How To Maintain Your Home’s Furnace

4/23/2022 (Permalink)

The furnace filter should be changed every couple of months.

Reduce the Risk Of Your Furnace Malfunctioning 

If you have problems with your furnace in Wyncote, PA, you are probably worried about needing a whole new heating system. A faulty furnace can cause a fire, however, and fire cleaning procedures can be even more expensive than the cost of a new furnace. The good news is that there are some routine maintenance steps you can perform at home to reduce the risk of your furnace malfunctioning.

1. Check the Burner Flames

Before you begin, turn off the electric power switch and remove the chamber door. Then turn the power back on and turn up the thermostat to activate the flames. Burner flames should be blue and even. If the flames are yellow, this indicates the burners are dirty.

2. Clean the Burners

Turn off the power again and then shut the gas off. Vacuum the burners and clean the base of the furnace as well. Check for soot and clean up any black powder to reduce the likelihood of needing a fire cleaning down the road. The blower door should also be removed to clean the blower compartment.

3. Remove and Clean the Blower

Remove the blower and carefully clean the blades with a small brush or handheld vacuum, making sure not to disturb the counterweights on the blades of the fan. A well-maintained fan also reduces the need for smoke cleaning in the event of a fire.

4. Change the Furnace Filter

The furnace filter should be changed every couple of months. Inexpensive fiberglass filters are usually sufficient in protecting both the blower motor and the blower. Consult your owner’s manual if you have questions about the type of filters recommended for your furnace.

Schedule an annual furnace maintenance checkup with a professional in addition to these DIY tips. It is also essential to call a fire restoration service if you ever experience a furnace fire.
Avoid the need for a fire cleaning by keeping your furnace well-maintained.

How To Prepare for a Home Fire When You Have Pets

2/25/2022 (Permalink)

Include your pets in your fire escape plan.

When You Have Pets, How Do You Prepare for a House Fire?

The thought of a fire in your home in Lafayette Hill, PA can be scary, especially if you have pets. However, being prepared for the worst can help you react appropriately if a fire emergency does occur.

1. Take Precautions

Although not all fires are preventable, it’s often wise to do what you can to prevent a fire from occurring in your home by focusing on pet safety. If your pets roam around the house while you are away, making sure to keep away potential fire hazards out of reach from your pets can be helpful. Since not all fire hazards can be easily moved, it’s often best to keep pets in an area where they do not have access to potentially dangerous items while you are out of your house.

2. Make a Plan

Knowing how to react in the event of a fire emergency is important for everyone, but it’s especially important when you have pets. Make a plan of escape and know how to escape your home if your first route of escape is blocked off. After you have a plan, it’s useful to frequently practice this plan. If a fire does occur, having a plan in place can save you time and energy and can ultimately keep you and your pets safe.

3. Prepare Documentation

Part of pet preparation involves updating documents about your pets and keeping them in a fire-resistant container. If your pet does need veterinary care after a fire, having all of your pet’s documents in one place can save you a great deal of stress. Additionally, placing a sticker on a window at the entrance of your home that includes the number of pets in your home can be beneficial for firefighters when entering your home.

Taking steps to prevent a fire from occurring, making a fire escape plan and preparing documents that pertain to your pets can help you prepare for a fire. If a fire emergency has affected you and your home, it may be useful to contact fire damage restoration experts.

4 Steps To File a Fire Claim

12/13/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage in a home in Plymouth Meeting, PA.

Filing a Claim After a Fire

An insurance claim can cover most fire restoration expenses. Throughout the filing process, it is crucial to document damage to the best of your ability and remain in contact with your insurer. Follow these four steps to file a claim after a fire at a residence in Plymouth Meeting, PA.

1. Notify Your Insurance Agent

Contact your insurer immediately after a fire. Your agent should arrange for an appointment with an adjuster. There is no reason to wait until this meeting takes place to start documenting damage and pursuing mitigation. Be sure to keep a list of representatives you speak with and make an extra copy of any documents you submit.

2. Document the Damage

It is important to obtain footage of primary damage before taking measures to limit secondary damage. Take photographs or record videos of fire damage. You may also want to contact a fire restoration firm to obtain an estimate. Footage that captures the condition of your home prior to the fire can strengthen your claim.

3. Take Mitigation Measures

Once you have finished documenting, it is time to start mitigating damage. This may involve boarding up broken windows, damaged doors, and any holes in the walls of the structure. It is also a good idea to tarp over a damaged roof. You may want to rely on professionals to do this work.

4. Meet With an Adjuster

When an adjuster visits your home, you should provide documentation of damage and allow this representative of your insurance provider to inspect the premises. After this home visit, you should prepare to file proof of loss and complete the filing process.

Filing a fire insurance claim can cover the costs associated with damage mitigation and restoration at a residence in Plymouth Meeting, PA. After you take all of these steps, it is advisable to pursue fire restoration and smoke cleaning immediately.

"Maintain Your Furnace to Avoid House Fires "

11/9/2021 (Permalink)

Keep your furnace running to avoid house fires.

"Keep Your Furnace Running to Avoid House Fires"

If you've ever had reason to schedule fire cleaning, you know how frustrating even small home fires can be. Fortunately, some basic safety habits and routine furnace maintenance can reduce the possibility of fires in your Whitemarsh, PA, home. Heating systems are generally pretty self-sufficient and don't require much attention. With just a few quick and easy steps, you can keep your furnace in top condition for safe operation during the winter.

