Archived Fire Damage Blog Posts
5 MOST COMMON CAUSES OF KITCHEN FIRES
5/30/2023 (Permalink)
This fire damage was caused by flammable compounds that were near the heating element of the stove.
Dealing with a home kitchen fire can be an incredibly frightening experience. Despite cooking being a daily activity for most people, a fire can erupt in a matter of seconds. According to a 2022 report by the National Fire Protection Association, nearly 49 percent of all reported home fires are caused by cooking.
At SERVPRO of Palm Desert, we have witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of house fires in the Coachella Valley. We understand the structural damage and emotional toll it can take. With the holiday season being the peak time for home cooking fires, it is crucial to be aware of the five most common causes of kitchen fires. Knowing these safety risks isn't just about avoiding costly home repairs; it could save lives.
Leaving your cooking unattended
Unattended cooking is by far the leading cause of kitchen fires. Between 2018 and 2022, it was responsible for nearly 31 percent of all home fires and 53 percent of cooking fire-related deaths. Even a brief moment of distraction can quickly escalate into a dangerous situation. It's essential to remain focused on your cooking and avoid multitasking while there is an open flame or the stove is set to a high temperature. If you're feeling tired or unwell, it's best to leave the stove alone and order takeout.
Frying with oil
When frying or broiling with oil, it requires continuous attention. Approximately 66 percent of kitchen fires occur due to the ignition of cooking oil, fat, grease, butter, and other substances. Oil can accelerate the spread of fire and residue left on stovetops can ignite during future cooking sessions. To minimize risks when cooking with oil, cover the pan with enough oil to avoid submerging the food, gently add food to prevent splattering, and ensure the cooking area and countertops are clean from any oil or grease splatter. In the event of a pan catching fire, never use water to extinguish the flames as it will worsen the situation. Instead, use oven mitts to safely slide a non-glass lid onto the pan and smother the flames before turning off the stove.
Setting the cooking temperature too high
Setting your stove or oven to excessively high temperatures is highly dangerous. While the desire to cook quickly may be tempting, most kitchen fires result from food combustion, especially when combined with oil. Preheating your appliances to the recommended cooking temperature and never leaving them unattended is crucial. If you have a gas stove, ensure the flame does not rise above the top of the pot or pan. Patience and adherence to recipe instructions are key.
Wearing loose-fitting clothing around your stove
Despite accounting for less than one percent of all home cooking fires annually, clothing ignitions are responsible for a significant number of fire-related deaths. Loose and billowy clothing can catch fire if it comes into contact with a burner or gets caught on the stove. The type of fabric affects how quickly clothes catch fire, with cotton and linen burning rapidly and synthetic materials like polyester, nylon, and spandex melting onto the skin. To minimize risks, it is advisable to wear fire-retardant aprons and form-fitting clothes while cooking.
Flammable compounds near open flames or heating elements
The kitchen is filled with flammable objects that should never be left near or around the stove or oven. Napkins, paper towels, rags, food packages, cookbooks, recipe cards, and wooden utensils are highly flammable and combustible items that must be kept away from cooking surfaces to prevent fires.
What should you do after experiencing a kitchen fire?
First and foremost, if you cannot control the fire, call 911 immediately! If you're dealing with the aftermath of a kitchen fire, don't hesitate to reach out to our team at SERVPRO of Palm Desert. Following a kitchen fire, several items might require replacement, including cabinets, flooring, appliances, and countertops.
Additionally, smoke can cause damage to walls and underlying materials, which may also need to be replaced. Once we evaluate the extent of the damage, we can commence with the repair and restoration process.
Remember, you play a crucial role in preventing kitchen fires. It is essential to remain mindful of these five elements whenever you use your stove or oven. In the unfortunate event of a kitchen fire, make sure to call 911 if necessary and then reach out to us at (760)SERVPRO, which is (760)737-8776. We will take care of all the existing damage and make it like it never happened.
Prevent Kitchen Fires in your Commercial Kitchen
8/28/2021 (Permalink)
Follow these steps to prevent commercial kitchen fires!
According to FEMA, on average, a fire in a commercial kitchen will result in an average loss of $23,000. For about 43 percent of those restaurant’s, that fire caused a total loss, forcing the restaurant to shut its doors.
Fire Risks:
- Tight, cramped kitchens with staff going in and out, combined with open flames, heat and combustible material put commercial kitchens at risk of fires.
- Cooking is the leading cause of non-residential building fires.
The two most common kitchen fires can be avoided with regular cleaning. They are exhaust hoods and grease traps.
