10 Simple Tips to Help You Avoid Fires

10/29/2024 (Permalink)

A home is often referred to as a safe haven.  Make sure your home is protected from (and your family is prepared for) a fire. Here are 10 simple tips to help you avoid fires and reduce the risk of injury should one occur:

1. Smoke Alarms – These are still a very important addition to your home. Smoke alarms are widely available and inexpensive. Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home and test it monthly.
2. Prevent Electrical Fires – Don’t overload circuits or extension cords. Cords and wires should never be placed under rugs or in high-traffic areas. Avoid loose electrical connections by checking the fit of the plugin in the wall outlet. If the plug loosely fits, inspect the outlet right away. A poor connection between the plug and the outlet can cause overheating and can start a fire in minutes.
3. Keep Plugs Safe – Unplug all appliances when not in use. Follow the manufacturer’s safety precautions and use your senses to spot any potential disasters. If a plug is overheating, smells strange, shorts out or sparks – the appliance should be shut off immediately, then replaced or repaired.
4. Alternate Heaters – Make sure there is ample space around any portable heating unit. Anything that could catch fire should be at least three feet away. Inspect your chimney annually and use fire screens to help keep any fires in the fireplace.
5. Fire Safety Sprinklers – When combined with working smoke alarms, home fire sprinklers greatly increase your chance of surviving a fire. Sprinklers are affordable and they can increase property value and lower insurance rates.
6. Create An Escape Route – Create and practice your escape plan with your family from every room in the house. Practice staying low to the floor and checking for hot doors using the back of your hand. It’s just like a routine school fire drill – but in your home.
7. Position Appliances Carefully – Try to keep TV sets, kitchen, and other appliances away from windows with curtains. If there is a wiring problem, curtains can spread a fire quickly. Additionally, keeping your appliances away from water sources (like rain coming in from windows) can help prevent wiring damage which can lead to a fire.
8. Clean Dryer Vents – Clothes dryers often start fires in residential areas. Clean the lint filter every time you start a load of clothes to dry or after the drying cycle is complete. Make sure your exhaust duct is made of metal tubing and not plastic or foil. Clean the exhaust duct with a good quality dryer vent brush to prevent blockage & check for lint build-up behind the dryer at least twice a year.
9. Be Careful Around the Holidays – If you fill your home with lights during the holiday season, keep them away from anything that can easily catch fire. Check all of your lights prior to stringing them up and dispose of anything with frayed or exposed wires.
10. Conduct Regular Inspections – Check all of your electronic equipment and wiring at least once a month. Taking a little time to do this each month can really pay off.

Is it Wet or Dry Smoke?

10/29/2024 (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 Kendall County 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.

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.

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.

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.

Did you know this about Fires?

10/11/2024 (Permalink)

Home fires can begin out of the blue, however taking preventative measures can incredibly lower the danger of a fire in your home. Although some home fires are very self-evident, it's essential to know about them and be proactive in preventing them. Here are some of the top home fire starters with tips on the best way to prevent them: 

Cooking

Cooking is the main cause of home fires. Unattended cooking, and grease build-up, are the most frequent reasons for fires in the kitchen. Continuously supervise the range or stove when cooking and keep the kitchen surfaces free from grease to prevent fires.

Candles

Fires caused from candles are more frequent during holidays, such as Christmas and Halloween. Always keep candles far from draperies, embellishments and other combustibles, and ensure candle holders are steady. Utilizing battery-operated candles rather than real candles is a much safer option.

Children Playing with Fire

Some children play with fire just wondering, not understanding that it can be extremely dangerous. Keep lighters, matches and other flammables out of youngsters' sight and reach. Likewise, avoid as much as possible from using lighters and matches in front of them, as many children mimic what they see the adults do.

Heating Equipment

Amid the colder months, heating equipment, for example electric radiators or fireplaces, are major fire hazards in the home. Place radiators at a safe distance from combustible materials and always supervise them when they are operating. Check your smokestacks for creosote build-up on a regular basis and never utilize combustible fluids to begin a fire in the fireplace.

Electrical Causes

Obsolete wiring and breaker boxes, as well as old appliances, present a fire risk. Additionally, connecting excessively numerous machines to an extension cord can cause the cord or appliance to overheat and a fire to start. Watch for worn cords with exposed wires.

