Recent Fire Damage Posts

Enjoy a Fire-Free Holiday Season | SERVPRO of West Forsyth County

11/17/2023 (Permalink)

pan on kitchen counter in residence ablaze while unattended Fire damage in your home? Not for long with SERVPRO of West Forsyth County on the case!

The holidays are back again, and we couldn’t be more excited to eat…we mean share joy with the family. Gathering the family is always a blessing, but we do love the food that comes along with our celebrations. If you are the family chef, make sure you employ a little extra safety.

The number of house fires that happen every year always increases around the holidays, and the kitchen is one of the top places they start. The good news is when you prioritize safety you can enjoy every bite of every meal.

Reducing Flammable Materials in the Kitchen

When you head into the kitchen to prepare the holiday meal, add a few extra steps in order to prepare your space as well. Kitchen fires spread faster when there is clutter close to heat sources.

Remove anything decorative before you cook, and pay attention to where your towels, pot holders and oven mitts are. Don’t just toss them down after you use them, always keep them a safe distance from the stove.

Watch out for wooden utensils, and store them away from anything hot. It only takes a single spark or pop of grease to start a disaster.

Think about what you are wearing as well. Avoid anything with strings, flowing fabric or dangling decorations. Skip the cute apron the kiddos made you until after the cooking is done in order to keep yourself safe.

Keep a Close Eye on Food

The best way to keep your kitchen safe is to stay close by when anything is cooking. Kitchen fires can get out of control very quickly.

Fires can start whether you are baking, grilling or frying. You need to be in the room in order to take quick action and stop the flames before your entire kitchen is on fire.

If you are planning on deep-frying a turkey, you will need to take a few extra steps in order to stay safe. Don’t overfill the oil, and make sure the fryer is on a level surface.

Thaw your turkey out completely before cooking it. A frozen turkey can cause an explosion when it hits hot oil, and a partially thawed turkey can cause oil splatter that will burn anyone nearby.

Install Protective Measures

Fires may not be completely preventable, but when you take as many steps as possible towards safety you can lower your risks. Make sure your home is properly prepared as well.

There should be smoke detectors on every level of your home, including in or near your kitchen. Check the batteries monthly, but take an extra step and check the one in your kitchen before you head in to cook the holiday meal.

A small fire extinguisher is another piece of equipment you should have stored near your kitchen. Keep your pan lids in arms’ reach as well so that you can quickly smother any grease fires that might pop up while you cook.

Make this season a safe one. If something does happen in your home that leaves you dealing with fire damage, call us. We are available around the clock to get your home put back together fast. Our team will handle your restoration so that you can get back to celebrating.

House fires can happen in the blink of an eye. Contact us for a quick restoration day or night!

Safeguard Your Summer BBQs | SERVPRO of West Forsyth County

9/19/2023 (Permalink)

Man holding tongs above grill preparing food outdoors Have you had a barbeque gone wrong? Call SERVPRO of West Forsyth County to get your space back in shape.

As summer arrives in North Carolina, everyone is gearing up to spend sun-filled days lounging by the pool and grilling out with beloved friends and family. Cookouts are a blast, but it is essential to practice grilling safety to prevent hazardous situations and potential fires while you’re having fun this summer.

Here are some essential tips to guarantee a delightful summer BBQ experience for your family, while keeping fire risks at bay.

The Best Spot for Your Grill

When it comes to grilling safety, the first step is selecting the perfect location for your grill. Place it outside, away from enclosed spaces such as garages or roof overhangs. Make sure to adhere to Winston-Salem grilling regulations, including keeping grills at least 25 feet away from any structure to ensure safety.

It’s crucial to find an area that has adequate ventilation and also to make sure that nothing flammable is placed over your grill.

If you are using a charcoal barbecue, check for dents, cracks and ash buildup before lighting it. Owners of propane grills should thoroughly inspect the gas lines for leaks and make sure that the connections are tight. To avoid dangerous fire situations, any problems with leaking propane tanks or lines must be fixed at once.

Staying Safe With Open Flames

When grilling, it is imperative to remain attentive and have a water source readily available as a precautionary measure. Utilize a spray bottle to control flare-ups, and keep a hose or fire extinguisher within reach.

After cooking, hand off the food to someone else and remember to turn off the gas or close the vents for charcoal grills to stop the oxygen supply. Properly dispose of ash and embers in a metal can to eliminate potential fire hazards, even after you have finished grilling. Before concluding your BBQ, make sure your grill has completely cooled down.

Stay Safe and Have a Great Time

We wish you a safe, southern summer filled with delightful moments. However, in the unfortunate event of a fire incident during your BBQ, remember that SERVPRO® of West Forsyth County is always ready to provide professional fire damage restoration services.

Don’t allow fire damage to linger in your home—reach out to SERVPRO of West Forsyth County for speedy, professional restoration assistance.

Outdoor Fires and Safety | SERVPRO of West Forsyth County

9/19/2023 (Permalink)

campfire-style fire pit with flames emerging from the top of the logs on the dark green grass Bonfire season is upon us! SERVPRO of West Forsyth County has your back with these helpful fire safety tips.

Have you felt any cool breezes yet? It may still be warm out, but fall is so close. Before you know it, evenings will be chilly and leaves will be crunchy. We can finally get out our pumpkin decorations and drink hot chocolate all day.

This is the perfect season for fire pits and roasted marshmallows as well. As you gather around the flames, though, make sure you do so safely in order to keep your home and your family protected.

At SERVPRO® , we are always ready to respond when your property experiences damage after a disaster, but we also want to help you stay safe. We want to make sure you know all the ways to prevent a bonfire from ever becoming anything other than a great way to spend an evening.

Tips for Starting the Fire

Keep things safe by doing a few things:

Do find the safest spot possible to have your fire. Choose a location that is open with no low hanging branches, free of leaf and other debris and away from structures.

Do keep water at hand. A bucket full can dampen anything that gets out of control before it becomes a problem. If there isn’t a way to keep water close, have a shovel and water or sand you can quickly toss on rogue flames.

Do take a look at the forecast. Even a light breeze can carry red hot embers into flammable materials and create a disaster. Check for weather advisories, and take a look at local burn bans and regulations. Those can change quickly, so always check before lighting anything.

Tips for While the Fire Is Hot

Make the whole evening safe by avoiding a few things you don’t want to do:

Don’t burn anything except firewood. Adding lighter fluid or other accelerants to your fire can result in a dangerous situation. Avoid throwing anything else in the fire as well to prevent out of control flames.

Don’t play near the fire. If you put out yard games, keep them a safe distance away. Make sure children and pets understand not to run or walk close to the flames in order to prevent accidents.

Don’t make a big fire. A small fire in a fire pit can be more enjoyable because you won’t have to worry about it getting out of control. Keep it small to prevent flames from wandering away and starting a disaster.

Don’t walk away from a warm fire pit. When you are done enjoying your evening, pour water on your flames and stick by them until everything is completely out and the embers have begun to cool.

Wildfire Prevention

Many wildfires are started by human error or negligence. If you are going to spend time enjoying your evening around a fire, make sure you are doing everything you can to protect your home and the environment.

If you do have damage from a fire, we are here to help. Our SERVPRO crew is always ready to respond and get your life put back together fast. Call us so you can get back to enjoying the beauty of fall.

Fire can cause a lot of damage in a short amount of time. Contact us day or night for immediate assistance.

Building Fire Safety Habits With Your Children | SERVPRO of West Forsyth County

6/10/2023 (Permalink)

Young boy staring at a lit match being held between his fingers SERVPRO of West Forsyth County is here for you and your family if you experience a fire in your home or business.

Parenting can be an emotional rollercoaster, with both triumphs and trials, but persevering through these obstacles to support your child’s learning and growth is what makes this journey so worth it. This requires teaching your kids some lessons that may be a little difficult, both to teach and to learn.

Fire safety is one of those lessons. While the topic can be a little scary for kids, it’s an important one that must be taught.

You don’t need to be nervous about bringing the topic of fire safety to your household! There are a ton of methods to ensure your kids retain this information without overwhelming them in the process.

Explain the Dangers of Fire

Highlighting your home’s specific risks will be the most effective way to help your children gain a strong understanding of these principles. Teaching kids how and where fire might spark in your home is just one way to teach fire safety in a way that helps this information really stick.

As you point out specific examples around the house, don’t forget to bring up the danger that matches and lighters can cause. Engaging in a serious discussion about fire hazards will effectively convey to your children the importance of treating such items with the utmost caution and promptly handing them to an adult when found.

Familiarize Them With Authority

Young children may find firefighters in full uniform intimidating, which can be dangerous when an emergency arises and they must rely on these individuals for help. Consider taking your child to local events that will allow them to connect positively with these heroes, and show them books and videos that highlights the hard work firefighters do.

Let them know that these individuals only want to lend a hand in the middle of an emergency. Discuss their duties and the importance of relying on them during a fire. Try to turn your fire drills into a fun game like seeing who can stop, drop and roll the quickest.

Make a Game Plan Together

Don’t overlook the importance of having a fire evacuation plan for your household! Encourage your kids to help in planning the escape route, allowing them to feel involved and generating a plan that everyone at home can understand. Turn it into an art project by challenging them to draw the emergency plan as quickly as possible.

Consider highlighting other exits your family can access in the event that the original route is obstructed during a fire. Remind your children that using windows as a means of escape should only be done in the event of a fire and never while playing.

Once you’ve crafted your unique strategy, designate a safe meeting place outside your home that is within reach for everyone after evacuation. Make it a routine to practice your strategy a few times a year, and ensure your kids know how to dial 911!

Fires can cause widespread damage. Call us for a thorough and efficient restoration.

Start Small to Prepare Your Winston-Salem Staff for Flames | SERVPRO® of West Forsyth County

3/28/2023 (Permalink)

A workplace crisis can take many forms, the most common of which is a chaotic fire emergency. Your trusted employees will be responsible for the safety of your entire business, and without proper training, they may not be prepared to fight back when flames appear.

Going over the basics of fire readiness is the best way to ensure your team responds adequately when calamity hits. Fire extinguisher training is a simple topic to begin with that can prepare your team to control flames before they spread throughout your commercial business.

Prepare your team for the unexpected by using our guide to conduct a comprehensive fire training in your Winston-Salem workplace.

<h2with-the-fundamentals">Start With the Fundamentals

OSHA mandates that any business that has fire extinguishers on-site supplies employees with the training needed to use them. This involves showing your staff the basic handling methods, informing them of hazards that will require an extinguisher and the many kinds available to use.