Visually Inspect Components When the Seasons Change

When your heating or cooling system does malfunction, one of the following components are probably at fault.

• Thermostat
  
• Power supply
  
• Ignition switch
  
• The blower
  
  

Keep the Units Clean

One of the worst enemies of heating and cooling systems is dirt. A buildup of dust and household dirt can lead to decreased fuel efficiency and increased wear and tear. Protect the efficiency of the furnace and heating system by regularly cleaning components and lubricating and adjusting belts.

Handle Repairs As Soon As They Appear

Whenever a problem occurs, begin your troubleshooting efforts with the simplest fixes. Sometimes, a little bit of common sense and patient efforts are all you need to avoid residential fires and the fire cleaning that follows. If you can't handle the repair yourself, you'll probably find that paying for minor repairs and upkeep is much less expensive than more extensive damage.

Maintain Personal Safety Throughout Repairs

Don't forget to turn off all power to your furnace or heating system before you complete any maintenance or repairs to avoid a household fire and the ensuring fire cleaning work. This may entail tripping the circuit breaker or even removing the fuse that controls the unit. If you notice electrical problems or smell of gas in your home, contact a professional to handle the problem. If you're not sure what to look for during inspections or how to move forward with repairs, you may want to contact a fire and smoke cleaning and restoration company to handle the maintenance.

Removing Smoke Odor

9/9/2021 (Permalink)

Whether you've experienced a minor fire or a major fire, you shouldn't have the life with the awful smell of smoke.

If you've experienced smoke damage in your home, then you probably know the smell tends to linger. It stays with the furniture and interior walls and flooring of the home. Removing the smoke odor can prove challenging, and possibly even impossible for the do-it-yourselfer. For homeowners in Cheltenham, PA, the best way to go about smoke cleaning is to work with a restoration company equipped with the training and tools to remove smoke odor for good.

How Professionals Remove Odor
Professionals have several options for smoke cleaning and odor removal. All of the equipment used by restoration professionals is industrial grade and requires hours of specialized training. This allows them to clean your home thoroughly and quickly.

Special Equipment
They'll likely start with an air filtration device. This device will suck in the air from your home and resupply it to the home after it has been filtered. The filtration device may be equipped with special filters made of carbon or treated filters, especially for the smoke.

They may also employ an ozone machine. This machine creates ozone that is capable of neutralizing the odor in the home's current air. The home is left with air that smells as fresh as the outdoors.

Thermal foggers can permeate the air and materials in your home with deodorizing droplets. The fog is light enough to penetrate any areas the smoke reached. When the treatment is complete, the lingering smell of smoke damage will be gone.

Whether you've experienced a minor fire or a major fire, you shouldn't have the life with the awful smell of smoke. Not only is it unpleasant, but it's a constant reminder of the disaster you experienced. Getting your home back to normal is an important part of the process of moving forward. Professional smoke cleaning will completely eliminate the odor with minimal inconvenience and little investment of time.

How To Avoid Kitchen Fires

7/15/2021 (Permalink)

Protect your home and your loved ones from danger by paying attention when you're cooking.

How to Prevent Home Kitchen Fires

There are few things so warm and comforting as inviting people to your home in Wyndmoor, PA for a meal you have prepared. What is meant to be relaxing can turn into an emergency if a fire breaks out in your kitchen, though. Fortunately, kitchen fires are easily avoided if you take a few key safety precautions. Here are three tips on how to avoid kitchen fires.

1. Give It Your Attention

Do not leave cooking food unattended. If a burner is on, you should be in the kitchen. It only takes a moment for something to boil over and catch fire or for small fingers to find their way to the burner in your absence. It may seem like a hassle to turn the stove off just to retrieve something from another room, but it's well worth the trouble if it keeps your home from suffering fire damage from a kitchen fire. Protect your home and your loved ones from danger by paying attention when you're cooking.

2. Keep Your Stove Clean

A dirty stove is a recipe for a disaster. Not only does built-up grease have the tendency to draw insects, it can also cause a grease fire. Cleaning all cooking surfaces regularly can help you avoid fire caused by oil residue.

3. Keep Flammable Objects Away From Heat Sources

If something can catch fire, it should not be near the burner on the stove. Pay attention to the tips on food packaging that warn you to keep it away from heat. Wear form-fitting clothing while cooking, especially on your arms so that sleeves don't dangle into danger. Potholders, recipe cards and kitchen towels have their place in the kitchen. That place is just not on the stove.

To be able to feed yourself and others can be a wonderful feeling, but having to call fire restoration specialists to fix your kitchen is not. By following these tips, you can avoid a kitchen fire and enjoy your meal.

3 Steps To Put Out a Grease Fire

6/22/2021 (Permalink)

Kitchen fire in Plymouth Meeting, PA.

3 Steps To Put Out a Grease Fire

There are many flammable objects in a kitchen, making it one of the most dangerous rooms of any house. Without adequate cleanup regularly, a grease fire can develop. While you will need to hire professionals in Plymouth Meeting, PA, to take care of the fire cleanup, it may be possible for you to extinguish the fire on your own for the time being. Naturally, you want to follow the tips of the National Fire Protection Association and never do anything that makes you uncomfortable or puts you in harm’s way in relation to a fire.

