Content Cleaning After a Fire

4/6/2023 (Permalink)

After a fire at your Rancho Cucamonga, residence you may choose to contact a fire damage restoration service for help with cleanup and repairs. These professionals can also help with content storage while the home is being restored. Part of this process includes the repair of personal items, including those that may need dry-cleaning. Here are five types of items they may be able to help with.

1. Cloth Items

Cloth items such as clothing, rugs, curtains, and pillows can all be washed with special cleaners in order to get rid of smoke and soot damage. Fire damaged items you may want to replace depending on severity.

2. Furniture

Furniture, or items that can’t be easily moved such as cabinetry, may require a wipe down form of content cleaning. This usually involves using a rag or scrub brush to rinse the surface with a special cleaner.

3. Electronic Items

In many cases, a professional may be able to salvage your electronic items. If an electronic device cannot be saved the professional may still be able to transfer any data it contains to a new unit.

4. Paper Items

Paper items may be able to be restored as well. These items will first be freeze-dried before they are carefully cleaned

Electrical Safety

3/16/2023 (Permalink)

Extension Cord Hazards

If you detect a burning smell in your Rancho Cucamonga home or office coming from an electrical outlet, be sure to contact a qualified electrician to inspect. It is easy to postpone calling thinking is not important but it could create a fire, even when you are not present. 

We constantly use electricity every single day. Oftentimes forget just how integral electricity is in our daily lives until we experience something like a power outage or forget to pay our electric bill. Simply put, electricity makes our lives so much easier. Nevertheless, we need to practice safety and caution when it comes to electricity in our homes or businesses. Here is some essential information regarding electrical safety that all homeowners and business owners in Rancho Cucamonga.       

• Don’t plug too many appliances that are in use in one outlet, especially if it’s a heat producing appliance such as a crock pot, hair dryer, toaster, or a space heater.
• Do not use extension cords for an extended period of time. They are only meant for temporary
• Hire a professional and qualified electrician to handle all electrical work. Don’t try and do it yourself to try and save a few bucks.
• Do not have electrical cords running underneath carpets/rugs as you run the risk of heat building up and potentially starting a fire.

If you are ever in need of a Fire, Water remediation Company please give us a call, We at  SERVPRO of South Rancho Cucamonga are your local remediation company and we are Ready to Help!

Are You Prepared For Fire Season?

5/4/2022 (Permalink)

It’s essential to improve your home’s chance of surviving a wildfire. Defensible space is the buffer you create between a building on your property and the grass, trees, shrubs, or any wild land area that surround it. This space is needed to slow or stop the spread of wildfire and it helps protect your home from catching fire—either from embers, direct flame contact or radiant heat. Proper defensible space also provides firefighters a safe area to work in, to defend your home.

Having an ember-resistant zone is designed to keep fire or embers from igniting materials that can spread the fire to your home.  The following provides guidance for this zone, which may change based on the regulation developed by the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection.

• Use hard landscape like gravel, pavers, concrete and other noncombustible mulch materials.
• Remove all dead and dying weeds, grass, plants, shrubs, trees, branches and vegetative debris (leaves, needles, cones, bark, etc.); Check your roofs, gutters, decks, porches, stairways, etc.
• Remove all branches within 10 feet of any chimney or stovepipe outlet
• Limit plants in this area to low growing, non woody properly watered and maintained plants

Can We Remove Soot?

4/20/2022 (Permalink)

The best decision you can ever make is to call SERVPRO of South Rancho Cucamonga rather than figure out what the correct order of steps is to restore your home to its pre-fire condition, let our expert team compile an action plan that addresses each specific area of your home. Starting from eliminating water and extinguishing agents to repairing drywall, our team can lead the process with state-of-the-art techniques and equipment. Restoration is not about working hard on your home, but about taking smart steps to make the process seamless and practical.

Areas in your home not touched by the fire may smell of smoke for no apparent reason.

Our SERVPRO technicians apply their knowledge of combustion theory and follow the smoke path through your ventilation system. Understanding both the path and the nature of each charred material allows us to pick the optimal cleaning solution for your home. Mitigating your loss by protecting your belongings from some cleaners' abrasive consequences is essential to our team.

Common Causes of Fire Damage

4/18/2022 (Permalink)

Unfortunately fires are easy to happen if we are not carful and continually keep checking all electrical  appliances to make sure they are at their optimal capacity.

-Electrical Fires

-Unattended Candles

-Space Heaters

-Kitchen Fires

-Oven Fires

-Lightning

-Fire places

-Electric Blankets

-Christmas trees

How can SERVPRO of South Rancho Cucamonga help you?

For starters we will board up windows and doors to prevent burglary; we can also tarp your home for inclement weather.

Our technicians will assess the water damage on all affected areas  done by water sprinklers or fire department while saving your home.

