Fire Pit Safety

4/10/2023 (Permalink)

Fire pits are a somewhat popular aesthetic in the backyard now. Since it is a “Fire” pit there is always the possibility of a fire accident involving your property. Here are some tips to help keep you and your property safe.

• Make sure that your fire pit is at least 10 feet away from your home or any other structure. 25 feet is considered an optimal distance.
• If you have a movable fire pit, avoid placing it on grass or a wood. Fire pits, should remain over concrete, patio blocks, or some other non-flammable surface.
• Keep your fire pit away from any low hanging branches, awnings, or porches.
• Don’t light a fire pit when it is windy.
• To extinguish your fire pit, drown it with water and use a shovel to stir the ashes and ensure the fire is out.

Hopefully you always have a pleasant and safe time while using your fire pit. But if you do run into property fire damage due to it or any other cause SERVPRO of North Highlands / Rio Linda is here 24 hours 7 days a week including holidays with emergency response ready to answer any of you questions or concerns. You can call us at 916-991-1522.

Fire Hazards in the Backyard

3/13/2023 (Permalink)

As it gets warmer we will be spending more and more time outdoors and in our backyard. Don’t forget that there can be potential fire hazards to our home in our yard. Here are some fire hazards to take note of while enjoying your yard.

• Barbecue/Grill and Firepits – Help prevent a fire by keeping them away from your house. 10+ feet from your home and away from any overhead branches or structures. Also clean after every use.
• Smoking – Be particularly careful while extinguishing your cigarette, a garbage against a wall provides perfect kindling to send your wall up in flames.
• Extension Cord - Don’t overload your extension cords because this can result in an electrical shortage and bad connections, which will ignite nearby combustibles and quickly start a fire.
• Exposed Light Bulbs – When a light bulb is in the socket it only reaches about 175 degrees Fahrenheit. But an exposed socket can reach up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, which can easily ignite something causing a fire.
• Sawdust – Keep it swept up a short spark from metal objects or wiring can cause a sawdust pile to quickly ignite.
• Storage Areas - Did you know that your garage, basement, yard shed, and green houses are fire hazards as well? Keep debris and junk away from furnace, heaters, greenhouse lighting, and generators. Don’t pile newspapers or dead leaves in warm damp areas. Keep gasoline or other flammable liquids in tightly sealed metal containers and place them far away from heat sources.

From your friends at the SERVPRO of North Highlands / Rio Linda, we want you all to stay safe and fire free. If you do face a fire and end up with property damage our professional team has the answers you need, call us at (916) 991-1522, or visit our website for more information.

SERVPRO Fire Response Guidelines

2/13/2023 (Permalink)

The first 48 hours after a fire can make a big difference between restoring vs. replacing your property structure and personal belongings. SERVPRO of North Highlands / Rio Linda sticks to a 1-4-8 service response guideline to help prevent fire damage from causing long term problems.

We provide timely response with mitigation services, ranging from fire, smoke, and soot removal to contents claims inventory and document restoration. These services help ensure your property, belongings, and memories are restored to preloss conditions when possible.

Service Response Guidelines

Exceptions may apply under certain conditions, such as a local catastrophic even or storm situation.

• 1- Within one hour from notice of loss, our SERVPRO professional will contact you to arrange for service.
• 4- Within four hours of loss notification, our professional will be on-site to start mitigation services (if necessary).
• 8- Within eight business hours, a verbal briefing of the scope will be communicated to you by our SERVPRO professional.

SERVPRO of North Highlands / Rio Linda is available 24-hours a day, 365 days a year to help you regain control quickly. Call today with all you questions and concerns, 916-991-1522.

Your Dryer Vents can Start a Fire

1/9/2023 (Permalink)

Your Dryer vents can be an incredible safety hazard! Prevent the loss of your home and danger to you and your family with one simple home checkup.

It is important to make sure that the dryer vent is clean. The dryer vent is a flexible tube that runs from your clothes dryer to the outside of your house. When cleaning the lint from the filter before you run the dryer, you are cleaning the bulk of material produced by the drying process. Beyond this material mistakes, and slowly builds up over time in the hose from your dryer to the outside world. The unfortunate truth about lint is that it is extremely flammable, and this excess buildup causes over 1/3rd of house fires related to dryers.

By keeping this tube clean by inspecting and cleaning it yearly, you can help ensure that this won’t be the cause of your next disaster. If you notice the dryer, or your clothes are unusually warm, or that it is taking longer to dry your clothes it is important to check up on the exit and make sure the vent door can open, and that it is not clogged.

SERVPRO of North Highlands / Rio Linda proudly serves the greater Sacramento area with the help it needs. When disaster strikes and causes; water, mold, fire, or other restoration damage to your property our specialist are ready to be of service to you 24/7 including holidays. If you need help or have question, call us today at (916) 991-1522.

Peak Time for Candle Fires

12/1/2022 (Permalink)

Did you know? December is the peak month for candle fires and Christmas is the peak day?

SERVPRO of North Highlands / Rio Linda wants everyone in our community and greater Sacramento area to stay safe and fire free this holiday season. We know that Christmas time can be stressful on its own and a property fire would send that stress through the roof. Here are some candle safety tip to help prevent candle fires in your home.

Candle Safety Tips

• Always use a flashlight, not a candle, for emergency lighting.
• Consider using battery-operated flameless candles.
• Keep candles at least 12-inches from flammable materials.
• Use sturdy, safe candle holders.
• Never leave a burning candle unattended.
• Be careful not to splatter wax when extinguishing a candle.
• Avoid using candles in bedrooms and sleeping areas.

Candles and Children

• Keep candles out of reach of children, and never leave a child unattended with a lit candle.
• A child should not sleep in a room with a lit candle.
• Don’t allow children or teens to have candles in their bedrooms.

Tip

• Did you know? If you hold your finger in front of the flame as you blow the candle out, the air will flow around your finger. This will extinguish the candle from both sides. This prevents any hot wax from splattering.

SERVPRO of North Highlands / Rio Linda hopes that you and your family are disaster free but if a property fire does affect you, we are ready to help. For all of your fire, smoke, and other cleaning and restoration needs call us at (916) 991-1522. We have 24/7 emergency services because we know a fire never works with in your schedule.

References: Cal Fire, Candle Safety Fact Sheet pdf.

We Use The Best Products When Restoring Your Fire Damaged Property

11/7/2022 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of North Highlands / Rio Linda we use cleaning products and dry cleaning soot sponges to efficiently remove soot and silt debris from your property. All of the smoke and soot removal products we use are non-greasy and won't leave any unwanted residue behind. They work well for removing heavy smoke odors that have infiltrated your home.

These cleaning agents are available in various dilution options, so we will never apply too much to sensitive areas of your home. Depending on the extent of the soot debris that has accumulated around your home, we also have special products for use on your home's carpeted areas. These gentle products are stain-resistant, so you can rest assured that we will restore your home without causing further damage.

SERVPRO of North Highlands / Rio Linda knows that a fire doesn’t wait to fit into your schedule and have 24 hour 7 days a week including holiday emergency service. We are a locally owned business with the national resources to solve your home or commercial needs. Call 24/7 at (916) 991-1522 with all your fire restoration needs and concerns.

It's Fire Safety Month!

10/3/2022 (Permalink)

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) celebrates National Fire Safety Month in October every year. NFPA reminds every one of the importance of fire safely awareness in both the workplace and our homes.

Make sure you take time this month to have fire safely talks with your department at work, and your loved ones at home. Remember in times of crisis, it is human nature to rely on memory of what to do created through practice. During this awareness month it is a good time to review your emergency plan and run through everyone’s roles/responsibilities and walk the evacuation routes.

Here at SERVPRO of North Highlands / Rio Linda we hope that you never have to experience the stress of a fire in your workplace or home. But if you do, we are here to make the aftermath less stressful for you. We know that a fire doesn’t wait to fit into your schedule and have 24 hour 7 days a week including holiday emergency service. We are a locally owned business with the national resources to solve your home or commercial needs. Call 24/7 at (916) 991-1522 with all your fire, soot, and smoke restoration needs and concerns.

Call the Professionals When You Have Soot Damage

9/5/2022 (Permalink)

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

Smoke and soot facts:

Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.

Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.

The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

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

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

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

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

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

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

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

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

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

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?

Call Us Today – 916-991-1522

Don't Tackle a Fire Clean on Your Own

8/8/2022 (Permalink)

If you have never experienced the damage of a property fire, you may think it is an easy clean on your own. What you don’t know is regular household cleaning chemicals aren’t proper for cleaning soot and may case worse damage to your property. SERVPRO has their own line of cleaning agents that have been perfected and used for years.

These cleaning agents are available in various dilution options, so we will never apply too much to sensitive areas of your home. Depending on the extent of the soot debris that has accumulated around your home, we have special products for use on your home's carpeted areas. These gentle products are stain-resistant, so you can rest assured that we will restore your home without causing further damage.

All of the smoke and soot removal products we use are non-greasy and won't leave any unwanted residue behind. They work well for removing heavy smoke odors that have infiltrated your home.