Begin by instructing your employees on how to correctly handle and aim the extinguisher. After they’ve gotten ahold of this, you can demonstrate how to pull the pin, press the handle and sweep over a blaze. Let your team know that they’ll need to keep six to eight feet away from flames anytime they operate an extinguisher.

The PASS method is a helpful tool that can allow your team to recall this information when needed. Running through this hands-on training yearly is another way to ensure even your most seasoned staff can recall this information when they need it most.

Assigning roles to experienced employees will help ensure this tool is used appropriately when a fire emergency breaks out in the workplace. Having a few members in charge of the extinguishers located throughout your building will allow for an orderly response with zero hesitation.

<h2s-a-time-and-a-place">There’s a Time and a Place

By educating your staff about the fire hazards that could arise, you can encourage the effective and timely use of fire extinguishers. Inform them of any distinctive scenarios or specific hazards that are common in your workplace, as well as the type of fire extinguisher required for each emergency. Using the wrong extinguisher in the middle of a fire will only add to the chaos and spread of the flames!

To ensure that every fire situation is handled carefully, inform your team that it is sometimes safer to back away rather than fight. Many fires can be put out with the help of a fire extinguisher, but others can quickly escalate and become impossible to handle on your own.

Let your team know that it is advisable to back away, evacuate the building and call for help when flames start to spread out of control

Starting small with hands-on fire extinguisher training can help you prepare your Winston-Salem business for the unexpected. Once you’ve covered the basics, you can move on to creating a detailed fire response strategy to ensure that your team has the necessary training and information to respond effectively to flames.

Dealing with the aftermath of a commercial fire? Our SERVPRO of West Forsyth County specialists can restore your losses and return your workplace to its pre-fire condition. Call us 24/7. 336-946-1131.

Get Back on Track Fast After a Fire | SERVPRO® of West Forsyth County

2/7/2023 (Permalink)

House fires are one of the most destructive types of disasters, and the damage they leave behind can be a major headache. It only takes a few minutes for flames to ignite and spread throughout your home, leaving you with a massive mess.

Getting the help you need after a house fire is essential to staying on track as you work to recover. Partnering with a team like SERVPRO of West Forsyth County can take the weight off your shoulders by handling every single detail of your restoration process.

After a fire, let our team take care of the mess! Here’s how we work diligently to get your home back to its pre-fire glory:

Our Initial Move

After a disaster like this, be sure to focus on the well-being of yourself and your loved ones. When you’re ready to get your home back in shape, our expert support is only a phone call away!

Once you reach out, we’ll chat with you to get a better idea of the mess you’ve been left with. Since every fire emergency is different, details like these allow our specialists to arrive with the proper equipment and a stellar restoration plan.

Our team will take a look around as soon as we arrive to determine how severe the damage you’ve been dealt is.

Time to Work

Our top priority is to protect your home, so as we undertake repairs, we will board up or place a tarp over the vulnerable areas of your house. Extra protection helps minimize further damage and keeps repairs on schedule.

Advanced technologies and methods are what make our services so speedy and dependable. Our tools can detect and remove hard-to-reach smoke and soot that’s hiding inside your home’s ceilings, floors and walls. Once we’ve extracted hidden remnants, we make sure your home is spotless by cleaning, sanitizing and deodorizing every surface.

The Final Step in Recovery

Our final step in the recovery process is what makes our team’s efforts worthwhile. Reconstruction work, such as removing drywall or replacing flooring, is the finishing touch to restore your home to its former glory.

If your home is in need of a major rebuilding process, our team will gear up and get the job started. We’ll overcome any restoration challenge your fire-damaged home throws our way and in no time you’ll be back to your safe Winston-Salem dwelling.

For rapid repairs following a fire, get in touch with our team at SERVPRO of West Forsyth County! We will work as quickly as possible to return you to a safe and fully restored property. Call 336-946-1131.

I’ve Had A Fire In My Winston-Salem Home; what do I Do Now?

9/1/2022 (Permalink)

A fire in your Winston-Salem home can be overwhelming. It can leave you confused and worried about the future. If you’ve experienced a fire, first and foremost, get your family to safety. After everyone is safe, reach out to family and friends and let them know what has happened and that you all are safe.

  • Inspect The Damage. Once the flames are out, and you’ve gotten permission to enter your property from the fire marshal or first responders, inspect your home for damage.
    If the damage is severe, you may want to wait to walk it with a trained professional. If your home is safe, inspect to see if your home needs to have windows boarded up or tarped. Securing your property is critical in preventing secondary damage, vandalism, and theft.
  • Call SERVPRO of West Forsyth County. Our team of highly trained technicians is available 24/7/365 for emergency services. They will arrive on-site, begin securing your property and walk you through the restoration process.
  • Call Your Insurance Agent. Your agent may tell you to call your carrier or may start the claim process for you. While a claim and getting a claim number assigned to you, the insurance will ask many questions. You will explain what has happened and anyone you have working on your property. Once the claim is filed, your insurance will schedule an adjuster to inspect the damage. We can walk the damage with the adjuster giving our opinion on what can be restored or what needs to be replaced. Once the adjuster signs off SERVPRO of West Forsyth County can begin the cleanup.
  • Keep Track of Receipts. Keep all receipts for expenses incurred because of the fire, such as meals, housing, clothes, and toiletries. Depending on your coverage, your insurance may reimburse you.

SERVPRO of West Forsyth County is a leader in the cleaning, restoration, and construction industry. Our team of highly trained professionals can do your fire damage “Like it never even happened.” If you or someone you know has experienced fire damage to their home or business, give the experts a call at (336) 946-1131.

Keep Backyard Fires From Getting Out of Hand | SERVPRO® of West Forsyth County

7/21/2022 (Permalink)

Relaxing by the campfire in your own backyard is a wonderful way to spend a warm summer evening with your family. S’mores, hotdogs and scary stories are just a few ways you can make memories on this special night.

We use fires in our backyards and campgrounds for our own entertainment, to prepare a meal, to keep bugs away or to clear out yard trimmings, but even what we think is the most contained fire can still pose a threat. The National Park Service states that around 85% of wildfires are ignited by humans.

In North Carolina, around 4,500 wildfires occur annually, with the most severe fires igniting from February to May. Careless debris burning is one of the most common ways these flames are spread.

Of course, you can still use your tiki torches, burn your yard debris, toast your marshmallows and barbecue your burgers if local laws allow it. Making sure to follow safety guidelines every time you burn can allow you to prevent the spread of flames and relax by the fire.

Recreational Fire Hazards

Any outdoor fire has its own set of hazards, but campfires, grills, fire pits and fireworks are some of the most prevalent ways outdoor flames are ignited. Grills are responsible for around 8,800 home fires annually, usually caused by user error. Before lighting up your grill, make a point to check gas lines and propane tanks, and be sure to always supervise your grill even after you’re done using it.

When constructing your campfire, locate it in a safe area away from any buildings or trees, and only use a match or a lighter to light your fire. Once your campfire is ready, be sure to only use wood to feed the flame, and always keep an eye on ashes even after you’re done roasting marshmallows.

Fire pits are a simple way to recreate the feeling of relaxing by a campfire, but this equipment should be used with the same safeguards as a conventional campfire. If you’re able to move your fire pit, never place it on top of a wood deck or near your home’s overhang.

While it may seem like a convenient way to eliminate construction or household debris, you should only burn approved firewood.

Other Outdoor Fire Hazards

Fire and flammable materials still serve a purpose even with their hazards. During the fall, if your yard collects a number of leaves and you don’t have a disposal or pickup option, burning your debris might be the only way to keep your yard tidy.

Before burning anything, check with your local authorities to ensure you’re allowed to burn debris, to begin with. In Winston-Salem, burning is only allowed in areas that do not provide a yard waste pickup. Burning is only allowed no earlier than 8 a.m., and trash or construction materials are illegal to burn.

Clearing your yard of dead leaves or yard trimmings is actually a smart way to protect your home from wildfires, as well as strategic landscaping to slow flames before they get close to your property. Knowing what you can burn and adhering to the basic fire safety principles can help you keep any fire from getting out of control,

We all store items like gasoline in our sheds or garages, but irresponsible storage can have a devastating impact. Be certain to only use gas-approved containers to keep gas in, and locate your container in a place where kids are unable to reach it.

Gas should only be used for its intended purpose, so even if you’re having trouble loading a backyard fire, don’t turn to your gas can for any help!

Before lighting any outside fire, make sure to check the local weather forecast in our area. If conditions are very dry or windy, reschedule that campfire and save the s’mores for a better day.

If your home is damaged by outdoor flames, contact our specialists at SERVPRO. Our experienced team has the tools to repair any damage after a fire, and strives to finish the job just as fast as they arrived!

Burn safely outdoors. And save some chocolate for us! If you have experienced fire or smoke damage, contact us today at 336-946-1131 to get restoration started faster.

Reduce the Risk of Fires With These Simple Procedures | SERVPRO® of West Forsyth County

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

House fires occur every year in the United States. This year, the American Red Cross has already responded to almost 20,000 house fires. Protecting your house and loved ones is critical, especially when the numbers are anticipated to rise.

Clutter is one contributing factor that causes house fires spread easily throughout the residence, with each item adding to the fire’s growth. Utilize these cleaning methods in your Forsyth County home to effectively prevent hazardous fires:

Clear the Clutter

Small clutter can quickly become overwhelming—what begins as a small pile of clothes can quickly evolve into a mountain of clothes! Untidy homes pose far more dangers than you might imagine, since heaps of clothes or blankets can obstruct exits and entryways. They can also obstruct the circulation of space heaters and water heaters, posing a significant fire risk.

Water heaters require proper ventilation and anything that obstructs it can cause a fire. Keep blankets, garments and towels away from the water heater. These items are flammable, which would worsen a water heater fire.

Make sure to keep rugs, furniture and curtains away from space heaters as well. Some people make the mistake of putting these objects too close to heaters, which causes a fire to ignite when the heaters get too hot.

Create a Defensible Space in Your Yard

To control wildfires, California has created defensible space zones, a successful approach for keeping outside fires at bay. While our risk of wildfire is lower here in North Carolina, strategic landscaping is still an effective fire prevention method.

A well-kept yard with a proper layout works as a barrier against outside fires. Getting rid of any stray branches or weeds in your yard will prevent flames from spreading if one does break out. Trim any overgrown branches from trees and your grass regularly.

