Fire Safety Tips for Every Room of the House

6/23/2022 (Permalink)

You can count on SERVPRO of Macon to help you recover after a house fire.

The unfortunate truth about household fires is that they can start for a myriad of reasons. From cooking incidents to improperly stored flammable items, many accidents can lead to a fire, which is why it is so vital to practice fire prevention throughout the house.

Making sure that you and every member of your household are aware of common fire hazards can help you all go about your lives with safety in mind, which drastically reduces the likelihood that you will wind up with a fire on your hands. Read on to learn about fire safety tips you should know for every room.

Kitchen Fire Safety Tips

Kitchens are the room in the home where a fire is most likely to break out, so it is extra important to be vigilant. Make sure there is nothing flammable near your stove or oven (including curtains, dish towels and potholders) and that food is never left unattended on the stove. It is also important to keep a fire extinguisher handy in case of any flare-ups, and ensure everyone in the home knows how to handle a grease fire as opposed to a regular fire.

Family Room Fire Safety Tips

While family rooms do not typically contain as many fire hazards as other areas of the home, there are still risks to consider. Don’t leave candles burning unattended, and if you have a fireplace, make sure it is inspected regularly by a certified professional. For electronics, be sure to not overload electrical outlets and replace cords and cables if they become frayed or worn out.

Garage and Storage Fire Safety Tips

Storage areas such as garages or basements can often become cluttered, which can lead to an excess of fire hazards. Make sure any flammable materials, such as lighter fluid or chemicals, are stored properly and are not able to get too hot in the summer months. Also be certain that these areas have clear and accessible exits free from clutter that could block someone’s path should they need to escape quickly.

*If you have damage to your home due to a house fire, you can count on us to help. Get in touch with us today to learn more about how our fire restoration services work.

Fire Safety Tips for the Whole Family

6/8/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Macon is ready 24/7 to help you recover from fire damage.

Fire safety is such an important thing for any household. House fires can be dangerous and traumatic, causing significant household damage and putting anyone in the vicinity directly in

harm’s way. Fortunately, fire safety is also a goal that the entire family can get involved with, keeping everyone more invested in safety and more prepared, just in case.

Many fire safety tips are things the entire family can participate in, which makes it a great family activity. Depending on who is in your household, it may be necessary to adjust some of these tips accordingly—for example, toddlers may have a great time drawing escape plans, while older kids may be more suited to smoke detector test duty.

However, we hope these general guidelines are helpful in getting everyone on the same page

for your home’s fire safety.

Fire Safety Tasks for Young Children

**Drawing an escape route.** Escaping quickly is key when it comes to a house fire, so an escape plan is a must. Young children can often be helpful here, drawing lines from each room

to indicate every exit.

**Being accountable for hazards.** Unattended candles, space heaters and cooking food can all be major fire hazards. Oftentimes, young children can make great safety accountability buddies,

calling out these hazards when they notice them.

Fire Safety Tasks for Older Children

**Checking smoke detectors.** Smoke detectors should be tested monthly, which can often be a great chore for preteens and teens in the home.

**Managing fire escape drills.** It is important to have a fire escape plan, and just as important to practice it regularly. Older children can be great at managing these drills, from planning them

out to debriefing as a family in order to see where there may be room for improvement.

**Cleaning out the dryer lint trap.** If your older children do their own laundry, it is important that they understand the importance of cleaning out the dryer lint trap. This is a commonly overlooked fire hazard, but the lint can heat up while the dryer is running and lead to a fire.

*If you have household damage due to a fire, we are here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our fire restoration options or get in touch 24/7 for a rapid response. 

Fire Safety & HVAC Maintenance

4/26/2022 (Permalink)

If fire should become a problem, contact the pros in green, SERVPRO of Macon.

Being a responsible homeowner means taking care of the things that take care of you. Your HVAC system is always there, and there are few (if any) days per year in our area where you aren’t relying on it to keep your home comfortable. It often goes unappreciated—that is, until something goes south or stops working.