Poorly maintained Exhaust Hoods can turn a minor fire into a raging inferno. Built-up residue on an exhaust system becomes combustible and grease residues can ignite and spread throughout the entire duct system. This would result in a wider area of your building affected by the fire and smoke damage.
When Grease is present in a commercial kitchen it is highly combustible and is an obvious fire hazard. It is one of the most overlooked, but easy to avoid causes of commercial kitchen fires.
Commercial kitchen fires can happen at any time. It is very important to be mindful of your cleanliness, processes and equipment on a daily/weekly basis to ensure there is not an obvious hazard staring you in the face. Educate your staff to recognize these hazards and have safety procedures in place. Following these very important steps will help with fire prevention in your commercial kitchen.
Another important thing that you can do is to make sure that your staff is adequately trained on how to operate a fire extinguisher to help minimize damage.
If a fire does occur, our technicians here at SERVPRO of Palm Desert are here to help with the clean-up! Give us a call 24/7 at (760) 346-7270!
Fire Pit Safety
5/19/2021 (Permalink)
Fire Pits can be fun but they can cause serious damage if not set up right. Let SERVPRO of Palm Desert help clean up the damage 24/7!
Now that the weather is getting nicer, everyone is spending more time outside. Why stop enjoying the fresh air once it starts getting chilly and dark outside?! Backyard fire pits are all the trend nowadays. They are so great to sit around and enjoy now that we can spend time with our friends and family again.
Before you place your fire pit in your yard, you must be real careful whether it is a fixed unit or a moveable one.
- Your fire pit should be on a flat even surface to reduce the chances of fire escaping.
- Place your fire pit at least 10 feet away from any flammable structures. This includes trees, fences, your garage and house.
- Make sure your fire pit doesn’t have anything above it like a porch or tree branches.
- Don’t place your fire pit on a flammable surface like a porch or grass. Elevate your portable fire pit so it’s safe from grass, flowers and weeds.
If you find that you have a disaster on your hands call 911 AS SOON AS POSSIBLE! These kinds of fires can grow very rapidly so do not try to put it out by yourself.
Should your house sustain any damage from fire or smoke, please give SERVPRO of Palm Desert a call and we will come out immediately - day or night - to begin the clean up and to board up your home if needed.
Prevent Kitchen Fires in your Commercial Kitchen
4/6/2021 (Permalink)
We at SERVPRO of Palm Desert are here to help with the clean-up!
According to FEMA, on average, a fire in a commercial kitchen will result in an average loss of $23,000. For about 43 percent of those restaurant’s, that fire caused a total loss, forcing the restaurant to shout its doors.
Fire Risks:
- Tight, cramped kitchens with staff going in and out, combined with open flames, heat and combustible material put commercial kitchens at risk of fires.
- Cooking is the leading cause of non-residential building fires.
The two most common kitchen fires can be avoided with regular cleaning. Those fires are started in/around exhaust hoods and grease traps.
Poorly maintained Exhaust Hoods can turn a minor fire into a raging inferno. Built-up residue on an exhaust system becomes combustible and grease residues can ignite and spread throughout the entire duct system.
When Grease is present in a commercial kitchen it is highly combustible and is an obvious fire hazard. It is one of the most overlooked, but easy to avoid causes of commercial kitchen fires.
Commercial kitchen fires can happen at any time. It is important to be mindful of your cleanliness, processes and equipment on a daily/weekly basis to ensure there is not an obvious hazard staring you in the face. Educate your staff to recognize these hazards and have safety procedures in place. This will help with fire prevention.
You should make sure that all of your staff is adequately trained on how to operate a fire extinguisher to help minimize damage.
If a fire does occur, we at SERVPRO of Palm Desert are here to help with the clean-up!
Top 10 Most Common Causes Of House Fires
3/16/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO Palm Desert will clean up fire, smoke and water damage that was done to your home.
House fires can be very devastating. You can lose your home, valuables, priceless family items and even loved ones. Here are ten of the most common causes of house fires.
- Heating - Keep portable heaters away from anything that could easily catch fire such as furniture, curtains, laundry, clothes and even yourself. If you have a furnace, get it inspected once a year to make sure it is working to safety standards.
- Smoking in Bedrooms - Bedrooms are best to be kept off limits for smoking. A cigarette that is not put out properly can cause a flame, as the butt may stay lit for a few hours. It could burst into flames if it encounters flammable materials, such as furniture, blankets or rugs. Fires started in the bedroom or lounge make up 73% of all house fire fatalities.
