Recent Fire Damage Posts

Christmas & holiday tree safety tips

12/28/2023 (Permalink)

christmas tree with santa decoration Christmas trees are responsible for 240 home fires each year. Follow these safety tips to prevent such disasters.

Statistics from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) show the holidays are a high-risk time for home fires. Christmas trees are responsible for 240 home fires each year, and other holiday decorations are the cause of another 1,170 fires.

Here are some tips to keep your home safe this holiday season: 

•Check the stand daily to make sure that the level of water does not go below the base of the tree.

•Keep trees at least 3 feet away from major sources of heat (fireplaces, heaters, heat vents, and direct sunlight). Lowering the room temperature will slow the drying process.

•Use lights that produce low heat, such as miniature lights, to reduce drying of the tree.

•Always inspect light sets before placing them on the tree. If worn, replace with a new set.

•Do not overload electrical circuits.

•Always turn off the tree lights when leaving the house and before going to bed.

•Monitor the tree for freshness. After Christmas or if the tree is dry, remove it from the house.

•Install and ensure smoke alarms work inside and outside each bedroom and sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home, including the basement.

In the unfortunate event you have a fire, call SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney & Silver Spring North, 301-340-1313. We are here 24/7 to make it "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO Team Gutierrez wishes you a safe & joyous holiday season!

Flames or Soot: Restoring a home after a fire can be stressful

11/7/2023 (Permalink)

fire damage and soot in kitchen Fire damage can be devastating. Give us a call today, and we will make the restoration process as easy as possible for you.

Our SERVPRO® of Rockville-Olney & Silver Spring North emergency response crews recently responded to a couple of commercial fires, a hi-rise condo building and an older apartment building. Restoring a home — whether a condo, apartment or single-family — after fire damage is a difficult and emotional process. Not only are we here to help with the cleanup and restoration of your property, but for your family as well.

Flames can cause the most visible damage to your property but the most damage comes from the smoke and soot. Soot is a coating of fine, black dust created when substances are burned. Inhaling soot can cause health effects. It is important to our team that we get rid of all the after-effects of the fire — not only the damage but also the odor. Our expertise and experience allow us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.

Before restoration begins, our SERVPRO® of Rockville-Olney expert will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will be based on which type of smoke damage there is. Below are the different types of smoke:

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.

Call SERVPRO® Team Gutierrez of Rockville-Olney & Silver Spring North when you're in need of cleaning after fire strikes. We know it is hard seeing your home in flames and we are here to restore it the best we can. We're here 24/7 to help. 301-340-1313.

Tips for a safe Thanksgiving

11/6/2023 (Permalink)

a thanksgiving turkey Follow these tips for a safe turkey bake & Thanksgiving!

Autumn is in full swing if the colorful foliage and cool weather are any indication. Which means Thanksgiving is just around the corner!

While Thanksgiving is a joyous time when family and friends gather together and give thanks, it’s also the time of year when the number of house fires increases. Our teams at SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney & Silver Spring North offer a few tips to better ensure your safety, as well as the safety of your family, pets, property and belongings during the holiday season.

First, let's talk turkey, and oven preparation. To prepare, clean your stove and oven. Old food crumbs and grease must be removed. Over time, grease can build up, leaving quite a residue that can be flammable.

When you’re ready to put your turkey in the oven, set a timer. Also make sure your smoke alarms are working in case of an emergency.

While a fire caused by baking a turkey in the oven is much less common than a fire caused by frying a turkey, it’s still very important to take all precautions and while in use, to monitor the oven closely.

A few safety tips to follow include:

  • No long sleeves while cooking to avoid catching on fire
  • Pot handles turned towards the back of the stove to avoid tipping or falling
  • Remember health safety tips, too!
  • Thaw and dry properly
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure turkey has been fully cooked

SERVPRO Team Gutierrez wishes our customers & friends a very happy and safe Thanksgiving!

Check out our website for more fire safety tips: www.SERVPROrockvillesilverspringnorth.com/fire-damage-tips

What To Do When Dealing With Fire Damage in Your Home

10/30/2023 (Permalink)

burned house SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney & Silver Spring North are the experts on restoring fire, water and mold damage. We make it "Like it never even happened."

Life has enough interruptions and bumps along the way without the unwanted disaster of a house fire.

