Grill Season Safety: Essential Tips for Accident-Free Outdoor Cooking"

6/5/2024 (Permalink)

It's officially grill season! As you fire up your grill for outdoor cooking adventures, safety should be your top priority. Preventing accidents and fires is crucial for enjoying a hazard-free grilling experience. Whether you prefer a gas grill or charcoal grill, following these essential safety tips will ensure your outdoor cooking remains enjoyable and incident-free:

Gas Grill Safety:

1. Check for Leaks: Before lighting a propane grill, inspect the gas tank for leaks. Apply a soapy water solution to the connections and look for bubbles forming. If you detect a leak, address it before proceeding.

2. Keep the Lid Open: Always ensure the gas grill lid is open before igniting it. This prevents gas buildup and potential flare-ups.

3. Location Matters: Place the grill a safe distance away from your home, deck railings, and overhanging branches. Avoid enclosed spaces to minimize fire hazards.

4. Children and Pets: Maintain a safe distance of at least three feet between the grilling area and children or pets to prevent burns and accidents.

Charcoal Grill Safety:

1. Use Charcoal Starter Fluid Safely: Stick to charcoal starter fluid only. Never add additional fluid or other flammable liquids to the fire once it's lit.

2. Avoid Moving the Grill: After lighting the charcoal grill, refrain from moving it to prevent accidents and spills.

3. Fire Extinguisher: Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and know how to use it in case of unexpected flare-ups.

General Grilling Safety Tips:

1. Clean Your Grill: Remove grease or fat buildup from grates and trays after each use to prevent fire hazards.

2. Cooling Coals: Allow charcoal coals to cool completely before disposing of them in a metal container to prevent fires.

3. Never Leave Unattended: Whether gas or charcoal, never leave the grill unattended while in use. Stay vigilant and monitor the cooking process.

By following these guidelines, you'll enjoy your outdoor meals without unnecessary risks. However, accidents can happen. In case of grilling mishaps like fires or smoke damage, don't hesitate to call SERVPRO of Greater Boulder for help:

24-Hour Help Line: 303-494-2000

Stay safe and enjoy your grilling adventures!

The Most Common Incidents That Spark House Fires | SERVPRO® of Greater Boulder

5/19/2023 (Permalink)

When fire disaster strikes, call SERVPRO of Greater Boulder to help get your home or business back in action.

No one wants to think about experiencing a house fire. They can be minor inconveniences or can be widespread enough to cause life-altering damage. In fact, more than 350,000 homes suffer damages due to house fires every year in the United States.

In order to keep your family safe and property intact, it is important to understand the most common locations and situations that spark house fires. Once you are armed with this knowledge, you can make simple changes around your home to reduce your house fire risk.

Kitchen Accidents

Half of all house fires start in the kitchen. That shouldn’t be too surprising since we all use heat and flame to cook our food almost every day.

When heat, flammable material or grease come together, a dangerous fire situation can occur without much forewarning.

When you are making your family a meal, do not leave the kitchen. Even if you only want to step away for a minute, that’s all it takes for a wandering spark to catch a towel on fire or for a grease fire to erupt. While you are in the kitchen, try to keep anything flammable far away from the flames or heat, and keep a lid nearby that you can quickly throw over a fire to snuff it out.

Electrical Malfunctions

Electrical fires often happen with no advanced notice. If you have faulty appliances or worn-out electrical wiring, you might not know until the flames are spreading throughout your room. Older homes are usually more vulnerable to electrical fires due to the age of the wiring behind the walls, but any home’s electrical box can become overwhelmed or malfunction.

In addition, lightning strikes can also impact your home. If a lightning bolt hits your house and travels down through your electrical current to reach the ground, the heat it produces can start an electrical fire that can quickly make its way through your house.

Heat- and Smoke-Related Incidents

Thankfully, we are on the upswing in terms of warmer weather right now, but space heaters and portable heaters also hold a significant fire risk. You should never leave them plugged in overnight or in a room that you are not in. A child or pet can easily overturn one and start a fire immediately.