1. Avoid Pouring Water on It

One of the worst things you can do for a fire caused by grease is pour water on it. Although it sounds counterintuitive, water does not mix with oil. Therefore, it will seep through the grease and evaporate on the hot stove.

2. Turn Off the Heat Source

You can prevent the grease fire from getting worse by turning off the heat source if you can do so safely. You can also attempt to starve the fire of any oxygen by placing a pot or pan over the grease. You will need to have protection for your hands, so you do not burn them once the pot gets hot.

3. Extinguish the Flame

There are a few methods available for getting rid of the grease flame. You can try pouring baking soda over the fire. You will need to pour a lot for it to work. Another option is to use a fire extinguisher, but you need to make sure you are several feet away from the fire. If you are too close, then the extinguisher will simply spread the flame around due to the force of the spray.

Make sure to clean your stove regularly to avoid a grease fire in the first place. If you are unable to put out the fire on your own, then contact professionals and evacuate your home for the time being.

Exploring the Different Types of Fire Extinguishers

4/8/2021 (Permalink)

Keeping a fire extinguisher in various rooms is also part of a complete plan.

Types Of Fire Extinguishers

Responsible homeownership means having an insurance policy that covers damages to your house and its contents due to a fire. Usually, entities with a financial interest in your house, such as a mortgage company will require borrowers to carry this coverage, including properties in Flourtown, PA. Being a good homeowner also means staying on top of fire preparedness. This includes being careful about the use of open flames in your property. It also means having the means to put out or control a blaze, such as having a sprinkler system that operates when a home fire is detected. Keeping a fire extinguisher in various rooms is also part of a complete plan, but not all types are created equal. Here’s what you should know.

Taking a Closer Look at Extinguishers
Extinguishers come in three different classifications based on effectiveness against a type of blaze. Class A refers to fires caused by trash, wood and paper. Class B includes fires started by flammable liquids, while class C is for blazes caused by live electricity. Each fire extinguisher has a label with the classification and a number that corresponds to the device’s effectiveness. Extinguishers come in different sizes that correspond to usage:

Stove-top: Ideal for mounting above a range or oven
2-pound: Good for use in a vehicle
5-pound: Easily accessible in a kitchen or utility room
10-pound: Best for garages or workshops where a blaze can rapidly spread

Taking Care
It’s important to make sure that these fire defense items are stored properly. Should a home fire occur, you don’t want to learn that the extinguisher is not where you need it or has lost pressure. Extinguishers should be replaced or refilled after a single-use.
While you never hope to experience a home fire, you should be knowledgeable of what to do in advance. Professional fire remediation experts can help restore your home to pre-damage conditions, but proper use of a fire extinguisher can reduce overall damage. It can minimize the time it takes to repair your home.

Tips for Surviving Home Fire Damage Reconstruction

12/14/2020 (Permalink)

Fire damage in a Whitemarsh, PA property

Home fires cause a lot of lasting damage, leading to extensive cleanup efforts. The tasks involved in this process take time and require a certain amount of expertise. This is because fires often cause weakness in the structure of the home. It's also because smoke damage includes many unseen types of harm. The most important reason to reach out to Whitemarsh, PA, restoration experts is to ensure the safety and health of your family.

Learn as Much as Possible

It's natural to feel overwhelmed by the cleanup and reconstruction processes. As you face the fire and smoke cleaning process, there are several things you should keep in mind:

• It takes a long time for professionals to put your house back into an inhabitable condition. Be patient with yourself and with workers during this time.
• Involve your insurance company as soon as possible. You'll get a quicker response from fire and smoke cleaning technicians, along with reliable information about how to proceed.
• Fire and smoke damage often leaves your home vulnerable to the elements and trespassers. Technicians can take steps right away to cover holes in the roof. Make sure windows and doors are boarded up, and think about security fencing. Discuss these options with the restoration team and your insurance company.

Sometimes, homeowners look for DIY methods for cleaning their homes, but technicians have access to tools, supplies, and special training for dealing with soot damage, weakened floors, and lingering smoke smells.
After the flames are gone, there may still be health and safety hazards throughout the home. These include toxic volatile organic compounds that are released when some types of furnishings and upholsteries burn. Technicians have the necessary personal protective equipment to avoid exposure to chemicals and toxins.

Don't Tackle Everything at Once
Your home may have suffered a lot of fire and smoke damage, but this doesn't mean that your life won't return to normal. As you leave the reconstruction work to professionals, you'll find that a one-day-at-a-time approach is the easiest way to work through cleanup and repairs.

Fire Insurance: What it Covers, and Do You Need It?

11/4/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial fire restoration in Cheltenham, PA

Fire Insurance: What it Covers, and Do You Need It?

Of all the disasters that could affect your office building, fire is among the most destructive. Fires can start in a wide variety of ways. Even small fires can cause extensive damage, destroying materials and making it impossible to work in the building until professional cleanup teams restore it. The financial toll can loom large too, especially if you suffer significant losses in the fire. The good news is that if you have a good fire insurance policy, you can receive a settlement amount you need to replace those items you lost.

