Smoke Restoration

THE UNITED STATES HAS A FIRE problem. With an average of more than 1.6 million fires reported per year in this country alone between 1998 and 2007, the numbers tell a harrowing tale. An average of 3,695 Americans lost their lives and more than 19,000 were injured annually during that same time period as result of fires.

This issue of the Restoration Newsline is dedicated to raising awareness to the angers of fire. Inside this Newsline you ill find fire prevention tips, fire escape device and more information on how to prevent costly secondary smoke damage to your possessions should a fire strike your home or business. If a fire does damage your property or the property of a client, consider he following steps to help prevent additional damage until your local SERVPRO® Franchise Professional arrives:

• Limit movement in damaged areas.
• Keep hands clean to prevent the
  spread of soot and dirt particles.
• Brush vacuum loose soot particles
  from upholstery, drapes and carpet.
• Change your HVAC filter.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over
  your air registers.

The following are several tips that could potentially save your life or the life of a loved one should a fire break out in your home or business.Restoration Newsline .
Look for more fire escape planning tips in next month’s issue of the Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home.

• Test smoke alarm batteries every month and change them at least once a year.
• Consider installing a 10-year lithium battery-powered smoke alarm.
• Practice finding your way out of the house with your eyes closed, crawling or staying low and feeling your way out of the house.
• Remember to escape first, then notify the fire department.
  

In 2007, THE MOST RECENT YEAR statistics are available, 1,557,500 fires were reported in the United States. These blazes caused 3,430 deaths and 17,675 civilian injuries while costing more than $14.6 billion in damage. Though some fires are unavoidable acts of nature or unpredictable accidents, many fires in the home and workplace are avoidable. The following tips, courtesy of the National Fire Protection Association, can help reduce the likelihood of a fire in your business or home.

10 Key Fire Safety Tips

1. Watch your cooking: Stay in the kitchen if you are frying, grilling or broiling food. Never allow young children around the stove or oven, especially if they are not closely attended.
2. Give space heaters space: Keep space heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn.
3. Smoke outside: If you must smoke inside, have a sturdy, deep ashtray. Never smoke in bed.
4. Keep matches and lighters out of reach: Keep matches and lighters in high cabinets, preferably under a child lock.
5. Inspect electrical cords: Replace cords that are cracked, damaged, have broken plugs or have loose connections.
6. Be careful when using candles: Keep candles at least one foot from anything that can burn. Blow them out before you leave the room or go to sleep.
7. Have a fire escape plan: Make a fire escape plan and practice it at least twice a year.
8. Install smoke alarms: Install alarms on every level of your office or home and inside bedrooms. Interconnect nthem so they all sound at once.
9. Test smoke alarms: Test alarms once per month. Replace batteries once per year or as needed.
10. Install sprinklers: Sprinklers can help maintain and sometimes even extinguish fires, giving your local fire department a better chance of saving your property.