Our contractors use these cleaning products and dry cleaning soot sponges to efficiently remove soot and silt debris from your property.

SERVPRO of North Highlands / Rio Linda are always here for our customers in their time of need, 24/7 to answer those hard questions and concerns. Call us today 916-991-1522.

Do You Know What a Red Flag Warning Is?

7/4/2022 (Permalink)

A Red Flag Warning is issued for weather events which may result in extreme fire behavior that will occur within 24 hours. A Fire Weather Watch is issued when weather conditions could exist in the next 12-72 hours.

Fire Weather

The type of weather patterns that can cause a watch or warning include low relative humidity, strong winds, dry fuels, the possibility of dry lightning strikes, or any combination of the above.

Helpful Safety Tips and Reminders

As the months roll on in the area with hot weather SERVPRO of North Highlands / Rio Linda not only wants you to stay safe and hydrated during the heat but also be prepared to keep your town and properties safe as well. Here are some Safety Tips to follow during red flag warnings & fire weather watches:

1. Equipment Use Safety
   • Don’t mow or trim dry grass on Red Flag Warning days. Instead, mow before 10 a.m. when it is not hot and windy.
   • Never use lawn mowers in dry vegetation.
   • If you are in a wild land area, make sure you have a spark arrester, which is required for portable gasoline powered equipment.
2. Campfire Safety
   • Before starting a campfire, obtain a campfire permit.
   • Never leave a fire unattended.
   • Carefully extinguish the fire when you are finished. Douse with plenty of water and stir to make sure everything is cold to the touch. Dunk charcoal in water until it is cold. Do not throw live charcoal on the ground.
3. Outside
   • Keep 100 feet of defensible space around structures.
   • Clear dead weeds and vegetation.
   • Remove leaves and needles from gutters.
   • Trim branches 6 feet from the ground.
   • If you are allowed to burn grass clippings, etc., in your area, all burn barrels must be covered with a weighted metal cover, with holes no larger than 3/4 of an inch.
4. Vehicles
   • Never pull over in dry grass.
   • Make sure trailer chains don’t drag on the ground.
   • Properly maintain your vehicle.
   • Monitor tire pressure to avoid driving on wheel rims, which can ignite.
   • Don’t let brake pads wear too thin.
   • Never throw cigarettes or matches out of a moving vehicle.
5. Other
   • Properly extinguish cigarette butts.
   • Don’t make the mistake of burning landscape debris like leaves or branches on No Burn Days, when it is windy, or if it is prohibited in your area.
   • Target shoot only in approved areas, use lead ammunition only, and never shoot at metal targets.
   • To prevent arson, report suspicious activities to authorities.

We Are Here For You

If disaster strikes your home or business SERVPRO of North Highlands / Rio Linda is here for you to get your life back on track. "Like it never even happened." SERVPRO of North Highlands / Rio Linda has experience with fire disasters in California.  We were there and available fast for the Tubbs Fire, Camp Fire, and other disasters as soon as we got the green light informing us that it is safe for us to enter the area. If you have any Fire or Smoke damage give us a call 24/7 at 915-991-1522.

Thank You

During heightened fire danger, CAL FIRE will place additional firefighters on duty, staff more fire engines and keep more equipment on 24 hours a day to be able to respond to any new fires. SERVPRO of North Highlands / Rio Linda would like to take a moment to thank all the Cal Fire Firefighters for being there keeping California safe.

Stay Safe This 4th of July

7/4/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Highlands / Rio Linda would like to wish you a happy and safe 4th of July!

SERVPRO of North Highlands / Rio Linda are experts at fire and smoke damage and restoration. We also know the huge headache dealing with fire damage can cause you and would like to remind you to stay safe while handling fire this 4th of July.

Did you know? According to NFPA data, an estimated 19,500 fires in the US were started by fireworks in 2018, including 1,900 structure fires, 500 vehicle fires, and 17,100 outside and other fires. These fires caused five deaths and 46 injuries to civilians and $105 million in property damage.

FIREWORKS SAFETY

• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
• Keep a supply of water close by as a precaution.
• The person lighting fireworks should always wear eye protection.
• Light only one firework at a time and do not relight a firework that doesn't go off (is a dud).
• Never give fireworks to small children, and never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials. Always follow the instructions on the packaging.

Here at SERVPRO of North Highlands / Rio Linda, we would like to wish you a happy and safe 4th of July. If you do run into any fire damage needs you can call us 24/7 at (916)991-1522.

References: National Fire Protection Association 

Happy Father's Day!

6/19/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Highlands & Rio Linda would like to wish all the fathers out there a Happy and Safe Father’s Day.

But before firing up that new grill and using your new grill set complete with digital temp meat fork. We would like to share some grilling statistics from the National Fire Protection Association.

• July is the peak month for grill fires, followed by June, May, and August.
• Charcoal and gas grills are designed for outdoor use only. However, more than one-quarter (27%) of home fires started by outdoor grills began in a courtyard, terrace or patio, and 29% started on an exterior balcony or open porch.
• 10,200 home fires are started by grills each year, on average.
• 19,000 patients went to the ER per year because of injuries involving grills.
• 9,300 injuries included thermal burns.
• 70% of U.S. households own at least one outdoor BBQ, grill or smoker.

In the case of an unfortunate grill fire event SERVPRO of North Highlands & Rio Linda is here to provide 24/7 fire damage services. Call us today at (916) 991-1522.

Fire Property Damage Do's and Don'ts

6/6/2022 (Permalink)

Emergency Fire Damage Tips (After fire has happened at your property resulting in damage)

• Keep hands clean.
• Limit movement in the home to prevent further damage.
• Place dry, colorfast towels or old linens on carpeted traffic areas to prevent more soiling.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
• Wipe soot from chrome on faucets and appliances then protect with a light coating of lubricants.
• Do not touch anything with your bare hands. Oil from your hands can cause additional damage.
• Do not attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting a SERVPRO of North Highlands / Rio Linda professional.
• Do not attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire or water without consulting a repair service.

If you do have fire and smoke damage at your property call SERVPRO of North Highlands / Rio Linda today at 916-991-1522.

Is Your Smoke Alarm Protecting You?

5/9/2022 (Permalink)

Every house has them, not all houses have them on. According to the National Fire Prevention Association:

• In 2014-2018, smoke alarms sounded in more than half (54%) of the home fires reported to U.S. fire departments.
• Almost three of every five home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms (41%) or no working smoke alarms (16%).
• The death rate per 1,000 reported home fires was more than twice as high in homes that did not have any working smoke alarms compared to the rate in homes with working smoke alarms (13.0 deaths vs. 5.8 deaths per 1,000 fires).
• In fires in which the smoke alarms were present but did not operate, two of every five (41%) of the smoke alarms had missing or disconnected batteries.
• Dead batteries caused one-quarter (26%) of the smoke alarm failures.

There are plenty of resources online for properly maintaining the specific smoke alarm you have, if you need more help you can contact an electrician, American Red Cross, or local fire department. Alarms, in addition to maintaining power, should be tested monthly with the test button.

SERVPRO of North Highlands / Rio Linda are professionals when it comes to fire and smoke restoration and clean up. If you do have fire or smoke damage give us a call 24/7 at 916-991-1522.

Fire in Your Home or Business?

4/4/2022 (Permalink)

If you are faced with a property fire resulting in damage to the property, you may be looking at the mess thinking now what. You may also have the urge to start cleaning that black sooty mess off of your belongings.

STOP! Did you know that you could possibly cause more damage to your belongings and cause them to be beyond repair? So… What can you do?

What You Can Do Until Help Arrives

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from spreading and additional damage from occurring.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs and high traffic areas and upholstery.
• Coat chrome faucets, trim and appliances with petroleum jelly or oil.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpet.
• Do not wash any walls or painted surfaces. Do not shampoo carpet or upholstery.
• Do not clean any electrical equipment.
• Do not send clothing to a dry cleaner since improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

So, before you risk doing further damage by attempting to clean up the damage yourself, call the professionals at SERVPRO of North Highlands / Rio Linda at 916-991-1522.

"Let's Get Grilling!"

3/7/2022 (Permalink)

Stay safe and happy grilling from SERVPRO of North Highlands / Rio Linda. Girls grilling clipart from Pixabay artist is reference on the image

As the weather warms up, people start grilling more outside. Here at SERVPRO of North Highlands / Rio Linda we want everyone to stay safe. Here are some grilling tips to prevent fire.

• Keep your grill away from your house, as far as you reasonably can. Never use a grill under any overhangs wood or otherwise
• Make sure the grill has sturdy ground to sit on- prevent it from falling over
• Keep your grill clean to prevent unwanted fire
• Always supervise the grill while you are using it
• Use long tools to keep yourself safe while using the grill
• Make sure anyone not using the grill stays away from the grill

Year round Sacramento locals are injured while using their grills, whether they are gas powered or charcoal powered. Following these helpful safety tips can help Sacramento stay safe and prevent fires.

From your friends at the SERVPRO of North Highlands / Rio Linda, we want you all to stay safe and fire free. If you do face a fire and end up with property damage our professional team has the answers you need, call us at (916) 991-1522, or visit our website for more information.