The aftermath is almost as bad, but much longer-lasting. Even small fires can merit the use of a professional restoration company. Cooking fires that spread beyond the stove, barbecue grills that go haywire, and even small appliances that catch fire can cause damage to surrounding areas. 

Small Fires Can Pose High Risks 

While you should never pour water on a grease fire, nor on an electrical one, many times that is a person's first reaction. This can cause even more damage. Cooking fires and electrical shorts are common causes of fire in Montgomery County. It can also create physical risks to people standing nearby. With grease fires, baking soda should be poured into the skillet and any grease or oil that has caught fire outside of the cooking pan or skillet instead of water. 

With electrical fires, the appliance should be unplugged if it can be safely done, but not by pulling on the cord. This can cause the cord to snap, leaving the plug without the cord still in the outlet. The power to the area where this is happening should be shut off at the fuse box as quickly as possible to eliminate the hazard. 

After the Fire is Out, It's Time to Repair the Damage 

After firefighters put out the fire, have someone assess the damages for you. This can often help with insurance documentation. Landlords, if you are renting, will also appreciate if you inform them of the fire, and they can see the damage for themselves. It is every landlord's worst nightmare to have a fire or flood damage their properties. If they can see the amount of damage, they can rest easier knowing the extent of the repairs required. Fires do happen, through nobody's fault, and your landlord will know this. 

Damage can range from blackened walls and countertops to heavily burned surfaces, electrical wires being damaged and requiring replacement, to floors suffering damage so severe they must be replaced to be safe again. Having experts assess and conduct the repairs needed can greatly facilitate insurance claims being resolved, as well. 

Hopefully you will never have to experience a fire in your home, business or building, but if you have recently dealt with this catastrophe and need professional restoration to your residential or commercial property, give us a call today at 301-340-1313.

At SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney & Silver Spring North, Team Gutierrez technicians are the experts on restoring fire, water and mold-damaged property. We are “faster to any size disaster.” No job is too large or too small!

Most Home Fires Start in the Kitchen

10/20/2023 (Permalink)

fire flame in pan in the kitchen Follow these quick tips to help prevent a major fire damage emergency in your home!

With Halloween just around the corner, the holiday season won't be far after that, which means that many of us will be spending a lot more time in the kitchen.

This also means that, with every dish we cook on the stove or in the oven, every pumpkin pie and each batch of Christmas cookies you make, there is a greater risk of a fire emergency. 

Aside from calling 9-1-1, which should be one of your first moves, here are some quick tips for dealing with a fire emergency in your kitchen.

  1. Always watch your cooking; don't leave anything unattended
  2. Set a timer so that you don't accidentally burn something or forget that an appliance is being used
  3. If something on the stove catches on fire and it is small, cover it with a lid and turn off the burner
  4. Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen near your cooking area where it is easily accessible
  5. Add baking soda to a grease fire, not water
  6. Clean your appliances regularly so that grease does not accumulate and start a fire
  7. Clean and dust around and behind appliances, as dust accumulation can cause fires if it is close to electrical wiring
  8. Keep flammable objects away from cooking appliances, especially items like tea towels and potholders 
  9. Install a smoke alarm in your kitchen
  10. Test your smoke alarms and make sure they will work when you most need them!

Keep these quick tips in mind to help prevent a major fire damage emergency from taking place in your home this season!

In the event that you've got fire or water damage in your home, you can count on the experts like us, SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney & Silver Spring North, to respond quickly to restore your property to minimize further damage. Call us 24/7 at 301-340-1313.

SERVPRO Team Gutierrez will make it "Like it never even happened!"

We are faster to any disaster when it comes to commercial fire damage restoration!

8/25/2023 (Permalink)

Green SERVPRO truck in front of building Our crews recently provided cleanup & restoration services to a local condo building that suffered al fire on its top floors.

Has your commercial property recently experienced a fire?

Whether you manage or own commercial property, you know that fire loss can be extremely devastating. Not only does fire destroy property, furnishings, flooring and much more, but smoke also damages the property, leaving behind soot and strong, fiery odors.

Water damage is an additional loss after a fire. Firefighters must use significant amounts of water to extinguish such a fire. With water damage comes the chance of mold growth. This is why it’s important to have the water completely dried as soon as possible.

Whether you own an office building, shop, car garage, museum, etc., dealing with the aftermath of a fire places a lot of responsibility on you, not to mention the stress. At SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney and SERVPRO of Silver Spring North, our technicians are highly-trained in all the areas aforementioned: fire, water and mold remediation & restoration. Our tried-and-trued process and equipment ensure that your property will be restored and made “Like it never even happened.”