- Candles - Candles may look and smell pretty, but if left unattended they can cause a room to easily burst into flames. Make sure to keep candles away from any flammable items such as books, curtains and tissue boxes. Remember to always blow a candle out before leaving a room.
- Electrical Equipment - An electrical appliance can start a fire if it is faulty or has a frayed cord. A power point that is overloaded with double adapter plugs can cause a fire from being over crowded. A power point extension cord can also be a fire hazard if not used appropriately.
- Faulty Wiring - Homes with inadequate wiring can cause fires from electrical hazards. Some signs to see if you have bad wiring are: lights dim if you use another appliance; for an appliance to work, you must disconnect another; fuses blow or trip the circuit frequently. A lot of older homes also have aluminum wiring which has been known to cause electrical fires.
- Barbeques - Barbeques are great for an outdoor meal, but should always be used away from the home, tablecloths or any plants and tree branches. Keep BBQs regularly maintained and cleaned with soapy water and clean any removable parts. Check the gas bottle for any leaks before you use it each time.
- Flammable Liquids - If you have any flammable liquids in the home or garage such as petrol, kerosene or methylated spirits, keep them away from heat sources and check the label before storing.
- Cooking Equipment - Pots and pans can overheat and cause a fire very easily if the person cooking gets distracted and leaves cooking unattended. Always stay in the room, or ask someone to watch your food, when cooking on hotplates.
- Lighting - Lamp shades and light fittings can build up heat if they are very close to light globes. Lamp bases can become a hazard if they are able to be knocked over easily, and should be removed if they are. Check that downlights are insulated from wood paneling or ceiling timbers.
- Curious Children - Kids can cause a fire out of curiosity, to see what would happen if they set fire to an object. Keep any matches or lighters out of reach of children, to avoid any curiosity turned disaster.
If your Palm Desert home has suffered from fire damage, give us a call to help with the clean up and restoration. We'll make it "Like it never even happened."
Fire Safety Tips For Pet Owners
1/12/2021 (Permalink)
"Like it never even happened."
The family pet is just as important as any other family member that lives in your home. You want them to be safe in any situation, just like everyone else.
Here are some steps that you can do to help keep our fur babies safe in the event of a fire:
- Check your smoke detectors regularly. Make sure they are installed correctly and that they have working batteries.
- Do not leave your pet(s) unattended with a lit fire or candles.
- Keep updated tags with your contact information on your pet(s). If your pet is chipped, make sure your information is current.
- Place a decal in your front window listing your pet(s), so first responders can assist in locating your pet(s).
- Have an evacuation plan and practice it. This way all family members know what is expected of them.
- If you are in an evacuation area, have a bin ready with supplies such as bowls, water, food, medication, leashes, litter boxes, etc. This will make the evacuation processes smoother with your pet(s).
- Make a list of hotels in the area that are okay with having your fur babies in the room with you. This will make things easier for you in case you can not go back to your home right away.
If you experience a fire in your home, SERVPRO of Palm Desert can help restore your house to the way it originally was. Give us a call 24/7 at (760) 346-7270!
Buying a Fire Damaged Home? What to Check For First.
12/30/2019 (Permalink)
Understanding when a home goes through a fire damage.
Buying a Fire Damaged Home? What to Check for First.
With home prices skyrocketing, people are willing to do almost anything to get a good deal, including buying a house that has had a fire. That could be a good investment because they cost less and may even be negotiated to a lower price. But the following are things you need to know before buying a fire damaged home in the Palm Desert area.
How Deep Was the Damage?
How much damage a house has suffered can determine whether it’s worth purchasing and/or flipping. If the damage was only cosmetic where just the carpet and walls were scorched, that wouldn’t be too big of a deal. But if the damage is deeper and affects the sub-floors, joists, plumbing or the HVAC, then you’re talking serious money and it might not be worth your time or effort.
How Long Since the Fire?
Do you know how long it’s been since the fire occurred? If the house has sat for a while needing fire damage cleanup without any repairs done on it, then you might want to pass. The longer fire damage is unattended, the more deterioration will take place. Soot and ash are acidic and can cause irreversible property damage if not treated immediately. Soot can cause the metal in plumbing fixtures, lights, etc., to pit or corrode. Glass in windows and mirrors can be etched by soot residue, making them look cloudy and soiled. Plastics, appliances, vinyl windows and fabrics can be permanently discolored by soot residue.