Keep It Clean & Keep It Safe

When it comes to fire safety, remember the importance of keeping your home and yard clean. Maintaining the cleanliness of your home is a useful practice of fire prevention. Small duties around the house, such as dusting, go a long way.

Pay attention to the distinct hazards that each room presents, such as the kitchen. Fires can start quickly here, so keep your appliances, such as your oven, stovetop and toaster, clear of grease and food particles.

Preventing a fire in your home begins with cleaning up the inside and outside of your home. Cleaning isn’t a chore when it comes to the safety of you and the people you live with—it’s a necessity.

If you have experienced fire damage or want to learn more about our fire damage restoration services, contact us today at 336-946-1131. We’re here to act fast, 247.

The Science of Starting and Stopping Fires | SERVPRO® of West Forsyth County

2/1/2022 (Permalink)

Good teaching is all about finding ways to make complicated subjects more easily grasped, and an oft-used technique for doing that is the production of visual aids. A picture or a graph can really drive home a point or break down a difficult topic into something more manageable.

It’s precisely for that reason that fire sciences use the fire tetrahedron to simply show us that there are four equal elements to every fire, which dance together in a chemical continuum to create the awesome spectacle we are familiar with.

The tetrahedron has four equal sides, and those sides each represent something every fire must have. They also each represent, in the inverse, a way to combat any fire.

The 4 Things a Fire Needs to Live

Fuel. A fire doesn’t have a gas tank, but it needs something to ingest. In a manner of speaking, the fuel source can be identified simply as the thing that’s gone or damaged after a fire.

Heat. Anything that catches fire first has to reach a point of combustion, and that means its temperature must rise to a level at which it sparks up.

Oxygen. As a fire rages, it sucks the oxygen from the air and uses it to further propagate itself. This removal of oxygen from the atmosphere also makes the air around fires difficult or dangerous to breathe.

Chemical Chain Reaction. The fuel source, rising heat and oxidation process ball up together in a lightning-fast chain reaction, which repeats without end until the fire is stopped. How is it stopped, you ask? By counteracting one of these same four elements.

The 4 Ways to Stop a Fire

Cool it. The fuel source has to stay hot in order for the fire to continue, so cooling the fuel is a powerful way to combat fire. Dumping water on the fuel (not the flames) is a way to quickly restore thermal balance to the material. Be prepared to use a lot of water, though, as some of it will sublimate and turn to steam at first.

Smother it. Fire blankets, foam and the “stop, drop and roll” technique all have one thing in common—they use the application pressure from a hard surface to suffocate the fire. Once the oxidation cycle is broken, the fire can’t proceed.

Starve it. When wildfires blaze, one reaction by fire crews is to attempt to cut off the fire from the path it’s on by purposely scorching a circle around it. In doing so, the fire eventually reaches a point where it can’t spread any farther, because there’s nothing for it to consume beyond that circle.

Interrupt the chain reaction. Gases such as halon have proven effective in stopping the cycle that has to continue in a fire in order to keep it alive. If the reaction can be broken, the fire can’t stop. The original halon formula was discontinued following the Clean Air Act of 1970, but subsequent versions are cleaner and safer for the environment.

If the fire tetrahedron makes a wreck of your home or business, we’re ready around the clock to help you recover. Contact SERVPRO of West Forsyth Country anytime for fast, thorough cleanup and recovery after a fire. It's best to contact us directly 336-946-1131.

The Surprising Causes of Home Fires | SERVPRO® of West Forsyth County

12/20/2021 (Permalink)

Anytime something is both widespread and negatively impactful, we want to know the causes so we can reduce the frequency and damage. That’s why for decades there have been steady fire safety awareness campaigns, ads and printed materials.

And yet, despite all this effort and marketing, more than a quarter of all reported fires happen in the home, mostly due to preventable causes.

So what are these causes, and how many of them can you avoid? Let’s find out. Here are the most common ways fires get started at home.

Cooking. You probably can’t avoid cooking altogether, but you can avoid the most common of the 49% of fires that start in the kitchen. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of cooking fires, and you can prevent it easily by being mindful and always present at the stove or grill.

Heating equipment. One of the leading cause of heating fires is the misuse or careless use of portable space heaters, which cause a chunk of the 14% of home fires heating equipment causes. Make sure you use new space heaters with additional safety features, and never leave anything flammable within three feet of any heating elements.

Electrical fires. Your home likely uses a lot of power, and while you can’t stop all instances of electrical fires, you can prevent many. Always keep your electrical system maintained and updated when necessary, and avoid things like overusing extension cords, using high-watt bulbs in light fixtures or keeping decorative lighting plugged in overnight.

Intentional fires. This might sound a little unbelievable, but 28,000 intentional home fires occur each year in the U.S., stemming from conscious misuse of heating materials to set fire to various kinds of property.

Smoking materials. Smoking fires only account for 5% of home fires, but they’re actually the most likely types of fire to be fatal. Almost a quarter of all civilian fire casualties are caused by fires started by cigarettes and other paraphernalia. Smoking in bed is a common thread among these kinds of fires.

Regardless of the cause, SERVPRO is here for you if your home is affected by fire. Contact your local team today to see how we can help.

Don't Overload Your Plugs

12/4/2021 (Permalink)

Christmas time is here and trees and lights are going up. But how many lights are too many? Well that depends on if you are using LED lights or incandescent. Chances are good that you could plug all of your LED lights into a single plug. But incandescent lights draw more power and if they twinkle then the wattage could vary some. Reading on the internet says that you should only use 80% of the amp capacity of the circuit breaker.  To find the amp rating check the breaker for a molded number of 15 or 20. This means it is 15 or 20 amp rated.

The formula is wattage divided by volts equal’s amps. So, depending if you have a 15 or 20 amp breaker you do not want exceed 80% of that. But how do you know what the wattage is that each string uses?  Most people don’t keep the box their Christmas lights come in.  We found this handy chart and information. Two take aways are, one don’t overload a circuit and two it’s safer and more cost efficient to use LED’s

We brought this up because overloaded circuits account for 5300 fires annually in the US (according to Consumer Product Safety Commission) We hope that you have a safe and happy holiday season that is fire free. But should you need smoke or fire damage restoration services SERVPRO of West Forsyth will make “Like it never even happened.” It is best to call us directly 336-946-1131

Fireproof Your Fall Plans | SERVPRO® of West Forsyth County

10/27/2021 (Permalink)

You don’t have to look at a calendar to know autumn is here again. The air is crisp and so are the leaves, the Panthers are taking the field again, and the smell of pumpkin spice is quite literally everywhere.

It’s time to take to the trails and break out hoodies and Halloween decor, so get to it. But as you celebrate and decorate, make sure to keep these fire safety tips in mind.

Campfire Safety

The camping is great this time of year. Weather is cooperative, and mornings and evenings are nice and cool. Just make sure you take precautions with those fires.

Location and ignition both matter. Build your fire 25 feet or further away from structures or tents, and only use kindling and matches or a lighter. Kerosene or lighter fluid work quickly, but they’re extremely flammable and can easily lead to out-of-control spread of flames.

Keep the fire attended as long as it’s burning, and when it’s time to leave, make doubly sure that all ashes and embers are completely snuffed and that the ash pile is cool to the touch.

Leaf Burning

Those crunchy leaves are good for a couple of run-throughs for the kids, but once they’re no fun anymore, you may choose to burn them. Make sure you have proper permits and follow all local regulations.

Generally speaking, though, keep your burn pile 50 feet away from your home to keep it safe. And don’t ever burn anything manmade—it’s potentially hazardous and toxic, not to mention illegal in Forsyth County.

Space Heaters

As fall and winter progress, you may employ portable space heaters to keep yourself extra toasty on cool mornings and evenings. But be careful, as these are common culprits for home fires.

Keep heaters three feet from anything that could ignite, on level ground and away from any children’s activities. Plug them into outlets, not extension cords, and use newer models, which will turn off if they overheat or get tipped over.

Turn off your heater when you leave the room and always shut it down when you go to bed.

Halloween

More on this later, but be careful with fall décor, especially where candles are involved, and unplug any hanging lights when they’re not in use.

If a fire hazard should turn from potential to reality in your home, remember the trusted leader in the recovery industry and contact SERVPRO to get your property fully restored right down to the smell of smoke.

Fire season is upon us, we're ready to help

9/3/2021 (Permalink)

We’re coming up again on that time of year where fire is used more often. Fire pits in the back yard, Jack-O-lanterns, decorative candles, and turkey fryers, all have flames associated with them.  If care is not taken to use properly then you could need the professional services of SERVPRO of West Forsyth County.

Our fire restoration services include a trained Fire & Smoke Restoration Technician who knows what to do and not do in a fire damaged home or business.  Odor Control Technician, this tech is trained on the best practice methods of getting the smoke smell out of your home or business and will advise what items can be deodorized and which should be replaced. In a fire the soot goes everywhere, and it gets into places and on areas you didn’t even know you had. Our Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning services will help restore your home or business to a preloss condition.  Water Damage Restoration is our primary business. Since 1967 we have been controlling water and drying out structure and contents for people who have had to have fires put out with the fire hoses.

We hope that you never need these services, but hope you will find comfort in knowing there are trained professionals to help you make a fire damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us directly at 336-946-1131

Wildfire Protection That Starts at Home | SERVPRO® of West Forsyth County

7/22/2021 (Permalink)

One of the scariest thoughts for any homeowner is the idea that their home might be threatened or even destroyed in a raging wildfire. North Carolina was actually the No. 5 state in the country for wildfires in 2020, so the possibility might not be as far-fetched as you might imagine.

But you can take steps to make your home less susceptible to wildfire, on top of the oft-ignored practice of simply being careful, which is the best method of prevention.

Let’s talk about a step called “defensible space.”

What Is Defensible Space?

It’s not about stopping invaders from Pluto. “Defensible space” is the practice of making the property around your home safer, so that fire can’t close in on your home.

You can slow or stop the spread of a fire with the right combo of regular pruning and tree spacing, gravel and inorganic material as a kind of hardscape moat around your house, and removal of dry fuel sources like dead trees or brush.

Defensible space is a way of choking a fire out before it takes your home. With limited fuel available, a fire has nowhere to spread. Defensible space also gives firefighters their best chance of stopping a wildfire before it gets to your house, by giving them adequate space in which to work.

Why Defensible Space Matters

Though West Coast wildfires get most of the press, they can and do occur all over the country. In fact there were over 59,000 wildfires nationwide in 2020.

