Firework Safety

6/13/2019 (Permalink)

Fireworks can be fun to watch, but dangerous to use.

For many, fireworks are an important component of any 4^th of July celebration. However, fireworks can be extremely dangerous, especially if handled without care. In fact, an average of 230 people are sent to the emergency room each day with firework-related injuries in the weeks leading up to the 4^th of July. This is because fireworks can cause serious damage to hands, fingers and eyes. In addition, fireworks are responsible for 18,500 fires per year, which cause deaths and serious property damage. For these reasons, it is very important to use caution and practice safety measures when handling fireworks. Do your best to employ the following safety tips this 4^th of July:

• Do not allow young children to handle fireworks; older children should be supervised at all time when handling or igniting fireworks of any kind.
• When lighting a fuse, do not allow any part of your body to be above the firework. Once lit, always retreat to a safe distance until the firework is finished.
• Do not attempt to re-light fireworks that did not go off.
• Always keep a container of water near your fireworks site in case of a fire.
• Do not carry fireworks on your person for any reason.
• Before throwing away your used fireworks, submerge them in water to avoid starting a trash fire.
• Do not ignite fireworks near your home or any other structure.

While we offer tips to stay safe when using fireworks, you should always follow all of your local laws and ordinances. Stay safe and have fun!

How To Build A Camp Fire

5/17/2019 (Permalink)

Camp fire using the teepee technique.

To make a good camp fire, you will need to start with 3 types of materials. First is tinder: these pieces are made up of small twigs, leaves and dried pine needles you can find on the ground. Second, you will need kindling materials: these are made up of small tree branches that are 1 inch in diameter or smaller. Lastly, you will need what is called fuel: this term refers to large pieces of wood, like big branches and thick logs. Fuel should be stacked upwind and away from the fire.

Once you have collected your wood, and of course have water on hand in case of a fire emergency, you are ready to build your fire. While there are many techniques for building a camp fire, a classic model is the teepee technique. You will want to take some of your tinder and start a small pile in the center of your fire pit. Then drive a long piece of kindling into the ground in the center of the fire pit. Then, to build the teepee, lean other long  kindling sticks against your center support pole. Do this until you have a structure that fairly represents a teepee, but try not to over load the center kindling pole.

Once you have your structure build, whether you have chosen the teepee technique or other trusted method, you will need to ignite the tinder within your structure with matches or a lighter. As the fire grows, continue to add more tinder. To help the tinder ignite, you may need to blow lightly at the base of your kindling structure.

Once your fire is strong and catching your kindling on its own, it is now time to add your fuel. Carefully add your larger wood pieces to your fire, while avoiding breaking your original structure. Once your fuel pieces start to burn, you have successfully build your campfire! Make sure to keep it to small, safe size and never add too much fuel.

For more information, call SERVPRO!

What to Know Before Burning Yard Waste

5/6/2019 (Permalink)

Spring is here and it is time to get our lawns back in order. Getting our yards clean can produce a lot of waste: grass, tree limbs and twigs, or other natural materials. While there are many ways to dispose of these materials, some find it easiest to burn them. If you are one of these people, make sure you are in compliance with local burn ordinances.

Once you understand the rules and regulations relative to your local jurisdiction, it is also extremely important to follow strict safety procedures in order to: remain compliant with local laws; stay safe and avoid fire-related injuries; and reduce likelihood of destruction of property. Once you’re ready to burn, following the guidelines listed below can insure you keep yourself and your surroundings safe:

• Always check your local regulations regarding yard burns. Many localities throughout the Quad Cities have completely different rules that determine what you can burn, times and dates you can burn, and how far a burn must be from structures and public streets.
• Make sure the conditions are right for burning. If it is windy, you should not burn, as fire can spread easily in close quarters. Also make sure your yard is not exceedingly dry, as this can pose a fire-spread risk.
• You should not burn synthetic materials in your yard. This means no household items, garbage, or plastics of any kind. Stick to burning naturally occurring materials that come from your yard alone.
• It is important to be aware of what is above your burn site. Always keep your distance from powerlines, tree limbs, and building overhangs.
• Have at least 10 feet of clearance around your burn, as well as a barrier around your burn made of soil or rocks. It is also helpful to water down the earth around your burn to avoid spreading, especially if the ground is very dry.
• Never leave your fire unattended. Once the fire appears to be out, drown the remains with water, then turn over all of the ashes and repeat. Do not leave the burn alone until it is entirely out.

