Fire Safe All Winter: How to Protect Your Home During the Cold Months | SERVPRO of Lakeland

10/14/2024 (Permalink)

Stay fire-safe this winter! Follow SERVPRO of Lakeland's tips to prevent hazards, and if fire damage occurs, contact us 24/7 for expert restoration.

Winter in Lakeland and the surrounding area may not bring snowstorms, but cooler temperatures do mean people rely more on space heaters, fireplaces, and holiday decorations. While our winters are milder, there are still fire risks to be aware of in your home during the colder months. Here’s how to stay fire-safe all winter long.

Common Winter Fire Hazards

Even in Florida, winter means increased use of heating sources that can pose a fire risk. Space heaters are a popular option when the temperatures drop, but improper use can lead to accidents. Make sure to keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything flammable, and never leave them running unattended.

Another common fire hazard during winter is holiday decorations. Twinkling lights, candles, and dry Christmas trees can create the perfect storm for a fire if you're not careful. Always check your string lights for frayed cords, turn off decorations when you leave the house, and keep your tree hydrated to reduce the fire risk.

Fire Safety Tips for Winter

Here are some essential tips to keep your home safe from fire this winter:

1. Test Your Smoke Alarms – Ensure your smoke alarms are working properly and have fresh batteries. Test them monthly and replace any units that are over 10 years old.

2. Use Heaters Safely – Avoid using extension cords with space heaters, and place them on a flat, hard surface away from flammable objects like curtains or bedding.

3. Practice Safe Candle Use – While candles can create a cozy atmosphere, they can also be dangerous. Never leave them unattended, and keep them away from anything flammable.

4. Inspect Electrical Outlets – With holiday lights and electric decorations in full swing, it's important to avoid overloading your electrical outlets.

What to Do If a Fire Happens

Despite your best efforts, accidents can still happen. If your home suffers fire damage this winter, SERVPRO of Lakeland is Here to Help®. We understand how stressful fire damage can be and are ready to respond quickly with professional fire restoration services.

SERVPRO of Lakeland will guide you through the entire process, from smoke damage removal to reconstruction. Don’t try to handle fire damage on your own – our experienced team has the tools and expertise to get your home back to normal quickly.

Stay Safe and Prepared This Winter

Winter might be a bit different here in Lakeland, but the risks of fire damage are real. By following these fire safety tips, you can enjoy a cozy and safe winter season. 

If the unexpected happens and you need fire damage restoration, contact SERVPRO of Lakeland today! We're available 24/7 to help keep your home safe and restore any damage caused by fire.

Reduce Fire Risks in Your Lakeland Home | SERVPRO of Lakeland

5/1/2024 (Permalink)

When a fire event strikes your property, call SERVPRO of Lakeland for a fast response.

Nobody likes the thought of facing a house or property fire, yet these incidents occur frequently nationwide. The United States alone sees over 340,000 home or structure fires annually.

While it's challenging to entirely avoid fire situations, being prepared for the unexpected can significantly mitigate risks in and around your home and garage. Use these strategies into your daily life and regular routines.

Preparing Your Outdoor Gear

Grilling stands as a cherished activity for many families, leading to a plethora of charcoal and propane grills dotting backyards and neighborhoods. The popularity of outdoor tabletop skillets is also on the rise.

Despite the enjoyment grilling brings, it carries inherent fire risks. Before lighting your grill, inspect it for any signs of damage or malfunctions. Gas grill owners should pay extra attention to the drum and lid for dents and ensure the vents are unobstructed. Regularly clean out excess ash and maintain cleanliness.

For propane grills, inspect gas lines before each use, tighten any loose connections, and check the propane tank for dents or leaks, no matter how small.

For those of us with backyard bonfire pits, regular cleaning and clearing of surrounding areas are crucial to prevent hazardous fire situations caused by overhanging trees or overgrown grass.

Mitigating Indoor Fire Risks

The kitchen reigns as the top offender of most house fires, given its frequent use of heat and flames. Keeping a fire extinguisher within reach can aid in swift responses to potential emergencies.

Additionally, keeping your kitchen clean is crucial. Flammable items like kitchen towels, pot holders, and decorations can easily fuel a fire.

Another fire-prone area is around filters and vents, notably near clothes dryers. Regularly clean the lint trap after each use and schedule professional vent cleanings to eliminate accumulated lint, dust, and debris.

Our Role in Fire Preparedness

Even with stringent precautions, unforeseen circumstances can lead to significant fire damage. Contact us immediately after extinguishing the flames to initiate your recovery plan.

Our team is available 24/7 to respond promptly, arriving at your location to begin cleaning, removing debris and sanitization. Once your space is prepped for reconstruction, we'll deodorize and initiate repairs, no matter how extensive the damage may be.

In times of fire damage, count on SERVPRO of Lakeland for comprehensive fire damage restoration services.

Clearing the air: Tips for Getting Rid of Cigarette Smoke in Your Home

4/18/2023 (Permalink)

Getting rid of cigarette smoke in your home can be challenging.