Fires caused by cigarettes are often fatal and can cause disastrous effects for the whole family. Try not to smoke in your house, and certainly do not smoke in bed or when you are tired. Falling asleep while a cigarette is lit can be dangerous for your entire sleeping family.

No matter how your house fire starts, SERVPRO of Greater Boulder is here to help. We will quickly assess the damage and work hard to return your home to its preloss condition with ease and efficiency.

We can help you recover from a house fire. Contact us at SERVPRO of Greater Boulder.

Late Summer Fire Safety in Boulder County, CO

8/31/2022 (Permalink)

Leaves, pine needles, and other debris puts your home in danger of being affected by a fire.

It is summertime in Colorado! While we all love the fun activities that come with this time of year, it is important to remember that fire danger is also a lot higher. Feel safe leaving home to go paddleboard at Gand Lake for the day by prepping your house or business to be able to withstand a fire, should it come your way!

FEMA has some great recommendations on how to protect your property:

Roof

Roofs are the most at risk part of your property! Shingles and other roofing materials should use Class A non combustible materials. Eaves should have short overhangs and flat edging. Embers can catch on lifted edges or eaves, starting a fire. 

Vents

Install metal wire mesh to catch embers and keep them from blowing into your vents. Place fire blocks into the foundation and vents to starve any fire of oxygen and prevent fire from spreading. 

Debris

Create defensible space around your home or business to reduce risk of a fire reaching your property. 30 feet surrounding your home should be cleared of flammable vegetation and other combustible materials. Regularly clear out debris from gutters and rooftops.

https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-11/fema_protect-your-property_wildfire.pdf

Should you be in need of assistance following a fire at your property, SERVPRO of Greater Boulder is here for you! Call SERVPRO for help with fire damage at (303)494-2000 day or night 365 days a year.

Fire Alarm Placement in Colorado

3/9/2022 (Permalink)

A smoke alarm can protect your home from fire damage in Boulder County, CO.

Smoke alarms are a useful tool to protect your belongings and loved ones safe by alerting you in case of a fire. 

The National Fire Protection Agency recommends that fire alarms are installed on every floor of a home or business and inside and outside of every bedroom or place where someone sleeps. Alarms should be mounted in the middle of a ceiling, but if you are unable to mount your alarm on the ceiling, they can be mounted on the wall.  If wall mounted, place the alarm within 12 inches of the ceiling and at least three feet from corners. 

Keep smoke alarms away from:

• Fans and air ducts, they can blow smoke away and cause the alarm to not respond appropriately
• The shower or kitchen stove, the heat/steam/smoke from these can cause a smoke alarm to sound when there is not actually any danger. 

If your smoke alarm sounds, have a safety plan in place so that your family knows what to do. Before going through any closed doors, check to see if the doorknob is hot, and when moving through an area with a fire, crawl rather than walk to avoid smoke inhalation. If you are able to safely exit an area without help, do so before calling 911.  

If you or someone you know is in need of assistance with smoke damage or help with cleaning after a fire, call SERVPRO of Greater Boulder at (303)494-2000.  

https://www.firstalert.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-firstalert-Site/default/Content-Show?cid=smoke-alarm-tips

Maintenance of Smoke Alarms in Boulder CO

3/8/2022 (Permalink)

A smoke alarm should be maintained to protect your home or business from fire damage.

How many times have you had a smoke  alarm that’s beeping and you just silence it with the push of a button rather than dealing with the issue?

A fire can spark up without warning in a home or place of business and has the potential to destroy countless memories and years of work. A smoke alarm is a simple tool to help keep your things safe from a fire and quickly alert you to its presence. It’s important to keep your smoke alarms in good repair so that they can do their job. Here are a few tips about maintenance of a smoke alarm. 

