Recent Fire Damage Posts

Distinguishing Common Fire Extinguishers

7/24/2018 (Permalink)

Fire extinguishers are a standard household item. However, not all extinguishers are made equally. Many different kinds of extinguishers are made to fight specific classes of fire. Here is a list and description of common fire extinguishers.
Water: Water extinguishers are used on Class A fires, that start when ordinary combustibles like wood and paper ignite. It is best not to use water extinguishers on electrical fires, as the water can damage the appliance.
AFFF Foam: This type of fire extinguisher is highly effective on class A and B fires. When extinguishing a class B fire that involves gasoline, the foam helps to prevent reignition. Some of these extinguishers may be used on or near electrical appliances, check to see if the extinguisher has been dielectrically tested before use on electrical equipment.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2): This extinguisher can be used on class B fires or class F fires. This extinguisher works by cutting off the oxygen supply to the fire and does not leave residue behind.
ABC Powder: This type of extinguisher is versatile across classes A, B, C, and electrical fires. However, it is recommended not to use ABC Powder in a small or confined room due to the risk of inhalation.
Water Mist: Water mist extinguishers are used to put out A, B, C, F, and electrical fires. "The unique design of the water mist extinguishers' supersonic nozzle creates a microscopic mist curtain, reducing the oxygen content. Water mist extinguishers are also safe on fires caused by electricity, as the water mist does not conduct electricity and the water mist does not form puddles which could lead to electrocution" (Safelincs, 2018).
Wet Chemical: Wet Chemical fire extinguishers are specifically designed to put out class F fires that involve cooking oil and fats. Some of these extinguishers may be used on class A fires as well.
If you or anyone you know is having a fire emergency call SERVPRO of Port Jefferson for immediate emergency services. Staying safe and staying educated on fire safety can help you keep yourself, your family, and your home safe.

Different Classes of Fire

7/20/2018 (Permalink)

There are many different classes of fire based on what fuels the flames. Even though there are a variety of fires, all fires are dangerous. The first step in protecting yourself, your family, and your home from different types of fires is understanding what fuels them and what extinguishes them.
Class A fires are fueled by ordinary combustible materials like wood, paper, fabric, and most kinds of trash. Class A fires typically start at campsites, kitchens, backyards, schools, and forests. If a Class A fire does start and has not spread, pouring water or cutting off the oxygen supply will extinguish the fire.
Please call 911 in case of a fire emergency, then call SERVPRO to help start the restoration process.
Flammable liquid and gas fuel class B fires. Not to be confused with a greasy kitchen fire, Class B fires start when gasoline catches fire. When a Class B fire starts never pour water directly onto the fire, due to gasoline's hydrophobic makeup the water will cause the fuel to spread, thus making the fire spread. Extinguishing these fires should be left to professionals. However, if that is not an immediate possibility, a CO2 extinguisher will effectively stop the fire.
Please call 911 in case of a fire emergency, then call SERVPRO to help start the restoration process.
Electrical fires are categorized as a Class C fire. With the absence of an energized electronic device, it is classified differently. A Class C fire is extinguished the same as a Class A fire.
When cooking anything with grease, a Class K fire is possible. This class of fire starts when oil, grease, or vegetable fat ignites. Similar to the aforementioned Class B fire, never pour water on a Class K fire. Grease and oil repel water, and by pouring water directly onto the fire, it will cause the fire to spread. You can extinguish this fire by cutting off its oxygen supply with a CO2 extinguisher, but these fires need to be left to professionals.
Please call 911 in case of a fire emergency, then call SERVPRO to help start the restoration process.
Being educated about what to do and what not to do for different classes of fire can help you protect yourself, your family, and your home from disastrous fire damage.

Fire safety for kids: Prepare, practice and prevent

3/19/2018 (Permalink)

  • PREPARE – Reduce the risk of fires in your home by eliminating hazards.

