Portable Space Heater Safety

11/15/2023 (Permalink)

With holiday season coming up, people can began to expect the temperature to drop.  However, this is Sugar Land, Texas where the weather may be unpredictable at times and winter weather is actually warm.  But in the events that winter may be on the cooler side this year, homeowners may seek out ways to keep a warm temperature in their homes. A very common source to supplement heat is a simple space heater.  While they are a great convince of easy to use and a quick way to generate heat in a timely manner, there are also precautions that should be considered that can make a difference in keeping warm while staying safe.

Keep it three feet away from anything that can burn

• Keep it three feet away from anything that can burn
• Plug it directly into outlet and do not use extension cords
• Turn off the space heater when leaving the room or going to bed
• Don't use a space heater in a damp or wet area unless it's specifically made for that purpose
• Install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and test monthly
• Look out for signs of malfunctions

If you or anyone you know experiences fire damage, give SERVPRO of Sugar Land a call.  Our highly trained technicians are certified and have years of experience.  We are always here to help!

Fire Extinguisher: Remember PASS

6/17/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Sugar Land will work hard to help our community.

Fire extinguishers can be used to help control small fires during emergency situations when used correctly.  The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) suggests remembering the word PASS while using the device.

• Pull the pin. Hold the nozzle pointing away from you and release the locking mechanism.
• Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
• Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.
• Sweep the nozzle from side to side.

There are different classes of fire and each fire extinguisher has labels designated for the type of fire to use the extinguisher on. Become familiar with the device before a fire breaks and double-check the fire extinguisher label to make sure it’s designed to fight the type of fire.

Contact SERVPRO of Sugar Land for your restoration needs once the fire is safely put out.  Our team is always here to help!  Give our team a call today to help with your fire restoration needs (281)313-1338. 

SERVPRO of Sugar Land Here to Help When Fire Damage Occurs

3/28/2022 (Permalink)

Our team is always here when disaster strikes! Give the professionals at SERVPRO of Sugar Land a call!

When you try to clean up after a fire by yourself, it can be a disaster. Especially considering that smoke and soot from even a small fire can permanently damage contents throughout a home. It will also cause odors that may resurface for years.

The professionals at SERVPRO of Sugar Land understand how disruptive fires can be for you and your entire family. For this reason, SERVPRO of Sugar Land offers 24-hour emergency response and will have trained technicians on-site of fire damage within four hours to begin emergency mitigation services. By responding quickly with a full line of fire, smoke, and soot clean-up and restoration services, our team can help you regain control quickly while deodorizing and protecting your home and belongings. 

So, before you risk doing more damage by attempting to clean it up yourself, call your local fire, smoke, and soot clean up and restoration experts at SERVPRO of Sugar Land no matter how big or small the fire is, our team is always here to help when disaster strikes!

Are You Using Your Fireplace this Holiday Season?

12/20/2021 (Permalink)

Stay warm and safe this holiday season!

As winter is approaching and the temperature drops, residents may be turning up the heat by using their fireplaces this winter to keep warm.  To prevent any holiday mishaps be sure you remember a few of these tips about fireplace safety: 

Fireplace Safety Tips:

• Before starting a fire, make sure the damper or flue is open. Keeping this open will draw smoke out of the house. Using a flashlight to look up the chimney can check the damper. Never close the damper until the embers have completely stopped burning
• Use dry or aged wood in your fire. With dried wood, it burns with less smoke and burns more evenly. If you use wet or green wood, this causes more smoke and contributes to soot buildup in the chimney
• Smaller pieces of wood positioned on a grate burn faster and produce less smoke
• Make sure to clean out ashes from any previous fires. The levels of ash at the base of the fireplace should be kept to 1 inch or less. A thicker layer restricts the air supply to logs, resulting in more smoke
• You should get your chimney checked annually by a professional. Even if the chimney is not due for a cleaning, it is very important to check for animal nests or any other blockages that could prevent smoke from escaping
• The area around your fireplace should be clear of anything that is potentially flammable
• Never leave the fire in your fireplace unattended. Make sure the fire is out completely before going to bed or leaving the house
• Install both smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Make sure to test them monthly and change the batteries at least once a year
• Keep a fire extinguisher on hand

Do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of Sugar Land after dealing with a fire at (281) 313-1338.  Our company has trained technicians with years of experience and certifications to get the job done.   Our team is dedicated to helping you when disaster strikes! 