Homeowners with Property Fire Damage

2/7/2022 (Permalink)

The first 48 hours after a fire can make the difference between restoring or replacing effected property and personal belongings.

SERVPRO of North Highlands / Rio Linda has professionals that can help minimized long term problems after a fire. We respond quickly with mitigation services such as; fire, smoke, and soot removal to contents and structure. This helps ensure that your property, and belongings are restored to preloss condition with possible.

SERVPRO of North Highlands / Rio Linda are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to help you regain control or you home. If you have fire damage or have any other restoration needs, give us a call today, 916-991-1522.

You Can Help Prevent Electrical Fires in Your Home

1/3/2022 (Permalink)

Did you know that electrical fires is one of the top fire causes and risk for property fires? Here at SERVPRO of North Highlands / Rio Linda we want everyone in our community and the greater Sacramento area to stay safe and avoid property fires.

Here are a few tips on staying safe with your electrical appliances in your home. When it comes to electricity, the degradation of cords and sockets can cause a “short” to occur between the wires, this sparking may cause a fire.

• Socket Guards - Install socket guards when not using a plug, they are cheap and simple and can protect children from injury
• Unplug, Not Pull - When unplugging an appliance, make sure to pull from the base of the plug and not the cord to prevent damage
• Replace Damaged Cords - If you spot a damaged cord or cable, be sure to replace it before the damage becomes worse.
• Running cords or cables under your carpet can cause them to degrade over time when people step on them, and if they do become damaged you cannot see it
• Know Your Power - Check the wattage rating on cords to avoid overloading them. Don’t overload any circuit, don’t daisy chain adapters so that you can plug more into one socket
• Leave The Ground - Never cut the third prong and remove the grounding ability from high-powered electronics
• When placing extension cables, don’t leave them hanging on metal surfaces, heated surfaces, or sharp surfaces
• When buying extension cords, ensure they are certified by organizations such as “UL Listed”

Cords and sockets may not be the number on electrical fire threat but they are one that you have a little bit of control in preventing. SERVPRO of North Highlands / Rio Linda hopes that you and your family are disaster free but if a property fire does affect you, we are ready to help. For all of your fire, smoke, and other cleaning and restoration needs call us at (916) 991-1522. We have 24/7 emergency services because we know a fire never works with in your schedule.

How Quickly Does a Christmas Tree Fire Burn the House Down?

12/6/2021 (Permalink)

How fast can Christmas tree fires spread? In controlled tests, fire researchers found that a dry Christmas tree can become engulfed in less than 10 seconds. And “flashover” occurs roughly 70 seconds after an un-watered tree is ignited.

Christmas is a happy time of year, and let’s keep it that way. Please check off your Christmas tree fire safety list.

Christmas Tree Fire Safety

• Fresh trees are less likely to catch fire, so look for a tree with vibrant green needles that are hard to pluck and don’t break easily from its branches. The tree shouldn’t be shedding its needles readily.
• Always place your tree away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights, and keep the tree base filled with water to avoid a dry out.
• Make sure all your indoor and outdoor Christmas lights have been tested, and throw out any damaged lights.
• Any lights you use outdoors must be labeled suitable for exterior placement, and be sure to plug them into a ground-fault circuit interrupter protected receptacle.
• Keep all your holiday candles away from your Christmas tree, surrounding furniture and décor.
• Bedtime means lights off! ­ don’t forget to turn your Christmas tree lights off each night.

Happy Holidays from SERVPRO of North Highlands / Rio Linda. If you do have any fire or smoke damage to your property remember to give SERVPRO of North Highlands / Rio Linda a call at 916-991-1522.

Making a Home Fire Escape Plan

11/14/2021 (Permalink)

Fires are scary, dangerous, and leave little time for planning. The fire can spread quickly and leave as little as 2 minutes to escape your home.

Here are some escape planning tips:

1. Get everyone in your house together to make an evacuation plan.
2. All walk through your house and inspect all possible exits and escape routes. (If you have small children it is a good idea to draw a floor plan or you home) You should have 2 escape routes out of every room.
3. Choose an outside meeting place a safe distance away from the fire.
4. After making your plan, do a test run fire drill with everyone. While going through your plan, check to make sure the escape routes are clear and doors and windows can be opened easily. If windows or doors in your home have security bars, make sure that the bars have emergency release devices inside so that they can be opened immediately in an emergency.
5. Once you are out safe, stay out. Do not go back inside the building for any reason. If someone is missing, inform the fire dispatcher when you call.

More Tips:

• Install Smoke detectors in all bedrooms that people sleep in.
• Make sure your street number is visible from the street for emergency responders.
• Have everyone in the house memorize the emergency phone number for the fire department.
• As escaping the fire close doors on your way out to slow the spread of smoke.
• If there are older adults, infants, or household members with mobility limitations, make sure that someone is assigned to assist them ahead of time and have them practice together during the drill.
• Tell guests or visitors in your home about the fire escape plan. When staying overnight at other people’s homes, ask about their plan.

Here at SERVPRO of North Highlands / Rio Linda we want everyone to be safe and hope you don’t have to go through the stress of a home fire. But if you do we are here for the after math. We're experienced and know how to get you through the stress and frustration caused by a fire disaster. We are there for you every step of the way. We have 24/7 emergency service so call today with your questions and concerns at 916-991-1522.

Resources: National Fire Protection Association.

National Fire Protection Association has free fire escape planning tools literature here.

SERVPRO of North Highlands / Rio Linda can Properly Restore Your Fire Damaged Property

10/4/2021 (Permalink)

Why do you need professional help restoring your fire damaged property?

When a fire damage event occurs at your home or business, it is important to get damage repaired as quickly as possible. Fires often leave homes and businesses in a state that is unusable, and unlivable. Keeping downtime to a minimum is crucial so you may get back to normal, "Like it never even happened."

After a fire has been eliminated, there is usually secondary damage due to water. Plenty of water damage can occur in the course of fighting a fire, resulting in damage to furniture, clothing, drywall, your ceiling, and floor. By utilizing state of the art techniques and equipment, SERVPRO quickly mitigates this secondary damage. With proper equipment such as; wet-vacs, air movers, dehumidifiers, and pumps.

Smoke is the next concern that needs professional attention. Smoke damage is quite substantive, and not just surface level. Smoke damage can become embedded in your walls, carpet, flooring, and furniture. Without professional assistance, this smoke damage will stay and linger for years after fire damage has occurred. Beyond this, soot also has a long lasting effect, and causes cosmetic damage by staining and discoloring your property.

It is tempting after a disaster such as fire damage to carry out the restoration process yourself without professional assistance. If you are attempting to do it properly the project will take longer, and be far less effective in returning your property to its original state. Also doing it properly yourself can be much more expansive than hiring a professional, because the proper equipment is costly. Hiring SERVPRO of North Highlands / Rio Linda will ensure that the project gets done right. Our professionals will help to salvage your property and belongings with our knowledgeable technicians, and to solve the preceding issues caused by a fire with our specialized equipment.

When the unthinkable occurs, call SERVPRO of North Highlands / Rio Linda. We know that a fire doesn’t wait to fit into your schedule and have 24 hour 7 days a week including holiday emergency service. We are a locally owned business with the national resources to solve your home or commercial needs. Call 24/7 at (916) 991-1522 with all your fire restoration needs and concerns.

Summer Fire Safety!

7/28/2021 (Permalink)

Summer fire safety tips. Grilling girls Image by RoadLight from Pixabay

USFA's National Fire Data Center estimates that yearly outside cooking grills cause more than 6,000 fires, over 5 fatalities, more than 170 injuries, and $35 million in property loss.

Here at SERVPRO of North Highlands / Rio Linda we want everyone in our community to have a safe summer. During times of excessive heat it creates an ideal atmosphere for fire to ignite and thrive. 

Here are some grilling safety tips;

• Keep your grill, fire pits, personal fireplaces, and torches 10 ft. from your home or anything that can catch fire.
• Keep your grill out from under roof edges, decks, railings, trees, and bushes.
• Be careful when using lighter fluid. Do not add fluid to an already lit fire because the flames can flashback up into the container and explode.
• Dispose of hot coals properly - douse them with plenty of water, and stir them to ensure that the fire is out. Never place them in plastic, paper or wooden containers.

If you do end up with any property damage due to smoke or fire remember to call the professionals at SERVPRO of North Highlands / Rio Linda at 916-991-1522. Emergency services are available 24/7.

Happy 4th of July!

7/1/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Highlands / Rio Linda would like to wish you a happy and safe 4th of July!

SERVPRO of North Highlands / Rio Linda are experts at fire and smoke damage and restoration. We also know the huge headache dealing with fire damage can cause you and would like to remind you to stay safe while handling fire this 4th of July. 

Did you know grilling fires spark more than 10,000 home fires on average each year?

Grilling Safety

• Never grill indoors! For example in the house, camper, tent, or any enclosed area.
• Make sure everyone stays away from the grill, especially children and pets.
• Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use. Don’t add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.
• Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill.
• Keep the grill away from the house or anything that could catch fire. 
• It is also good to have a fire extinguisher readily available.