We will remove to a different locations  all items that can be save  and  need to be clean and washed  the smoke smell from this items will be removed.

SERVPRO of South Rancho Cucamonga will clean and remove Soot from all surfaces in your home  we will also Sanitize and remove all smoke odor from your home .

We Can Help With Residues from Fire Damage

2/10/2022 (Permalink)

Candles are a great way of creating a romantic and inviting atmosphere in your home. However, a misplaced elbow is often all it takes for your romantic night to turn into a disaster. After the fire has been put out, you may find your room covered in residues and soot that can produce strong unpleasant odors. Fire residues and odors are notoriously difficult to remove, so it is recommended you contact professionals with experience cleaning up fire damage.

When SERVPRO of South Rancho Cucamonga crews arrive at your property, they can begin removing and discarding severely damaged pieces of furniture, scorched upholstery, and charred structural sections. Fires typically coat all nearby surfaces in soot particles and residues. Residues can stick to upholstery and hard surfaces and can be powdery or sticky. To ensure that we don't further damage your home, our fire and smoke damage technicians (FST) can carefully inspect each affected surface to determine the best cleaning methods.

Dry residues can be removed with simple scrubbing and usually do not require the application of cleaning agents. Sticky residues, on the other hand, require intense scrubbing and the application of cleaning agents. We can utilize dry cleaning methods on more delicate surfaces to avoid accidental stains or damage.

To combat the strong odors caused by fire, our  teams can deploy hydroxyl generators that can filter out soot particles and smoke from the air inside your home.  If we find that filtering your air has not fully removed the smell, we can use deodorizers to neutralize odor particles in hard to reach places.

Summer Safety

2/7/2022 (Permalink)

Tips to prevent house fires while grilling.

1. Keep your grill at least 10 feet away from your house. This includes portions attached to your house like carports, garages and porches. Grills should not be used underneath wooden overhangs either.

2. Clean your grill regularly. If you allow grease and fat to build up on your grill, they provide more fuel for a fire. Grease is a major source of flare ups.

3. Check for gas leaks. You can make sure no gas is leaking from your gas grill by making a solution of half liquid dish soap and half water and rubbing it on the hoses and connections. Then, turn the gas on (with the grill lid open.) If the soap forms large bubbles, that's a sign that the hoses have tiny holes or that the connections are not tight enough.

4. Keep a spray bottle of water handy. That way, if you have a minor flare-up you can spray it with the water to instantly calm it. The bonus of this tip is that water won't harm your food, so dinner won't be ruined!

5. Keep a fire extinguisher within a couple steps of your grill. And KNOW HOW TO USE IT. If you are unsure how to use the extinguisher, don't waste time fiddling with it before calling 911. Firefighters say many fire deaths occur when people try to fight a fire themselves instead of calling for expert help and letting the fire department do its job.

Don't -

7. Turn on the gas while your grill lid is closed. NEVER do this. It causes gas to build up inside your grill, and when you do light it and open it, a fireball can explode in your face. 

8. Leave a grill unattended. 

9. Use a grill indoors. People often think it will be safe to use a grill, especially a small one, indoors. NOT TRUE. 

In case the you experience a house fire, call your local fire department immediately. Be sure to contact a  fire damage restoration company to cleanup and repair any damage to your home occurs.

Tips for Keeping Your Home Safe During Cold Weather Days.

2/3/2022 (Permalink)

When outside is cold you feel like being warm and cozy in your home. Warming yourself near a space heater feels good, but is it a smart choice? A burned space heater is one of the top causes of residential fires, particularly during the winter months. Learn how to safely use a space heater by following the tips below.



1. Space heaters come with options for safety features, such as an automatic shut off if the unit overheats or tips over.  Ensure the appliance has a sturdy cord that is at least 6 feet in length.


2. Place the heater on a hard surface, such as the floor. Do not place it in a child’s bedroom or play area or in a garage where incendiary materials are stored. Use the 3-foot distance rule for children, pets, walls, bedding, curtains and furniture. Allow this distance from flammable fabrics to prevent a burned space heater from setting fire to your home.

Smoke alarms save lives

4/7/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke alarm

Did you know that 40% of home fire deaths occur in homes that do not have a smoke alarm? Additionally, for fires where a smoke alarm was present but did not operate, 43% of those smoke alarms simply had missing or disconnected batteries.

Having functional smoke alarms in your home drastically increases your chance of surviving a home fire. If you do not have smoke alarms, it is encouraged that you install them as soon as possible. Please read below for crucial information on how to operate and maintain your home’s smoke detectors.