Smoking

Fires brought about by lit cigarettes can begin when a person nods off with a cigarette in hand or when the embers from a butt fall on ignitable materials. Smoke outside to avoid these dangers. On the off chance that you smoke inside, abstain from doing as such when tired, and use deep and large ashtrays.

Flammable Liquids

Liquids that can catch fire include gasoline, paints, cleaning agents, thinners, and much more. Keep these chemicals in approved compartments and far from electrical and heat sources. Store them outside, in a well-ventilated area. Always read the labels for temperature ranges. 

Christmas Trees

Amid the Christmas season, many home fires can begin because of the careless utilization of Christmas tree adornments. Electrical failures and candles are the fundamental offenders of Christmas tree fires. Use only lights that have the mark of an independent testing laboratory. Furthermore, replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. NEVER decorate your tree with lit candles. Water the tree on a daily basis to prevent the tree from drying out.

Commercial Fire Checklist

10/11/2024 (Permalink)

The fire services recommend this checklist to assist your small business in preventing damage that could be caused by fire:

• Avoid storing or stockpiling flammable materials such as packaging materials or waste where they could be accessed by the public, including areas immediately outside your business premises.
• Make sure all machinery is serviced as recommended by manufacturers and is kept clean. If possible, switch machinery off when the business is unattended.
• Secure all doors, windows or other access points when the business is unattended, and make sure your business has adequate lighting to deter trespassers.
• Ensure your business has an adequately serviced and functional fire alarm system that is suitable to your small business example: Remote serviced alarm systems, sprinkler systems, thermal or smoke alarms etc.
• If your business stores dangerous goods, ensure their storage and use adheres to legislative requirements.
• Make sure your business has a written and practiced fire escape plan that includes full staff lists and designated meeting points.

Be Aware of How Fires Start

10/9/2023 (Permalink)

Recognizing fire hazards, can help ensure you stop blazes before they start.

You know building fires can be destructive, but are you familiar with the most common fire starters in homes and businesses? By recognizing these fire hazards, you can take steps to ensure you stop blazes before they start.

Unattended Kitchen Appliances

The kitchen is the most fire-prone room in your home. If you own a restaurant or other business with cooking equipment, it’s vital to never leave appliances unattended. Likely hazards include grease becoming overheated, bread toasting too long, or a cookbook getting too close to an open flame, and they are all enough to start a fire.

Unsafe Cooking Methods

Keep the cooking area clean and roll up your sleeves so they can’t catch fire over a hot stove. Only place microwave-safe dishes in the microwave. Remain alert when cooking and keep kids and pets out of the kitchen. Never cook while under the influence of alcohol.

Worn Out Electrical Cords

Frayed or damaged cords are common fire starters in both homes and businesses. Exposed wires heat up and could ignite surrounding textiles, including the carpet or an area rug. Keep an eye on the condition of your electrical cords and keep your pets from chewing them so they remain in good condition.

Overloaded Power Strips

This situation is particularly common during the holidays when homeowners overpower a single outlet with too many Christmas lights. Use only heavy duty extension cords and avoid overloading the circuit, which can cause a spark and create a serious fire hazard.

Malfunctioning Electrical Appliances

Most homes and businesses rely on electrical appliances for daily tasks. Any of these are prone to malfunction at one point or another, especially toward the end of the equipment’s lifespan. Malfunctions sometimes result in a spark, which is obviously a substantial fire hazard. Faulty coffee makers, toasters, TVs, laptops and other electronics have been to blame for serious fires.

Flammable Products Placed Near Sources of Ignition

There are countless examples of flammable products igniting when they come in contact with sources of heat. A lamp shade touching a hot light bulb, curtains situated too close to an electric space heater, and an aerosol spray can used near the stove are just a few examples.

Unattended Candles

Candles lead to hundreds of house fires every year. Make sure you never place a burning candle near curtains, lampshades or anything else flammable. Place candles in adequate holders and place them on a steady surface away from the edge. Even with these precautions, never leave burning candles unattended. All it takes is a moment for a child or pet to nudge the candle or knock it over.

