Fire preparedness

3/14/2019 (Permalink)

As children, we have been told repeatedly what to do in case there is a fire in our homes. These lessons stay with us and help keep everyone safe. Between having working fire alarms to an emergency escape plan, ourselves as individuals have made it very important to not only prevent fires, but safely live through one if it happens. Something that is not brought up in school lessons a lot is fire safety for the elderly or individuals with access or functional needs. For those individuals, it may be hard or physically impossible for them to follow emergency escape plans that have been set up due to having different needs. Luckily, there are ways to accommodate so that they themselves are safe in the event of a fire.

Smoke Alarms are very loud and are a clear indicator that there is a fire present somewhere in the house but what would you do if you were hearing impaired? In that case, a smoke alarm with a flashing strobe light or vibrations are available. For visually impaired individuals, they have a smoke alarm that has paused in between each cycle so you would be able to hear any verbal instructions someone else in your home could tell you. Additionally, there are smoke alarms that can be connected to a strobe light outside the home to alert neighbors that there may be a fire and you need assistance.

Fire escape plans are very important, even more important that they are planned out and tested. If you have a wheelchair or a walker, you want to be sure that you can get through the doorways safely in the case of evacuation. Another thing the consider if is there are accessible ramps by the exit doors to assist your evacuation. If you live in an apartment building or a multi-leveled home, it may be best for you to live on the ground floor. Not only does it decrease your escape time, but if you are physically impaired if may safe your life. In the event of a fire, elevators are shut off leaving a stairway as the only means of transportation to the ground floor level. Make sure that you let your family, neighbors, and property manager know of your special needs and fire plan, so they know how to assist you if the time ever comes. Additionally, always keep a phone on you or near your bed just in case. Safety is something to be considered for everyone and is something that needs to be taken very seriously. Your life is too valuable to be lost to a fire.

Let SERVPRO® of Oxon Hill Destroy Odors with Deodorization

10/1/2018 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO® of Oxon Hill Destroy Odors with Deodorization

Even a small fire can cause odors for years to come if the affected areas are not properly cleaned and deodorized. Fire, smoke, and soot damage in your home or business can create unpleasant and potentially permanent problems.

As various material burn, the smoke produced travels throughout the structure, leaving odorous residues and deposits on surfaces and in hard to reach places. Unless fast, professional action is taken, these residues and deposits can cause permanent damage to contents and may result in resurfacing odors.

With technicians certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration (IICRC), SERVPRO® of Oxon Hill provides specialized services that can rid your home or business of offensive odors left by fire or smoke damage. SERVPRO® professionals do not cover up lingering odors with fragrance; we seek out and remove the sources of the odor.

If you suffer a fire damage or some other accident and require deodorization services, contact SERVPRO® of Oxon Hill at 301.292.4447. Whether it’s fire, water, or Mold damage, or just a stubborn odor that refuses to go away, we’ll help make it “Like it never even happened.”

Summer Ready

9/1/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Oxon Hill IS “Ready for whatever happens.”

YOU CAN BE TOO THIS SUMMER

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

According to a recent study by U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission, nearly 11,900 Americans were injured by fireworks in 2015, with the majority happening in the month surrounding the Fourth of July. Another 8,700 are injured by charcoal/wood-burning and propane grill fires. A grill should always be supervised when in use. Keep children and pets a safe distance from the grilling area to prevent accidental burns or tipping of the grill.

Grills also cause an average of 8,900 home structure or outdoor fires. “These fires cause an annual average of 50 civilian injuries and $2 million in direct property damage,” according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

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

The summer season should be a time to make memories and enjoy the great outdoors. Don’t become a statistic. Take precautions to prevent these events from putting a damper on your summer months!

Smoke Alarms: Life Savers

7/30/2018 (Permalink)

Smoke Alarms: Life Savers

Smoke alarms save lives when properly installed and maintained, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

In homes, smoke alarms should be in every bedroom and on every level, including the basement. In office and commercial environments, check your state requirements or contact your local Fire Marshall to help ensure all codes are met. 