• It is encouraged that you install both ionization AND photoelectric smoke alarms, OR dual sensor smoke alarms, which contain both ionization and photoelectric smoke sensors.
• Test batteries in your smoke alarms on a monthly basis.
• Replace batteries in battery-powered and hard-wired smoke alarms at least once a year (except non-replaceable 10-year lithium batteries).
• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement, both inside and outside of sleeping areas.
• Replace the entire smoke alarm unit every 8-10 years or according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Never disable a smoke alarm while cooking - it can be a deadly mistake.

What to do after a fire.

4/6/2021 (Permalink)

Home Fire

A home fire can be one of the most devastating events to occur in the life of a homeowner. 

 It is likely you have lost a tremendous amount of personal belongings and have suffered a substantial amount of mental anguish.

These are a few tips to follow:

Review your policy

You may have replacement coverage for your home, but it may only be for “actual cash value” for your lost personal items. Upon contacting your insurance company, the agent should be able to tell you about this and may suggest purchasing an endorsement to ensure that your personal belongings will, in fact be covered under a replacement policy.

Immediately File Your Claim.

All homeowner policies require that you report the damage as soon as possible. Your first step is to submit a “proof of loss” claim to your agent. This document will consist of an itemized list your losses how old the items were and the value of each item. The longer you put off this step, the longer it will take your insurance company to send an adjuster to address your claim.

Record Your Living Expenses

All homeowner’s policies contain a “loss of use” clause which entitles the insured to be reimbursed for additional living expenses incurred while their home is uninhabitable. Be mindful that these expenses only include additional living expenses, meaning the difference between your normal expenses and what it is costing your while you are kept from your home. Find out what your daily budget is.

Fire damage remediation is a long process, and navigating your insurance can prove to be difficult without the correct knowledge. Regardless of if you have experienced a small kitchen fire or a complete burn down, you will need an experienced restoration company to help assess the damage. SERVPRO of South Rancho Cucamonga is ready when fire strikes, 24/7

Call as at (909) 758-0189

Residential Fires

4/5/2021 (Permalink)

Residential Fire

House fires happen for many different reasons.  After the fire is out the site must be secured.  Many times this requires professional board up service to tarp the roof and secure coverings to broken windows and doors.

It is important to protect your home and your belongings, specially if you have to vacate your home.

SERVPRO of South Rancho Cucamonga is available 24/7 to respond to fires.

Many times the fire department won't leave a site unattended because it is unsafe to do so.  People are naturally curious and want to see the damage.  A burned house is very dangerous and most times toxic to breath.

We will be there ready to help  in your time of need.

Call SERVPRO of South Rancho Cucamonga @ (909) 758-0189

Fire Drill

2/8/2021 (Permalink)

Is important to know where the fire exits are

One of the best ways to protect your employees and facility in Rancho Cucamonga when an emergency arises is adequate preparation. If you design and practice a plan with all staff members, it will help keep them safe. Conducting a fire drill also identifies any problems that need to be remedied, such as blocked exits or faulty alarms.

Preparing for Evacuation Plan

Before conducting a drill, you need to create a comprehensive written plan with the help of an assigned safety team.

• Assign a person to account for each employee
• Decide how to alert all employees about the drill
• Designate the preferred exit routes for employees
• Before conducting the fire drill, have training sessions with all employees to go over the exit routes, the meeting place outside and the person to whom they report
• Always alert your local fire department before you pull an alarm so they are aware of the drill
• Once the alarm is activated, start a timer. Have each designated person accountable for their group. Once everyone is accounted for outside, stop the timer and assess how long the drill took
• Review the results of the drill with your safety team to identify any weaknesses in the plan. Continue to practice until you are satisfied with the response time

Fire Safety

2/4/2021 (Permalink)

A great place to keep your fire extinguisher at home

The best way to keep your family and home safe from a fire is to take action before it happens!

For your loved ones, take the time to:

• Practice fire drills with your family
• Have an escape plan from each room; and,
• Have a designated meeting place outside of your home to make sure everyone has safely made it out of the house.  

For your home, take some precautionary steps now to fireproof your home:

• Check Your Smoke Alarms Often: Your smoke alarms will alert you of a fire before you see or smell smoke. Check them at least every six months.
• Keep A Fire Extinguisher In Your Home: A fire extinguisher can be used to put out some small fires and stop them from spreading. Every home should have one. If your home has more than one story, it's a good idea to have a fire extinguisher on each level.
• Never Leave Candles Unattended: Candles can easily catch furniture, papers and even hanging pictures and décor on fire. Be sure to extinguish candles when you leave the room and especially if you leave your home.
• Remove Clutter: Clutter that is too close to a heat source can catch fire. Once clutter catches on fire, it can make the fire worse and even stop you from getting out of your home during a fire. Get rid of clutter that could catch fire or block an escape route.
• Check Your Electric Cords, Sockets and Exposed Wires: Check your electric cords and exposed wires often to make sure they are intact and not damaged. Make sure the wall sockets are not too full and that all the plugs are secure.

