'Tis The Season to Decorate Safety

12/12/2024 (Permalink)

Pretty lights, candles, and decorations are just a few of the items bringing charm and cheer to the holiday season - however, if they are not used carefully, your holidays may go from festive to frightening in a moment's notice. The American Red Cross offers the following safety tips to help greatly reduce the risk of fire in your home or business.

• Place Christmas trees, candles, and other holiday decorations at least three feet away from heat sources like fi replaces, portable heaters, radiators, heat vents, and candles.
• Make sure string lights and other holiday decor are in good condition. Do not use lights with frayed electrical cords. Do not string too many strands of lights together no more than three per extension cord.
• Always unplug the Christmas tree and other lights before leaving the property or going to bed.
• Use only sturdy Christmas tree stands that are designed not to tip over. Keep curious pets and children away from Christmas trees.
• Keep burning candles on a solid surface where they cannot be easily knocked over. Monitor them closely and remember to always blow them out. Burning candles lead to nearly three times as many residential fires on Christmas Day, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
• Do not light the fi replace if you have hanging stockings or other decorations on the mantle that can overheat or catch fire. 
• If you use a live Christmas tree, make sure it's fresh and keep it watered. To test if the tree is fresh, bend the needles up and down to make sure no needles fall off.

Your local SERVPRO franchise team wishes you a safe & happy holiday season! 

Deep Fried Turkey Safety Tips

11/26/2024 (Permalink)

Thanksgiving is a time for making memories and celebrating holiday traditions, including family recipes. With the speed of deep-frying a turkey and the irresistible flavor it yields, turkey frying has become a Thanksgiving favorite for many. If you plan to deep-fry your holiday bird this year, be sure you know how to safely use the fryer and brush up on these precautions provided by the National Fire Prevention Agency to protect yourself, your guests, and your home.

• Set up your deep fryer more than 10 feet away from any structure. Keep off the deck, out of the garage, and a safe distance away from trees.
• The oil must be always even and steady to ensure safety. Place the fryer on a flat, level surface and carefully gauge the amount of oil needed.
• Make sure your turkey is completely thawed and dry before slowly placing it in the hot oil.
• Do not leave the fryer unattended. Continuously monitor the temperature of the oil.
• Protect yourself. Lids and handles can become very hot and cause burns. Wear proper personal protective equipment.
• Always have a fire extinguisher ready. A multipurpose, dry-powder unit is best in the event the oil ignites. 

Prevent Fires While Cooking

11/19/2024 (Permalink)

Did you know cooking equipment is the leading cause of residential fires? As the holiday season begins and you find yourself in the kitchen more often while hosting friends and family, fire precautions should be top of mind.
A property owner experiences a flood of emotions when a fire ravages their business or home. Fear, uncertainty, stress, and doubt about the future of the property and their livelihood can be overwhelming to the property owner long after the flames have been extinguished and the smoke has cleared.
After the first wave of heroes have rescued the property, let SERVPRO of Northern Las Vegas help you restore it to its preloss condition. Combining rapid response, the utmost professionalism, and open communication throughout the entire job process, we strive to restore not only the home or business structure, but the customer’s peace of mind as well.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) offers the following eye-opening statistics on structure fires.

• 482,030 structure fires were reported in the United States in 2018.
• These fires caused $9.9 billion in property damages.
•  One structure fire was reported every 48 seconds.

If the unthinkable happens and a fire strikes your business or home, give the experts at SERVPRO of Northern Las Vegas a call. We will help make it “Like it never even happened.” 

Holiday Safety Travel Tips

11/6/2024 (Permalink)

With the holidays fast approaching, perhaps you are making plans to travel to visit family or friends. Before you hit the road to stuff your belly, take a little extra time to prepare your house for your absence. This will only increase your peace of mind while you’re away and help reduce the chances of unexpected problems. For example, emptying the fridge and pantry of foods that will perish while you are gone is a good practice; consider freezing items that could be saved for later. Throw your items away before your weekly trash pick-up, to avoid critters feasting on your scraps. To ensure that you are aware of any thawing of the freezer, place a cup of ice in there. When you return, if the ice is still separate, the food should be fi ne. If, however, the ice has melted, that indicates that the contents in your freezer thawed and re-froze, which means you should throw away what was in there. Set your thermostat for your absence. Consider turning off the water at the main line. If you do turn off the water, remember to run the faucets until they are dry, and flush all the toilets and turn off their incoming water at the base of the tank. If you will be gone awhile, it might be a good idea to turn off your hot water heater as well, or set it to vacation mode, to save energy. Make sure that all exterior windows and doors are locked, including the garage. If you have a hide-a-key, think about  moving it inside, or giving it to a trusted neighbor in case of an emergency. If you have a fi replace, close the flue to prevent animals and birds from coming inside from that route. Aside from ensuring that your home avoids accidental damage in your absence, you want it to appear that you are not gone. Set lights on a timer, ask your neighbors to check on your property, and do not post about being out of town on social media. By following these suggestions, you will be in a good position to enjoy your holiday season!

The Mold Mitigation and Remediation Process

10/31/2024 (Permalink)

When there’s a water intrusion, like a roof leak or leaking water line, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business. Mold can affect your health and can also cause significant damage to your property. Fortunately, SERVPRO of Northern Las Vegas has the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem. Although every mold damage scenario is different, requiring a unique solution, the general mold remediation process stays the same. The following steps illustrate a “typical” mold removal process.