  • PRACTICE – Practice a home fire evacuation plan and general fire safety practices.

  • PREVENT – The Unthinkable.

It takes about two minutes for a small flame to turn into a life threatening fire and just five minutes for a fire to engulf an entire home, according to Ready.gov. Putting in place fire prevention measures to avoid a home fire altogether is the best fire safety practice.

While prevention isn’t a 100 percent guarantee, there are many precautions you can take in your home to reduce fire hazards and keep your kids safe. Follow these recommendations to address common household fire hazards and protect your family from a home fire catching in your home:

  • Don’t overload electric outlets, extension cords or wall sockets. Stringing multiple extension cords together in order to plug several appliances into the same outlet is a bad idea.

  • Reduce clutter. This is especially important in the kitchen, where dish towels, sponges, paper towels, and other items can catch fire if placed too close to a hot stove. But it’s also important in all areas of your home – blankets and clothing piled up against a heat run, for instance, can also pose a fire hazard. As a rule, keep combustible materials at least three feet from the stove burners, and never leave cooking unattended.

  • Don’t leave burning candles unattended. A candle can fall for a multitude of reasons, lighting carpets, curtains or furniture ablaze. This can also happen if a candle is allowed to burn down too low, causing its glass container to break and freeing the flame.

  • Hide all matches and lighters out of reach of young children. Even responsible children can accidentally light a fire if they encounter a lighter or match and try it out of curiosity. It’s best to place these items well out of reach of kids.

  • Always have multiple working fire extinguishers conveniently located in your home. You should always have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen, for instance, as it’s a common location for fires to occur from cooking and other hazards.

  • Replace circuit breakers with arc-fault circuit interrupters. These gadgets pick up on electrical arcs, usually caused by poor insulation or loose wires or connections, and halt them before they lead to fires.

  • Replace electrical outlets. Faulty electrical outlets can be a source of home fires, too. If plugs seem to be loose or fall out, the blades inside may have loosened. Loose blades create excessive heat, which can lead to fires.

  • Give your clothes dryer proper maintenance. Cleaning the lint catcher thoroughly with every load is just the starting point. Over time, lint and other particles can build up in the vent system or dryer cabinet (where the heating element is located) and potentially cause fires. Having your dryer cabinet professionally cleaned every two years can also reduce potential fire risks.

  • Keep an eye on garage safety. Heated garages pose another threat to your home’s safety. If your garage contains a workshop, where even a thin layer of sawdust is present, and a heating appliance – whether a portable kerosene heater, wood stove, coal stove or anything else – there’s a fire risk. Sawdust is easily combustible, so employ a heavy-duty vacuum like a Shop Vac to remove as much sawdust as possible.

For more information check out https://www.safety.com/kids-fire-safety/

Fireplace Safety

2/13/2018 (Permalink)

Fireplace Safety Tips

  • If possible, keep a window cracked open while the fire is burning.
  • Be certain the damper or flue is open before starting a fire. Keeping the damper or flue open until the fire is out will draw smoke out of the house. The damper can be checked by looking up into the chimney with a flashlight or mirror. Do not close the damper until the embers have completely stopped burning.
  • Use dry and well-aged wood. Wet or green wood causes more smoke and contributes to soot buildup in the chimney. Dried wood burns with less smoke and burns more evenly,
  • Smaller pieces of wood placed on a grate burn faster and produce less smoke.
  • Clean out ashes from previous fires. Levels of ash at the base of the fireplace should be kept to 1 inch or less because a thicker layer restricts the air supply to logs, resulting in more smoke.
  • The chimney should be checked annually by a professional. Even if the chimney is not due for cleaning, it is important to check for animal nests or other blockages that could prevent smoke from escaping.

For more tips check them out here!

Fall Fire Safety Tips

11/9/2017 (Permalink)

As summer turns to fall, it's a good idea to refresh your memory on fall fire safety tips. Some safety tips are the same regardless of the time of year, but many safety concerns are seasonal, particularly those that involve keeping your home warm.