What the Insurance Protects
Insurance is one of those things that you don't think much about until you need it. When you do, you are grateful for the monetary aid it provides. Fire insurance will cover the following:

• The cost to replace building materials destroyed in the fire.
  
• The cost to rebuild the facility due to the fire.
  
• Replacing damaged or destroyed furniture.
  
• Replacing office equipment and tools.
  
  

When the Policy Won't Take Effect
Fire restoration in Cheltenham, PA, can be costly. Having a reliable insurance policy gives you peace of mind and guards against financial ruin following this disaster. However, there are situations where your insurance company wouldn't honor your claim. You can't file a claim if you set the fire intentionally. This, in fact, is illegal and could result in serious penalties, including jail time. The insurance company may not cover losses from the fire if it occurred due to your neglect at maintaining and repairing electrical systems or other equipment in the building.

The Aftermath
The fire itself can be devastating, but smoke damage can be just as widespread. Your policy should also cover smoke cleanup and the effects that soot and ash will have on the building and the items inside.
Getting fire insurance is a smart way to protect you and your business. If it is not included in your commercial policy, talk to your agent about adding it today.

How To Avoid a Grill Fire

9/25/2020 (Permalink)

How to avoid a fire grill

As Labor Day approaches and the close of summer brings cooler weather in Wyncote, PA, this time of year offers the perfect opportunity to fire up the grill one last time. As you enjoy your holiday weekend, be sure to practice safe habits to avoid a grill fire. If you do experience a grill fire, know what to do to keep everyone safe.

How To Avoid a Grill Fire

Each year, thousands of homes experience fires caused by grills. If you know your grill is in need of repair, don't use it until it has been repaired. Follow these safety measures to ensure you don't experience a barbeque fire.

Always remove old grease from the grill and tray below the grill.
Check for leaks on the gas tank prior to use.
Open the lid before lighting the grill.
Make sure the grill is placed away from the home, tree, and other flammable structures.
For charcoal grills, only use starter fluid that is designated for use with charcoal.

If You Experience a Grill Fire
Know what actions to take in the event of a grill fire before using your grill. A fire extinguisher should always be easily accessible. If a fire does get out of hand, shut off the grill if you can do so safely to cut the fuel supply. Also, close the grill lid so the fire is deprived of oxygen.
After using the fire extinguisher, if the fire is beyond your control, call for help and evacuate the home. If your home experiences smoke damage or fire damage, it can be restored. Your priority should be your home's occupants and guests.
A grill fire can happen at any time. Knowing how to avoid and how to handle a grill fire can help lessen the severity of the fire. Keep these tips in mind as you enjoy the holiday weekend.

Easy, Natural Gas Range Cleaning

7/14/2020 (Permalink)

A gas range may seem like a daunting piece of equipment to clean, but it doesn’t have to be a big job.

If your home in Whitemarsh, PA, has a gas range, it’s likely you’ll never want to go electric. They are durable, cost-effective, and heats p and cool down quickly. Like with any appliance in your home, care and maintenance are key to both home safety and pleasant kitchen experience. Surprisingly, range cleaning isn’t very complicated and can be done using natural ingredients likely already in your pantry.

Cleaning Tips
Whether trying to get rid of the smoke smell or some caked-on food, thoroughly cleaning a stove requires a little dish soap, water, vinegar, baking soda, and a sponge or rag. Below are five steps to get your gas range sparkling and smelling fresh.

Take grates and flame covers off and wipe down the stove surface to remove loose debris. Grates and covers can be soaked in warm dishwater for cleaning.

Ensure gas openings are covered. You can use cups or cupcake liners.

Place about a cup of baking soda into a bowl and gradually add vinegar to make a paste.

Start scrubbing with the paste. Leave on for about 20 minutes before wiping off with a wet towel or sponge. the rough side of the sponge to scoop paste from the bowl.

After everything is cleaned and dried, reassemble the stove parts. Be sure to test all burners.

Benefits of a Clean Range
A clean gas range makes the kitchen more inviting and smelling fresh. Regularly cleaning it also ensures that it is operating properly. Spills and food debris can affect the flow of gas, which may result in hot spots or unsafe conditions. If a fire does break out, the fire and smoke damage may require extra care to clean up. A fire and smoke damage remediation and restoration expert can quickly address the problem with the right tools for the job.

A gas range may seem like a daunting piece of equipment to clean, but it doesn’t have to be a big job. Regular cleaning will cut down on the time and keep it lasting longer.

How To Handle Furnace Puffback in Your Building

7/3/2020 (Permalink)

Puffback damage in a Wyncote, PA building

When a furnace misfires, smoke, and soot can be released throughout your building. This puffback damage can cause serious destruction to your commercial property in Wyncote, PA. You may be tempted to try cleaning the debris yourself, but it is imperative to call a fire damage assessment professional right away.

What Causes Puffback?

