Safety in the Kitchen: How to Extinguish a Grease Fire and Restore Your Layton, UT Home with SERVPRO of Layton

10/23/2023 (Permalink)

Grease fires are very common in Layton, UT.

The kitchen is often considered the heart of a home, where the delightful aroma of home-cooked meals wafts through the air. However, amidst the culinary delights, the kitchen can also be a potential fire hazard, especially when it comes to grease fires. In this comprehensive blog post, we'll dive deep into the world of grease fires and explore everything you need to know about preventing and extinguishing them in your Layton, UT home. Additionally, we'll shed light on how SERVPRO of Layton can be your guiding light in restoring your home if you ever face a fire-related emergency.

Understanding Grease Fires

Grease fires are among the most common kitchen fires and can turn dangerous in the blink of an eye. They occur when cooking oil or fat becomes too hot and ignites. Unlike other fires, grease fires have their unique characteristics that require specific actions for safe extinguishing.

Why Do Grease Fires Happen?

Grease fires primarily occur due to overheating. When the oil or fat in a pan or pot surpasses its smoke point and reaches its ignition temperature, a spark, or even a tiny droplet of water, can lead to a blazing inferno. Common reasons for grease fires include:

1. High Cooking Temperatures: Frying or deep-frying often requires high temperatures that can easily ignite the oil or fat.

2. Cooking Frozen Food: The introduction of frozen foods into hot oil can cause sputtering, leading to grease fires.

3. Oil Splatter: Any sudden movement or dropping of food into hot oil can cause oil to splatter, creating the potential for a fire.

4. Old or Contaminated Oil: Oil that has been reused multiple times or is contaminated with food particles is more likely to catch fire.

Identifying a Grease Fire

Grease fires are distinguishable by their distinct characteristics:

• Intense flames that may be accompanied by smoke.
• A popping or crackling sound.
• Fire localized in the pan or pot, but it can quickly escalate if not managed.

How to Extinguish a Grease Fire

If you ever find yourself facing a grease fire in your Layton, UT home, follow these steps to ensure your safety and the safety of your loved ones.

1. Don't Panic: Stay calm. Panic can lead to poor decision-making. Remember, you have the knowledge and tools to manage the situation.

2. Turn Off the Heat: If safe to do so, turn off the heat source. This step helps prevent the fire from growing further.

3. Cover with a Lid: If the fire is still relatively small and manageable, use a metal lid or a baking sheet to cover the pan. This action will smother the flames by cutting off the oxygen supply.

4. Avoid Water: Never use water to extinguish a grease fire. Water will only make it worse by splattering the hot oil and spreading the fire. Moreover, it can lead to steam burns.

5. Baking Soda: If available, carefully sprinkle baking soda over the fire. Baking soda is a fire suppressant and can help smother the flames.

6. Fire Extinguisher: Keep a Class K fire extinguisher in your kitchen, specifically designed for grease fires. If you're comfortable using one, follow the manufacturer's instructions to discharge it safely.

7. Call 911: If the fire becomes uncontrollable or starts spreading beyond the cooking area, don't hesitate to call 911 for professional assistance. Your safety should always be the top priority.

The Importance of Fire Safety

The adage "prevention is better than cure" holds particularly true when it comes to grease fires. Here are some practical tips to prevent grease fires in your kitchen:

1. Stay Vigilant: Never leave cooking unattended, especially when using high heat or oil.

2. Use a Thermometer: Invest in a cooking thermometer to monitor oil temperature when frying.

3. Keep a Lid Nearby: Always have a metal lid or a baking sheet close to your cooking area. You can use it to smother a potential fire if it occurs.

4. Keep the Area Clean: Regularly clean your stovetop and oven to remove any built-up grease or food particles that could catch fire.

5. Properly Dispose of Used Oil: Dispose of used cooking oil or fat safely and responsibly. Never pour it down the drain or throw it in the trash.

SERVPRO of Layton: Your Partner in Restoration

Extinguishing a grease fire is just the first step in the journey. Even after successfully putting out the fire, you may still have to deal with the aftermath, including smoke and fire damage to your home. This is where SERVPRO of Layton comes in as your trusted partner.

Our Expertise in Fire Damage Restoration

SERVPRO of Layton specializes in fire damage restoration, understanding the unique challenges posed by grease fires. Our highly trained professionals possess the expertise and equipment to restore your home to its pre-fire condition, ensuring you can get back to your daily routine as soon as possible.

Our Services Include:

1. Assessment: We assess the extent of the damage, taking into account not only the visible fire and smoke damage but also potential hidden issues.

2. Smoke and Soot Removal: SERVPRO uses advanced techniques to remove smoke and soot residues from surfaces, ensuring a clean and safe environment.

3. Odor Removal: Smoke leaves behind a persistent odor that can be challenging to eliminate. SERVPRO employs specialized equipment and techniques to effectively remove these odors.

4. Structural Restoration: Whether it's repairing damaged walls, ceilings, or flooring, SERVPRO has the expertise to restore your home to its pre-fire condition.

In conclusion, grease fires can be both terrifying and dangerous, but with the right knowledge and actions, you can protect your Layton, UT home. Safety is paramount when dealing with these fires. Remember to stay calm, follow the correct steps for extinguishing, and never hesitate to call 911 if the situation gets out of control.

SERVPRO of Layton is your dedicated partner in fire damage restoration, ensuring your home is returned to its former glory. Your kitchen is where wonderful memories are created, and it's our mission to make sure you can continue doing so in a safe and secure environment. Stay safe, and always be prepared!

Avoid a Candle Fire With Safe Habits and Alternatives to Open Flames

8/31/2023 (Permalink)

Avoid a Candle Fire in your Layton, UT house by following these important tips.

The soft flicker of a flame is soothing and comfortable. For many homeowners, the gentle scents and appearance of candles provide a calming, peaceful atmosphere. Unfortunately, candle fire is also responsible for a lot of home damage:

Avoid Fire Damage by following these tips

At least 2% of home fires are caused by candles.

Just a few years ago, there was an average of 20 candle fires are reported each day, and today there are more than 10,000 each year. Fires due to candles peak during December and January.

These facts come from the National Fire Protection Association and their research division. Looking at these statistics, is it possible to safely use candles in your home?

Prevent a Candle Fire From Destroying Your Home

The good news is that today there are plenty of options for getting the same ambiance from candle fire without the risks associated with open flames. If you do plan to use the real thing, be sure to take the following precautions:

• Clear the area around the candle. Plants, decorations, linens, and other flammable items all pose fire hazards.

• Position candles where children, pets, and blowing curtains won't knock them over. Make sure candles are placed on a sturdy, level surface.

• Never leave candles unattended; many fires occur when homeowners fall asleep and more than a third of home candle fires started in bedrooms.

• Store candles, matches, and lighters where children can't reach them.

Habits for Proper Care of Candles

In addition to these foundational safety habits, there are several other things you can do to improve your well-being around candles. Trim candlewicks to about a quarter of an inch. If the wick is too short, the flame won't burn correctly. If the wick is too long, it will cause the flame to flare and flicker. Flares can lead to fires.

Take the heat of candles into account. Some candleholders (such as wine bottles) aren't sturdy or heat-resistant enough to withstand the burning heat. The rising temperature can cause glass holders to crack, spilling out wax and potentially causing a candle fire. It's also important that you place candles at least 3 to 4 inches apart and avoid handling candles before they cool.

Alternatives to Open Flames

Many fire safety authorities (as well as fire damage cleanup and restoration professionals) recommend using alternatives to candles. One of the most popular of these is the flameless candle. These are available in many sizes, shapes, and colors. Some are remote-operated, and many use an LED bulb that mimics the flicker of a candle flame. You can even find these candles with a warm vanilla scent. Some of the other options to consider include reed diffusers, wax warmers, humidifiers with essential oils, and strings of fairy lights.