For more information, feel free to call SERVPRO of Moline/Rock Island at 309-797-1199.

How to Prevent a House Fire

4/25/2019 (Permalink)

Damage caused by a fire can be extremely devastating for your family and home. By being prepared and taking essential precautions, such as regular safety checks, you can drastically reduce your chances of suffering the losses that come with fire damage.

Smoke Alarms

Make sure to test your smoke alarms at least every 6 months and to change the batteries as needed. Don’t ignore a “chirp”—if your smoke detector is chirping, the battery should be changed immediately to ensure it functions properly in case of a fire.

Heating Sources

Make sure to inspect heating devices in your home. Whether you have a forced air furnace or use space heaters, it is important to ensure that they are functioning properly to avoid a possible fire. This means changing filters or discarding heaters with damaged wires. In addition, your risk for a fire can be reduced substantially with yearly inspections.

Cooking

Always be sure that nothing flammable is on or near your oven or stove top, such as curtains, potholders, rags, or paper towels. Also never leave burners unattended while you are cooking, as this is a leading cause of house fires. If you must leave the room, remove the pot or pan from the heating source and turn it off.

Dryer

It is important to keep the lint trap on your dryer clean, as it can be a possible fuel source for an impending fire. For the same reason, make sure to check behind the dryer for stray lint or objects that may have fallen. Also, if you have a gas dryer, it is helpful to have it inspected once a year to ensure all connections are secure.

Electrical Cords

Always be aware of where cords are plugged in and that they are being used properly—this means not overloading outlets or power strips with too many electrical devices. Also watch out for any damaged wires and repair or replace them as needed. And remember, because electrical cords can produce heat, do not cover them with anything, such as with rugs or furniture.

For more information, please contact SERVPRO Moline/Rock Island at 309-797-1199.

How to Have a Safe Fire Pit

4/25/2019 (Permalink)

Fire pits are a great addition to your outdoor space and can be fun to gather around with family and friends. As the weather is getting nicer, they are a great excuse to get outside and enjoy spring. But as fun as fire pits can be, taking safety precautions is extremely important to avoiding possible fire-related disasters. Misuse use of fire pits can often lead to grass fires that can spread to neighboring properties, or worse: house fires. The following tips will help you enjoy your fire pit while also staying safe:

Placement of Your Fire Pit

• At least 10 feet away from homes, other structures, and neighboring yards
• Never place under a covered porch, low hanging tree branches, or mounted awnings
• Make sure the surface under your fire pit is non-flammable

Preparing for Your Fire

• Make sure no flammable materials are place near your fire pit
• Create a barrier of rocks or cement blocks to keep fire contained (if you are not using store-bought)
• If you are building your own fire pit, make sure the pit is at least 6 inches deep at center and at least 2 feet across

Starting Your Fire

• Be conscious of wind direction and move flammable materials accordingly
• Do not light your fire if it is exceedingly windy
• For extra safety, you can use fire-starter sticks instead of lighter fluid

For more information, call your fire professionals at SERVPRO of Moline/Rock Island.

Fire Extinguisher Aftermath Safety

3/27/2019 (Permalink)

Fire extinguishers play a crucial role in minimizing the impact that a fire can have on your home or business structure. Having one close by is critical to reducing your chances of large loses. An otherwise small fire can easily grow and spread throughout a structure quickly without the presence an extinguisher. In fact, in 75% of the cases where a fire extinguisher was used, a fire department was not required for assistance.