Live Christmas Tree Safety Tips

12/7/2021 (Permalink)

Happy Holidays from our trained professionals at SERVPRO of Sugar Land. Available 24/7 for emergency services! (281) 313-1338!

During this holiday season, many of us have a beautifully decorated live Christmas tree as part of the tradition of the season. It is important that the tree is carefully decorated to ensure a safe holiday season.  Over the years, Christmas tree fires have been responsible for property damage.  Most resulted from electrical malfunctions from Christmas tree lights such as faulty wiring.  Other tree fires were caused by having the tree placed too close to a heat source, such as a candle or fireplace.  To help avoid any tree fire disasters, consider following these safety tips

• Be sure to water live Christmas trees, as dried out trees increase fire risk
• Set up trees at least three feet away from heat sources
• Ensure trees are secured and sturdy in the tree stand to prevent them from tipping over
• Use non-flammable decorations only
• Inspect lights for frayed, faulty, or exposed wiring, broken bulbs, or loose bulb connections
• Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit

Let your holiday season be filled with joy.  By following these simple safety tips, you can enjoy your time with friends and families.  If your home suffers from fire damage, call the trained professionals at SERVPRO of Sugar Land.  Our team has the knowledge and experience to properly treat fire damage.  Our company offers 24/7 emergency services!

Halloween Safety

10/26/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Sugar Land is dedicated to helping our community!

Halloween is only a few days away.  It is important that we keep fire safety on our minds during all the spooky activities.  Decorations are scattered around and can cause danger if some masked trick-or-treater is not paying attention. Make sure those gremlins can see well through their costumes and can walk safely.  It is highly encouraged to take a few precautions to help keep the spirit of Halloween safe and fun.  This Halloween, let's be safe rather than sorry.  Here are a few tips to watch for when trick-or-treating. 

• Make sure costume fabrics and decorations are flame-resistant.  
• Keep your sidewalks/walkways lit to help the visitors be aware of their surroundings. 
• Leave lights on around your house to avoid vandalism.
• Lock up any pets to prevent any visitors from being frightened or scared which may lead up to unnecessary injuries or bites. 
• If your Jack-O-Lanterns require some type of light, consider using flashlights instead of candles.  
• Watch out for exposed cords.  Some decorations may use extension cords to be activated. 

Help make this Halloween a safe one by taking these precautionary steps.  SERVPRO of Sugar Land is always here to help our community.  Give our team of professionals a call if you have any questions regarding fire damage (281) 313-1338. 

Fire Pit Safety Tips

5/25/2021 (Permalink)

Do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of Sugar Land when fire damage strikes, we are always here to help!

Many of us are looking forward to spending time gathering around them to enjoy time with family and friends before the summer heat truly kicks in.

Some of us may be uncovering our fire pits and looking forward to spending time with family and friends gathering around them. Practicing fire safety is important.  Below are a few tips for fire pit safety:

The fire pit should be a minimum of 10 feet away from any structures or combustible materials as well as away from trees, fences, sheds, power lines, and telephone wires.

Burn only dry material; damp material will create excess smoke. 

Do not use lighter fluid or gasoline to start the fire, as it can burn out of control or even result in explosions. Do not burn tires, aerosols, or anything containing paint or foam to avoid toxic fumes which could also explode and cause injury.

Wear non-flammable clothing while starting, sitting near, or extinguishing the fire. 