We also realize how stressful losses can be. When choosing SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney and Silver Spring North, you can rest assured you are in good hands. Our crew chiefs communicate very closely with clients to answer any questions they may have.

We also realize you are anxious to return to your business. Lost time is lost revenue. We will make sure your business is up and running as soon as it possibly can be. If your business has experienced a fire, call SERVPRO Team Gutierrez 24/7 at 301-340-1313 and we will be there "faster to any size disaster!" 

Enjoy the BBQs, Fireworks & Fun, But Be Safe!

6/26/2023 (Permalink)

Barbecue fire A backyard fire may seem fun, but there are risks so be safe!

Summer is traditionally known for fireworks, barbeques and picnics – all musts for major celebrations especially July Fourth!

While putting on a firework show at your own home may seem fun, there are many risks. If lighting fireworks is not legal in your residential area there could be a large fine. Moreover, keep in mind the potential dangers that could occur as a result of fireworks, such as severe burns, blindness and scars.

Kids should not be near or handling the firecrackers or rockets. Supervise children around fireworks at all times. To avoid the dangers of fireworks, enjoy a public fireworks display conducted by professionals.

If you choose to give your children sparklers, never leave children unattended with these. It is possible to get burned by the tip of the sparkler. Make sure your children do not point the sparklers towards themselves or others. Keep a bucket of water nearby for when your child is finished with the sparkler to ensure that the sparkler is no longer lit.

Take precaution for your pets, too! Leave your pets inside your home so there are no risks. Loud fireworks and unfamiliar places can be scary to pets.

Remember these tips when grilling:

  • Never grill in an enclosed area, as carbon monoxide could be produced.
  • Use caution when using lighter fluid on a barbeque. Do not add fluid to an already-lit fire, as the flame can flash back into the container and explode.
  • Make sure children are away from the grill.

Have fun this summer and stay safe!

Know who to call in the event you have fire or water damage in your home or business. Our emergency response teams at SERVPRO® of Rockville-Olney and Silver Spring North are here 24/7 to help! 301-340-1313.

Follow these tips to prevent a fire

6/3/2023 (Permalink)

Steaks on a grill Grilling is a major part of backyard gatherings in Summer. Follow these safety tips to avoid a fire.

There's nothing like warm, nice weather that yearns for outdoor fun such as barbecues and cookouts with family, friends and neighbors.

In Montgomery County, MD, we’re able to enjoy certain activities specifically in the summertime, whether it be outdoor cooking, camping or going to fireworks shows. These activities create wonderful summer memories between family and friends.

As you know, fire can spread quite easily in hot, dry air. It spreads more rapidly when wind is present. Our weather in Maryland is often hot, and windy, so it’s important to follow safety precautions. SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney & SERVPRO of Silver Spring North offer the following info to help make those gatherings safe & fun:

FIREWORKS

  • Instead of lighting your own fireworks, watch a public viewing. Leave the lighting up to the professionals.
  • If you do choose to use fireworks, do not attempt to re-light those that never lit on the first try. Instead, dump them in a bucket of water and properly dispose later.

OUTDOOR COOKING

  • Propane and charcoal grills are to be used outside only.
  • Make sure your grill is well away from you home. Keep it out from under roof edges and keep it away from tree branches, shrubbery, etc.
  • Remove all grease buildup on your grill to avoid a fire.
  • Never leave your grill unattended.
  • Be sure to keep kids and pets away from it.
  • Do not wear loose-fitting clothes while cooking outside.
  • Do not pour lighter fluid directly onto a lit grill.
  • Make sure the coals from a charcoal grill are completely cool before disposing. Cover the coals with water and mix to ensure they are extinguished.

CAMPFIRES

  • Make sure the park or town you're starting a campfire at allows it before lighting one.
  • Do not build a campfire near dry leaves or around any overhanging tree branches. Clear any vegetation in the area in which you dig your campfire pit in.
  • Do not dig your firepit near your tent.
  • Watch the campfire closely, never leaving it unattended.
  • Always keep lots of water near the campfire site.
  • Once finished, completely extinguish the fire.

We hope these tips help you to enjoy your summer and be safe at the same time! In the unfortunate event you have a fire or water damage situation, call SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney & Silver Spring North at 301-340-1313.