An oil furnace that isn’t operating correctly can leave un-burned oil on the floor and other surfaces. If this oil is ignited, it can cause an explosion.
Common causes of un-burned oil include:

Leaks in the piping - Heating oil can drip from leaking pipes when the furnace isn’t running, creating air bubbles in the pipes. When the furnace starts running again, the extra air compresses and pushes additional un-burned oil out of burner nozzle, causing a furnace puffback explosion.
Problems with the burner shutdown - If the oil burner doesn’t operate correctly during shutdown, oil can leak out of the burner nozzle.
Insufficient maintenance - If a burner isn’t maintained properly, dirt can prevent oil from combusting properly in the fire chamber. It’s critical to have a professional maintain your furnace at least once a year to reduce the risk of malfunction.

How Is Damage From Puffback Removed?
Since soot from puffback damage is sticky and contains oil, it is very difficult to clean. Soot can work its way into the ductwork and spread throughout the entire property. For these reasons, the damage should always be handled by a professional.
The trained technician will first assess the damage to ensure that the entire area is addressed safely and thoroughly. The professional team will remove the soot and smoke from all structures and surfaces using advanced techniques and equipment. The area is sanitized and deodorized to remove contaminants and odors. Restoration can take place once all surfaces are completely cleaned and sanitized.
If you are dealing with puffback damage in your building, call a professional to ensure you get your business back to normal as soon as possible.

What To Teach Your Kids About Escaping Fires

6/23/2020 (Permalink)

By following the above tips, you should be able to teach your children how to escape a home fire.

If you have children, then you know how important kids' safety is. You probably take special precautions such as keeping sharp items on high shelves. Yet teaching your kids how to properly escape a home fire in Wyndmoor, PA, is just as vital. Below are the various fire-safety behaviors your children need to know.

1. Rolling and Crawling
First, your children must understand that they cannot just walk from their room to the front door during a fire escape. They need to avoid the flames and heat as much as possible.
Just sitting up in bed can expose a child to extremely high temperatures. The heat is less intense at the bed level. You should teach them to roll to their side and safely slide out of bed during a fire. Have your children practice this several times on their own.
Next, teach your kids to crawl on the floor during a fire until they reach safety. You can even create obstacle courses in your home to make practicing the fire crawls more fun.

2. Testing Doors
As part of your kid's safety lesson, emphasize to your children that they should not simply open a closed-door during a fire. They first must see if the door or its handle feels hot. Make sure they know that a hot door is dangerous and should be left shut.

3. Staying Outside
Finally, make sure your kids understand that they should not go back into a burning home for any reason. Explain to the children that they will not have time to escape from the home a second time if they run back in to grab a favorite toy. You can also reassure them that fire cleanup professionals can restore the toy once the blaze is extinguished.

By following the above tips, you should be able to teach your children how to escape a home fire. They may even be able to pass on these kids' safety tips to their children when they get older.

Eliminate Your Home's Cigarette Smoke Smell With These Methods

6/4/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial ozone generators can help you when nothing else is effective

Eliminate Your Home's Cigarette Smoke Smell With These Methods

The overwhelming odor left by cigarette smoke is unfortunately difficult to remove. While this offensive smell can be annoying when it remains on a clothing item or inside the car, it can be worse when it infiltrates your home in Plymouth Meeting, PA. Thankfully, home deodorization can help you eliminate this element and make your house pleasant again. Learn about some of the most effective removal methods.

Improved Ventilation
The first and most cost-effective method for eliminating cigarette odors involves improving the building's ventilation. A strong airflow can reduce the impact of smoke residue, especially when following certain procedures, such as:

• Opening doors and windows
  
• Activating fans and other fresh air devices
  
• Keeping air ducts clear, clean and open
  
• Cleaning HVAC filters
  
  

This measure is mostly effective in milder cases where the smell is not that prominent. If it is far stronger, it will only temporarily hide the issue.

Clean or Remove Surfaces
If ventilation does not help you with your current situation, escalate your home deodorization by cleaning or removing the affected surfaces throughout the residence. Generally, you will want to disinfect most hard surfaces with a cleaning solution such as a mild soap, a combination of water and white vinegar or water, and bleach. When dealing with soft surfaces like carpets, mattresses, and most furniture, use specialized deodorizing products. If the smell persists, remove and replace the soft surfaces.

Ozone Generators
Commercial ozone generators can help you when nothing else is effective. These machines produce ozone gas, which has molecules composed of three oxygen atoms. The generators break down regular oxygen molecules into single atoms and then arrange them as ozone molecules. This gas reacts strongly to chemicals like cigarette smoke, efficiently eliminating it. These devices are best operated by professional deodorization technicians, so contact them if you are interested in this treatment.
Cigarette odor can be a problem, especially if it refuses to leave your Plymouth Meeting, PA, property. Try out different home deodorization methods to bring pleasant smells back to your residence.

Your Pets and a Home Fire

5/28/2020 (Permalink)

The right company can also record the damage and expenses to help when processing an insurance claim.

Home fires are among the most devastating situations you can face. The good news is that they are largely preventable. Most home fires are the result of something a person forgot to do or of something they should have never done. They are also among the most common disasters to befall homeowners and renters. A fire emergency in the U.S. is nowhere as rare as it should be. In addition to the standard plans for fire preparation and response, if you have pets you should include them in your planning. If a fire does break out, make sure you consider the vulnerability of your pets.