The National Fire Protection Association recommends that each smoke alarm is tested once a month to make sure that they are working properly. Batteries should be replaced every six months and a fire alarm with a low battery “chirp” should never be ignored or silenced. A smoke alarm should be replaced at least every ten years or earlier.  

https://www.firstalert.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-firstalert-Site/default/Content-Show?cid=smoke-alarm-tips

Most Common Fires and Ways to Prevent Them in Boulder, CO

11/19/2021 (Permalink)

Candle burning in Boulder, CO

House or business fires endanger those around them and can cause thousands of dollars in fire and smoke damage.  Fortunately, the most common causes of fires can be avoided by simple measures to avoid damaging your home.

Cooking

The majority of fires in the kitchen happen when food is left unattended.  Don’t walk away from food especially when using grease or oil.  Also, make sure that any portable appliances like toasters are cooled down before they get stowed away.

Heating

Move any curtains or other combustible fabrics away from portable space heaters and never leave the house with them running.  

Electrical

Have a professional electrician come over to check wiring in your home and make sure that it isn’t outdated or damaged in any way.  Also refrain from performing electrical repairs unless you have extensive experience.  

Smoking 

If you smoke, it’s a good idea to only do so outside and to make sure that a cigarette butt is fully put out before it gets thrown away so that it doesn’t spark a fire inside your house.  

Candles

Remember to always put candles out before you leave home.  Make sure to also keep candles out of reach of children or pets who may knock them over and away from flammable materials. 

If your house is damaged by a fire, SERVPRO of Greater Boulder can help with mitigation and dealing with any odor or smoke clean up. 

Reach out if you need assistance with fire damage at (303)494-2000. 

https://www.SERVPROgreaterboulder.com/fire-smoke-damage-restoration

Types of Fire Extinguishers and When to Use Them

11/18/2021 (Permalink)

A fire extinguisher is a great safety tool to have on hand in case of emergency.

If a fire happens, you want to be prepared! The best thing that every person can know is how to put out a fire if one happens in their home or place of work.  Fire extinguishers come in five different types (A, B, C, D, and K) and they are each tailored to the materials they are meant to extinguish. 

Types of Fire Extinguishers:

A- The standard fire extinguisher that most people are familiar with. These extinguishers can be used on fires in/on wood, cloth, rubber, paper, and plastics.

B- This type of extinguisher is used for flammable liquids like: gasoline, lacquers, paint, oils, tars, or alcohols.

C- Used fires started by electrical equipment.

D- For fires dealing with combustible metals like titanium, sodium, potassium, or magnesium.

K- These extinguishers are for fires occurring in flammable cooking materials like animal fats and oils.

If you find yourself in a fire situation that you are able to safely manage, make sure you are using the correct fire extinguisher for your specific needs.  Never hesitate to call 911 if you are unable to safely manage the fire yourself.  SERVPRO of Greater Boulder is here for you if you need assistance with fire damage and restoring your space to its former glory.  Call us 24/7 365 days a year at (303)494-2000.

https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Publications-and-media/Blogs-Landing-Page/NFPA-Today/Blog-Posts/2021/07/16/Fire-Extinguisher-Types

Properly Installed Smoke Detectors in Boulder, Louisville, Superior and Lafayette

10/21/2021 (Permalink)

Small things like regularly checking your batteries can save lives.

There is no structure that cannot be made safer with properly installed smoke detectors in Boulder, Louisville, Superior and Lafayette. 

These devices, when used as instructed, can save lives and property.  SERVPRO of Greater Boulder knows the safety of your family is your number one concern.  It is ours as well.  To reflect that, we recommend that your home be equipped with these devices outside and inside each sleeping area as well as on all levels (bigger homes require more detectors).  Closing the doors at night when you sleep will inhibit the movement of heat, smoke, and fire.  SERVPRO of Greater Boulder suggests testing your smoke alarms at least every thirty days and replacing them entirely at least once per decade.  Testing is done by pressing the test button to ensure each alarm is working.  Most professionals agree that your alarms should be interconnected so that, no matter where the smoke is detected, everyone in the house is alerted simultaneously.  When the alarms sound, immediately vacate your home and position you and your loved ones away from it until help arrives.