We're open 24/7 and here to help!

 

Clean dryer vents often to prevent a fire

4/17/2023 (Permalink)

fire in laundry room Empty or clean your dryer vent after each load to help prevent a fire disaster!

It can take minutes, but can prevent a fire that may cost a life or more.

Some 34% of home fires are caused by failure to clean the vent in a clothes dryer. A lint fire is a dangerous possibility. To avoid the hazard on lint buildup, occasionally pull out the vent and clean. Thoroughly dry the lint screen with a clean towel. You can also use a vacuum to clean the lint trap filter. SERVPRO® of Rockville-Olney can help clean dryer vents and ducts that may have lint buildup.

The National Fire Protection Agency gives us advice on how to keep your vents clean. Clean the lint filter before and after each load. It is vital to clean your dryer vents every so often to ensure your safety.

Here are some signs that your dryer vent may need to be cleaned:

  • Drying times are taking longer.
  • Your dryer is getting hot when you’re using it and your clothes are being damaged.
  • You can’t see any steam or head any noise outside your house at the wall vent when you run the dryer.

At SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney, we want to make sure you are taking the right precautions to avoid a house fire. If you do experience a fire caused by your dyer or any other appliances in your home call us today! 301-340-1313.

It's BBQ Season: A Fun BBQ is a Safe BBQ!

4/6/2023 (Permalink)

bbq fire A safe bbq is a fun bbq!

Spring is well under way and with nice, warm weather, who doesn't itch for those outdoor gatherings and grilling!

It's Barbecue Season, and while we want to enjoy a good barbecue with family & friends on our deck or yard, following some basic safety rules can help avoid disasters that would spoil the fun.

Fire Chief Scott Goldstein of the Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service offers these tips from the National Fire Protection Association:

  • Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use.
  • Position the grill well away from siding, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
  • Keep children and pets far away from grills: declare a 3-foot "safe zone" around the grill.
  • With charcoal grills, only use charcoal starter fluids designed for barbecue grills and do not add fluid after coals have been lit. NEVER use gasoline!
  • With gas grills, be sure that the hose connection is tight and check hoses carefully for leaks. Applying soapy water to the hoses will easily and safely reveal any leaks.
  • All propane cylinders manufactured after April 2002 must have overfill protection devices (OPD). OPDs shut off the flow off propane before capacity is reached. OPDS are easily identified by their triangle-shaped hand wheel.
  • Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and have the grill repaired by a professional, if necessary.
  • Remember to keep your grill clean! Periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below grill so it cannot be ignited by a hot grill.
  • Wear short, close fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking. Loose clothing can dangle onto grill and catch fire.
  • REMEMBER: Propane and charcoal BBQ grills must only be used outdoors. If used indoors, or in any enclosed spaces such as tents, they pose both a fire hazard and the risk of exposing occupants to toxic gases and potential asphyxiation.

(Learn more about fire safety by visiting https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcfrs-info/tips/citizens/grill.html)

Grilling and BBQ fires are not to be taken lightly. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), gas and charcoal grills cause an annual average of 1,500 structure fires and 4,200 outdoor fires in or on residential properties, resulting in a combined direct property loss of $29.8 million. 

For more safety tips, or if you have fire & smoke damages to your property, call SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney and Silver Spring North today at 301-340-1313 for professional remediation and restoration services. 

We are the fire & water cleanup and restoration experts, and can make your property damage "Like it never even happened."

Windy, Dry Weather Conditions Can Enhance Threat of Wildfires

4/6/2023 (Permalink)

Fire damaged property Warm weather & dry conditions can spark a brush fire that can affect property. Take precautions!
Spring brings lots of sunshine and beautiful flowering trees in full bloom all around us, but the warmer weather and oftentimes strong winds can create dry conditions that can spark wildfires.

If you live in the Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. region long enough, you've likely experienced countless days of strong winds and dry conditions. It's common to receive warnings from the National Weather Service urging area residents to be careful with any source of ignition and to dispose of smoking materials properly during the warmer months.

In general, it's always wise to properly discard all smoking materials, as any dry grasses and tree litter can catch fire and that ignite will have the potential to spread quickly.