Time Changes Mean Battery Changes

Get in the habit of changing the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors every fall and spring when changing the clocks for Daylight Savings Time. It is also a good idea to make it standard procedure in your household to verify that all fire extinguishers are fully charged and in working order when you adjust the clocks each season.

Home Heating Tips

No matter what type of device you use to heat your home, making sure your heating devices and/or systems are in good working order is an important part of learning some fall fire safety tips. Many things can go wrong with heating equipment during the spring and summer months. Verify that everything you need to keep your home warm throughout fall and winter is in good working order before you experience the first cold snap of the season.

 

Central Heating System Safety Tips

  • Get your central heating system cleaned, inspected and serviced by a certified HVAC (heating, venting and air conditioning) contractor every year before using it.
  • If you have a gas heater, make sure that you have a sufficient quantity of fully functioning carbon monoxide detectors installed in your home.

Space Heater Safety Tips

  • Make sure that any space heaters are surrounded by at least three feet of empty space.
  • Never place clothing or any other objects on a space heater to dry.
  • Do not place space heaters near furniture or drapery.
  • Turn space heaters off when you leave the house or go to bed.
  • Avoid storing any combustible items near heaters.

Fireplace Safety Tips

  • Get your chimney inspected each year to make sure that it is safe.
  • Hire a chimney sweep to clean out your chimney every fall.
  • Repair any cracks in fireplaces.
  • Use fireplace screens to keep sparks and fire debris inside the fireplace.
  • Do not every use gasoline to start a fire in the fireplace.
  • Never leave a fire unattended.
  • Make sure that combustible materials are not stored within three feet of your fireplace.
  • For natural gas fireplaces, get all connections and lines inspected before use each season.
  • Remember that outdoor fireplaces can be just as dangerous as indoor units, and observe all safety precautions when using them.

Home Fires

10/19/2017 (Permalink)

In just two minutes, a fire can become life-threatening. In five minutes, a residence can be engulfed in flames.

Learn About Fires

  • 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.

Before a Fire

Create and Practice a Fire Escape Plan

In the event of a fire, remember that every second counts, so you and your family must always be prepared. Escape plans help you get out of your home quickly.

Twice each year, practice your home fire escape plan.  Some tips to consider when preparing this plan include:

  • Find two ways to get out of each room in the event the primary way is blocked by fire or smoke.
  • A secondary route might be a window onto a neighboring roof or a collapsible ladder for escape from upper story windows.
  • Make sure that windows are not stuck, screens can be taken out quickly, and that security bars can be properly opened.
  • Practice feeling your way out of the house in the dark or with your eyes closed.
  • Teach children not to hide from firefighters.

Smoke Alarms

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

  • Install both ionization AND photoelectric smoke alarms, OR dual sensor smoke alarms, which contain both ionization and photoelectric smoke sensors.
  • Test batteries monthly.
  • Replace batteries in battery-powered and hard-wired smoke alarms at least once a year (except non-replaceable 10-year lithium batteries).
  • Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement, both inside and outside of sleeping areas.
  • Replace the entire smoke alarm unit every 8-10 years or according to manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Never disable a smoke alarm while cooking – it can be a deadly mistake.

Smoke Alarm Safety for People with Access or Functional Needs

  • Audible alarms for visually impaired people should pause with a small window of silence between each successive cycle so that they can listen to instructions or voices of others.
  • Smoke alarms with a vibrating pad or flashing light are available for the hearing impaired. Contact your local fire department for information about obtaining a flashing or vibrating smoke alarm.
  • Smoke alarms with a strobe light outside the home to catch the attention of neighbors, and emergency call systems for summoning help, are also available.

More Fire Safety Tips

  • Make digital copies of valuable documents and records like birth certificates.
  • Sleep with your door closed.
  • Contact your local fire department for information on training on the proper use and maintenance of fire extinguishers.
  • Consider installing an automatic fire sprinkler system in your residence.

