What To Know About Rental Insurance Fire Damage Coverage

4/18/2022 (Permalink)

Renters insurance does pay for damage to your personal property after a fire.

What You Should Know About Renter's Insurance Protection Against Fire

Before you moved into your Valrico,FL, apartment, you probably purchased renters insurance. You may be wondering exactly what that insurance does and does not cover. Most rental policies can be applied to various types of emergencies, including:

• Storms
• Theft
• Accidental overflows of water

Fire is another common peril covered by insurance. However, there are some limits to this coverage. Here are some factors that determine the payout you will receive from your insurer.

Structural Versus Personal Property Damage

The structure of your apartment building is considered the landlord's responsibility, not the tenant's. Any fire damage to the walls, floor or roof should be covered by the property owner's insurance. Your renters insurance, meanwhile, should pay for harm to your personal property within the apartment. You can use this insurance money to replace certain items or to hire fire restoration professionals who can repair your belongings.

Even if the fire resulted from your negligence, the damage should still be covered by insurance. The insurer could deny your claim if it determines that you criminally set the blaze, however.

Replacement Cost Versus Actual Cash Value

Check your policy to see if it includes replacement cost coverage. If not, consider purchasing this inexpensive endorsement. This way, if any of your valuables do need to be discarded following a fire, your insurance will give you enough money to purchase new items.

Without this endorsement, the insurer may only reimburse you for the actual cash value of those destroyed belongings. This amount is likely insufficient to purchase replacements.

Loss of Use

Your rental policy may additionally include loss of use coverage. This helps pay for any temporary living expenses you incur, such as hotel payments, while your apartment is being restored.

Renters insurance does pay for damage to your personal property after a fire. To ensure you can actually replace any items that are destroyed in the blaze, you should purchase a replacement cost endorsement . Your policy may also provide loss of use coverage if you have to temporarily move out of your apartment.

Fire Remediation: From Start to Finish

3/1/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of NE Hillsborough County/Plant City is your local water damage and fire damage restoration professional.

From Start To Finish: Fire Remediation

The fire restoration process can be a long one. It starts when a professional fire remediation company assesses the damage to your home and ends only when your home is restored to its former glory. Here is a look at the whole process divided into its two main parts - mitigation and restoration.

Mitigation

Mitigation is the process of getting rid of the causes of the damage to your home in Plant City, FL, as well as the damage itself. When dealing with the aftermath of a fire, you aren’t just looking for items that are burned. Technicians must also deal with other damage:

• Water damage from efforts to extinguish the fire
• Smoke damage from the haze created by the fire
• Structural damage from fire itself

Experts start the process by assessing how much the fire destroyed. Then, they remove excess water and affected items so they can get to the structure itself. They remove the walls, floors and ceilings that are waterlogged or otherwise compromised. The parts of the structure that remain must be cleaned before fire restoration can begin. Smoke and soot must be removed from surfaces and cleaned out of crevices. Everything must be disinfected to ensure that no bacteria or harsh chemicals remain.

Restoration

After damage cleaning is complete, technicians can begin to put your home back together again. Walls and insulation that were torn out are replaced. Ceilings, cabinets and flooring are rebuilt. The finishing touch comes when the restoration crew makes sure that the new parts of your home match the areas they were able to salvage. When they are finished, your home should look “Like it never even happened.”

When looking for a company to handle fire restoration for your home in Plant City, FL, it can be helpful to choose a company that specializes in both mitigation and restoration. By incorporating the two parts into one process, you can expect a smoother recovery.

3 Things You Should Know About Fire Extinguishers

2/28/2022 (Permalink)

Often, you can purchase combination extinguisher that will effectively put out different types of fires.

Extinguishers: Three Things You Should Know

A fire extinguisher in your home in Plant City, FL can be an effective way to keep you and your home safe. However, there are a variety of things that are helpful to know about extinguishers to ensure they can be used quickly and effectively.