Do not leave the fire unattended, and keep pets and children far away from the fire as they will be attracted to it.

Keep the proper fire extinguishing equipment, or at least a water hose, handy in case of an emergency.

Be safe and use good judgment while using a fire pit.  SERVPRO of Sugar Land cares deeply for our community and is available 24/7 if an emergency should occur.  We are here to help. Give our team of trained professionals a call, we are dedicated to helping you when disaster strikes!

Electrical Fire

3/24/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Sugar Land is always here to help when disaster strikes!

Have you checked around your home lately for any faulty wires, electrical cords, or power strips? If not, now is a great time to do it.  Many homes have wires with insulation that has been worn off, rubbed off, or bitten off (rodents) that can lead to electrical fires. Many of these wiring issues can potentially cause a fire in your home which can result in a lot of damage to your property.  

If you have a small fire outbreak due to these types of wiring issues, give SERVPRO of Sugar Land a call.  Our company has trained professionals and our company is a fire restoration company that will help fix your smoke damaged homes and help salvage your property! Our team has the tools and equipment to remove soot from walls and filter out lingering smoke odors.  Don’t hesitate to give our team a call today for your smoke and fire needs. 

Space Heater Safety

1/4/2021 (Permalink)

Over the last few days, Sugar Land is finally seeing some colder temperatures.  As the cold temperatures call for some residents to seek out other heat sources in an effort to keep living spaces comfortable.  The most common supplemental heat source is a portable space heater. Space heaters are easy to use and can quickly generate heat to warm a home up from a real cold day.  Consider the following tips to minimize the risks of a heating-related fire in your home:

• Keep it three feet away from anything that can burn
• Do not use extension cords
• Turn off the space heater when leaving the room or going to bed
• Don't use a space heater in a damp or wet area unless it's specifically made for that purpose
• Install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and test monthly

If you or anyone you know experiences fire damage, give SERVPRO of Sugar Land a call.  Our highly trained technicians are certified and have years of experience.  We are always here to help!

Smoke Odor

12/28/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Sugar Land is dedicated to helping you!

Smoke odor is a stubborn odor that will linger long after a fire has been put out. The odor can be caused by an accident that occurred in the kitchen, a random electrical fire, or even from a candle that was unattended.

No matter what caused the odor, SERVPRO of Sugar Land has the trained professionals with the equipment and knowledge to clean up the structure of your home or business and remove any odor. We use a variety of products and equipment specifically to deal with odor, from Eco-friendly products to heavy soot and odor removal chemicals.  Our team will walk through with you and figure out the best solution and approach to get your home or business back "Like it never even happened."

Here at SERVPRO of Sugar Land, we are dedicated to responding immediately when you contact us. A fast response lessens the damage and can help reduce the cost.  No matter how big or small the damage is, SERVPRO of Sugar Land is dedicated to helping you!

If your home or business suffers from an emergency give our team a call (281) 313-1338.

Fire Loss Content Inventory

12/7/2020 (Permalink)

Always here to help when disaster strikes!

SERVPRO of Sugar Land has received calls for fire losses.  Calls came in from the larger commercial scale and others being small kitchen or garage fires.  No matter the size of the job, SERVPRO of Sugar Land is here to make it "Like it never even happened." 

In addition to the smoke and soot cleanup, one key component to a fire loss in the inventory process.  This requires a great deal of time in most cases due to the process involves detailed photographs taken of each item to ensure that all your items are documented and labeled to specific boxes. involved.  As our technicians being to take inventory on both what is salvageable and what is unsalvageable, unsalvageable items will be discarded and begin cleaning and boxing the salvageable items to be stored in a safe location until the restoration process has been completed.  In some cases, the restoration process in the home or business does not allow for storage of these items in which case they are brought back to the SERVPRO of Sugar Land office where they are stored in a climate-controlled and protected area. 

Once the inventory has been completed it is submitted to the insurance company and homeowner for review and to be processed as part of the claim. 