Test smoke alarms monthly using the test button. Smoke alarms with non-replaceable batteries need the entire smoke alarm unit replaced every ten years. Other alarms need batteries replaced every year, and the unit replaced every ten years. If the alarm chirps signaling low battery, take the proper steps to replace the unit or the batteries immediately. Never disable or remove the batteries from an alarm. Almost half of fires where smoke alarms were present but did not activate had missing or disconnected batteries (NFPA).

In larger commercial facilities, hard wired or wireless smoke alarms offer benefits such as not needing to be tested as often and activating throughout the entire building if smoke is detected in just one area (NFPA).

If you need help installing, testing or changing batteries in your smoke alarms contact your local fire department, an electrician or the American Red Cross.

Be sure your home or workplace has a fire emergency plan in place and conduct regular fire drills. For more information on Emergency Preparedness, contact SERVPRO® of Oxon Hill at 301.292.4447.

EMERGENCY FIRE DAMAGE TIPS for Oxon Hill, MD

7/2/2018 (Permalink)

EMERGENCY FIRE DAMAGE TIPS for Oxon Hill, MD

These emergency tips will assist you in taking proper action until SERVPRO® of Oxon Hill arrives. Follow these DO’s and DON’Ts to help reduce damage and increase the chances of successful restoration.

DO:

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded not the carpet and avoid tracking.
• Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls, and woodwork.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator completely and prop doors open to prevent odor.
• Wipe soot from metal kitchen and bathroom faucets, trim and appliances.
• If heat is off during the winter, pour RV antifreeze in sinks, toilet bowls, holding tanks, and tubs to avoid freezing pipes and fixtures.
• Remove soot particles from plants with damp cloth.
• Change HVAC filter, but leave system OFF until a trained professional can check the system.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers to stop particles of soot from getting in or out of the HVAC system.

DON’Ts:

• Don’t attempt to wash any walls or panted surfaces without first contacting SERVPRO® of Charles County.
• Don’t attempt to shampoo carpet, rugs, or upholstered furniture without first consulting SERVPRO® of Oxon Hill.
• Don’t attempt to clean and electrical appliances such as TV, radios etc., that may have been close to fire, heat, or water. Consult an authorized repair service.
• Don’t consume any food or beverages that may have been stored close to fire, heat, or water. They may be contaminated.
• Don’t turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. Wiring may be wet or damaged and cause electrical shock, and air movement may cause secondary damage.
• Don’t send garments to the dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set in smoke odor.

When fire and water damage take control of your life, SERVPRO® of Oxon Hill will help you take it back.

Summer Fire Safety Tips From FEMA

6/21/2018 (Permalink)

Summer Fire Safety

Summer Fire Safety Tips From FEMA

<sectionblock-5"><sectionsystem-main">Release date: June 29, 2011Release Number: R10-11-22

SEATTLE, Wash. -- As skies clear and weather turns warmer, Pacific Northwest residents are hoping for glorious weather this Fourth of July. But however the weather turns out, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) warn that careless handling of fireworks and outdoor grills can ruin parties and picnics -- and entire summers. In 2010, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 8,600 people for fireworks-related injuries, and according to FEMA Regional Administrator Ken Murphy, 73 percent of fireworks injuries occurred between 18 June and 18 July.

"When celebrating the Fourth of July, Americans need to remember to use fireworks, fires and barbecues with care. The best way to enjoy fireworks is to visit public displays held by trained professionals," said Murphy. "Summer holidays should be fun and generate good memories, not pain and remorse. Have fun, but be safe."

FIREWORKS SAFETY TIPS:

If fireworks are legal where you live and you decide to set them off on your own, be sure to follow these important safety tips:

• Observe local laws.
• Keep a bucket of water handy in case of a malfunction or fire.
• Read and follow all warnings and instructions.
• Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks.
• Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks. Never shoot a firework at or near another person.
• Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from the house, dry leaves, and flammable materials.
• Never try to relight fireworks that have not fully functioned. Douse and soak them with water and throw them away.
• Never ignite fireworks in a container, especially a glass or metal container.
• Keep unused fireworks away from firing areas.
• Store fireworks in a dry, cool place. Check instructions for special storage directions.