1. The Type of Extinguishers in Your Home

Different types of extinguishers exist, and it’s helpful to do some research before placing one in a location within your home. For example, Type B extinguisher would help in the event of a kitchen fire caused by grease, whereas a Class A extinguisher can stifle fires that use wood as fuel. Often, you can purchase combination extinguisher that will effectively put out different types of fires.

2. The Location of the Extinguishers

Just having a fire extinguisher in your home isn’t enough to prevent a fire if the location of the extinguisher is not convenient. It’s often important to place extinguishers in areas such as kitchens and laundry rooms since these areas are common places for fires to occur. Additionally, it’s important to make sure that the extinguishers are within reach so you can access them quickly if needed.

3. How To Use the Extinguisher

In the event of a fire, it’s often helpful to know how to use an extinguisher quickly and correctly. Though extinguishers are labeled clearly with directions, it can save you time if you already know the appropriate steps to take. The term P.A.S.S. (pull, aim, squeeze, sweep) is a common acronym that is used to give people an easy way to remember the key steps to take when using an extinguisher.

Making sure you have the right types of fire extinguisher in your home, putting extinguishers in convenient locations and knowing how to use an extinguisher can be incredibly help if a fire occurs. If your home has been impacted by a fire, you may want to consider working with fire damage restoration experts.

The Problem of Water After a House Fire

12/10/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has a team of trained restoration technicians who know the exact steps to take after you've experienced water or fire damage.

After A House Fire, There's A Water Problem

You may be surprised to learn that some of the most frustrating fire damage has to do with water. After the flames are gone and the smoke has settled, you may still have plenty of water damage to deal with. As you consider the odors, the soot, the damaged furnishings, burned structures, and soaking rooms, the whole situation can seem insurmountable. A clear solution to this problem is hiring restoration professionals.

Why Water's a Problem

How does water cause damage after a fire?

• Water from the fire hose collects as it puts out flames.
• Powerful sprays of water or foam move items around.
• Pipes burst due to extreme temperatures.
• Openings in the roof or walls allow rain and snow into the home.
• Sitting water and hidden moisture can lead to mold.

As surprising as it may be, water damage is one of the biggest issues you'll face after a fire.

Your First Steps After Fire

The first few hours after the fire are the most important. As soon as you can, contact your insurance company. During this call, you can find out what your policy covers, and you may get recommendations concerning water and fire damage professionals in Plant City, FL. When you have the go-ahead from the fire department, collect important paperwork, receipts, and any necessary items that haven't been too impacted by the fire.

Involve Professionals in the Recovery

Next, you should contact the fire and water damage remediation company. These professionals know which inspections must be completed and can make sure that repairs are completed in compliance with local and national regulations. They also have specialized training and equipment to deal with both damages from the fire, water, and smoke.

As you put plans into place for recovering from fire damage, don't forget to make plans for water damage as well. Take time to choose a company that understands the potential for all types of damage after a fire.

The 7 Most Effective Content Cleaning Methods

11/8/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is here to help in your time of need. We are fire damage restoration experts who are available 24 hours a day to respond when you need us.

The 7 Most Powerful Content Cleaning Techniques

Items that have sustained fire or smoke damage call for a variety of cleaning methods. From dry-cleaning and wet cleaning to innovative foam or ultrasonic methods, it is possible to clean and restore almost any material. Find out about seven effective content cleaning methods used by restoration experts.

1. Abrasion

Abrasive methods involve agitation or blasting. This approach is suitable for durable materials with moderate to heavy soot or smoke residue.

2. Dry-Cleaning

Dry-clean delicate items that cannot be safely exposed to moisture. A specialized method for restoration eliminates stains and odors.

3. Foam Cleaning

Clean delicate materials such as upholstery with foam. This method combines even absorbency and minimal wetting with a fast drying time.

4. Immersion Cleaning

Dip small items that can be safely exposed to liquids into a bath of cleaning solution. Ultrasonic waves may be combined with this method.

5. Spraying and Wiping

Surfaces that should not be soaked may benefit from spraying and wiping. A cleaning solution is misted over the surface and wiped with a cleaning tool suitable for the material.