Why Pet Safety is So Important
In many cases, a dog or a cat will follow you out of the house in a home fire in Wyncote, PA. However, a fire emergency could make it so your pet cannot run to safety. Here are a few of the more common situations that could endanger a pet:

The animal is old
The dog or cat can no longer hear or smell so well
The pet is in a cage
The animal is confused by smoke or the fire alarm
The pet is a house animal and has never been outside

A pet alert window cling notifies firefighters that a pet resides in the home. The alert is a vital piece of pet preparation for fire and should list the number of pets in the home.

Why Fire Cleanup is Essential
Even a small fire emergency creates a lot of damage that is beyond the scope of most people to repair. A professional fire mitigation company has seen it all before and has the experience, technology, and training to restore your home. The company will follow a proven process that repairs damage, removes odors, and cleans the soot from all surfaces. The right company can also record the damage and expenses to help when processing an insurance claim.

Fire Insurance for Landlords and Tenants

5/8/2020 (Permalink)

Ask your agent if you have any questions.

An apartment fire in Flourtown, PA, can be traumatic for all involved. Fortunately, the right insurance policies can help both landlords and tenants get back to normal as quickly as possible.

Insurance for Renters
When fire damage occurs to a rented apartment, the tenant is not responsible for damage to the building itself. However, the renter is responsible for his or her personal property. A renter's insurance policy will cover either the actual cash value of the contents or the replacement cost. Actual cash value means the insured will receive a payment that covers the value of the items directly before the loss. They will only receive the depreciated value for the property. A policy that covers replacement costs will provide the insured with enough money to repair or replace the damaged items. In addition to contents, renter's insurance typically covers a few other things:

Liability
Small medical payments to third parties
Temporary living expenses

Liability means that if the insured accidentally starts the apartment fire, the insurance company can deal with claims made by third parties against the tenant. The medical payments to others generally cover small medical payments that third parties may incur due to the fire, even when it has not been proven that the insured is liable for the fire. Temporary living expenses coverage will provide the insured with funds to temporarily relocate while their apartment is being restored.

Insurance for Property Owners
There are different types of insurance that property owners can purchase, including general liability, landlord's insurance, and specialized fire policy. You can talk to your insurance agent to determine which combination of policies is best for you and your apartment building. Make sure you read and understand the details of all your insurance policies.

Ask your agent if you have any questions.
Insurance policies help landlords and tenants financially after an apartment fire. If you need help with the restoration process, an experienced restoration service can help you get your property back to normal quickly and safely.

Pet Fire Safety

3/8/2020 (Permalink)

Puppies and kittens are some of the most curious animals when they are babies so take extra precautions.

The best way to protect your pet from the effects of a fire is to have them incorporated into your own fire safety plan if a fire was to break out. Below are some tips on how to prevent your pet from starting a fire.

Prevent Your Pet from Starting Fires

1. Extinguish Open Flames

Animals are generally curious beings and have a tendency sometimes to explore household items, such as a lit candle, that can put both them and your family in danger. Be sure to put out all candles if you will not be nearby.

1. Remove Stove Knobs

It is important to remove or cover stove knobs that pets could potentially turn on while you are out of the house.

1. Invest in Flameless Candles

As discussed above, candles can be a dangerous item to have lit when pets are around. Investing in flameless candles can be a much safer option and save you from worrying about blowing out candles before leaving a room.

1. Secure Young Pets

Puppies and kittens are some of the most curious animals when they are babies so take extra precautions if you have a young pet to avoid potential dangers.

Content By: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire/pet-fire-safety.html

Smoke Odor Can Be Eliminated Following a Home Fire

2/28/2020 (Permalink)

As ozone is released and circulates through a room, smoke residue is oxidized and eliminated

The residual effects of a house fire; scorched, burned, or melted items and the extensive damage caused by the water used to extinguish the fire are painful reminders of a devastating experience. Things can be thrown out, cleaned up or replaced, but a smoke odor can hang on and on as a reminder of what was lost. That is why a thorough smoke cleaning procedure needs to be done if a fire occurs in your Plymouth Meeting, PA home.

How is Smoke Cleaning Done?

The smoky odor of a fire can range from a smell similar to a cigarette to a putrid and foul penetrating smell – even in an item that was never touched by the fire. For this reason, there are processes that can be performed that can help remove the odors. The following are some explanatory terms that may help you understand what needs to be done.

Air filtration devices – This type of device uses a fine mesh filter to remove most of the bacteria and other particles 0.3 microns and larger, including smoke, from room air
Ozone machines – As ozone is released and circulates through a room, smoke residue is oxidized and eliminated
Thermal foggers – A deodorizing solution is blown it into a room, forcing it into even the tiniest cracks and crevices, bonding the solution to the smoke molecules and eliminating the odor


Who Can Do the Deodorizing?
The professionals at fire damage and smoke odor removal service in Plymouth Meeting, PA, would be your best chance of totally removing smoke damage following a fire. They would have access to all of the methods mentioned above and be able to safely use them. This type of service could also help with the cleanup of greasy and bacteria laden soot, which also causes odors.

Smells bring back memories throughout your life, but a house fire is not something you want continuous reminders of. Smoke cleaning can help by completely ridding the premises of the acrid smells and allowing you to enjoy your home again.

The 3 Ps of Fire Preparation

2/27/2020 (Permalink)

Any business fire can be scary but being prepared can help the situation remain calm and keep people safe.