Acting on these safety precautions will give you and your family peace of mind.

Clasess of Fire Extinguishers

2/4/2021 (Permalink)

Classes of fire extinguishers

Each type of is designed for  different types of fire? Whether for your home or business, it’s important to have the correct type of fire extinguisher available.

Class A: This is the most common fire extinguisher. It can be used to put out fires in ordinary combustibles such as cloth, wood, rubber, paper and many plastics.

Class B: This type of fire extinguisher is used on fires involving flammable liquids, such as grease, gasoline or oil.

Class C: These fire extinguishers are designed for fires involving appliances, tools, or other equipment electrically energized or plugged in.

Class D: These fire extinguishers are for use on flammable metals, and are typically found only in factories that work with flammable metals.

Class K: This type of fire extinguisher is intended for use on fires that involve vegetable oils, animal oils or fats in cooking appliances. Class K fire extinguishers are generally found in commercial kitchens, but are becoming more popular for use in home kitchens.

Multi-Use: There are fire extinguishers available that are able to be used on several different types of fires. A combination of Classes A, B and C is a common multi-use fire extinguisher.

Cleaning Dryer Vents

6/8/2020 (Permalink)

Clean Dryer Vents

According to FEMA, failure to clean home dryers causes 34% of home dryer fires.  Home dryer fires cause $35 million in property loss, and can also lead to injury or death.

To reduce the risk of these fires happening in you or your insured's home or business, SERVPRO of Northwest Ontario can help clean dryer vents and ducts that may have lint build up.

Other tips for keeping your dryer vents clean from the National Fire Protection Agency include cleaning the lint filter before and after each load, and making sure the outdoor vent flap will open, and is not restricted by dirt, a bird's nest, or any other potential obstacles.

If you have a need help cleaning your dryer vents or any fire cleaning, contact the cleaning professionals at your local SERVPRO - Northwest Ontario  We can be reached 24/7 at               (909) 984-3544

Fire Recovery

4/5/2020 (Permalink)

Kitchen Fire

Fire Recovery is rarely as straightforward as our experienced professionals or the affected homeowners might hope. Most of these situations include multiple layers of effects to overcome in the fire recovery niche, but also secondary effects that employ other experienced technicians on our staff like drying and extraction of water damage. No matter what fire damage exists in Rancho Cucamonga, our SERVPRO of South Rancho Cucamonga team can help you overcome it.

Our professionals receive training through the IICRC to obtain certifications as Fire & Smoke Restoration Technicians, Odor Control Technicians, and other related niches of the industry. Our hands-on experience in fire loss recovery has helped our division of field technicians to become an informed and well-prepared portion of our roster. In addition to this required training and experience, we encourage our professionals to approach fire losses with sensitivity and empathy. We know the trauma of these incidents, and we want our Rancho Cucamonga customers to know that we are working to make the situation better beginning as soon as we arrive.

Fire Damage in a Utility Room

4/2/2020 (Permalink)

Utility Room

Fire damage resulting from electrical fire can be very hectic to deal with especially if it is a utility room fire. Therefore, it is imperative for the fire restoration process to be handled appropriately. The firefighters are also adequately trained to carry out fire suppression processes in any setting regardless of whether it is a utility room fire or an electrical fire. The firefighters use fire trucks fitted with the appropriate equipment to put out any fire in a commercial property.

Apart from fire damage, SERVORO of South Rancho Cucamonga also has the capacity to trace the hidden damages such as smoke damage and soot damage. Failure to handle smoke and soot damage can shift the damages from primary to secondary. Once the smoke damages have reached a secondary level, they may result to the closure of your business.

The fire restoration experts advice those who own commercial properties to install a fire sprinkler system in their buildings. The fire sprinkler system can be quite effective especially if it’s a utility room fire. Just like a fire hose, the fire sprinkler system releases water under pressure to put off the fire within a room in the building. Therefore, the fire sprinkler system could save you from huge losses especially when a utility room fire strikes because most of the things stored in a utility room are of value to your business.

Smoke Alarms

4/2/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke alarms save lives

Smoke alarms save lives. Smoke alarms that are properly installed and maintained play a vital role in reducing fire deaths and injuries. If there is a fire in your home, smoke spreads fast and you need smoke alarms to give you time to get out. 

Here's what you need to know

• A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home. 
• Smoke alarms should be interconnected. When one sounds, they all sound. 
• Larger homes may need extra smoke alarms.
• Test your smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working. If the alarm still does not work replace the batteries, and if it still doesn’t work replace it.
• There are two kinds of alarms. Ionization smoke alarms are quicker to warn about flaming fires. Photoelectric alarms are quicker to warn about smoldering fires. It is best to use of both types of alarms in the home.
• When a smoke alarm sounds, get outside and stay outside. Don’t wait, the life you and your family may be on the line.
• Replace all smoke alarms in your home every 10 years whether they are still working or not.