6. Ultrasonic Cleaning

High-pressure waves dislodge particles adhering to non-porous items in places that can be difficult to reach with other cleaning methods. This approach may be suitable for ceramics, glass, metals, plastics, or rubber. Ultrasonic waves can be combined with liquids for items that can withstand immersion in cleaning solution.

7. Wet Cleaning

Durable materials capable of withstanding exposure or saturation with cleaning solutions can be wet cleaned. This method is capable of removing heavy residue.

If you are concerned about whether contents in your home can be cleaned, contact a residential fire and smoke damage mitigation and restoration company in Valrico, FL. This service can provide all of these content cleaning methods, such as dry-cleaning or more specialized techniques, as well as content storage until the home restoration process is complete.

What Are Safe Alternatives for Candles?

10/30/2021 (Permalink)

Battery-operated flameless candles are a great option for your home.

Prevent Candle Related - Fires

Candles are a common but dangerous household item. According to Alder Home Security, candles are the fourth leading cause of house fires. The National Fire Protection Association reported that there is a report of a candle fire 24 times per day, with about one-third of them beginning in bedrooms. And, around the December holidays, be especially aware if a candle is lit - fires caused by candles spike during the winter season. To safely scent your home in Valrico, FL, check out the following three candle alternatives.

1. Flameless Candles

Battery-operated flameless candles are a great option for areas of your home that are often vacant, such as hallways, guest rooms, and bathrooms. They are often made with scented wax to smell like an authentic candle and flicker as if they were lit with a real flame. Leaving candles unattended or forgetting to blow them out are two of the reasons for 85 percent of fires, according to the National Candle Association, and flame-free candles can be a preventative measure.

2. Luminaries

If you’re looking for an option that looks different than a traditional candle, picking up a flameless luminary is the way to go. It’s made up of a decorated shade, and some brands allow you to choose between different scents. As an added bonus, some types shut off after four hours so you don’t have to remember to turn them off.

3. Candle Warmers

For those who enjoy the look and smell of an authentic candle, candle warmers make great lit candle alternatives. The lamp heats the wax from the candle by warming the top to release its scent. The lamps come in multiple designs and can hold most 22-ounce candles. You may be able to purchase scented candles with or without a wick, or you can heat your own.

Candle alternatives are excellent additions to homes to prevent candle-related fires. These options can still provide the look, smell, and cozy atmospheres in Valrico, FL  that traditional candles provide – without the risk.

Quick Guide to Residential Fire Extinguishers

7/27/2021 (Permalink)

To make sure you get a fire extinguisher that will operate in your home, read the label carefully.

Extinguishers For The Home

Having a fire extinguisher in your home in Valrico,FL can help you increase your chances of escaping from a fire. With so many products on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. Use this guide and talk with a residential fire cleanup expert to figure out which extinguisher you should stock.

Size

This fire preparedness tool comes in a variety of sizes. The size you want to get depends on where in the house you want to keep it.

• 2-pound: This small extinguisher is perfect for on the go. You can keep it in the trunk of your car to help prepare you for any situation. Some small models come with mounting hardware, so you can keep it in one place.
• 5-pound: This rechargeable model works well in fire-hazard areas in the home. Consider keeping it near your kitchen or laundry room, so it's easily accessible.
• 10-pound: This larger fire extinguisher is ideal for parts of the home that are left unattended for periods of time. The size means there's more fire suppressant chemicals, which can help dampen a fire that went unnoticed for a bit. Keep this size in a garage, shed or workshop.

As you consider the size of your extinguisher, you also need to think about your personal capabilities. If you would struggle to lift and use a 10-pound extinguisher, it might not be the right option for you.

Classification

You also have to think about the classification of the extinguisher. Residential products come in three classes: A, B and C. The A classification means the suppressant will work well on trash, wood and paper. B means the extinguisher can help put out a home fire caused by grease or liquids. C usually means it's suited for electrical fires.

Read the label of your fire extinguisher closely to make sure you have a unit that can work well in your home. Consider both size and classification before you buy your next fire dampening tool.

A Home Fire Escape Plan Can Help Keep Your Family Safe

7/12/2021 (Permalink)

Practice your fire escape plan.