Fireplace or Wood Stove

When used improperly, fireplaces and wood stoves are common fire starters. Make sure the chimney is unobstructed before burning anything. Wait to dispose of ashes until they are completely cool to the touch. Even the tiniest smoldering embers could start a fire in the trash can.

Unsafe Smoking Practices

Cigarettes are a substantial fire hazard. Habits such as smoking in bed, leaving lit cigarettes unattended, or emptying the contents of an ashtray before they cool are the cause of hundreds of fires every year. Your best bet is to smoke outside and dispose of cigarettes in noncombustible containers, not in flower pots or as litter on the street.

Matches and Lighters

If these get into the hands of children, they can become lethal, fire-starting weapons. If you smoke, keep only one lighter or book of matches accessible at a time, and keep them with you. Teach your children to take matches and lighters seriously and to tell an adult if they find any lying around.

If your home or business has experienced the devastating results of fire starters, professional restoration services from SERVPRO of Kendall County can help you get back on your feet. 

How To Prevent Electrical Fires

10/6/2023 (Permalink)

The electrical demands placed on homes puts them at greater risk for electrical-related fires.

Across every age group and in every area of the country, people will tell you “I’m so busy,” “I feel so much pressure,” or “I’m so overloaded.” From school-aged children facing classroom and extra-curricular demands and middle-aged adults working long hours to provide the best lifestyle for their families, to the older generation planning retirement or dealing with health-related issues, everyone is facing some type of demand.

But have you ever stopped to think about how overloaded your home may be? Homes today face an overwhelming amount of demands… of the electrical kind! From the central heat and air and appliance to the light fixtures, computers, televisions, and electronic devices most people have nowadays, homes are definitely carrying a tremendous load. The electrical demands placed on homes puts them at greater risk for electrical-related fires. 

• Have your home inspected for loose wires, shorts, and faulty wiring that increase the risk for potential electrical fires. Electrical wiring doesn’t last forever. This is especially true if you live in an older home. While older homes offer the grandeur or nostalgic feel some people are looking for, it’s important to check the walls for more than just the stories they may tell. Faulty wiring symptoms can include buzzing outlets, flickering lamps, or plugs that spark when you plug something in. Hire a certified electrician to give your home an inspection to ensure the wiring is safe or may be in need of rewiring.
• Install a smoke detector on every level of your home and inside each bedroom. Also, make sure the smoke detectors are working properly by testing them every month. Make sure that everyone in your home knows the sound of the smoke detector and knows what to do when it goes off. Have a fire escape plan in place and practice it with the whole household.
• Use safe cord practices in the home. Repair or replace loose, frayed, or cracked cords. Never place cords in high traffic areas, under carpets or rugs, or nail or staple cords to surfaces. Consider having additional outlets installed by an electrician; avoid using extension cords long-term.
• Place the correct wattage light bulbs in all fixtures. If the wattage is higher than the requirement, replace them immediately. Secure light bulbs in the socket to ensure they don’t overheat.

No matter how busy you may be, taking a few minutes to look at your home’s risk for electrical fire is time well invested. Prevention is the key for protecting your family and home from the dangers and disaster of electrical fire and the need for SERVPRO of Kendall County in the future .

Household Flammable Liquids: What Are They?

9/13/2022 (Permalink)

Don’t leave the storage of these solutions up to chance.

The Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA) regulates the labeling of hazardous household products. Under the FHSA, substances that are combustible, flammable, corrosive, irritating, toxic, a strong sensitizer, or cause a substantial risk of personal injury or illness must be labeled as such. 

In a home, this translates to products that include:   

• Aerosol cans  

• Gasoline  

• Oils and lubricants 

• Paint thinner 

• Rubbing alcohol  

• Turpentine  

• Linseed oil  

• Hand sanitizer 

• Nail polish remover  

• Stain removers 

• Hairspray and beauty products 

• Non-dairy creamer 

• Cooking oil 

• Kerosene 

• And more.  

This list is not all-encompassing, but it’s a good starting point. Also consider products stored in attached and detached garages, sheds, or ancillary buildings when assessing the risk at your property.  