As soon as the restoration and reconstruction process has been completed, we will bring the stored items back to the homeowner or business owner safely and securely. 

Our trusted staff understands the importance of your belongings and will treat them with care.  SERVPRO of Sugar Land is committed to providing the best service to our customers.  

Proper Remediation Can Help Prevent Additional Damage

10/27/2020 (Permalink)

Always here to help!

Although kitchen fires generally begin on the stove, the damage can affect the entire kitchen including the walls, ceiling, air ducts, and appliances.  SERVPRO of Sugar Land offers a variety of services such as smoot and soot removal, deodorization, water removal, and dehumidification to help restore homes to the preloss condition when possible.  Proper remediation of fire, smoke, soot, and water damage can help prevent further damage such as lingering odors, mold growth, and permanent discoloration of items.  Electronic claims tracking provides real-time information to monitor our progress of the specific job claim.  Here are some helpful tips to follow to prevent further damage following a fire loss incident:

• Limit movement to prevent further damage
• Place clean towels or old linens on carpeted traffic areas to prevent additional soiling
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open
• Clean and protect chrome on kitchen and bathroom faucets and appliances with a light coating of petroleum jelly 

SERVPRO of Sugar Land is here to help you.  Our professionals are available 24-hours a day, 365 days of the year to help you.  When fire damage invades your home, give our team a call!

Electrical Fire

3/31/2020 (Permalink)

Have you checked around your home lately for any faulty wires, electrical cords, or power strips? If not, now is a great time to do it.  Many homes have wires with insulation that has been worn off, rubbed off, or bitten off (rodents) that can lead to electrical fires. Many of these wiring issues can potentially cause a fire in your home which can result in a lot of damage to your property. 

If you have a small fire outbreak due to these types of wiring issues, give SERVPRO of Sugar Land a call.  Our company has trained professionals and our company is a fire restoration company that will help fix your smoke damaged home and help salvage your property! Our team has the tools and equipment to remove soot from walls and filter out lingering smoke odors.  Don’t hesitate to give our team a call today for your smoke and fire needs. (281) 313-1338

Proper Remediation Can Help Prevent Additional Damage

3/17/2020 (Permalink)

Available 24/7 365 days, SERVPRO of Sugar Land is always here to help when fire disaster strikes!

Although kitchen fires generally begin on the stove, the damage can affect the entire kitchen including the walls, ceiling, air ducts, and appliances.  SERVPRO of Sugar Land offers a variety of services such as smoot and soot removal, deodorization, water removal, and dehumidification to help restore homes to preloss condition when possible.  Proper remediation of fire, smoke, soot and water damage can help prevent further damage such as lingering odors, mold growth and permanent discoloration of items.  Electronic claims tracking provides real-time information to monitor our progress of the specific job claim.  Here are some helpful tips to follow to prevent further damage following a fire loss incident:

• Limit movement to prevent further damage
• Place clean towels or old linens on carpeted traffic areas to prevent additional soiling
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open
• Clean and protect chrome on kitchen and bathroom faucets and appliances with a light coating of petroleum jelly 

SERVPRO of Sugar Land is here to help you.  Our professionals are available 24-hours a day, 365 days of the year to help you.  When fire damage invades your home, give our team a call (281) 313-1338.

Holiday Cooking Safety Tips

12/11/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO cookie creations! Looks delicious!

Tis the season!  It’s the time of year where most families and friends gather to be together.  Holiday cooking and baking is a wonderful way to gather and bring out the fun and creativity of the holiday season.  However, the kitchen may be filled with lots of cooks, things can get messy and distracting.  Communication is key while things may get hectic and cluttered, which can possibly lead to a potential fire hazard.

According to the National Fire Prevention Association, cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires each year. And because most people will be cooking their holiday traditions, many homes are at greater risk of a fire. If you plan to cook this holiday season, here are some tips to keep your home safe.