Call SERVPRO of Northern Las Vegas         

The mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call SERVPRO of Northern Las Vegas. A representative will ask a series of questions to help determine the necessary equipment, resources, and personnel needed.

Inspection & Damage Assessment            

Your property will be carefully inspected for signs of mold using technology designed to detect mold and hidden water sources. Mold feeds on cellulose and water which can be hidden from plain view.

Mold Containment                                  

Various containment procedures will be placed to prevent the spread of mold and isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process.

Air Filtration                                      

Specialized filtration equipment captures microscopic mold spores out of the air. SERVPRO of Northern Las Vegas utilizes powerful air scrubbers and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in progress.

Removing Mold & Mold-Infested Materials    

The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of surfaces on which the mold appears. Antifungal and antimicrobial treatments will be used to eliminate mold colonies and help prevent new colonies from forming. Removing and disposing of mold infested porous materials, like drywall and flooring, may be necessary to remediate heavy mold growth.

Cleaning Contents & Belongings          

SERVPRO of Northern Las Vegas cleans your furniture, decorative items, and other restorable items affected by mold. They use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and sanitize your belongings. They are also trained to remove odors and deodorize using fogging equipment.

Restoration

Depending on the level of mold damage, drywall, subfloors, and other building materials may be removed. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet, or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

SERVPRO of Northern Las Vegas understands mold and mold growth and has the training and equipment to remediate mold in your home or business. 

The Importance of Cleaning Dryer Vents

10/28/2024 (Permalink)

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), failure to clean home dryers causes 34% of home dryer fires. Home dryer fires cause $35 million in property loss and can even cause injury or death. To reduce the risk of these fires happening in your or your insured’s home or business, SERVPRO of Northern Las Vegas can help clean dryer vents and ducts that may have lint buildup. 

Other tips for keeping your dryer vents clean from the National Fire Protection Agency include cleaning the lint filter before and after each load, and making sure the outdoor vent flap will open and is not restricted by snow, a bird’s nest, or other potential obstacles. For more information on cleaning dryer vents contact us today.

How to Make A Home Fire Escape Plan

10/24/2024 (Permalink)

• Draw a floor plan or map of your home showing all the doors and windows.
• Visit each room and mark two ways out.
• All windows and doors should open easily. You should be able to use them to get outside.
• Make sure your home has smoke alarms. Smoke alarms should be in each sleeping room, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home. Push the test button to make sure each alarm is working properly.
• Pick a meeting place outside in a safe location. It should be somewhere in front of your home. Everyone in your household will meet at that meeting spot.
• Make sure your house or building number can be seen from the street.
• Review your fire escape plan with everyone in your home.
• Make sure everyone in your home knows how to dial 911 or your local emergency number.
• Practice your home fire drill at least twice a year if not more! 

Every Second Counts

10/21/2024 (Permalink)

Every second counts during a fire. Fire experts agree; people have as little as two minutes to escape a burning home before it’s too late to get out. In a matter of moments, a small flame can become a major fire, making it critical to be prepared and have an escape plan in place. A survey conducted by the American Red Cross shows only 26 percent of families and businesses have developed and practiced a fire escape plan. Once a plan is developed, it is critical everyone in the home or office understands the plan. The best way to do this is by practicing the escape plan at least twice a year. Increase your chance of surviving a fire by ensuring you have working smoke detectors in place, building an escape plan, and then practicing it. The following are a few suggestions to help you develop an emergency escape plan.
Draw a map of each level of your home or business and show all the doors and windows. Find two ways to get out of each room. Make sure all doors and windows that lead outside open easily. Consider escape ladders for sleeping areas on the second and third floors. Only purchase collapsible escape ladders evaluated by a recognized testing laboratory. Store them near the window where they will be used. Choose an outside meeting place a safe distance in front of your home where everyone can meet after they’ve escaped. Make sure to mark the location of the meeting area on your escape plan. Teach children how to escape on their own in case you cannot help them. Plan for everyone in your home or office, with special considerations for elderly or disabled individuals. Practice your fire escape plan during the day and at nighttime. 

Keep Fall Fire-Free

10/4/2024 (Permalink)

The fall season brings cooler temperatures, beautiful colors, and an abundance of outdoor activities. Plan ahead this season to help ensure it is safe and fire-free.

• Fall decorations, like dried flowers and cornstalks, are highly flammable. Keep these and other decorations away from open flames and heat sources, including light bulbs and heaters.
• Keep emergency exits clear of decorations so nothing blocks escape routes.
• Teach children to stay away from open flames. Be sure they know how to stop, drop, and roll if their clothing catches fire.
• Remember safety first when choosing a Halloween costume. Consider avoiding billowing fabric. If you are making your costume, choose material that won’t easily ignite if it comes into contact with heat or a flame.
• It is safest to use a flashlight or battery operated candle in a jacko-lantern. Use extreme caution if using a real candle. Place lit pumpkins away from anything that can burn and out of the way of doorsteps, walkways, and yards.

Portable Fire Extinguishers

9/27/2024 (Permalink)

can be life and property saving tools when used correctly. In order to operate an extinguisher, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) suggests remembering the word PASS:

Pull the pin. Hold the nozzle pointing away from you and release the locking mechanism.

Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire. 

Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.

Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side.

Read the instructions on the fire extinguisher and become familiar with them before a fire breaks out. Remember, extinguishers do have limitations. It is also important to ensure you have the correct type of extinguisher for your facility. To find more information on choosing the appropriate class of extinguisher, please visit the NFPA website at https://www.nfpa.org/