Fire damage in Colorado

7/6/2022 (Permalink)

Fire Damage in Colorado

After the fire has been extinguished, do not return to the property until the fire department says it is safe to do so. Once you have access to your property, taking the following actions can help you protect your business:

• Install a security fence
• Board up broken windows and other openings
• Tarp over damaged areas of the roof
  
  

In addition to damage from the fire itself, the firefighters may have broken windows or created other openings during their fire-extinguishing efforts. Therefore, the building could have several entry points for vandals and wildlife. It is important to board up or tarp over these areas. Installing a fence adds another layer of protection. If damage occurs after the fire has been extinguished and the insurance company determines the damage resulted from the building not being properly secured, they may deny that portion of the claim. If anyone enters the property, even without permission, and gets injured, the business could be held liable.

Restoring the Property

After the property has been secured, it is time to document the damage and begin restoration. Take a detailed photo or video evidence for the insurance company so that they can adequately assess the property. Then remove the water from the fire-suppression efforts. Do this as quickly as possible because mold can begin to grow within 24 hours. Next, clean the smoke and soot from the surfaces. Clean and sanitize affected areas. Throw everything away that cannot be fully dried and cleaned. Finally, begin repairing and replacing damaged items.
From installing a security fence to smoke cleaning, taking care of your commercial property after a fire can be a complicated endeavor. Fortunately, a certified restoration service can help you get your business back to normal quickly and safely.

SERVPRO of Grand, Routt, and Rio Blanco Counties is ready to assist you 24/7. Call us today at 970-949-3235.

Fire damage in Colorado

7/6/2022 (Permalink)

Fire Damage in Colorado

Losing your home to a fire is a scary thought, but there’s plenty you can do to prevent fires from starting. Accidents can happen, but you can learn how to avoid a fire from starting and spreading through your home. Here are some tips

• Install smoke alarms that combine flashing lights on every level of your home. Test them monthly and change the batteries every six months.
• Create an escape plan and practice them with your family.
• Keep grills, cookers, and fryers at least 3 feet away from your house and shrubs or bushes.
• Properly store flammable products. If they are exposed to a significant heat source, they can combust.
• Always turn off heaters when leaving the room or going to bed.
• Service your chimneys, fireplaces, wood stoves, and central furnace once a year.
• Store a fire extinguisher on every level of your home.
• Never smoke in bed
• Keep an eye on your cooking. Cooking is the number one cause of residential fires.
• Never leave burning candles unattended.
• Look for frayed wires and damaged cords. If you see any exposed wires, unplug the electronics and replace them immediately.

Remember, SERVPRO of Grand, Routt, and Rio Blanco Counties is ready to assist you after a fire with fire damage restoration and help you get back to normal. Getting your home or business back to preloss condition as quickly as possible is our number one priority. We are a 24/7 emergency response. Call us today at 970-949-3235.

How to Prevent Fires in your Pagoda House

10/21/2021 (Permalink)

Electrical Fire

Losing your home to a fire is a scary thought, but there’s plenty you can do to prevent fires from starting. Accidents can happen, but you can learn how to avoid a fire from starting and spreading through your home. Here are some tips

• Install smoke alarms that combine flashing lights on every level of your home. Test them monthly and change the batteries every six months.
• Create an escape plan and practice them with your family.
• Keep grills, cookers, and fryers at least 3 feet away from your house and shrubs or bushes.
• Properly store flammable products. If they are exposed to a significant heat source, they can combust.
• Always turn off heaters when leaving the room or going to bed.
• Service your chimneys, fireplaces, wood stoves, and central furnace once a year.
• Store a fire extinguisher on every level of your home.
• Never smoke in bed
• Keep an eye on your cooking. Cooking is the number one cause of residential fires.
• Never leave burning candles unattended.
• Look for frayed wires and damaged cords. If you see any exposed wires, unplug the electronics and replace them immediately.

Remember, SERVPRO of Grand, Routt, and Rio Blanco Counties is ready to assist you after a fire with fire damage restoration and help you get back to normal. Getting your home or business back to preloss condition as quickly as possible is our number one priority. We are a 24/7 emergency response. Call us today at 970-949-3235.

Fire Safety Tips for Fall

10/18/2021 (Permalink)

Leaf burning in a metal drum

During the fall and winter months, fire hazards in your home or business stem largely from heating the space. According to the American Red Cross, there was even a drastic increase in US house fires during this time. It's important to keep a few important fall safety tips in mind.

Fireplaces

Keep flammable objects at least three feet away from the fireplace and install a mesh metal screen around it. Never leave a burning fire unattended and make sure a fire in a fireplace is completely out before going to bed.

Space Heaters

Always allow at least three feet of empty area around space heaters. Never place clothing or any other objects on a space heater to dry. Do not place space heaters near furniture or drapery. Turn space heaters off when you leave the house or go to bed.

Leaf Burning

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, burning leaves produces dangerous and cancer-causing chemicals. Homeowners should avoid disposing of leaves this way. If you decide to burn leaves, wear a protective mask. Burning leaves should only be attempted far away from a house or other structures on a homeowner's property.

Candles

According to the National Candle Association, almost 10,000 home fires start with improper candle use. Never leave candles burning if you go out or sleep and keep your candles away from pets and kids.

Change Smoke/Carbon Alarm Batteries

When Daylight Savings Time begins and ends, it’s a good idea to change your smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries. This ensures the alarms don’t fail when you turn the heat on in your home. Make sure to check the alarms with the new batteries installed. Check and replace any home fire extinguishers that have expired.

Create a fire escape plan

Designate an escape route for each area of your home and establish a meeting place outside. Practice escaping your home while staying low to avoid breathing in smoke. Also, practice escaping through windows using emergency ladders.

Here at SERVPRO of Grand Routt & Rio Blanco, we care about the communities we serve. Therefore, we cooked up these helpful tips. While we’d love to have your business, we sincerely hope that a fire will never damage your home.

Contact SERVPRO of Grand Routt & Rio Blanco for Fire Damage Restoration and Repairs if your home has fire damage. We can help; call us today at 970-457-1449. We are a 24/7 emergency response.