 An estimated 19,500 fires started by fireworks were reported to local fire departments in the US during 2018.

FIREWORKS SAFETY

• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
• Keep a supply of water close by as a precaution.
• The person lighting fireworks should always wear eye protection.
• Light only one firework at a time and do not relight a firework that doesn't go off (is a dud). 
• Never give fireworks to small children, and never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials. Always follow the instructions on the packaging.

Here at SERVPRO of North Highlands / Rio Linda, we would like to wish you a happy and safe 4th of July. If you do run into any fire damage needs you can call us 24/7 at (916)991-1522.

Fire Season Has Been Increasing

6/1/2021 (Permalink)

Forest Fire image taken by SERVPRO of North Highlands / Rio Linda employee.

If you live in California then at some point you have heard about a forest fire or maybe even been effected by one. According to the Cal Fire website, “The length of fire season is estimated to have increased by 75 days across the Sierras and seems to correspond with an increase in the extent of forest fires across the state.” With fire season lengthening in California, it is important to stay vigilant.

When in one of our local forest make sure you know about Red Flag Warnings. A Red Flag Warning is the highest alert. During these times extreme caution is urged by all residents, because a simple spark can cause a major wildfire. A Red Flag Warning is issued for weather events which may result in extreme fire behavior that will occur within 24 hours. You can check the National Weather Service website here for Red Flag Warnings.

If you are going to be in one of our local forest keep these safety tips in mind:

• Never mow or trim dry grass on a Red Flag Warning Day. (Mow before 10 a.m. on a day when its not hot and windy).

• Never use lawn mowers in dry vegetation.

• Spark arresters are required in wild land areas on all portable gasoline powered equipment.

• Residents should make sure they have 100 feet of defensible space around structures.

• Clear dead weeds and vegetation around property.

• Remove leaves and needles from property gutters.

• Trim branches 6 feet from the ground.

• Make sure cigarette butts are properly extinguished.

• Never burn landscape debris like leaves or branches on NO Burn Days or when it's windy or areas where not allowed.

• Target shoot only in approved areas, and never at metal targets.

• Before starting a campfire, make sure you have a campfire permit and that they are permitted on the land you are visiting. Afterwards, ensure that your campfire is properly extinguished.

For more videos and information on Red Flag Warnings you can visit Cal Fire website here.

SERVPRO of North Highlands / Rio Linda wants everyone to be safe during Fire Season. If your property or business has been effected by a forest fire or any fire we are here for you. Call us 24/7 at 916-991-1522. You can learn about Fire Damage Repair and Restoration services that we offer here on our website.

References:

Cal Fire, https://www.fire.ca.gov/

National Weather Service, https://www.weather.gov/wrh/

Don't put your home in danger, SERVPRO North Highlands/ Rio Linda can help.

8/10/2020 (Permalink)

Fire Safety 2020

The first and most important step to take after a fire is to make sure that you and your loved ones are safe. Should anyone feel at all ill, it is imperative that you seek medical attention.

The best decision you can make when your home is exposed to fire is to rely on an expert for the safest cleanup methods. Certain tools and knowledge are required in taking the necessary precautions to get your home back to its original condition post fire. 

What NOT To Do After A Fire 

• Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting your SERVPRO 
• 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.

• Are you running out of time?

  The IIRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification), a globally recognized leader in all types of remediation, identifies these time windows:

  • Within minutes
    Porous materials and synthetics must be immediately addressed to prevent permanent discoloration.
  • Within hours to days
    Wooden furniture, flooring, painted walls, and clothing can become permanently stained if not addressed within hours to days of damage, and metal surfaces will at this point begin to rust, pit, and corrode, requiring refinishing or replacement.
  • Within weeks
    Prolonged soot exposure will embed itself in the fibers and surfaces, resulting in a longer, more costly restoration with a higher likelihood of replacement.

WHAT EQUIPMENT IS USED TO REPAIR & RESTORE A HOME

8/9/2020 (Permalink)

House Fire Damage

These cleaning agents are available in various dilution options, so we will never apply too much to sensitive areas of your home. Depending on the extent of the soot debris that has accumulated around your home, we have special products for use on your home's carpeted areas. These gentle products are stain-resistant, so you can rest assured that we will restore your home without causing further damage.

All of the smoke and soot removal products we use are non-greasy and won't leave any unwanted residue behind. They work well for removing heavy smoke odors that have infiltrated your home.

Our contractors use these cleaning products and dry cleaning soot sponges to efficiently remove soot and silt debris from your property.

We Are Always Here For Our Customers SERVPRO North Highlands/ Rio Linda. 

12 Tips for Using Your Fireplace

8/9/2020 (Permalink)

Fire Tips 2020

Using the fireplace for the first time after the summer or fall puts you at a risk for accidental fire, so here are 12 helpful tips to make sure your fireplaces and wood stoves are fire-safe.

1. Have your chimney or wood stove inspected and cleaned annually by a certified chimney specialist.
2. Clear the area around the hearth of debris, decorations and flammable materials.
3. Leave glass doors open while burning a fire. Leaving the doors open ensures that the fire receives enough air to ensure complete combustion and keeps creosote from building up in the chimney.
4. Close glass doors when the fire is out to keep air from the chimney getting into the room. Most glass fireplace doors have a metal mesh screen which should be closed when the glass doors are open. This mesh screen helps keep embers from getting out of the fireplace area.
5. Always use a metal mesh screen with fireplaces that do not have a glass fireplace door.
6. Install stovepipe thermometers to help monitor flue temperatures.
7. Keep air inlets on wood stoves open, and never restrict air supply to fireplaces. Otherwise you may cause creosote buildup that could lead to a chimney fire.
8. Use fire-resistant materials on walls around wood stoves.
9. Stack firewood outdoors at least 30 feet away from your home.
10. Keep the roof clear of leaves, pine needles and other debris.
11. Cover the chimney with a mesh screen spark.
12. Remove branches hanging above the chimney, flues or vents.

If you or your family need any help, don't hesitate to call u at SERVPRO North Highlands/ Rio Linda 

HOW TO ELIMINATE SMOKE ODOR IN HOUSE

7/17/2020 (Permalink)

House Smoke

When it comes to smoke odor removal, there are several options available. Some may use scented candles, air fresheners, and sprays to get rid of smoke odor or any kind of unpleasant smell.

However, they’ll soon realize that there is only so much scented candles or sprays can do for the problem. In fact, they can make matters worse, as they simply combine with the smoke smell and leave behind something quite unpleasant. Even opening your windows and letting fresh air in won’t be getting rid of the smoke odor completely.

A lot of people believe that a good scrub will be enough to get rid of the smell of smoke in a house. And they’re right in a sense. You can scrub your walls plus your ceilings with ammonia and water to get rid of the smell of smoke, especially if it was just a small amount and the room wasn’t exposed too long to the smoke. You probably won’t be able to smell it anymore. However, it won’t be cleaning something more important – the air you breathe.

Vinegar and baking sodas are natural odor neutralizers and another good option. You can place some vinegar in the room and baking soda in the carpet to start eliminating the smell of smoke. It’s going to work but it’ll take time and several repeats to get the smell completely out.

While using these may be tedious, they’re a lot cheaper than choosing a professional. In fact, if the smoke particles have had time to sink into the upholstery, curtains, and even your clothes, washing them with vinegar and baking soda is your best bet.

But vinegar and baking soda still leave one problem behind – the remaining invisible-to-the-naked-eye smoke particles still hanging around in the air. Plus, since you used ammonia in cleaning the heck out of your walls and ceilings, you may have now added chemical fumes to your indoor air. The world is such a scary place, ain’t it? But there’s no need to panic. Take a deep breath (or not) and calm yourself. There is a way out of this dilemma.

Happy 4th of July!

7/4/2020 (Permalink)

Happy 4th of July from all of us here at SERVPRO of North Highlands/Rio Linda!

Here at SERVPRO of North Highlands/Rio Linda we would like to wish everyone a happy and safe independence day.

Firework Safety Recap:

• Only use fireworks in open, flat, inflammable, and sturdy spaces.
• Keep your distance, 60-120 feet for ground based fireworks such as fountain fireworks.
• Once you light it, get as far away as you can.
• Light one firework at a time.
• Keep children safe at all times. A 2014 study showed that 34% of firework related injuries were suffered by children younger then 15.
• Have a safety kit available and know how to treat minor burn. Mayor Clinic: First Aid of minor burns link Here.
• Know what the weather will be like that day, very windy days and push sparks into neighboring houses.
• Keep water nearby. Firefighters use a formula to determine how much water is needed to put out fires. [(length x width of what’s on fire) /3] x percent of involvement = water needed to put our fire. EX: a 10’ x 15 size structure is half way on fire you’ll need 25 gallons of water per min to extinguish.
• Don’t throw used fireworks directly in the trash. Soak the charred remains in a bucket of water to prevent them from igniting other garbage.
• Throw out the dud fireworks. If they do not ignite do not try to light them again and remember to put them in a bucket of water before tossing into the garbage can.
• Check your local laws.