How to Store Flammable and Combustible Liquids at Home   

It’s hard to imagine a life without any of the potentially flammable items listed above. Storing combustible or flammable liquids safely is all about mitigating risk. Implement the storage strategies listed below in your home can help reduce your risk of fire.  

Storage Dos:  

• Store products like oils and lubricants in a well-ventilated space in your garage or, preferably, a detached shed.  

• Store household items like cleaners and beauty products in a cool, dark space like a cabinet or closet.  

• Choose a storage location that receives adequate ventilation.  

• Keep an inventory of potentially hazardous liquids, so you always know what’s in your home, its quantity, and where it is.  

• Ensure your home is equipped with working smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.  

• Regularly change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. A good ‘rule of thumb’ is to change the batteries when you change your clocks in the spring and fall. 

• Practice safe disposal methods for oil- or cleaner-soaked rags, empty containers promptly, and more. Many of these products are considered household hazardous waste, meaning they cannot be put down the drain or flushed down the toilet, and must be disposed of at a designated collection site.  

• Store all chemicals and hazardous liquids out of reach of children and pets.  

• Consider purchasing a flammable liquid storage cabinet. 
     

Storage Don’ts: 

• Don’t store flammable liquids next to anything that ignites (lighters, matches, power tools, small engines, even kitchen appliances). 

• Don’t store flammable liquids with ancillary fuel (think paper, fabric, or other highly flammable materials).  

• Don’t hide combustible liquids away. Out of sight equals out of mind. Track these materials to ensure they are safely stored.  

• Don’t stockpile hazardous or flammable materials. A good sale is no reason to keep extra, potentially dangerous materials on hand.  

• Don’t leave flammable liquids near heat sources like heat vents or dryers. And never leave flammable liquids in the sun.  

• Don’t store gasoline in anything other than an approved canister.  
    

How to Handle a Flammable Liquid Spill 

Uh-oh, have you accidentally spilled turpentine or a flammable cleaning liquid at home? Quick and safe clean-up is key to maintaining a safe environment.  

The exact cleanup steps will depend on the type of liquid spilled. For small spills, it’s recommended that homeowners:  

• Open doors and windows to increase ventilation.  

• Wear protective gear, like plastic gloves and goggles.  

• Use absorbent and non-reactive material, like kitty litter or sawdust, to soak up liquid.  

• Dispose of the soaked material safely (this will look different depending on what spilled). 

• Clean any residue from the spill using soap and hot water.  

Hidden Sources of Fire in Your Home

9/2/2022 (Permalink)

There are a number of items commonly found in your home that can be dangerous fire hazards.

Were you aware of these fire hazards in your home?