At the same time, the chemical spray from fire extinguishers can be potentially corrosive to materials in your home or office and harmful to your skin and when inhaled. For this reason, once you have successfully put out your fire, it is important to take precautions in cleaning up the sprayed areas. Below is a list of tips to keep you and your family or employees safe until SERVPRO arrives:

• Do not use a broom to clean up the dust, as this can aerosolize fine particles.
• Make sure the area is properly ventilated.
• Wash hands and any skin that comes into contact with the spray.
• Make sure family members and employees are trained in the use of fire extinguishers.

If you have used a fire extinguisher in your home or business, act fast to avoid further damage to your home, business or belongings and call SERVPRO of Moline / Rock Island at 309-797-1199.

7 things you need to know about smoke alarms

5/1/2018 (Permalink)

Smoke alarms save lives when properly installed and maintained. Below are a few tips to take into consideration when thinking of your home or businesses fire alarms.  

1. Test smoke alarms monthly.

Hold down the test button to hear the alarm sound. If faint or non-existent, it’s time to replace the batteries.

2. Know when to replace the batteries and the unit.

Smoke alarms with non-replaceable batteries need the entire smoke alarm unit replaced every ten years. Other alarms need batteries replaced every year, and the unit replaced every ten.

3. Identify how many smoke alarms you need.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), smoke alarms should be on every level, including the basement. It is recommended to install a smoke alarm in every bedroom.

4. Do not paint your smoke alarm.

Smoke alarms are designed to have airflow. Painting your alarm may cause issues with fire detection.

5. Smoke alarms should be interconnected.

All of the alarms in the home should sound, not just one. This keeps all quarters notified.

6. Consider a combination alarm.

Carbon monoxide gas is extremely toxic and dangerous. It is odorless and tasteless, making it very difficult to detect. Purchase a fire alarm that includes a carbon monoxide sensor.

7. Ask a professional to install detectors.

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

Be sure your home or workplace has a fire emergency plan in place and conduct regular fire drills. And remember, when in doubt throw it out. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

For more information on Emergency Preparedness, contact SERVPRO of Moline/Rock Island at (309)-797-1199.

Fire, Smoke and Soot Restoration Services

1/4/2018 (Permalink)

Structural Cleaning

After a smoke or fire damage, ceilings, walls, woodwork, carpeting and floors will often need a thorough cleaning. SERVPRO of Moline/Rock Island will pretest to determine the extent of damage. We use specific equipment and cleaning products to clean and protect different types of surfaces. Depending on the amount of soot, we may even be able to reduce the cost of recovery by cleaning lighter soot deposits.

Contents Cleaning

All of the restorable contents in affected areas will be professionally cleaned and deodorized. This includes area rugs, furniture, draperies, and upholstery. We will begin by inspecting and testing all fabrics in the structure in order to determine the most appropriate cleaning method. All other restorable contents will be cleaned and deodorized to preloss condition. This includes electronics, art, wood furniture, kitchen items, clothing, bedding, bric-a-brac and much more. IF requested, we can provide an inventory list of all “to be claimed” items.

Deodorization

SERVPRO of Moline/Rock Island provides specialized services which ride your property of offensive odors left by fire or smoke damage. It is important to note that we do not merely mask the doors with a fragrance, we seek out the sources of the odor and remove them.

If your property does suffer fire damage, we are readily available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. Contact SERVPRO of Moline/Rock Island at (309) 797-1199. We are always here to help.

Emergency Fire Damage Process Overview

1/4/2018 (Permalink)

One Hour

Within one hour from notice of loss, SERVPRO of Moline/Rock Island will contact you to arrange for service. You will know help is on the way.

Four Hours

A project manager will be on-site to start mitigation services. The key to reducing damage and saving money is responding quickly to your damage.

Detailed Explanation

A project manager will walk you through the job process step-by-step, explaining what to expect and the anticipated outcome.

Pretesting

A project manager will begin pretesting for restorability, working from the source of the damage outward.