If an unfortunate fire accident happens to your home or business SERVPRO of North Highlands/Rio Linda is always here to help 24 hours a day. Call 916-991-1522

SERVPRO of North Highlands and Rio Linda Hope You Have Fun and Avoid Fires this Fourth of July!

7/1/2020 (Permalink)

Diagram of most injured body parts by fireworks. Remember be safe this 4th of July!

15,600 fires are started every year by fireworks, according to the National Fire Protection Association. By taking the proper safety precautions, many of these fires could have been easily avoided. If you want to enjoy the celebrations without the risks of fire, go to a professional show. Professional shows are big, fun, and most importantly- safe.

If you still can’t resist having your own firework celebration, here is a list of the recommended safety precautions from the National Council on Firework Safety.

• Obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks
• Know your fireworks; read the cautionary labels and performance descriptions before igniting
• A responsible adult should supervise all firework activities, and never give fireworks to children
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix, save your drinks for after the show
• Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks
• Light one firework at a time and then quickly move away
• Use fireworks outdoors in a clear area; away from buildings and vehicles
• Never relight a “dud” firework, wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water
• Always have a bucket of water and charged water hose nearby
• Never carry fireworks in your pocket or shoot them into metal or glass containers
• Do not experiment with homemade fireworks
• Dispose of spent fireworks by wetting them down and place in a metal trash can away from any building or combustible materials until the next day
• FAA regulations prohibit the possession and transportation of fireworks in your checked baggage or carry-on luggage.
• Report illegal explosives, like M-80s and quarter sticks, to the fire or police department

With Fourth of July coming up, SERVPRO of North Highlands and Rio Linda wish you a fun and safe Fourth of July!

For information on fire damage services to your home or business, call us at (916) 991-1522

Happy 4th of July Grilling

7/1/2020 (Permalink)

Happy 4th of July Grilling

The Do’s and Don’ts of Outdoor Grilling 

Grilling Safety Tips

• DO keep the grill at least 10 feet away from structures, such as the garage or porch, and out from under tree branches and eaves. The farther away from structures, the lower the risk of fire.
• DO maintain the grill by cleaning the grease or fat buildup after every usage. Doing so not only decreases the risk of fire but also helps the food cook better.
• DO check for gas (propane) leaks regularly. Make a solution with one part water and one part dish soap and apply it to the line that connects the grill to the gas tank. If bubbles appear on the line when you turn on the gas, have the grill serviced immediately.
• DO keep water and a fire extinguisher handy. Since grilling involves fire, there is always a risk for minor flare-ups, so you should have something to extinguish the fire with.
• DO place the coals from the grill in a metal can after you’ve finished grilling; allow the coals to cool off first.
• DO be sure to check the regulations on fires If you are camping. Many areas may be closed to all fires (including charcoal grills) due to extremely dry conditions.
• DON’T allow small children and pets to come close to the grilling area.
• DON’T turn on the gas with the lid closed. If there’s any gas trapped under the lid, it will instantly turn into a fireball that can cause serious burn injuries.
• DON’T leave the grill unattended. In case the grill catches fire, an adult should be around to extinguish it quickly. Fires can double in size every minute.
• DON’T grill indoors. Propane and charcoal grills must never be used indoors. Besides the fire hazard, there is a serious risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
• DON’T barbeque too much food at once. Although it seems time-efficient, cooking too much food at once can cause excess fat to drip down onto the grill flames, potentially causing a small fire.

For Fire Cleanup, contact SERVPRO!

Fire Safety and Fireworks 2020

7/1/2020 (Permalink)

4th of July Fireworks

With the warmer months of the summer comes times to celebrate events with barbeques, family events and everyone’s favorite firework displays. These times where we use fireworks for celebrations do we take the necessary safety precautions to prevent injury or property damage needed? In all years studied, Independence Day has more incidents reported in NFIRS than any other day of the year. The number of incidents in the NFIRS database associated with July 4 and July 5 were 2.4 times the average daily number of incidents on other days of the year. Brush and outside fire incidents were nearly four times higher during this holiday than on the average day. Structure fires increase on July 4 and July 5th as well. As would be expected, fireworks were responsible for a considerable portion of the increase in fire incidence on Independence Day. In fact, 31 percent of the total annual number of fireworks−related fires occur on July 4 and 5. These fires individually were less severe than fires generally, with lower average dollar loss per fire, less than half of the injuries and one third the deaths per fire.

About SERVPRO of NE Grand Rapids

SERVPRO of NE Grand Rapids specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

If you need help with cleaning up after a fire call the Professionals at SERVPRO of North Highlands/ Rio Linda

Fireplace Safety Guidelines

7/1/2020 (Permalink)

Camping Fire

Fireplace safety tips

• Before the heating season, hire a professional chimney sweep to inspect and remove creosote or other obstructions, such as animal nests, from the chimney.
• Allow only a qualified professional to install chimney connectors and chimneys in your house.
• Inspect your chimney cap regularly. If it’s damaged, repair or replace it. If your chimney doesn’t have a cap at the top, have one installed fitted with wire-mesh sides to prevent debris or animals from entering the chimney.
• Keep any flammable objects, such as newspapers, books, and furniture, at least two feet away from the fireplace.
• Make sure there is a fire extinguisher in the room.
• Use only dry, seasoned wood cut to the correct length.
• Have a mesh metal screen or glass fireplace doors installed to prevent embers from shooting out of the fireplace.
• Use fireplace tools to maintain the fire.
• Supervise children whenever the fireplace is being used. Remind them to stay away from the fire.
• Keep pets at a safe distance from the fire, as well.
• Always supervise the fire and never leave it burning when going to sleep or leaving the home.
• Close the damper only when the embers have cooled off.
• Install and maintain smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms (CO) outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. For the best protection, interconnect the CO alarms, so that when one sounds, they all do.

When starting a fire:

• Remove the ashes from the previous fire but let them cool for several hours before disposing of them. Leaving the ashes will result in more smoke, as it reduces the air supply to wood.
• Put the ashes in a metal container with a tight lid. Store it outside, at least 10 feet away from the home and other buildings.
• Open the damper; you may have to look up into the chimney with a mirror or flashlight to check that it’s open.
• Place crumpled paper on the grate and cover it with kindling or another firestarter (but do not use flammable liquids to start your fire!). Add the firewood once the kindling is burning brightly. Then, close the fire screen.
• Don’t overload the fireplace; a large fire generates more smoke and can damage your chimney.
• Never burn plastic, garbage or other toxic materials.

For professional fire damage cleaning services, contact the SERVPRO North Highlands/ Rio Linda experts!

Prevent Home from Fire Damage

6/30/2020 (Permalink)

In this list, we go over different causes of fire damage and how to nip them in the bud. The simple tricks in this list could save you from spending a large sum of money on reparations or even save your life from SERVPRO North Highlands/ Rio Linda. 

Tips to Prevent Fire Damage

1. Be Careful with Cooking Fires

2. Clean Up the Oven

3. Beware of Candle Burns

As it turns out – not really!

Between 2011 and 2015, U.S. fire departments collectively responded to roughly 8,700 house fires that were set off by candles per year. These candle fires caused an annual average of 82 deaths and 800 injuries. Additionally, it caused $295 million in direct property damage.

Candles are so nice to look at that people often forget that they are also open flames. Candles at a romantic dinner may set the mood. However, it may cause some serious harm to you as well!

4. Space Heaters and Fabrics are a Bad Combination

5. Fix Your Electrical Wiring. These house fires involved equipment such as wiring, lighting, cords, and plugs. Faulty electrical and lighting equipment was the number one cause for direct property damage.It also ranks third among the major causes for home fires.

6. Cell Phone Charging Faults Can Cause Fires Be Careful!

7. Fix Your Fire Alarms Right Away

8. Install As Many Fire Extinguishers as You Can

9. Get a Thorough Property Evaluation Done

Before buying a new house, get a thorough evaluation of the property done by an independent third party. The same applies if you are looking to revamp your house. There are local guidelines, community guidelines, State Laws, and Federal Laws that go into fire safety. At SERVPRO North Highlands/ Rio Linda we could help with that.

"Happy Father's Day!"

6/21/2020 (Permalink)

Happy Father's Day from all of us here at SERVPRO of North Highlands / Rio Linda.

SERVPRO of North Highlands & Rio Linda would like to wish all the fathers out there a Happy and Safe Father’s Day.

But before firing up that new grill and using your new grill set complete with digital temp meat fork. We would like to share some grilling statistics from the National Fire Protection Association.

• July is the peak month for grill fires, followed by June, May, and August.
• Charcoal and gas grills are designed for outdoor use only. However, more than one-quarter (27%) of home fires started by outdoor grills began in a courtyard, terrace or patio, and 29% started on an exterior balcony or open porch.
• 10,200 home fires are started by grills each year, on average.
• 19,000 patients went to the ER per year because of injuries involving grills.
• 9,300 injuries included thermal burns.
• 70% of U.S. households own at least one outdoor BBQ, grill or smoker.

