by Michelle Davis | Feb 24, 2023 | Fire & Smoke Damage
Fire damage can be a devastating experience for homeowners. It can cause significant property damage, loss of personal belongings, and can even lead to serious injuries or fatalities. In the event of a fire, it is important to know what steps to take to minimize the damage and ensure the safety of yourself and your family. In this blog post, we will explore some essential fire damage tips. Safety First The first and most important tip is to ensure that everyone in the home is safe. If the fire is still burning, evacuate the home immediately and call the fire department. Do not attempt to put out the fire yourself, as this can be extremely dangerous. Once you are out of the home, do not go back inside until the fire department has deemed it safe to do so. Document the Damage After the fire has been extinguished, take photos and videos of the damage to your property. This documentation will be helpful when you file an insurance claim. If possible, make a list of all damaged items and their approximate value. Contact Your Insurance Company Contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the fire. They will send an adjuster to assess the damage and determine how much they will cover. Make sure you understand your policy and what it covers, so you can ask questions and advocate for yourself if necessary. Secure the Property To prevent further damage to your property, secure it as soon as possible after the fire. Board up broken windows and doors, cover holes in the roof, and tarp over damaged areas....
by Michelle Davis | Dec 22, 2022 | Fire & Smoke Damage
The holiday season is upon us. It’s time for gift giving, traveling, parties, baking cookies, hanging decorations, etc. One thing homeowners often forget…PROTECTING THEIR HOME FROM FIRE DAMAGE. Tree Fire Prevention and Safety: Keep trees securely upright. Fallen decorated trees are one of the common causes for fires during the holiday season. All natural trees should be well watered. If you have purchased an artificial tree, please make sure it is labeled “fire retardant”. Make sure you have a timer on the tree. Unplug the tree lights before leaving your home or before going to bed. Holiday Lighting and Fire Safety: Unplug any lighting, indoor and out, before going to bed. Never leave any candles unattended. It only takes a moment to light and blowout a candle. It also only takes a moment for a spark from a candle to turn into a big fire. Do not run electrical wires under rugs. Additional Fire Safety Warnings: Keep all items three-feet away from radiators, baseboard heaters, and space heaters. Keep a list of emergency contacts handy, including the number for your home or renter’s insurance company and a fire restoration specialist should the unthinkable happen. Make sure all fire, smoke, and carbon monoxide detectors in your home are in good working condition. Replace dead batteries. Replace any alarms that are over 10-years-old. Install a fire alarm on every level of your home and one outside of every bedroom door. Fires are always unexpected, and homeowners often feel devastated afterwards. Depending on the severity of the fire, Savage Restoration will arrange for emergency board-up services, emergency winterization, restoring electricity, textile...
by Michelle Davis | May 26, 2022 | Fire & Smoke Damage
For many households, the return of warm weather signals the beginning of the outdoor cooking season. Before people fire up the grill, we ask them to take a few moments to think about grilling safety. Doing this at the start of summer can go a long way toward limiting grill accidents. A key concern with gas or charcoal grills is inappropriate placement: NFPA explained that more than one-third of all gas and charcoal grill home fires begin on an exterior balcony or unenclosed porch. U.S. fire departments respond to an average of 8,800 home fires involving grills, hibachis, or barbecues per year, including an average of 3,800 structure fires and 5,000 outside fires. These 8,800 fires caused annual average of 10 civilian deaths, 140 reported injuries and $96 million in direct property damage. (nfpa.org data) Here are the following safety tips for reference when grilling: Make Fire Safety a Priority 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 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. Charcoal grills 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...
by Michelle Davis | Dec 20, 2021 | Fire & Smoke Damage
Festive celebrations, flickering lights, and winter greens are hallmarks of the holiday season, but they also present fire risks that can quickly turn this festive time of year into a devastating one. Here are 3 hazards that can put you and your home in danger this Holiday season. Holiday Lights and Candles Every year, more than 50,000 home fires are started by electrical problems, according to the NFPA. So, when it comes to hanging lights, follow the directions on the box closely. Follow the obvious: Only use outdoor lights.Always inspect lights before you hang and plug them in. Check for frayed wires, broken bulbs and sockets, and loose connections. Also, be sure to keep a watchful eye on candles; keep them away from the tree, decorations, and other things that can burn. The U.S. Fire Administration states that candles cause more than 10 deaths, 175 injuries, and $20 million in property damage each holiday season. The Fireplace Fireplaces can lead to hazardous fires. Follow the list below to prevent fireplace fires: Be sure your home has working smoke alarms on every level.Dispose of ashes with great care to assure that an unexpected fire will not start due to hot ashes.Only burn seasoned firewood, meaning wood that is low in moisture.Screen the fireplace to prevent embers from popping out onto the floor or carpet.Never use flammable liquids to start a fire in the fireplace.Do not throw wrapping paper into the fireplace.When cleaning out the fireplace, put embers in a metal container and set them outside to cool for 24 hours before disposal.Have a professional chimney sweep inspect and clean the fireplace...
by Michelle Davis | Nov 23, 2021 | Fire & Smoke Damage
Thanksgiving Day is one of the most important celebrations, but did you know that it’s also the leading day for home cooking fires? That’s why Thanksgiving fire safety should be our top priority during this holiday season. So, as you begin preparing for your holiday feast, keep these fire safety tips in mind and keep yourself and your family safe. Top Safety Tips Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stove top so you can keep an eye on the food.Stay in the home when cooking your turkey, and check on it frequently.Keep children away from the stove. The stove will be hot and kids should stay three feet away.When cooking, keep a lid nearby to smother small grease fires. Put it out by sliding the lid over the pan and then turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled. Never throw water onto a grease fire!Keep flammable items, such as oven mitts, wooden utensils, towels and food packaging away from the stovetop and oven.Keep matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children — up high in a cabinet.Use a cooking timer to remind you when it’s time to turn off the stove or oven (or to switch the pans).Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.Keep a fire extinguisher approved for cooking and grease fires nearby. Thanksgiving Fire Facts Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by Christmas Day, the day before Thanksgiving, Easter, and Christmas Eve.In 2018, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 1,630 home cooking fires on...