GRILLING FIRE SAFETY TIPS

• Propane and charcoal BBQ grills must only be used outdoors. If used indoors, or in any enclosed spaces such as tents, they pose a fire hazard and a risk of exposing occupants to deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Place the grill a safe distance from lawn games, play areas, and foot traffic. Grills should be positioned at least 10 feet away from siding, deck railing, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Keep matches, lighters, and starter fluid out of the reach of children in a locked drawer or cabinet.
• Keep children and pets away from the grill area: declare a three-foot "kid-free zone" around the grill.
• Use long barbeque mitts and long-handled grilling tools to protect the chef from heat and flames when cooking.
• Periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below the grill so it cannot be ignited by a hot grill.

USFA, part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, serves the American public and the nation's fire services through training, data collection and analysis, public fire education, and fire protection technology research. For more information, visit: www.usfa.fema.gov. For wildfire preparedness tips, sample preparedness plans and emergency checklists, visit firewise.org or www.fema.gov.

Last Updated: January 3, 2018 - 12:19

SPRINGTIME TIPS TO REDUCE FIRE RISK

3/15/2018 (Permalink)

Fire Tips

SPRINGTIME TIPS TO REDUCE FIRE RISK

We have come a long way in preventing house fires and their associated injuries and deaths over the last 40 years. For example, in 1977, 723,500 house fires resulted in nearly 5,900 civilian deaths and $10.2 billion in damage. In 2013, there were just 369,500 house fires, 2,700 civilian deaths and $6.8 billion in property damage. Within our individual communities and neighborhoods, we need to do everything we can to bring those numbers down even further.

There is no way to eliminate house fires completely. However, there are steps we can all take to make our homes safer and to reduce the risk of injuries and deaths should a house fire occur.

Spring is a great time to start thinking about fire safety. You are already in spring cleaning mode, so why not take the spring months to do some simple things that can reduce your fire risk. Below are some easy-to-implement tips along with a brief explanation of how wireless home security can help.

Check Your Smoke Alarms

Fire departments around the country take advantage of the start of daylight saving time to encourage people to check the batteries in their smoke alarms. Your smoke alarm should have a test button that you simply press to make sure the battery is working. If not, replace the battery with a fresh one.

If your smoke alarms are hardwired to your home’s electrical system, they still need to be checked. They can fail from time to time. Also, be aware that sometimes hardwired smoke alarms are temporarily disconnected for whatever reason. Make sure yours are not.

Check Electrical Outlets and Cords

Electrical outlets and cords take a beating during the winter months because we are inside for longer hours, resulting in more frequent use of electrical appliances. While you clean, give each of your outlets (and the cords plugged into them) a quick inspection to make sure everything is okay. Do the same for exterior electrical outlets as well. They can sometimes suffer damage from winter weather.

Replace Extension Cords

If you have been utilizing extension cords in your home for long-term purposes, spring is the time to change that. Extension cords are meant to be temporary only. So, if you have one that has been plugged in for months, it is better to run wiring to install a new outlet so the extension cord can be eliminated.

Remove Unnecessary Flammables

Your spring cleaning will undoubtedly involve the garage – if you have one. A good thing to pay attention to in the garage is the existence of flammables including gasoline and charcoal lighter fluid. If there are any flammables you no longer need, check with your county or city to make arrangements to properly dispose of them. Those you do intend to keep should be sealed in approved containers and kept in a cool place.

How Wireless Home Security Can Help

If you are not already utilizing home security, spring is a great time to look into it. The most basic of systems usually includes both burglary and fire monitoring at a very reasonable price. The advantage of fire monitoring is that it keeps track of your home even when you are not there. Monitoring also allows for quicker response times because monitoring centers can immediately notify local first responders.