There are also some important fire safety concerns of which you need to remain aware, particularly as winter comes in and your HVAC switches to heating mode. Don’t let your source of comfort turn into a source of disaster.

Here’s what you need to do to make sure your HVAC system and furnace are running safely this fall and winter.

Routine Maintenance

Ideally, your HVAC system should be checked twice a year for any present or upcoming issues. A professional can see problems coming and head them off before any danger is presented.

Things like aging or fraying wiring can become fire hazards that are exacerbated by the extended use of HVAC systems during less pleasant times of the year.

Duct System Circulation

Overworked heating systems are dangerous heating systems, and one thing that can quickly cause your system to work too hard is allowing your ductwork to become or remain clogged. Poor circulation or ventilation can cause your furnace to overheat.

It’s recommended that you have your duct work cleaned every three to five years, and we can help with that.

Declutter Your Furnace Area

If your furnace is located in a designated area, or it’s in the corner of a basement or garage, make sure the two-foot radius around it is clear of clutter. Radiating heat (and certainly direct contact) from the furnace can cause flammable materials to ignite. Resist the urge to use your furnace area for storage.

Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors

If your furnace is gas-powered, carbon monoxide detectors can be as important for you as smoke alarms. The gas in your furnace is odorless, and you may not notice a leak until it’s too late. A detector can give you the assurance that things are running smoothly.

In addition to your regular fall maintenance, make sure to have your heating unit examined to give yourself a comfortable, fire-safe fall and winter season.

If fire should become a problem at home, we can help you with restoration and recovery. Contact SERVPRO to get the pros in green working for you right away.

Tips For Recovering After a House Fire

4/11/2022 (Permalink)

House fires trend to peak during the winter. SERVPRO of Macon is available 24/7 in the event of an emergency.

No one likes to think about suffering a loss like a house fire, but it’s a reality for millions of American families every year. House fires aren’t a seasonal risk to your home, but they do happen more frequently during the winter months.

If your family suffers a house fire, even one that does extensive damage, you can take steps to recover what you can from your home and recover emotionally, too. These tips can help you start the restoration process and help you deal with the aftermath of a house fire.

Taking the First Steps

The American Red Cross offers the following tips to help you in the immediate aftermath of a house fire.

After you’ve gotten everyone out of the house and treatment for any injured people or pets, then these are your next steps:

Let your loved ones know you’re safe. This is an important step, especially when news of a fire or issue can spread quickly.

Don’t go back into your home until it’s secured. The authorities will let you know when it’s safe to go back to your house. Please don’t go in there before because it can be unsafe.

Get in touch with your insurance company. You’ll want to let them know what happens to get the restoration process started.

Tips for Dealing With Emotions

It’s normal to feel a wide range of emotions after your home suffers a fire. They can range from grief to anger to depression. The American Psychological Association offers this advice to help you begin the process of recovering emotionally.

Find ways to reduce your stress. That can include exercise, meditation and deep breathing.

Don’t make major life decisions. It’s smart to avoid switching jobs or making other major choices while dealing with these complicated emotions.

Talk about your feelings. Whether you choose a therapist, family members or a close friend, it’s smart to talk to someone about what’s going on.

Don’t set expectations. There is no way you “should” be dealing with these issues. Instead, do what you can and be kind to yourself.

Take good care of yourself. Eat balanced meals and get plenty of sleep. It will help you better deal with a stressful situation.

If your home is damaged due to a fire or any other cause, you can always count on us for restoration assistance. We have crews who are available 24⁄7 in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about our restoration services and how we can help.

SERVPRO's Process for Fire Restoration

4/2/2022 (Permalink)

When your home or business endures fire damage, you can count on SERVPRO of Macon from start to finish.

After a fire strikes your home or business, you’re left with damage from the fire as well as water saturating everything from the firefighting efforts. None of that would be a surprise to our experts here at SERVPRO, as we have the specialized fire restoration expertise to return your house to its pre-fire state.