The Best Fire Control is Fire Prevention in Gunbarrel and Niwot

8/30/2021 (Permalink)

Learn about the best ways to prevent fire from destroying your home or office.

The U.S. Fire Administration reports that a small flame can turn into a major fire in just 30 seconds. Flames and smoke can fill the house in just a few minutes. SERVPRO of Greater Boulder will help you recover from fire damage. We hope you never need that kind of help.

The best fire control in Gunbarrel and Niwot, Colorado is fire prevention.

Fire Prevention Week this year is from Sunday, October 3rd to Saturday, October 9th. 

SERVPRO of Greater Boulder offers these Tips for Fire Prevention: 

• Items that can catch fire include: dish towels, oven mitts, paper, curtains, wooden spoons, decorations
• Heat sources include: light bulbs, fireplaces, stove tops, furnaces, candles, or electric heaters.
• Keep items that can catch fire at least 3 feet away from heat sources
• Keep kids at least 3 feet away from heat sources
• Turn off heat sources when you leave the home or go to bed
• Never use the oven as a heater
• Have the fireplace chimney inspected & cleaned once a year

SERVPRO of Greater Boulder suggests you keep one or more fire extinguishers available.

Remember fire is fast. If there is a fire, leave and bring everyone with you. Call 9-1-1 from outside the home.

Links:

https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/ 

Learn About the Proper Use of Fire Extinguishers

3/16/2021 (Permalink)

Do you know how to properly use a fire extinguisher?

Proper use of fire extinguishers can prevent a fire from destroying lives.

Owning a fire extinguisher is not enough, although many people think that is all they need.  The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) requires that employers train their employees how and when to use fire extinguishers. They must provide the training shortly after the employee is hired, and then every year thereafter. If you haven’t been trained yet, please get with your boss and let them know. You do NOT want to skip this training!

OSHA does not allow untrained employees to use a fire extinguisher.

OSHA also requires monthly inspections of the fire extinguishers.

Fire extinguishers have to be placed where they cannot be moved or damaged..

The carrying handle should be 3 ½ - 5 feet above the floor.

Employees must know when to use fire extinguishers.

We at SERVPRO of Greater Boulder suggest asking yourself these questions regarding fire extinguishers. 

• Have I pulled the fire alarm?
• Is the fire extinguisher easy to reach?
• Do I know how to use it?
• Is the fire contained in a small area?
• Is the smoke non-toxic?
• Can everyone get out?
• Do I have an escape route?

If you can answer “yes” to all of the questions, it is reasonable to use the fire extinguisher.

Remember that fire is fast. If you cannot contain it within 30 seconds, get everyone out of the area. Call 9-1-1 once you are outside.

Links:

https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/emergencypreparedness/index.html

https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.157

https://www.nfpa.org/public-education/by-topic/fire-and-life-safety-equipment/fire-extinguishers

Smoke & Soot

3/15/2021 (Permalink)

We can take care of all your smoke and soot damage!

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor.  We recently saw this happen to numerous homes and businesses from the horrendous wildfires in our state (three of the largest in Colorado history).  Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke – wet and dry - which leave different types of soot residue after a fire. Before we begin restoration, SERVPRO of Greater Boulder will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation varies, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke or Soot Damage?

Call SERVPRO of Greater Boulder Today – 303-494-2000.

East Troublesome Fire Ravages Grand Lake, CO Community

11/20/2020 (Permalink)

Charred tree decorated to help restore hope

2020 has been...well, let’s say, a year to certainly remember. 

Apart from the obvious atrocities and devastations we’ve experienced with COVID, there have been widespread natural disasters: a severe derecho in Iowa, a record number of hurricanes in the United States South and Southeast and wildfires in California, Oregon and in our beloved home state of Colorado.  

Our team has recently been hard at work helping Grand Lake, Colorado to recover after the East Troublesome fire ravaged through their community.  We’ve been mostly helping with smoke mitigation, however, something that makes SERVPRO of Greater Boulder unique is that we also have a construction division, giving us the capacity to additionally bid out complete rebuilds.

