Keeping Family Dinner Safe: Fire Prevention Tips from SERVPRO of Southeast Grand Rapids

9/11/2024 (Permalink)

Family dinners are a cherished time to gather and create memories, but they also come with potential risks. Cooking fires are a leading cause of home fires and injuries, particularly during busy meal times. At SERVPRO® of Southeast Grand Rapids, we want to help you keep your gatherings safe by offering some essential tips for fire prevention and safety.

Dangers of Family Dinner Gatherings

When preparing meals, especially large ones, it’s easy to get distracted by the excitement of family conversations or multitasking. This distraction can lead to unattended cooking and an increased risk of fire. Common causes include overheating oil, burning food, or leaving the kitchen for extended periods.

Tips to Prevent Cooking Fires

1. Stay Attentive: Never leave cooking food unattended. Stay in the kitchen and keep an eye on what’s cooking. If you need to step away, ask someone else to keep watch.

2. Keep Flammable Items Away: Ensure that kitchen towels, paper, and other flammable materials are kept away from the stove and oven. These can easily catch fire if they come into contact with hot surfaces.

3. Use a Timer: Set a timer to remind you when your food is ready, especially for dishes that need to be monitored closely. This helps prevent overcooking and potential fires.

4. Clean Up: Regularly clean your stovetop, oven, and vents to prevent grease buildup. Grease is highly flammable and can easily ignite if not kept in check.

5. Check Equipment: Ensure that all kitchen appliances are in good working order. Faulty equipment can pose a fire hazard, so address any issues promptly.

Safety Protocols in the Event of a Fire

1. Know How to Use a Fire Extinguisher: Make sure you have a fire extinguisher in your kitchen and know how to use it. For small grease fires, use a Class K extinguisher or cover the pan with a metal lid to smother the flames.

2. Have an Escape Plan: Establish and practice an escape plan with your family. Ensure everyone knows how to exit the house quickly and safely if a fire occurs.

3. Call for Help: If a fire gets out of control, evacuate immediately and call 911. Never attempt to fight a large fire yourself.

4. Install Smoke Alarms: Ensure smoke alarms are installed and functioning in your kitchen and throughout your home. Test them regularly and replace batteries as needed.

By following these safety tips and protocols, you can help ensure that your family dinners remain enjoyable and free from the dangers of cooking fires. At SERVPRO, we're committed to helping you protect your home and loved ones. If you do experience a fire, we're here to assist with restoration and recovery to get your life back on track. Stay safe and enjoy your meals with peace of mind!

Stay Safe This Fall: Fire Prevention Tips from SERVPRO®

8/28/2024 (Permalink)

As the crisp fall air settles in and Halloween approaches, it’s essential to keep fire safety top of mind. At SERVPRO®, we’re dedicated to helping our communities stay safe and fire-free. Here are some key tips to ensure your home remains protected this autumn.

1. Be Cautious with Cornstalk Decorations

Cornstalks and hay bales are popular fall decorations, but they can be highly flammable. Keep them away from open flames, candles, and heat sources. Opt for flame-resistant decorations or ensure that any decorations you use are placed at a safe distance from potential fire hazards.

2. Choose Safe Halloween Costumes

Halloween costumes can be a fire hazard, especially those made from flammable materials. Ensure that costumes are made from flame-resistant fabrics. Remind children to stay away from open flames and candles while trick-or-treating.

3. Opt for Battery-Operated Candles

Instead of traditional candles, which pose a fire risk, consider using flashlights or battery-operated candles. These alternatives are much safer and can still provide the festive ambiance without the danger of open flames.

Serving Our Communities

Our commitment to fire safety extends to all the communities we serve, including Forest Hills, Ada, Caledonia, Cascade, Dutton, Kentwood, and Grand Rapids. By following these simple fire safety tips, you can help prevent accidents and keep your home safe.

If you do experience any fire-related incidents, remember that SERVPRO is Here to Help® with expert restoration services. Stay safe this fall, and let’s keep our communities fire-free together!

For more information on fire safety or restoration services, visit our website or contact us today at 616-977-9800.

Keep Fall Fire Free

5/25/2018 (Permalink)

Have a plan in place to keep damage to a minimum, if it should occur.

The fall season brings cooler temperatures, beautiful colors, and an abundance of outdoor activities. Plan ahead this season to help ensure it is safe and fire-free.

- Fall decorations, like dried flowers and cornstalks, are highly flammable. Keep these and other decorations away from open flames and heat sources, including light bulbs and heaters.

- Keep emergency exits clear of decorations so nothing blocks escape routes.

- Teach children to stay away from open flames. Be sure they know how to stop, drop, and roll if their clothing catches fire.

