The 4 Key Steps for Operating a Fire Extinguisher

5/24/2021 (Permalink)

If you follow the PASS technique, you will be able to use most extinguishers like a pro.

Follow These Four Steps

The right tool at the right time can be a lifesaver, but only if you know how to operate it. If a fire breaks out in your home in Red Mountain Ranch, AZ, a fire extinguisher could minimize the property damage. It is not a particularly hard item to use effectively; however, it can be helpful to become familiar with the device. If you follow the PASS technique, you will be able to use most extinguishers like a pro. Follow these four steps:

Pull. A pin is normally located on the top of the device. Just pull the pin out to make the unit operational.
Aim. A hose usually protrudes from the fire extinguisher. Take the hose and aim the end of it with a nozzle at the fire. Aim low at the base of the fire for best results.
Squeeze. Squeeze the handle to release the fire fighting agent. This should result in a forceful flow of foam or some other material out of the hose.
Sweep. Move the hose and nozzle along the base of the fire in a controlled sweeping motion. Do this until the fire is completely out or the device runs out of fluid. Keep a close watch on the extinguished fire for a few hours to make sure it does not revive.

In the case of a kitchen fire, you will need to be careful of what type of fire extinguisher or method you use. A grease or oil fire should be controlled by smothering it with a heavy metal pot lid or by pouring large quantities of baking soda on the fire.
To minimize fire damage, it's a good idea to call in a professional fire mitigation company. Trained technicians can arrive Faster to Any Size Disaster and begin the fire restoration process. They will treat water damage as well as work on removing the impacts of soot and smoke with a professional fire cleanup.

3 Ways to Keep Your Home Safe From Fire Hazards

3/25/2021 (Permalink)

Using candle alternatives is an excellent way to prevent this risk.

Prevent Fire Risks In Your Home

Homeowners in Desert Uplands, AZ, may not think twice about bringing potential fire hazards into their homes. Some are so commonplace it is habitual to purchase them or ignore them in the home. Common fire hazards include:

• Cooking Oils
  
• Candles
  
• Lint
  
  

Simple changes, such as using candle alternatives, can minimize the risk of a fire. Here are a few ways to keep your home safe from fire hazards.

1. Properly Handle Cooking Oils
Many fires begin with improperly handled cooking oils. When you are cooking, never leave hot oil unattended. It takes less than 30 seconds for it to ignite once it begins smoking. To prevent a grease fire, heat the oil slowly in a pan and do not place frozen foods directly in the hot grease. Storing salt nearby is helpful to quickly douse a grease fire.

2. Avoid Using Open Flame Candles
An open flame is a potential fire waiting to happen. Wick candles are a common cause of house fires. Using candle alternatives is an excellent way to prevent this risk. Some include essential oil diffusers, electric wax warmers, and plugins. Each has its unique benefits so be sure to research which is most suitable for your home. The best way to prevent a candle fire is to utilize flameless alternatives.

3. Keep Dryer Vents Clean
Lint is a highly flammable and common household nuisance. When lint clogs the dryer vent, it begins to accumulate inside of the vent and the exhaust hose. If this is neglected for too long, it could spell a disaster for homeowners. A small spark near lint will cause a terrible house fire. To prevent a lint fire, contact a professional to service your dryer at least once a year.
Prevent fire risks by keeping these hazards out of your home. Practicing safe cooking methods, using candle alternatives, and servicing your dryer are all excellent ways to create a safe home environment. If you are in need of a fire damage restoration service, contact your local professionals to help.

3 Benefits of Smoke Alarms With Sealed Batteries

1/14/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke alarms have 10 years batteries

3 Benefits of Smoke Alarms With Sealed Batteries

A growing number of smoke alarm brands are releasing models with sealed, long-life lithium-ion batteries. Find out more about some of the benefits of installing these models at home in Desert Uplands, AZ. Sealed battery smoke alarms can last up to 10 years before requiring replacement, but homeowners should still regularly test alarms and other fire safety systems.

