Archived Fire Damage Blog Posts
Kitchen Fire
9/5/2023 (Permalink)
Kitchen fire damage
Did you know that cooking accounts for approximately 49% of all home fires in the U.S? Leaving the stove unattended is the #1 cause of fires in the Kitchen as well.
It is so important to be aware of the dangers of oils and grease at elevated temperatures. In just 30 seconds a small flame can turn into a significant loss.
When afiredamages your home, our trained professionals are equipped to handle smoke and damages. Our capabilities include the following:
- Water removal from firefighting efforts
- Smoke damage and soot removal
- reconstruction
We are 24/7 and here to help. Contact us at 570-714-0090
Summer Firework Safety
6/13/2022 (Permalink)
When using fireworks this Summer, practice these tips to stay safe.
When using fireworks this Summer, stay safe with these tips below:
- Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
- Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.
- Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Parents don't realize that young children suffer injuries from sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees - hot enough to melt some metals.
- Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
- Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
- Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
- Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
- Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
- After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.
- Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.
Have a fun and safe Summer!
Fire Safety Tips for Shavertown Residents
4/27/2022 (Permalink)
Grill safely this season!
As Summer is quickly approaching, many of us will take dinner outside to the grill. While it's an awesome time of year, it's important to remember safety while using the grill. Taking safety measures can prevent fires to your Shavertown home.
Based on 2013-2017 annual averages:
- July (17%) was the peak month for grill fires, followed by June (14%), May (13%) and August (12%).
- The grill had not been cleaned in roughly one-quarter of the fires.
- More than one-quarter of grill structure fires started on an exterior balcony or open porch. Ten percent began when an outside wall caught fire; 5% began with some type of structural member or framing.
- Eighty-five percent of grills involved in home fires were fueled by gas while 10% used charcoal or other solid fuel.
- Gas grills were involved in an average of 8,700 home fires per year, including 3,600 structure fires and 5,100 outdoor fires annually. Leaks or breaks were primarily a problem with gas grills. Eleven percent of gas grill structure fires and 23% of outside gas grill fires were caused by leaks or breaks.
- Charcoal or other solid-fueled grills were involved in 1,100 home fires per year, including 600 structure fires and 500 outside fires annually.
Enjoy these first few months of Spring and Summer! Remember safety when grilling out. We're always here to help.
Source: nfpa.org
Emergency Board Ups in Pittston
3/29/2022 (Permalink)
Emergency Board Ups are crucial following an emergency.
SERVPRO of Kingston, Pittston City and Wyoming County can provide Emergency Board Up Services. If your home or business incurs storm or fire damage resulting in an opening in your building you may be in need of emergency board up services. Any openings in the structure need's to be properly boarded up to protect the building from weather and illegal entry.
SITUATIONS THAT MAY CALL FOR BOARD-UP SERVICES INCLUDE:
Kitchen fire in Pittston home
2/4/2022 (Permalink)
Kitchen fires can be prevented
One of the scariest experiences you can face is dealing with a home cooking fire. It can take only one second for something to catch on fire. You can take a number of steps to prevent this from happening in your home.
Watch What You are cooking
Unattended cooking is a leading cause of cooking fires. You can mitigate fire risks by:
- Staying in the kitchen when you fry, broil, or grill
- Turning off the heat source if you do leave then kitchen, even for a moment or two
- Using a timer when cooking and be sure to check on food regularly to ensure it is not getting overdone
Clear Your Cooking Surfaces
- Keep flammable items such as wooden spoons, potholders, towels, and paper towels clear of the stovetop
- Clean the oven regularly to remove any food debris and clean up spills immediately
- Clean stovetops regularly, removing oil, grease, and food debris
- Keep flammable items such as paper packaging or plastic bags clear of cooking appliances such as toasters, toaster ovens, deep fryers, or electric skillets
- Clean grease and oil from the outside of pots and pans before you put them on the stove or in the oven
Maintain Personal Safety
- Do not wear loose-fitting clothing around cooking surfaces, especially loose sleeves.
- Roll up sleeves to keep them away from cooking surfaces.
- Tuck in shirts before cooking.
- Secure long hair to keep it away from cooking surfaces.
- Keep children and pets away from cooking surfaces.
- If you have children in the house, consider using the back burners of the stove.
General Safety Tips
- Prevent spillovers of grease or oil by not overfilling pots and pans.
- Keep metal out of the microwave.
- Be careful when lighting a pilot light or flame.
- Do not leave candles or steno pots burning unattended.
Keep Fires from Getting Out of Control
- Install a smoke detector just outside of your kitchen.
- Keep a dry chemical fire extinguisher in the kitchen
- Do not put water on a grease fire. Instead, smother it with a pot lid or use baking soda or a chemical fire extinguisher.