This photo is poignant because it shows a charred little tree decorated with ornaments to help bring hope to the community that so desperately needs it.  We’re glad that we can in some small way help to restore hope as well.

Do You Understand the Basics of Using a Fire Extinguisher?

11/20/2020 (Permalink)

Fire Extinguisher Know-How

Hopefully, we all have easy access to a fire extinguisher in our home or place of business.  The question is, do you know how to use one and on what types of fires?  

A fire-extinguisher can certainly be very helpful in preventing fire and smoke damage from spreading throughout your home or office in the City and County of Boulder.  If the worst happens, remember that SERVPRO of Greater Boulder has caring experts to help you in cleaning up damage left from a fire.

OSHA has some helpful training tips (see below).  If you have any doubts or concerns at all, leave the premises and 911 once you are outside.

SERVPRO of Greater Boulder wants you to know that you can try to fight a small fire only if and only if:

• You have the right class of fire extinguisher
• You know how to use the fire extinguisher
• You can get to the fire extinguisher quickly. Fire is fast. Fire damage and smoke damage are less painful than injuries to you or others.

Types of Portable Fire Extinguishers 

• Class A fire extinguishers should be used to put out fires involving cardboard, paper, wood, dried vegetation. 
• Class B fire extinguishers should be used to put out fires involving flammable and combustible liquids, such as gasoline, diesel, oil, and oil-based paints, and many solvents. 
• Class C fire extinguishers are suitable for use to extinguish fires that involve appliances, tools, or other equipment that is plugged in or otherwise electrically energized, as well as for fires burning in close proximity to electrically-energized equipment. 
• Class D fire extinguishers are designed for use to extinguish combustible metals, such as magnesium or sodium, and are often designed for the specific type of combustible metal. This does NOT include ordinary carbon steel, only metals that will burn when ignited. 
• Class K fire extinguishers are designed to be used for putting out fires that involve oils and greases used for cooking in kitchens, such as vegetable and animal-based oils and fat.

Electrical Fire Prevention

9/22/2020 (Permalink)

Fire safety is important to Boulder County residents

We here at SERVPRO of Greater Boulder want all our Boulder county residents to know that by taking precautions, you can help prevent electrical fires! 

The USFA recommends some great fire safety tips that go along with these additional recommendations.  Make sure... 

• Any electrical work is done by a licensed electrician
• To have a quality inspection is done when you’re considering buying a new home or doing a remodel.
• To plug only one heat-producing appliance (like a coffee maker, space heater or microwave) directly into a wall outlet at a time 
• To never use an extension cord with a heat-producing appliance or a major appliance
• Install arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) as they will shut off electricity when a dangerous condition occurs
• To replace broken or cracked electrical cords.
• To use ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) to reduce the risk of shock.  These shut off electrical circuits when they become a shock hazard.
• All light bulbs you use have the correct wattage.  Usually the lamp, etc. is labeled with what bulb should be used.  

Even with taking appropriate safety measures, fires can still happen.  Hopefully you won’t ever experience fire damage, but if you do, you know who to call!  SERVPRO of Greater Boulder is here to help, 24-7-365!  Call us at (303)494-2000. We’ll take care of your fire damage in Boulder county making it “Like it never even happened.”

It’s National Preparedness Month, Do You Have A Plan in Case of Fire?

9/15/2020 (Permalink)

Do you have access to a good-quality flashlight?

Severe weather and fires are dangerous, but when you make a plan, it can help you feel safer because you’re more prepared.  

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, even the smallest of flames can turn into a disastrous fire in a matter of only 30 seconds.  Did you know that there are risks for fire when there’s severe weather?  The U.S. Fire Administration sites the following as potential hazards and can contribute to a possible fire:  lightning, portable generators, leaking gas lines, damaged propane tanks and leaking vehicle gas tanks, water-damaged appliances or vehicles, debris near electrical wires and transformers, damaged or downed utility lines, exposed electrical outlets and wiring.  

