessary tools for the job. The specialists at our business have been providing restoration services for many years, so you can rest assured that we have the right tools for the job. We use only the best cleaners, make sure that everyone has masks on, and work hard to repair your home.
3. We give the correct advice with your best interest in mind. You can sit online and get a lot of advice regarding what you should do after a fire occurs in your home, but you never know who has written this information. Our team of certified professionals will be able to tell you what needs to be updated, what items can stay, and what needs to be thrown away.

Never be afraid to call us 24/7 we are always ready to go and ready to help no matter how big or small your fire damage may seem to you. It is always important to us here at SERVPRO.

Little Things Can Cause Big Fire Damage

10/29/2019 (Permalink)

With the sponge placed on the counter you can see the before and after where the soot from the fire was layered on.

Every year the US Fire Administration provides statistics detailing the amount of home fires they record and there’s no sign that they are stopping. But as a homeowner you can take precautions to reduce your chances of sparking a large fire. Be aware of everyday activities such as cooking, using the heat, smoking, and doing laundry, can all be considered fire hazards. Being cautious and watching the stove when you are cooking or even smoking outside instead of putting out cigarettes in your home can mean the tiniest difference but save you a big headache. While we hope you never suffer from fire damage, the off chance that you do you should always exit the home safely and let the fire department do their job; and once they have deemed it safe call SERVPRO. We have many years of professional fire restoration and can be sure to walk you through the entire process and restore everything we possibly can.  

Space Heater Safety for Your Home

10/17/2019 (Permalink)

Heating and electrical are some of the top causes for structure fires in the United States, especially in homes. Even though they are great for the cold months approaching they can pose a serious threat. Space heaters should be setup at least a few feet away from furniture or other combustible items. You should check the equipment regularly and it is a good idea to make sure the appliance is turned off or even unplugged whenever you leave your home or are not using it. Cleaning your space heater can be done by spraying compressed air throughout the inside and vents to get rid of dust and debris that may accumulate. You may need to remove the front cover to do so.

While many modern space heaters do have a safety shut off feature built in it is still a good idea to turn it off when it will not be monitored.

Home fires can still be unpredictable and if you fall victim to one you should always call SERVPRO of Ojai/Montecito for your immediate remediation needs. 

How to Properly Clean Up Fire Extinguishers

8/11/2019 (Permalink)

95% of residential fires can be put out if extinguishers are used quickly and correctly after the first flame. But once the fire is out and the household calms, what’s the best way to clean up the messy aftermath? There are 3 different types of fire extinguishers; A is ordinary combustibles like wood, paper, and cloth; B is flammable liquids, such as gasoline or cooking oil; and C is live electricity. Read the label to determine what that powdery substance is.

Sodium bicarbonate and potassium bicarbonate: Vacuum residue thoroughly, making several passes over affected areas to remove all visible residue. Apply hot water mixed with a little vinegar, which neutralizes the pH of the powder. Allow to sit for a few minutes and rinse with warm water.

Silicone types: Vacuum residue thoroughly, making several passes to remove all visible residue. Spray the area with rubbing alcohol to break down the silicone. Allow the solution to penetrate for several minutes then rinse with warm water.

Monoammonium phosphate: Do not vacuum residue left by monoammonium phosphate. This residue must be cleaned by hand without delay; if it remains in contact with sensitive electronics and other equipment it can cause further damage. Begin by wiping the residue away with a clean cloth. On surfaces that can be wet-washed, clean with a mixture of warm water and baking soda. Thoroughly dry and sanitize the area as needed.

Knowing this information you will only help yourself and your home from further damages.

Be Aware of the Dangers of Candles

7/31/2019 (Permalink)

Candles can absolutely bring a calming sense and make your home smell lovely. However they are one of the top causes of home fires and they could be so easily prevented. Here are some easy tips to keep your home safe:

• Blow out candles before leaving a room or going to bed
• Keep candles one foot (30 centimeters) away from anything that can burn
• Use a sturdy candle holder, that will not tip over easily
• Put candle holders and a sturdy and uncluttered surface
• Do not let the candle burn all the way to the bottom
• You should not light a candle if oxygen is used in the home
• During a power outage, use a flashlight or battery-operated lighting instead of a candle

Candles are an open flame which means they can easily ignite. But always remember SERVPRO of Ojai/Montecito is just one call away.