- Remember safety first when choosing a Halloween costume. Consider avoiding billowing fabric. If you are making your costume, choose material that won’t easily ignite if it comes into contact with heat or a flame.

- It is safest to use a flashlight or battery-operated candle in a jack-o-lantern. Use extreme caution if using a real candle. Place lit pumpkins away from anything that can burn, and out of the way of doorsteps, walkways, and yards.

Facts and information provided by National

Fire Protection Association, nfpa.org

If fire strikes your property, we’re here to help! Call SERVPRO® of Southeast Grand Rapids at 616-977-9800.

Every Second Counts

5/25/2018 (Permalink)

In a matter of moments, a small flame can become a major fire, making it critical to be prepared and have an escape plan in place.

Every second counts during a fire. Fire experts agree; people have as little as two minutes to escape a burning home before it’s too late to get out.* In a matter of moments, a small flame can become a major fire, making it critical to be prepared and have an escape plan in place. A survey conducted by the American Red Cross shows only 26 percent of families have developed and practiced a home fire escape plan. Once a plan is developed, it is critical everyone in the home understands the plan; the best way to do this is by practicing the escape plan at least twice a year. Increase your chance of surviving a fire by ensuring you have working smoke detectors in place, building an escape plan, and then practicing the escape plan. The following are a few suggestions to help you develop an emergency escape plan.

Draw a map of each level of your home and show all doors and windows. Find two ways to get out of each room. Make sure all doors and windows that lead outside open easily.

Consider escape ladders for sleeping areas on the second and third floors. Only purchase collapsible escape ladders evaluated by a recognized testing laboratory. Store them near the window where they will be used.

Choose an outside meeting place a safe distance in front of your home where everyone can meet after they’ve escaped. Make sure to mark the location of the meeting place on your escape plan.

Teach children how to escape on their own in case you cannot help them. Plan for everyone in your home, with special considerations for elderly or disabled individuals.

Practice your fire escape plan during the day and at nighttime, at least twice a year.

*Tips and statistics provided by the American Red Cross

The behavior of smoke

5/25/2018 (Permalink)

Smoke can tell responders how to respond and what is affected.

The damage to your property following a fire can often be complicated due to the unique behavior 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.

SERVPRO® of Southeast Grand Rapids Professionals are thoroughly trained in fire cleanup and restoration and know the different types of smoke and their behavior patterns. Knowing this information is vital to proper restoration. Before restoration begins, we will survey the loss to determine the extent of impact from fire, smoke, heat, and moisture on the building materials and contents. The soot will then be tested to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. Pretesting determines the proper cleaning method and allows us to focus on saving your precious items.

We know smoke can penetrate various cavities within the structure, causing hidden damage and odor. Our knowledge of building systems helps investigate how far smoke damage may have spread. The following are additional facts you may not know about smoke.

• 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.

Types of Smoke:

• 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.
• Fuel Oil Soot (Furnace Puff Backs)
  • While “puff backs” can create havoc for homeowners, SERVPRO of Southeast Grand Rapids can, in most cases, restore the contents and structure quickly.
• Other Types (Tear gas, fingerprint powder, and fire extinguisher residue)
  • Special loss situations require special care.

SERVPRO® of Southeast Grand Rapids Professionals are trained to handle even the toughest losses. If your home or business suffers fire or smoke damage, contact us at 616-977-9800 to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

Carbon Monoxide - The Silent Killer

5/9/2018 (Permalink)

Install Carbon Monoxide detectors for your safety!

You can’t see or smell carbon monoxide, but at high levels, it can kill a person in minutes. Often called the silent killer, carbon monoxide, or CO, is an invisible, odorless, colorless gas, created when fuels, like gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas and propane burn incompletely.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), each year more than 400 Americans die from unintentional CO poisoning. It is estimated another 20,000 visit the emergency room, and more than 4,000 are hospitalized due to CO poisoning. All people and animals are at risk for CO poisoning, with some groups—including unborn babies, infants, and people with chronic heart disease, anemia, or respiratory problems—being more susceptible to the effects of carbon monoxide.

An excess of CO, leading to CO poisoning, can result from faulty furnaces or other heating appliances, portable generators, water heaters, clothes dryers, or idling cars left running in garages.

Taking some basic, precautionary steps can help eliminate the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Protect yourself by reviewing the following tips, provided by the United States Fire Administration.

- Have fuel-burning appliances, like oil and gas furnaces, gas or kerosene heaters, fireplaces, and wood stoves inspected by a trained professional every year.

- Open the damper for proper ventilation before using a fireplace. Never use your oven or stovetop to heat your home.