SERVPRO of Kingston, Pittston City and Wyoming County has the water and fire damage training and expertise to help you through this tough time. Once the fire department leaves, your Kingston home may suffer from water damage caused by firefighting efforts. We have the specialized fire and water damage restoration training, personnel, and equipment to manage fire and water damage and can quickly restore your home to pre-fire condition.
Available 24/7- Call us today at 570-714-0900
Commercial Fire at Warehouse Facility
1/24/2022 (Permalink)
Here to Help following large commercial fire
Our team is on site of a large commercial fire loss in the Back Mountain. No job is too large or too small for us to handle. With almost 1,800 franchises nationwide including our large loss team, we have crews and resources that will respond immediately.
When your commercial property is suddenly hit with damage due to a storm, flood, fire or other disaster, it can leave you, your employees and customers in shock. It’s important to know that you have professional large-loss specialists to handle the restoration process as quickly as possible so that you can get back to business. SERVPRO’s Disaster Recovery Team is an elite team of technicians. We’re strategically located and prequalified to respond Faster to any size disaster.
SERVPRO of Kingston, Pittston City and Wyoming County is trained and certified to mitigate and restore properties following water/fire damage - Available 24/7 - 570-714-0090
Aftermath of Fire Damage in your Pittston Home
12/23/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO Fire Damage Restoration
Fires can be devastating, and it is so important to follow proper procedures to restore your home and belongings. In addition to the emotional stress of fire damage, smoke and soot, can be toxic. It important to contain the area affected. Unfortunately smoke and soot can travel throughout the rest of your home. To prevent this a few simple tips can be followed to help mitigate some of your damage.
- Try to limit movement in your home to prevent particles from moving throughout your home
- Place clean towels on the rugs and upholstery and highly carpet traffic areas
- Keep your hands clean to avoid further contamination on walls or upholstery.
Our SERVPRO team of professional are highly trained to restore you home and belongings.
For additional tips check out our fire damage section on our website at https://www.SERVPROkingstonpittstoncitywyomingcounty.com/
Our team at SERVPRO Kingston, Pittston City, Wyoming County is available 24/7. Call us today at 570-714-0090.
Kitchen fire in local home
12/7/2021 (Permalink)
Kitchen fire damage
Many fires start in the kitchen where we spend so much of our time. It is important to follow some simple tips to ensure your home is safe.
Keep appliances serviced, clean, and in good repair. Dump the crumb tray and clean out the toaster crumbs periodically from the toaster or toaster oven. Wipe out the microwave. Clean the oven. Replace any appliances that are acting up and not functioning properly.
Unplug electric appliances when not in use. Toaster ovens, mixers, and coffee makers continue draw electricity even when they’re not turned on. So if the wiring is old or faulty, or if the thermostat overheats, a fire could break out.
Install a smoke detector near, but not in the kitchen. You don’t want the small amount of smoke or steam that cooking sometimes generates to constantly trigger the alarm — but you do want it to sense an actual kitchen fire.
Use caution when lighting the pilot light or burner on a gas stove. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions
Don’t use metal in the microwave. The sparks can turn into fire or can seriously damage your microwave.
Don’t overfill pots or pans with oil or grease. The hot oil or grease, like in this figure, can splatter and cause a fire.
Wipe up spills and don’t cook on a dirty stove. Grease buildup is flammable. A clean stove is a fire-free stove.
Always roll up long sleeves and tie back long hair when cooking. You don’t need your beautiful flowing silk sleeves trailing in the spaghetti sauce, and you certainly don’t need to catch on fire!
Never leave cooking food unattended. Stay in the kitchen, especially if you’re cooking in grease or if the oven is at a very high heat. Turn off the burner or oven if you need to leave the house or get caught up in a phone call.
Keep dish towels, pot holders, and paper towels away from the stove. You might have left a burner on by accident, and built-up heat could ignite combustibles left near or on the stove or oven.
source: https://www.dummies.com/article/home-auto-hobbies/food-drink/cooking-baking/general-cooking-baking/how-to-prevent-kitchen-fires-201406
SERVPRO of Kingston, Pittston City, Wyoming County is here to help should you find yourself in need of emergency services. Contact us today at 570-714-0900 24/7.
Fire Safety this Thanksgiving
11/22/2021 (Permalink)
Practice Fire Safety in the Kitchen!
As the weather gets cooler and we get into Fall and Winter, many are ready to do some comfort food cooking. Whether you're a pro or new to the kitchen, it's important to remember fire safety. Emergencies can happen to anyone. Below are some steps to ensure safety while cooking this season.
What you should know about home cooking safety
- Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, don’t use the stove or stovetop.
- Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, boiling, or broiling food.
- If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the kitchen while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
- Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains — away from your stovetop.
If you have a cooking fire
- Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
- Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number after you leave.
- If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear way out.
- Keep a lid nearby when you’re cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.
- For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
- Call us at 570-714-0090 for fire damage restoration services.
Source: https://www.nfpa.org
Fire danger awareness
11/1/2021 (Permalink)
Fireplace Safety
Fall and Winter brings brisk and chilly weather. This is also the time of year we begin to utilize our fireplaces. It is important to be sure your fireplace is ready and you practice fire safety.
It is recommended to have your fireplace inspected to be sure it does not need be cleaned before the holidays.
It also important to be sure you have a screen on your fireplace to prevent any sparks from landing.
As we enjoy the holidays and gatherings with family be safe.
SERVPRO of Kingston Pittston City, Wyoming County is here to help. Call us 24/7 at 570-214-0900.
Fire Damage in South Wilkes Barre
6/15/2021 (Permalink)
Fire damage in South Wilkes Barre Commercial Building
When a fire hit a local Nail Salon in South Wilkes Barre SERVPRO Kingston, Pittston City, Wyoming County was on the scene to help! Our highly trained technicians are ready 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to respond to fire emergencies. We have the expertise to restore your home or business quickly and properly.
Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call SERVPRO Kingston, Pittston City, Wyoming County Today at 570-714-0090.
Reconstruction Services after a Fire in Duryea
2/9/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO - Water & Fire Damage - Cleanup and Restoration
After the fire trucks leave, your Duryea home likely suffers from fire and smoke damage and extensive water damage from firefighting efforts. We have the specialized fire restoration and reconstruction training needed to restore your home to pre-fire condition.
Every fire damage event is a little different, and requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate our process for the “typical” fire damage emergency.
Step 1: Emergency Contact
The restoration process begins when you call SERVPRO of Kingston, Pittston City and Wyoming County, which is staffed 24 hours a day. Our representative will ask a series of questions regarding the fire damage event that will help us with the appropriate equipment and resources.
Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment
Our Professionals will carefully inspect and test adjoining rooms of your property to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is crucial to developing a plan of action.
Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service
Fire damage can often compromise windows, walls, and roofs. To maintain security and to protect against further damage, the we can board up missing windows and walls and place tarps on damaged roofs.
Step 4: Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)
The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. They will then use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process.
Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces
We use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces.
Step 6: Cleaning and Sanitizing
They will clean all of the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. They use a variety of cleaning techniques to restore your belongings to pre-fire condition. They’re also trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.
Step 7: Reconstruction
Reconstruction is the final step—getting your home or business to its pre-fire condition. Reconstruction 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.
Causes of Winter Fires in Wilkes-Barre
1/25/2021 (Permalink)
Be aware of the leading causes of Wilkes-Barre home fires.
Heating, holiday decorations, winter storms and candles all contribute to an increased risk of fire during the winter months. Below are the common causes of house fires throughout the winter months.
Heating
Heating is the second leading cause of U.S. home fires, deaths and injuries. December, January and February are the peak months for heating fires. Space heaters are the type of equipment most often involved in home heating equipment fires, figuring in two of every five fires (40%).
Winter storms
Most of the U.S. is at risk for winter storms, which can cause dangerous and sometimes life-threatening conditions. Blinding wind-driven snow, extreme cold, icy road conditions, downed trees and power lines can all wreak havoc on our daily schedules. Home fires occur more in the winter than in any other season, and heating equipment is involved in one of every six reported home fires, and one in every five home fire deaths.
Generators
Portable Generators are useful during power outages, however, many homeowners are unaware that the improper use of portable generators can be risky. The most common dangers associated with portable generators are carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, electrical shock or electrocution, and fire hazards. According to a report, half of the generator-related deaths happened in the four coldest months of the year, November through February, and portable generators were involved in the majority of carbon monoxide deaths involving engine-driven tools.
Candles
December is the peak time of year for home candle fires; the top three days for home candle fires are Christmas, New Year’s Day, and New Year’s Eve. Each year between 2012 and 2016, an average of 8,200 home candle fires were reported each year.
Electrical
Electrical home fires are a leading cause of home fires in the U.S. Roughly half of all home electrical fires involved electrical distribution or lighting equipment, while nearly another half involved other known types of equipment like washer or dryer fans, and portable or stationary space heaters.
Stay safe this winter season and be aware of the leading causes of fires. We are always here to help in the event of an emergency fire.
Source: www.nfpa.org
Fire Damage Board Ups in Luzerne
12/30/2020 (Permalink)
We can provide emergency board ups.