1. No Need To Change Batteries
A smoke detector equipped with a lithium-ion battery does not require replaceable or rechargeable batteries. The Li-Ion batteries in these units also do not require charging to continue to function. Simply connect the alarm to the specified type of wall connector and it will activate.

2. Alarms Last For 10 Years
The lifespan of the average sealed Li-Ion smoke alarm is 10 years. Many manufacturers have warranties on these devices. The price of purchasing detectors that do not require replacement batteries is higher upfront but proves more affordable over time. The price of these units has also gone down over time, with a number of models retailing for less than $20.

3. Visible Power Indicators
Many alarm units that feature sealed Li-Ion batteries have a blinking LED light to indicate operation. The same button used to turn off false alarms may also have a test function. Check to see how to test any sealed alarm that you install in your home. Prevent fire damage by testing alarm sound function once a month or as necessary.
The lithium-ion battery in a long-life smoke alarm can help this appliance lower fire risks for up to 10 years. When it is time to replace a unit, it will beep in a manner that is similar to older detector units that run on replaceable batteries. This signal indicates that it is time to replace all alarms of the same age at a residence in Desert Uplands, AZ.

How to Properly Treat a Major Burn

10/30/2020 (Permalink)

First aid care for a severe burn

Use The Following Guide To Administer Proper First Aid Care For A Severe Burn

In the case of a disaster, your commercial building in Adobe Hills, AZ, isn't always the only victim to suffer from fire damage. It's possible that you, or one of your employees, could suffer a major burn as a result of the disaster. 

1. Call for Emergency Help.
In extreme cases, your first course of action should always be to contact the paramedics, or another type of emergency response team. After you do this, you can begin burn first aid treatment.

2. Help the Victim Out of Danger.
Make sure the burn victim is not still in contact, or in danger of coming into contact, with the source of the injury. Make sure you can do so safely so you don't get injured in the process. If the victim is unconscious, check to make sure they're still breathing.

3. Remove Restrictive Clothing and Accessories from the Affected Area.
Areas that suffer from intense heat or fire damage can begin to swell quickly, so you need to remove any clothing, jewelry, belts or otherwise restrictive items that the victim might be wearing. This can help reduce the risk of further injury.

4. Cover the Burn With a Cool, Moist Cloth.
Never submerge severe burns in water, as you could put the victim at risk of hypothermia. Instead, dampen a cloth or bandage with cool water and carefully cover the affected area.

5. Elevate the Burn.
If you can do so without harming the victim, elevate the burned area. Try to get the injury above the victim's heart level.

6. Watch Carefully Until Paramedics Arrive.
Keep a close eye on the victim for signs of shock. Some possible symptoms might include irregular breathing, loss of consciousness and a pale complexion. Do not leave the victim's side until emergency responders arrive.
Fire damage and injuries can be very severe, and must always be taken seriously. Contact fire remediation experts if your commercial building has recently suffered from a fire.

Prepare Your Family In Case of a Fire Emergency

9/23/2020 (Permalink)

House fire in Sierra Estate, AZ

Destructive blazes can break out in any residence, even yours in peaceful Sierra Estate, AZ. Although the odds of an inferno striking can never be entirely eliminated, simple fire preparation can reduce your odds of an accident becoming reality.

Top Causes of House Fires

Recognize some of the most common causes of home fire incidents:

• Kitchen instruments being left on.
  
• Falling asleep while smoking.
  
• Portable heaters resting near combustible materials.
  
• Leaving candles unattended.
  
• Improper handling of BBQ grills.
  
  

Knowing where a flame can likely ignite will greatly aid your implementation of fire safety measures. Pay attention to these trouble spots and engage in proactive fire preparation to avert the need for a visit from a fire damage restoration expert.