Reducing the risks associated with house fires is no accident. It takes a concerted effort among homeowners to keep themselves and their families as safe as possible. We hope you will utilize these tips in combination with installing a wireless home security system with fire monitoring.

Timeline of Smoke/Fire Damage

11/16/2017 (Permalink)

FIRE

Timeline of Smoke/Fire Damage

In the wake of a fire that has covered homes with smoke and ash, it’s important to begin clean up as soon as possible in order to prevent permanent damage or discoloration from soot residue. The IICRC provides the following tips for fire victims facing clean up:

• Practice safety first. Use a dust mask (like painters use) and gloves as you work.
• Ventilate the home. Place a box fan in an open window to draw the air and dust out.
• Clean from top to bottom. Start with the ceilings, walls and fixtures, and work your way down to the contents of the room, then to the floor.
• Vacuum floors and upholstery. Make sure your vacuum cleaner has a high efficiency filter. Otherwise, you risk blowing soot back into the air.
• Some draperies, clothing and machine-washable items may be laundered. Use a mild alkaline cleaner to neutralize the acid in the soot. Fine clothing should be dry cleaned.
• Most exterior walls (brick, stone, wood, paint, siding) and eaves can be cleaned by spraying with a detergent, agitating soot with a soft-bristled brush, pressure washing from bottom to top, then rinsing from top to bottom.
• If the damage and residue are heavy, it may be best to hire a professional to thoroughly restore your home and belongings.
• Check with your insurance company to see if smoke damage from outdoor sources is covered by your policy.
• If the fire has warped or distorted the structure, consult a licensed general contractor.

Professional restoration technicians know that damage increases and restoration costs escalate the longer neutralization, corrosion control and cleaning is delayed. When homeowners prolong the restoration of their home, they extend the effects brought on by the smoke exposure. The following is a timeline of the effects of fire and smoke on a home.

Within Minutes: Acid soot residues cause plastics to yellow; small appliances located close to the source of combustion discolor; highly porous materials (marble, alabaster) discolor permanently.

Within Hours: Acid residues stain grout in bathrooms; fiberglass bath fixtures may yellow; uncoated metals tarnish, counter tops may yellow; finishes on appliances, particularly refrigerators, may yellow; furniture finishes may discolor.

Within Days: In time, acid residues cause painted walls to yellow permanently; metal corrodes, pits and rusts; wood furniture requires refinishing; vinyl flooring requires refinishing or replace­ment; clothing becomes soot stained; upholstery stains permanently.

Within Weeks: Restoration costs escalate tremendously. Synthetic carpet fibers may yellow or discolor permanently; silver plate is corroded permanently; glass, crystal, china may require replacement due to severe etching and pitting caused by prolonged exposure to acid soot residues.

Cleaning up soot residue must be done as quickly as possible. During combustion, soot residue and volatile vapors are carried by rising and expanding air to surfaces throughout a structure, and are deposited. This process occurs repeatedly until combustion ends, with soot residue building up on surfaces layer by layer. By the time restoration technicians arrive, lacquer-like soot residue may be quite difficult to dissolve and remove.

In addition to removing residue, ridding your home of its smoky odor is necessary. Professionals use this four-step process to remove odors:

• Remove the source of the odor, as possible, including unsalvageable debris that contributes to odor generation and recontamination of cleaned and deodorized areas.
• Clean salvageable surfaces and items to physically remove odor-causing residue.
• Chase remaining odor with an odor counteractant. In the case of smoke, create a deodorizing fog or gas that seeks out and combines with odor-causing substances.
• Seal salvageable surfaces that are inaccessible or slightly scorched, not only for aesthetic purposes, but primarily to encapsulate odor and prevent progressive recontamination.

Understanding the effects of a fire can help homeowners evaluate the damage to their home. By learning more about residue clean-up and deodorization after a fire, you can minimize the need for costly repair. Fire and smoke restoration experts can help you return your home and furnishings to a “preloss” condition.