Every fire damage situation is unique and necessitates a unique remedy, but the overall procedure remains the same. The following is how we will handle a “normal” fire damage situation.

Initial contact. We are on call 24 hours a day and seven days a week, including all holidays. Disaster doesn’t wait for office hours to strike, and we don’t wait to respond. When you contact us, the restoration procedure starts. Our experts will ask a number of questions about the fire damage so that we can get started immediately with the necessary equipment and resources.

Inspection. To establish the degree of the fire, water, smoke and soot damage, we will thoroughly check and test every room. By doing this, we are able to formulate the proper strategy. Fires can cause the air quality to be unsafe, so it’s important not to re-enter the property until experts have determined it is safe to do so.

Water removal. If there is water damage present as a result of firefighting efforts or sprinkler systems, we will begin the water removal procedure immediately to ensure the bulk of the water is removed. If there is any remaining water, it will be removed using dehumidifiers and fans, and the drying process will begin from there.

Cleaning. SERVPRO removes smoke and soot from ceilings, walls and other surfaces using highly specialized state-of-the-art equipment and processes. We’ll clean up all of the fire-damaged items and areas that can be cleaned and repaired. We will also work to return your possessions to their pre-fire state by applying a number of cleaning processes. We can clean and restore electronics, documents, upholstery and more. We also specialize in industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment to eliminate odors.

Restoration. If during the cleaning process we determine that certain areas of your property cannot be cleaned, we also provide comprehensive restoration and rebuilding services. Restoration and rebuilding efforts include everything from modest repairs like drywall replacement, painting or carpet installation to substantial repairs like the complete rebuilding of different areas or rooms in your home or property.

When your home or business endures fire damage, you can trust that SERVPRO of Macon will be ready to be a helping hand and will get your home restored quickly and thoroughly to its pre-fire condition.

Why You Should Trust SERVPRO with Your Fire Damage Recovery

3/25/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Macon is your local fire restoration expert. No job is too big for our team of experts.

Dealing with a fire is one of the most taxing things a homeowner could possibly imagine.

Fire causes all kinds of damage in your home, and recovering from a home fire encompasses dealing with physical, financial, emotional and mental recovery.

While SERVPRO of Macon can’t help with all these areas, we can be your main source of property recovery and restoration. And we can get your home taken care of quickly, which can in turn aid in your emotional recovery as well.

Here’s why you know you can feel good about entrusting your fire recovery to us.

We’re Established.

We’ve been doing this a very long time. SERVPRO was established the same year Thurgood Marshall was appointed to the Supreme Court, if that gives you any idea.

That means we’ve got over 50 years’ experience helping families and homeowners deal with the effects of fire, and we’ll use all those years of innovation and experience to give you the most complete recovery possible.

We’re Skilled.

SERVPRO of Macon employs a team of experts, trained and equipped to handle anything fire may have done to your home. From reversing the effects of smoke damage to full-blown rebuilding efforts, we have the tools and work ethic to get it done.

We’re always up to date on the latest technologies, innovations and certifications, which multiplies our capacity for tackling even the toughest recovery projects.

We’re Very Fast.

When you click this link or call 478-474-6700, you’re getting connected with a local team who can be onsite right away to get started.

You don’t have to wait for a team from somewhere else to show up—no, we’re right here in Macon which means when you need us, we’re the quickest option for your recovery. And we’re on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week to take your emergency call.

When fire strikes at home, the choice is clear: SERVPRO of Macon is the name you can trust with your recovery and restoration.

If fire or other disasters do damage to your home, we’re here to make things right again. Contact us today to get fast, local recovery started on your property right away.

A Fire Safety Checklist for Your Household

2/3/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Macon is on standby to help you create your Emergency Ready Plan.

It is important for any household to practice fire safety as a regular part of their routine. House fires can be both devastating and dangerous, and on average, those in the household will have less than three minutes to escape should a fire begin.