In the case of an unfortunate grill fire event SERVPRO of North Highlands & Rio Linda is here to provide 24/7 fire damage services. Call us at (916) 991-1522, or visit our website for more information.

Are space heaters safe?

2/14/2020 (Permalink)

Winter is here and maybe those extra layers of clothes and the extra blankets that you through on aren’t doing the job. Well, with it being winter and the temperatures dropping, we are all having to pulling out are space heaters to stay a little warmer.  Just remember that even though our space heaters are convenient they do pose as a fire hazard. How you ask? Well here a few things to help you prevent a fire from your space heater.

• Keep your space heater away from anything flammable.
• Check for any frayed cords.
• Keep the space heater out of any foot traffic so it doesn’t get knocked over.
• Turn off your space heater when you are finished with it.

If you have any questions or need help restoring your property after a fire loss give our team of experts at SERVPRO of North Highlands / Rio Linda a call 916-991-1522.

Had a Fire? What types of Smoke and Residues were left behind?

2/13/2020 (Permalink)

Did you know there are different types of fires? Depending on the type of fire they let off different types of smoke and residues. There are 3 different types and those are:

• Protein Fire – The residue between a light yellow to brown color that is greasy.
• Synthetic Fire – The residue is a grey to black color that is dry like a powder.
• Natural Fire – The residue is a black color that is thick and smears

If your home experiences any one of these types of fires or has smoke damage give our team a call at SERVPRO of North Highlands / Rio Linda. Our highly trained technicians have the cleaning materials needed to get your home back to the way it was before you had your loss. Let us come and access the damage, give us a call at 916-991-1522.

Frayed Cords and Dust Build Up

2/3/2020 (Permalink)

Whether it’s your home or work place we all have things plugged into an outlet. Many of our outlets are out of our site and once we plug things into them we don’t really look at them until we need to plug something else in or unplug something. We aren’t really looking at the other cords plugged in. But, it’s important to check the cords that are plugged in to the outlets to make sure they are not frayed or have too much dust build up. Frayed wires and dust build up is a major fire hazard. All it takes is a tiny spark to cause a disaster. So next time you are in your work place or at home take the time to check the cords plugged in and clean the dust in the area.

If your home or commercial building experiences an electrical fire and you need help restoring it. SERVPRO of North Highlands / Rio Linda is only a phone call away 916-991-1522.

Fire Season

8/9/2019 (Permalink)

With summer here and the high temperatures it brings along, it is important to be cautious of fire hazards around your home. We don’t realize the dangers we are in during the summer time until it is too late. It is important to clean up around the outside of your property from the brush and debris. A lot of us let that dry brush and debris build up around our homes not realizing how dangerous it can be to our property and the surrounding properties near you.  All it takes is high heat or a little spark and things can go bad very quickly.

If your home has experienced a fire and you need help restoring your property, call the experts at SERVPRO of North Highlands / Rio Linda at 916-991-1522. Our team of highly trained technicians are available 24/7.

Damage to Your Business This Firework Season?

7/5/2019 (Permalink)

Sacramento CA, January 10, 2018. Image courtesy of Pyro Spectaculars in Pyro Blog Articles, uncategorized by Alicia Nichols

This celebration season, consider SERVPRO of North Highlands/Rio Linda for your soot, smoke, or fire damage needs

Smoke or Soot Damage?
SERVPRO of North Highlands/Rio Linda has specialized, certified, and trained professionals to help you with your needs. With our help, we can return your salvageable personal belongings, or commercial merchandise back to its original condition. Cleaning and Odor Control technicians can then remove or otherwise fix lingering smoke odors after soot cleaning has taken place.

Fire Damage?
Our service professionals are ready and able for fire damage of any size in Sacramento. Highly trained and certified Fire Restoration Technicians are available to help you anytime, 24/7. This means we are here to help you when the unimaginable may occur this Fourth of July.

Water Damage?
Firefighting efforts, while necessary, may likely cause water damage as well. SERVPRO of North Highlands/Rio Linda is prepared with our advanced drying techniques and equipment to start the restoration process as soon as possible. IICRC certifications mean we are ready and able to get your property dried swiftly and thoroughly.

If you’re faced with fire damage to your Sacramento home, business, or property; give us a call at (916) 991-1522 or visit our website for more information.

The 4th of July is Just Around the Corner, Here are Some Safety Tips

6/27/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Highlands and Rio Linda Hope You Have Fun and Avoid Fires this Fourth of July!

15,600 fires are started every year by fireworks, according to the National Fire Protection Association. By taking the proper safety precautions, many of these fires could have been easily avoided. If you want to enjoy the celebrations without the risks of fire, go to a professional show. Professional shows are big, fun, and most importantly- safe.

If you still can’t resist having your own firework celebration, here is a list of the recommended safety precautions from the National Council on Firework Safety.

• Obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks
• Know your fireworks; read the cautionary labels and performance descriptions before igniting
• A responsible adult should supervise all firework activities, and never give fireworks to children
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix, save your drinks for after the show
• Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks
• Light one firework at a time and then quickly move away
• Use fireworks outdoors in a clear area; away from buildings and vehicles
• Never relight a “dud” firework, wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water
• Always have a bucket of water and charged water hose nearby
• Never carry fireworks in your pocket or shoot them into metal or glass containers
• Do not experiment with homemade fireworks
• Dispose of spent fireworks by wetting them down and place in a metal trash can away from any building or combustible materials until the next day
• FAA regulations prohibit the possession and transportation of fireworks in your checked baggage or carry-on luggage.
• Report illegal explosives, like M-80s and quarter sticks, to the fire or police department

With Fourth of July coming up, SERVPRO of North Highlands and Rio Linda wish you a fun and safe Fourth of July!

For information on fire damage services to your home or business, call us at (916) 991-1522 or visit our website.

Prepare For Summer Fires!

6/20/2019 (Permalink)

With summer here and the high temperatures it brings, it is important to be aware of fire hazards around your home. We don’t realize the dangers we are in during the summer time until it is too late. It is important to clean up around the outside of your property from the brush and debris. A lot of people don’t realize that dry brush and debris around your property can be very dangerous to you and the surrounding properties near you.  All it takes is high heat or a little spark and things can go bad very quickly.

If your home has experienced a fire and you have fire damage, call the experts at SERVPRO of North Highlands / Rio Linda to help restore your property 916-991-1522. Our team of highly trained technicians are available 24/7.

Usually You Don't See it Coming

2/26/2019 (Permalink)

Almost every fire is some kind of accident.

However, no matter how much we prepare, sometimes things happen that are completely out of our control.

This house experienced an electrical fire that burned through it's walls and ceiling.

Be it faulty wires or opportunistic rodents freeloading in your attic, fires will happen.

At this property we worked quickly to board up the damage of the roof and secure the structure from anyone, or anything, trying to get in.

Once we were secured the cleaning process begins.

We work with your insurance that way you don't have to.

We give all our customers full control over how much they want to be involved.

You want every communication with your insurance through you? You got it!

Maybe you are just absolutely exhausted with this process and you want to just be left alone and be given updates at major milestones of the work? You got it!

Fire will take control of your home from you, we do everything we can to give it back.

If you had a loss don't hesitate to call today 916-991-1522.

Firework Damage at Your Sacramento Business or Home?

7/5/2018 (Permalink)

This celebration season, consider SERVPRO of North Highlands & Rio Linda for your soot, smoke, or fire damage needs

Smoke or Soot Damage?

SERVPRO of North Highlands and Rio Linda has specialized, certified, and trained professionals to help you with your needs. With our help, we can return your salvageable personal belongings, or commercial merchandise back to its original condition. Cleaning and Odor Control technicians can then remove or otherwise fix lingering smoke odors after soot cleaning has taken place.

Fire Damage?

Our service professionals are ready and able for fire damage of any size in Sacramento. Highly trained and certified Fire Restoration Technicians are available to help you anytime, 24/7. This means we are here to help you when the unimaginable may occur this Fourth of July.

Water Damage?

Firefighting efforts, while necessary, may likely cause water damage as well. SERVPRO of North Highlands & Rio Linda is prepared with our advanced drying techniques and equipment to start the restoration process as soon as possible. IICRC certifications mean we are ready and able to get your property dried swiftly and thoroughly.

If you’re faced with fire damage to your Sacramento home, business, or property; give us a call at (916) 991-1522 or visit our website for more information.

Tips on Firework Safety in California

6/26/2018 (Permalink)

Keep those water buckets around!

15,600 fires are started every year by fireworks, according to the National Fire Protection Association. By taking the proper safety precautions, many of these fires could have been easily avoided. If you want to enjoy the celebrations without the risks of fire, go to a professional show. Professional shows are big, fun, and most importantly- safe.

If you still can’t resist having your own firework celebration, here is a list of the recommended safety precautions from the National Council on Firework Safety.

• Obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks.
• Know your fireworks; read the cautionary labels and performance descriptions before igniting.
• A responsible adult SHOULD supervise all firework activities.  Never give fireworks to children.
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix.  Save your alcohol for after the show.
• Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks.
• Light one firework at a time and then quickly move away.
• Use fireworks OUTDOORS in a clear area; away from buildings and vehicles.
• Never relight a “dud” firework.  Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
• Always have a bucket of water and charged water hose nearby.
• Never carry fireworks in your POCKET or shoot them into METAL or GLASS containers.
• Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.
• Dispose of spent fireworks by wetting them down and place in a metal trash can away from any building or combustible materials until the next day.
• FAA regulations PROHIBIT the possession and transportation of fireworks in your checked baggage or carry-on luggage.
• Report illegal explosives, like M-80s and quarter sticks, to the fire or police department.

With Fourth of July coming up, SERVPRO of North Highlands and Rio Linda wish you a fun and safe Fourth of July!

Sacramento Campfire Safety Tips for Camping Season 2017

5/7/2018 (Permalink)

Tips to stay safe this camping season, from SERVPRO of North Highlands & Rio Linda

Even though we aren’t in a drought, it still the dry season. It is always important to stay safe no matter the conditions when making a fire, for your safety and the safety of others. Here are some safety tips on how to pick a spot, prepare your fire, and extinguish it properly.

How to Pick a Campfire Spot

1. DO NOT build a campfire if the campground, area or event rules prohibit them.
2. DO NOT build a campfire in hazardous, dry conditions.
3. Find Out if the campground has an existing fire ring or fire pit.
4. If there is not an existing fire pit, and pits are allowed, choose a site at least 15 feet from tent walls, shrubs, trees or other flammable objects. Beware of low-hanging branches.
5. Choose an open, level location away from fuels such as logs, brush or decaying leaves.
6. Take wind, and its direction, into account when choosing the site. Choose a spot that’s protected from gusts.

How to Prepare your Campfire Pit

1. Clear a 10-foot-diameter area around the site. Remove any grass, twigs, leaves and firewood.
2. Dig a pit in the dirt, about a foot deep.
3. Circle the pit with rocks.

How to Build Your Campfire

1. Make sure you have a source of water, a bucket and shovel nearby at all times.
2. Gather three types of wood from the ground always. Never cut whole trees or branches, dead or alive. Live or fresh materials won’t burn, and you’ll be damaging the forest. Dead standing trees often are homes for birds and other wildlife.
1. Tinder: Small twigs and dry leaves grass and needles.
2. Kindling: Sticks smaller than 1″ around.
3. Fuel: Larger pieces of wood. Keep these stacked upwind, away from the fire.
3. Loosely pile a few handfuls of tinder in the center of the fire pit.
4. Ignite the tinder with a match or lighter.
5. Wait until the match is cold, and discard it into the fire.
6. Add kindling and fuel, the larger firewood, as it grows and to keep it going.
7. Keep the fire small and under control.

How to Extinguish your Campfire

1. Allow the wood to burn completely to ash, if possible.
2. Pour plenty of water on the fire. Drown ALL material, not just the visibly red material. Pour until hissing sounds stop.
3. If you do not have water, stir dirt or sand into the embers with a shovel to bury the fire.
4. With your shovel, scrape any remaining sticks and logs to remove any embers. Make sure that no embers are exposed and still smoldering.
5. Continue adding water, dirt or sand and stirring with a shovel until all material is cool.
6. Remember: If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave. Pack it in, Pack it out. It is your responsibility to pack out everything that you packed in, including any trash.

Between professional fire damage services, or fire safety tips. SERVPRO of North Highlands & Rio Linda is here to provide 24/7 fire damage services. Call us at (916) 991-1522, or visit our website for more information.

The inside of your ducts can be a host to all sort of debris

1/10/2018 (Permalink)

After your sacramento fire disaster, here's a general guide of what you can and cannot repair

If you have just had a fire in your home, it is unfortunate to see the packout of your life as the house is prepared for restoration. SERVPRO of North Highlands and Rio Linda is prepared to help you recover and clean any family heirlooms, valuables, and other possessions that are important to you and your family. In one particular case, a family had a hand made quilt representing their family that had a piece added for every member. After this quilt was tossed from their home by a firefighter, we helped to restore and remove the soot and smell from the quilt.

In other cases, we have a sophisticated ultrasonic cleaning system meant for restoring items after a fire, which you can read about on our blog.

SERVPRO of North Highlands and Rio Linda proudly serves our community as a locally owned and operated business. We are ready 24/7 for your needs, call 24/7 at (916) 991-1522 when disaster strikes, so we can make your home “Like it never even happened.”

Stay Warm Sacramento, but Stay Safe

11/30/2017 (Permalink)

 Space heaters can be a cost effective way to heat small spaces, but with simple designs can often be a fire hazard.

Heating (or cooling) houses is an inefficient way of staying warm. Unless someone is in each room of the house at any given time, you are ultimately heating space that no person is occupying. The best way to save money is to then heat only one room you are currently in, or with some space heaters that are directional, have heat flowing directly towards you to keep yourself warm.

With this in mind, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), space heaters account for 30% of all home fires, and 4 out of 5 deaths where the fire was caused by home heating. Below are some tips to help you stay safe, while staying warm this winter in Sacramento.

Safety:

1. Keep a safe distance of about 3 feet between anything and the space heater. This especially includes bedding, curtains, and furniture.
2. Keep kids away from it, as they may not be as aware of their ability to catch fire or burn them as you are.
3. Do not plug space heaters into extension cords, and do not step on their cords.
4. Turn them off before going to sleep, leaving a room, or leaving them unattended.
5. Have smoke and carbon monoxide monitors to detect possible fires.
6. Only use space heaters that are “UL Listed” which means they have been independently tested for safety.
7. Do not use any sort of burning space heaters indoors, only use electric heaters that do not produce fumes when functioning properly.

Space heaters, although ideally efficient, actually will cost more in the long run to heat your home. It is much more important to have your home properly insulated and to use a conventional central heat pump type system than to just try use a space heater for an extended period of time. If you must, make sure you do it safely. If anything should happen, call SERVPRO of North Highlands and Rio Linda 24/7 for fire damage restoration at (916) 991-1522.

Ultrasonic Cleaning Processes to Save Your Precious Belongings

11/1/2017 (Permalink)

These are just some of the tools we use to make your disaster "Like it never even happened."

Cleaning even the most delicate heirlooms with our custom ultrasonic cleaning system

When it comes to a fire, there is a sizable consideration beyond structural damage. Even things that are not directly burned will likely have soot and smoke damage throughout your home or business. Oftentimes these items can be valuable or difficult to clean manually, such family heirlooms, cookware, and other trinkets.

With our system, we are able to take your items from the pack out, rinse them, wash them in a specialized solution, wash them in an ultrasonic bath, rinse them again, dry them, and pack them up “Like it never even happened.” We specialize in fire restoration, but of your home or business and the contents of it.

This is just one of the things SERVPRO of North Highlands and Rio Linda has to offer you when it comes to your fire disaster. Always here to help, we are ready 24/7 when you need us. (916) 991-1522 for your local, certified restoration experts. When it comes to the rest of the services we offer, feel free to visit the rest of our website for more information.

Smoke Alarms: A Necessary Annoyance

9/27/2017 (Permalink)

Stay safe Sacramento, with proper fire alarm maintenance.

Every house has them, not all houses have them on. According to the National Fire Prevention Association, about half of all fires (house, or business) had deactivated smoke alarms, disconnected smoke alarms, or smoke alarms without batteries. This can often happen in rental properties, where the residents do not necessarily know how to replace their smoke alarm’s batteries, or do not care. Regardless of the situation or how annoying the little ‘chirp’ from the smoke alarm can be, it is important that you properly protect your smoke alarms.

There are plenty of resources online for properly maintaining the specific smoke alarm you have, if you need more help you can contact an electrician, American Red Cross, or local fire department. Alarms, in addition to maintaining power, should be tested monthly with the test button.

Be sure to visit our other blog posts on fire safety, as well as contact SERVPRO of North Highlands and Rio Linda when your disaster happens.

Dryer Vents, an Incredible Sacramento Safety Hazard

9/5/2017 (Permalink)

Clean Vents: Safety, Efficiency, and Savings.

Prevent the loss of your home and danger to you and your family with one simple home checkup.

It is important to make sure that the dryer vent is clean. The dryer vent is a flexible tube that runs from your clothes dryer to the outside of your house. When cleaning the lint from the filter before you run the dryer, you are cleaning the bulk of material produced by the drying process. Beyond this material mistakes, and slowly builds up over time in the hose from your dryer to the outside world. The unfortunate truth about lint is that it is extremely flammable, and this excess buildup causes over 1/3rd of house fires related to dryers.

By keeping this tube clean by inspecting and cleaning it yearly, you can help ensure that this won’t be the cause of your next disaster. If you notice the dryer, or your clothes are unusually warm, or that it is taking longer to dry your clothes it is important to check up on the exit and make sure the vent door can open, and that it is not clogged.

SERVPRO of North Highlands and Rio Linda proudly serves our community with the help it needs when disaster strikes, water, mold, or fire damage are our specialties. If you need help, call us 24/7 at (916) 991-1522 or visit our website for more information on our services.