The NWS offers these safety tips:

  • Take ashes outside, away from the house and combustible material.
  • Put ashes in a metal bucket/container.
  • Always use a metal container; never use a plastic or paper bag.
  • Completely immerse the materials in water.
  • Clear an area for the container — possibly down to dirt, ruling out the possibility that grass could catch fire if it were knocked over.
  • Allow the contents to soak for at least a week.

Fire damage can have extremely catastrophic effects on your property. SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney and SERVPRO of Silver Spring North are the area’s fire & water damage experts and are always “Faster to any size disaster.” Large or small, we will restore your fire- and water-damaged property, residential or commercial, with efficiency and detail.

Call us 24/7 at 301-340-1313. We’re here to help!

Campfires can bring family, friends together; but be safe!

8/30/2022 (Permalink)

campfire This fall season, create memories by having a campfire with family and friends! Be sure to follow safety precautions so that everyone has a good time!

Kids are back in school and Autumn is just a few weeks away after Labor Day weekend. It'll be the perfect time to have a campfire with family or friends. While enjoying spending time in the outdoors with your crew, it’s important to remember campfire safety, especially as dry foliage can be a serious fire hazard.

When leaves catch on fire, irritants are released into the air, which can cause respiratory problems. Additionally, campfires that aren’t properly prepared or maintained can cause huge issues such as burns or out-of-control fires, possibly developing into a forest fires.

Follow these important steps to keep everyone safe before and after the campfire, so that everyone can have a great time:

  1. Selecting your campfire spot: Look for signs and follow rules! If the area has rules prohibiting campfires, find another area, and do not build your campfire in an area with dry and/or hazardous conditions. Watch out for tree branches, and be sure to make your fire at least 15 feet from any shrubs, bushes, trees and tents. Inspect the area, ensuring no flammable items are nearby. Do not build a fire if winds are strong.
  2. Building your pit: If there’s no pit, you can dig your own. This website has great tips, along with pictures, on how to do so: https://smokeybear.com/en/prevention-how-tos/campfire-safety/how-to-prepare-your-campfire-pit
  3. Building your campfire: For everyone’s safety, it’s always important to gather a bucket of water along with a shovel before starting up the fire. When gathering wood, do not cut a tree or an entire branch. Instead, gather small twigs, and sticks or pieces of wood you find on the ground (or which you purchase). Large pieces of wood should always be stacked upwind, away from the fire. Make sure you don’t collect sticks from an animal’s dwelling space. For specific details on how to position and start your campfire, visit https://smokeybear.com/en/prevention-how-tos/campfire-safety/how-to-build-your-campfire. If you’re using matches to start the fire, make sure it’s cold before discarding (into your trash bag, of course). Once you start a fire, it must be monitored at all times. Adult supervision is required at all times. Children and pets must be closely and carefully watched.
  4. Maintaining a fire: Once you are pleased with your campfire, add larger pieces of wood to keep it going steadily, but keep your fire to a manageable size. Do not let it get out of hand. Also, do not burn plastics, cans, or glass, as doing so can result in explosions, shattering, or the release of dangerous fumes.
  5. Extinguishing your fire: If possible, allow firewood to burn to ash. Then, pour water on the fire. All embers must be completely soaked and dead (no red embers). Until the hissing sound stops, keep pouring water on the area. Remember, if it’s too hot to touch, it’s not appropriate to leave. Add more water, dirt, and/or sand until all material is cool.

We hope these campfire tips were helpful and will keep you and your family & friends safe! Enjoy Autumn 2022, from your friends at SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney and SERVPRO of Silver Spring North.

Turkey Tips

11/21/2019 (Permalink)

As Thanksgiving approaches (only one week away), we at SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney and SERVPRO of Silver Spring North want to give you a few very important tips on how to keep your home safe during the holidays.

Believe it or not, far too many home catch on fire during the fall season! Imagine preparing for the holidays just to have flames devour your property over something as small as a turkey. The impact around this time of year (as winter holidays quickly approach following Thanksgiving) is astronomical and quite stressful to say the least.

Yet time and time again, we are called to homes in the Silver Spring North, Rockville and Olney communities around Thanksgiving to cleanup and restore fire damage… and all because of a turkey.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, compared to any other day of the year, the number of house fires reportedly doubles on Thanksgiving Day.

We don’t want our neighbors of Silver Spring North and Rockville-Olney to have to experience such a catastrophe, especially during the busiest time of your year. We want to explain to you how a turkey can cause such a huge mess and then, provide you with some tips, so you are ready to enjoy the holidays!