Fire damage and water damage are almost always linked because firefighters extinguish flames with water. And many times, a fire will open a house up to the elements. If that water isn’t immediately removed or dried up, it can cause severe problems with mold and may weaken the foundation. And since water is a solvent, it will slowly dissolve, break apart and destroy most of the materials in a home if not dealt with promptly. These problems must be handled by restoration professionals that have the needed equipment.
What About Hidden Damage?
It can be difficult to see if a home has structural damage from a fire when you’re doing a walk-through. That’s why you should not only get a home inspected before buying, but you should also contact SERVPRO of Palm Desert to do a walk through and consultation. If you have a better idea of how much structural damage exists and a rough estimate of what it will cost, you’ll be able to negotiate a deal to ensure a higher return on your investment.
Home shows on TV make flipping a house look fun, quick, and profitable. But the true reality is that those with fire and water damage can be a lot of work if you don’t know what you’re doing. The best way to buy a house with fire damage is to have SERVPRO of Palm Desert on your team to do the work needed to once again make it a livable home.
What You Should and Shouldn't Keep After a Fire
10/9/2019 (Permalink)
Charred Remains of your home contents after a Fire can be devastating. Protect your family.
What You Should and Shouldn’t Keep After a Fire
One of the hardest tasks to deal with after a fire is deciding what you can keep and what to toss. Many objects are obvious losses, but others may leave you unsure whether they’re salvageable or not. You want to save money, yet you also need to stay safe. So, here are some tips from SERVPRO of Palm Desert on how to handle some of the more questionable items that have been exposed to fire and smoke:
Food
Throw out all food that’s been in contact with smoke and/or firefighting chemicals, including fresh produce, meat, poultry, fish, eggs, opened containers and packages, food packaged in cardboard, foil, paper, plastic, cloth, screw-topped jars and canisters, and any foods stored outside the refrigerator that were exposed to smoke or fumes.
Some canned goods may still look good on the outside, but heat damage can re-cook the ingredients in the can. This activates bacteria that causes food spoilage, making them unhealthy to eat.
But aren’t foods that were in a refrigerator or freezer be safe?
Sometimes seals on those appliances aren’t air-tight and smoke can leak inside to damage food. If the electricity went out during the fire for more than 2 hours, then it’s likely spoilage occurred so all items should be discarded.
Medicines & Cosmetics
The Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) says the effectiveness of drugs can be destroyed by high temperatures from a fire. If you think your medicines have been exposed to excessive heat, consider replacing them. The same is true if they’ve come into contact with firefighting chemicals.
As to cosmetics, high heat can change their composition without showing any visible signs. They could end up damaging hair and skin. Plus, they can absorb the toxic fumes that go along with all fires, which is not anything you want to put on your skin.
Clothing
Clothes, bedding, and other fabrics can often be salvaged after a fire with proper cleaning and disinfecting. However, if anything is burned, throw it away. Use even stricter judgment when considering your child’s or baby’s clothing as they’re more susceptible to any leftover toxic residue.
But what about clothes that were packed in plastic bags and stored inside of drawers and closed closets? Aren’t they safe from smoke residue and odor?
No. Rapidly expanding air during a fire easily penetrates clothing even when plastic covers are used to protect them. As the air inside cools down and fresh air begins to circulate, garments covered by plastic with the odor inside are not subject to the normal airing-out process. This allows the malodors to thoroughly penetrate the garment.
To add to the problem, the plastic itself will attract and retain odor to a considerable degree and so must be removed and disposed of ASAP.
Remember if you are going to put in a claim with your home owners insurance make sure to document and take pictures of everything that is damaged for your adjuster and your records. List all the items with good descriptions.
Never try to salvage any possessions that could put your health at risk. When in doubt, throw it out! If you have any other questions or concerns about what can be salvaged after a fire, or if you need to schedule fire restoration services, please contact SERVPRO of Palm Desert today.
Fire dangers in the aftermath
7/2/2019 (Permalink)
Cleaning up after fire.
Fire Dangers After You Think It Is Over!
There’s been a fire at your home or business. Once the firemen leave, your first inclination may be to go inside the structure to see what you can salvage and start the cleaning process. But cleaning up after a fire is much more complicated than regular cleaning. It’s also very dangerous. Because once the last flame has been snuffed out, the dangers from a fire continue.