Fortunately, by being vigilant about the prevention of house fires, you can reduce the likelihood of you ever having to experience one. While there is no way to completely eradicate your risk, there are plenty of steps you can take to make your home less susceptible to accidental fires breaking out.

Checklist for Household Fire Safety

Practicing fire safety is a great way to reduce your risk of experiencing a fire at your home. By referencing this simple checklist, you can be sure you are taking necessary precautions to keep your household safe.

**Smoke Alarms**

* Ensure that you have smoke alarms on each level of the home and in every sleeping area.

* Test smoke alarms each month and replace batteries as needed.

* Note the install date for all alarms and replace after 10 years, even if they are still operational.

**Cooking Safety**

* Be sure to never leave the stove or oven on unattended.

* Keep flammable items, such as towels and wooden utensils, three feet from the stove.

* Store a fire extinguisher prominently in the kitchen.

* Understand the difference between grease fires and other types of fires, and know the methods for extinguishing each.

**General Safety**

* Be sure your household has a fire escape plan that you practice at least twice per year.

* Ensure that every area of your home has at least two exits.

* Store any flammable chemicals in accordance with their label recommendations.

* Keep matches, lighters and other flammable objects away from young children.

* Do not leave candles lit if they are unattended.

* Keep anything flammable at least three feet away from candles, space heaters or other sources of heat.

**Electrical Safety**

* Never overload electrical outlets or extension cords.

* Replace any frayed cords or wires immediately.

* Plug appliances and any heat-generating items directly into the wall, not into extension cords.

* If wall outlets ever feel warm to the touch, stop using them immediately and call an electrician.

*If you have damage from a fire, you can count on us to help. We are here 24/7 for restoration—contact us today to learn more about our processes.*

Where to Start on Fire Safety Efforts for the Home

2/3/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Macon is ready 24/7 to help you prepare for emergencies.

If you are hoping to improve your household fire safety, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. House fires are certainly dangerous, but given the multitude of ways they can start, understanding what fire prevention measures to take around the home can seem like it will be a daunting task.

Fortunately, fire safety is actually quite simple! By adding certain habits into your household routines, you can make major strides in reducing your likelihood of a fire and keeping your family safer.

Read on to learn more regarding where to start when improving fire safety in the home.

How to Begin Your Fire Safety Efforts at Home

**Start with your smoke alarms.** If you are new to fire safety efforts, starting with smoke alarms is really the best thing that you can do. Most people will have less than three minutes to escape when a fire begins in the home, but smoke alarms can ensure all members of your household are alerted quickly so they can begin evacuating. Make sure you have smoke alarms installed throughout each level of the home and in every sleeping area, and test them once per month to be sure they are operational and do not need a battery replacement.

**Create an escape plan.** As previously mentioned, being able to escape quickly is so important in the event of a house fire. It is wise to draft a fire escape plan for your home, and practice it with each member of your household at least every six months. Be sure that you are able to execute your plan in around two minutes, and that everyone knows where to meet up once they are safely outside.

**Consider your cooking habits.** Cooking is one of the most common causes of house fires, so evaluating your cooking habits can be a great way to prevent fires from starting. Be careful about flammable objects near the stove and leaving food unattended while cooking. Additionally, make sure that you have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen that is rated to handle cooking and grease-related fires.

*If you have damage to your home from a house fire, we are the team to call. We are here 24/7 to provide you with a rapid response. Get in touch today to learn more.*

Breaking Down the Fire Tetrahedron

2/2/2022 (Permalink)

If your home or business has any damage, SERVPRO of Macon is ready around the clock to help you recover

First things first, do you know the definition of a tetrahedron? To cut down on time, let us explain…it’s a three-dimensional, triangular shape with four equal sides.

Now that you know the basics of the geometric shape, let’s discuss what a fire tetrahedron is.

Basically, it’s a way of acknowledging that there are four components needed for fire to start—or four “sides” to the equation. If one of the sides is removed, the structure can’t stand and the fire can’t start.