You plan a party. You plan a vacation. You even plan your dinner. But do you have a plan for helping your family escape from your home in the event a fire breaks out in your home in Plant City, FL? Your family is the most precious thing in your life so give some serious thought to the importance of a fire escape plan.

What Should Your Plan Include?

A plan for escaping a home fire may vary from home to home, but some basics are universal. Sit your family down and have a serious discussion about the urgent and immediate need for action should a fire break out. Include the following items in your discussion.

Make sure each person knows two ways out of every room, if possible
Get some fire escape ladders and have family members practice using them to escape from upper floors
Teach them to check the doorknobs with the back of their hand before opening to avoid burning the more sensitive skin on the palm and to practice crawling out to reduce smoke inhalation
Designate a safe meeting place away from the house where family members can meet
Practice a full drill a few times a year including setting off the smoke alarms so they can get out even with a sense of panic


Additional Safety Measures
You should also make sure you have properly working smoke alarms installed throughout your home. Place fresh fire extinguishers in the kitchen, laundry room and other areas where they may be most needed, including any smokers bedrooms. Keep the phone number of a fire damage and restoration service in Plant City, FL, with your other emergency numbers so you can get help right away if you need it.
A family fire escape plan is an essential part of your family’s fire preparation and should frequently be rehearsed and revised as needed. With careful planning in place, you can rest easier knowing your family is well prepared be safe in a fire emergency.

Home Care: How to Protect Your Family From a Fire

6/4/2021 (Permalink)

Do you need a smoke alarm in your home?

How to Protect Your Family From a Fire

In the unfortunate event of a house fire, your family has 3 – 4 minutes to get out alive. That’s because most furniture and decorative fittings are made of artificial fibers that burn hot and fast. As a result, the NFPA recommends that every home should have a fire alarm system. It is the only way to get a head start when the worst happens.
As a homeowner in NE Hillsborough County, FL you should have a functional smoke detector in these rooms:

• All bedrooms
• Outside the bedroom
• Every level of the house

How Many Alarms Do You Need?

Generally, each bedroom should have a fire alarm. One should be enough for an average size room, but you can also install several detectors if it is on the bigger side of the scale. Place another sensor outside the bedrooms and one unit at every level of the house, including the basement. That should wake you in case the fire starts from another part of the house.

How to Maintain Smoke Detectors

Smoke sensors need proper care and maintenance to remain in good working condition. The last thing you want is to go through the ordeal that comes with fire and smoke damage - it is expensive and also takes a lot of time. To avoid it, replace the smoke detector batteries regularly and install new alarms every 8 - 10 years. The average cost per unit is $5 - $20, but there are smart fire detectors that retail at $100 or more. However, that is nothing compared to the cost of fire damage.
That said, it’s clear that a fire alarm system is mandatory for every home. Just make sure you have enough of them throughout the home. A 2 story house with 3 bedrooms should have a minimum of 5 smoke alarms, but there is no upper limit. You can install as many units as possible, so long as there's none within a 10 ft radius of kitchen appliances.

How To Create a Fire Escape Plan for Your Family

3/18/2021 (Permalink)

Create multiple escape routes in your fire escape plan.

How To Create a Fire Escape Plan for Your Family

It’s not fun to think about experiencing a fire in your Valrico, FL, home, particularly one large enough to require fire damage remediation, but it’s best to be ready for any kind of emergency. Creating a fire escape plan is a great way to keep your family prepared. If you’re not sure where to start, the following steps may be helpful.

1. Locate All Exits
While you likely know all of the obvious exits in your house, there may be some that you haven’t considered. Along with doors, windows on lower floors can also be a quick way to safely get out of the building.

2. Create Multiple Escape Routes
You might be used to leaving your house in a certain way every day, but if there is a fire, your usual route might not be an option. When making your fire escape plan, figure out multiple paths from each room in the house to make it easier to find your way out during an emergency. You may find it helpful, especially for younger members of the family, to post these on walls around the house.