The best way to avoid fire and smoke damage, as well as the cost of fire and smoke cleanup, is to take preventative steps and improve fire safety in your Layton, UT, home. This includes the installation of fire extinguishers and fire and smoke alarms. Develop the appropriate habits for enjoying an open flame and learn to properly maintain your candles. Best of all, consider an alternative. Don't let your peaceful evening end with destructive candle fire.

3 Steps for Restoring Your Home to Its Pre-Fire Condition

9/13/2022 (Permalink)

This Layton, UT home suffered from smoke and fire damage

No homeowner wants to watch his or her Layton, UT, home go up in flames. Whether your house has survived a minor, moderate, or severe fire, you likely want to begin cleanup as soon as possible. As part of a complete cleaning process, restoring your home involves dealing with fire, soot, and smoke damage.

Three Steps For Fire Damage Restoration

1. 1. Overall Structure

Fires often weaken studs and floor joists. They may also ruin drywall and tile. The first step in any fire-cleanup process is to evaluate the safety and habitability of the home. Once a professional deems the house is safe to occupy, cleanup can begin. Technicians have the skill, equipment, and knowledge to remove fire marks and other remnants from surfaces throughout the home.

2. Accumulated Soot

Soot can be as bad or worse than fire or smoke damage. Not only does accumulated suit discolor walls and carpeting, but it can also ruin furniture and personal keepsakes. Unfortunately, you may have to throw away uncleanable items. Some, however, are probably salvageable. Since you are not an expert, you likely can’t know which items to preserve and which ones to toss. As part of the cleaning process, restoration technicians do the analysis for you.

3. Smoke Infiltration

As you probably know, smoke can work its way into small places throughout your home. Even if you haven’t sustained much fire damage, you may have a tremendous amount of smoke infiltration. To effectively remove smoke, professional restorers use a variety of smoke-cleaning techniques. In addition to replacing HVAC filters and scrubbing walls, technicians often rely on ozone machines to remove smoke odors.

Fire damage, soot damage and smoke damage can destroy the comfort, value and appearance of any home in Layton, UT. Fortunately, you don’t have to deal with the negative effects of fires. By working with the right restoration service, you can likely return your home to its pre-value condition.

Top 5 Causes of Residential Fires

7/12/2022 (Permalink)

Cooking fires are the leading cause of fire damage in Layton, UT.

A property owner's worst fear is a residential disaster, like a home fire. Unfortunately, even with vigilant homeowners, some fire disasters are unavoidable. However, don't call in the fire cleaning specialists from Layton, UT, just yet. Being aware of the five leading causes of home fires can reduce your risks.

The 5 Leading Causes of Home Fires

• Cooking
• Faulty wiring
• Smoking
• Appliances
• Candles
  
  

1. Cooking

Cooking can quickly lead to fire damage, especially when working with grease. A grease fire can get out of control if you don't smother it immediately. While you can allow the pan fire to burn itself out if it is small and away from flammable materials, it is best to put a lid on it and remove it from the heat source.

2. Faulty Wiring

Older homes may have wiring issues. First, the codes today do not match those from a decade or more ago. Second, if you recently purchased the property, you do not know who performed past wiring work or upgrades. It is wise to have an electrical inspection done to ensure everything is up to code and safe.

3. Smoking

Smoking in bed or relaxing in the living room can cause a home fire. If you fall asleep with the lit cigarette in your hand, it is possible the embers or the cigarette will ignite furniture or carpeting around you.

4. Appliances

Every appliance in your home likely has a maintenance schedule and cleaning instructions. Be sure to obey the guides provided by the manufacturer. It is also a good idea to unplug appliances not in use.

5. Candles

Many homeowners like candles, especially those with a pleasant fragrance. However, if you have children or pets, make sure you do not leave a lit candle unattended. Children are curious, and pets can be reckless.

While a home fire is a concern for many homeowners, knowing the common causes of house fires can limit your risks. If you wish to discuss or assess issues regarding your property, contact a fire prevention expert.

Safer Candle Alternatives

6/22/2022 (Permalink)

Avoid Candle Fires by following our Tips.

Their pleasing scents and warm glows make candles a popular addition to many people's home decor. Candles can also be useful for times when the power is out. However, they can pose a fire risk. Consider these safer candle alternatives.

Avoid a Candle Fire

The holidays are the most common time of year for candle fires to occur, but they can happen at any time. Using one of these popular candle alternatives can help you avoid this risk:

1. Essential Oil Diffusers

If you are burning candles for the scent, rather than the light, consider using an essential oil diffuser. These diffusers are either battery operated or plug into a wall outlet and you can use many different scents with them including popular holiday choices, such as pine trees and pumpkin spice.

2. Flameless Candles

If you want the experience of candlelight without the fire risk, try a flameless candle. These are usually battery-operated, so you can still use them during a power outage. They don't give off a scent or generate any heat, which may make them a good alternative for summer months and for people who have scent sensitivities. 

3. Wax Warmers

Wax warmers melt scented wax cubes to create the smell of burning a candle without the open flame. You can adjust the strength of the scent by increasing or decreasing the amount of wax you melt at one time. Because these items generate heat, they are not completely risk-free, but the fire risk is much lower than with an open flame.

4. Reed Diffusers

Reed diffusers aren't as powerful as electronically powered diffusers, but you don't have to change batteries or plug them in and they consistently dispense scents for weeks at a time. This is a good option if you want to use a diffuser in an out of sight area, such as a cabinet, or a location without easy access to an electrical outlet.

5. Room Sprays

Another flameless way to make your home smell nice is to use a room spray. Some of your favorite candle brands produce sprays and you can purchase automatic dispensers to keep your home smelling fresh all day.

Candle Safety Tips

According to the National Fire Protection Association, more than 8,200 house fires are started by candles every year. These fires can cause significant damage that requires restoration services in Kaysville, UT.

If you decide to use candles, use them safely. Never leave a burning candle unattended. If you must leave the room, blow out the candle first and make sure it is out. Do not place candles near flammable objects, such as curtains, furniture, carpets, paper, books, bedding and flammable decorations. Avoid touching open flames with your hair or clothing.

Do not put burning candles where pets or children can access them or where they can easily be accidentally knocked over. Avoid placing candles near vents or drafts. Don't move a candle while it is still lit or while any melted wax is liquified. Keep all candles at least three inches apart. 

Candle fires can cause a significant amount of property damage. To avoid this risk, use candles safely and consider using candle alternatives.

5 Benefits of Emergency Board Up Services

3/14/2022 (Permalink)

Discover the Benefits of Emergency Board Up Services. If you have more doubts, just contact us.

The aftermath of a fire in your Layton, UT home is a stressful and chaotic time. Along with determining the losses, calling the insurance company and finding a professional fire damage company, it also means waiting for restoration to begin.

During that time, securing board up services is essential to minimize loss. These specialized companies are available 24/7 and have the expertise and equipment to complete tasks from winterizing a property to cleaning up glass and stabilizing the structure. Below are three ways these services help.

Benefits of Emergency Board Up Services

1. Protect Insurance Coverage

In many situations, the insurance company will require you to do an emergency board up. Depending on the damage, this may mean tarping a roof, boarding up windows or installing a temporary fence around the property. If you don’t take action, you may risk getting full compensation for your losses.

If additional damage is sustained due to openings, you will likely have to cover those costs out of pocket. The faster you find the right provider, the better the odds that additional damage won’t happen.

