Here in Starkville, MS its a tradition to enjoy the cooler nights outside around a homemade fire pit! Many of us are looking forward to spending time gathering around them to enjoy time with family and friends. Before you start dreaming of moonlit nights and toasted marshmallows, take a moment to check out some of these tips from Allstate to remember.
Backyard Fire Pit Safety Tips:
Whether you prefer a built-in or portable fire pit, choose one that is not too large for the area. The pit should be a minimum of 10 feet away from any structures or combustible materials as well as away from trees, fences, sheds, power lines, and telephone wires.
Make sure that the seating area is large enough and properly placed for comfort and ventilation.
Check wind direction before lighting a fire.
Don’t use flammable fluids (gasoline, lighter fluid, etc.) to light or relight fires.
To start the fire, use a lighter to ignite crumpled pieces of paper covered with small sticks. Then, add larger sticks and a log or two to keep it burning.
Burn only dry material. Damp material will create excess smoke.
Don’t wear flammable clothing (like nylon) or any loose-fitting clothing.
Never leave the fire unattended, and keep pets and children far away from the fire as they will be attracted to it.
Keep a fire extinguisher, garden hose, or bucket of water nearby.
As the fire dies down, use a shovel and spread out the ashes to allow them to cool down. Then slowly pour water over those ashes and watch them closely to be sure that no burning embers remain or reignite. Put the cooled ashes in a specially designated ash storage metal can.
Fire damage is probably the last thing on your mind, but you may want to move it up on your list of priorities; preparation is the key. The first 48 hours after a fire often makes the difference between ‘restoring’ vs. ‘replacing’ your property and personal belongings. SERVPRO of Columbus/Starkville provides a timely response with mitigation services ranging from fire, smoke and soot removal, to content claims inventory and document restoration.
Here is a timeline to help ease your mind of what should be done before and after SERVPRO of Columbus/Starkville arrives:
One Hour
Within one hour from notice of loss, a SERVPRO of Columbus/Starkville professional will contact you to arrange for service.
Four Hours
Within four hours of loss notification, a SERVPRO of Columbus/Starkville technician will be onsite to start mitigation services.
Detailed Explanation
A trained and uniformed SERVPRO of Columbus/Starkville employee will walk you through the job process step-by-step, explaining what to expect and the anticipated outcome.
Pretesting
A SERVPRO of Columbus/Starkville employee will begin pretesting for restoration, working from the source of the damage outward.
Eight Hours
Within eight business hours of on-site arrival, a verbal briefing of the scope is communicated to the appropriate person.
Cleaning, Restoration, & Deodorization
SERVPRO of Columbus/Starkville will work neatly and efficiently to help you regain control of your property. We then use state-of-the-art restoration techniques to make it “Like it never even happened.”
Final Walk-through
After the work has been completed, a final walk-through will be conducted with you to help ensure your satisfaction. SERVPRO of Columbus/Starkville responds quickly, offering a full line of fire cleanup and restoration services to help you return home as soon as possible. Before risking further damage by attempting to clean up the damage on your own, call the fire damage clean up and restoration professionals. Call us, (662)324-3003
Smoke and Soot Damage can cause a long-lasting odor in your home
Smoke and soot can cause hidden damage and odor. Our Production Techs are experts when it comes to smoke damage who can accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a plan of action. Facts about Smoke and Soot
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 Did you know there are actually different types of smoke? There is what is called wet smoke and dry smoke! Check out the two types below in more detail. 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.
At any given moment, a fire emergency can take place in the Columbus/Starkville area or abroad, and though unexpected; it can be beneficial to already have a plan in place for everyone in your home to evacuate and meet in a safe location. While you should always be most focused on keeping yourself and your family safe, you can also spend some time on pet preparation so that you can have a better chance of getting your pets out of danger as well. You can be better prepared to keep your pets safe during a fire emergency by following these safety tips:
Practice Evacuating
In the confusion caused by a fire, it can be hard to think of everything you need to do right away. If you have a plan in place and practice it a few times, you can be better prepared to handle a fire emergency. This can not only be helpful for pet safety, but also for the safety of everyone in your household.