• Microwaves
  Microwaves offer plenty of fire risks. Unnoticed metals on dinnerware, takeout containers – even in recycled paper products – can result in arcing, sparks, and fire. Popcorn, a commonly microwaved item, can easily catch fire when cooked for too long. If you have a fire in your microwave, turn it off immediately to prevent the fan feeding oxygen to flames and wait until it suffocates. Only open the door when you’re certain the fire is extinguished. Clean your microwave regularly and use only articles designed for microwave use to reduce fire potential. If your microwave malfunctions, replace it immediately. Microwaves are high voltage and pose an extreme fire risk when not properly operating. If your microwave malfunctions, unplug it. Never attempt to repair a microwave yourself, simply replace it or consult a professional.
• Batteries
  All batteries pose a fire risk, even those with a weak charge. However 9 volt batteries are the biggest culprit of fire due to the close proximity of their terminals, which can easily short. A battery storage case is highly recommended. If you do not have one, leave batteries in their original packaging, not lying around loose. Store batteries standing up, placing electrical tape over the ends of each battery (all types – not just 9 volts) to prevent shorts. Do not store batteries in metal containers, or near other metal items such as keys, steel wool, and aluminum foil. Be sure to store 9 volt batteries separately.   
• Light bulbs
  Overlamping, or using a light bulb with wattage too high for a given outlet, can easily result in a home fire. Determining proper wattage is easy. Simply locate the proper wattage on each fixtures outlet. If the fixture is unmarked, stay under 60 watts to be safe. Caution must also be taken with CFLs (compact fluorescents). These spiral shaped bulbs could result in fire when improperly used. Avoid using CFLs in any lighting unit where the base of the bulb is enclosed by the fixture, such as with track and recessed lighting. If your CFLs are burning out early and you notice they are brown at the base when you remove them, the bulbs are overheating and could result in fire. Choose a cooler option, such as LED.
• Dryer lint
  Dryer lint that has not been properly cleaned from your dryer vent or ductwork can cause heat buildup and fast-moving fires. Clean your dryer’s lint screen after every load. Use aluminum tubing to vent your dryer to meet current fire code standards. Your dryer’s lint trap only catches 25 percent of lint, so be certain to clean the vent and exhaust duct periodically, as well as the area behind the dryer, where lint can build up.
• Laptops
  Laptops can get pretty hot during normal operation. Never leave your laptop on a bed or couch, or any place where its cooling vents are blocked. This could result in fire. Store laptops securely on a desk or laptop stand.
• Stacks of newspaper, magazines
  Items you plan to read eventually can ignite quickly if left too close to a heat source. If you must keep old newspapers or magazines, be certain to store them in a cool, dry place in short stacks.
• Heating blankets and pads
  Defective, old or improperly used blankets and heating pads can result in fire. To prevent fires, read and adhere to all manufacturer’s operating instructions. Do not place the cord between the mattress and box spring, or in any location where it may be pinched or folded. Avoid bunching, keeping the blanket or pad flat when in use. Use these items on the lowest setting no longer than the recommended time. Wash them carefully and take heed not to dry, iron, or dry clean them, which can melt heating wire insulation and increase fire risks.
• Barbeque charcoal
  Throwing that unused bag of charcoal in the closest storage closet is a bad idea. Damp coal can ignite and start a serious fire. Store charcoal in a cool, dry place in a metal pail or garbage can secured tightly with a lid.
• Closet clutter
  A sweater stack a mile high could easily come into contact with a light bulb and ignite. Don’t store combustible materials near light fixtures. Cut the clutter and keep belongings far away from bulbs.
• Dust
  Dust bunnies around electronics, sockets, and heaters can ignite and start fire. Regularly vacuum dust near outlets, wires, and appliances, including crevices and areas behind furniture, to prevent fires.
• Old appliances
  Old appliances with worn insulation and dilapidated wiring are a disaster waiting to happen. Check them regularly to ensure good working condition and the safety of cords and connections.

Pet Fire Safety Tips

8/5/2022 (Permalink)

The first thing to consider is preventing potential fires by practicing pet fire safety.

The best way to protect your pets from the effects of a fire is to include them in your family plan. This includes having their own disaster supplies kit as well as arranging in advance for a safe place for them to stay if you need to leave your home.

When you practice your escape plan, practice taking your pets with you. Train them to come to you when you call.- In the event of a disaster, if you must evacuate, the most important thing you can do to protect your pets is to evacuate them, too. But remember: never delay escape or endanger yourself or your family to rescue a family pet.

• Extinguish Open Flames - Pets are generally curious and will investigate cooking appliances, candles, or even a fire in your fireplace. Ensure your pet is not left unattended around an open flame and make sure to thoroughly extinguish any open flame before leaving your home.
• Remove Stove Knobs - Be sure to remove stove knobs or protect them with covers before leaving the house - a stove or cooktop is the number one piece of equipment involved in your pet starting a fire.
• Invest in Flameless Candles - These candles contain a light bulb rather than an open flame and take the danger out of your pet knocking over a candle. Cats are notorious for starting fires when their tails turn over lit candles.
• Secure Young Pets - keep them confined away from potential fire-starting hazards when you are away from home such as in crates or behind baby gates in secure areas.

• Keep pets near entrances when away from home. Keep collars on pets and leashes at the ready in case firefighters need to rescue your pet. When leaving pets home alone, keep them in areas or rooms near entrances where firefighters can easily find them.
• Affix a pet alert window cling and write down the number of pets inside your house and attach the static cling to a front window. This critical information saves rescuers time when locating their pets. Make sure to keep the number of pets listed on them updated.

Smoking Fire Safety

8/3/2022 (Permalink)

Fires caused by cigarettes and other smoking materials are preventable.