What Causes House Fires? | SERVPRO® of Macon

11/4/2021 (Permalink)

Regardless of the cause, SERVPRO of Macon is here for you if your home is affected by fire!

If you were to see your home on fire, it might feel like a swift punch in the gut! An unpredictable situation can happen in a matter of minutes and cause complete devastation.

That’s why it’s important to pay attention to fire safety basics, because even with all the awareness campaigns about fire hazards, more than a quarter of all reported fires still occur in homes.

As you snuggle in for the evening, take a quick look at the top causes of house fires. By bettering your knowledge, you can help prevent your own house fire.

Cooking. Kitchen fires are the most common cause of fire in the home, and the number 1 reason is unattended cooking. If you’re not paying attention, your home could catch on fire. Stay alert, aware and present while cooking.

Heating equipment. There’s a reason why house fires are more common during the colder months. When temperatures cool down, we want our heating systems to heat things up. But they also increase the risk of fire. Make sure your heating system or HVAC unit is inspected regularly, and if you use space heaters, be careful to place them away from anything flammable.

Electrical fires. Older homes aren’t equipped to handle the higher usage of electricity we often use every day. And even in new homes, faulty wiring or the overloading of circuits can contribute to fires. Make sure your electrical equipment doesn’t have any frayed wires or faulty outlets, and if you live in an older home, ensure you have the electrical system inspected regularly.

Intentional fires. More than 28,000 intentional home fires started every year. Rather than being a fire set for a legitimate purpose that got out of control, these fires were set with the intention of harming a home.

Smoking materials. While cigarettes and other smoking materials are only responsible for 5% of house fires, they are the leading cause of civilian fire deaths. People can fall asleep with a cigarette still lit, or ashes fall onto something flammable.

Regardless of the cause, SERVPRO is here for you if your home is affected by fire. Contact your local team today to see how we can help.

Fall Fire Safety Season Is Here | SERVPRO® of Macon

9/17/2021 (Permalink)

Be mindful about fall fire safety. Always remember that SERVPRO® of Macon is the trusted leader in the restoration industry.

The fall officially begins on Sept. 22, and the promise of cooler weather is much-appreciated! Fall is a favorite season among many campers, trick-or-treaters and others who simply want to get outdoors.

But as with everything in life, fall comes with risk. So, it’s worth taking a few minutes now to brush up on common autumn fire safety hazards.

Campfire Safety

Going camping? Here are some basic safety tips that you need to keep in mind when you are ready to build a campfire.

Make sure that you build your campfire out and away from anything flammable, including trees with low-hanging limbs. As you are preparing to ignite the fire, never use an accelerant like kerosene or lighter fluid. It’s safer to stick with the basic match or lighter.

Before you go in for the evening, you must be sure your fire has been completely extinguished. You can do this by slowly pouring water on the fire, ensuring that you cover all the embers. This can help prevent it from reigniting.

Space Heaters

As temps start to drop a little, portable space heaters can come in handy. But remember that these little heaters are one of the most common causes of home fires during the fall and winter seasons.

Keep your heater away from anything flammable and always keep it on a level surface. While most heaters today come with an automatic shut-off, it’s essential to do your part and make sure it stays away from anything or anyone that can accidentally knock it over.

Halloween

Halloween isn’t that far away, and many people are putting their décor out!

While we will discuss this later in more detail, it’s important to remember that whatever décor you feel “possessed” to put out, it can all pose a potential fire risk. Stay alert and attentive as you celebrate each season.

If a fire hazard should turn from potential to reality in your home, remember the trusted leader in the recovery industry and contact SERVPRO to get your property fully restored right down to the smell of smoke.

The Do's and Don'ts of heating your Middle Georgia Home

9/3/2021 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO of Macon at 478-474-6700!

Even though Middle Georgia usually has mild winters, there is still a need for heating homes or businesses at some point during the winter months.  