During a Fire

  • Crawl low under any smoke to your exit - heavy smoke and poisonous gases collect first along the ceiling.
  • Before opening a door, feel the doorknob and door. If either is hot, or if there is smoke coming around the door, leave the door closed and use your second way out.
  • If you open a door, open it slowly. Be ready to shut it quickly if heavy smoke or fire is present.
  • If you can’t get to someone needing assistance, leave the home and call 9-1-1 or the fire department. Tell the emergency operator where the person is located.
  • If pets are trapped inside your home, tell firefighters right away.
  • If you can’t get out, close the door and cover vents and cracks around doors with cloth or tape to keep smoke out.  Call 9-1-1 or your fire department. Say where you are and signal for help at the window with a light-colored cloth or a flashlight.
  • If your clothes catch fire, stop, drop, and roll – stop immediately, drop to the ground, and cover your face with your hands.  Roll over and over or back and forth until the fire is out.  If you or someone else cannot stop, drop, and roll, smother the flames with a blanket or towel.  Use cool water to treat the burn immediately for 3 to 5 minutes.  Cover with a clean, dry cloth.  Get medical help right away by calling 9-1-1 or the fire department.

Fire Escape Planning for Older Adults and People with Access or Functional Needs

  • Live near an exit. You'll be safest on the ground floor if you live in an apartment building. If you live in a multi-story home, arrange to sleep on the ground floor, and near an exit.
  • If you use a walker or wheelchair, check all exits to be sure you get through the doorways.
  • Make any necessary accommodations, such as providing exit ramps and widening doorways, to facilitate an emergency escape.
  • Speak to your family members, building manager, or neighbors about your fire safety plan and practice it with them.
  • Contact your local fire department's non-emergency line and explain your special needs. Ask emergency providers to keep your special needs information on file.
  • Keep a phone near your bed and be ready to call 911 or your local emergency number if a fire occurs.

After a Fire

The following checklist serves as a quick reference and guide for you to follow after a fire strikes.

  • Contact your local disaster relief service, such as The Red Cross, if you need temporary housing, food and medicines.
  • If you are insured, contact your insurance company for detailed instructions on protecting the property, conducting inventory and contacting fire damage restoration companies.  If you are not insured, try contacting private organizations for aid and assistance.
  • Check with the fire department to make sure your residence is safe to enter. Be watchful of any structural damage caused by the fire.
  • The fire department should see that utilities are either safe to use or are disconnected before they leave the site.  DO NOT attempt to reconnect utilities yourself.
  • Conduct an inventory of damaged property and items.  Do not throw away any damaged goods until after an inventory is made.
  • Try to locate valuable documents and records.  Refer to information on contacts and the replacement process inside this brochure.
  • Begin saving receipts for any money you spend related to fire loss.  The receipts may be needed later by the insurance company and for verifying losses claimed on income tax.
  • Notify your mortgage company of the fire.

SERVPRO of Port Jefferson & The American Red Cross

2/28/2017 (Permalink)

Fire Damage SERVPRO of Port Jefferson & The American Red Cross

 

Have questions? – We’re Here To Help®

Stamp out home fires, let's make it

"Like it never even happened"

SERVPRO of Port Jefferson’s continued commitment to the American Red Cross by supporting the disaster responder with an emphasis on the home fire preparedness campaign. The home fire preparedness campaign aligns with SERVPRO of Port Jefferson’s aim at reducing home fire deaths and injuries across the United States

Be informed, be aware, be safe

For more information on children and fire safety Check out the American Red Cross Website.