Even disregarding the 10,000+ fires in California, that’s still an average of almost 1,000 fires per state in 2020, with no state tallying zero fires.

North Carolina was well above that average, with a total of 2,364 fires, giving up almost 13,000 acres of land to their blazes. And 2021 is shaping up for more of the same—the number of fires so far has increased by 25% over last year.

It behooves homeowners to take any available protection when wildfires are concerned, and defensible space is one more step you can take to prevent losing your home to one.

If your home is damaged by fire of any sort, wild or not, SERVPRO is ready and able to repair the damage caused. Get in touch today to get the pros on your team. It is best to contact us directly 336-946-1131.

Two things for fire safety

4/12/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke detectors are the best way of being alerted to a fire and surviving it. This is especially true when installed correctly by a licensed professional.   According to U.S. Fire Administration, most alarms have a life span 8-10 years so if you already have lived in your house for 10 years you probably should have it replaced.  Keep it in good working order by ensuring that it is free of dust and pest debris. Monthly monitoring companies will often times have a tamper alarm when you are doing anything around the smoke detector. You will be talking with them soon if you did not let them know ahead of time that you are testing or changing batteries.

Do you have a fire extinguisher? Do you know how to use it? Do you have the right extinguisher? The most recommended extinguisher for the home is a 2-1/2-pound Class ABC Class A - fires involving solid materials such as wood, paper or textiles. Class B - fires involving flammable liquids such as petrol, diesel or oils. Class C - fires involving gases.  The recommended fire extinguisher can handle these types of fires however if you can’t reach any part of a fire with the extinguisher you should evacuate and dial 911.  Always be sure you have an exit at your back when fighting a fire, it should be a clear path to safety.

Smoke detectors need love to.

3/29/2021 (Permalink)

We have certain things in our home that we may take for granted. The smoke detector for example. We walk underneath it not even looking up at it. We take it for granted that it will work in the time of need. It will let us know that something is wrong with it, right? Usually at 3 am. We usually only think about them twice a year during the time changes or when we are reminded by a public service announcement, or 3 am chirping.

What happens if you change the batteries and that doesn’t fix the problem? Well according to Bob Villa The problem could be three other possibilities.

  • Spider cobwebs in the works the fix remove cover and blow out with a can of compressed air.

  • Sharp contrast in temperature changes. Living in Winston Salem we can have winter in the morning and summer in the afternoon. If the detector is in the attic it could think it’s on fire because of the changes or the cold may drain the battery to the point it can’t deliver a reliable charge to the sensor.

  • Some smoke detectors have a beam of light that is part of the normal operation. Dust or debris could be interrupting that light beam again the fix could be a can of compressed air.

  • One last thing to consider is how old is the smoke detector. Capacitors and other electronic parts may only last so long. The life expectancy of a smoke detector is about 10 years.

We hope that you never have to experience fire damage in your home or business. But if you do, you can rely on the professionals at SERVPRO of West Forsyth County to help make it “Like it never even happened.” Call us directly at 336-946-1131

Are you decorating safely?

11/25/2020 (Permalink)

Everyone is putting up their Christmas decorations; it makes people feel good. With all that we have been through this year, we need something to feel good about, something to celebrate. Here at SERVPRO of West Forsyth County we hope that you and your family stay safe this holiday season. So, we want to draw your attention to some things people over look in their zeal to celebrate the season.

Know your limits, your plugs are only rated for so many amps. If you look at the original packaging for your lights it has a limit as to how many can be strung together. Daisy chaining power strips and extension cords can be an electrical fire hazard. Just ask Clark Griswold.

Know your pets, twinkling lights, shiny balls and electrical cords are tempting chew toys. Bitter yuck is one product that may help train pets to not chew on cords. Also try make the cords neat so they don’t present themselves like a string chew toy.

Candles are beautiful and smell nice, but according to the NFPA (National Fire Protection Agency) over a 4 year period almost 8700 homes suffered a fire loss due to decorative candles. Consider using battery operated candles for your décor.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, so why does everyone hang stocking on the mantle? Please don’t hang flammable items near heat sources. Stockings on mantles groceries to close to stove burners, or boots and shoes to close to portable heaters. These are all possible ways to cause an unwanted fire.

Speaking of flammable objects, don’t let your tree become one. Keep it well hydrated. Needles falling to frequently are sign that it might already be a pile of kindling in your living room. Old style Christmas lights have a filament that heats up to glow, this attributes to drying out the tree.  One more tip if all the lights are not burning that may be a sign of a broken bulb and exposing the tree to an ignition source for fire.

We here at SERVPRO hope you have a wonderful Christmas and holiday. Just don’t let your Christmas tree become a Valentine tree. Call us directly 7 days a week and on holidays 336-946-1131.

Enjoy the cooking, not a disaster.

11/2/2020 (Permalink)

Halloween is over and we turn our sights to the next holiday of Thanksgiving. Home fires do increase around the holidays due to an increased amount of cooking. Unattended cooking fires are the #1 reason for kitchen fires. Think of it the same as distracted driving. You put a pot on the stove, get a phone call, wander to the back of the house for something in the conversation. Before you know it, your kitchen is fully involved with flames.

Another scenario we have run into, is leaving a candle burning unattended. We had one client who thinks that the candle that started the fire was knocked off the table by a pet. Both involve people who left an area that was in use with sources of combustion in progress.

So, fires are preventable to a degree, but we acknowledge that accidents will happen. How often have you found a cord chewed on by pet? Left the stove on and checked the mail or worse left to go to grandmas for Thanksgiving? This holiday season we want you to enjoy the fruit of your labor and Grandma’s Pecan Pie recipe.  Be safe and give thanks for all the blessings you have.

Just remember if an accident happens you can call us and we will be there to make it “Like it never even happened.”  Call us directly at 336-946-1131

Fire tips for a safe Halloween

9/28/2020 (Permalink)

We like to talk about safety especially here at Halloween. But this year Halloween is going to be a little different due the pandemic. But what is not going to change is that you and your neighbors will still decorate.  You might still carve a pumpkin for your own enjoyment. If you do consider a battery-operated light.  If you do use candles to decorate with never leave them unattended and ensure they are out of reach of children and pets. When decorating with string lights be sure not to overload the plug. Check the package for how may strings of lights can be safely used with the product. This will help avoid an electrical fire.

If you do a bonfire to gathering of 50 or less outdoors, be sure to check local restrictions and social distance. Keep sand and a water hose nearby. Ensure kids with long flowing costumes are kept back, well away from the fire and embers. You will also want to place it well away from the house or out buildings. Be sure to pick up loose and dead vegetation so that it does not lead the fire from a controlled area.

If you are trick or treating, costumes should be functional to avoid tripping hazards and flame retardant. Avoid passing by lit jack-o-lanterns that may be lit with candles. Be sure the wearer has good clear view to avoid tripping hazard.

The CDC is discouraging a conventional Halloween but offers these lower risk alternatives.

  • Carving or decorating pumpkins with members of your household and displaying them
  • Carving or decorating pumpkins outside, at a safe distance, with neighbors or friends
  • Decorating your house, apartment, or living space
  • Doing a Halloween scavenger hunt where children are given lists of Halloween-themed things to look for while they walk outdoors from house to house admiring Halloween decorations at a distance
  • Having a virtual Halloween costume contest
  • Having a Halloween movie night with people you live with
  • Having a scavenger hunt-style trick-or-treat search with your household members in or around your home rather than going house to house

We here at SERVPRO of West Forsyth County hope you have a safe and happy Halloween! If you need us for fire damage to your home or office call us directly at 336-946-1131

Why get professional help for fire damage

9/3/2020 (Permalink)

Fire can be devastating and the last thing you want to consider is jeopardizing your family any further. Should you experience a fire staying safe should be your highest priority. We already talked do’s and don’ts of fire damage. Now we will let you know why. As we said fire can happen any day of the year, have a plan to get your family out of the home safely. Having a central spot to gather is important to knowing quickly that all family members are alright. Ensure that everyone knows the plan and meeting spot.

After the fire is out, is it safe to stay in the house? Most of the time the answer is going to be no. The reason it’s no is that there are a number of things in your home that when fire has reached them, they give off a gas or fumes that could be toxic. Another reason is that you should questions the structural integrity of your home and area affected by the fire. Has the fire affected the electrical?  The local power company may have had to pull the meter if the fire was started electrically or affected the wiring of your home. Asking the firefighters may give you some answers as to weather you can stay, but for these reasons you are probably better off not.

With homes being lived in, and we know life happens, have items fallen in the floor? Wet materials are heavy and ceilings may be in danger of collapsing from being doused with water. These are even more reasons for safety to be exercised when moving about the scene.  Soot can be ground in to carpets and be harder to save.  Soot also transfers easily from a surface to your hands, then onto upholstery, again making it harder to restore. Count on the professional services of SERVPRO of West Forsyth County to clean these items and walls, doing it yourself may cost more in the long run.  Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

If the fire department did cut power to the home. Inventory and empty the freezer and refrigerator, and prop doors open. You may be covered for a certain amount of food in these items. Electrical items may have been damaged and create a shock. We have professionals who will safely go through, clean and ensure the safe operations of those items that you are unsure about.  If the power is still on do not turn on lights or fans that have been sprayed with water, the wiring may have been damaged

Medicine, canned or packaged foods and beverages that were stored near the heat may not be safe to consume due to soot and toxic vapors. Contact you Doctor to let them know you will need a refill and why. Again, inventory these items as they may be covered under your insurance policy.

Metal items like nickel and chrome faucets and fixtures, guns, silverware, and jewelry can be protected from pitting by the soot if sprayed with a thin coat of oil or petroleum jelly. House plants can be saved if cared for properly by washing both sides of the leaves.

Contact SERVPRO of West Forsyth County Regarding Fire or Smoke Damage Emergency - (336) 946-1131 

SERVPRO of West Forsyth County proudly serves Winston-Salem, Clemmons, Lewisville, Pfafftown, Rural Hall, and surrounding areas. We are available 24 hours /7 days a week and are ready to restore damage to your home or commercial structure. It is always best to contact us directly.

Grilling Safety

8/17/2020 (Permalink)

Has your wife said lately “it’s too hot to cook.” That means one of two things, either you’re going out to eat, or your doing the cooking on the grill. According to the NFPA there were more than 10,600 home fires that involved grills, hibachis or barbeques. (between 2014-2018) I would bet that number has risen since the COVID-19 crises just due to option 1 going out was not available, and 2 more people were home cooking.

