Holiday Fire Safety in North Bay Shore: Don't Let Festive Decorations Turn Into a Disaster

12/4/2023 (Permalink)

Prevent Fires From Happening

The holiday season is a magical time of year in North Bay Shore, filled with twinkling lights, beautifully decorated trees, and the warmth of family gatherings. While we all love to get into the holiday spirit by decking the halls, it's essential to remember that safety should be a top priority. Unfortunately, holiday decorations can sometimes pose fire hazards. Here at SERVPRO of North Bay Shore, we want to help you enjoy the season without any unexpected disasters.

Deck the Halls Safely

One of the most significant fire hazards during the holidays is the Christmas tree. Whether you prefer a real tree or an artificial one, it's crucial to keep it well-watered. A dry tree can catch fire in a matter of seconds. Be sure to check the water level daily, and if you opt for an artificial tree, make sure it's fire-resistant.

Light Up the Night Responsibly

Stringing lights is a beloved tradition, but it can also be a potential fire hazard. Inspect your lights for frayed wires, broken bulbs, or any signs of damage. Always turn off the lights when you leave home or go to bed to avoid any potential overheating issues. LED lights are a safer, more energy-efficient choice for your holiday decorating.

Candle Caution

Candles create a cozy atmosphere, but they can quickly become dangerous if left unattended. Keep them away from flammable materials, out of reach of children and pets, and never leave them burning when you leave a room.

Be Mindful of Space Heaters

With the temperatures dropping in North Bay Shore, space heaters are commonly used to keep warm. Make sure to place them at least three feet away from any flammable materials and never leave them unattended.

Fire Extinguishers and Smoke Alarms

Ensure your smoke alarms are functioning correctly, and have a fire extinguisher on hand. These devices can be lifesavers in the event of an emergency.

Plan for Safety

It's always a good idea to have a fire safety plan in place. Make sure your family knows what to do in case of a fire, including how to exit your home quickly and safely. This can make a huge difference in preventing injuries or fatalities.

Your Local Fire Damage Restoration Experts

Despite your best efforts, accidents can still happen. If your holiday season takes an unexpected turn and you experience a fire-related disaster, SERVPRO® of North Bay Shore is here to help. Our highly trained professionals are available 24/7 to respond to your fire damage restoration needs. We will clean up the mess, restore your property, and help you get your life back to normal as quickly as possible.

Don't let holiday decorations turn into a disaster this season. Follow these safety tips to ensure a joyful and fire-free holiday. If you ever need assistance with fire damage restoration, contact SERVPRO of North Bay Shore. Wishing you a safe and happy holiday season!

What to Do After a House Fire

6/19/2023 (Permalink)

What to Do After a House Fire: Essential Steps for Recovery

Experiencing a house fire can be a devastating and traumatic event. Once the flames are extinguished, it's crucial to take immediate action to ensure your safety and begin the process of recovery. In this blog, we'll guide you through the essential steps after a house fire, providing valuable insights to help you restore your home and life.

1. Ensure Safety

The first and foremost priority after a fire is to ensure your safety. Wait for clearance from firefighters or professionals who can assess the structural integrity of the building, only re-entering your home once the authorities deem it safe.

2. Contact Your Insurance Company

Notify your insurance company about the fire as soon as possible. They will guide you through the claims process and provide information on coverage for fire damage restoration.

3. Document the Damage

Take photographs or videos of the damage caused by the fire. It's essential to capture the extent of the destruction for a comprehensive assessment. This documentation will serve as evidence during the insurance claim process.

4. Secure the Property

If necessary, board up broken windows, doors, or other openings to secure your property from theft or damage.

5. Seek Professional Fire Damage Restoration

Fire damage restoration requires specialized knowledge and equipment. Hiring professionals like SERVPRO of North Bay Shore ensures a thorough assessment, cleanup, and restoration process. Their skilled technicians will efficiently handle soot removal, smoke odor elimination, structural repairs, and content restoration.

6. Assess and Salvage Personal Belongings

Work with your fire damage restoration team to assess which personal belongings can be salvaged. They have the expertise to restore items that might seem beyond repair, such as furniture, electronics, and important documents.

7. Address Health Concerns

Fire residues, smoke, and soot can pose serious health risks. Consult a healthcare professional if you experience symptoms like coughing, difficulty breathing, or eye irritation. Prioritize your well-being throughout the recovery process.

Suffolk County Fire Damage Repair and Restoration Services

If you require fire damage repair and restoration services in Suffolk County, contact SERVPRO of North Bay Shore at (631) 948-2458 or visit their website. Our experienced team is available 24/7 to assist you in recovering from the aftermath of a house fire.