Cigarette smoke is not only unpleasant to smell, but it can also pose a serious health hazard to you and your family. The toxic chemicals present in cigarette smoke can cause respiratory problems, heart disease, and even cancer. If you or someone in your home smokes, you may be wondering how to get rid of cigarette smoke in your home. Here are some tips to help you eliminate cigarette smoke and its odor.

Open window and doors

The first thing you should do to get rid of cigarette smoke in your home is to open all the windows and doors. This will allow fresh air to circulate and help to flush out the smoke. You can also turn on fans to help improve air circulation.

Use an air purifier

An air purifier is an effective tool to remove cigarette smoke from the air. These machines work by pulling air through a filter that traps particles such as smoke, dust, and pet dander. Be sure to choose an air purifier with a HEPA filter, which can capture even the tiniest particles.

Clean the carpets and upholstery

Smoke particles can easily settle into carpets and upholstery, making it difficult to eliminate the odor. You can hire a professional cleaning service to deep clean your carpets and upholstery or use a carpet cleaner yourself. You can also sprinkle baking soda on your carpets and upholstery and let it sit for a few hours before vacuuming it up.

Use odor absorbers

Odor absorbers such as activated charcoal, baking soda, and vinegar can help to neutralize the smell of cigarette smoke. You can place bowls of vinegar or baking soda in different rooms of your home or purchase activated charcoal bags that can be hung in your home.

Wash your walls and ceilings

Nicotine can leave yellow stains on your walls and ceilings. To remove the stains, mix equal parts of water and vinegar and use a sponge or cloth to wipe down the walls and ceilings. You can also use a mixture of warm water and dish soap to clean your walls and ceilings.

Get rid of fabric items

If possible, get rid of any fabric items such as curtains, rugs, or upholstered furniture that have absorbed cigarette smoke. These items can be difficult to clean and may still retain the odor even after cleaning.

In conclusion, getting rid of cigarette smoke in your home can be a challenging task. However, by following these tips, you can effectively eliminate cigarette smoke and its odor from your home.

4 Candle Alternatives

8/22/2022 (Permalink)

Reed diffusers are the best bet

How Candle Alternatives Can Be a Good Option for Your Home

If you have pets or kids, a candle fire can be a scary possibility. Fortunately, there are inexpensive alternatives out there. Read on to learn what candle alternatives can be a good option for your home in Lakeland, FL.

1. Essential Oil Diffuser

If you want something that can do more than one job, this may be a good idea because it both fills your home with your favorite scents and acts as a humidifier. These come in a variety of sizes and colors so you can find one that will fit perfectly in your home. Simply pick one out, fill it with your favorite oil, and enjoy it.

2. Reed Diffuser

This is another option that uses your favorite essential oils. The main reason people like this is because you only have to put the sticks in once every few weeks to get a constant scent in your home. This is the most low-maintenance option with no wax, flames, or plug required. Plus, you can easily cover it if it doesn't match your decor.

3. Incense Sticks

These candle alternatives still let you light something, although this may not be for you if you are sensitive to smell. You may also have to play around with different types before you find one that smells good, isn't overpowering and doesn't make you think of dark churches. This option can be fun because you get to search for the incense holder that goes with your decor.

4. Room Sprays

If you can find one that lasts longer than five minutes, these are great candle alternatives. They are often available in the same scent as your favorite candles and good sprays will last all day without a flame.

Whether you are looking for a flameless alternative or just something new, essential oil diffusers, reed diffusers, incense, and room spray are your best bets. These can help you avoid fires, hiring restoration professionals, and other damage that candles can bring.

How To Use a Home Fire Extinguisher

8/17/2022 (Permalink)

By learning how to operate a fire extinguisher you can avoid a home fire in your home.

Tips On How To Operate A Fire Extinguisher

Many residents keep a fire extinguisher in their  North Lakeland, FL, homes, but it's essential to know how to use it correctly. You don't want to spend time figuring it out during an emergency. If you're not sure how to operate an extinguisher, here are some tips.

The PASS Method
Using an extinguisher is best explained with the PASS method. PASS is an acronym that stands for:

• Pull
• Aim
• Squeeze
• Sweep

Pull
In the handle of every extinguisher is a pin that prevents accidental discharge. Pull the ring on the side of the handle until the pin comes out. The extinguisher is now ready for use.

Aim
Point the nozzle, horn or hose away from you and aim it toward the base of the fire. While your first reaction might be to aim the extinguisher at the flames, you will not prevent fire damage because the material will simply go through them. Aim low where the fire gets its fuel.

Squeeze
Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing material. If you're using a CO2 fire extinguisher, take care to avoid touching the discharge horn as it gets very cold during operation.

Sweep
Using a side-to-side motion at the base of the fire, sweep the extinguisher until the fire appears to be out. Keep an eye on the area for recurring flames. If they start up again, repeat the steps of aiming, squeezing and sweeping. If you have any concerns about your ability to put out the fire, evacuate immediately. After the fire, you can have a fire damage assessment done to see what repairs need to be made.

Extinguishers in Your Home
It's best to have an extinguisher on each floor of your home. The first place to have one is in your kitchen, as a kitchen fire can happen during cooking. The garage is another good location for an extinguisher.

Taking time to learn how to use your fire extinguisher can help you react quickly in the event of an emergency.