Sacramento Smoke and Soot Services

8/7/2017 (Permalink)

Sacramento House Fires we've helped to make "Like it never even happened."

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

Smoke and soot facts:

Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.

Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.

The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

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

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

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

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

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

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

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

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

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

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?

Call Us Today – 916-991-1522

Grilling Tips from Your Friends at SERVPRO of North Highlands of Rio Linda

7/12/2017 (Permalink)

Sacramento grilling safety tips to keep this summer safe and fun.

Stay safe Sacramento, grilling tips to prevent fire this summer.

Year round Sacramento locals are injured while using their grills, whether they are gas powered or charcoal powered. Following these helpful safety tips can help Sacramento stay safe and prevent fires this summer:

1. Keep your grill away from your house, as far as you reasonably can. Never use a grill under any overhangs wood or otherwise
2. Make sure the grill has sturdy ground to sit on- prevent it from falling over
3. Keep your grill clean to prevent unwanted fire
4. Always supervise the grill while you are using it
5. Use long tools to keep yourself safe while using the grill
6. Make sure anyone not using the grill stays away from the grill

From your friends at the SERVPRO of North Highlands and Rio Linda, we wish Sacramento a safe and fire free summer. If you face fire, water, mold, home, or commercial damage, call us at (916) 991-1522, or visit our website for more information.

Why You Need Professional Help With Your Sacramento Fire Damage

6/21/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Highlands and Rio Linda can restore your fire damaged Sacramento property when you need it

When a fire damage event occurs at your Sacramento home or business, it is important to get damage repaired as quickly as possible. Fires often leave homes and businesses in a state the space is unusable. Keeping downtime to a minimum is crucial so you may get back to normal, “Like it never even happened”.

After a fire has been eliminated, the largest secondary damage due to a fire becomes an immediate concern. Plenty of water damage can occur in the course of fighting a fire, resulting in damage to furniture, clothing, drywall, your ceiling, and floor. By utilizing state of the art techniques and equipment, SERVPRO quickly mitigates this secondary damage using wet-vacs, fans, dehumidifiers, and pumps.

Smoke is the next concern that needs professional attention after a fire. Smoke damage is quite substantive, and not just surface level. Smoke damage can become embedded in your walls, carpet, flooring, and furniture. Without professional assistance, this smoke damage will stay and linger for years after fire damage has occurred. Beyond this, soot also has a long lasting effect, and causes cosmetic damage by staining and discoloring your property.

It is tempting after a disaster such as fire damage to your Sacramento home to carry out the restoration process on without professional assistance, but the project will take longer, and be far less effective and returning your property to its original state. Hiring SERVPRO of North Highlands and Rio Linda will ensure that the project gets done right. Our professionals will help you to salvage your goods with our IICRC-trained technicians, and to solve the aforementioned issues caused by a fire with our specialized equipment and technicians.

When the unthinkable occurs, feel free to call SERVPRO of North Highlands and Rio Linda 24/7 at (916) 991-1522. We are a locally owned business with the national resources to solve your home or commercial needs.

Using Electronics Safely: Preventing Your Next Fire Disaster

6/21/2017 (Permalink)

Properly using your cords and electrical outlets can help to prevent fires in your home, keeping you and your family safe

From your friends at SERVPRO of North Highlands and Rio Linda, here are a few tips on staying safe with your electrical appliances in your home. When it comes to electricity, the degradation of cords and sockets can cause a “short” to occur between the wires, this sparking may cause a fire.

1. Socket Guards - Install socket guards when not using a plug, they are cheap and simple and can protect children from injury
2. Unplug, Not Pull - When unplugging an appliance, make sure to pull from the base of the plug and not the cord to prevent damage
3. Replace Damaged Cords - If you spot a damaged cord or cable, be sure to replace it before the damage becomes worse.
4. Running cords or cables under your carpet can cause them to degrade over time when people step on them, and if they do become damaged you cannot see it
5. Know Your Power - Check the wattage rating on cords to avoid overloading them. Don’t overload any circuit, don’t daisy chain adapters so that you can plug more into one socket
6. Leave The Ground - Never cut the third prong and remove the grounding ability from high-powered electronics
7. When placing extension cables, don’t leave them hanging on metal surfaces, heated surfaces, or sharp surfaces
8. When buying extension cords, ensure they are certified by organizations such as “UL Listed”

With these helpful tips, SERVPRO from North Highlands and Rio Linda hope you and your family will continue to be safe and disaster free. For all of your other cleaning and restoration needs visit our website or call us at (916) 991-1522.

Sacramento Campfire Safety Tips for the 2017 Camping Season

6/20/2017 (Permalink)

A safe fire pit will make for a safer trip, for your family and the forest.

Tips to stay safe this camping season, from SERVPRO of North Highlands & Rio Linda

Even though we aren’t in a drought, it still the dry season. It is always important to stay safe no matter the conditions when making a fire, for your safety and the safety of others. Here are some safety tips on how to pick a spot, prepare your fire, and extinguish it properly. 

How to Pick a Campfire Spot

1. DO NOT build a campfire if the campground, area or event rules prohibit them.
2. DO NOT build a campfire in hazardous, dry conditions.
3. Find Out if the campground has an existing fire ring or fire pit.
4. If there is not an existing fire pit, and pits are allowed, choose a site at least 15 feet from tent walls, shrubs, trees or other flammable objects. Beware of low-hanging branches.
5. Choose an open, level location away from fuels such as logs, brush or decaying leaves.
6. Take wind, and its direction, into account when choosing the site. Choose a spot that’s protected from gusts.

How to Prepare your Campfire Pit

1. Clear a 10-foot-diameter area around the site. Remove any grass, twigs, leaves and firewood.
2. Dig a pit in the dirt, about a foot deep.
3. Circle the pit with rocks.

How to Build Your Campfire

1. Make sure you have a source of water, a bucket and shovel nearby at all times.
2. Gather three types of wood from the ground always. Never cut whole trees or branches, dead or alive. Live or fresh materials won’t burn, and you’ll be damaging the forest. Dead standing trees often are homes for birds and other wildlife.
1. Tinder: Small twigs and dry leaves grass and needles.
2. Kindling: Sticks smaller than 1″ around.
3. Fuel: Larger pieces of wood. Keep these stacked upwind, away from the fire.
3. Loosely pile a few handfuls of tinder in the center of the fire pit.
4. Ignite the tinder with a match or lighter.
5. Wait until the match is cold, and discard it into the fire.
6. Add kindling and fuel, the larger firewood, as it grows and to keep it going.
7. Keep the fire small and under control.

How to Extinguish your Campfire

1. Allow the wood to burn completely to ash, if possible.
2. Pour plenty of water on the fire. Drown ALL material, not just the visibly red material. Pour until hissing sounds stop.
3. If you do not have water, stir dirt or sand into the embers with a shovel to bury the fire.
4. With your shovel, scrape any remaining sticks and logs to remove any embers. Make sure that no embers are exposed and still smoldering.
5. Continue adding water, dirt or sand and stirring with a shovel until all material is cool.
6. Remember: If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave. Pack it in, Pack it out. It is your responsibility to pack out everything that you packed in, including any trash.

Between professional fire damage services, or fire safety tips. SERVPRO of North Highlands & Rio Linda is here to provide 24/7 fire damage services. Call us at (916) 991-1522, or visit our website for more information.

Fireworks Safety Tips in California, From Your Friends at SERVPRO of North Highlands & Rio Linda

6/19/2017 (Permalink)

Professional fireworks display, within safe and well regulated conditions

SERVPRO of North Highlands and Rio Linda Hope You Have Fun and Avoid Fires this Fourth of July!

15,600 fires are started every year by fireworks, according to the National Fire Protection Association. By taking the proper safety precautions, many of these fires could have been easily avoided. If you want to enjoy the celebrations without the risks of fire, go to a professional show. Professional shows are big, fun, and most importantly- safe.

If you still can’t resist having your own firework celebration, here is a list of the recommended safety precautions from the National Council on Firework Safety.

• Obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks
• Know your fireworks; read the cautionary labels and performance descriptions before igniting
• A responsible adult should supervise all firework activities, and never give fireworks to children
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix, save your drinks for after the show
• Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks
• Light one firework at a time and then quickly move away
• Use fireworks outdoors in a clear area; away from buildings and vehicles
• Never relight a “dud” firework, wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water
• Always have a bucket of water and charged water hose nearby
• Never carry fireworks in your pocket or shoot them into metal or glass containers
• Do not experiment with homemade fireworks
• Dispose of spent fireworks by wetting them down and place in a metal trash can away from any building or combustible materials until the next day
• FAA regulations prohibit the possession and transportation of fireworks in your checked baggage or carry-on luggage.
• Report illegal explosives, like M-80s and quarter sticks, to the fire or police department

With Fourth of July coming up, SERVPRO of North Highlands and Rio Linda wish you a fun and safe Fourth of July!

For information on fire damage services to your home or business, call us at (916) 991-1522 or visit our website.