2. Minimize Secondary Damage

Any openings in the home are ripe entries for Mother Nature to wreak havoc in many forms. While waiting for repairs, a sudden rainstorm or high winds may cause more damage. Water is the most important thing to keep from entering the home. Along with smoke and soot damage, unwanted water leads to potential mold growth and possible degradation of the structure. Using board up services also helps keep pests away. Rats, raccoons, mice and other creatures love finding new shelter. Once inside, they have no qualms about leaving a big mess behind.

3. Deter Vandals

After a fire, there is a good chance that you will have to secure a temporary residence. This means your home has a higher risk of vandals and thieves taking a look around. Along with stealing valuable belongings, such as electronics and appliances, they may also be on the lookout for precious metals in plumbing fixtures. On top of looting, they may easily cause other damage that adds to the headache.

4. Minimize Liability

After a fire, there is often debris and other potential risks laying in wait. Along with providing temporary coverings for openings, many providers also ensure that the perimeter around the home is free of debris, limiting the chances of an accident from happening.

5. Ease the Claim Process

When you find a trusted provider, you also get peace of mind that they will be working directly with your insurance company. This helps speed up the entire process, which is always a good thing in this type of situation. By working with the insurer, they will have a good grasp of the damage and what needs to be done. This frees you up to focus on other aspects of the loss, such as temporarily relocating and organizing possessions.

When a fire breaks out in your home, it leaves much more behind than just soot and smoke damage. Securing the property with board up services is essential to prevent additional damage and lets you focus on getting back on track.

Fire Damage: Renters Insurance Coverage

2/23/2022 (Permalink)

Learn more about Renters Insurance Coverage by following these Tips. If you need more Information, just contact us.

Anyone living in an apartment likely understands the concept of renters insurance. It is a low-cost insurance policy designed to protect the contents of the renter's apartment. Not all apartments complexes or landlords will require renters insurance, but most restoration services in Layton, UT, recommend all renters get coverage.

There is no harm in getting coverage. It is a protection against potential future loss. Renters insurance typically covers several areas, including:

• Personal property damage
• Theft
• Legal liability

The extent of coverage will depend and vary based on your policy. However, keep in mind that renters insurance does not cover the dwelling or structure where you live. The responsibility for the structure lies with the property owner.

Who is responsible for damages with two people holding insurance policies for the same address? Does renters insurance cover fire damage?

Renters Insurance and Fire Restoration

Fire can lead to significant structural and property damage. Depending on the response time and the cause of the fire, it is possible to contain loss to one specific area of the property. Still, after the fire is out and the ash settles, who is responsible for what? What will your insurer cover?

It is easy to become overwhelmed after experiencing a disaster and property loss. Thankfully, your liability is minimal as a tenant, and your insurance coverage is typically straightforward.

What Does Your Insurance Cover?

Your policy will likely cover any personal property damage. However, it will not cover any structural damage. The landlord's policy should cover structure. The primary concern after a fire is finding housing. Thankfully, many policies will cover lodging or hotel stays if your apartment is uninhabitable following the fire. Therefore, most policyholders will not need to fear homelessness.

Assessing Fire Damage

After the fire, the landlord can arrange for a fire restoration service to come out and assess the damage. The service will inspect the building to determine if any structural issues are to be addressed. Additionally, the service can help residents sort through the remnants of their property to find anything that is salvageable.

Fires can often leave few recoverable items, but there are possibilities, especially if the fire was not significant and extinguished rather quickly. You will likely need to take photos and collect evidence of personal property loss.

An insurance adjuster will typically come out to the apartment or home to assess the damage and ensure you are not attempting to file a fraudulent claim. While the claims process can be intimidating, your insurance adjuster can walk you through every step to ensure you have the best chance of a successful claim.

Renters insurance is not about full coverage of the property. The landlord or property owner is responsible for the structure and functionality of the property. Your insurance policy is primarily focused on protecting your personal property.

If you have more questions about renters' policies, you can reach out to an insurance representative. You can also contact your local remediation crew to discuss their influence or assistance in the claims process; many restoration companies act as intermediaries between insurers and clients, especially during the claims process.

Is My Home Susceptible to a Lightning Fire?

10/13/2021 (Permalink)

Take some prevention steps to be safe during a storm in your Kaysville, UT home.

Although not a high likelihood, virtually all homes are susceptible to being struck by lightning. When it hits, it will take the path of least resistance and could take several different routes through your Kaysville, UT, house. Many parts of a home are conductive, meaning a strike can send a bolt of electricity through electrical lines, phone lines, water pipes, gas pipes, metal framing, gutters, and downspouts, potentially causing a lightning fire. Surprisingly, it can also branch out into more than one path. It has even been known to jump from one course to another through the air (e.g., from a sink to an electrical outlet). This phenomenon is called a side flash. Fortunately, you can take measures to stay safe during a storm and avoid a house fire.

How Can I Keep My Family Safe From Lightning at Home?

You can get a protection system for your home to guard you against a potential strike. However, these systems must be professionally installed, and they are typically very expensive. Usually, it's more cost-effective to be mindful of harmful practices, be aware of safety steps, and ensure that your homeowners insurance covers electrical storms.

1. Avoid Direct Contact With the Ground or Concrete

Many people don't realize that walking in a basement or garage without shoes can be a hazard. An electric current can travel through the soil and be attracted to even slightly damp concrete. Also, avoid walking without shoes on a patio or the ground outside.

2. Avoid Corded Telephones

One of the riskiest activities during a storm is using a corded telephone. Lightning can come through the phone line, striking whoever is talking on it. If you must make or take a call, be sure to use a cordless phone or a cellphone.

3. Avoid Having Direct Contact With Any Wired Electronics

A home's electrical system is a prime target during a storm and can even lead to a lightning fire. Fire damage remediation experts will advise you that you should avoid direct contact with all wired electronics and appliances during a storm. Some of these devices include a computer that's connected to a power outlet directly or via a modem or router that is plugged in, refrigerator, hairdryer, or plugged-in power tool (e.g., an electric drill). You can safely use wireless devices that are not plugged into an electrical outlet, such as cordless phones, cell phones, laptops, tablets, and remote controls.

4. Stay Away from Metal Framed Windows and Doors

Windows and doors with metal frames can conduct electricity, so you should avoid being close to them. Many people find it tempting to stand by the window to watch the storm, but it could also be dangerous.

5. Avoid Using Plumbing

Plumbing is an excellent electrical pathway, so direct contact with it should be avoided during a storm. Taking a shower or bath, doing dishes and even washing your hands could potentially be dangerous.

Your home should be relatively safe from a lightning fire. However, it's better to practice safety all the time. These steps are excellent ways to get started.

How To Clean Household Contents Post-Fire

8/18/2021 (Permalink)

Some items can be salvaged after a fire in your Layton, UT, home.

When your Layton, UT, home sustains a fire, it's not only the structure of the house itself that is affected, and not only the direct burning from the fire that causes damage. In addition to the fire consuming many, if not most, materials, soot residue, and smoke can affect what the fire didn't directly impact. How do you know what to do about the contents of your home after a fire? Can anything be salvaged? Fortunately, even though the situation probably seems hopeless, all hope is not lost. Some items are salvageable, thanks to content restoration methods like dry-cleaning and odor removal. Here are some everyday household items and how to best manage them after a fire to keep everyone safe and salvage as much as possible in the process.

1. Non-Perishable Food

You may believe that sealed, non-perishable food is still safe after a fire, but it could be very toxic. Open containers must be discarded. Even food in unopened aluminum cans can be susceptible to toxic fumes. Inspect every item in your kitchen for heat damage, smoke, firefighting chemical damage, and water. If you are unsure something has come in contact with any of these contaminants, you must throw it out.