Home Decorating

2/11/2020 (Permalink)

Always Make Sure to Place Your Candles in a Safe Area

Home decorations like dried flowers are highly flammable. Keep these and other decorations away from open flames and heat sources, including light bulbs and heaters.

 Keep emergency exits clear of decorations, so nothing blocks escape routes.

Teach children to stay away from open flames. Be sure they know how to stop, drop and roll if their clothing catches fire.

Place lit candles away from anything that can burn and out of the way of doorsteps, walkways and yards.

Battery operated candles are a safe alternative to candles or torch lights when decorating walkways and yards.

Never leave candles unattended or forget to put them out when you are leaving your home or going to sleep.

We are always ready to help

SERVPRO of South Rancho Cucamonga

(909) 758 - 0189

How to Avoid Electrical Fires at Home

2/5/2020 (Permalink)

Damaged Electrical Cord

• Appliances
• Always appliances directly into a wall outlet.
• Never use an extension cord with a major appliance because it can easily overheat and start a fire.
• Unplug small appliances when you are not using them.
• Keep lamps, light fixtures and light bulbs away from anything that can burn.
• Use light bulbs that match the recommended wattage on the lamp or fixture.
• Check electrical cords on appliances often. Replace cracked, damaged and loose electrical cords. Do not try to repair them.
• Outlets
• Do not overload wall outlets.Insert plugs fully into sockets.
• Never force a three-prong cord into a two-slot outlet.
• Install tamper-resistant electrical outlets if you have young children.

• Extension Cords, Power Strips and Surge Protectors
• Replace worn, old or damaged extension cords right away.
• Use extension cords for temporary purposes only.
• Avoid putting cords where they can be damaged or pinched, like under a carpet or rug.
• Do not overload power strips.
• Use power strips that have internal overload protection.

If your home does experience an electrical fire, SERVPRO South Rancho Cucamonga specializes in fire damage restoration. We have the specific damage restoration training, personnel, and equipment and can quickly restore your home to pre-fire condition. 

In addition to fire, smoke, and soot damage, your Rancho Cucamonga home may also suffer from water damage as a result of the firefighting efforts. This type of damage can be especially upsetting and destructive for your family to process. You may feel stressed, confused, and vulnerable, so you’ll need a caring expert to guide you through this crisis. We’ll treat you with respect and empathy, and we’ll always treat your home and belongings with care

Fire Damage in the Kitchen

2/1/2020 (Permalink)

Kitchen after fire.

Fires that occur during cooking account for the majority of residential fire damage. These types of fires often contain more pungent odors than other kinds of blazes due to the presence of meat proteins and cooking oils.

When dinner caught  fire in the house,  the entire house required odor removal. The homeowners brought in SERVPRO of Rancho Cucamonga quickly to clean up the mess. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Removal of Damaged Items

SERVPRO of South Rancho Cucamonga techs do not remove any items without the approval of the homeowner or adjuster. The techs compile a report of things that need disposing of during fire loss cleanup.  Each piece gets photographed and entered into a detailed report that assists in expediting insurance claims, in this case, the losses were few with only a few ceiling tiles that received charring too great for restoration and required removal. SERVPRO of South Rancho Cucamonga always attempts to restore, and not replace, fire-damaged building materials, fixtures, and possessions.

Smoke Residue Cleaning Process

The techs test the smoke present on surfaces before beginning the restoration process to ensure they use the best methods that do not mar or damage the contents they are cleaning. This is because different types of smoke require diverse applications for removal. While dry smoke gets lifted away with specialized tools, wet smoke requires solvents and cleaning agents to release its grip.

Smoke Odor Control

Because the wall-unit AC's were running during the fire, the smoke odor from the kitchen fire spread throughout these rooms. SERVPRO of South Rancho Cucamonga technicians used air scrubbers and air purifiers to assist in the capture of airborne soot particles. Hydroxyl generators are safe for use around people, plants, and pets as they use UV rays, precisely like from the Sun. These machines take odorous particulate matter and change it at the molecular level, neutralizing foul odors in the room. The rapid removal of odorous particles is crucial to minimizing disruptions to neighboring units.

SERVPRO of South Rancho Cucamonga at (909) 758-0189 has certified technicians to restore your home from fire damage and make it "Like it never even happened."

Stay safe in the summer months

7/19/2019 (Permalink)

Every new summer, families and friends across the country enjoy the summer months with barbecues, camping trips, or by cooling off in a pool or lake. In order to enjoy these occasions, it is important to keep safety on top of the mind to help ensure you have fun in the sun while maintaining safety procedures.  