Notice Where Your Pets Are
An important part of the planning process can be noticing where your pets usually spend their time. It can be especially helpful to note where they hide when frightened. You don’t want to put yourself at risk by spending too much time searching for your dog or cat during a fire emergency, but you can be better prepared to get yourself and your pets out as soon as possible by having a checklist of areas you can look.
Keep Collars and Leashes Handy
Fires can be especially frightening to pets. By keeping their collars and leashes handy, you can more easily guide them out of the house. If you are unable to find them, it can be easier for the fire department to get them out if they are wearing collars. It can be a good idea to hang leashes by the door you are planning to evacuate through. Call us at 662.324.3003.
Always be Prepared. SERVPRO of Columbus/Starkville is here to help
Ensuring your home has at least one working fire extinguisher is one of the first steps toward fire preparedness. However, these important tools can come in a variety of styles. Here are a few tips for choosing the right extinguisher for your home.
1. Consider the Chemical Rating
Many extinguishers include an A, B or C rating to help you know which home fire type it is rated for. The A rating is used for dry combustible materials such as paper or wood, while the B rating indicates effectiveness against flammable liquids. Both of these ratings should have a number after the letter. These numbers indicate the effectiveness level with higher numbers being more effective than lower. The C rating indicates that the extinguisher materials are non-conductive, and may be used in the event of an electrical fire. There is no numeral indicator for C ratings.
2. Look at the Valve Type
There are two types of valves your fire extinguisher may come with. A plastic valve indicates the extinguisher is disposable and will need to be replaced after time or after being used. A metal valve is used for refilling the tank when the pressure gets low over an extended period of time, or after use. Most extinguishers include a gauge to help you determine when a refill may be necessary.
3. Keep the Size in Mind
Extinguishers can come in a variety of sizes. The size you choose may depend on the location it is intended for. Large extinguishers should be kept in areas where a fire may grow quickly, while small to medium extinguishers are best for quick grab situations. In all cases you should know how to properly use your fire extinguisher and follow proper fire safety protocols.
Whatever type of fire extinguisher you choose, remember to read the instructions for its use. It’s also important to keep your extinguisher in working order by checking the pressure and age readings, and having your extinguisher refilled or replaced when needed.
SERVPRO of Columbus/Starkville is here to help 24/7. Call us whatever your fire, mold or water needs may be. 662-324-3003
The fall season brings cooler temperatures, beautiful colors, and an abundance of outdoor activities. But the season also brings many fire risks. Plan ahead this season to help ensure it is safe and fire-free.
Decorations
Fall decorations, like dried flowers, leaves and cornstalks, are highly flammable. Keep these and other decorations away from open flames and heat sources, including light bulbs and heaters. Since these items are dry, they can ignite very easily and spread flames quickly.
Have A Plan
Be sure you have a Fire Preparedness Plan and your family knows what to do if a fire breaks out in your home. Keep emergency exits clear of decorations so nothing blocks escape routes.
Protect your family by teaching your children to stay away from open flames. Be sure they know how to stop, drop, and roll if their clothing catches fire.
Ensure your smoke alarms are in working order and that you have an easily accessible fire extinguisher.
Make Halloween Safe
Remember safety first when choosing a Halloween costume. Consider avoiding billowing fabrics. If you are making your costume, choose material that won’t easily ignite if it comes into contact with heat or a flame.
It is safest to use a flashlight or battery-operated candle in a jack-o-lantern. Use extreme caution if using a real candle. Place lit pumpkins away from anything that can burn, and out of the way of doorsteps, walkways, and yards.
Be Careful in the Kitchen
With the holidays quickly approaching, your kitchen may be working on overdrive. While cooking, it can be easy to get distracted, especially if you have children. However, kitchens are a high-risk area for household fires, so it’s important to remain watchful.
Never leave food unattended while cooking, especially working with oil. Hot grease can splash and ignite. Keep flammable objects, like washcloths, potholders, and paper towels, away from the stovetop.