House Fire Safety
Beyond attending to the above danger zones, you can also beef up your family’s fire safety game. Make certain each floor of your house is adequately equipped with smoke alarms and replace the batteries well before they expire. Purchase an extinguisher and place it where accidents are most likely to occur. Two necessary locations are the kitchen and beside the fireplace.
Next, it’s critical that you educate your children. Teach them what fire alarms sound like and stress what to do when one goes off. Explicitly demonstrate how to escape every room of your residence and establish an outside meeting spot. Stress the importance of stopping, dropping and rolling if on fire and review with them how to dial 911. With your lesson complete, test your little ones by having them repeat everything and demonstrating what they have learned. Finally, run a practice drill to confirm your plan is solidly in place.
Fire preparation should not be difficult but it must be taken care of, especially in families with vulnerable members. Know where flames are likely to spark so you can avoid them from happening and set aside time to coach your youngsters on how to handle a sudden emergency.

4 Fire Preparation Tips for Businesses

7/5/2020 (Permalink)

Contact 9-1-1 to alert emergency services when you have a fire

Incorporate This Four Tips Into Your Disaster Recovery Plan

Without proper fire preparation, a fire at your business can easily lead to widespread panic that could result in additional property damage and a higher risk for your employees. Consider incorporating these four tips into your disaster recovery plan.

1. Create a Fire Evacuation Plan
One of the most important components of your disaster preparation plan is making sure your employees know how to safely evacuate during a fire. Your plan should cover as many likely scenarios as you can think of as well as guidelines on what to do if an unexpected situation occurs. Once you have drafted your plan, make sure you practice executing it.

2. Know Your Risks
Before you can begin mitigating your fire risks, you must first know what they are. The most commonly encountered business fires are those started by cooking equipment, intentional acts, and electrical failures. Useful handbooks are available from the National Fire Protection Association. If the service is available in Mesa, AZ, arranging for the local Fire Marshal to inspect your property and identify hazards can be a good fire preparation step.

3. Ensure You Are Following Fire Safety Guidelines
Fire damage often results from preventable fires. Be sure you are observing safety guidelines, such as not plugging too many electronics into the same outlet, properly using extension cords, and performing regular inspections.

4. Keep an Updated List of Emergency Contacts
In most cases, you will want to contact 9-1-1 to alert emergency services when you have a fire. However, it is a good idea to maintain a list of people, such as suppliers, customers, and fire restoration services, you may need to contact after a fire. Store this information off-site, so that you can still access it if you are unable to enter your business.
Proper fire preparation is key to lowering your business' fire risk. These four tips can help you draft your disaster recovery plan.

What are the different types of smoke damage?

5/25/2020 (Permalink)

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Mesa East will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting.

Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?

Call Us Today – (480) 835-6688

3 Important Fire Alarm Questions and Their Answers

3/20/2020 (Permalink)

When it comes to your Adobe Hills, AZ, home, a fire alarm is a must

Questions You Should Consider

When it comes to your Adobe Hills, AZ, home, a fire alarm is a must. By alerting you to an emergency, this device can help prevent harm to you and your family as well as damage to your house. Despite their importance, it is likely that you do not spend much time thinking about these devices. The following are a few questions that you should consider.

1. What Kind of Alarms Are Available?

There are some important features that can vary between fire alarm models. Knowing these can help you determine the best device for your home. Alarms come in two common types: photoelectric and ionization. Each of these is better for detecting a certain kind of fire, so it is best to install both in your home. You can now find models with both types of sensors which makes this easier.

2. How Should You Maintain Your Alarms?

Along with the sensor, the method of powering your fire alarm can vary as well. They can use traditional or lithium batteries or can be hard-wired to your home’s electrical system. Lithium battery-powered alarms will not need to have their batteries replaced, but traditional batteries will need to be changed once or twice a year. Batteries should be tested once a month. To keep the device working properly, you should make sure that it is clean and free of dust and debris.

3. How Many Alarms Do You Need?

The number of alarms needed in your house depends on its size. So that you are quickly alerted to fire damage in all parts of your home, there should be at least one alarm on each floor, including basements and attics. There should also be a device installed in each bedroom and outside of each sleeping area.
Although your alarm can help limit the damage by alerting you to a fire, the building will likely still have some fire and smoke damage, and in some cases, the flames may be too large for you to contain on your own. No matter the severity, a fire remediation company can help return your home to its previous condition by performing cleanup and repairs.