So, how does the bird cause a fire? Well, these fires usually originate from a deep fryer. The oil used typically spills over the sides of fryer in these instances, and falls into flames beneath. Even vapors can react with the heat, causing a fire.

If your turkey has not been completely dried and thawed, the excess water will cause the oil to bubble and spill down.

Here in the Maryland/DC area, temperatures around the holidays drop. It’s typically quite cold outside. Rain or snow can also factor into the catastrophe. It can cause the oil to splatter.

Due to chilly weather, you might be tempted to shield yourself from the cold weather and fry your turkey in the garage or under your deck. Maybe you have a nice, screened-in deck you’d like to cook inside. Don’t! If your turkey catches on fire, the flames will extend to the ceiling or roof, then spread, engulfing the room and beyond.

Of course we understand people enjoy cooking their special dinner in a propane deep-fryer. So, we are including a few tips to follow in avoiding a fire!

  • Make sure your fryer is equipped with a gas valve controller
  • While in use, keep your fryer away from children, pets, trees, shrubs, bushes, vehicles, etc. alike
  • Your turkey must be completely thawed and dry before placing it in the fryer
  • Make sure the fryer in placed on a flat surface
  • Do not leave your fryer unattended
  • Notice the oil is beginning to smoke? Turn the propane tank off immediately!
  • Have a fire extinguisher handy

Be sure to check out our next blog including cautions and tips when cooking a turkey in the oven!

Fire Prevention Week!

10/2/2019 (Permalink)

Fire Prevention Week, brought to us by the National Fire Protection Association, is observed Sunday, October 6 through Saturday, October 12 of 2019.

The NFPA has sponsored this national and public observance week since 1922. With a goal of increasing awareness and education people young and old about fire safety, NFPA hopes causalities caused by fire will drastically decrease. 

This year, the theme is “Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape!”, and it aims to inform about the importance of escape planning and practicing it at least twice a year. The NFPA wants to encourage people to take small, but very important steps to ensure they and others will stay safe from fire.

It may be surprising to hear, but the average time it takes for a fire to consume an entire home is five minutes. Often times, there will only be one or two minutes for your escape. If you don’t have an escape plan, much disarray and chaos will result. A lack of an escape plan also puts you, your family, and even pets in a vulnerable position.

A video on the NFPA website highlights a few steps you can easily take to create your home fire escape plan. The steps are listed below and can also be found on the video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khyHziYGFZg&feature=youtu.be).

  1. Draw a map of your home
  2. Mark two exits from each room, typically a door and a window. Mark a path from each exit to the outside.
  3. Include the location of all smoke alarms in your home
  4. Choose a meeting place outside of your home where everyone will meet up once they have exited
  5. Add 911 or any other emergency number to your plan
  6. Call 911 once you’re outside. Use a neighbor’s phone or a cellphone if you have one on you

Check out NFPA’s website where you can gain valuable and even life-saving information. The website will equip you with free apps, videos, printables, and much more! There’s something for everyone of any age to check out on their page. https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Staying-safe/Preparedness/Fire-Prevention-Week/Resources

We at SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney and SERVPRO of Silver Spring North want you to stay safe! We know the damage a fire can do and find it very important that you create your own, home fire escape plan. We encourage you to take charge in preventing fires!

Holiday Fires - Christmas Tree Fire Safety

11/16/2016 (Permalink)

Bulbs on a tree Christmas Tree Fire Safety

Statistics from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) show the holidays are a high-risk time for home fires. Christmas trees are responsible for 240 home fires each year, and other holiday decorations are the cause of another 1,170 fires.

Here are some tips to keep your home safe this holiday season: 

•Check the stand daily to make sure that the level of water does not go below the base of the tree.

•Keep trees at least three feet away from major sources of heat (fireplaces, heaters, heat vents, and direct sunlight). Lowering the room temperature will slow the drying process.

•Use lights that produce low heat, such as miniature lights, to reduce drying of the tree.

•Always inspect light sets before placing them on the tree. If worn, replace with a new set.

•Do not overload electrical circuits.

•Always turn off the tree lights when leaving the house or when going to bed.

•Monitor the tree for freshness. After Christmas or if the tree is dry, remove it from the house.

•Install and ensure smoke alarms work inside and outside each bedroom and sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home, including the basement.

If you have a fire, call SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney or of Silver Spring North. We make it "Like it never even happened."