Here are essential smoking fire prevention tips for homeowners:

1. 1. Using fire-safe cigarettes (FSCs) – Fire-safe cigarettes are designed to extinguish more quickly than standard cigarettes if ignored. Cigarettes that are fire standards-compliant have the “FSC” letters above the barcode.
2. 2. Smoking outside only – As most smoking-related fires occur in living rooms and bedrooms, it is best to smoke outside. Cigarette butts or ashes can ignite many things in a home, such as curtains, beds, books, etc.
3. 3. Not smoking in bed – Those who smoke in bed might fall asleep while their cigarette is still lit. If the cigarette falls, the mattress and bedding can easily catch fire.
4. 4. Smoking away from medical oxygen – This is never a good idea as it can cause materials to catch on fire quickly and makes fires burn faster than normal.
5. 5. Keeping children away from smoking materials – To prevent children from playing with cigarettes, matches or lighters, these smoking materials should be kept out of their reach, preferably in a locked cabinet.
6. 6. Extinguishing cigarettes completely – Cigarettes should be doused with water or sand to make sure they are put out all the way. Before discarding cigarette butts and ashes in the trash, they should be doused with water again.
7. 7. Using deep, sturdy ashtrays that can’t easily tip over – Ashtrays should be placed on level surfaces, outside the home. Also, water or sand should be put in them to ensure cigarette butts are completely extinguished.
8. 8. Not smoking when tired – Those who feel sleepy or tired, or have taken medicine that makes one drowsy, may not be able to exercise proper caution when smoking.
9. 9. Not throwing cigarettes in vegetation – Dry vegetation, such as mulch, peat moss and leaves, can catch fire when they come in contact with fresh cigarette butts.
10. 10. Using electronic cigarettes with caution – Electronic cigarette usage also presents safety risks. Most e-cigarettes use lithium batteries, and using them improperly may result in accidents. E-cigarettes that are charging should always be supervised.

CHIMNEY FIRE PREVENTION: DON’T BURN DOWN

8/2/2022 (Permalink)

A chimney fire can, if hot enough, catch your rafters and frame on fire.

PREVENT CHIMNEY FIRES

• Clean your chimney regularly: at least once a year. Now that heating season gearing up, it’s a prime time to do it. Spring is a great time too, as it’s a good idea to get the creosote out as soon as possible. 
• If you have a stovepipe chimney and had a chimney fire in the past, replace it. Chimney fires ruin stovepipes. 
• If you’re putting in a new stovepipe or replacing an old one, do not install the stovepipe upside-down. In other words, always install the pipe with the crimped part pointed down. Some people turn the pipe with the crimped side up, thinking that smoke is less likely to come into the room that way. Problem: with the crimped side up, creosote will run down the pipe, out through the joint, create a fire hazard, and ruin your floor. If, on the other hand, your pipes match each other and the stove, you won’t have a problem with it smoking if it’s installed the correct way.
• Burn a really hot fire in the morning to burn the creosote out. Don’t do this until you’ve cleaned the chimney. Otherwise you’ll catch it on fire! Note that this will only reach the stuff near the stove; if you’ve got creosote further up, clean it.
• Use dry wood; preferably firewood that has been seasoned from 8-12 months or more. Less water means less smoke and less creosote. Don’t use treated wood (construction scraps, anything painted, etc.); it releases poisons into the air.
• Inspect your chimney or stovepipe once a year; this will catch anything you might miss and give you a professional cleaning if needed.

BE PREPARED

While “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” and these next suggestions won’t prevent a fire, they will help enormously in case something goes wrong:

• Keep a good fire extinguisher handy. 
• Make sure your smoke alarms are up to date. 
• Newspaper method: if a fire seems imminent, soak newspaper in water and chuck it in. That will stifle it.
• Make sure you have an escape route planned out and practiced. 
• If a fire happens and you have time, cut all air to it (shut the stove doors and dampers), call 911 and get outside!

Electrical Safety Tips For Your Home

8/2/2022 (Permalink)

Whether it is due to old, faulty wiring or overloading a power strip, electrical fires can happen for many reasons.

Electrical fires can be prevented, and that’s why we put together these essential home electrical fire safety tips.