Eight Hours

A verbal briefing of the scope will be communicated to the appropriate person, normally your adjuster or property manager,

Cleaning, Restoration, and Deodorization

SERVPRO Moline/Rock Island professionals will work neatly and efficiently to help you regain control of your property when a damaging event has taken over. They will use state-of-the-art restoration techniques to ensure your property is taken care of right the first time.

Final Walk-Through

After the work has been completed, a final walk-through will be conducted with you to help ensure your satisfaction.

If your property does suffer fire damage, we are readily available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. Contact SERVPRO of Moline/Rock Island at (309) 797-1199. We are always here to help.

Halt Winter Heating Hazards

12/19/2017 (Permalink)

Around this time of the year, we encounter changes in weather and low temperatures. In an effort to stay warm, many people use alternative heat sources such as fireplaces or space heaters.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, the annual direct property damage from heating fires is estimated at a whopping $1 billion dollars. This is a serious matter and it is important to abide by the following safety tips to reduce your risk of a heating-related fire:

• Keep anything flammable at least three feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or a portable space heater. Have a three foot "kid-free zone" around open fires and space heaters.
• Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container at a safe distance away from your home. 
• Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed. 
• Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel burning space heaters. 
• Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional. 
• Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer's instructions.
• Test smoke alarms monthly. 

If your property does suffer fire damage, we are readily available 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Contact SERVPRO of Moline/Rock Island at (309) 797-1199. We are always here to help.  

Holiday Safety: By the Numbers

12/19/2017 (Permalink)

The Holiday season is a time for joy and happiness. But unfortunately, at times it can also bring danger. Fires around the winter time are at it's peak. They can claim the lives of many Americans and injure even more. The statistics below are provided by the United States Fire Administration (UFSA): 

400

The average number of lives lost due to holiday fires. 

1,650 

The average number of injuries due to holiday fires.

$990 million

The average cost in damages due to holiday fires. 

We can decrease these numbers by taking safety precautions. Always remember to:

• Use only non-flammable decorations
• Maintain Holiday lights
• Do not overload electrical outlets
• Avoid using lit candles
• Don't block exits 

Consider all of this information as you enter the holiday season. Whether you are ready for the holidays or not, SERVPRO will always be ready. And always ready to help you. If disaster does strike your home or business during the holiday season, SERVPRO of Moline/Rock Island is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,  365 days a year. Call us at (309) 797-1199.

8 Steps to Avoid Holiday Fires

12/7/2017 (Permalink)

December is the peak time of year for fires. In particularly, candle fires. Listed below are 8 things you should not do this holiday season:

1. Do not place candles on cluttered surfaces. Place them at least 12 inches away from anything that burns.
2. Do not use flammable decorations.
3. Do not place Christmas decor close to any heat source. Christmas trees and decor should be at least three feet away.
4. Do not overload electrical outlets.
5. Do not link more than three Christmas lights together.
6. Do not leave candles or lights on when you are leaving your property.
7. Do not plug space heaters into extension cords. Only directly into outlets.
8. Do not succumb to unattended cooking. Stay in the kitchen and keep an eye on cooking ware and cooking surfaces.

With all things considered, keep this list in mind as you prepare for holiday festivities. Our goal is to help keep homes merry and bright!

If disaster does strike, we are readily available 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Your local SERVPRO Franchise Professionals wish you a safe and happy holiday season!

What You Need to Know About Electrical Fires

12/7/2017 (Permalink)

As we are thrust into the colder months, the amount of time spent indoors increases significantly. As a result of this, more appliances are generated. Many light and heat sources are utilized for both warmth and for holiday decor. During this time of the year, it is no surprise that heating and electric bills rise. However, the risk of an electrical fire rises as well.  December and January are the peak months for electrical fires.

According to the National Fire Protection Association report, US Fire departments respond to approximately 48,000 electrical-related fires annually. The cause of these fires may be due to faulty circuits, overloaded outlets, or electrical failures. Further research cited that 74 percent of residential fires were caused by some type of electrical failure or malfunction which contributed to the ignition.