Understanding the Fire Restoration Process

12/3/2019 (Permalink)

Regardless of the amount of destruction, you will probably need to contact a fire restoration company to help restore and rebuild your home.

Understanding the Fire Restoration Process

Like any disaster, fires can lead to varying levels of damage, depending on the type, severity and location in the home. However, regardless of the amount of destruction, you will probably need to contact a fire restoration company to help restore and rebuild your home. These services typically follow the same three-step process for remediation:

1. Mitigation
2. Cleanup
3. Restoration
   

Mitigation
Unlike damage cleaning, mitigation is about limiting the amount of additional damage. Mitigating further losses involves protecting your property and helping to secure the approval of a potential insurance claim. These services generally include boarding up any unwanted openings, tarping any holes in the roof and possibly putting up fencing to limit access to vagrants and animals alike. Also, during this phase of remediation, the company you hire will probably evacuate any standing water.

Cleanup
The cleanup portion of fire restoration is typically centered on discarding debris and eliminating smoke damage. Therefore, the contracted service will begin by removing any items from the affected area and sorting them with the homeowner. This process is followed by a thorough examination of the structure and the sanitization of all affected rooms and appliances, including the HVAC system of the home.

Restoration
Once the home is properly cleaned and sanitized, the fire remediation team from Leisure World, AZ, begins the reconstruction or restoration phase. During this period, the home will be restored to its pre-disaster condition, meaning that there will be no remaining signs of the fire in the house. Once completed, families can move back to the property and hopefully move on.
Fire restoration is an involved process, and every reputable remediation company usually goes about the process the same way, utilizing the steps of mitigation, cleanup and restoration. Don't attempt a DIY repair after a fire. Look after your family and allow the specialists to come in and get your property in order. Professional services will bring you home again.

How To Create a Basic Fire Safety Plan for Your Family

10/7/2019 (Permalink)

It is recommended to have a home fire drill twice a year

Fire preparedness can significantly affect your risk level for fire damage in your Red Mountain Ranch, AZ, home. This discussion may help you design a proper emergency escape plan for your family.

Creating Your Fire Readiness Plan

The focus of your family’s first fire safety meeting is to begin designing a fire escape plan that will allow everyone to evacuate the home quickly and safely if needed.


Walking the entire house with your family will allow you to note two door or window exits from each room.
Confirming that your house number is easily visible from the street will ensure emergency responders can find you.
Storing escape ladders in upper-story rooms will allow for window evacuations.
Setting a family meeting place, such as across the street, will allow you to quickly account for your family.
Posting a map that shows the outdoor meeting place and the escape routes for each room can be especially beneficial to children.


Once you have your fire escape plan, your local fire restoration specialist will generally be happy to review it and suggest provisions specific to your dwelling and family.

Testing Your Escape Plan

It is recommended to have a home fire drill twice a year, the first one being a daytime drill where everyone can practice with ladders and see routes clearly. You can follow that with a nighttime drill as escaping in the dark has different challenges. One way to have a drill is to let your family know it will happen at some point during the night, and then, in a couple of hours, press the test button on your alarm to start the drill. After a few drills, it can be helpful to stage a surprise drill to more closely replicate an actual emergency.

If your smoke alarms sound because of smoke or fire, you will want to evacuate your family quickly and safely. Without planning, this can be a chaotic process. Creating a home fire escape plan, and practicing it, prepares your family for a successful evacuation and allows you to focus on getting help as soon as possible.

Methods of Eliminating Tough Home Odors

7/19/2019 (Permalink)

Vinegar is also great for removing tough odors

Battling a lingering odor in your home in Mesa, AZ can be a challenge. Food, cigarettes, mold and pets are just a few sources of foul odors. You certainly don’t want to just cover one smell with another. Neutralizing the odor is the only way of getting rid of it completely. Fortunately, home deodorization can be fairly easy to accomplish.