Stay in the kitchen when cooking so you can keep a close eye on the food

When cooking a meal that takes a long time like roasting a turkey or baking a roast, check it frequently

DO NOT throw water on a grease fire.

Keep a fire extinguisher close by.

Be sure your smoke detector has good batteries in place.

Keep things that can catch fire, such as oven mitts, wooden utensils, food wrappers, and towels away from the cooking area

Keep children and pets away from ovens and stove-tops in use.

As you cook or bake delicious holiday goodies, remember to just be alert. By following these simple safety tips, you can enjoy your time with friends and families.  If your home suffers from fire damage, call the experts at SERVPRO of Sugar Land.  Our team has the knowledge and experience to properly treat smoke damage. Our company offers 24/7 emergency services, give us a call (281) 313-1338.

Thanksgiving Safety

11/26/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Sugar Land is always here to help you!

Thanksgiving is in just a few short days!  SERVPRO of Sugar Land is thankful this year and we’re excited to be preparing a holiday feast!  As our team gathers around the kitchen, it is important that we stay cautious.  According to NFPA, it is the leading day of the year for home fires involving cooking equipment.

Please take a look at the following tips to stay safe this Thanksgiving:

Safety Tips:

• Only use turkey fryers outdoors; away from home or building and any flammable materials.

• Keep children and pets a safe distance away from the fryer when in use and for several hours after cooking. 

• Do not leave the fryer unattended; temperature should also be monitored closely. 

• If any smoke, at all, comes from the heating pot of oil, turn the burner off immediately as oil may be overheating. 

• Cover any skin that is exposed; it is encouraged to use a pair of gloves that are designed for high heat. 

• Follow the manufacture's recommendation for the amount of oil to add.  Do not overfill the fryer.

• Be prepared - consider purchasing a fire extinguisher for safety precautions. 

SERVPRO of Sugar Land is available 24/7 if an emergency should occur.  We are here to help. Give our team of trained professionals a call, we are dedicated to helping you when disaster strikes!

Space Heater Safety Tips

11/25/2019 (Permalink)

As the temperatures begin to drop during this time of year, space heaters are coming out.  To make the atmosphere a more comfortable temperature, space heaters are easy to use a product that can quickly generate a warm space on a colder day.  But keep in mind, although space heaters are a common way to supplement heat, they can also cause quite a bit of danger.  Fire departments urge everyone to avoid plugging a space heater into a power strip.  Power strips are not designed to handle the high current flow needed for a space heater and can overheat or worst, catch fire due to the added energy flow.   

Stay safe this holiday season!   Be cautious when using a space heater or alternative heat as a supplement.  SERVPRO of Sugar Land is dedicated to helping the community out, give our team of trained professionals a call if you have questions about space heaters.

Types of Fire

10/15/2019 (Permalink)

When SERVPRO of Sugar Land arrives on the scene following a fire, our team follows a process.  First, our goal is to calm the customer’s fears.  The next step is to pre-test the smoke to determine what type of fire has taken place. 

Are you aware of the different types of smoke?

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber (low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary)

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood (fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises, therefore, the smoke rises)

Protein Smoke – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire (Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor)

Fuel Oil Soot – Furnace Puff Backs

Other – Tear gas, fingerprint powder, and fire extinguisher residue.

Smoke and soot residue can damage carpet, upholstery, and contents if not removed quickly and efficiently.  In a fire-damaged structure with soot on the walls and other surfaces, cleaning and restoration are less disruptive and more cost-efficient than replacement.  Replacement may also mean a longer disruption time than restoration. 

Our team understands how disruptive a small fire can be.  SERVPRO of Sugar Land is dedicated to helping you during a stressful time.  If you or anyone you know experience fire damage give our team a call at (281) 313-1338.

Fire Extinguisher: Remember PASS

3/26/2019 (Permalink)

Fire extinguishers can be used to help control small fires during emergency situations when used correctly.  The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) suggests remembering the word PASS while using the device.