Cooking with gas may be easier, but it did account for 84% of those fires. We’re going to take that to mean we need a higher level of safety when it comes to gas grilling. This video from the NFPA, shows how you can check for leaks in your gas grill.  Here are some other grill safety tips, they may sound like common sense but you know the only reason warning labels are put on products is because at some point somebody tried it and probably with devastating results.

Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.  The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.

 Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the 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.

 Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before turning on the gas or lighting it.

There are several ways to get the charcoal ready to use. Charcoal chimney starters allow you to start the charcoal using newspaper as a fuel.  If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire.  Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources. There are also electric charcoal starters, which do not use fire. Be sure to use an extension cord rated for outdoor use.  When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.

Enjoy your summer holidays we hope that you never experience the trauma of a home fire, but if you do know that the experts of SERVPRO of West Forsyth County can help you make it “Like it never even happened.” Call us directly at 336-946-1131

Firework safety Fire Prevention

6/26/2020 (Permalink)

According to the National Fire protection agency Fireworks were the cause of over 19,500 fires in the US totaling $105 Million dollars in property damage in 2018. There is a reason why fireworks are banned from state and federal parks and federal forested land. They have the danger of causing a fire.  Even sparklers burn at 2000 Degrees Fahrenheit, that is temperatures of some welding torches.  

So, what can we do to celebrate with fireworks safely?

  • Leave it to a professional is our #1 tip they have the knowledge and expertise. They also think about the safety of the space and products they are using.
  • Keep out of reach of children both fireworks and ignition sources
  • Follow the labels and directions.
  • Have a water bucket and or hose handy.
  • Keep pets inside they are frightened by them and could bark and run toward a firework causing it to malfunction injuring them or others or starting a fire.
  • Use firework out of doors only and scope the area to ensure that there are no combustible materials that could catch fire from a spark.
  • Don’t hold fireworks in your hand or throw lit fireworks period, let alone at someone.
  • Only adults should be lighting fireworks keep Children and pets away.
  • Never relight dud fireworks or fuses that are shorter than other like fireworks
  • Light and get away never stand over or be so close that you could be hit by the firework should it tilt or fall.
  • Fireworks packaged in brown paper are a sign that they were made for professional events and should be left to them.

Remember we are Fire Damage cleaning experts. Should your home or business be damaged by fire of any kind, you can trust the professionals at SERVPRO of West Forsyth County. It is best to call us directly 336-946-1131.

Time for Fire Safety

4/8/2020 (Permalink)

According to the Red Cross, home fires occur mostly on Saturday and Sunday between the hours of 6-7pm. This is mostly due to most home fires are related to cooking and this is the time when families are preparing the evening meal. As Spring is here and Summer approaches grilling on the back porch will also present a number of fire dangers to your home. Here are some tips to preventing a cooking fire in your home.

  • Keep items that can burn, away from cooking surfaces
  • Never leave a stove unattended when a burner is on.
  • Turn handles of pots and pans away from the edge. Don’t let them hang off the edge of the stove top. You may bump into them and scald your self or start a grease fire.
  • Keep small children out of the kitchen when cooking.
  • Know what to do in case of a cooking or grease fire. Keep a lid or baking soda handy.
  • Un-plug counter top appliances when they are not in use.
  • Make sure the grill is more than 10 feet from the home. Never grill on a balcony.
  • Be sure to stay alert when cooking Don’t set a timer thinking it will wake you should you decide to nap while the casserole is baking.

Contact SERVPRO of West Forsyth County Regarding Fire or Smoke Damage - (336) 946-1131 

SERVPRO of West Forsyth County proudly serves Winston-Salem, Clemmons, Lewisville, Pfafftown, Rural Hall, and surrounding areas. We are available 24 hours /7 days a week and are ready to restore damage to your home or commercial structure. It is always best to contact us directly.

Fire place safety tips

11/25/2019 (Permalink)

A warm cozy fire keeps you warm and is beautiful to look at. But are you using your fireplace correctly? There are some things you can do to ensure the safety and comfort of your family, while using a fireplace.  Here are some things to ensure you are using your fireplace safely.

Christmas trees, or for that matter any evergreen tree is not a good idea to burn in a fireplace. This is due to the high sap content that tends to burn very hot and create a lot of creosote, making a chimney fire more likely. The idea of a Yule Log from a Christmas tree sounds like a good tradition but in actuality the Christmas tree was not used as all.  Even when the tradition of the Yule log was started it was known to use a hard wood.  

Speaking of creosote keep your wood dry, which is easier to light is a best practice. Wet wood produces a lot more smoke and thus creosote is carried up the chimney.  Not all of it clears the chimney as it accumulates and sticks to the side of the flue liner. If you use your fireplace quite a lot then several inches of creosote can accumulate over the course of the season. That is why it is important to have your chimney serviced by a professional chimney sweep annually.

Never start your fire with lighter fluid or gasoline. These products have specific uses and conditions that they are supposed to be used in. Gas is used in a closed system with an exhaust outdoors. The chemicals in these products are not meant to be inhaled or used indoors. They can also make the fire burn hotter than what the flue liner may be rated for. This can cause damage to the flue liner. It could also be the accelerant to starting that creosote fire.

Reducing your recycle bin by burning magazines or trash might seem like a good idea on the surface. But in reality, your subjecting your family to some toxins that could be dangerous to inhale. Paper plates and even cardboard are often usually coated with a plastic compound. Magazines have chemicals that are used in the inks to print on the paper.  The best thing to use to start a fire is to take and ax and splinter off small kindling of wood. The smaller pieces will light easily and when combined with other shavings of wood will light your fire just fine.

You can not avoid creosote completely and that is why is important to service the fireplace and chimney each year. If you do have a fire in your home, you can count on the services of SERVPRO of West Forsyth County. It’s best to call us directly 336-946-1131

5 Tips for Fire Prevention Around the House

11/16/2019 (Permalink)

Are you paying attention to some early warning signs or recognizing the potential for fire hazards? We have heard of crime dogs but being a fire hound can make your life much safer.  Here are a 5 things to be on the lookout for around your home of office.

Overloaded plugs – with Christmas time coming and the extraordinary amount of electronics we have in our homes, it is easy to overload a two-plug circuit. Never daisy chain extension cords or multiplug surge protectors. Be sure to follow the guideline on the manufacturer’s instructions for Christmas lights and decorations. Bob Vila has a list of 10 things not to plug into a power strip, consider leaving some of these energy vampires unplugged when not in use.

Everybody has a junk drawer, right? Do you store batteries in that drawer? If you do, they could potentially be a fire hazard. According to Battery Products you should never store loose batteries. The reason is the same you should not just throw batteries in a trash can. Even low voltage has the potential to start a fire.   This video of a battery starting a fire was set intentionally, but think of all the metal and paper items in your junk drawer is it fire hazardous? Battery organizers help prevent batteries from being loose and the negative and positive ends from coming into contact.

What is that smell? Do you come into a room turn a light switch and it smells like plastic melting? It may smell like a drill or a mixer that has run to long. Now if an appliance is new that may be normal, for a bit. But if that smell is coming from a wall switch or outlet it’s time to turn it off and call and electrician to check it out.

Speaking of turning on light switches, do they flicker? If one light is flickering it may be a loose bulb but when multiple lights flicker that is not a good sign. Tighten or replace the bulb and if the flickering continues call an electrician.

Circuit breakers keep tripping. If your circuit breakers keep needing to be reset see tip number 1. But if overloaded plugs are not the case then you may need to replace the breaker. Usually these don’t need a lot of maintenance but age and use can eventually wear one out. Never attempt to do this with the main power on to the home.  If you are even a little unsure of how to do this call a professional and I don’t mean YouTube.

We hope that you never experience a fire in your home or office but if you do you can count on the expertise of SERVPRO of West Forsyth County to help you. It’s best to call us directly at 336-946-1131

Fire damage that is not necessarily from the fire

10/28/2019 (Permalink)

After venting the roof to allow smoke out the hole was tarped.

We have heard it said a couple of times that what we do for restoration is not about the money it costs, but more about the time of loss. Time is the one thing you can not replace or restore. As much as we would love to give back the time lost out of your own home and bed, it is simply impossible. Fires in our opinion are the most time consuming. They bring not only the fire damage, but water damage as well, that necessary to put out a fire.  But there are other damages that come with fire that also has to be restored.

Damage that is a necessary part of the job that brave men and women who fight fires, is caused in the effort to extinguish the fire. Sometimes it is necessary to vent the smoke out of the home by “venting a roof”.  A fireman’s axe is a vital piece of their equipment. Not only does this help them clear smoke-filled rooms it can help them create escape routes to help save lives of both occupants and fellow fire fighters.  They may also need to forcibly enter the home or business to start fighting the fire. Training with this equipment is key.

Some tips to keep in mind.

  1. Prepare for the event of a fire. Know what the plan is to evacuate your home or office.
  2. After the fire is out there is the business of figuring out what is salvageable and what is not. This also is a lengthy process. Keeping a high value items list of contents of your home off site will help.
  3. Never leave candles or cooking burners left unattended.
  4. Never overload a plugin circuit.
  5. Keep SERVPRO of West Forsyth County’s number 336-946-1131 handy for all types of disaster restoration needs.

Cooking With Oil Safely

10/24/2019 (Permalink)

The Holiday cooking season will soon be upon us. With an increased amount of time spent in the kitchen comes an increased amount of opportunity for cooking related fire damages to homes.  The number one thing to remember is to always stay with the food you are cooking. Keep combustible items away from the cooking area, such as oven mitts and paper towels.  If you have an oven fire be sure to turn the heat off and keep the oven door closed.

Frying with oil tends to be the most susceptible to starting a fire. Here are some tips from the NFPA regarding cooking with oil.

  • Stay with the stove top and frying pan.
  • Heat the oil slow to the needed temperature.
  • If you see smoke that is a clue that flash point is about to occur, and the oil is too hot.
  • Add food gently to avoid splatter.
  • Always cook with a lid close by to smother a fire should it occur. Never throw water on a grease or oil fire.

If the fire does not go out and it gets beyond your control to extinguish, get everyone out and call 911. If you do decide to keep fighting the fire, ensure you have a clear path to evacuate. 

Once the fire is out and the fire department has cleared the scene as safe, call us directly at 336-946-1131 to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Halloween Fire Safety

10/1/2019 (Permalink)

Halloween is just around the corner. And we want you and your little trick or treaters to be safe. When choosing a costume, be sure that it is flame retardant. Wispy materials for ghosts and mummies can catch fire easily if not made from flam retardant material.  Be sure that you can see clearly avoid masks that limit your field of vision to reduce trip hazards. Costumes tend to be dark in color making them harder to see while driving.