Here Are Four Ways of Eliminating Tough Odors:

1. White Vinegar

Simmer white vinegar on the stove to remove odors from the kitchen, or even the whole house. Don’t worry, the vinegar smell will go away soon. You can also put a bowl of vinegar in individual rooms to absorb odors. Replace the vinegar every 24 hours until the odor is gone. Mix vinegar with water (two cups vinegar to one-gallon water) to clean carpet and fabrics such as sofa and curtains, as well as hard surfaces such as furniture and walls. Vinegar is also great for removing tough odors such as cigarette smoke from clothing; add half a cup to your laundry.

2. Baking Soda

Like vinegar, baking soda will absorb odors if placed in bowls throughout the house. For fabrics and carpet, sprinkle it all over and let it sit for an hour, then vacuum. For better effectiveness, rub into the surface.

3. Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal is another inexpensive home deodorization method. It’s chemically treated to hold more oxygen than regular charcoal, making stubborn odors easier to absorb. Hanging granule-filled sachets around the house works well.

4. Ozone Generator

This is the most costly and labor-intensive method, so it should be a last resort. But if you have a really stubborn odor like stale cigarette smoke, it’s worth the extra effort and expense. It can take over 24 hours to deodorize an entire house, but it’s effective.
If the odor you’re fighting hangs on for more than a couple of days, it may be time to hire odor removal and deodorization professionals. They provide the most thorough home deodorization available.

A Landlord’s Guide to an Apartment Fire

6/28/2019 (Permalink)

Fire Damage in Mesa, AZ.

A fire in your Mesa, AZ, apartment building is an event that causes panic and confusion for you as well as tenants. There are many questions about rebuilding and who is responsible for the losses and cost of cleanup. The following steps will help guide you through the process of rebuilding after your apartment fire.

Rebuilding after your appartment fire

1. Contact Your Insurance Company

The immediate first step to take is to call your insurance company. You need to file a claim and get details about exactly what your policy covers. You will likely be dealing with upset tenants, some who may not have renter’s insurance, and they will have questions about whether your insurance covers fire damage related to their property. Unfortunately, a landlord’s insurance policy won’t cover tenant possessions, so they should be directed to contact their own insurance agent or the Red Cross, if needed.

2. Obtain Detailed Information on Fire Cause

Stay in contact with the fire department or investigators, and interview all tenants. The cause of the apartment fire is important for insurance purposes, possible criminal prosecution and preventing future problems. If you find any new information related to its cause, contact the fire investigator and your insurance agent immediately. If a tenant has directly caused the fire, your insurance company will be able to work with you to obtain payment from that resident.

3. Call a Restoration Company

It’s important to contact a competent fire restoration company. They will know the best way to salvage items, limit further damage and contact companies who can start rebuilding quickly. They also can help you navigate the insurance company and its role in paying for repairs. It’s important to contact professionals, as a fire causes damage to a building’s structure and is a huge liability if not repaired correctly.
An apartment fire is an unforeseen event that can seem overwhelming. However, if you contact your insurance company and a professional fire restoration team, they will help you manage the process and rebuild. It will leave your Mesa, AZ, property “Like it never even happened."

Proper Maintenance of Your Furnace May Prevent a House Fire

5/22/2019 (Permalink)

Keep your furnace maintained

Today is the age of set it and forget it technology. Many modern conveniences require minimal or no upkeep, but your furnace is not one of those. People in Sunland Villages, AZ may not realize it, but your home’s furnace does require a few steps to ensure it works safely and efficiently. A little furnace cleaning is nothing compared to the distress that fire cleaning can be.

How to Maintain Your Home Furnace

This is a basic list of steps that should be taken to keep a furnace operating safely. Be sure to read the owners manual to ensure you are taking all needed steps.