Remember these tips when heating your Middle Georgia home or business:

• Keep anything flammable at least three feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or a portable space heater.  Have a three foot "kid-free" zone around open fires and space heaters. 
• Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be completely cooled before putting them in a metal container.  Keep the container a safe distance away from the home.  
• Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed. It’s a good idea to unplug them when not in use.
• Always us the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel burning space heaters. 
• Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional. 
• Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer's instructions. 
• Test smoke alarms monthly. 
• Make sure your home or business is fully insulated by checking attics, crawlspaces doorways and window seals.

Should you suffer fire damage, contact SERVPRO of Macon at (478) 474-6700!  Let us help you make it "Like it never even happened."

For safety home fire safety tips, visit Ready.gov  or the American Red Cross 

What Is Defensible Space? | SERVPRO® of Macon

7/22/2021 (Permalink)

If your home is damaged by fire or any other reason, SERVPRO of Macon is ready and able to repair any damage.

You may not think about wildfires often, but they’re becoming more common. They are a big cause of property damage, probably more so than most of us realize.

Wildfires can spread at alarming rates because of the combustible materials that we have in our world, and it’s amazing we can get them stopped at all.

Nothing is 100% preventable when it comes to Mother Nature, but it certainly doesn’t hurt to try. You can do that by simply being more careful, but you can also take other steps, such as adding defensible space.

How Do I Achieve Defensible Space?

“Defensible space” is a buffer you create between your home and the landscaping, grass or trees that surround it. You can carve out defensible space by removing anything that can add fuel to a wildfire, such as dead trees or leaves.

You can also use landscaping elements such as flame-resistant gravel to help lower your chances of being affected.

Defensible space is needed so that it can add a barrier of protection, which is designed to protect your home from wildfires by slowing them down or stopping them altogether. It also allows for firefighters to have their best chance of stopping a wildfire before it takes over your home.

Defensible space is now required of property owners in many places, and even when it’s not required, it’s still highly recommended.

The Number of Wildfires

When we think of wildfires, California often comes to mind, but in reality, wildfires occur everywhere. There were over 59,000 wildfires across the United States in 2020.

California did account for 10,000+ of those 59,000 wildfires; however, the average number of wildfires per state in 2020 was right under 1,000. In Georgia last year, we experienced 1,699 wildfires, burning 5,677 acres of land.

That’s a lot of damage! It’s important to take steps to protect your property and limit the spread of wildfires. Defensible space is one way to do that.

If your home is damaged by fire of any sort, wild or not, SERVPRO is ready and able to repair the damage caused. Get in touch today to get the pros on your team.

Fire Safety Tips You Need as the Weather Warms Up | SERVPRO® of Macon

6/3/2021 (Permalink)

Restoring fire and smoke damage is one of our specialties. Contact SERVPRO of Macon @ 478-474-6700

Most of us look forward to the warmer months! It’s a time where new life starts, life slows down and you get to enjoy more family and friend time.

Warmer months include fun activities like cookouts, family reunions and so much more. The downside of that is the warmer months also bring an increase in fire activity.

In fact, spring sees more daily fires on average than any other time of the year.

The question to ask is what can you do to help prevent becoming a statistic?

Below are three main areas that you can pay attention to.

The grill. Barbecue is a summer staple! With that said, the grill gets a bad rap as being the biggest risk—because, well, it is! With a combination of flame, heat, grease and gas, it gives way to danger easily. Before grilling, do a quick little inspection, making sure it’s in good working order with no leaks, placed at least three feet away from anything flammable and is cleaned in between uses. While cleaning in between uses seems to be common sense, improper cleaning causes around 20% of grill fires.

The fire pit. Fire pits create the perfect ambiance for gatherings of friends and family, fun and memories. Safety is typically the farthest thing from your mind, but it’s a good idea to give yourself a quick refresher. Never leave kids unattended around a fire pit. Keep a bucket of water close to the pit. Don’t add leaves or pine needles to the fire, and when you’re ready to put it out, do it slowly to keep from scattering embers.