Consider lighting your jack-o-lantern with LED battery operated candles instead of an actual candle.  Electronic candles are better to decorate with than actual candles to avoid catching decorations on fire. Dried cornstalks and crepe paper decorations are especially susceptible to ignite around flames. Keep these materials away from heat sources such as space heaters or open flame candles.  Two of every five fires reported were because decorations caught fire in the home according to the NFPA.  Above all never leave a candle or open fire unattended.

SERVPRO of West Forsyth County hopes you have a safe and Happy Halloween. Should you need any of our Fire Damage related services call us directly at 336-946-1131

Prevention of a fire is better than putting one out.

8/14/2019 (Permalink)

Fire damage is not totally about the money or loss of things, most folks who own homes have insurance. The first priority should be the safety of the loved ones who live with you. Take a look around at what you have plugged in. The fire department is not fan of using extension cords or doubling the outlets with power strips. In fact it can lead to some serious issues to daisy chain power strips to one another.  Don’t use damaged or frayed extension cords.

Do you have a clear path to evacuate the building should you need to? Our homes are lived in, kids may leave toys out or are you a collector. Are your smoke detectors connected to your security system?

What other steps can you take to prevent fires? Let’s look at another everyday thing we do, we eat, we cook. Be sure not to leave a stove unattended. If little ones are around be sure to turn handle away from the edge. Does your stove have an anti-tipping anchor device installed? Never leave any kind of open flame such as candles or fire pit unattended.

After any fire damage situation, your primary focus should be safety. We have placed some tips on what to do after a fire in an earlier blog. These are just a few tips for a checklist visit NFPA. (National Fire Protection Association). This list details what firefighters say can be done to prevent fires in the home.

Contact SERVPRO of West Forsyth County Regarding a Fire or Smoke Damage Emergency - (336) 946-1131 

SERVPRO of West Forsyth County proudly serves Winston-Salem, Clemmons, Lewisville, Pfafftown, Rural Hall, and surrounding areas. We are available 24 hours /7 days a week and are ready to restore damage to your home or commercial structure. It is always best to contact us directly.

Wild Fire Safety To Your Home

6/12/2019 (Permalink)

Research has determined that wild fires are natural phenomenon they may or may not not have been started naturally, but are useful to nature to renew the forest. However our homes are built in nature and we need to ensure that we are doing what we can to prevent the spread of wild fires to our living spaces. Most people think it’s the wall of fire that starts the house fire. But most of the time it is embers in the air that lands on combustible materials that causes a new fire to erupt.

We have talked before about the importance of keeping gutters cleaned for winter, but summer is equally important. Dry leaves on the roof are a perfect kindling to start a fire. So not only does keeping your gutters clean help prevent water damage it can help prevent fire damage.  Most roofing materials are Class A fire resistant which means they can be exposed to a fire for two hours before they start to burn. When replacing your roof be sure that the roofing material is rated class A.  There are three ratings and information regarding them can be found here.  

Siding like clap board or wood shingles can also be combustible but new construction should also be rated A, B or C. Consider replacing with a fiber cement siding. If replacing all of the old siding is not a cost effective option, consider the bottom 1/3rd around your home. If embers hit the side of the house they will be less likely to ignite the siding that is noncombustible. Fiber cement siding can be stained to give the appearance of wood siding.

About your yard and flowerbeds, mulch is beautiful and a natural looking weed preventer. But it is also a combustible material especially when dry. Natural stone or brick chips are a perfect alternative. These types of materials should be what is next to your home and out to about five feet from it. 8-30 feet you can plant bushes and shrubs.  Be sure that trees that are clustered together are clear of dead clippings and kindling.  The thought is to reduce the intensity of a fire as it approaches your home and give you the best opportunity to have it run out of fuel to burn.

SERVPRO of West Forsyth County cares and hope you have a safe and happy summer!

IF you need our services call us directly at 336-946-1131

Pet Fire Safety

4/10/2019 (Permalink)

We think of fire damage mostly in the winter, because some Winston Salem folks use wood stoves and fire places for heat.  But because we normally eat three meals a day, we cook and therefore have a risk of fire anytime of the year. Unattended cooking fires are the leading cause of fires in the home according to the NFPA.

We also have a risk during a power outage. Rather than use flashlights we use candles and lanterns during these extended periods without power. However the top three days for candle fires in the home are New Year's Day, Christmas, and New Year's Eve. Fire fighters across the US responded to approximately 8200 fires started by a candle each year between the years of 2012-2016. 60% or 3 out of 5 were because the candle was too close to combustible materials.

Pets can cause fires also, Preventative Vet reported in 2016 that pets started 1000 house fires. That’s more than 10% of the fires first responders were called out to put out.  The biggest tip SERVPRO of West Forsyth can give you is never leave flames or cooking devices unattended. Be sure to reduce the number of cords that your pet and especially puppies can get to. Coat exposed cords with a deterrent like a bitter spray. If you do use candles ensure that the animal can’t jump up near it or tip it over. Dogs are attracted to food, couple food near a gas stove and you have a recipe for disaster.

We hope that you never have to deal with a fire loss, or worse the loss of a pet due to fire. But if fire affects your home or business call us directly at 336-946-1131

Cooking Up a Safe Holiday Season

11/21/2018 (Permalink)

Startling statistics underscore the need for caution in the kitchen

Holiday party planning begins now for many families, and Jeff Meadows of SERVPRO of West Forsyth County offers some important reminders to Winston-Salem residents to help ensure this season glows with the warmth of good food and good friends, and not with the glare of a devastating home fire.

“The holiday season is a time when many families plan big and elaborate meals for large groups of people,” says Meadows. “But all that cooking creates an extraordinary risk of fire. For a safe and festive holiday season, it’s important to understand that risk and take steps to minimize it.”

Cooking Fire Safety

Research from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reveals that in 2017, on average, U.S. fire departments responded to a home fire every 88 seconds.1 Cooking equipment was the leading cause2 of home fires and fire injuries, causing 47 percent of home fires. These fires resulted in 20 percent of the home fire deaths and 45 percent of the injuries.

“Winston-Salem families should keep these statistics in mind as the holidays approach. According to the NFPA, Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by the day before Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and Christmas Eve2,” says Meadows. “Families should also be aware that frying poses the greatest risk of fire, in fact, the NFPA discourages the use of outdoor gas-fueled turkey fryers that immerse the turkey in hot oil.3 this video graphically illustrates the danger these devices can pose.

Meadows offers these additional cooking safety tips from FEMA’s U.S. Fire Administration.4

  1. Keep an eye on what you fry: If you see any smoke or the oil starts to boil, turn the burner off.
  2. Stand by your pan: If you leave the kitchen, turn the burner off.
  3. Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove so that no one can bump them or pull them over.
  4. Wear short sleeves or pull sleeves up: 18 percent of cooking fire fatalities in 2016 were caused by ignited clothing.2
  5. Keep a pot lid or cookie sheet nearby to cover a pan if it catches on fire.

“Taking common sense precautions like these and keeping kids and pets out of the kitchen during meal prep can help keep your holiday celebrations safe,” says Meadows. “The precautions you take could help prevent a devastating home fire, a tragic injury, or even the loss of life. While SERVPRO disaster response professionals are fire damage restoration specialists, they know how important it is to keep the focus on fire prevention, because for some types of loss, there is no remediation.”

SERVPRO is an industry leader and provider of fire and water cleanup and restoration services. For more fire prevention and fire safety tips and information about fire and water damage restoration services, please visit SERVPRO of West Forsyth County’s website. For more information on SERVPRO of West Forsyth County, please contact us at (336) 946-1131.

Cooking and Fire Prevention Safety

10/24/2018 (Permalink)

The Holidays are upon us and we will be doing more cooking. And unless you live on takeout and fast food, cooking is necessary to feed your family. But not all of us were born Emeril Lagasse or Gordon Ramsay. We novice chefs need a little more help. And sometimes, accidents happen. According to the NFPA (National Fire Prevention Association) Two-thirds (67%) of home cooking fires started with the ignition of food or other cooking materials. Before you cook up a disaster, know how to put out potential fires.

How to prevent a kitchen fire

Stay nearby, this sounds unnecessary to say but unattended cooking are by far the leading cause of kitchen fires. According to the NFPA, unattended cooking is the leading cause of kitchen fires. Don’t leave your boiling spaghetti alone!

Place your products elsewhere Keep your towels, paper towels and pot holders away from open flames because they pose a fire hazard.

Have the proper tools. Besides a lid and a fire extinguisher, ensure smoke detectors are working properly test them biannually. When cooking on a stove top, always keep a lid nearby that fits the pot or pan you’re using. That way, if the food catches fire, you can put the lid on to quickly smother the flames.

Salt, a handful of salt, which cuts off the oxygen supply and smothers the fire.

Baking soda, like salt, baking soda works to put out grease fires, Sexton says. For example, if grease falls to the bottom of the oven and catches fire, covering it with baking soda should put it out.

Fire extinguisher. If you don’t have access to salt, baking soda or water, use a fire extinguisher. Keep one handy in your kitchen in case of emergencies, Reith and Sexton suggest. Know where it is and how to use it.

Water

If your towel or pot holder catches fire, put it in the kitchen sink and douse it with water. But never use water to put out a grease fire. Pouring water onto a grease fire will make a bad situation worse.  This can cause burning oil to splatter or even bigger flames to form. Burning drops of grease or oil can spread quickly out of control.

How to put out a kitchen fire. Smother the flames Fire needs oxygen to thrive. Thwart flames by cutting off their supply. Turn off the heat. Remember to turn the burner off when a fire occurs. If the fire starts in an appliance, like your oven or microwave, immediately cut the power source and close the door, Sexton says. If you catch it early enough, there won’t be enough oxygen, and the fire will die.

Evacuate. Don’t be a hero. If a fire gets out of hand, you should get out of there. According to the National Fire Protection Association, 55 percent of non-fatal home cooking fire injuries occurred when the victims tried fighting the fire themselves.

Call 911 - Emergency service providers undergo many hours of training to handle these situations, so avoid putting yourself at unnecessary risk. Let professionals who know the risks and dangers handle it. According to the city website for the FY 2017 Winston Salem has responded to 769 fires.  That is actually down from 2015 when they responded to 819 fires.