We at SERVPRO of Greater Boulder want you to Be Prepared! 

Please consider the following fire safety recommendations by the U.S. Fire Administration:

• Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms regularly.
• Make sure your smoke alarm has a backup battery.
• Use surge protectors.
• Consider unplugging appliances.
• Disconnect motor vehicle batteries in flood-prone areas, Boulder has a lot of low-lying areas.
• Take steps to prevent pipes from freezing in the winters!  (Even just a couple of days when the outdoor temperatures remain below freezing can cause pipes to freeze). 

Review your home fire escape plan.

Once The Fire Truck Leaves

8/27/2020 (Permalink)

Massive fire in Louisville home resulting from an appliance catching fire.

Once the fire trucks leave, the first step to clean up and restoration is the board-up . This is part of the emergency services provided by SERVPRO of Greater Boulder. Firefighters will often break windows and cut holes in the roof to help air out the property from all the smoke and heat. The board-up is essential to secure your property from theft and liability.

How The Smoke Travels

Even small-scale fires in a home can result in large amounts of fire and smoke damage. If your HVAC (your heater or A/C) system is on, then the smoke will most likely enter through the return vents and be spread throughout the duct system. This will not only carry the smoke and the smoke damage throughout the house but also cause smoke damage to your ducts.

Your ducts might have dust throughout the system, which can absorb the smoke, meaning every time your air conditioner or heater turns on, you'll smell the residual smoke for weeks and months after the fire.

You won't need to worry about that if you call service professionals at SERVPRO of Greater Boulder. We will clean the furnace and HVAC system thoroughly to remove the smoke from your ducts.

Get The Water Out As Soon As Possible

SERVPRO of Greater Boulder responded to a fire damage call that received water damage that nearly equaled the amount of damage from the fire. Sometimes fires are put out by extinguishers, and water is not a factor in the cleanup process. When there is water damage in tandem with fire loss, the water's extraction must happen as quickly as possible.

The water removal process begins almost immediately. It is essential to remove the majority of the water as soon as possible to avoid mold growth. Our technicians use state of the art moisture detection equipment and years of experience to find the water trapped behind the walls and under floors. We then use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process.

Saving Your Belongings

Once our SERVPRO professionals arrive at your Boulder-area home or business, always in properly marked SERVPRO vehicles and uniforms, we can get to work on mitigation techniques designed to preserve your property and its contents. Processes like pack-outs remove the at-risk furniture and contents from your property to our secured warehouse.

Pack-outs provide a safe place for their storage and specialized attention until it is time to return them to your fully restored home. Separating the two gives us a better opportunity to clean and restore the structure. During their time with our Contents Department, individual items get cleaned, disinfected, and deodorized to be ready for their return to the property.

Our crews hand wrap and protect every large item, such as furniture, tables, chairs, and artwork. Smaller items are sorted and put into boxes. For inventory purposes, we photograph and label each item packed out and removed, and organize these pictures and labels in our proprietary software to keep track of your items during the entire process accurately.

Call The Service Professionals

If you experience a fire in your Boulder-area home or business, call the fire damage restoration specialist at SERVPRO of Greater Boulder We will respond immediately to your call, day or night 24/7/365.

We have the knowledge and equipment to remove all the fire and smoke damage and restore your property to how it was before the fire. We are a trusted leader in the restoration industry that business owners and homeowners have turned to for over 50 years to restore and repair their property.

Cleaning smoke damaged homes and businesses requires specialized training, materials, and equipment. Insurance companies trust SERVPRO of Greater Boulder to get the job done right. If your home experiences a fire or water damage, call the professional restoration at SERVPRO of Greater Boulder, and we will make it "Like it never even happened."