Charles County Fire Safety

10/27/2017 (Permalink)

Fire Safety

This week I was alerted to an unoccupied house fire in our area and as I arrived on scene it was still an active fire.  As I sat down the street (out of the way) my eyes began to fill with tears. The images of the brave men and women working to contain and stop this fire brought back memories of a fire I personally went through and a flood of emotions. There were your typical emotions such as fear, sadness and hope but there was also a sense of pride. I was proud to be a part of a community where our volunteer fire fighters serve selflessly to help others. To see these men and women working together to save this home was amazing. It is not often that we get to see these guys in action and when I did it was amazing, but it also sparked the thought process of fire safety.

SERVPRO® is known for the cleanup and restoration of house fires but we are also proactive in helping create an emergency plan. Safety is very important and we try to talk to everyone about being prepared in case of an emergency. The safety and well being of our community is a vital part of our business. We want people to be knowledgeable, safe and prepared. Does your family have a fire safety plan? Do your kids know EXACTLY what to do and do you practice? If you do not please let us know!

Top Tips for Fire Safety

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas.
• Test smoke alarms every month. ...
• Talk with all family members about a fire escape plan and practice the plan twice a year.
• If a fire occurs in your home, GET OUT, STAY OUT and CALL FOR HELP.

The 4 most common types of fire

9/18/2017 (Permalink)

#1 is the kitchen fire

The 4 most common types of fire

Kitchen, electrical, heater and smoking-related fires are the four most common types of fires

Dec 21, 2011

While fires can start at anytime and anywhere, below are descriptions of the four most common types of fires. Acknowledging these types of fires may help you to reduce or even eliminate the risk of starting a fire.

1. The most common type of fire in the U.S. is the kitchen fire. The reason that the kitchen is the source of many fire hazards is because the kitchen is where heat, electricity, water, and grease come together.

The most common type of kitchen fire is the grease fire. A grease fire is extremely dangerous as it can get out of control quickly and spread from the stove throughout the kitchen and into other rooms of the house.

Many grease fires occur because someone leaves a frying pan on the stove unattended. They also occur when someone overheats a pan during attended cooking if the grease catches fire. Grease fires can cause serious injury and extensive property damage.

Other types of kitchen fires include oven fires and appliance fires. Fires can also get started in the kitchen when electricity comes in contact with water.

2. Electrical fires are another common type of fire. Electrical fires are caused by a number of different factors, including faulty appliances, worn or faulty electrical wiring, improper use of electrical outlets and worn out breaker boxes.

Older homes often do not have the proper wiring to handle the amount of electrical appliances in use today. Often old wiring inside walls becomes frayed or worn, causing shorts and sparks that can ignite.

Old breaker boxes are made to shut off electrical current when the circuit becomes overloaded as a fire prevention measure, but often the connections are worn or broken and do not activate the breaker switch.

Lighting is another cause of electrical fires, which can be triggered by improper wiring or the use of bulbs that are higher in wattage than the amount recommended for the lighting appliance.

3. Heater fires are among the most common types of fires in the months of December, January and February. Portable heaters should always have automatic shutoffs that activate when they overheat as a fire precaution.

Coil space heaters are especially hazardous because the coils will ignite anything combustible nearby. Always keep any type of space heater a minimum of three feet from anything combustible. That includes curtains, bedding, clothing and furniture. Always shut space heaters off when you’re not in the room.

Extension cords should not be used with space heaters as they generate too much electricity and can start a fire.

4. Another major type of fire is smoking-related. Fires caused by cigarettes account for 1,000 deaths in the U.S. every year. Many times the smoker is not the person who dies.

Most smoking fires are started by embers igniting on furniture, bedding and trash cans. Smokers should always be sure cigarettes are completely extinguished before emptying ashtrays into the trash.

Never smoke in bed and never smoke when you are tired, inebriated, or drowsy from medication. Do not place ashtrays on flammable surfaces like couches, chairs, or beds where they can tip over and start a fire.