Www.redcross.org/homefires

Have questions? – We’re Here to Help®

Fire safety escape plans and more: Don't Hesitate Call SERVPRO of Port Jefferson:(631) 237-5505

24 Hours a day/ 7 days a week/ 365 days a year

 email: sales@SERVPROofportjefferson.com  

Home Fire Safety Tips for Winter

1/18/2017 (Permalink)

Fire Damage Home Fire Safety Tips for Winter

 Did you know that home fires occur more often in the winter than during any other season? Make sure you take the necessary safety precautions. Here are some fire safety tips to follow:

Furnace 

• Keep trash and other combustibles away from the furnace.
• Hire a professional to inspect and maintain your furnace . Inspections ensure that all furnace controls and functions are in good working order. 
• If your furnace breaks leave repairs to a knowledgeable professional.

Fireplace 

• Have the chimney inspected and cleaned once a year. The best time to do this is in the fall before the snow and cold weather hits.
• Close the glass doors or set a mesh metal screen in front of a lit fireplace to prevent embers from jumping out and unwanted materials from falling in.
• Keep blankets, clothing and other combustible materials away from the fireplace.
• Build a small fire and add logs as necessary to keep the fire going. Avoid using excess amounts of paper when starting a fire.
• Never burn charcoal in the fireplace since this gives off high amounts of carbon monoxide.
• Put out the fire before you go to sleep.
• Never close the fireplace damper with hot ashes in the fireplace. Once the ashes cool, store them outside in a tightly sealed metal container at least 10 feet from the house.

Portable Space Heater

• Plug space heaters directly into the wall; avoid using extension cords if possible. Also, plug only one space heater into an outlet at a time. Plugging two in together could overload the circuit.
• Keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything combustible, including bedding, clothing and drapes.
• Check power cords occasionally for fraying or breakage. Never operate a space heater with a damaged cord.
• Turn off the space heater when you leave home or go to sleep. Never leave it running unattended.
• Never hang gloves, socks or other items over a space heater to dry.
• Never run a space heater in the bathroom or other damp area where it could come in contact with water.

Stove and Oven 

• Keep an ABC fire extinguisher under the kitchen sink. ABC stands for “ash”, “barrel”, and “current”. An ABC fire extinguisher is capable of handling trash, wood and paper fires (ash); cooking oil, gasoline, and other flammable liquid fires (barrel); and electrical equipment fires (current). 
• If a fire extinguisher isn’t available, put out stovetop grease fires with liberal amounts of salt and baking soda, not water.
• Never leave the oven or stove on as supplementary heat for your home.
• Don’t cook if you are sleepy or have been drinking alcohol.
• Never leave the kitchen while frying, grilling, boiling or broiling.
• Set a timer to remind you when food is done cooking.
• Keep anything that could catch fire away from the stove top.

Candles

• Burn candles in sturdy holders and set them on a stable surface.
• Keep candles one foot away from anything that could catch fire.
• Blow out candles when you go to sleep or leave home. Avoid burning candles in the bedroom where you could fall asleep with them still lit.
• Never leave a child unattended with a burning candle.
• Store matches and lighters out of reach of children.

Smoke Alarm

• Install a smoke alarm on every floor of your home, including inside bedrooms and outside each sleeping area.
• Change the batteries in the smoke alarm once a year. It's helpful to set a schedule to do this at the same time annually, for example when the clocks change for daylight savings time.  
• Test smoke alarms monthly. Simply press the “test” button and wait for the alarm to sound. If the alarm doesn’t go off, change the batteries and try again. If the alarm still doesn’t work, replace it as soon as possible.

SERVPRO of Port Jefferson - Fire Safety Tips

11/2/2016 (Permalink)

Fire Damage SERVPRO of Port Jefferson - Fire Safety Tips

According to the US Fire Loss Clock, in 2015, a fire department responded to a fire every 23 seconds.  Structural fires were reported every 63 seconds.  Tragically, fires claimed an average of seven lives per day.

Though some fire are unavoidable acts of nature or unpredictable accidents, many fires in the home and workplace are avoidable.  The following tips can help reduce the likelihood of a fire in your home or business.