• Pull the pin. Hold the nozzle pointing away from you and release the locking mechanism.
• Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
• Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.
• Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side.

There are different classes of fire and each fire extinguisher has labels designated for the type of fire to use the extinguisher on. Become familiar with the device before a fire breaks and double check the fire extinguisher label to make sure it’s designed to fight the type of fire.

Contact SERVPRO of Sugar Land for your restoration needs once the fire is safely put out.  Our team is always here to help! (281) 313-1338

Electrical Safety Tips

3/25/2019 (Permalink)

Take a moment and review the electrical safety below to avoid any mishap. 

• Inspect electrical outlets for damage before use
  Cracked or damaged sockets, loose or bare wires, and loose connections may cause a serious shock or start a fire.
• Do not overload electrical outlets
  Overloaded electrical outlets and faulty wires are a common cause of holiday fires. Avoid overloading outlets and plug only one high-wattage into each outlet at a time. 
• Keep combustibles at least three feet from heat sources
  A heat source that was too close to the decoration was a factor in half of the home fires that began with decorations (NFPA).
• Protect cords from damage 
  To avoid shock or fire hazards, cords should never be pinched by furniture, forced into small spaces such as doors and windows, placed under rugs, located near heat sources, or attached by nails or staples. 
• Stay in the kitchen when something is cooking 
  Unattended cooking equipment is the leading cause of home cooking fires (NFPA).

At SERVPRO of Sugar Land, we are available 24 hours and 7 days a week.  Give us a call at (281) 313-1338! 

Candle Safety Tips

12/19/2018 (Permalink)

There is something calming about candles especially during the holiday season.  They look pretty and enhance the ambiance in a room, they give off a fragrant smell that can be so luring, but they can also be the cause to a house fire.   December has been noted as the peak month of candle fires.  According to the National Fire Protection Association, 3 out of every 5 candle fires started when they were placed to something that can burn, such as furniture, bedding, or decorations.  Review the tips below to prevent any house fires this holiday season:

• Blow out candles before leaving a room or going to bed
• Keep candles one foot (30 centimeters) away from anything that can burn
• Use a sturdy candle holder, that will not tip over easily
• Put candle holders and a sturdy and unclutter surface
• Light candles carefully, keep your hair and any loose clothing away from the flame
• Do not let the candle burn all the way to the bottom; put it out before it gets too close to the container or holder
• You should not light a candle if oxygen is used in the home
• During a power outage, use a flashlight or battery-operated lighting instead of a candle

Although candles can add to the décor in the room, however, they can also add danger.  Remember candles are an open flame which means they can easily ignite.  Create an environment that is safe for you during this holiday season, use alternatives to prevent any candle fires in homes like using flameless candles.  As always, remember SERVPRO of Sugar Land is here to help!

Kitchen Fire Safety

12/12/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Sugar Land is beginning to look forward to the holiday season, as many people begin to celebrate with friends and family.  During this time, most people may find themselves in the kitchen building gingerbread houses, baking cookies, and many extra holiday festivities.  However, the kitchen is the source of many fire hazards because it's where heat, electricity, water, and grease are all come together.  The most common type of 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.

Common Causes of Kitchen Fires

• Too high temperature in the fryer
• Vegetable, more flammable, oils
• Old, more flammable oil, in the deep fryer
• Fat deposits in the flue and ventilation ducts
• Misalignment sprinklers due to equipment moved around
• Clogged melting links of the sprinklers leading to impaired function

Other types of kitchen fires include oven fire or the microwave.  When a fire starts, keep the door closed and turn off the oven.   The lack of oxygen will suffocate the flames. If it continues to smoke like a fire use a fire extinguisher or call the fire department.

At SERVPRO of Sugar Land, we are available 24 hours and 7 days a week.  Give us a call at (281) 313-1338.  