The best way to prevent smoking-related fires is to smoke outside the house and have a can filled with sand to extinguish cigarette butts.

References:

www.Fire-Extinguisher101.com

www.RestorationSOS.com

Four Seasons of Safety

9/18/2017 (Permalink)

4 Seasons of Safety

Four Seasons of Safety

Each season of the year has unique fire and electrical safety dangers that are related to common seasonal activities.  The 4 Seasons of Safety program includes tips, lessons and activities that help students learn about basic fire and electricity concepts while also providing critical safety information that helps them learn to identify and prevent the fire and electrical safety hazards.  All included activities can be conducted without the need for additional resources or supplies and with little to no advance preparation required.

The program also includes valuable family involvement opportunities.  Take-home resources empower students to share the safety information they have learned with their families.

The 4 Seasons of Safety program resources are appropriate for students in grades 3-5 and have been developed to align with the following educational standards:

Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning (McREL)

• Science Standard 9
• Health Standard 5

National Science Teachers Association (NASTA) National Science Education Content

• Standard B Physical Science
• Standard F Science in Personal and Social Perspectives

Common Core English Language Arts Standards – Reading: Informational Text

• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.3.8
• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.4.7
• CCSS.ESL-Literacy.RI.5.9

Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety Classroom Toolkit: Each section of the toolkit includes two seasonal lessons and safety tips along with information to help you tailor the activities to your grade level.

Classroom Poster: Display this colorful poster in a prominent place in your classroom as a constant reminder of the steps we can take to stay safe all year long.

4 Seasons of Safety Interactive White Board Activities

The 4 Seasons of Safety program includes tips, lessons and activities that help students learn about basic fire and electricity concepts while also providing critical safety information that helps them learn to identify and prevent the fire and electrical safety hazards. All included activities can be conducted without the need for additional resources or supplies and with little to no advance preparation required. Available in ".Notebook" format.

• Winter (Download)
• Spring (Download)
• Summer (Download)
• Fall (Download)

Funding for this program was provided by a 2012 Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grant from the Department of Homeland Security / Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Keeping kids safe from fire

8/31/2017 (Permalink)

Keeping kids safe from fire

The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) reviews and collects resources for you to use in your public outreach activities to keep children safe from fire. Explore these materials to learn more about discussing fire safety with parents, teachers and other caregivers.

Prevention and safety messages to share

Make an escape plan

It is important to have a plan when there are children in your home. Children sometimes need help getting out of the house. They may not know how to escape or what to do unless an adult shows them.

• Have a plan for young children who cannot get outside by themselves.You will need to wake babies and very young children and help them get out. In your plan, talk about who will help each child get out safely.
• It is important to find two ways out of every room in your home, in case one exit is blocked or dangerous to use.
• Choose a meeting place outside your home.Children should know what to do when they hear a smoke alarm and there is no adult around. Help them practice going to the outside meeting place. Teach them to never go back inside a building that is on fire.

Keep children safe from fire and burns

Some children are curious about fire. There are simple steps you can take to keep you and the people you love safer from fire and burns.

• Keep children 3 feet away from anything that can get hot.Space heaters and stove-tops can cause terrible burns. Keep children at least 3 feet away from stoves, heaters or anything that gets hot.
• Keep smoking materials locked up in a high place.Never leave cigarette lighters or matches where children can reach them.
• Never play with lighters or matches when you are with your children.Children may try to do the same things they see you do.

Smoke alarms save lives.

8/31/2017 (Permalink)

Smoke alarms save lives.

65% of home fire deaths happen in homes with no smoke alarms at all or no smoke alarms that work. When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast and you need smoke alarms to give you time to get out.