3. Have a Designated Meetup Spot
Because you may be separated from other members of the family while leaving the building, you should agree on a location where you will meet once you make it outside. This will make it easier to determine if everyone has made it out safely. This spot should be at a safe distance from the house and should be easy for everyone to remember.

4. Practice Regularly
It does no good to create an emergency escape plan unless you practice. In most cases, practicing once a year should be enough. If you have younger children in your family, you may want to have practice fire drills more often. Knowing exactly what to do during a fire can help make the experience less stressful if it occurs.
Having a fire escape plan and making sure your family knows what to do during a fire can help keep everyone safe. Practicing often will reduce the chances of panicking during an emergency.

3 Top Causes for Residential Fires in 2020

12/22/2020 (Permalink)

Burning candles

Three Common Reasons For Fire Houses

An unexpected home fire can happen to anyone and can be started for a number of various reasons. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), household fires most often occur when homeowners neglect basic safety measures. The following three fire causes are some of the most common reasons for house fires in 2020.

1. Indoor Cooking
For the average American, indoor cooking is a way of life. Microwave ovens, stovetops and ovens are standard appliances in a typical U.S. household. With careful attention and basic cooking skills, these appliances can be used safely. However, where many residents can misstep is walking away from an appliance while it is in operation. The NFPA recommends never leaving any indoor cooking appliance out of sight while in operation. This includes the following less-obvious kitchen appliances:

• Toasters and toaster ovens
  
• Fryers
  
• Griddles and waffle makers
  
  

2. Burning Candles
Many homeowners enjoy the natural light and calming ambiance of burning candles indoors. While this common practice may seem harmless, indoor candles have the potential to wreak serious havoc on your home. The NFPA says that one of the most dangerous areas of the home to burn an open-flame candle is in the bedroom. Bedrooms are typically filled with highly flammable furnishings including drapes, bedding, home decor and more. To prevent the common mistake of starting a home fire using a candle, consider only burning candles in open areas of your home when careful supervision can take place.

3. Unsafe Grilling
Open grills are a highly popular food preparation tool in the United States, particularly during the summer season. The most common reason for grill fires is unsafe grilling techniques. You can prevent a grill fire by keeping the grill clean to prevent flare-ups and by only using it outdoors. Additionally, keep your grill off of decks, porches and away from awnings to prevent an unwanted fire.

Fire Cleanup
Residential fires can happen to even the most cautious homeowner. If you have experienced a home fire in Plant City, FL, talk to your insurance provider as soon as possible to start fire restoration services that suit your immediate and long-term fire cleaning needs.

How To Deal With Revenue Losses After a Fire

11/8/2020 (Permalink)

Fires are unpredictable, but they can be planned for

A fire does not just spell the loss of property. It also means the loss of future income. Even a few days of lost revenue can cause serious financial complications. Fortunately, with interruption insurance and a good restoration plan, most businesses can limit losses and bounce back quickly.

Understand Business Interruption

From an insurance standpoint, loss of income from the suspension of operations constitutes business interruption. If a kitchen fire causes a restaurant to close down in Plant City, FL, an insurance policy will consider it business interruption, and will likely cover projected losses. However, insurance will only cover losses during the period of restoration, so it is important that your business is ready to go as soon as the repairs are complete.

Know What Interruption Insurance Covers
Business owners should familiarize themselves with what their policy covers for suspended operations. Business interruption clauses usually cover most of the following:

Profits: most insurance will pay out on lost profits, based on what a business estimates it would make if the fire did not occur
Fixed costs: this includes any costs of doing business, including operating expenses
Taxes: even when disaster strikes, taxes are owed, and an interruption clause in your policy will ensure that you can pay them
Temporary location: some policies will pay for a business to re-open at another venue during the period of restoration
Loan payments: as with taxes, loans have to be paid no matter what, and loans are usually due monthly, which makes them even more difficult to pay when business is halted. However, many policies insure your loan payments as well
Employee salaries: insurance can and usually does help to prevent the loss of workers by helping your business make payroll

Fires are unpredictable, but they can be planned for. Talk with your insurance provider, and have them detail all of the ways interruption insurance can help you mitigate the financial burden of fire restoration. This knowledge, along with the help of certified restoration professionals, can have you back on your feet in no time.