2. Perishable Food

If smoke and soot have penetrated the refrigerator's seals, everything in the refrigerator must be discarded. Additionally, in many instances, a house will lose electricity during a fire, which means the refrigerator will be without power for some amount of time. In this case, it's critical to throw away all the food in the refrigerator and any defrosted food from the freezer.

3. Burned Clothing and Textiles

Burned or charred clothing and other textiles are not salvageable. Some of these materials that have only been exposed to heat, smoke, and soot can be saved using proper cleaning and disinfection methods. Fire restoration professionals are your best bet for keeping as much as possible and returning it as much as possible to its original condition. Remediation experts have dry-cleaning and other specialized equipment to thoroughly clean, sanitize and remove odors. Content storage is also an often necessary service they provide.

4. Appliances and Electronics

Smoke can seriously damage electronic components, so some or all of your appliances and electronics are likely to be unsalvageable. Smoke particles act as conductors which disrupt the electrical pathways, causing the unit to short-circuit. Due to their chemical makeup, smoke and soot are extremely challenging to remove, especially from porous materials. In addition, the effects can be cumulative, only progressing as the smoke and soot are left to linger.

5. Medicine and Cosmetics

Any medications and cosmetics that have been exposed to heat, smoke, soot, or fire extinguishing material must be discarded. It's dangerous to use these products after heat exposure because heat can alter the chemical composition of the products. If these chemicals are ingested or absorbed by a person or animal's skin, they could be toxic.

Fire can cause several different types of damage to a home's contents. Unfortunately, most items are not going to be salvageable. However, dry-cleaning and other professional content cleaning methods can be effective and are worth trying, especially for those irreplaceable and sentimental pieces.

The Great Divide: Responsibilities of Tenants and Owners After a Fire

7/29/2021 (Permalink)

House fire damage in Kaysville, UT

When an apartment fire damages your commercial property in Kaysville, UT, it is likely that both the building and the items inside the affected area are damaged. As the building owner, you are essentially responsible for the building and external structures, whereas your tenants are responsible for their personal items. After the fire has abated, there are things that both you and your tenants need to do.

Owner Responsibilities

Your first action should be to call fire mitigation specialists and your insurance company. This gets both the cleanup process and the means to pay for it started. It also frees you to address other tasks:

• Ask the fire officer for contact information and a time to complete a walkthrough of the property.
• Communicate with tenants to ensure that they are safe and are taking the next steps they need to take.
• During the walkthrough, take pictures and make detailed lists of all the structural fire damage.
• Get a copy of the fire department's report of the incident.
• Put security measures in place to discourage trespassing and further damage.

It is important to know what you need to do after an apartment fire on your commercial property. It is also helpful to understand your tenants' responsibilities.

Tenant Responsibilities

The first thing the tenant should do is secure temporary housing. If they do not have a place to stay and their renter's insurance doesn't cover it, direct them to relief organizations that can assist with temporary housing. Tenants should leave everything affected by the fire in the building so that insurance adjusters can get a clear picture of the damage. Let tenants know that nothing should be removed from the building without the permission of fire officers or the remediation crew.

When an apartment fire ravages your property, you need to have a plan in place for handling the remediation process. Knowing what both you and your tenant need to do can help it run more smoothly.

3 Reasons To Purchase Renters Insurance

5/25/2021 (Permalink)

Renters insurance is important.

If you are renting the home or apartment you live in, you may not think you need property insurance. However, your landlord's insurance only covers the structure and other property that belongs to the landlord. Without renters insurance, there is no protection for damage to your personal property. These are three of the reasons you should consider purchasing this coverage.

3 Reasons to Consider Purchasing Renters Insurance

1. It Pays To Replace Your Stuff

If fire damage were to completely destroy all of your personal belongings, it could cost you thousands of dollars to replace them. A renter's policy covers the cost to replace your personal belongings if they are damaged or destroyed by fire, water, wind or another covered cause of loss. Most policies also protect belongings that are stolen from your residence.

2. The Price Is Reasonable

Because personal belongings are typically worth much less than a house, renters insurance usually costs a fraction of what you would expect to pay for a homeowners policy. The price you pay will depend on how much coverage you need, the deductible and type of coverage you choose and where you live in Layton, UT. If cost is a barrier for you, consider choosing a policy with a higher deductible to save money on premiums.

3. Your Landlord May Require It

Your landlord's policy will pay for fire restoration of the structure; however, it doesn't provide any protection for the property that belongs to tenants. Your landlord or your landlord's insurance company may require that all tenants purchase insurance to cover their own belongings. This requirement should be stated in your rental agreement.

Even if you are not required to purchase renters insurance, it is a good idea to have it. Without this protection, you may have a difficult time replacing your belongings if your home or apartment is severely damaged or destroyed by fire, wind, lightning or another catastrophic event.

5 Ways To Safely Enjoy Candles in Your Home

2/23/2021 (Permalink)

Use candles safely to avoid fire damage in your home.

There's no doubt that candles have their advantages, such as the beautifully unique ambiance they create and the aromatic scents. Unfortunately, candles aren't always the safest option. Home candle fire risk is real, but if you use precautions, they can be used safely.

5 Ways to Use Candles Safely

1. Keep Candles Away From Air Currents

Place your candle in an area away from open doors or windows, fans, vents or other potential air currents. Drafts can cause excessive dripping of candle wax, uneven burning or flammable materials to blow in the way of the lit candle.

2. Don't Put Out a Candle With Water

Trying to extinguish a candle flame with water can cause splashing of hot wax and possibly cause the candle holder to break due to the temperature difference between the water and heated glass. A snuffer is the best method for putting out a candle safely and causes much less mess.

3. Keep Candles Away From Flammable Materials

Most homes have no shortage of flammable materials, so you must keep candles distanced adequately from anything that could catch fire. Drapes, bedding, paper and loose clothing are typical accidental candle fire starters. Most furniture and rugs can also be risky.

4. Never Leave Candles Unattended

Never leave burning candles unattended, including while you're sleeping. Fire restoration professionals handle enough fire and smoke cleanup to know how many home fires begin when candles are left burning overnight.

5. Keep Candles Out of Reach of Children and Pets

Not only are burning candles dangerous if kids and pets get ahold of them, but they're also at risk of being knocked over even if they're out of reach. Ensure candles are out of high-traffic areas. It can be easy for anyone including furry friends, to bump a candle or piece of furniture on which it's sitting and tip it over.

Ensure that you and your family know about candle fire risks. Understanding the risks and safety practices can go far in preventing a very preventable disaster at your Layton, UT home.

4 Fabulous Flameless Alternatives to Candles

12/28/2020 (Permalink)

String lights can give a magical look and can avoid fire damage.

Candles are great for setting the right mood, both indoors and out. Open flames aren't always practical, though. You must closely monitor them, but sometimes you're not going to be free to attend them. Several good candle alternatives can give off the same effect but much safer.

4 Alternatives to Candles 

1. Electric Candles

Electric candles (aka flameless candles) have a lighting effect similar to traditional candles; some even have a flicker feature that appears very close to the real thing. You can choose between electricity- or battery-powered versions and shapes and colors to match your decor. You can also place them anywhere and leave them "lit" while you're away since they don't have the risk of catching fire. Most of these devices don't give off a fragrance, but you can find some that are aroma-infused.

2. Illuminated Table Decor

It's easy to create your own candle alternatives by filling a transparent object such as a vase or wine bottle with LED string lights. This option provides a pleasing lighting effect. They're battery-operated, so there's no need to worry about power cords.

3. String Light Curtain

If you want a very unique, magical look, consider an illuminated curtain. These curtains have built-in string lights. You can place these curtains on various areas such as windows, doorways, bed canopies or walls.