Electrical Fire Prevention Safety Tips for Boulder

3/16/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Greater Boulder will clean and restore your fire damage in Ara “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO® of Greater Boulder wants Ara residents to know that by taking precautions, electrical fires may be prevented when using electricity in the home. The National Fire Protection Association encourages the use of electricity with safety in mind and offers these tips to reduce the potential for electrical damage and injury:

• Have all electrical work done by a qualified electrician
• When buying or remodeling a home, have it inspected by a qualified private inspector or in accordance with local requirements
• Use only one heat-producing appliance outlet at a time
• Do not use extension cords to plug in major appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, stoves, air conditioners, microwave ovens, etc.
• Install arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) as they will shut off electricity when a dangerous condition occurs
• Use ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) to reduce the risk of shock. They shut off the electrical circuit when it becomes a shock hazard. Install them inside the home in bathrooms, kitchens, garages and basements
• Test AFCIs and GFCIs once a month according to the manufacturer’s recommendations
• Check electrical cords to make sure they are not running across doorways or under carpets.
• Use a light bulb with the right number of watts. There should be a sticker that indicates the right number of watts.

If you ever experience fire damage to your home or business SERVPRO® of Greater Boulder wants to help. Call us today at 303-494-2000. We’ll take care of your fire damage in Boulder “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of Greater Boulder is independently owned and operated.

Good Reasons to Install Home Fire Sprinklers in Boulder

3/10/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Greater Boulder will clean and restore your fire damage in Boulder “Like it never even happened.”

Did you know that home fire sprinklers are more sensitive to heat than those installed in commercial buildings? SERVPRO® of Greater Boulder wants Boulder residents to know that according to the U.S. Fire Administration, there are many life-saving and financial benefits to installing home fire sprinklers including:

• Home sprinklers and smoke alarms increase your chance of surviving a fire by more than 82 percent
• Home fire sprinklers only spray when the temperature in the room rises quickly and the sprinkler above the fire is the only one that sprays
• They can prevent devastating home damage by putting out flames quickly and are less damaging than water damage caused by firefighting hose lines
• They are easy to install in a home under construction or being remodeled
• They can be connected to the home water supply and require less water than business and industrial systems
• They are low cost at about $1.35 per square foot
• Installing a sprinkler system in your home may lower insurance rates by 5 to 15 percent by meeting code requirements

We hope you never experience fire damage to your home or business but if you do,  SERVPRO® of Greater Boulder wants to help. Our team of highly trained professionals are on call 24 hours a day. Call us today at 303-494-2000. We’ll take care of your fire damage in Boulder and make it  “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of Greater Boulder is independently owned and operated.

Wildfire Prevention Tips for Boulder

1/30/2020 (Permalink)

Wildfires are a threat to Ara this year.

Did you know that Boulder County is incorporating wildfire mitigation guidelines into their building codes? Taking proactive measures now to mitigate wildfire damage this year is a good idea. SERVPRO® of Greater Boulder wants to help the people of Ara prevent wildfires from harming their commercial property or residence. Here are some of the tips that are offered by the Colorado State Forest Service:

• Maintain a 3-5 foot, non-combustible “vegetation free” perimeter around all structures
• Remove all dead vegetation and pine needles from roofs, rain gutters, and yard
• Relocate scrap and woodpiles to 30 feet away from the home, structures, and neighboring properties
• Get rid of the branches that overhang the roof and chimney of your home or business
• Reduce surface fuels under trees
• Trim tree branches and remove dead limbs based on zone 1 and zone 2 recommendations
• Remove vegetation from underneath your deck that could ignite
• Create separation between anything that could catch fire: patio furniture, trees, swing sets, etc.
• Screen all attic, roof, soffit and foundation vents with 1/8 in. metal screening
• Post signs at the end of the driveway with your last name and house number that are noncombustible, reflective and easily visible to emergency responders.

More tips wildfire mitigation tips can be found on the link below. Remember to create and practice fire safety and evacuation plans with all family members. SERVPRO of Greater Boulder wants to make sure that Ara is prepared!

SERVPRO of Greater Boulder is independently owned and operated. Call us at 303-494-2000.