If a fire starts in your oven, keep the door closed. Turn it off and wait for the fire to extinguish.
Safely Use Your Fireplace
As the weather turns cold and brisk,fireplaces can bring a warm and inviting atmosphere to any home. However, if fireplaces are not properly cared for, they can lead to an increased fire and smoke risk. Make sure your fireplace is clean and well maintained and never left unattended when lit.
SERVPRO of Columbus / Starkville Fire Damage News And Updates
A fire can leave behind soot, smoke damage and a host of other problems. Ceilings, walls, woodwork, carpeting, and floors will often need a thorough professional cleaning. If your home or business suffers a fire, it is important to take the appropriate steps to prevent further damage until your local SERVPRO of Columbus/Starkville arrives. The following tips may help reduce damage and increase chances of a successful restoration.
DO:
-Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpet.
-Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork. n Place dry, colorfast towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
-If electricity is off, empty freezer/ refrigerator completely and prop doors open to help prevent odor.
-Wipe soot from chrome kitchen/ bathroom faucets, trim and appliances, then protect these surfaces with a light coating of lubricant.
-If heat is off during winter, pour RV antifreeze in sinks, toilet bowls, holding tanks and tubs to avoid freezing pipes and fixtures.
-Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers to stop particles of soot from getting in or out of the HVAC system.
Fires at your home or business can be a very difficult and stressful experience. In most cases the fire starts without notice. Each year more than 2,500 people die and 12,600 are injured in home fires in the United States. This number could drop significantly if we would prepare for the worst and hope for the best. A big problem that we see, is that the average person has the attitude that it will never happen to them. Which is the worst attitude to have when it comes to any form of disaster. Here at SERVPRO of Columbus / Starkville we urge the people in our community to prep homes and businesses for any types of unannounced disasters, especially fires. They come on quickly, with hardly any warning and can destroy everything if not properly put out by your local fire department. Here at SERVPRO of Columbus / Starkville we strive to make it "Like it never even happened."
You've just suffered a fire and you decide you want to save a few bucks on the restoration process and handle the cleanup yourself. Smoke and soot are a reminder of the disastrous fire that took its toll on your home. Left over smoke and soot following a fire can be unsightly and foul smelling. Fire damage can linger for years unless properly addressed and restored correctly. Adequate safety equipment is essential in reducing possible dangers to smoke and soot exposure and other health related issues resulting from the firefighting efforts. Proper ventilation is also necessary to protect and restore indoor air quality following a fire. HEPA filtration can absorb toxic air flow in the house and is used to preserve air quality as well. If you have any concerns or questions, we urge you to contact your local SERVPRO of Columbus / Starkville, where the experts and professionals can assist you with any type of destruction, including smoke and fire damage. It’s a pledge that SERVPRO makes to its community.
We had to opportunity to partner with a local State Farm insurance agency and take time out to say a big thank you to the First Responders in Philadelphia Mississippi. We had a cookout where we had hamburgers, sausage dogs and all the trimmings. We could not have planned a better day for the event, mid 70’s temperature and not a cloud in the sky. It was good to see all the local responders coming out and enjoy the food, sunshine and great conversation. We had a great turn out and there was representation from the Philadelphia Police Department, Neshoba County Sheriff's Department, Choctaw Police Department, we had several city and Volunteer firemen along with several Emergency Medical Technicians drop in for the event. While we can truly never repay them for what they do on a day to day basis, we do want again to say Thank You for all you do for the community.
Each year, the Red Cross responds to nearly 64,000 disasters, the vast majority of which are home fires. So we set a goal to reduce fire-related deaths and injuries in the US by 25%.
On average:
7 people die every day from a home fire, most impacting children and the elderly
36 people suffer injuries as a result of home fires every day
Over $7 billion in property damage occurs every year
Every day, seven people die in home fires, most in homes that lack working smoke alarms. Sadly, children and the elderly disproportionately lose their lives. The American Red Cross wants to improve the odds and save lives- that’s why we launched our Home Fire Campaign in 2014.