Fire Extinguisher and Classes of Fires

11/27/2018 (Permalink)

Did you know that if you encounter a fire with the wrong type of fire extinguisher you could make the fire worse? For example, use an extinguisher that contains only water on a flammable liquid fire and you’ll spread the fire and put yourself in further danger.  However, the fires are divided into five classes and fire extinguishers are specifically made to take out one or more of the fire classes. Below is a list of fire classes and the extinguishers that put them out.  Each fire extinguisher has labels designated for the type of fire to use the extinguisher on.  Double check the extinguisher you’re about to use to make sure it’s designed to fight the type of fire. If you are unclear how to deal with the fire it is best to be safe and evacuate. 

Class of Fire: A (A in a green triangle)
Fires of ordinary combustibles like wood, paper, cardboard, most plastics, and cloth
Extinguishers to Use: Water, Foam Spray, ABC Powder, or Wet Chemical

Class of Fire: B (B in a red square)    
Fires of flammable liquids like petroleum, kerosene, grease, and others (but not alcohol or cooking oil)
Extinguishers to Use: Foam Spray, ABC Powder, or Carbon Dioxide

Class of Fire: C (C in a blue circle)    
Fires of energized electrical equipment such as appliances, wiring, circuit breakers and outlets
Extinguisher to Use: ABC Powder

Class of Fire: D (D in a yellow star)    
Fires of combustible metals like magnesium, titanium, sodium (often found in chemical laboratories).
Extinguishers to Use: ABC Powder or Carbon Dioxide

Class of Fire: K (K in a black hexagon)    
Fires of cooking oils, trans fats (often used in restaurants).
Extinguisher to Use: Wet Chemical

Fire Prevention Week

10/8/2018 (Permalink)

This year's Fire Prevention Week (FPW) campaign, "Look. Listen.  Learn.  Be aware.  Fire can happen anywhere," works to educate people about three basic but essential steps to take to reduce the likelihood of having a fire -- and how to escape safely in the event of one.   

• LOOK for places fire could start. Take a good look around your home. Identify potential fire hazards and take care of them. 

• LISTEN for the sound of the smoke alarm. You could only have minutes to escape safely once the smoke alarm sounds. Go to your outside meeting place, which should be a safe distance from the home and where everyone should know to meet. 
• LEARN two ways out of every room and make sure all doors and windows leading outside open easily and are free of clutter.

Types of Fire

3/27/2018 (Permalink)

When SERVPRO of Sugar Land arrives on the scene following a fire, our team follows a process.  First our goal is to calm the customer’s fears.  The next step is to pre-test the smoke to determine what type of fire has taken place. 

Are you aware of the different types of smoke?

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber (low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary)

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood (fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore the smoke rises)

Protein Smoke – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire (Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor)

Fuel Oil Soot – Furnace Puff Backs

Other – Tear gas, fingerprint powder, and fire extinguisher residue.

Smoke and soot residue can damage carpet, upholstery and contents if not removed quickly and efficiently.  In a fire-damaged structure with soot on the walls and other surfaces, cleaning and restoration is less disruptive and more cost-efficient than replacement.  Replacement may also mean a longer disruption time than restoration. 

Our team understands how disruptive a small fire can be and  SERVPRO of Sugar Land is dedicated to help you during a stressful time.  Contact us if you experience fire damage at (281) 313-1338.

Different Types of Fire

3/26/2018 (Permalink)

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 Sugar Land  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 experienced team at SERVPRO of Sugar Land is available for any level of restoration emergency that you might face. Our team is dedicated to help make fire damages “Like it never even happened.” 