1.     Watch your cooking. Stay in the kitchen if you are frying, grilling or broiling food.  Never allow young children around the stove or oven, especially if they are not closely attended.

2.     Give space heaters space. Keep space heaters at least three feet from anything that is flammable.

3.     Smoke outside. If you must smoke inside, have a sturdy, deep ashtray.  Never smoke in bed.

4.     Keep matches and lighters out of reach. Keep matches and lighters in high cabinets, preferably under a child lock.

5.     Inspect electrical cords. Replace cords that are cracked, damaged, have broken plugs or have loose connections.

6.     Be careful when using candles. Keep candles at least one foot from anything that can burn.  Blow them out before you leave the room or go to sleep.

7.     Have a fire escape plan. Make a fire escape plan and practice it at least twice a year.

8.     Install smoke alarms. Install alarms on every level of your home or office and inside bedrooms.  Interconnect them so they all sound at once.

9.     Test smoke alarms. Test alarms once a month.  Replace batteries once per year or as needed.

10.   Install sprinklers. Sprinklers can help maintain and sometimes even extinguish fires, giving your local fire department a better chance of saving your property.

In the event of a disaster do not hesitate to Call SERVPRO of Port Jefferson's  professionals in for your cleanup and restoration needs. (631)476-5300. 

Staying Safe this Summer

6/22/2016 (Permalink)

Fire Damage Staying Safe this Summer

Each Summer, families and friends across the country enjoy the summer months with barbecues, camping trips, or by cooling off in the pool, lake or beach. In order to enjoy these occasions, it is important to keep safety top of mind to ensure you have fun in the sun. 

According to the United States Fire Administration, just under 8,600 Americans are injured by fireworks and almost 5,000 are injured by charcoal/wood-burning and propane grill fires, annually. A barbecue grill should always be supervised when in use. Keep children and pets a safe distance from the grilling area to prevent accidental burns or tipping of the grill.

If you enjoy lounging by the pool or going for a boat ride to cool off from the summer sun, make sure you exercise caution, especially when children are present. Only swim in approved areas and supervise children at all times when near the water.

Summertime should be a time to make memories and enjoy the great outdoors. The following tips provided by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) , will help keep you safe all summer long.

•When using a charcoal grill, only use starter fluids designed for barbecue grills; do not add fluid after coals have been lit.

•When using a gas grill, ensure the hose connection is tight; check hoses for leaks. Applying soapy water to hoses will easily and safely reveal any leaks.

•Always wear a U.S. Coast Guard - Approved PFD (personal floatation device) when boating, jet-skiing, tubing or water-skiing, air -filled swimming aids, like water wings or inner tubes, are not substitutes for approved PFDs. An adult should always supervise children using these devices.

•Be sure to extinguish all smoking materials and shut down motors and heating devices before fueling a boat, In case of a spill, wipe up fuel and check for fuel leakage and odors.

•When camping, always use a flame retardant tent and set up camp far away from the campfire. Only use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns inside the tent, not liquid-filled heaters or lanterns.

•Always build a campfire downwind from the tent area. Clear vegetation and dig a pit before building your campfire. Always extinguish the fire before going to sleep or leaving the campsite. To extinguish, cover with dirt or pour water over the fire.

•Store liquid fire starter (not gasoline) away from your tent and campfire and only use dry kindling to freshen a campfire.

 •Consider leaving firework use to trained professionals. Stay back at least 500 feet from professional fireworks displays.

SERVPRO of Port Jefferson is Wishing you a Safe and Happy Summer.

Call Today: (631) 237-5505

A Fire in one office can damage a whole business

4/21/2016 (Permalink)

Fire Damage A Fire in one office can damage a whole business

In 2004, direct property loss due to fires was estimated at 9.8 billion dollars. However, when one of your properties suffers a fire, only one fire matters. Business documents are priceless, and a reflection of hard work and achievements. Photographs, books, and other personal items have a value to your customers and tenants that cannot be put into words. SERVPRO professionals have the ability to help restore belongings. To your business, there's no such thing as a small fire. Regardless of the size of the event, a fire in one room can damage belongings and surfaces throughout a facility and cause odors that may last for years.