Fire Damaged Contents

11/13/2019 (Permalink)

Fire damage spreads soot and smell throughout the home

When a fire from a cooking fire or an electrical fire causes damage in your home not only does soot and smoke damage the property itself but also the contents of your home. In addition to coming in and assessing the damage to your home and assessing what can be restored and what needs to be replaced concerning the walls, flooring, and fixtures. Our crews also asses the status of your clothing and textiles and if they are able to be restored and cleaned. 

Often times when we think about a fire we think of what is actually burned, not the soot and smoke that spreads throughout the home causing textiles and fabrics to hold on to smell and odor. If a home fire causes damage we can help you make it "Like it never even happened." 

Smoke alarms save lives.

11/4/2019 (Permalink)

When fire and smoke damage your home, call SERVPRO of Greater Boulder to help you make it "Like it never even happened."

Smoke alarms save lives and provide you and your family time to leave the home and get to safety or alert you to potential fires in the home like a cooking fire or an unattended candle. In the event of a home fire soot and smoke damage can cause damage throughout your home and require repairs and restoration. 

SERVPRO of Greater Boulder has the technicians, expertise, and experience to clean and restore your home to preloss condition. After a fire, our crew's inventory and pack out the contents in your home. Contents are then brought back to our secure, climate-controlled warehouse where items are recleaned and packed into new clean boxes. While contents are being cleaned, crews work to clean and restore your home. Once your home has been restored, all contents are packed back and your home is ready to be put back together as it was before the fire. 

In-Home Fire Safety for the Greater Boulder Area

9/18/2019 (Permalink)

Don’t let a candle ruin your Boulder home.

Fall is quickly approaching! That means all of the fall activities are about to begin in Boulder, if they haven’t already! One popular item associated with the fall season is the candle. If a house smells like fall, it feels like home. SERVPRO® of Greater Boulder knows that candle fires happen and even though candles are small, the damage of a residential fire by a candle can turn out to be larger than expected.

Here are some candle fire safety tips for the Boulder area:

• When lighting a candle in the home, keep the candle at least twelve inches away from anything that can burn
• Try to avoid keeping a lit candle in bedrooms, bathrooms or sleeping areas
• Do not leave a lit candle where a child or family pet can access or reach it

One more important candle safety tip will tie to one of the above tips about not leaving a lit candle in the bathroom. When cleaning a bathroom using aerosol chemicals, this becomes extremely dangerous if there is a lit candle nearby. Aerosols are highly flammable and this can cause an explosion of sorts – please practice safety first and share this tip with friends and family who may not be aware of it.

If a Boulder home catches fire for any reason, including a candle, please call the trained professionals at SERVPRO of Greater Boulder so we can help clean up the fire mess and damage.

SERVPRO of Greater Boulder is independently owned and operated.

Link: https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/outreach/media/pictographs/candles.html

Arson Fires in Ara, Colorado

9/18/2019 (Permalink)

Fires can happen accidentally but it's worse when caused by arson.

Have you ever known someone that started a fire in their back yard to burn some trash that got out of hand?  This type of event was not intentional. The fire was not set to cause harm but just got out of control. However, a fire that is set to cause harm is referred to as arson.  Most of these types of fires occur outside. Deaths, injuries, and fire damage many times happen indoors.

SERVPRO® of Greater Boulder wants you to be aware of the causes of fire damage and fire injuries so that you can help prevent them.

Top Causes of Fires in Ara:

• Candles
• Kitchen fires are the leading cause of home fire injuries and home fire damage
• Heating equipment is the second most common cause of death in home fires
• Use all electrical equipment according to the directions
• December, January, and February are the months that have the most home heating fires
• Cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other smoking materials are the biggest cause of fire deaths in the U.S.
• Children should never be left alone with matches, lighters, candles, or other dangerous materials. Children playing with fire cause hundreds of deaths and injuries every year

Please pay attention to fire safety in Ara. While SERVPRO of Greater Boulder can help to restore your home, prevention and family safety should always come first. Share this blog with a friend who might want to learn more about fire prevention.

SERVPRO of Greater Boulder is independently owned and operated.

Links:

https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/By-topic/Top-causes-of-fire