1.      Don’t Overload Electrical Outlets

Electrical overloads can be very dangerous. If you have too many high-wattage appliances plugged into an outlet, a short circuit could potentially occur and result in a fire. Resist the temptation to use an extension cord as a solution.

2.      Don’t Run Extension Cords Through Walls

And don’t run them under carpet, around corners, around beams or under doors. Especially with carpet, a faulty extension cords could potentially create sparks that cause a fire to ignite. Always throw away damaged cords and don’t try to repair them. Also, be sure only to use surge-protected power strips and to inspect for damages often.

3.      Install and Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)

GFCIs are the perfect solution for outlets in areas which are continuously exposed to water, including bathrooms, laundry rooms, and outdoor outlets. They contain special built-in mechanisms to prevent electrical ground or short circuiting.

4.      Examine Deficient Switches and Outlets

It’s important you inspect your light switches and electrical outlets for any deficient signs that could be potential warnings. Faulty switches are ones that can get particularly warm or shock you upon touch, which can be caused by exposed or deteriorated wiring. These can cause fires behind your switches, outlets and walls. If you spot any warning signs, remember to call your local electrician.

How to Put Out a Grill Fire

7/3/2022 (Permalink)

To help protect your home and family, be prepared and practice grill safety

When the weather warms up, it is the perfect time to start the grill and enjoy cooking delicious food with friends and family. However, before grilling season begins, make sure you are prepared to help keep your home and family safe. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), yearly, over 10,000 home fires are started by grills. Accidents happen, so it is important to know common ways gas grill fires start and how to make sure you are prepared to put out a fire in case one does start while you are grilling food.

Common Causes of Grill Fires

While barbecues are prone to flame up when grease starts to collect, it is not just your grease tray that you should be keeping an eye on. Outdoor grills are often placed in hazardous locations too close to the house, deck railings, outdoor sheds, and under patio awnings. To help ensure a safe grilling and BBQ experience, place your grill at least 10 feet from the home or other structures. Also, make sure there are no obstructions like a patio awning or tree branches above the grill that could catch on fire while you are grilling.

How to Extinguish the Grill Flames Safely

Flare-ups from cooking food on the grill are natural. However, when the flames on your BBQ become too large or spread to adjacent areas, it is essential to have a fire extinguisher within reach and know how to use it.

1. If your gas grill catches fire, the first thing you should do is attempt to turn the burners off. If you can reach the knobs safely (on a gas grill), this will help stop additional fuel from feeding the fire and creating a larger problem.

2. You can also close the grill lid, as a lack of oxygen will help ease the fire and slow it down.

3. Use a fire extinguisher to extinguish the flames using this technique- pull, aim, squeeze, and sweep. Once the fire has been put out, make sure to switch off any burners on the grill that were still on.

Be Prepared

To help protect your home and family, be prepared and practice grill safety. Check your gas lines to make sure there are no gas leaks before lighting the grill and keep grease trays and grill plates clean by using a grill brush after each use. For protection in case of a grill fire, have a fire extinguisher within reach in the event a small gas fire breaks out.

The Five Classes of Fires and the Fire Extinguishers that Stop Them

3/3/2022 (Permalink)

By understanding what each fire class means, you can understand which fire types are a safety hazard at your business.

When buying fire extinguishers for your business, it’s important to buy the right type of fire extinguisher for your needs. There are several different classifications of fire based primarily on the fuel source. Every fire extinguisher is rated for the types of fires it’s effective in putting out. By understanding what each fire class means, you can understand which fire types are a safety hazard at your business. Once you are aware of what types of fires your business may encounter, you can buy the proper extinguisher for protecting against them.

Class A

Class A fires are defined as ordinary combustibles. These types are fires use commonly flammable material as their fuel source. Wood, fabric, paper, trash ,and plastics are common sources of Class A fires. This is essentially the common accidental fire encountered across several different industries. Trash fires are one such example. Class A fires are commonly put out with water or monoammonium phosphate.

Class B

The Class B fire is defined as one that uses a flammable liquid or gas as its fuel base. Common liquid based fuel sources include petroleum based oils and paints, kerosene, and gasoline. Flammable gases such as butane or propane are also common fuel sources in Class B fires. Class B fires are a common hazard in industries dealing with fuels, lubricants, and certain types of paint. Smothering these types of fires to remove oxygen is a common solution as are chemical reactions that produce similar effects. Note that cooking fires have their own classification and are defined as Class K fires.