4. Fairy Lights

Fairy lights are strands of small light bulbs. You can choose between ones powered by electricity or batteries. They also come in different varieties of bulb, color and length of the strand. Fairy lights can give a gentle, relaxing feel to a room.
Most lighted candle alternatives don't give off a fragrance. Still, if you want the additional aroma with your lights, there are several flameless options such as wax warmers, plug-in scented oil fresheners and essential oil diffusers. If your home in Layton, UT, suffers a candle fire, fire damage restoration experts can return your home to its preloss condition.

4 Essential Elements of a Fire Safety Drill

10/19/2020 (Permalink)

It's important to know what to do in case of a fire, prepare your family to keep them safe.

Your home in Layton, UT, is the place where you and your family are supposed to feel the safest. A fire can change that in an instant, though. To ensure your kids' safety, it's important to teach them proper escape procedures and to practice them frequently by conducting fire drills. Here are four elements that your test runs should include.

4 Elements That Should Be Included In Your Fire Safety Drill

1. Evacuation Routes

The first thing you should discuss with your family is the best way to get out of every part of the house in case of a home fire. Draw a map of your home and talk about how many ways there are to get from each room to the outside. Walk through the space and point out potential paths. Have a timed fire drill every month to see how long it takes everyone to get to the meetup destination.

2. Low Levels

During a fire, heat rises. The temperature can change a hundred degrees in less than a foot of space. Safeguarding your kids' safety involves teaching them to stay low when they hear the smoke detector go off. Practice dropping to the ground safely from a standing position as well as the proper way to roll out of the bed onto the floor.

3. Fire Crawl

Once family members are near the ground, they must know how to get to the closest exit in your fire escape plan in a hurry. Everyone should know how to do a fire crawl and have enough practice to be able to do it quickly under pressure.

4. Door Checks

It's important to have multiple evacuation points because during a fire, the fastest one may be blocked. Fire restoration experts advise that knowing how to check the doors to see if there is danger on the other side helps all family members choose the safest path.

As much as you hate the thought of losing your home to a fire, your kids' safety is your primary concern. Creating and practicing a good evacuation plan can help your family get out of a burning house quickly.

Does Your Business Have an Emergency Action Plan in Place?

9/11/2020 (Permalink)

Prepare your business for an emergency.

If your business isn't prepared for an emergency, even a small storm or electrical mishap can become a big problem. As an employer in Layton, UT, you should have a plan in place, so every one of your employees knows how to respond during a business fire. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, your emergency action plan should cover these factors:

• Emergency Reporting
  
• Evacuation
  
• Post-Evacuation Employee Communication
  
• Employee Duties
  

Some communities legally require an EAP. You can check with your local government or your business insurance provider to learn more about this legal requirement.

Beyond the Basics

These are just the minimum requirements for businesses. As an employer who is concerned about your employees, it's important that your fire preparation efforts include an alarm system and training for your employees. Your evacuation plan for a business fire should include elements that ensure the safety of disabled workers. The plan should also include preventative actions such as keeping a second copy of important documents in a secondary location to protect them from fire damage.

Training and Implementation

Once your plan has been finalized, it's important to train your employees, so they are ready to respond during an emergency. Each employee should have an area of responsibility. This provides a sense of focus that helps individuals avoid panic, and it takes heavy loads of responsibility off of management employees. Schedule multiple drills throughout the year to give all staff and employees confidence when a real emergency takes place. These drills will also help you identify weaknesses in your plan and make changes to minimize risks in the future.

With these emergency plan steps in place, it's also important to provide key employees with contact information for their coworkers, first responders, and restoration service professionals. Are you ready for a business fire in your workplace? 

The Four Steps of Home Restoration

8/20/2020 (Permalink)

Fire Damage in residential home

When the ash settles, the fire hoses are wrapped up, and the firefighters roll away, you're still left with a smoking, dripping mess. Fortunately, Layton, UT, cleanup and restoration professionals have the training, tools, and experience needed to return your home back to a safe, comfortable condition, free of smoke damage and worse.

4 Steps For Fire and Smoke Remediation

Emergency Response

Knowledgeable fire damage cleanup crews understand the necessity of emergency services. A lot of secondary damage could happen if there are holes in the roof, broken windows, or open access to your home. An immediate response to your emergency is necessary to prevent increased damage. If board-up and tarp services are required, it will happen as soon as possible.

Inspection and Assessment

In addition to recognizing obvious fire and smoke damage, fire cleanup and restoration technicians complete careful inspections to determine how widespread and how deep smoke, soot, fire, and water damage has gone. The rest of the restoration process is determined by the information gathered during this step.

Cleanup Services

A lot of work is done during this part of the home restoration process:

• Water removal and drying
• Smoke and soot damage cleanup
• Sanitization

Water pumps, specialized cleansers, and sanitization products are brought to the home to ensure thorough fire, water, and smoke cleaning for the safety and comfort of everyone in the home. During this process, anything that can't be cleaned or repaired will be removed and disposed of. Stains, odors, and other lingering effects will be removed and prevented.

Restoration, Repair, and Renovation

Fires often leave a lot of damage in their wake. Cupboards, walls, shelves, carpeting, and other parts of your home may have been destroyed. When this is the case, fire damage restoration crews do their best to complete repairs. When necessary, items will be replaced. Ultimately, restoration professionals will take the steps needed to make your home look "Like it never even happened."

In the end, your home will be free of smoke damage, odors, and any other sign of fire destruction. You can be sure that your post-fire home is once again a safe, comfortable place for your family.

Commercial Property Coverage Basics

7/20/2020 (Permalink)

It's important to have insurance coverage for your commercial property in Layton, UT.

Owning a business comes with certain expenses. While premiums for commercial insurance policies may seem steep, particularly if your business in Layton, UT, is just getting off the ground, they provide a necessary safety net. In addition to general liability, most basic packages include property insurance. Here are some of the protections your property policy likely includes.

Property Essentials

A business is more than the building that houses it. Your insurance can cover additional aspects of the property:

• Manufacturing equipment
  
• Office equipment
  
• Inventory
  
• Important documents
  
• Signs
  
• Fences
  
• Landscaping
  

Most property policies protect these basics, even if you rent them rather than own them. Property insurance covers fire damage, natural disaster perils and theft. Your policy is designed to cover the cost of certified mitigation services when these situations occur.

Premium Costs

Not all properties are alike, so it logically follows that the premiums business owners pay for commercial insurance would vary as well. The cost of your premium depends on several factors. If your building has superior fire safety features in place or is constructed of fire-resistant materials, you are likely to pay lower premiums than business owners with buildings that simply meet minimum fire code standards. Businesses in cities with excellent fire protection are also less expensive to insure. The closer your building is to a fire station, the cheaper your policy is likely to be. Finally, providers look at the type of business you run. For example, a business with low risk for damage, such as an accounting office in its own separate building, will probably enjoy lower premiums than a restaurant or an office in a strip mall next to higher risk establishments.

Your business budget needs to include room for a good commercial insurance package. Rather than balk at the cost, consider what kind of risk you run if you end up needing coverage that you don't have.

The Benefits of Boarding Up

3/27/2020 (Permalink)

Bording up your home after suffering fire damage can avoid further damage.

A fire in your home in Layton, UT, makes the structure vulnerable even after the fire is put out. You are likely left with broken windows, a weakened structure and holes in the walls or roof. Board up services protect these areas from invasion and further damage.

Three benefits to boarding up your home after a fire.

1. Discourage Invaders

Ideally, a damaged house would just be left alone. Unfortunately, holes in your house make it vulnerable to a variety of potential invaders:

• Thieves
• Vandals
• Animals
  

When you have your fire restoration company perform emergency board up services, you discourage people and animals from getting into your home. This helps prevent further loss.