Proper Remediation Can Help Prevent Additional Damage

1/23/2018 (Permalink)

Although kitchen fires generally begin on the stove, the damage can affect the entire kitchen including the walls, ceiling, air ducts, and appliances.  SERVPRO of Sugar Land offers a variety of services such as smoot and soot removal, deodorization, water removal and dehumidification to help restore homes to preloss condition when possible.  Proper remediation of fire, smoke, soot and water damage can help prevent further damage such as lingering odors, mold growth and permanent discoloration of items.  Electronic claims tracking provides real-time information to monitor our progress of the specific job claim.  Here are some helpful tips to follow to prevent further damage following a fire loss incident:

• Limit movement to prevent further damage
• Place clean towels or old linens on carpeted traffic areas to prevent additional soiling
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open
• Clean and protect chrome on kitchen and bathroom faucets and appliances with a light coating of petroleum jelly 

SERVPRO of Sugar Land is here to help you.  Our professionals are available 24-hours a day, 365 days of the year to help you.  When fire damage invades your home, give our team a call (281) 313-1338.

Space Heater Safety

1/9/2018 (Permalink)

Cold temperatures call for some residents to seek out other heat sources in an effort to keep living spaces comfortable.  The most common supplemental heat source is a portable space heater. Space heaters are easy to use and can quickly generate heat to warm up a home up from a real cold day.  Consider the following these tips to minimize risks of a heating related fire in your home:

• Keep it three feet away from anything that can burn
• Do not use extension cords
• Turn off space heater when leaving the room or going to bed
• Don't use a space heater in a damp or wet area unless it's specifically made for that purpose
• Install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and test monthly

Christmas Tree Safety

12/13/2017 (Permalink)

As the holiday song goes “It’s the holiday season, so whoop-de-do!”  During this holiday season, many of us have a beautifully decorated Christmas tree as part of the tradition to the season. It is important that the tree is carefully decorated to ensure a safe holiday season.  Over the years, Christmas tree fires have been responsible for property damage.  Most resulted from electrical malfunctions from Christmas tree lights such as faulty wiring, plugs, or even having the tree placed too close to a candle or fire place.  To help avoid any fire damages, follow these simple steps. 

• Ensure trees are secured and sturdy in the tree stand to prevent them from tipping over
• Use tested and UL-approved lighting when decorating trees or other holiday decorations
• Carefully check light strands for frayed, faulty or exposed wiring, broken bulbs or loose bulb connections
• Make sure to water live trees daily; dried out trees increases fire risk
• Ensure artificial trees are fire resistant
• Set up trees at least three feet away from heat sources (lamp, fire places, candles or radiators)
• Make sure tree is not blocking an exit

Your safety is important to us during the holiday season here at SERVPRO of Sugar Land.  If you experience any type of fire damage do not hesitate to call our team (281) 313-1338.  Our team is here to help you when disaster strikes.   

Thanksgiving Safety

11/14/2017 (Permalink)

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and most of America starts to prepare for one of the most important meals of the year!  Typically, one of the most common dishes found on a Thanksgiving table is (surprise !) a turkey.  Many people cook and prepare turkeys for the big occasion,  but did you know that there can be some dangers with preparing a turkey in your own home? Cooking is the leading cause of house fires according to Ready.gov.  Be extra careful with turkey fryers. There are a few house fires that take place on Thanksgiving due to the fact that some safety precautions were not considered.  SERVPRO of Sugar Land has provided some helpful tips to use while preparing a turkey to prevent any mishaps from happening.  Below are a few key messages to follow to help ensure the safety of your family and home:  

• Only use turkey fryers outdoors; away from home or building and any flammable materials.

• Keep children and pets a safe distance away from the fryer when in use and for several hours after cooking. 

• Do not leave the fryer unattended; temperature should also be monitored closely. 

• If any smoke, at all, comes from the heating pot of oil, turn the burner off immediately as oil may be overheating. 

• Cover any skin that is exposed; it is encouraged to use a pair of gloves that is designed for high heat. 

• Follow the manufacture's recommendation for the amount of oil to add.  Do not over fill the fryer.

• Be prepared - consider purchasing a fire extinguisher for safety precautions.