Class C

The Class C fire is defined as a fire that uses electrical components and/or energized equipment as its fuel source. Electrical fires are often fueled by motors, appliances, and electronic transformers. Electrical fires are common in industries that deal with energy or make use of heavy electrically-powered equipment. However, electrical fires can occur on smaller scales in all businesses (i.e. an overloaded surge protector or bad wiring) and should be taken seriously. To extinguish such fires you cut the power off and use non-conductive chemicals to extinguish the fire.

Class D

The Class D fire is defined as one that uses a combustible metal as its fuel source. Examples of such combustible metals include titanium, magnesium, aluminum, and potassium. Note that there are also other metals with combustive properties you may encounter. Class D fires are a danger in laboratory environments. However, be aware that combustible metals are used as part of production and other industry processes, and you need to be certain of what materials you are using for day-to-day operations. When confronted with such a fire, common extinguishing agents such as water are ineffective and can be hazardous. To extinguish a Class D fire, use a dry powder agent. This absorbs the heat the fire requires to burn and smothers it as well.

Class K

A Class K fire is defined as a cooking fire involving combustion from liquids used in food preparation. Technically a type of liquid fire, Class K fires are distinct enough to warrant their own classification. Cooking fires are fueled by a wide range of liquid cooking materials. Greases, cooking oils, vegetable fat, and animal fat are all fuel sources found in Class K fires. Class K fires are naturally of concern in the food service and restaurant industry. Such fires can be very dangerous and far more destructive than you may think. Wet chemical fire extinguishers have become popular in putting out these types of fires.

The Right Extinguisher for The Right Fire

It is very important to have the right tool for a job. Fire extinguishers are no different. By being aware of the five classes of fires, you can be sure that you are purchasing safety equipment that will be effective should an accident or emergency occur.

What to Know about Protein Fires

1/11/2022 (Permalink)

Protein fires occur most often as a result of frying, grilling, or sauteing, but they may happen any time you cook high-protein food.

What Is a Protein Fire?

Although protein fire isn’t a well-known term, it’s one of the most common types of kitchen fires. A protein fire involves burning high protein foods like meat, fish, poultry, and eggs. They release grease and proteins into the air, often as a fine mist that coats surfaces throughout the kitchen.

One of the biggest problems with protein fires is that they don’t always have significant flames or heavy smoke. In fact, even just regular cooking can produce a heavy build-up of grease and soot in the kitchen. Protein fires occur most often as a result of frying, grilling, or sauteing, but they may happen any time you cook high-protein foods.

What Are the Signs of a Protein Fire?

The signs of protein fire may be after burning food, but they also will build up over time.

• Persistent meat or grease smells that become rancid over time
• Sticky surfaces that are nearly impossible to clean
• Yellowish to brown stains that form drip-like patterns
• Brown or black soot stain that seems to appear after cooking

Why Cleaning up a Protein Fire Is Difficult

While you will notice burned food, it is easy to overlook the risk of protein fires because of the lack of flames and heavy smoke. As a result, the grease and soot residue of protein fires often go unnoticed for weeks or even months. Even if there is a significant flair-up or smoke, the risk of protein fires goes overlooked unless there is flame damage.

The grease and soot will build up over time and lead to yellowish-brown stains and rancid, meaty odors. By the time you see or smell the signs of a protein fire, the stains are set in and difficult to clean.

The grease not only seeps into porous surfaces but also discolors most surfaces. The grease and soot along with other dirt and dust create a sticky layer that most regular cleaners cannot cut through. Even with repeated cleaning and deodorizing, protein fire stains and smells will remain.

How to Prevent Dryer Fires

9/21/2021 (Permalink)

Four simple best practices to ensure safety in the laundry room

1. Clean the Lint Filter

Not once a month, or even once a week: “Clean the lint from the dryer’s lint screen after every load,” says Richard Handel, the test engineer who oversees CR’s laundry appliance lab. “This helps prevent a fire, and it also helps your laundry dry faster.”