What are the Common Causes of House Fires?

5/9/2023 (Permalink)

Common Causes of Home Fires: Prevention Tips and Fire Damage Restoration

Home fires can occur any time of year, but the winter tends to be the peak season, as heating and cooking can create fire hazards that are not present during the summer. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), fire departments nationwide respond to a home fire every 86 seconds. In 2019, there were 1,291,500 fires, resulting in 3,704 civilian fatalities, 16,600 civilian injuries, and $14.8 billion in property damage.

Here are some of the common causes of how a fire starts in a home:

Cooking Causes

One of the primary causes of home fires is cooking. Unattended cooking equipment is the leading cause of home cooking fires, causing 31% of total home fires and 55% of cooking fire injuries. A simple trip outside or lack of attention while cooking can lead to disastrous results. Homeowners can prevent these types of fires by never leaving cooking food unattended, staying in the kitchen while cooking, and keeping flammable materials away from the range.

Heating Hazards

Another common cause of house fires is heating equipment. Portable heaters can also be a fire hazard, as they can easily be knocked over and ignite nearby objects. Heating equipment causes 14% of home fires and 23% of fire fatalities annually. To prevent fires, homeowners should have their heating systems inspected annually, use space heaters with automatic shut-off switches, and place space heaters at least three feet away from other objects.

Smoking Dangers

Smoking is another primary cause of home fires, causing 5% and 23% of home fire deaths. A lit cigarette that falls onto a flammable surface can ignite anything nearby. To prevent this fire, smokers should smoke outside, properly extinguish cigarette butts, and ensure that all smoking materials are disposed of safely.

Count on SERVPRO of North Bay Shore for Fire Damage Restoration

A house fire can happen to even the most careful homeowner, but preventative measures can reduce the risk. If a fire occurs, SERVPRO of Oakdale is here to help restore and repair fire damage in Suffolk County. Our team of professionals can assist with fire damage clean-up, repair, and restoration services. 

Contact us today for a quick response and expert care for all your restoration needs.

What are the Biggest Fire Hazards at Home?

9/28/2022 (Permalink)

Most Significant Fire Hazards in Your Home

Are you aware of the common fire hazards? We know that losing personal items and a safe place can devastate homeowners. Though some fires are unpredictable, most of them can be avoided with some safety precautions measures. 

From the Suffolk County fire damage professionals at SERVPRO of North Bay Shore, we’re here to share important advice to prevent a fire from starting in your home.

1. Cooking

According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking was the number one cause of reported home fires from 2015 to 2019. When you’re cooking, stay alert and don’t leave anything unattended. Additionally, avoid using the stove if you are exhausted and limit kitchen items (e.g., oven mitts or wooden spoons) on your stovetop, as they are highly flammable.

2. Candles

As much as we love using candles to make our homes smell like apples and cinnamon, they are huge fire hazards that can get out of control easily. Before lighting a candle, ensure that you read the safety instructions to prevent burning it for any longer than what is recommended. Furthermore, candles should only be burned on heat-resistant surfaces, away from children and pets.

3. Smoking

Smoking in a house could have various consequences, the main one being causing a fire. If cigarettes are not properly put out, they can create a flame, as the end of the cigarette can remain lit for hours, making it a risk. Make sure to use a sturdy ashtray on a solid surface, not on a chair or sofa, because someone may bump into it, and it will start a fire. What’s more, avoid throwing hot cigarette butts on the ground.

4. Barbecues

Hosting a family gathering is all fun and games until there is a fire. When you are barbecuing, ensure your grill is outside and has a clear path around it, meaning no plants, tablecloths, or tree branches nearby. We recommend that you maintain the grill by cleaning it with soapy water and cleaning the grease trap to reduce the fire risk.

5. Electrical Equipment

A myriad of electrical items can lead to a fire transpiring; lamps are one of the most hazardous ones. Due to the lightbulb's high temperature, ensure that it is not touching flammable objects and does not remain powered when you leave the house. 

Another fire hazard is extension cords. If there are too many cords plugged into the power strip, it can cause a spark. A good tip is to unplug cables once you are not using them anymore or to invest in a surge-protected power strip.

24-Hour Emergency Fire Damage Services

Though you may be experiencing a stressful situation, we’re here to help. Located in North Bay Shore, NY, SERVPRO offers emergency disaster damage repair and restoration services for residents and business owners. Contact us today at (631) 948-2458 or fill out a form for assistance!