• When it comes to preventing a fire cleaning the unit of any dust may be your best defense
  
• Change filters regularly to minimize dust buildup
  
• Be sure to have your heating and cooling units serviced by professionals each year before using
  
• Lubricating the motor and adjusting the belts is critical to smooth operation
  
• Adjust the thermostat to a comfortable level and test it to make sure that it does come on at that temperature
  
  

Keep a Careful Watch

Gas and flames are nothing to take for granted. In addition to preventive measures, take notice if you see or smell any signs of trouble. If your furnace is producing a strong gas smell, get all family members out of the house, leaving windows and doors open - call the gas company immediately. If it fails to come on at the designated setting, you may need to have it calibrated. If, for some reason the furnace is not turning on at all, the power switch may have failed or a fuse may have gone out and may require attention.

If, in spite of your good efforts, a fire should happen get out of the house and call 911 at once. Then you may wish to call on an emergency fire damage restoration service in Sunland Villages, AZ to help with the fire cleaning process. Smoke cleaning can be difficult and fire tech may be the best choice

Escape Plan Special Circumstances

4/3/2019 (Permalink)

It's important to have a Fire Escape Plan to ensure safety for your family and loved ones. Are you ready?

Special Considerations When Creating a Fire Escape Plan

If you’re one of these homeowners, don’t stress – it’s never too late to start thinking about fire safety in Mesa, AZ. These tips can help you ensure your emergency escape plan is a good one so you can keep your family as safe as possible.

Assigning Assistance

Some members of your home may not be able to follow the plan of their own accord. Be sure to assign another family member to these individuals during the escape. You may need to assign helpers to:

• Infants and toddlers
• Elderly family members
• Pets

Dealing With Security Measures

If your home has security bars or locks, be sure they have an emergency release that’s easy to use in the event that a disaster arises. This could save you a few crucial seconds during your escape.

If you have any questions, please give us a call at (480) 835-6688.

SERVPRO of Mesa East has the training and experience necessary to keep your family, loved ones and belongings safe. 

Using an Ozone Machine To Counteract Cigarette Odor

2/5/2019 (Permalink)

An ozone generator is used for home deodorization

Using an Ozone Machine To Counteract Cigarette Odor

Smoking cigarettes indoors can cause a lot of problems. Not only can it be a fire hazard, it can also envelop your home in a stale odor that is hard to remedy. Getting rid of the smell is not completely impossible, though. A professional smoke remediation company may use an ozone machine for home deodorization. The molecules attach to smoke particles and neutralize them. Within a few steps, the odor can be gone.

1. Machine Placement

An ozone generator is placed in the area that needs remediation. If the whole house is plagued by the smell, it may be placed in a central location. Because ozone is heavier that regular air, technicians in Desert Uplands, AZ, will likely place the machine on the second story of a two-story home. Once the machine is placed, it can be started.

2. Air Flow Assistance

If only one room needs home deodorization, the room can be sealed so that the ozone stays in the affected area. If the whole house needs treatment, however, air flow must be created so the ozone can infiltrate your entire home. Specialists may use fans, your central air system ducts or a combination of the two to make sure the ozone reaches all the places it needs to reach.

3. Treatment Completion

The treatment for cigarette smoke in your home may take anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on the size of the affected space. Once it is complete, the machine is turned off, and the ozone is allowed to dissipate, which can take several hours. Once that happens, you and your family can return to your home.

The process of home deodorization is pretty straightforward but usually requires professional help. Enlisting certified experts to take care of your cigarette odor issues can improve the smell of your home and help everyone who enters breathe cleaner, fresher air.

3 Things to Consider When Choosing a Fire Alarm for Your Home

12/26/2018 (Permalink)

A smoke alarm can be a lifesaving for your home in Sunland Villages, AZ

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Fire Alarm

You want your home in Sunland Villages, AZ to be safe, and a smoke alarm can be lifesaving if a fire occurs. However, there are many different fire alarms available and you may be unsure of what alarm is best for your home. There are several factors to consider when choosing the right detector.

1. Not All Alarms Are the Same

There are often different ways in which alarms detect smoke. If you want an alarm that is sensitive to smoke, an air-sampling smoke detector might be best. Alternatively, photoelectric alarms will detect slow-burning fires, an ionization alarm detects quick-moving fires. Overall, knowing what you want out of your alarm can help you choose the best fit for your home.