When Fire Isn't Covered by Insurance

9/25/2020 (Permalink)

Home destroyed by fire in Plant City, FL

When Fire Isn't Covered by Insurance

Each year around half a million homeowners will experience a home fire that destroys their home and their possessions. Fortunately, most of these homeowners have insurance to help cover the losses they experience. It's important to understand your policy and know what coverages it offers, as the insurance on your home in Plant City, FL, won't cover every type of fire cleanup and recovery.

Intentional Fires
Fires set by the homeowner are not covered by insurance. Home arson is a type of insurance fraud, and all policies stipulate damage will not be covered when it was caused intentionally. Though this type of fire is rare, it does happen.

Vacant Home Fires
A typical homeowner's policy doesn't cover claims of any type for a vacant property, and this includes a vacant home fire. For property owners of an unoccupied residence, they will need to purchase a policy that is specifically designed for an unoccupied home.

Some Wildfires
Most policies do cover wildfires, but some homeowners live in areas where wildfires are common which also makes the risk of a home fire more likely. For the homeowners in these areas, some insurance companies will not offer coverage for wildfires due to the high risk. This is one of the reasons it's important for homeowners to review their policies to ensure any threats common to the area are covered.
If you do experience a home fire, there are professionals available to help. After the fire has been extinguished, contact your insurance company to plan your next steps. Never attempt any fire cleanup yourself, as there are dangers inherent to fire destruction. A cleanup and restoration company can assess the damage and determine the best route to getting you back in your home.
An accidental home fire will be covered by most insurance policies. Review your policy before you purchase it so you don't experience any surprises should disaster occur.

Why Does Smoke Damage Stick Around?

7/13/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial fire damage in Plant City, FL

The smell of smoke may linger long after a fire at a commercial building in Plant City, FL, particularly if fire damage was not properly cleaned and restored. Property owners should arrange for professional fire and smoke damage remediation. Find out how a full-service restoration company uses specialized equipment and trained experts to banish smoke odor.

Smoke Residue Coats Surfaces

Smoke consists of airborne particles that move through the air during and after a fire. Smoke may contain any of the following substances:

• Ash
• Carbon monoxide
• Chemicals
• Volatile organic compounds
• Water vapor
  

This mixture moves through air and settles down as soot damage on contents and surfaces throughout a building. Smoke damage can affect portions of a structure not ruined by fire. Surfaces such as ceilings, floors, and walls and any contents in a structure that was recently on fire should be cleaned during restoration to lower the concentration of smoke particles.

Odor Particles Linger In Air
Particles of smoke can get into ductwork, crevices in furniture or other places, and stick around even after surfaces or objects have been cleaned. It is necessary to filter out these particles and deodorize air to eliminate any residual traces of odor. Specialized air purifiers are necessary for smoke cleaning, as most wood smoke particles are smaller than one micron.

Deodorization Eliminates Trace Odors
A deodorizing treatment such as thermal fogging, ozone, or hydroxyl generation can get rid of residual odors. These treatments may be most effective after a structure and all contents have been cleaned. Contents exposed to smoke that have not been cleaned may recontaminate the location of a fire.
The chemical composition and pervasive qualities of smoke particles cause odors to persist after a fire at a commercial building in Plant City, FL. A damage restoration company can recommend the best approach to cleanup, restoration, and getting rid of stubborn smoke damage.

Five Facts About Fire Alarms

6/7/2020 (Permalink)

A photoelectric alarm is built more for sensing a smoky, smoldering fire

Common Fire Alarm Questions

Is your Plant City, FL, home prepared for a fire? No one wants to think about their house burning, but knowledge and prevention are key. Take note of these answers to common fire alarm questions to keep your family and home safe:

1. How Many Should My Home Have?
Homes should have fire alarms on every floor, including the basement, inside every bedroom, and outside every sleeping area. Ideally, all of the alarm units are connected so that when one alarm sounds, the others will, too. After all, a fire could start in another area of the house while you’re unaware of any problem until it’s too late.