2. Prevent Damage

Holes in your home can let more than just people or animals in. If you have a weak spot on your roof, for example, your home becomes vulnerable to rain, debris and other weather-related issues. Board up services keep out the elements that can add more damage to your home. Covering the holes until they can be repaired for good helps the restoration process stay on track.

3. Appease Insurance Company

An insurance policy only covers you so far. As a homeowner, you have a responsibility to protect your home to the best of your ability, even after a disaster occurs. If your home has fire damage, you still want to make sure you are doing everything you can to avoid extra problems. Not only does this keep your restoration work on schedule, it also increases the likelihood that your provider will actually pay to cover your claim. If, however, you neglect to cover the holes in your home, your policy may not cover any subsequent damage that happens as a result.

A fire causes enough damage on its own. Board up services keep your home safe from further damage that invaders and weather may cause.

Keeping Your Kitchen Safe From Fires

1/30/2020 (Permalink)

Kitchen fires can be devastating for your Layton, UT home.

A house fire in Layton, UT, can be devastating, and fire damage professionals report that most house fires begin in the kitchen. A kitchen fire can spread throughout the house in just a matter of minutes. Because a kitchen fire is often caused by basic carelessness, taking note of some simple tips for fire prevention in the kitchen can save you a lot of unnecessary heartache.

5 Tips For Fire Prevention

1. Never leave the stove unattended. Do not leave the kitchen while pots and pans are heating on the stove. Always turn off the heat before taking a phone call or answering the front door.

2. Watch your heat source. Carefully monitor what you are cooking, especially if you are cooking with grease. A grease fire can happen suddenly if the grease is overheated. Never cook grease on high heat, and if grease begins to smoke, turn off the heat immediately.

3. Remove flammable items from the stovetop. Pot holders and kitchen towels can easily catch fire. Do not set utensils too close to the heated range. While it may seem like one of the most obvious tips, food packaging and paper towels should never be placed on the stovetop itself.

4. Be mindful of your clothing. Loose fitting or long flowing sleeves can be a fire hazard. Do not wear anything that could get caught on a pan or fall into the heating range.

5. Be ready to extinguish a fire. You should always have a fire extinguisher that is easily accessible in your kitchen. You can also quickly extinguish some fires by smothering them with a lid or a cookie sheet. If there is a grease fire, do not use water. Instead, immediately douse it with baking soda or salt. Be sure to turn off the heat.

Cooking in the kitchen should be fun and enjoyable. Following these tips for fire prevention in the kitchen can remove unnecessary anxiety and keep your focus where it should be on the joy of preparing food for family and friends.

Methods for Preserving Personal Belongings After a Fire

12/30/2019 (Permalink)

The paint from this door bubbled from the heat of the fire.

In-home fires can be devastating, and not only can they cause heat damage to a home’s structural integrity, but the smoke and soot that results from a fire can easily affect personal belongings in the home’s interior as well. While unfortunately not everything can be saved from the aftermath of a fire, these methods are available for content cleaning after a fire has occurred:

Methods for content cleaning after a fire

• Dry-cleaning can be attempted before wet-cleaning to eliminate light residue. While there are many ways to clean damaged items, this is the preferred method for smoke or soot-damaged clothing.
• Foam cleaning should be considered for fabrics that are not colorfast or those that may shrink if wet-cleaned.
• Immersion Cleaning requires dipping contents into a cleaning agent.
• Wet-cleaning can then be used for heavier or moderate residue removal.

Restoring Items Constructed From Non-Porous Materials

Not all methods can be used for cleaning all materials. Dry-cleaning should not be used for some items. For example, non-porous materials should be cleaned by using an ultrasonic cleaner. An ultrasonic cleaner uses ultrasound and a cleaning agent to clean damaged items. Cleaning with ultrasound can be useful for preserving an abundance of objects such as jewelry, electronic equipment, and vinyl records.

Cleaning Electronic Items

In the event that personal belongings are moved to content storage during post-fire home renovation, it is wise to keep in mind that time is of the essence when cleaning electronics. After smoke or soot has invaded electrical items, acid that is contained in the smoke residue can begin to corrode metal surfaces. While dry-cleaning clothing may be more of a priority after an in-home fire, electronic items will be hazardous to operate prior to a thorough internal and external cleaning. Local Layton, Utah, professionals may be able to assist in the smoke and soot removal from electronic devices.

An in-home fire is something no one wants to contend with. However, items can be saved afterward if proper content cleaning methods are employed.

3 Steps for Restoring Your Home to Its Pre-Fire Condition

12/4/2019 (Permalink)

This South Weber,UT home suffered fire damage.

No homeowner wants to watch his or her South Weber, UT, home go up in flames. Whether your house has survived a minor, moderate or severe fire, you likely want to begin cleanup as soon as possible. As part of a complete cleaning process, restoring your home involves dealing with fire, soot and smoke damage.

3 Steps to restore your home from Fire Damage

1. Overall Structure

Fires often weaken studs and floor joists. They may also ruin drywall and tile. The first step in any fire-cleanup process is to evaluate the safety and habitability of the home. Once a professional deems the house is safe to occupy, cleanup can begin. Technicians have the skill, equipment and knowledge to remove fire marks and other remnants from surfaces throughout the home.

2. Accumulated Soot

Soot can be as bad or worse than fire or smoke damage. Not only does accumulated suit discolor walls and carpeting, but it can also ruin furniture and personal keepsakes. Unfortunately, you may have to throw away uncleanable items. Some, however, are probably salvageable. Since you are not an expert, you likely can’t know which items to preserve and which ones to toss. As part of the cleaning process, restoration technicians do the analysis for you.

3. Smoke Infiltration

As you probably know, smoke can work its way into small places throughout your home. Even if you haven’t sustained much fire damage, you may have a tremendous amount of smoke infiltration. To effectively remove smoke, professional restorers use a variety of smoke-cleaning techniques. In addition to replacing HVAC filters and scrubbing walls, technicians often rely on ozone machines to remove smoke odors.

Fire damage, soot damage and smoke damage can destroy the comfort, value and appearance of any home in South Weber, UT. Fortunately, you don’t have to deal with the negative effects of fires. By working with the right restoration service, you can likely return your home to its pre-value condition.

Methods for Preserving Personal Belongings After a Fire

10/29/2019 (Permalink)

Fire damage in local Layton, UT home.

In-home fires can be devastating, and not only can they cause heat damage to a home’s structural integrity, but the smoke and soot that results from a fire can easily affect personal belongings in the home’s interior as well.

Fire Restoration Methods

While unfortunately not everything can be saved from the aftermath of a fire, these methods are available for content cleaning after a fire has occurred:

• Dry-cleaning can be attempted before wet-cleaning to eliminate light residue. While there are many ways to clean damaged items, this is the preferred method for smoke or soot-damaged clothing.
• Foam cleaning should be considered for fabrics that are not colorfast or those that may shrink if wet-cleaned.
• Immersion Cleaning requires dipping contents into a cleaning agent.
• Wet-cleaning can then be used for heavier or moderate residue removal.

Restoring Items Constructed From Non-Porous Materials

Not all methods can be used for cleaning all materials. Dry-cleaning should not be used for some items. For example, non-porous materials should be cleaned by using an ultrasonic cleaner. An ultrasonic cleaner uses ultrasound and a cleaning agent to clean damaged items. Cleaning with ultrasound can be useful for preserving an abundance of objects such as jewelry, electronic equipment, and vinyl records.