According to the United States Fire Administration, nearly 8,600 Americans are injured by fireworks and almost 5,000 are injured by grill fires, annually. A grill should always be supervised when in use. Keep children and pets a safe distance from the grilling area to prevent accidental burns or tipping of the grill.

If you enjoy lounging by the pool or going for a boat ride to cool off from the summer sun, make sure you exercise caution, especially when children are present. Only swim in approved areas and supervise children at all times when near the water.

Fire prevention tip: how to prevent house fires

4/16/2019 (Permalink)

Your home is a special place for you and your family. With so many cherished moments associated with this one of a kind place, it is hard to imagine losing it. Unfortunately, many families are forced to go through the heartbreaking process of saying goodbye to their homes as a result of fires. What is even harder to accept is that most house fires could have been prevented with a few fire safety facts and fire prevention tips in place. So just what items in your home pose a threat to your safety and the safety of your family? Use the following fire safety information and fire prevention tips for how to prevent house fires, and continue making memories in your home.

Fire Prevention Tip #1: Test Smoke Alarms

One of the easiest fire prevention tips is to regularly check smoke alarms to ensure they are working properly. Smoke alarms are essential for how to prevent house fires, serving as the first line of defense when a house fire is imminent or already underway by emitting a piercing alarm to notify those in the house the moment smoke is detected. A non-functioning smoke alarm can, therefore, mean serious disaster. Each smoke alarm comes with important fire safety information and features a small button to test whether it is working or needs new batteries. If the beep is weak when testing the alarm, change the batteries right away.

Fire Prevention Tip #2: Clean Ovens and Stoves

Cleaning ovens and stoves are among the most important fire prevention tips. While cleaning your oven and stove is likely a least favorite chore, doing so on a regular basis can help prevent house fires. Fires from ovens and stoves can result when food particles fall onto burners and get too hot. In addition to removing particles of food in your oven and stove, make sure to keep the area around your oven and stove clear as well. Curtains that hang too close, cookbooks left in the vicinity of these appliances, or ill-placed dish towels can all put you at risk for house fires as well. Create a routine for before and after you cook that ensures ovens and stoves are free of hazards.

Fire Prevention Tip #3: Stay in the Kitchen

With a busy schedule, it can be hard to focus on just one thing at a time. During the evenings, many individuals are pulled in multiple directions, preparing dinner, helping the kids with homework, and getting the house in order for the next day. However, even short distractions that happen while cooking can have serious consequences. One of the well-known fire prevention tips is to never leave food unattended when cooking in the kitchen for any reason, as it only takes mere seconds for a fire to break out. If you must leave the kitchen, make sure to turn off any burners in use, or call a family member to watch over the food until your return.

Fire Prevention Tip #4: Check your Cords

With an increasing dependence on electronics for daily tasks now more than ever, you likely always have something plugged in to charge, whether a cell phone, tablet, or smartwatch. Another method for how to prevent house fires is discarding frayed wires and cords used to transmit power into electronics. Among your list of fire prevention tips, add regularly checking the condition of cords, looking for damage such as exposed wires or frays. If you notice damage, replace the cord immediately. Keep in mind that pets often like to chew on rubbery items, so keep cords out of reach to avoid damage.

Fire Prevention Tip #5: Take Care with Fireplaces

Though one of the more obvious fire safety facts, pay special attention when using fireplaces. Fireplaces pose a special risk for house fires as sparks can easily escape and fly out onto flammable surfaces. When having a fire, make sure there is a door between the fire and the floor to prevent the escape of sparks. When you have distinguished the fire, make sure that all ashes are completely cool before throwing them away. Purchase a metal container to dispose of ashes to reduce the risk of any still-warm ashes from causing a fire. Lastly, never leave a fire unattended under any circumstances.

Fire Prevention Tip #6: Check Your Dryer

Another very common source of house fires is clothes dryers. Fires result from dryer when vents are not properly installed or are not cleaned out regularly. Heat produced during the drying process can cause lint and other debris to get too hot, and lead to a fire. To prevent fires, make sure that dryer vents are properly installed using the instructions that came with the appliance. To be safe, you might consider enlisting a professional to assist with the installation process. Additionally, clean out the lint filter after every load of laundry. This often overlooked step takes just seconds but can save you and your family from experiencing a fire. 

Fire Prevention Tip #7: Don’t leave Candles Unattended

Candles work wonders for enhancing the ambiance of a home, promoting much needed calm and relaxation through soothing scent and light. However, the exposed flame makes candles a hazard and potential risk for house fires. Another of the key fire prevention tips when lighting candles is to make sure they are placed far away from any fabric, such as curtains or blankets, and other flammable objects. If you’re leaving the house or starting to feel a bit drowsy, extinguish the flames immediately. Further, if you have little ones or furry friends around, consider waiting until they are out of the room. Pets and kids can easily tip over candles on accident.