The chimney and dryer vent. The dryer vent can get trapped or clogged pretty easily, so make sure you clean these out at least once a year. This not only prevents fires, but it helps maintain your dryer in good working condition. It’s also a good idea to do some fireplace maintenance during the spring or summer, when it’s not In use. Have your chimney inspected and cleaned out, and avoid a dangerous ash buildup.

Your local SERVPRO technicians are on hand ²⁴⁄₇ for emergencies. If you encounter fire damage at your home or business, no matter the cause, we will be there faster and have it cleaned up sooner. Call or click today and experience the SERVPRO difference.

Fireplace Safety and Maintenance

6/1/2021 (Permalink)

Knowing how to properly keep your fireplace clean & safe will save lives!

Here are some things to keep in mind when keeping and using a fireplace in your home:

• Fireplaces should not be used as furnaces. Use a fireplace for a short-duration fire — no longer than five hours.
• Keep the glass open to allow air to be drawn up to cool the chimney, but keep the screen closed to prevent sparks from jumping onto the carpeting.
• Never leave a fire unattended when children are in the house. Adults, even if near, should not allow children to play near or with fire tools and equipment.
• Open a window when using the fireplace to prevent the room from becoming smoky. The air coming in from the window will go up the chimney.
• Before making a fire, open the glass doors, pull aside the screen curtains, and place the kindling, newspaper and logs inside. Next, open the damper and a window. The window needs to be open only a few inches. You can check to make sure the smoke will go up the chimney properly by lighting a match, quickly blowing it out and watching the smoke to see whether it's going up and out.
• Keep a nonflammable rug (available at fireplace-supply stores) in front of the fireplace so that sparks won't melt or otherwise damage your carpeting.
• Use fireplace tools to handle burning logs. Never use your hands.
• Use a chimney cap to prevent water damage, to keep animals from nesting and to keep debris from blocking the chimney and causing carbon monoxide to flow into the house. Use a spark arrester to help prevent sparks from flying out, which could start a fire on the roof or lawn.
• Glass doors may develop tough stains from flames and heat. To clean them, make sure the glass doors are cool, then scrape off any thick gunk deposits with a razor blade. Add a squirt of liquid dishwashing detergent to a bucket of warm water, or add a cup of vinegar to a gallon of water. Spray or sponge the cleaner on, and then wipe it away with newspaper (which is lint-free). Another option is to buy glass cleaner at a fireplace store.
• Fireplace coals can remain hot enough to start a fire for up to three days, so always wait at least that long before removing the ashes. At that point, close the damper to prevent cold air in the flue from stirring up excess dust while you're removing the ashes. Be sure to wear a dust mask and open a window in the same room as the fireplace to prevent negative air pressure. Use a shovel to scoop the ashes into a metal container. Store the container far from combustible materials and surfaces and wood floors.
• Never use a vacuum to clean up ashes, because live coals may remain in those ashes.
• Have a certified chimney sweep inspect and clean the chimney when necessary. Have him show you how to check it yourself, too. The chimney should be checked at least once a year or after about 80 fires.
• Shine brass fireplace utensils with Worcestershire sauce and a toothbrush.
• Clean the firebox (the area where the logs burn) at least once a week during the months you use it, when ash builds up. Leave about an inch of ash because it acts as insulation, allowing the coals to heat faster and retain the heat easier. Keep the firebox completely clean during the months when the fireplace is not in use.
• To clean an exterior slate hearth, wash, dry and coat it with lemon oil every six weeks to make it shine. For cleaning exterior brick hearths, buy a brick cleaner at a fireplace shop.

For more information contact us at 478-474-6700

Residential Fire Safety Checklist

4/1/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Macon is an emergency service 24-7/365. Contact us at 478-474-6700

What do you need to know about fire safety?