Cleaning Electronic Items

In the event that personal belongings are moved to content storage during post-fire home renovation, it is wise to keep in mind that time is of the essence when cleaning electronics. After smoke or soot has invaded electrical items, acid that is contained in the smoke residue can begin to corrode metal surfaces. While dry-cleaning clothing may be more of a priority after an in-home fire, electronic items will be hazardous to operate prior to a thorough internal and external cleaning. Local Layton, UT, professionals may be able to assist in the smoke and soot removal from electronic devices.

An in-home fire is something no one wants to contend with. However, items can be saved afterward if proper content cleaning methods are employed.

Do You Know How To Prevent Fires When Grilling?

9/5/2019 (Permalink)

Fire Damage in Layton, UT home.

How To Prevent Fires When Grilling

There are several ways to prevent a grill fire from starting. This guide to safer grilling begins with recommendations about setting up the grilling area before moving on to grill maintenance and food preparation suggestions. Following these steps can help you safely cook outside in Layton, UT.

Where you grill can be as important as how you grill when it comes to preventing a BBQ fire.

Here are a few tips for setting up the grilling area:

• Avoid grilling on a porch or patio with a roof
• Situate the grill at a safe distance from combustibles
• Do not kindle your grill inside or attempt to grill indoors
• Never leave the grilling area unattended by an adult while the fire remains active
• Once you finish, keep children and pets away from hot coals.

It is also important to keep your grill clean. A grill with a build-up of fat rendered from cooked meat can cause flareups and increase the risk of a grill fire.

• Regularly scrape down the grill with a wire brush
• Deep clean the grill at least once per season.
• Don't put your grill away while it is still hot.
• Use caution when cleaning out ash.

Fire prevention starts even before the food gets on the grill. You can reduce the risk of flareups and save time on cleanup later with a little preparation.

• Trim off excess fat before cooking
• Avoid letting towels or napkins come into contact with open flames
• Exercise caution if using an igniting agent

All of these tips are intended to help you prevent a grill fire and BBQ smoke damage. If a BBQ fire does break out, contact the fire department to make sure that the flames are completely extinguished. If any part of your home has sustained damage, you should also schedule a consultation with a residential damage restoration service in Layton, UT.

The Reason Your Fire Alarm is Beeping

7/16/2019 (Permalink)

Remove the battery if present

How to Fix a Beeping Alarm

Having a fully functioning fire alarm in key places around your home in Fruit Heights, UT, is not only critical for the safety of you and your family, but it is also a requirement by most states. Many of the injuries caused by home fires each year are in homes that do not have a working fire alarm. Luckily, when a battery-powered alarm malfunctions, it begins making a very… persistent chirping noise, so you’ll know when it’s time to fix it.

Stop the Beeping

Here are a few reasons your alarms may be beeping, and ways to fix it yourself.

Reset

Sometimes the beeping may be solved simply by resetting the fire alarm. To do this:

• Turn off the main power source (if connected to electricity).
  
• Take the alarm off of the wall or ceiling bracket.
  
• Remove the battery if present.
  
• Press and hold the “test” button for about 20 seconds.
  
• Put the battery back in.
  
• Put the alarm back into the bracket.
  
• Turn the power back on (if applicable).
  
  

Change the Battery

If the beeping persists, repeat the steps above and install a new battery instead. Batteries should generally be replaced every six months or so. Be sure to buy the correct battery that has the same amount of charge, and place it into the slot the way the old one was.
If you live in a newly built home, some states require that smoke alarms be hooked in with the main electrical system, so you won’t have to worry about changing the batteries.

Clean Out Dust

For both battery-powered and electrically powered fire alarms, if you haven’t been able to fix the beeping, and you notice a lot of dust and even bugs, try cleaning it out with some compressed air. Alarms that have been neglected to that extent, however, may have other issues and could require professional maintenance.

Still Beeping?

Especially if you’ve had a previous fire, there may be some alarms that came into contact with too much smoke or heat and endured smoke damage or fire damage. If this is the case, a remediation company can assist you in getting your home back up to code and ensuring it is as safe as possible for your family.

Keep the Focus on Cleaning After a Fire

6/27/2019 (Permalink)

With the use of industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment, everything should be brought back to pre-fire condition

If your company has experienced a commercial fire in Layton, UT, there will come a time when you will need to assess what is salvageable and what will need to be completely replaced. Many items will be damaged from the effects of fire, smoke, water and soot. This includes walls, flooring, ceilings, uniforms, electronics and fixtures. The good news is that many items can be restored through professional services such as dry cleaning, fabric restoration, dehumidifiers and other advanced techniques.

How the Process Works

After a business fire, you will want to follow a number of steps to get the ball rolling. It all starts with working with a quick-acting team that is Faster to Any Size Disaster. Once the team is on your premises, it will conduct the following:

• Inspection and fire damage assessment
  
• Securing of the building with boarding up and roof protection
  
• Water removal and drying if necessary
  
• Smoke and soot removal
  
• Cleaning and sanitizing
  
• Restoration
  
  

The best content cleaning services make sure all materials are free of odors and contaminants. With the use of industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment, everything should be brought back to pre-fire condition. Dry cleaning may be used for clothes, while ultrasonic cleaning may be used for non-porous articles.

Why Speed Matters

It is important that the cleaning process is thorough and professional, but speed is also critical. When your business is shut down, it’s difficult to keep revenue coming in. That places a burden on your bottom line, so the faster things move, the better. For a while, you may need to consider content storage for items that are related to your business. This keeps them out of the way and prevents further damage.

Many of the items that make your company function properly, such as work clothes and uniforms, can get damaged in a commercial fire. Dry cleaning can make them like new again and save the expense of replacing them all.

My Smoke Detector Is Chirping

5/15/2019 (Permalink)

Replace the fire alarm battery

That sound is intentionally annoying. It is a reminder to replace the battery. Your smoke detectors are the most important safety devices in your home. Their job is not to prevent smoke and fire damage. They are there to keep your family safe. Any detector that senses a fire immediately becomes a loud fire alarm. Powerful batteries make that possible.

Replace the Fire Alarm Battery in Three Easy Steps

You may need a ladder to reach your smoke detectors. Plan on having flat and Phillips-head screwdrivers available. Most importantly, make sure you have enough batteries to do them all. If you follow these instructions, you can’t get it wrong.

1. Open the cover of the smoke detector. You should see the battery. Also, smoke detectors don’t last forever. If it is old, look for a label with a date. If it has expired, finish replacing the battery and go shopping for a replacement detector.

2. Replace the battery. If it is the standard 9-volt battery, it may be tight and difficult to remove. If it’s tight coming out, the new one will probably be tight going in.

3. Close the cover and press the test button. If you did everything correctly, you should hear the alarm. If it doesn’t sound, reopen the detector and check the installation of the battery.

Avoid the Annoyance by Scheduling Battery Changes

Battery changes should happen two times per year. A common rule is to replace them whenever you switch your clocks between Standard Time and Daylight Savings Time. You can also schedule the replacement using a calendar. Smartphones with built-in calendar apps and alarms are perfect for this type of reminder.

The purpose of a fire alarm is to get you and your family out of your home quickly and safely. If your home suffers from fire and smoke damage, there are local fire damage specialists in the Kaysville, UT, area ready to return your home to normal.

How Does Water Lead to Damages After a Fire?

1/7/2019 (Permalink)

Fire and water damage in a South Weber, UT building

Fire damage may seem like one of your top concerns after the flames have been put out, but you'll also need to address a fair amount of water damage. When a fire first strikes, most business owners are primarily concerned about the well-being of their staff, customers, and property. Once the smoke clears, however, a period of uncertainty and panic may settle in. Fortunately, fire remediation experts can help you navigate the cleanup and restoration process.