Avoid these electrical fires by following these safety precautions:

• Replace or repair damaged or loose electrical cords.
• Avoid running extension cords across doorways or under carpets. Consider having additional outlets added by a qualified electrician so you do not have to use extension cords.
• Avoid overloading outlets. Plug only one high-wattage appliance into each receptacle outlet at a time.
• If outlets or switches feel warm, frequent problems with blowing fuses or tipping circuits, or flickering or dimming lights, call a qualified electrician.  

Smoke and Soot Damage Can Cause a Pervasive Odor in Your Moline, East Moline, or Rock Island Home

5/19/2017 (Permalink)

Smoke and Soot Damage Can Cause a Pervasive Odor in Your Moline or Rock Island Home.

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Moline/Rock Island will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – (309) 797-1199

Follow these tips to prevent a cooking fire from happening in your home.

10/6/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Moline/Rock Island is available 24/7 to help you if your home is damaged by a cooking fire.

Cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires. With the following tips, given to us by our friends at the National Fire Protection Association, you will be able to minimize the chances of a cooking fire happening in your home.

Cooking Safety

• If you are sleepy or if you have consumed alcohol, it is best to avoid using stove at all.
• If you are frying, grilling, or broiling food, stay in the kitchen. Even if you have to leave the kitchen for even a short amount a time, turn off the stove.
• Use a timer! Don't let yourself forget that you have food cooking.
• Keep all flammable materials away from the stovetop. Paper towels, oven mitts, wrappers, or anything else that could catch fire should be kept away.
• Keep children at least 3 feet away from the stove. 

Should you have a small grease/cooking fire...

• If a small fire occurs on the stovetop, place a lid over the pan, and turn off the burner. Do not remove until it has completely cooled.
• If a fire occurs in the oven, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.

If you have any doubts about putting out a small cooking fire..

• Get out immediately, and close the door when you leave to help prevent the fire spreading.
• Once you are outside, call 9-1-1 or your local fire department.

Should a cooking fire damage your home. Contact SERVPRO of Moline/Rock Island at (309) 797-1199.

Protect your Moline/Rock Island Home after a fire

2/8/2016 (Permalink)

Whenever a Moline/Rock Island house suffers fire damage, there is also certain to be water damage because of the heavy volume of water used by the fire department to extinguish the flames. If you've suffered severe fire in your home that required heavy usage of water, SERVPRO makes the following recommendations:

Call the experts immediately!

Although you may have technical or practical experience dealing with fire damage, only a licensed inspector is qualified to inspect fire damage to determine whether your dwelling is safe to reside in.

The best investment you can make when you suffer a combination of fire and water damage is to hire a professional restoration company. They should have at least 5 years of experience in the field and be certified with the IICRC.

So you don't feel powerless while awaiting their arrival, SERVPRO offers some tips to start your recovery process:

1. Use specially designed fans to remove as much smoke as possible that has accumulated in the house. SERVPRO can provide these high-velocity fans.

2. Water and moisture accumulation quickly leads to mold, so every drop of water must be extracted as soon as possible.

3. To prevent buckling and other wood flooring damage, promptly remove wet rugs or carpets.

4. Metal objects can be protected against corrosion by drying and then applying a thin coating of Vaseline.

5. Cleaning smoke and water damaged walls requires special techniques. Rely on the experts like SERVPRO to do it correctly.

6. Slightly elevate furnishings and other objects on the floor by placing hardwood scraps or blocks underneath. This helps deter permanent staining and mold growth.

7. A commercial-grade dehumidifier should be placed in every room in the house, by a fire restoration company, for quick moisture extraction.

Resist the urge to throw away anything that looks damaged before an expert from your insurance company can determine its value. Even the most terrible appearing water or fire damaged item may have some monetary value.

A professional fire restoration company--SERVPRO--is your safest and least complicated option for preventing intruders from entering your fire-damaged home.  Only you and your restoration contractor should have keys for any door locks.