• Check smoke alarms regularly. Set a reminder each month to check each alarm. Fire Alarms should be placed in every room of the home.
• Have an escape plan. A fire can spread very quickly in just a matter of minutes. Having a fire escape plan for each family member will help save lives! Make sure that each member knows where the fire safety spot is outside the home & practice your plan regularly.
• Keep flammable items such as candles or wax burners attended. Candles should be kept at least 1 foot from walls, curtains, furniture, blankets small children and animals
• Grease fires are a leading cause in residential fires. Never leave hot or cooking grease unattended! If the grease catches fire, NEVER throw water or any of liquid on it. This could cause the fire to spread. DO-NOT wave a towel or rag to try to put out the fire. This also can cause the fire to spread or even cause serious injury. Using banking soda or even salt should do the trick if contained in a pan. Call 9-1-1 if hurt or injured. Then call SERVPRO of Macon to assess any damage
• Heaters should be kept at least 3 feet away from flammable materials such as walls, curtains, furniture, blankets and even pets. Always make sure to turn off and unplug when not in use, leaving a room or your home
• Always make sure to clean your lint trap from the dyer at every use. Your dryer vents should also be cleaned regularly as well
• Do not smoke while lying down or using oxygen. Check to make sure the fire material such as cigar or cigarette is completely put out in the appropriate ashtray. Always keep lighters or matches away from children
• Close your door. If a fire breaks out in the middle of the night, the closed door can help with the spread of smoke, soot, fire and heat. Having a fire alarm in every room should alert you should a fire break out in another part of your home
• Get out! Always remember to STOP. DROP. GO! Crawl under any smoke and find the nearest exit. Try to remember to stay calm and don’t hide from firefighters! Make sure to tell them of any possible children or pets that could be trapped inside. Do not go back into the home unless a firefighter advises you to do so.

Every year fire departments respond to over 350,000 residential fires according to the National Fire Protection Association NFPA. Most home fires and fire deaths are caused by cooking, heating, electrical distribution and lighting equipment, intentional setting and smoking materials.

SERVPRO of Macon can help if you find yourself in this type of disaster.

Contact us at 478-474-6700. We’ll make it “Like it never even happened.”

In case a fire breaks out at your workplace

4/1/2021 (Permalink)

Be proactive! Regularly schedule fire drills with your workplace

A fire is very terrifying and the marks it can leave are devastating. Fire can result in serious injuries or even fatalities. Workplace safety for all employees is your number one concern. What can you do to help keep your employees safe?

Have an effective workplace Fire Evacuation Plan is important and being proactive to fire safety will save lives. Know the location of each fire extinguisher in the building. Know where all and nearest emergency exits are. Once a fire is detected, alert all employees or people within the building by shouting and/or pulling reachable fire alarms. Find the closest exit to evacuate the facility promptly. Do not lock the doors behind you, just close them. Ensure all people are accounted for. Do not re-enter the building. Members of your Remember to stay calm and call the authorities.

Be proactive! On a regular basis, practice a fire drill. Having an effective plan will save lives. Every employee should know where all fire extinguishers are located and how to properly use them if in the event a fire does breaks out. Having the right emergency evacuation plan in place will better help the outcome. The last thing we think about is a fire destroying the place of business we go to every day.

How Can SERVPRO help?

SERVPRO offers highly trained and experienced Fire and Water Restoration Technicians to help you get through this difficult time. We offer a board-up service to help protect any structural damage or windows. Our technicians will carefully inspect all affected areas and will look for fire, smoke and soot damage. If there’s any water damage, we will begin the water removal process and begin the drying process by applying air movers, dehumidifiers in the appropriate areas. From there- Our certified technicians will use our specialized equipment to remove smoke and soot damage from walls, ceilings, doors, floors and other areas affected. We will pack up any restorable items and bring them back to our facility to clean and sanitize each item. We will do everything we can to get it back to its preloss condition. Finally, the restoration process can begin. SERVPRO of Macon has a reconstruction department that will remove all necessary drywall, carpet or wood flooring. Our motto is to get it “Like it never even happened.” And we live by that! While you’re here, check out some of our reviews! You’ll be glad you did!

Should you or your commercial office experience a fire damage, contact us day or night at 478-474-6700.