Business owners in Whitemarsh, PA, understand the importance of being prepared for anything. While one hopes a storm or business fire won’t cause damage, the unthinkable can happen. Even if the worst doesn’t happen, it’s important to have strategies in place that cover the three Ps to ensure everyone is safe and minimal asset damage happens: Prevent, Plan and Protect.

Prevent
The best way to avoid a business fire is to take preventive measures that reduce the chances of one happening. General fire preparation tips include:

Use only one power cord per outlet that is away from a heat or water source. Ensure any three-pronged plugs are not broken.
Extension cord use should be limited and a short-term solution.
Inspect regularly used tools and equipment that use electricity. Any damage reduces the integrity of the item.

Keep equipment clean to ensure proper airflow and heat dissipation.
Ensure any equipment used is rated for the wattage available.
Verify fuses are the correct size and properly inserted.
Regularly check outlets for excessive heat. If one seems hotter than normal, it could indicate a wiring issue.

Plan
Fire damage can be arduous to cleanup. Developing a fire plan can help the process go more smoothly for restoration professionals. The first step is assessing the risk. A fire department representative can be contacted for a risk assessment. The next step is to ensure protective equipment is available and operational. If the building has a sprinkler system, keep it maintained and have it inspected annually. Ensure the facility has ample smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, and check them regularly.

Protect
If a business fire breaks out, you are responsible for ensuring everyone’s safety. Develop an emergency plan and communicate it clearly with employees, customers, and vendors. Consider appointing someone as a safety officer to ensure a smooth evacuation in case of a fire. Ensure emergency and first aid kits are easily accessible.

Any business fire can be scary but being prepared can help the situation remain calm and keep people safe.

How Does Business Interruption Insurance Help You After a Fire?

2/26/2020 (Permalink)

After a business fire, making a strong comeback is crucial to your company’s success.

A fire can have a devastating impact on your Whitemarsh, PA, business. While you’re going through the recovery process and figuring out the next steps, it’s crucial to ensure that your business is properly protected. Business interruption insurance helps to cover the damage caused by the fire incident and protects your company from severe financial loss. Here are the most significant ways in which interruption insurance keeps your business safe after a fire.

Keeping Your Business Running
When you’re insured, you can continue to keep your business running even as you recover from fire damage. After a business fire occurs, your company will likely have to relocate temporarily due to unsafe conditions. Normally, this would be a major setback for your company; however, an interruption insurance policy can cover all of your lost income and revenue. When you do relocate, you may have to face a number of expenses, such as the following:

Moving expenses
Rent costs
Staffing costs
Real estate fees

In addition to the costs that are associated with moving, there may be several hidden expenses. For example, electricity bills must still be paid even while business activities are put on hold. With business interruption insurance, you don’t have to worry about paying for these operating expenses.

Giving You Peace of Mind
Dealing with a fire is an overwhelming experience. Worrying about expenses and lost revenue can only add more stress to the situation. By finding the insurance policy that is perfectly tailored to your needs, you can have peace of mind during a difficult period. Keep in mind that not all coverage is created equal, so look for the specific policy that addresses your unique goals.

After a business fire, making a strong comeback is crucial to your company’s success. You can allow your business to thrive after a disaster by contacting fire damage restoration experts for a fire cleaning and investing in the proper business interruption insurance.

The Responsibilities of a Landlord After a Fire

2/15/2020 (Permalink)

Whenever property you own is damaged, you are likely responsible for the repairs.

When other people rent out your commercial property in Whitemarsh, PA, you don't always have a lot of control over the fire prevention or safety measures that your tenants take. As the building owner, though, you do have a few responsibilities after an apartment fire. Use the following checklist to ensure that you're doing everything you can to get your building back in order and safeguard your tenants.

File an Insurance Claim
Your tenants are responsible for their own possessions, but you have an obligation for the upkeep of the property itself. This includes several elements:

Building and entrances
Electrical and plumbing repair
Grounds and landscaping

You should have insurance coverage for any fire damage that occurs to the property you own. Your policy can pay for the services of the fire restoration company you hire to make your building inhabitable again. It may also cover any secondary damage that is directly related to the original covered issue.

Communicate With Tenants
The tenants that are affected by the apartment fire may have a lot of questions. Include them as often as possible in the restoration process. If the fire caused a lot of damage in their unit, consider allowing them to accompany you on a walk-through with the restoration team. You can discuss what repairs are needed and how long you expect them to take as well as the measures you are taking to make sure the unit is secure while it is under reconstruction. If possible, refer them to temporary housing if they are unable to stay in the building. Stay in contact and keep you informed on the progress of the repairs.

Whenever property you own is damaged, you are likely responsible for the repairs. It is also helpful to maintain a good relationship with the affected tenants during the restoration process. Staying on top of all your responsibilities as a landlord can help make this process go more smoothly.

Types of Water Damage To Expect After a Fire

2/10/2020 (Permalink)

A professional can perform everything from a smoke cleanup to a mold inspection to bring your business back to normal.

When your business in Whitemarsh, PA, is impacted by a fire, it will inevitably lead to various types of damage. In addition to the fire and smoke damage, a fire in your business can cause certain forms of water damage. This type of harm typically occurs as a result of firefighting efforts as well as sprinkler activation. No matter how the water damage has affected your business, it’s important to be prepared to address the issue appropriately. Here are the most common types of damage to expect during the water cleanup process.