- Make sure all fuel-burning vented equipment is vented to the outside to avoid CO poisoning. Keep the venting for exhaust clear and unblocked.

- If you need to warm a vehicle, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. Never run a vehicle or other fueled engine or motor indoors, even if garage doors are open. Make sure the exhaust pipe of a running vehicle is not blocked with snow, ice, or other materials.

- Make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove, and fireplace are clear of snow and other debris.

- Only use barbecue grills outside, away from all doors, windows, vents, and other building openings. Some grills can produce CO gas. Never use grills inside the home or the garage, even if the doors are open.

- Use portable generators outdoors in well-ventilated areas away from all doors, windows, vents, and other building openings to prevent exhaust fumes from entering the home.

For additional CO safety information visit usfa.fema.gov or osha.gov.

Five Dangers of Deep Frying a Turkey

5/9/2018 (Permalink)

Always fry your turkey outside.

A deep-fried turkey: delicious, but worth it? If you’ve seen any of the numerous videos of turkey fryer explosions and fires online, you may have asked yourself this question before. Running the risk of Bodily injury or property damage is something to consider when menu planning this holiday season.

• Turkey fryers can easily tip over, spilling hot cooking oil over a large area.
• An overfilled cooking pot will cause cooking oil to spill when the turkey is put in, and a partially frozen turkey will cause cooking oil to splatter when put in the pot.
• Even a small amount of cooking oil spilling on a hot burner can cause a large fire.
• Without thermostat controls, deep fryers can overheat oil to the point of starting a fire.
• The sides of the cooking pot, lid and pot handles can get dangerously hot.

If you do plan on frying turkey this season, please take extreme caution. Keep a Class B Fire Extinguisher on hand. If a fire does break out, call 911!

If disaster strikes your property, give SERVPRO® of Southeast Grand Rapids a call at 616-977-9800 to clean up the mess “Like it never even happened.”

Smoke Alarms Save Lives

3/30/2018 (Permalink)

Test monthly, change yearly and replace every 10 years.

Smoke alarms save lives when properly installed and maintained, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

In homes, smoke alarms should be in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level, including the basement. Extra smoke alarms may be needed in large homes.

Test smoke alarms monthly using the test button. 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 years. If the alarm chirps signaling low battery, take the proper steps to replace the unit or the batteries immediately. Never disable or remove the battery from an alarm. Almost half of fires where smoke alarms were present but did not activate had missing or disconnected batteries (NFPA).

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 has a fire emergency plan in place and conduct regular fire drills with your family. For more information on Emergency Preparedness, contact SERVPRO® of Southeast Grand Rapids Professional at 616-977-9800.

FIRE FACTS

7 People die every day from a home fire.

36 People suffer injuries as a result of home fires every day.

$7 BILLION in property damage occurs every year.

Portable Fire Extinguishers

3/9/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Southeast Grand Rapids cleans up the mess after the extinguisher is dispensed.

Portable fire extinguishers can be life and property saving tools when used correctly. Read the instructions on the fire extinguisher and become familiar with them before a fire breaks out. In order to operate an extinguisher, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) suggests remembering the word PASS:

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.

Help people decide when to use a fire extinguisher

Fire extinguishers can be helpful on a small fire. Consider providing a checklist to help people prepare to use a fire extinguisher on a potential fire.

For example:

• Have I alerted others in the building that there’s a fire?
• Has someone called the fire department?
• Am I physically able to use a fire extinguisher?
• Is the fire small and contained in a single object (like a pan or a wastebasket)?
• Am I safe from the fire’s toxic smoke?
• Do I have a clear escape route?

Use a fire extinguisher when all of these questions are answered “yes.” If you’re unsure about whether or not it’s safe to use a fire extinguisher, and for all other situations, alert others, leave the building, and call 911 from a mobile or neighbor’s phone. It is not recommended that children use fire extinguishers.

Visit US Fire Administration for more information on Choosing and using Fire extinguishers.

PLAN AHEAD Southeast Grand Rapids: Wildfire Community Preparedness Day

5/25/2017 (Permalink)

In 2016, there were 61,920 wildfires in the U.S., which burned 5.3 million acres, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III). Nearly 90% of wildfires are caused by humans.

Help reduce your community’s wildfire risk by participating in a local event for Wildfire Community Preparedness Day. To see a project map to locate local events, or for more information and resources to host your own event, visit wildfireprepday.org.

On Saturday, May 6, 2017 the NFPA celebrates national Wildfire Community Preparedness Day. At a time when wildfires are causing more damage to homes and businesses each year, Preparedness Day is a reminder that there are many things we can do to be prepared for wildfire. The event serves as means to inspire and encourage people of all ages to plan and participate in a risk reduction or wildfire preparedness activity that makes there community a safer place to live.