SERVPRO professional understands how events like a fire can disrupt your life. Concerns may range from getting back in business quickly to the expense of replacing tenant's belongings and equipment to the emotions associated with losing a keepsake. Typically restoring an item will save you money versus replacing the item, relieving your tenant's or customer's concern of losing a priceless treasure. SERVPRO consist of a 24-Hour emergency response team, trained in caring for both property and belongings. By responding quickly and help protect property and personal belongings.

Before you risk doing further damage by attempting to clean up the damage yourself call SERVPRO the fire damage cleanup and restoration professionals 1-866-928-7668

Fire Safety

2/19/2016 (Permalink)

Fire Damage Fire Safety

10 Key Fire Safety Tips

Though some fires are unavoidable acts of nature or unpredictable accidents, many fires in the home and workplace are avoidable. The following tips, courtesy of the National Fire Protection Association, can help reduce the likelihood of a fire in your business or home. 

  1. Watch your cooking - Stay in the kitchen if you are frying, grilling or broiling food. Never allow young children around the stove or oven, especially if they are not closely attended. 
  2. Give space heaters space - Keep space heaters at least three feet from anything. 
  3. Smoke outside - If you must smoke inside, have a sturdy, deep ashtray. Never smoke in bed.
  4. Keep matches and lighters out of reach - Keep matches and lighters in high cabinets, preferably under a child lock.
  5. Inspect electrical cord - Replace cords that are cracked, damaged, have broken plugs or have loose connections. 
  6. Be careful when using candles - Keep candles at least on foot from anything that can burn. Blow them out before you leave the room or go to sleep.
  7. Have a fire escape plan- Make a fire escape plan and practice it at least twice a year.
  8. Install smoke alarms - Install alarms on every level of your office or home and inside bedrooms. Interconnect them so they all sound at once.
  9. Test smoke alarms - Test alarms once per month. Replace batteries once per year or as needed.
  10. Install sprinklers - Sprinklers can help maintain and sometimes even extinguish fires, giving your local fire department a better chance of saving your property.

Fire Escape Planning Tips

The following are several tips that could potentially save your life or the life of a loved one should a fire break out in your home or business. 

  • Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home.
  • Test smoke alarm batteries every month and change them at least once a year.
  • Consider installing a 10-year lithium battery-powered smoke alarm. 
  • Practice findings your way out of the house with your eyes closed, crawling or staying low and feeling your way out of the house.
  • Remember to escape first, then notify the fire department. 

Fire and Smoke Clean up

11/18/2014 (Permalink)

Fire Damage Fire and Smoke Clean up This is the "before" photo from that fire damage that SERVPRO of Port Jefferson cleaned.

Recently, SERVPRO of Port Jefferson got a call from a friend of our family. She informed us that her neighbors had a fire in their home the night before and needed some help getting it cleaned up. Upon arriving to the scene of the incident we realized it was going to be a large undertaking, including cleaning many contents, inventorying and disposing of contents, and removing most of the interior walls and fixtures of the house. The smoke damage and odor was so bad that the homeowners were just lucky to be out and safe and have some of their belongings determined to be salvageable. We started working on the house immediately and have been working on cleaning contents and removing smoke odor for almost two weeks now.

SERVPRO of Port Jefferson specializes in:  water remediation, flood mitigation, carpet cleaning, mold removal, fire damage, and smoke clean up, disaster restoration, storm response, and air duct cleaning. SERVPRO of Port Jefferson has been serving all of Long Island -Nassau and Suffolk Counties for over 40 years. We are licensed and insured and have an A+ rating with the better business bureau in restoration and cleaning.

SERVPRO of Port Jefferson (631) 237-5505