Safety Tips

• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. Interconnect all smoke alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound
• An ionization smoke alarm is generally more responsive to flaming fires and a photoelectric smoke alarm is generally more responsive to smoldering fires. For the best protection, either types of alarms or a combination alarm (photoelectric and ionization) should be installed in homes.
• Test alarms at least monthly by pushing the test button.
• Smoke rises; install smoke alarms following manufacturer’s instructions high on a wall or on a ceiling. Save manufacturer’s instructions for testing and maintenance.
• Replace batteries in all smoke alarms at least once a year. If an alarm “chirps,” warning the battery is low, replace battery right away.
• Replace all smoke alarms, including alarms that use ten year batteries and hard-wired alarms, when they are ten years old or sooner if they do not respond properly when tested.
• Be sure the smoke alarm has the label of a recognized testing laboratory.
• Alarms that are hard-wired (and include battery backup) must be installed by a qualified electrician.
• If cooking fumes or steam sets off nuisance alarms, replace the alarm with an alarm that has a “hush” button. A “hush” button will reduce the alarm’s sensitivity for a short period of time.
• An ionization alarm with a hush button or photoelectric alarm should be used if the alarm is within 20 feet of a cooking appliance.
• Smoke alarms that include a recordable voice announcement, in addition to the usual alarm sound, may be helpful in waking children through the use of a familiar voice.
• Smoke alarms are available for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. These alarms use strobe lights. Vibration equipment can be added to these alarms.
• Smoke alarms are an important part of a home fire escape plan.

Emergency Preparedness for Owners of Pets and Service Animals

8/31/2017 (Permalink)

Emergency Preparedness for Owners of Pets and Service Animals

Every disaster plan must include your pets. If you know disaster is imminent, bring your pet inside immediately. Get your animals under control as quickly as possible, either using a leash or by putting them in a pet carrier. Disasters often strike suddenly, while you are away from home. You can improve your pet’s chances for safety if you leave him/her inside, with collars and identification tags, when you go out.

 Consider an arrangement with a trusted neighbor who would be willing to evacuate your pets in your absence. Make sure the person knows your animals, can locate your emergency supplies, and has a key to your home. Provide him or her with instructions and phone numbers on how to reach you. Keep your animal’s license and identification current. Keep up-to-date identification on your pets at all times. Use a properly fitting collar with an identification tag.

Consider using a microchip for identification, but make sure local shelters have microchip scanners. Keep current color photographs of your pet, showing any distinguishing markings, with your emergency supplies. If you evacuate, take your pet. Your animal’s best protection is to be with you. Remember, taking your pet with you requires special planning. Locate a safe place for your pets before disaster strikes. Evacuation shelters generally do not accept animals for public health and safety reasons. Service animals, on the other hand, are allowed to accompany their owners to an emergency shelter. Call hotels and motels in your immediate area and a reasonable distance from home to see if they will accept pets and under what conditions. Also, contact local boarding kennels and veterinary hospitals with boarding facilities. Ask friends and family members whether they will provide foster care for your pets.

NOTE:

Animal shelters will provide temporary foster care for owned pets in times of disaster, but this should be considered only as a last resort. Emergency Supplies Kit Assemble a portable pet emergency supplies kit to provide for your pet’s needs for seven days. Pack the supplies in a carry case, in case you evacuate.

Include the following:

• Medications and medical records, including vaccination records (stored in a water proof container) and a first aid kit. Name and telephone number of your veterinarian. List medical conditions and special considerations.
• Sturdy leashes, harnesses, and carriers to transport pets safely and ensure that your animals can’t escape.
• Current photos of your pets in case they get lost.
• Food, portable water, bowls, cat litter and pan, and can opener.
• Plastic bags/paper towels for disposing of animal waste.
• Favorite toys and pet beds with kennel or carrying case.
• Maintain a list of emergency contact numbers in the kit. Even with a disaster plan in place, pets and their owners can sometimes run into trouble, or a disaster can exceed local resources. Visit the Humane Society of the United States for more information, www.hsus.org.

Oxon Hill Smoke and Soot Cleanup

7/26/2017 (Permalink)

Smoke and Soot Damage Can Cause a Pervasive Odor in Your Oxon Hill Home.

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.

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 Oxon Hill 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. 

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 – 301.292.4447