Contact SERVPRO of Southeast Grand Rapids at 616-977-9800 today for 24-hour emergency service.

Destroy Odors with DEODORIZATION in Southeast Grand Rapids

5/25/2017 (Permalink)

Even a small fire can cause odors for years to come if the affected areas are not properly cleaned and deodorized. Fire, smoke and soot damage in your home or business can create unpleasant and potentially permanent problems.

Other odors that may require deodorization:

• Cigarette Smoke
• Pet Odors
• Decomposition
• Mold

As various materials burn, the smoke produced travels throughout the structure, leaving odorous residues and deposits on surfaces and in hard-to-reach places. Unless fast, professional action is taken, these residues and deposits can cause permanent damage to contents and may result in resurfacing odors.

With technicians certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration (IICRC), SERVPRO of Southeast Grand Rapids provides specialized services that can rid your home or business of offensive odors left by fire or smoke damage. Our technicians do not cover up lingering odors with a fragrance; they seek out and remove the sources of the odor. Once the source is found, SERVPRO’s own proprietary line of cleaning products is used to treat and prevent the odor from returning. Any restorable item in affected areas will also be professionally cleaned and deodorized, including furniture, draperies and upholstery, electronics, art, flooring, walls, ceilings, HVAC air ducts, and more.

Our trained professional will explain the various deodorization methods available and which will work best for you.

If you or a neighbor suffer a fire damage or some other accident and require deodorization services, contact SERVPRO of Southeast Grand Rapids at 616-977-9800 today for 24-hour service. Whether it’s fire, water, or mold damage, or just a stubborn odor that refuses to go away, we’ll help make it “Like it never even happened.”

The Importance of Cleaning Dryer Vents for Southeast Grand Rapids

5/25/2017 (Permalink)

According to FEMA, failure to clean home dryers causes 34% of home dryer fires. Home dryer fires cause $35 million in property loss and can even cause injury or death.

To reduce the risk of these fires happening in your or your insured’s home or business, SERVPRO® can help clean dryer vents and ducts that may have lint buildup.

Other tips for keeping your dryer vents clean from the National Fire Protection Agency include cleaning the lint filter before and after each load, and making sure the outdoor vent flap will open and is not restricted by snow, a bird’s nest, or other potential obstacles.

For more information on cleaning dryer vents contact SERVPRO of Southeast Grand Rapids at 616-977-9800 today.

Family dinner gatherings dangers for Southeast Grand Rapids

5/25/2017 (Permalink)

Every year families gather to celebrate special occasions by preparing a delicious feast, but if you don’t practice safe cooking habits, your occasion could become hazardous very quickly. According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home injuries. The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking. It is important to be alert to prevent cooking fires.

• Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol don’t use the stove or stovetop.
• Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, boiling or broiling food.
• If you are simmering, baking or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the kitchen while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
• Keep anything that can catch fire—
  • oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains—away from the stovetop.

If you have a cooking fire, consider the following safety protocols to help keep you and your family safe.

• Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
• Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number after you leave.
• For an oven fire turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
• If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear way out.
• Keep a lid nearby when you’re cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.

SERVPRO of Southeast Grand Rapids Professionals wish you a safe and happy family gathering.

BIOHAZARD, CRIME SCENE, AND VANDALISM CLEANUP

5/25/2017 (Permalink)

Summer is synonymous with barbecues, parades and fireworks displays; but along with all the festivities are plenty of visits to emergency rooms, especially during July. Each year, an average of 230 people are injured badly enough to require medical treatment after fireworks-related incidents, according to the U.S. Consumer

Product Safety Commission. In addition to causing injury, fireworks are also responsible for thousands of house fires each year with millions of dollars in property damage.

There is nothing like firing up the grill during the summer months! Did you know, July is the peak month for grill fires? A backyard barbecue can become dangerous if safety precautions aren’t considered. SERVPRO of Southeast Grand Rapids want you to have an enjoyable and safe summer. Consider the following tips to ensure your summer celebrations are disaster-free!

• Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.
• The grill should be placed away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Keep children and pets away from grill area.
• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill. Never leave your grill unattended.
• When using a charcoal grill, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.
• Anyone using fi reworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear.
• Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don’t go off or in case of fire.
• Children should never pick up left over fi reworks as they may still be active.

• The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public display conducted by trained professionals.

SERVPRO of Southeast Grand Rapids at 616-977-9800 for emergency services.

Southeast Grand Rapids, Smoke and Soot Cleanup

3/21/2017 (Permalink)

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 Southeast Grand Rapids, 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 – 616-977-9800