Damaged Wood
Wood is highly vulnerable to water damage, which means it’s crucial to inspect any wooden surfaces in your business after the fire has been put out. The following types of wooden materials should be examined as soon as possible:

Floors
Desks
Doors
Chairs
Cabinets

Depending on the state of the furniture, you may be able to salvage the damaged wood. However, it’s best to call a professional and have him or her assess the condition of the wood.

Damaged Ceiling
After you’ve checked the wood furniture in your building, make sure you inspect your ceiling right away. If your ceiling displays signs of severe water damage, it may begin to collapse. Be sure to have a professional look at your ceiling during water cleanup to determine the level of damage. Certain types of ceilings may need to be replaced completely for the safety of your business.

Mold Growth
While this isn’t a specific type of water damage, any form of harm caused by water buildup may lead to mold growth. Whether you notice signs of mold in your business or not, it’s crucial to schedule a fire cleanup so that an expert can inspect your building for mold. He or she can identify any traces of mold that you may not have noticed.

During the water cleanup process, emergency restoration services eliminate any signs of damage to your commercial building. A professional can perform everything from a smoke cleanup to a mold inspection to bring your business back to normal.

How to Help Firefighters Help Your Pets

1/24/2019 (Permalink)

If you have a pet, you know the amount of unconditional love you have for them. Here are some precautions you can take to ensure your pet is safe if an emergency does occur.

1. 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.
2.  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 your pets. Make sure to keep the number of pets listed on them updated.

Content By: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire/pet-fire-safety.html

Cleaning Puff Backs: A Cold Weather Dilemma

12/27/2018 (Permalink)

The colder weather is upon us and your heaters are soon going to be roaring back to life. For many of us, our heating systems will turn on flawlessly and get to work toasting our freezing feet. But for many others, the consequences of having left your heater sit unattended and inactive throughout the warm-weather months; can leave you with a costly and time-consuming mess.

Puff Backs are a result of a misfiring in your furnace. This misfire causes an explosion of soot and debris that shoot back into your home leaving your walls, furnishings, carpets and many other household items, coated in a difficult-to-remove film. The explosion of soot brings to the forefront an underlying, usually simple, problem with the mechanics of your furnace such as a valve or filter in need of replacement.

However, even though the mechanical fix may be relatively simple, you won’t realize just how many things can be affected in your home by a puff back until you have one happen. The soot somehow finds a way into the smallest nooks and spaces of your home leaving you with a very difficult mess to clean up.

The best thing for you to do in this situation is to call in the professionals. The soot and debris are not only hard to clean up but may be dangerous without the proper knowledge due to the chemicals released during the explosion.

SERVPRO has a very unique, hands-on approach to dealing with puff backs which we tailor to every incident. If a puff back occurs on a porous material/surface, for example, then we are able to perform a more abrasive wet-cleaning process. However, if the soot has landed on a non-porous material/surface, then our highly-trained techs will spend the time strenuously cleaning your walls and surfaces with a dry sponge ensuring that everything in your home returns to its pre-damage condition.

Some things you may be able to do to prevent a puff back include;

Ensuring your oil-heating system is free of dust and debris

Inspect and provide service to your heating system before you need to use it

If you hear strange noises or begin to see any soot residue around your furnace, call your heating company immediately

If you are unable to perform those steps or if you find yourself standing in an inch-deep pile of soot and debris, call SERVPRO today and we’ll send our crews out to help get your house looking brand new! 

Content by:https://inspectapedia.com/heat/Oil_Burner_Puffbacks.php

Fireworks on the 4th: Celebrate Safely

7/2/2018 (Permalink)

Fireworks are synonymous with our celebration of Independence Day. This is the first Fourth of July in Pennsylvania since the laws governing the purchase of fireworks have been relaxed. Currently, any adult with a PA driver’s license can purchase some pretty high powered and dangerous fireworks. Yet, the thrill of fireworks can also bring pain. On average, 280 people go to the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries in the days surrounding the July 4th holiday.

Remember, fireworks can be dangerous, causing serious burn and eye injuries. You can help us prevent fireworks-related injuries and deaths. How? Follow these safety tips when using fireworks: 

• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
• Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.
• Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Parents don't realize that young children suffer injuries from sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees - hot enough to melt some metals.
• Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
• Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
• Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
• Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
• After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.
• Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.

Remember that fireworks have caused a lot of household fires. If you have a fireworks mishap resulting in fire damage, call SERVPRO of Whitemarsh/Cheltenham for fire restoration services. SERVPRO of Whitemarsh/Cheltenham wishes everyone in the area a safe and fun Fourth of July!

Understanding the cause of Christmas tree Fires

12/19/2017 (Permalink)

Be safe gather with family and enjoy your beautiful tree.

SERVPRO of Whitemarsh/Cheltenham wishes one and all a very Merry Holiday Season. Be safe at home and on the road. 

Facts about home holiday fires

Smoke and soot clean up

12/18/2017 (Permalink)

Smoke damage from a Dryer fire .The fire originated in the basement and effected every room in the home.

Smoke and soot are 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.