Soot Hazards
Since fire destroys all materials, the soot that covers everything you touch and that you kick up in the air is full of toxic substances. One of the most important things to do is order an Asbestos Test to make sure the materials do not have asbestos. This testing will be done by a 3rd party that is a licensed hygenist. The professionals at SERVPRO of Palm Desert wear heavy duty personal protection equipment (PPE) on fire mitigation jobs until all the soot is removed. Here are some of the poisons found in the soot and ashes of a building fire:
· Mesothelioma (cancer) causing asbestos fibers from building materials
· Carbon materials can produce carbon monoxide, ammonia, and nitrogen oxides
· PVC can create hydrogen chloride, phosgene (used as a chemical weapon during World War I), dioxin, Refrigerant-40, bromomethane (a pesticide), etc.
· Hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide (poisonous gasses)
· Petroleum based items can produce formaldehyde, acrolein, furfural, cresols, and other harmful chemicals
· Even wood smoke releases more than 100 chemicals also found in cigarette smoke
Removing the Odors
One of the main aftereffects of a fire are odors. These can be difficult to remove without professional know-how and equipment. For instance, did you know that several factors can impact the strength of fire odors? Some of these are:
• Size - The bigger the fire, the more objects have burned, and thus there’s been more smoke.
• Length -The longer a structure has been exposed to smoke, the more deeply odor has seeped into porous materials.
• Space - When a fire occurs in a smaller room, the smoke odor becomes more intense and concentrated.
• Stuff - Not all odors are equal. For instance, burning wood, plastic and protein, all emit different smells with varied consistency.
SERVPRO of Palm Desert has the knowledge and equipment to eliminate the diverse and pungent odors that occur after a fire. Besides the easily accessible areas, we also examine wall cavities, duct work, crawl spaces and plumbing chases to establish whether they also suffered any smoke or fire damage. We’ll ensure that they’re cleaned, repaired and that all traces of odor are removed.
So as tempting as it may be to rush back into your fire damaged home or business once the fire is out, play it safe and call SERVPRO of Palm Desert first so that we can safely make it “Like it never even happened."
Accidents Happen in Palm Desert, But Don't Let Smoke Ruin the Party
4/23/2019 (Permalink)
Accidents Can Happen When We Are Distracted but There is Help to Restore Your Home!
SERVPRO Exists to Restore Fire Damage From Your Palm Desert Home
What starts as an innocent party may turn into significant damage in just a few minutes. Perhaps you are hosting a gathering in your home in Palm Desert and leave the stove unattended to greet your guests only to come back to a kitchen engulfed in flames. Alternatively, a scented candle is left too close to your window treatments, and they catch on fire. The reality is that accidents happen and as homeowners, we are always vulnerable to being a victim.
Mitigating the losses in your Palm Desert home due to fire is mostly dependent on how quickly you reach out to a professional team to restore your home. Thankfully, our SERVPRO rapid response team is available 24/7 and can begin the assessment of damage shortly after receiving your call. Our formal training lets us gauge both the nature of the fire and the type of residue it left behind, allowing us to tailor our approach specifically to your needs.
Contrary to what most people think, smoke also contains small particles that when combined with humidity in the air can become acidic. Our SERVPRO technicians know exactly how to work within this environment while wearing protective personal equipment and looking at how the resulting soot settles onto the surfaces of your home. The damage to your furniture and belongings is proportionate to the amount of time this acidic residue remains on them.
Aside from the apparent damage smoke causes, there is also the lingering smell that can permeate your whole home. When our SERVPRO crew works to eliminate that foul smell we take into account just how porous each surface is and how the soot got there. In our process, we attempt to follow the same route the smoke took to saturate your belongings with odor-fighting solutions. This specific odor-fighting approach makes our services efficient and effective, returning your home to you as soon as possible.
An accidental fire in your home should not turn into a tragedy. SERVPRO of Palm Desert holds the solutions to your specific problems, and we are quick to implement it. Call us at (760) 346-7270 and let us leave your home “Like it never even happened.”
Fire Safety Tips
1/4/2019 (Permalink)
Fire Safety is Everyone's Responsibility
For most people, homes are one-time assets, containing their most precious belongings. A home is the most important thing you own. It is prudent to ensure the security of your home and family from destructive elements such as fire.
Many homes are destroyed due to fires. Fires may occur due to accidents through carelessness or negligence. It is therefore essential to know of ways and means to keep your house safe from fires.
Follow these top 10 fire safety tips;
- Fit a smoke alarm and check it regularly.
- Make a fire action plan so that everyone in your house knows how to escape in the event of fire.
- Take care when cooking with hot oil and think about using thermostatically controlled deep fat fryers.
- Never leave lit candles unattended.
- Ensure cigarettes are stubbed out and disposed of carefully.
- Never smoke in bed.