Fire Extinguisher 101

6/1/2022 (Permalink)

Whether faced with a small kitchen fire, flames in a trash can or other minor incident, a fire extinguisher can be your best friend.

Extinguisher 101

If the smoke alarm in your Grasslands, FL, is triggered, it often feels like a scary and chaotic situation. In the case of a small fire, using a fire extinguisher may solve the problem and help avoid extensive repairs by a fire damage and restoration specialist. Before trying to put it out, it is important to consider the situation and know how to use the device.

When to Use

Your home is filled with memories, so trying to save them often immediately comes to mind. Luckily, fires tend to start small. If caught soon enough, having a fire extinguisher is vital to putting it out. Unfortunately, fire spreads fast. Consider the following when deciding if the flames can be extinguished:

• Not all extinguishers are the same.
• Verify that the one in your home is tested and the device is designed for different kinds of fire.
• Ensure everyone in the home has been notified about the fire and emergency services have been called
• Verify you have a safe escape route in case the fires spreads too fast.

Since extinguishers come in many sizes, verify that you are physically able to use them the right way. If in doubt, leave the fire to the professionals.

How to Use

While you may feel confident that you can handle the fire, you may not be as comfortable using the device. Most manufacturers use the same method for use, which is as easy as remembering the word “PASS.”

• Pull the pin
• Aim low
• Squeeze the handle
• Sweep side to side

Ensuring the last step is focused on the base of the fire. Continue doing it until the fire is out. If it happens to start up again, repeat the last three steps.

Whether faced with a small kitchen fire, flames in a trash can or other minor incident, a fire extinguisher can be your best friend. Before using it, the safety of everyone in the home needs to be considered first.

How To Keep Your Gas Grill Clean

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

A grill cleaning also reduces the chance that you will start a fire at your home.

How To Maintain The Cleanliness Of Your Gas Grill

Keeping your gas grill clean will extend its life and keep it working well. A grill cleaning also reduces the chance that you will start a fire at your home in North Lakeland, FL. Call a fire restoration service if you need help with repairs after a fire.

Steps To Keep Your Grill Clean After Each Use

There are a few steps you should follow every time you use your grill.

Burn the food off by keeping the grill on high for 15 minutes after you have cooked your food. This turns any food residue into ash, which is easier to clean. Turn off the grill and allow it to cool until it is moderately warm.

While still warm, scrub the grates with a steel brush. If you have difficulty removing the ash particles, remove the grates and soak them in warm, sudsy water for a few minutes. Make sure to rinse and dry them thoroughly before putting them back in place.

Lightly spray the grates with vegetable oil to prevent them from rusting.

Maintenance Procedures To Perform Periodically

Set up a grill maintenance schedule for a few additional steps. This grill cleaning frequency depends on how often you use your grill.
The burner protectors keep grease and dirt away from the burners. To avoid a grease fire, the protectors should be cleaned every few times you use the grill. Remove them and soak in warm, soapy water. Rinse and dry before putting them back in place.

The burners are located under the burner protectors. Take a soapy sponge and clean off the burners. Then rinse them with a wet rag. The plates, located under the burners, can be pulled out between the burners and cleaned with the grill brush. Below the burners and plates is the bottom tray. Clean this with the grill brush every month or so during grilling season.

A grill cleaning will keep your grill working well for many years.

3 Tips for Preventing Chimney Fires

1/30/2022 (Permalink)

If you already have damage due to fire or smoke in your home, call SERVPRO, we are ready to help you.

3 Chimney Fire Prevention Tips

Your furnace has gotten you through some pretty tough winters in Lakeland, FL, and continues to help make your home a comfortable, great place to live for you and your family. Unfortunately, no furnace is a self-sustaining system, and you’ll need to maintain yours to avoid a number of serious issues, such as:

• Smoke damage to your home and belongings
  
• Blockage of the vent, which can lead to a buildup of unsafe air in your home
  
• House fires

Luckily, maintaining your furnace correctly is a fairly simple task when approached properly, and costs much less in the long run than paying for professional fire cleaning or smoke cleaning services when things go wrong.

Filtration

The easiest thing you can do to prevent the need for fire cleaning in your home is inspect and change your furnace filter regularly. Your filter prevents dirt and debris from entering the furnace. An extreme buildup on these filters can lead to furnace malfunction, which may, in turn, lead to a house fire.

Clean Your Vents

If your exit vents become clogged with dirt and dust, the hot air your furnace creates will have nowhere to go. The buildup of heat in your ducts can not only damage the furnace and its channels, but can very well lead to more serious issues down the road. Cleaning your vents is a quick, easy way to reduce strain on your furnace.

Inspect the Fan

Your furnace fan is, of course, the component that gets warm air moving throughout the vents to warm your home. If the fan is malfunctioning, hot air will simply stay in place and may cause overheating of various furnace components. Having a professional check out your fan or ensuring it’s working correctly yourself is always advisable when maintaining your furnace.

Following these steps helps to reduce the likelihood of furnace-related fire and smoke damages occurring. At the end of the day, spending a little more time on maintenance is much better than spending your hard-earned cash on fire cleaning services.