A critical part of the campaign is Sound the Alarm, a series of home fire safety and smoke alarm installation events across the country. Together with fire departments and other community partners, Red Cross volunteers:
Canvass at-risk neighborhoods
Install free smoke alarms
Replace batteries in existing alarms
Provide fire prevention and safety education
In just three years, our home visits have accomplished so much, including the installation of more than 1 million smoke alarms and preparing more than 1 million people against home fires.
Join us April 28 through May 13 on a Sound the Alarm home visit in your community, where teams of volunteers will be installing 100,000 free smoke alarms in more than 100 cities across the U.S. Together, we can save lives!
When smoke and flames consume a residence, trying to pick up the pieces and return to a normal life may seem impossible. Fire damage restoration is an important first step in the process of rebuilding the structure and making it a livable space once again. The process of remediation after this kind of loss is time-sensitive and involves a number of steps. Finding a professional organization to perform this process can lessen stress, on the body and mind as well as financially, and help property owners return to the home that they love. A professional fire damage restoration team follows a number of steps in achieving the goal of returning the affected property to its former state. Proper cleaning of the structure itself, proper cleaning of your contents as well as properly cleaning your air conditioning unit will ensure that your home will be smoke free and you can get back to normal.
Holiday Hazards: Fire, Lights, and Christmas Trees
It's that time of year again. And while we are wasting no time ensuring that our homes are filled with joy and holiday spirit, all that optimism can make it easy for us to forget about the potential dangers that come along with the festivities.
Holiday Hazards: Fire, Lights, and Christmas Trees
Here are some safety tips that you can follow to prevent or reduce the risk of fire hazards this holiday season.
Candles
Place all candles in non-tip candle holders
Keep all lit candles away from the curtains, the Christmas tree, and out of the reach of children and pets
Never leave lit candles unattended, and be sure to snuff each of them out before going to bed
Fireplaces
Always use a secure screen to contain sparks and embers
Fire Damage- we hope it never happens to you, but unfortunately it does. Fire destroys approximately 1 in 3000 homes. 1 in about 309 homeowners sustains some kind of fire damage over the course of their life. So if your home was to catch fire, are you prepared? ‘Sure’ you said, ‘well I have insurance,’ as most of us do and we know our local and friendly insurance agent will be there to help us when the need arises. Can you ‘recreate’ your home, basically account for what was there- both structural and personal contents. On the structure side, generally this is easy to do. Some homeowners are lucky enough to still have house plans, if not you would simply need to measure and create a simple floor plan from the remaining structure. Now what about my personal belongings? It will be easy to remember the easy stuff like a 55” flat screen, kitchen table that seats 6 and a sleigh bed that was my grandparents. But what about all the little things? The complete set of John Grisham books I have collected, that expensive pottery piece I bought on vacation, the 2 Christmas trees in the attic and all the decorations, etc. It can be overwhelming what you can lose. How will I be able to remember all that stuff? You can’t, no one can- it’s just too much. What you can do is build a virtual tour of your home. You can go room to room and take photos of each wall, list them and save wherever you like in the cloud- but of course make sure it’s stored safe and secure. You can also do this with things like your jewelry box/cabinet, gun cabinet or safe and any other area you feel is important to you. This will help you considerably when you are dealing with your losses and will be a huge help when working with your insurance. Your insurance adjuster or Restoration Company can be of service to you for both or either of these services.
When smoke and flames consume a residence, trying to pick up the pieces and return to a normal life may seem impossible. Fire damage restoration is an important first step in the process of rebuilding the structure and making it a livable space once again. The process of remediation after this kind of loss is time-sensitive and involves a number of steps. Finding a professional organization to perform this process can lessen stress, on the body and mind as well as financially, and help property owners return to the home that they love. A professional fire damage restoration team follows a number of steps in achieving the goal of returning the affected property to its former state. Proper cleaning of the structure itself, proper cleaning of your contents as well as properly cleaning your air conditioning unit will ensure that your home will be smoke free and you can get back to normal.
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