Be sure to stay safe and for more information and tips on what to and not to do see our website SERVPRO of West Forsyth County. After the fire department leaves there will be damage, call SERVPRO of West Forsyth County to help make it “Like it never even happened.”  It’s best to call us directly 336-946-1131

Halloween Fire Safety

10/1/2018 (Permalink)

One of the top reasons kids get hurt on Halloween is because they get hit by cars. Be sure to ensure they can see clearly and be seen clearly. If possible leave out the accessories to give the child a free hand to hold while you cross the street with them.  If you’re driving on Halloween be sure to keep this in mind that kids may be crossing the street and can’t be seen as readily.  

Be sure to use flame retardant materials in the costume. Some folks still light candles for their jack-o-lanterns. Loose ill-fitting costumes could be at risk for catching fire. They could also be a risk for a tripping hazard another good reason to leave the accessories out of hands to allow them to catch themselves.  Instead of lighting the pumpkin try using a glow stick or battery operated LED light.

Decorations are another source of materials at risk of catching fire. Many of these are made from paper, dried corn stalks or other dried flowers. Be sure to keep them clear of flames or other heat sources such as portable heaters. Also don’t block entrance and exits with decorations that may inhibit you from exiting quickly and safely in the event of a fire. Two of every five fires reported were because decorations caught fire in the home according to the NFPA.

If you do use candles be sure to use sturdy holders that will not tip easily, and use in uncluttered stable surface. Avoid the edge of the surface to not be knocked to the floor. Never use candles in a home where oxygen is in use. Keep Candles at least 1 foot from away from object that can burn, Most importantly never leave a candle burning unattended.

SERVPRO of West Forsyth County hopes you have a safe and Happy Halloween. Should you need any of our Fire Damage related services call us directly at 336-946-1131

Fire Damage Do's and Don't

8/22/2018 (Permalink)

Although home fires spike around the holidays, a home or office fire can happen any day of the year. People eat every day and therefore cook every day. Maybe not every meal but the risk is there. What are some of the concerns after a fire damage to my home or office? The fire department has to investigate all calls they are called to. So, before the last fire fighter leaves, ask them if it is ok to call SERVPRO of West Forsyth County to come and get started on the cleanup.

After any fire damage situation, our primary focus is safety of the people who live or work there and our employees:

  • Is it safe to stay in the house? 
  • Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns. 
  • Only do activities that are safe for you to perform. Did the fire go through the ceiling? Is there a danger of it collapsing?  
  • Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!   
  • Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
  • Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
  • Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
  • If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
  • Clean and protect chrome and other metal surfaces with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil. This could include silverware, guns, and expensive faucet fixtures
  • Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
  • Change HVAC filter.
  • Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers. 
  • Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting your SERVPRO of West Forsyth County professional. Smoke particles are different and may need special treatment in order to save costs.
  • Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
  • Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.
  • Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
  • Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

Contact SERVPRO of West Forsyth County Regarding a Fire or Smoke Damage Emergency - (336) 946-1131 

SERVPRO of West Forsyth County proudly serves Winston-Salem, Clemmons, Lewisville, Pfafftown, Rural Hall, and surrounding areas. We are available 24 hours /7 days a week and are ready to restore damage to your home or commercial structure. It is always best to contact us directly.

Be prepared for a fire loss.

5/25/2018 (Permalink)

We have recently had friends and neighbors in the Winston Salem area who have suffered a fire loss. The recent volcano eruptions in Hawaii remind us that Mother Nature is unpredictable and devastating. So far 26 homes have been destroyed. Closer to home just two years ago wild fires in Western NC and East TN burned more than 45,000 acres and cost home and business owners $36.8 Million dollars. Wild fire season typically starts in March but resources say that it is a year round problem. Home fires peak at the holidays but can strike anytime. Being a 24 hour emergency disaster cleanup company has taught us that you never know when the worst day of your life will strike.  This time of year also lends to an increase in home fires due to decorating with flags and cooking for the national holidays. SERVPRO of West Forsyth County can't stress enough the importance of being prepared. 

Make spreadsheets of valuable items with cost new & current value, copy receipts for major ones as you buy (you don't absolutely have to have them but makes it easy), take photos with smart phones, and prepare yourself for your WORST DAY. Have a conversation with your insurance agent about your coverage's, do they have any advice to prepare? Do they have an inventory guide? What are you responsible for?  READY.GOV has this advice for ensuring that you get through a fire or disaster here. You can also send the information you will need in an email. From there you'll ALWAYS have it so long as it is in the cloud or an internet based email. Keep it in an email folder marked Disaster Day Insurance. This way you'll have it through fire, flood, or national disaster. You can also keep these documents in a fire proof box or safety deposit box. Digital copies will make it easier to discuss with the insurance company. Have it already done so you don't have to worry about wondering what you're missing. Nor have the stress of figuring it all out when everything is gone. Microsoft Office has a great home itemization spreadsheet

You will need a team of people who will help get you back to normal. One that will be there for you on your WORST DAY.  SERVPRO’s Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) can help you or a business gather that team for you.  SERVPRO of West Forsyth County hopes that you never need to put the plan into action, but knows that being prepared for a disaster is better than not being prepared.

Should you need our services it’s best to call us directly at 336-946-1131

Dryer Fire Safety

5/21/2018 (Permalink)

According to FEMA 2,900 clothes dryer fires are reported each year. That is more than 240 a month! Of the causes the number one reason the fire started was because the lint collection tray was not cleaned. 34% of these fires could have been prevented by cleaning the lint. It is recommended that you clean the lint filter each time you use the dryer and clean the exhaust hose ductwork at least once a year.

Other things that you should NOT do when using a dryer are

  • Do not overload the dryer
  • Do not turn a load on before you leave the house or go to bed.
  • Do not cover the vent damper with a cloth or mesh screen
  • Do not dry anything the manufacture has stated “dry away from heat” These could be flammable.
  • Do not dry items that have come in contact with flammable liquids such as gas or oily rags

The picture this blog is attached to we can’t say for sure what the cause was but the dryer is where it started. What SERVPRO of West Forsyth County wants you to take away from this blog is that most are preventable with proper maintenance service and operation.

Should you have a need to make fire damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us directly at 336-946-1131.

Time is critical even after the fire is out

4/25/2018 (Permalink)

The cost of smoke and fire damage restoration depends on a few variables even after the source is subdued. To prevent secondary damage call on a professional to help as soon as the fire department says it’s safe to start the mitigation process.

Soot, when left on surfaces can corrode and permanently discolor in the span of a few hours. If left for days, the issues can become irreparable and require the replacement of furniture, floor coverings, counter tops, and much more.

Beyond the soot; Burnt smells frequently linger, which make odor neutralization another important part of the process.

What many people don’t consider until they’ve experienced a fire first hand is the effects of the water used to put the fire out.  Parts of the structure and the contents that weren’t damaged by the fire itself may be adversely affected by the water and if not cleaned and dried quickly will need to be discarded and run the risk of mold growth.   

In order for smoke damage restoration to be most effective, the job should be approached as soon as possible by a professional in mitigation. Trained technicians can remove and neutralize odors, and quickly identify which items may be able to be restored.

Smoke, ash, and water all contribute to the devastation, so having someone with the proper training is crucial.  SERVPRO technicians with certifications in Fire and Smoke Restoration, Water Damage Restoration, Fabric and Upholstery Cleaning, Odor Control, Mold Remediation and Prevention, and Applied Structural Drying will have all the skills necessary to salvage and return rooms to a previous state

SERVPRO® National Call Center served 313 insurance and property management companies and their clients nationwide in the last year alone.  We have earned the trust of the insurance industry by serving thousands of their policy holders and clients with respect and integrity. The more we restore the less that needs to be replaced. This helps our clients save millions of dollars each year and helps lower your insurance rates too!

24-Hour Emergency Service; in our business, you need us fast! Professionals are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Whether you live in Winston Salem, Clemmons, or Rural Hall, our trained, uniformed mitigation specialists are equipped to restore your property to preloss condition whenever possible and will walk you through the process until the work and your satisfaction are complete.

From large commercial environments to small residential losses, SERVPRO of West Forsyth County understands your loss is the job that matters most! 

Exhaust Vent Fire Safety

4/23/2018 (Permalink)

You have heard the phrase electricity and water don’t mix. Well lint, dust and hair can be hazardous also when combined with electrical items such as a bath room exhaust fan or dryer vent.  In an earlier blog we told you how an exhaust vent is a good thing to help prevent excessive moisture build up and mold growth in your bathroom. But like anything around your home proper maintenance will keep it in good working order and help prevent fire hazards.

According to NFPA.org (National Fire Protection Association) over 45,000 homes suffered a fire loss between 2010 & 2014 involving electrical failure or malfunction. These fires resulted in $1.4 billion in property damage and more tragically over 1300 injuries and over 400 deaths.  Those numbers are staggering when you consider that some are preventable with proper usage and maintenance of the electrical items around the house.

Exhaust vents can present a potential fire hazard if not cleaned and maintained on a regular basis. Fans over time build up lint which can cause the motor to overheat and ignite the lint, plastic fan blades and the nearby combustible wood structure. How fast lint builds up is dependent on how often it is used and the amount of particulate in the air moving through the exhaust or vent.

Dryer vents and exhaust fans are used in both commercial and residential properties.  The original install of this equipment was not purchased for longevity nor are most of these devices thermally protected. Thermal protection causes the motor to shut off should they seize and overheat. This safety feature has been available since the late 1970’s, but was not widely used until the early 1990’s.  Along with changing batteries in smoke detectors you should clean the exhaust fans in your home or place of work twice a year. If it starts to make noises or smells odd, it’s time to replace it.

If you have Fire, Water or Mold damage in your home or business call us 336-946-1131 SERVPRO of West Forsyth County. “Like it never even happened.”

3 Tips to prevent fires in the home

1/31/2018 (Permalink)

Growing up, we’re given important advice on preventing home fires: don’t leave candles burning; don’t leave your stovetop on; keep anything that can catch fire (like a pot handle) away from the stove.

Household fires are a growing problem in the U.S. According to the Department of Homeland Security, each year thousands of people die in home fires, which cause an estimated $7.3 billion in direct property loss annually.

Indeed, three often-overlooked household items can cause a fire: clothes dryers, batteries and power strips.