Water From Sprinkler Systems and Fire Hoses

There are actually a few different ways your property may be affected by water. If you have a sprinkler system installed in your building, the heat, flames, or smoke may trigger the emergency system and send 15 to 25 gallons of water per minute into your business. That water can cause a lot of damage.

As the firefighters work to put out flames, they may spray a lot of water at high levels of pressure through a fire hose. That water often floods the building, running down stairways, flooding rooms, and affecting walls and ceilings. Equipment and furnishings are often harmed more by the water than by fire damage.

Flooding From Burst Pipes

Another common culprit of water damage after a fire is the burst pipe. As temperature levels rise as a result of the fire, the building's piping system experiences a lot of pressure. The heated pipes may warp, break, and burst. Sometimes pipes are damaged by falling debris. These bursting pipes force a lot of water into the building, causing flood damages.

If the sewer system line is damaged by the fire or falling debris, you could have an even messier problem on your hands. Sewer backflows often happen because of tree roots in the pipes or problems further up the line. However, these disasters could take place during fires.

Fire damage isn't your only concern after a fire. You may also face a lot of water damage. Work closely with South Weber, UT, fire remediation professionals to get trouble under control and your business back to normal after a fire.

5 Tips for Cleaning Your Gas Range

12/19/2018 (Permalink)

Keep your grates clean

Range Cleaning Tips

If you have a gas range in your Kaysville, UT, home then you may know that keeping it clean is one way to avoid a fire hazard. Many fire restoration professionals recommend doing so regularly in order to avoid the build up of food debris around your stove that can lead to fire trouble. Here are some range cleaning tips that may help.

1. Soak the Grates

During your range cleaning you may want to clean the grates as well. These can be removed and soaked in a sink of soapy water for easier cleaning later.

2. Use a Good Cleaner

You will need to use more than water in order to clean your range. Dish soap will work in most cases, and many people like to use a vinegar spray as well. There are also a number of cleaners designed for range top use as well. If using a chemical cleaner glove use is recommended.

3. Don’t Be Afraid to Scrub

In some cases you may have to scrub your gas range. A scrub brush is a good tool for this task. For smaller parts, a toothbrush may be the right size.

4. Clean Every Part

If you have a smoke smell issuing from your range, odds are there are crumbs somewhere that have been burnt. Cleaning every part including the knobs, burner heads, and the vent over your stove may help.

5. Get Underneath

Many range tops are designed to lift up enough from the base to allow you to vacuum out any crumbs. Removing the accumulated crumbs helps ensure that there is nothing beneath the range that could potentially be a fire hazard.

When cleaning your gas range it’s important to use a good cleanser, get all the parts, and remember to look underneath for any crumbs. Regularly maintaining your stove top can help prevent any smoke odors and reduce your risk of fire hazard.

Cooking Tips To Prevent Fire Hazards

6/10/2018 (Permalink)

Kitchen fires can quickly grow out of control. For the restoration efforts afterward, you need to follow the guidelines of the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification and hire a team in Layton, Utah, that has proof of insurance and experience with a vast array of restoration projects.

However, prevention is always preferable over reaction. Follow these tips to greatly reduce the likelihood of your kitchen experiencing fire damage.

Do Not Leave Cooking Food Unattended

Whether you are broiling, grilling or frying, you always want to remain in the kitchen when you cook something. You do not want to leave for even one minute, because something could go wrong in an instant. If you need to leave the room for something important, then turn off the stove.

SERVPRO OF Layton / Kaysville is ready and IICRC certified to restore your home after a fire.

Keep Flammable Objects Away From Stove

6/10/2018 (Permalink)

Keeping everything away from the stove is one of the most critical tips to follow at all times. Heat travels, and an object could go up in flames even if it is not directly on top of the stove.

There are a number of items that can easily catch fire in a kitchen. They include:

• Towels
• Curtains
• Plastic bags
• Wood utensils
• Oven mitts
• Paper

Clean Regularly

You should clean your stove and oven regularly to prevent a grease fire. Grease builds up over time. Even if you keep paper and towels away from the stove, the grease could still catch fire.

Install a Fire Alarm in the Kitchen

You should have multiple fire alarms installed around your home. One of them should be located in or near the kitchen. That way, if something happens, everyone in the house can be alerted immediately.

Fire damage can be easily circumvented as long as you and your family members are willing to follow a few simple tips. With this advice, you will be able to use your kitchen with peace of mind.

Using Your Space Heater Safely

6/10/2018 (Permalink)

When the winter sets in, it’s only natural to want to stay toasty. There are times your heating fails you, or maybe you don’t have central heating to begin with. Under these circumstances space heaters come out to keep people warm.

What many people using space heaters don’t realize about them is that:

• They cause around a third of winter house fires every year.
• They typically contribute to around 80 percent of winter house fire deaths.
• Insurance companies have had to pay over $48 million for space heater damages in the past five years.

While these appliances are certainly useful, they can be extremely dangerous to you, your family and your home if not used correctly and responsibly, leading to a burned space heater and a lot of professional smoke cleanup in the aftermath.

Call SERVPRO of Layton / Kaysville if your home needs help after an appliance fire.

Space Heater Safety and Precautions

6/10/2018 (Permalink)

Fortunately, there are plenty of precautions you can take to use your heater responsibly so you and your family can be both safe and warm this winter in Layton, Utah.

Isolated Spaces

The leading cause of a burned space heater is that homeowners often set them up much too close to other items. According to a number of insurance websites, your heater should be at least three feet away from anything it could potentially burn at all times to reduce the likelihood of a fire occurring.

Don’t Leave Space Heaters Unattended

Yes, you want your home to be warm when you get home, but is it worth risking a house fire? If you’re not able to directly supervise your space heater, it’s always best to switch it off and let it cool down before you leave.

Level Settings

When placing your space heater, ensure it’s on a level surface. This way, it’s less likely that the machine will tip over and create a hazardous condition.By keeping children away from your heater, refraining from using extension cords, and keeping your smoke alarms in order, you can reduce the chances of experiencing a burned space heater in your home this winter.

How To File an Insurance Claim After a Home Fire

5/10/2018 (Permalink)

Suffering a home fire in Layton, UT, can be emotionally devastating. You may have lost a lifetime’s worth of possessions and been forced out of your home. As difficult as this time is, it’s important you act quickly to ensure your insurance company pays for the fire restoration process. Follow these basic guidelines to file an insurance claim after a home fire.

1. Document the Damage

Your fire insurance provider will require proof of the damage to your home. Take photographs or videos of everything that was damaged. Don’t just focus on the areas directly affected by the fire. Smoke can cause damage throughout your house and you should document this so that you can be reimbursed for smoke cleaning. You should also try to make a list of everything you lost in the fire.

2. Call Your Provider

Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible. It can take as long as 15 days for a claims adjuster to arrive at your home to inspect the damage. The sooner you file your claim the sooner you can begin the fire restoration process.

If you need funds to pay for basic living expenses during this time, such as a hotel, food or clothing, you can also request a cash advance from your provider. This comes out of your final settlement, so don’t splurge.

3. Secure Your Home

Your insurance company will only pay for damages caused by the fire, not by damages incurred after the fire. That means if the fire burned a hole in your roof and it rains, they won’t pay for water damage caused by the rain. Most companies specializing in fire damage restoration offer boarding and tarping services. They can secure your home to prevent any further damage.

4. Keep a Record of Your Communications

Filing an insurance claim in Layton, UT, can be a complicated and lengthy process. Keep careful records of all your phone calls, emails and meetings, including dates, times and the names of people you spoke with. If there is any dispute about payments for your fire restoration costs, these may come in handy.

For more information, please visit us at http://www.SERVPROlaytonkaysville.com.