2. Alarms Can Have Different Functions

While the primary function of a fire alarm is to alert you and others in the home if there is a fire, some people also expect their fire alarm to alert them of carbon monoxide. Some fire alarms will alert you to the presence of carbon monoxide and smoke, but some alarms are only made to detect and alert you to smoke. If you’re uncertain whether your smoke alarm will alert you to carbon monoxide, examine the alarm and read over the instructional booklet that came with your alarm when it was first purchased.

3. Understand the Noises Your Alarm Makes

Part of fire safety often means knowing how to react to your alarm, and noises from alarms can mean different things. If you have an alarm that detects both carbon monoxide and detects smoke, you can test your alarm to familiarize yourself with the different noises your alarm will make if it detects smoke or carbon monoxide. Additionally, a smoke detector can start chirping if the batteries need to be replaced.

Knowing the differences between the types of alarms can help you determine what type of smoke alarm is best for your home. If your home has already sustained damage from a fire and you want your home restored, it may be helpful to contact fire damage restoration professionals.

4 Things To Throw Away After a Fire

11/7/2018 (Permalink)

4 Things To Throw Away After a Fire

High heat can damage non-perishable and perishable food items in a home that has experienced a fire. You should avoid eating food exposed to fire suppressants, smoke, or soot. Avoid feeding pets food exposed to fire. Here are five more things to throw away after a fire.

1. Medicine

Medicine that shows signs of fire damage or that has been exposed to smoke, soot, or suppressants should be disposed of and replaced. Most medicine has a safe temperature range stated on the label and may be less effective if this range is exceeded. If these items were anywhere near a fire, it is likely that temperatures surpassed the upper limit.

2. Burned Clothing

Clothes exposed to ashes or soot may be restored, but you should throw away burned clothing. This is particularly the case for baby's or children's clothing. Wash sooty clothes in a mixture of four to six teaspoons of tri-sodium phosphate or TSP-PF phosphate-free cleaner to one cup of bleach per gallon of water. You can also try products that contain sodium percarbonate or oxygen bleach.

3. Cosmetics

Even though you don't ingest most cosmetics, these substances are worn on the skin. Makeup or personal care items exposed to extreme heat, smoke, soot, or fire suppressants may cause irritation or increase the amount of transdermal toxins absorbed through skin.

4. Porous Food Preparation Equipment

Avoid bringing clean food or drinks into contact with contaminated surfaces such as cutting boards, plastic dishes, cups, or utensils, or baby bottle nipples. Dispose of these items if they have been exposed to fire, smoke, or soot.

Throwing away these four types of items may reduce the risk of continued exposure to fire suppressants, smoke, or soot. If you are unsure whether to throw away an item or attempt to have it restored, contact a residential fire damage restoration firm in Desert Uplands,AZ.

Developing a Fire Evacuation Plan

7/23/2018 (Permalink)

If you prepare yourself and your family well, you can help minimize the chances of tragedy if a fire starts in your house.

As a homeowner and parent, you couldn’t bear the thought of a devastating fire threatening your kids’ safety or the security of your house and belongings. In the event of a fire, the most important thing you can do for your family is safely get everyone out. To avoid confusion and panic, it’s essential that you develop an escape plan so that if this terrible ordeal does occur, everyone will know what to do. There are some basic steps and components for evacuating if your Mesa, AZ, home is on fire.


Conduct a Thorough Walk-Through


You live in your home, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t become more familiar with the intricacies of the layout and places of exit. Take your family through your house to ensure everyone knows how to effectively take part in a fire escape.


* Inspect the windows and doors in every room.
* Make sure the windows open easily and that even younger family members can open them.
* Make sure there are at least two ways out of every room.


Pick a Gathering Place


Once everyone has safely escaped the home fire, you need a place to congregate. This should be a safe distance from the home, and it should be a place everyone is familiar with. Make sure everyone in your family knows the spot you’ve designated so there won’t be any mistake about where you should go if a fire starts.