Fire Prevention Tip #8: Maintain Heating Sources

Most of us rely on heating systems to keep us warm during the chilly months of winter. Because of this reliance, it is important to make sure that all heating sources are well-maintained and functioning properly. Heating sources that are broken and in need of repairs pose a great risk for fire. Filters should be cleaned regularly to avoid a buildup of dust and debris that can catch on fire. Additionally, you should have all heating sources inspected by a professional on an annual basis to catch malfunctioning components early.

Fire Prevention Tip #9: Avoid Old Space Heaters

 If you not only rely on your home’s heating system to keep you warm but also rely on space heaters, take special care. One of the not so well known fire prevention tips, Many old space heaters pose a great risk for house fires, as they often do not have the same safety features now found in newer models (such as turning off automatically when tipped over). When using space heaters, other best practices including keeping heaters away from curtains, blankets, and furniture that can easily catch fire, place them in spots with little foot traffic, set space heaters on solid, firm surfaces, and do not set space heaters on any other surface besides the floor.

Fire Prevention Tip #10: Safely Store Flammable Products

Many of the products we use every day are flammable and therefore put us at risk for house fires. There are obvious products such as gasoline, which should always be stored in UL approved containers in a location outside of the house. Other flammable products include shaving cream and hairspray, which should be stored in cool places away from sources of heat. 

Fire Prevention Tip #11: Don’t Smoke in the House

Smokers should pay special attention to their habits to prevent house fires. While you may enjoy the convenience and comfort that comes with smoking in your home, it is best to take smoke breaks outside of the house. A single unattended cigarette or a cigarette dropped after falling asleep in bed or while lounging on the couch, can result in a fire. When cleaning out your ashtray, be sure that all ashes are completely cool. Then, dampen ashes in the sink before placing in a trash can and out of the house.

Fire Prevention Tip #12: Grill Safely

There is nothing more exciting than a backyard barbecue with friends and families in the summer. There are a few precautions to take, however, for how to prevent house fires when grilling. If you’re grilling on the deck, be sure to place non-flammable pads beneath your grill to prevent the start of fire in the event of dropped food or coals. Also, be sure the grill is attended to at all times. Call a friend over to watch the grill if you must step away, even if only for a minute.  If there is no one around to watch the grill, turn off the propane. 

Fire Prevention Tip #13: Purchase a Fire Extinguisher

One of the best investments for how to prevent house fires is to purchase a fire extinguisher. Having a fire extinguisher handy can make the difference between a frighteningly close call, and a serious disaster resulting in the total loss of your home. Fire extinguishers can be purchased at most home improvement stores, and are incredibly affordable. Store your fire extinguishers in spots that pose a special risk for fires, such as in the kitchen or near fireplaces. Make sure that all family members in the house understand how to operate the fire extinguisher, and are comfortable taking the steps necessary in the event of a fire emergency.

Top reasons your insurance company may deny your fire claim

4/15/2019 (Permalink)

Kitchen Fire

A home insurance policy typically covers numerous situations, including fire damage. However, there are two home fire circumstances that are usually not covered under most policies: arson and a fire inside a vacant home.

Investigating for Arson

Deliberately setting fire to a home is a criminal act, and a desire to collect insurance money is often the motive. For this reason, insurance companies require a fire investigation as part of the claim process. This helps the insurer establish the cause of the fire and note potentially suspicious details, such as multiple points of origin.

To help further reduce the risk of insurance fraud, your insurance company may also evaluate your personal finance and insurance claim history. Examples of potentially suspicious findings that may result in a denial of a home fire claim include the following:

• A recent increase in coverage or decrease in deductible
• Extensive debt or pending bankruptcy
• Prior insurance claims and loss history
• Recently purchased, high-value items on claim list
• The value of destroyed contents is inconsistent with household income

Because of this detailed investigation, any homeowner filing a claim in Rancho Cucamonga, Ca should be prepared for a potentially lengthy claim process. 

A Vacant Home Fire

Like arson, a vacant home fire is also not typically covered under most insurance policies. A home is considered vacant if it is uninhabited for 30 or more consecutive days. If your insurance company can verify this circumstance, it may deny your claim, forcing you to fund cleanup and restoration costs out-of-pocket. To protect your financial interests, you should consider purchasing vacant home insurance or add an endorsement to your existing policy for any vacation homes or rental property you own. 

Protecting Financial Interests

Your home insurance policy can be a strong financial safety net in the event of a home fire. However, because arson and insurance fraud are serious problems, insurance companies must thoroughly investigate fire claims to protect their financial interests. To further safeguard your financial security, you should update your policy to ensure vacation and rental properties are adequately protected. 

If you have any questions you can call us at SERVPRO of South Rancho Cucamonga (909)758-0189

Have a fire escape plan!