- Keep matches and lighters away from children.
- Keep clothing away from heating appliances.
- Take care in the kitchen! Accidents while cooking account for a large number of fires in the home.
- Take special care when you are tired or when you've been drinking.
Fire damage can be devastating for you and your family. SERVPRO of Palm Desert has the specialized fire and water damage cleanup and restoration training and experience to quickly restore your home. We also have specific training and equipment for odor removal and deep cleaning of upholstery and carpet. Give SERVPRO of Palm Desert a call at (760) 346-7270.
Christmas Light Safety
12/1/2018 (Permalink)
A House Decorated with Festive Holiday Lights all over the house and yard.
Pretty lights, candles, and decorations, presents all wrapped and put under the tree are just a few of the items bringing charm and cheer to the holiday season - however, if they are not used carefully, your holiday may go from festive to frightening.
The American Red Cross offers the following safety tips to help greatly reduce the fire risk in your home or business this holiday season.
*Place Christmas trees, candles and other holiday decorations at least three feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, portable heaters, radiators and heat vents.
*Make sure that light strings and other holiday decorations are in good condition. Do not use anything with frayed electrical cords and always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
*Always unplug the tree and holiday lights before leaving the property or going to bed.
*Never use lit candles to decorate a tree. Always extinguish candles before leaving the room or going to bed.
*Christmas Trees account for hundreds of fires every year so take into account a dry tree versus a well - watered tree.
SERVPRO of Palm Desert wishes you a safe and happy holiday season!
Clothes Dryer Fire Damage
8/13/2018 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Palm Desert has another cleaning option for you for your dryer vent. We will always be happy to come out and give you a free estimate to determine if your dryer vents to the outside of the home or to the roof top.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are an estimated annual 15,500 fires, 10 deaths and 10 injuries due to clothes dryer fires.
It is something consumers may not think about as we use our machines to help our households function.
Only you can prevent clothes dryer fires. Proper Installation & Choice of Building Materials to include:
- Make sure the dryer duct is made of solid metallic material. Both vinyl and foil are combustible and spiral-wound surfaces tend to catch lint more readily.
- The dryer duct should vent to the exterior and in no case should it vent to the attic or crawlspace. Avoid the use of inside heat recovery divert-er valves or termination boxes, which do not comply with current standards.
- Avoid kinking or crushing the dryer duct to make up for installation in tight quarters -this further restricts airflow. If you really want to save the extra space, the Dryer box is a new invention that allows the dryer to be safely installed against the wall.
- Minimize the length of the exhaust duct (maximum recommended lengths depend on a number of factors, such as number of bends, and vary by model-check with your manufacturer for their specifications). If this is not possible, you can install a dryer duct booster.
- If at all possible, use 4-inch diameter vent pipe and exterior exhaust hoods that have openings of sixteen square inches or more, which offer the least resistance to air flow.
- Don’t use screws to put your vent pipe together – the screw shafts inside the piping collect lint and cause additional friction.
Fire Safety Tips
1/9/2018 (Permalink)
Rancho Mirage Fire Station No. 50 Open House
Rancho Mirage Fire Department Station 50 hosted an open house at their Fire House for chambers members and catered by The Slice and Maracas. SERVPRO of Palm Desert picked up some information at the station regarding fire safety.
Below are eight important fire safety tips from your Rancho Mirage Fire Department:
#1 Make sure your street number is visible from the street so that public safety personnel can quickly locate your property in case of emergency.
#2 Prevent landscaping from growing over and around fire hydrants. The time it takes to search for a fire hydrant could be critical!
#3 Turn off electrical, including ceiling fans, before leaving your residence for an extended period. Ceiling fan motors can overheat and cause fires if left on for extended periods.
#4 The sale, offering for sale, display, possession or discharge of fireworks by any person or entity within Rancho Mirage is prohibited.
#5 Do not store flammable items near a heat source, such as a hot water heater, as they can combust.
#6 Fire extinguishers should always be kept in the home and checked on an annual basis. Fire extinguishers are a requirement for businesses.
#7 Keep fresh batteries in your smoke detectors by replacing them twice a year. A good reminder is to change them when you set your clocks ahead/back for daylight saving time.
#8 Keep a wrench near your gas shut off valve at all times and consider turning off the gas when you leave your residence for an extended period.
SERVPRO of Palm Desert has served the Coachella Valley since 1967. Give us a call at SERVPRO of Palm Desert and we will help you in the event that there is a fire or flood in your home. We are available 24 hours a day/7 days a week/365 days a year.
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