The Today show  spoke with Lt. Anthony Mancuso, Director of Fire Safety and Education with the FDNY to give us some helpful tips on minimizing the risk of house fires from these items.ip 1: Clean your lint screen

Dryers work best when the lint screen is clear. But did you know that a dryer full of lint is actually a fire hazard, too? Lint is extremely flammable, and electricity from a running dryer can be enough to spark it if the screen is full.

Luckily, it's easy to safeguard your home against this fire risk. Before starting the dryer cycle, simply open your lint catcher compartment and give it a quick swipe.

Tip 2: Carefully store your batteries

Batteries – particularly 9 Volt – pose a potentially serious fire risk. We tend to leave them lying around the house when they're not powering our electronics. We usually keep them sitting loose in a drawer somewhere.

But because of the design of 9V batteries - which feature both the positive and negative poles on the same side of the battery – they can be a real fire hazard.

Something as simple as a paperclip or coin coming into contact with both poles can be enough to overheat the battery and cause a spark, which can turn into a fire.

Even AA or AAA batteries should be stored in a safe way: store them upright, or cover the top with a piece of tape.

Tip 3: Be aware of what you plug into power strips or extension cords

Most people plug their devices into whatever open outlet is closest. But beware if that outlet is a power strip or extension cord! These devices can be mismatched with the voltage your device requires which could easily lead to a home fire.

This is especially a concern with items that heat up, like toasters, coffee makers or space heaters. These items should be unplugged when not in use.

When you start putting extension cords on some of these items, the extension cord may not be matched properly with the same size wire. When you’re pulling all that electricity through that other extension, it starts to melt that wire – and that’s when the fire starts.

What should you plug into a power strip or an extension cord? The power strip is for your computer, your flat-screen TV, any entertainment items. It’s not for space heaters or air conditioners; those items should be plugged directly into the wall outlet.

Take these tips into consideration to avoid a home fire. Should your home experience an unexpected disaster, visit SERVPRO® to contact the Fire & Water Cleanup & Restoration experts.

It's best to call us directly 336-946-1131

Holiday Candles And Cooking Be Safe

12/1/2017 (Permalink)

The holiday season is here and Winston Salem families gear up for decorating their homes and hosting large gatherings of friends and family, Jeff Meadows of SERVPRO® of West Forsyth County reminds homeowners to take note of some sobering statistics about home fire safety from the National Fire Prevention Association:

Cooking equipment is the leading cause of home structure fires. The three peak days for home cooking fires are Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and Christmas Eve.1

Candles fires peak in December. The top three days for candles fires are Christmas Day, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve2 .

“These statistics are a serious reminder of how the excitement of holiday entertaining can quickly turn into a life-altering fire or even a tragic injury or death,” says Meadows. “While glowing candles and elaborate meals set the stage for a great holiday get-together, homeowners need to exercise extra care in controlling the dangerous potential for fires.” 

According to the NFPA3, unattended cooking is by far the leading cause of home cooking fires, with frying posing the greatest fire risk and electric ranges posing a higher risk than gas ranges. Range top cooking in general started the majority of home cooking fires and caused 86 percent of related civilian deaths for the reporting period.

While incidents of candle fires peaked in 2001 and have been falling since, candles are still one of the top 10 causes of U.S. home fires, according to the NFPA. As with cooking fires, unattended or abandoned candles account for a large portion of candle fires–almost 20 percent–but the most frequent cause of candle fires is placing the candle too close to something that can burn, like curtains, decorations or furniture. 

“It’s easy to see why cooking and candle fires both peak during the holiday season,” says Meadows, “and it’s also easy to see why homeowners need to take extra care when decorating their homes or entertaining. A moment’s inattention at the stove or a guest repositioning a candle on a tabletop may be all it takes to turn the festivities into a fight to save property and lives. While our business is fire and water damage restoration and we stand ready to help at a moment’s notice if disaster does strike, our sincere hope is that our friends and neighbors will enjoy a fire-free and festive holiday season.” 

For more information about fire and water damage restoration services, please visit http://www.SERVPROwestforsythcounty.com/fire-smoke-damage-restoration . For more information on SERVPRO® of West Forsyth County, please contact us at (336) 946-1131

http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/for-consumers/causes/cooking

http://www.nfpa.org/research/reports-and-statistics/fire-causes/candles 

http://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/By-topic/Top-causes-of-fire/Cooking/Reports-and-statistics-about-cooking-fires-and-safety  

Holiday cooking fire safety

11/10/2017 (Permalink)

Cooking fire

The holidays and cooking go hand in hand. But more time in the kitchen means an increased chance for cooking-related fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there are nearly 4 times as many cooking fires on Thanksgiving Day as there are on any other typical day of the year. Cooking has long been the leading cause of residential fires and fire injuries, and while Thanksgiving is the peak day for residential cooking fires, folks tend to start heading into the kitchen more and more as temperatures drop. Halloween really marks the beginning of the season for baked and fried treats. A cooking fire is typically ignited by food or the grease and oils used to prepare the food, making cleanup more difficult. Turkey fryers can also lead to fire damage or injury.

A kitchen fire, regardless of the size, can be overwhelming. And while these fires typically begin on the stove, the damage generally affects the entire kitchen including, the walls, ceiling, air ducts and appliances. Fires can be especially devastating to your home or business. After the fire trucks leave, your property will likely suffer from not only fire and smoke damage, but also widespread water damage and flooding from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO of West Forsyth County Professionals have specialized fire and water damage restoration training and experience to quickly clean up and restore your home to pre-fire loss condition. We can also remove the pervasive smoke odor and deep-clean soot from upholstery and carpet. Proper remediation of fire, smoke, and soot and water damage can help prevent further damage such as lingering odors, mold growth and permanent discoloration of items.

Before attempting to clean any smoke or fire damage, contact SERVPRO of West Forsyth County.

SERVPRO of West Forsyth County 336-946-1131

It's always best to call us directly.

Halloween Fire Safety

10/16/2017 (Permalink)

Autumn holidays like Halloween and Harvest Day are fun times for children of all ages, who can dress up in costumes, enjoy bonfire parties, enjoy fall fruits and vegetables, and eat yummy treats. These celebrations also provide a chance to give out healthy snacks, get physical activity, and focus on safety.

Check out these tips to help make the festivities fun and safe for trick-or-treaters and party guests.

Going trick-or-treating?

When using candles to decorate with never leave them unattended.

Keep fabrics and other decorations such as crepe paper and spider web decorations far from the candles.

Bonfires should have a way to extinguish the fire should it get too large. Sand or a water hose available is a good idea.

Swords, knives, and similar costume accessories should be short, soft, and flexible.

Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.

Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.

Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them. Limit the amount of treats you eat.

Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you. Always WALK and don't run from house to house.

Always test make-up in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime to prevent possible skin and eye irritation.

Look both ways before crossing the street.

Use established crosswalks wherever possible.

Lower your risk for serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.

Only walk on sidewalks whenever possible, or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.

Wear well-fitting masks, costumes, and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips, and falls.

Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats made by strangers.

Enter homes only if you're with a trusted adult.

Only visit well-lit houses. Don't stop at dark houses. Never accept rides from strangers.

Use battery operated candles in jack-o-lanterns when possible.

Never walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes. 

Have a Safe and Happy Halloween from SERVPRO of West Forsyth County – 336-946-1131

After the Firemen have left, What are you to do with the mess?

8/18/2017 (Permalink)

Firemen putting out the fire

The cost of smoke and fire damage restoration depends on a few variables even after the cause of the fire is out.

Soot, when left on surfaces can corrode and permanently discolor in the span of a few hours. If left for days, the issues can become irreparable and require the replacement of furniture, floor coverings, counter tops, and much more.

Beyond the soot; Burnt smells frequently linger, which make odor neutralization another important part of the process.

What many people don’t consider until they’ve experienced a fire first hand is the effects of the water used to put the fire out.  Parts of the structure and the contents that weren’t damaged by the fire itself may be adversely affected by the water and if not cleaned and dried quickly will need to be discarded and run the risk of mold growth.   

In order for smoke damage restoration to be most effective, the job should be approached as soon as possible by a professional in mitigation. Trained technicians can remove and neutralize odors, and quickly identify which items may be able to be restored.

Smoke, ash, and water all contribute to the devastation, so having someone with the proper training is crucial.  SERVPRO technicians with certifications in Fire and Smoke Restoration, Water Damage Restoration, Fabric and Upholstery Cleaning, Odor Control, Mold Remediation and Prevention, and Applied Structural Drying will have all the skills necessary to salvage and return rooms to a previous state

SERVPRO® National Call Center served 313 insurance and property management companies and their clients nationwide in the last year alone.  We have earned the trust of the insurance industry by serving thousands of their policy holders and clients with respect and integrity. The more we restore the less that needs to be replaced. This helps our clients save millions of dollars each year and helps lower your insurance rates too!

24-Hour Emergency Service; in our business, you need us fast! Professionals are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Our trained, uniformed mitigation specialists are equipped to restore your property to preloss condition whenever possible and will walk you through the process until the work and your satisfaction are complete.

From large commercial buildings to residential losses, SERVPRO of West Forsyth County understands your loss is the job that matters most!

It’s best to call us directly at 336-946-1131

Fire Safety Do's and Don'ts

7/19/2017 (Permalink)

Although home fires spike around the holidays, a home or office fire can happen any day of the year. People eat every day and therefore cook every day, maybe not every meal but the risk is there. So what are some of the concerns after a fire damage to my home or office? The fire department has to investigate all calls they are called to. So, before the last fire fighter leaves, ask them if it is ok to call SERVPRO of West Forsyth County to come and get started on the cleanup.

After any fire damage situation, our primary focus is safety first, yours should be also:

  • Is it safe to stay in the house? 
  • Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns. 
  • Only do activities that are safe for you to perform. Did the fire go through the ceiling? Is there a danger of it collapsing?  
  • Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!   
  • Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
  • Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
  • Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
  • If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
  • Clean and protect chrome and other metal surfaces with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil. This could include silverware, guns, and expensive faucet fixtures
  • Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
  • Change HVAC filter.
  • Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers. 
  • Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting your SERVPRO Franchise Professional. Smoke particles are different and may need special treatment in order to save costs.
  • Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
  • Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.
  • Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
  • Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

Contact SERVPRO of West Forsyth County Regarding Fire or Smoke Damage Emergency - (336) 946-1131 

SERVPRO of West Forsyth County proudly serves Winston-Salem, Clemmons, Lewisville, Pfafftown, Rural Hall, and surrounding areas. We are available 24 hours /7 days a week and are ready to restore damage to your home or commercial structure. It is always best to contact us directly.