2/19/2019 (Permalink)

Home after fire damage

Every second counts during a fire. Fire experts agree, people have as little as two minutes to escape a burning home before it’s too late to get out.*

In a matter of moments, a small flame can become a major fire, making it critical to be prepared with an escape plan in place. A survey conducted by the American Red Cross shows only 26 percent of families have developed and practiced a home fire escape plan. Once a plan is developed, it is critical that everyone in the home understands the plan; the best way to do this is by practicing the escape plan at least twice a year. Increase your chance of surviving a fire by ensuring you have working smoke detectors in place, building an escape plan, and then practicing the escape plan. The following are a few steps to help you develop an emergency escape plan:

Draw a map of each level of your home and show all doors and windows. Find two ways to get out of each room. Make sure all doors and windows that lead outside open easily.

Consider escape ladders for sleeping areas on the second and third floors. Only purchase collapsible escape ladders evaluated by a recognized testing laboratory. Store them near the window where they will be used.

Choose an outside meeting place a safe distance from your home where everyone can meet after they’ve escaped. Make sure to mark the meeting location on your escape plan. Teach children how to escape on their own in case you cannot help them. Plan for everyone in your home with special considerations for elderly or disabled individuals. Practice your fire escape plan at night and during the daytime. SERVPRO of South Rancho Cucamonga wants you to stay safe and prepare now to ensure you are ready for any disaster. *Tips provided by American Red Cross and National Fire Protection Association

Smoke and Soot

2/19/2019 (Permalink)

Match & Smoke

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. 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. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of South Rancho Cucamonga 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. Here is some additional information:

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. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, 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 also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Us Today – 909-758-0189

What to do if you suspect natural gas

2/14/2019 (Permalink)

Gas Stove

4 Signs Of Gas Leak

They're sometimes hard to recognize, but it doesn't take much of a leak to cause a gas fire. These home disasters are all too common. Fortunately, you can avoid a fire or worse by recognizing signs of a leak:

•  A hissing or whistling sound near the line
•  The smell of rotten eggs or sulfur
•  Bubbles in the water
•  Dead houseplants
•  Visible dust near the gas line
•  Damage to the gas pipe

Family members or pets may show signs of a natural gas leak, as well. These may include nosebleeds, reduced appetites, nausea, mood changes, irritation to the eyes and throats, disorientation, and breathing difficulties. 

Keep Your Family and Home Safe 

Avoid a gas fire or explosion in your Rancho Cucamonga, CA home by following these top tips:

1. Check Gas Stoves

If you have a gas stove, the dials may have been turned on or left on accidentally. If you're confident it's safe to remain in your home, move to the stove and turn off any flames. 

2. Do Not Flip Switches

Simply flipping the light switch to on or off could make a spark that causes a gas explosion. Instead, use a flashlight for any other actions you take in the house. Don't use the phone inside the house, either. In fact, don't use lighters, candles, or anything else that could ignite.

3. Ventilate the Home

Open all the windows and doors, so fresh air can come in and gas will move out of the house. Don't worry about taking any steps further than this. Instead, wait to contact emergency or fire remediation professionals when you and your family are safely outside. 

4. Go Outside

Get everyone outside and go across the street. From this safe distance, call 911 or the appropriate authorities. 

Learn as much as you can about what may cause a gas fire and how to avoid them to keep your family safe. Teach your family about natural gas and how to stay safe if they suspect a gas leak.

Smoke and Soot Cleanup

7/31/2018 (Permalink)

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. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of South Rancho Cucamonga 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. Here is some additional information:

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. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, 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 also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – SERVPRO of South Rancho Cucamonga (909) 758-0189

Smoke Damage SERVPRO of South Rancho Cucamonga (Inland Empire)

10/27/2017 (Permalink)

Smoke damage from a stove range fire in Rancho Cucamonga, CA

In Southern California we are no stranger to seasonal fires. The majority of homeowners are unaffected by these fires directly. However, smoke and ash can travel a fair amount of distance and cause odors and permanent damage to your home if left unchecked. If you notice that your home has smoke or soot damage it is important that you know a few tips to reduce damage until a restoration company is able to assist you.

Smoke damage tips:

• Close all windows and doors to limit what can enter your home.

• Limit movement in your home. This will prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and flooring.

• Avoid walking on carpet or sitting on any upholstery. However, if you must, place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas. 

• Turn off ceiling fans and avoid using your HVAC unit. If you are unable to, be sure to change the HVAC filter and tape a double layer of cheesecloth over all air registers.

• Don’t attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery prior to contacting a restoration company. 

• Don’t sent garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

We understand that any loss at your home can set your life off balance. Here at SERVPRO of South Rancho Cucamonga we have skilled certified technicians that can assist you in getting your home life back to normal.