2. What Types Are Available?
There are two types of fire alarms available: ionization and photoelectric. An ionization alarm is best for detecting a flaming, fast-moving fire. A photoelectric alarm is built more for sensing a smoky, smoldering fire. The installation of both types of alarms is recommended; alarms with both types of sensors are also available.

3. How Often Should Units Be Replaced?
A fire alarm purchased today should be good for up to 10 years. It’s good to note the date you purchased the unit. If your alarm is still chirping after you’ve replaced the batteries, it’s probably time to replace the unit itself.

4. How Often Should Batteries Be Replaced?
The batteries should be replaced at least once a year. At some point, you’ll probably hear the high-pitched chirp signaling that you need to replace them. However, just to be sure, it’s best not to wait for the chirp. It’s helpful to place a reminder on your calendar to replace them; this will also give you an idea of how long batteries last in the units.

5. Should They Be Cleaned?
They should be cleaned at least once a year to keep their sensing chambers clear. Vacuuming the units will keep them dust- and debris-free.
Your family’s well-being is worth investing the time and money to choose the right fire alarm and the appropriate number of alarms for your home. If your home sustains fire damage or smoke damage, restoration professionals can return it to its original condition.

Learn To Extinguish Fires and Evacuate Safely

5/21/2020 (Permalink)

The P.A.S.S. Method

• Pull the pin to break the tamper-proof seal.
• Aim the nozzle of the extinguisher low and toward the base of the fire.
• Squeeze the handle at the top of the canister to release the chemical extinguishing agent.
• Sweep the spray from one side of the fire to the other, back and forth repetitively.

Remember, the four steps: pull, aim, squeeze, and sweep. Keep the focus on the base of the fire and continue to move through steps two, three, and four until the flames don't reignite.

Know When To Evacuate

Understanding how to use a fire extinguisher is an important step in fighting fires to protect your home and family. When a fire does break out, evacuate your family, then call the fire department. If it is safe to attempt extinguishing the fire, discharge the device according to the P.A.S.S. method. Never let flames, heat, or smoke to get between you and the exit. If you aren't sure you can safely put out the fire, move away from the flames and evacuate. You should also get out of your home if the fire has grown past the small fire (or incipient) stage.

When you have prepared to use and practiced using a fire extinguisher in a home fire, you can prevent a lot of fire damage. The rest of the damage should be addressed by home damage and reconstruction professionals in NE Hillsborough County.

4 Steps To Using a Fire Extinguisher

3/2/2020 (Permalink)

Using a fire extinguisher can help you combat a fire.

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher

If you are in the midst of a fire, you will need to know how to use a fire extinguisher. Go through these four steps to learn how to utilize one and find out the kinds that are available.

Step 1: Take Out the Pin

Remove the small pin that is near the top of the device. Taking this pin out makes the extinguisher usable.

Step 2: Step Away and Aim

Stand at least six feet away, and point the nozzle at the bottom of the fire.

Step 3: Squeeze and Release

Squeeze the handle that had the pin in it to release the powder. Make sure you do this in a precise and even manner.

Step 4: Sweep it Along

Move the fire extinguisher from side to side in a sweeping motion to stamp out the fire.

What Type of Extinguisher Should You Use?

The extinguisher that you will use will depend on the type of fire you are trying to fight. Class A is for items like plastic, wood, clothing and even rubber. Class B extinguishes liquids that are flammable. This includes cooking oil, which can cause a kitchen fire, paint, thinners and gasoline. Class C is for electrical items like wiring, electronics, kitchen appliances and electric machines. Class ABC is a multipurpose extinguisher that can be used for all three kinds of fires.

Seek Help

If you feel that a fire is beyond your control, seek help from professionals immediately. Call 911 so that the fire department can put out the fire. You will also need to find a company to assess the fire damage.

 Steps you will need to use the extinguisher include taking out the pin, moving away from the fire and aiming it, squeezing the handle to let out the powder and sweeping the extinguisher from side to side. If the fire seems like it is too much for you to handle, please call 911.