Did you know that not only can we restore a property after fire damage, but we can also provide Emergency Board Up Services? If your home or business incurs storm or fire damage resulting in an opening in your building you may be in need of emergency board up services.
Here are some reasons it is very important to have an emergency board up after a fire damage event:
- Protects the property from people entering it and causing more damage from spreading soot via foot traffic.
- Protects the buildings from robbery or vandalism causing more stress.
- Prevents wild animals entering the building and causing more damage.
- Protects the building from further damage from rain, wind, etc.
Following an emergency, call us to board up your home or business to ensure it is safe throughout the restoration process.
Fire Damage in Wilkes-Barre
12/18/2020 (Permalink)
We can help following a fire.
Fire damage can be very devastating for a business or commercial property. In addition to fire, smoke, and soot damage, water damage caused by firefighting efforts and fire suppression systems may occur. Every hour spent restoring your business back to pre-fire condition is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. If you have a fire emergency, call SERVPRO of Kingston, Pittston City and Wyoming County.
Commercial Fire Damage? Call Us Today 570-714-0090
Commercial Restoration Presents Unique Challenges
We have the training, experience, and equipment to manage your commercial fire damage emergency. We will respond quickly and manage the fire restoration project through to its completion—getting your property business-ready.
- Fire and Smoke Restoration Technician
- Odor Control Technician
- Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning Technician
- Water Damage Restoration Technician
Causes of Winter Fires in Kingston
11/4/2020 (Permalink)
Common Causes of Home Fires in Kingston
Winter is the most common time of year for accidental fires. Space heaters, fireplaces, and candles are examples of hazards that create fire risk in times of cold weather. Here are a few things you can do to stay safe while keeping warm:
- Candle Fires: Keep candles away from flammable objects. Every year careless candle placement is a leading cause of fires in the United States.
- Space Heaters: Similar to candles, space heater fires are also common in the winter months. Most are due to clothing, curtains, or other flammable objects placed far too close to the heater. Be sure to keep flammable objects at least three feet away from space heaters.
- Fireplaces: Always put out the fire in your fireplace before you leave your home or go to sleep at night, and always keep a watchful eye while the gas or logs are burning.
- Overworked Electrical Outlets: Heating appliances require a great deal of electricity. Only plug one heating appliance into an electrical outlet at a time.
- Non-working Smoke Detectors: Be sure your smoke detectors are fully functioning and have fresh batteries for the winter months. Smoke detectors should be replaced every seven to ten years to maintain full functionality.
You can keep warm, and also practice fire safety to keep your home and business safe and fire free this season!
With Cooler Temps this Fall - Remember Space Heater Safety
9/4/2019 (Permalink)
Use Caution when Using Space Heaters
Space Heater Safety
It is approaching the season many are utilizing their space heaters to stay warm during the Fall and Winter months. Although comfortable and cozy, space heaters can cause a significant increase in home and business fires. Space heaters are the type of equipment most often involved in home heating equipment fires, figuring in just over two of every five fires (43%). Significantly, the fires involving space heaters accounted for 85% of the civilian deaths and 78% of civilian injuries in home fires caused by heating equipment, as well as over half (53%) of direct property damage. Below are a few safety tips you can reference if using a space heater in your home or business.
- Place space heater on flat level surface. Don't put on shelf or high traffic areas.
- Plug a space heater directly into an outlet and avoid using an extension cord.
- Never leave space heaters unattended.
- Only use space heaters that are nationally recognized in a testing lab.
- Don't use a space heater if the plug is broken or the cord is damaged.
- Keep your space heater at least 3 feet away from flammable items, pets, and children.
- Do not use around water.
If you decide to utilize your space heaters, please use caution and reference these safety tips to avoid a fire. If you find yourself dealing with a fire, we are always here to help! 570-714-0090
Cooking Safely this Thanksgiving
11/9/2018 (Permalink)
Practice Fire Safety this Thanksgiving.
As Thanksgiving approaches, it's important to remember fire safety while preparing meals for the holiday. First responders are called out to nearly 2,000 home fires on Thanksgiving and most are due to unattended cooking. Please practice cooking safety this season and use the tips below from NFPA to ensure a fun and safe Thanksgiving feast.
Safety tips
- Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop so you can keep an eye on the food.
- Stay in the home when cooking your turkey and check on it frequently.
- Keep children away from the stove. The stove will be hot and kids should stay 3 feet away.
- Make sure kids stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns.
- Keep the floor clear so you don’t trip over kids, toys, pocketbooks or bags.
- Keep knives out of the reach of children.
- Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.
- Keep matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children — up high in a locked cabinet.
- Never leave children alone in room with a lit candle.
- Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.
From our family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!
Source: www.nfpa.org
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