Practice the Escape


You hope to never have to put this escape plan in motion, but if you have to, you’ll be glad you’ve done a few run-throughs. Your kids’ safety is at stake, so make sure everyone has the process down well.


There’s nothing more important to you than your kids’ safety. If you prepare yourself and your family well, you can help minimize the chances of tragedy if a fire starts in your house. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROmesaeast.com/. 

Prevent Lint Fires by Cleaning Your Dryer Vent

5/11/2018 (Permalink)

Preventing a lint fire is not exclusive to indoor tasks. Precautions should be taken outside as well.

A home clothes dryer fire can be an expensive disaster. There are 2,990 such fires reported in the U.S. annually. These preventable fires cause over $35 million in property damage each year. You may be certain that this could never happen to you, especially if you have top-of-the-line equipment, but your dryer vent could put you at risk. Being proactive by learning how often your dryer vent should be cleaned will keep your home in Mesa, AZ, safe. Here are three tips for properly maintaining a safe dryer.

1. Be Consistent

You can easily prevent a lint fire by cleaning your vent often. This simple task can save you a lot of money and heartache. Make it a habit to check the vent every time you do a load of laundry. It is also important to not neglect the back of the dryer, as it is an easy place for lint to build up over time. If cleaning by hand is not doing the trick, use a nylon brush for a more thorough clean.

2. Take the Extra Steps

It is important to take every precaution in regards to keeping your home safe. Less frequent but more intensive dryer cleaning tasks such as snaking the dryer exhaust every three months and regularly having the dryer professionally cleaned are important. It is also a good idea to unplug your washer and dryer if you will be away from your home for more than a week. You should have the number of the nearest fire restoration company on hand in the event that a fire does occur.

3. Check Outside, Too

Preventing a lint fire is not exclusive to indoor tasks. Precautions should be taken outside as well. Make sure that elements such as rain and snow do not damage your dryer by putting a covering on outside wall dampers. It is also important to make sure that outdoor vents do not get blocked by insect or animal nests. Use these tips to reduce the chance of a lint fire in your Mesa, AZ, home. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROmesaeast.com/. 

Smoke Damage in Mesa, AZ

4/29/2018 (Permalink)

How does smoke get all over the house?

Smoke moves its way about your whole home and isn’t just confined to the area where the fire is. Smoke damage can be extensive, and smoke odor remediation requires filtering the air and dry cleaning clothing, among other treatments. Failing to clean up smoke damage can create health hazards or make the home an unsuitable place to inhabit. 

Trying to handle the fire cleanup can be difficult on your own. It is almost always best to hire a company in Mesa, AZ, that specializes in fire damage restoration. Their technicians will have the tools and the knowhow to clean your home properly, and ensure it is safe and comfortable for you and your family to live in. 

Call SERVPRO of Mesa East and have your home cleaned of smoke "Like it never even happened."

Tips for Creating an Effective Fire Escape Plan

4/29/2018 (Permalink)

You likely already know how crucial it is to have a fire escape plan for your home.

However, do you know how to make an effective one? The sad fact is that few adults know how to create an easy and reliable fire escape plan, and people fail to maintain an escape route that’s easy to navigate and meets the current standards.

1. A Family Effort

Whether you have children or you just live with a few roommates, it’s absolutely imperative that everyone understands the escape plan. Therefore, make its formation a family effort. Walk through your home and identify all of the possible exit routes and ensure that everyone involved comprehends how to get out of each space.

2. Make Your Home Easily Identifiable

During your escape, the last thing you want to do is have emergency response teams and other professionals arrive late because they couldn’t identify your home. Make part of your planning a prevention effort. If your mailbox number isn’t clearly visible from the street, take the time to paint it on the curb in highly visible paint.

Having a fire escape plan on hand is important, but ensuring that it’s an effective one is potentially more important. Following these tips can help to make any emergency escape plan more reliable so you can rest easy knowing you and your family are prepared.

Mesa Smoke and Soot Cleanup

4/29/2018 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – (480) 835-6688