Setting Up Your Backyard Grill for Success and Fire Prevention This Summer - SERVPRO of Gillette/Sheridan

8/2/2024 (Permalink)

Gather around the grill, but don't forget about fire safety! Follow these tips from SERVPRO of Rapid City to ensure a fun and safe night.

As the warm weather arrives, there’s nothing quite like firing up the grill and enjoying a delicious meal in your backyard. However, grilling comes with its own set of safety concerns, particularly the risk of fire.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable grilling experience this summer, here are some tips for setting up your backyard grill for success and fire prevention.

Choose the Right Location

Selecting the proper location for your grill is crucial for both safety and convenience.

Keep it Away from Structures: Position your grill at least ten feet away from your home, garage, deck railings, and overhanging branches. This distance reduces the risk of fire spreading to nearby structures.

Ensure Good Ventilation: Grill in an open area with good ventilation to prevent the buildup of smoke and carbon monoxide. Avoid using your grill indoors or in enclosed spaces, as this can lead to dangerous fumes.

Use a Stable Surface: Place your grill on a stable and level surface, away from any potential tripping hazards. Avoid setting it on grass, which can be a fire hazard, and opt for concrete or gravel instead.

Clean and Maintain Your Grill

Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential for both the performance and safety of your grill.

Clean the Grill Grates: Before each use, scrub the grill grates with a wire brush to remove any leftover food residue. This not only prevents flare-ups but also ensures that your food cooks evenly.

Empty the Grease Trap: Keep the grease trap or pan beneath the grill clean and empty to prevent grease buildup, which can ignite and cause a fire.

Inspect for Damage: Check your grill regularly for any signs of damage, such as rusted or corroded parts. Replace worn-out or damaged components promptly to maintain the safety and functionality of your grill.

Practice Safe Grilling Techniques

Follow these tips to grill safely and prevent fires:

Keep a Fire Extinguisher Nearby: Have a fire extinguisher rated for grease fires within reach whenever you’re grilling. Familiarize yourself with how to use it before an emergency arises.

Never Leave the Grill Unattended: Stay vigilant while grilling and never leave it unattended, especially when children or pets are nearby.

Be Prepared for Emergencies: Have a plan in place in case of a fire. Know how to safely extinguish a grease fire and when to call the fire department.

By following these tips for setting up your backyard grill and practicing safe grilling techniques, you can enjoy delicious outdoor meals without the worry of fire hazards.

If you experience fire damage or need assistance with fire cleanup and restoration, don’t hesitate to contact SERVPRO of Rapid City.

We Can Help You Recover After a Fire | SERVPRO® of Gillette, Sheridan

2/11/2023 (Permalink)

For quick repairs following a fire, get in touch with our team at SERVPRO of Gillette, Sheridan.

Any sort of house disaster can be overwhelming and hard to fully understand in the aftermath. If you are a homeowner, you certainly understand that worry! House fires in particular can be especially destructive and can make a large impact on your family’s lives.

Dealing with the cleanup and restoration on your own can be hard, but thankfully you don’t have to do that! Your SERVPRO of Gillette, Sheridan team is here for you to help guide you through the process and take over the restoration for you.

Keep Your Home Warm and Fire Safe This Winter | SERVPRO® of Gillette, Sheridan

1/26/2023 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Gillette, Sheridan if you experience any smoke, soot or fire damage.

We are in the throes of the winter season here in Wyoming! With the subzero temperatures and a few snowstorms under our belts already, we are all definitely relying on our home’s heat sources to stay warm every day. House fires are more common in winter because of our increased reliance on our furnaces and fireplaces.

It is possible to reduce your risk of experiencing a house fire this season, though! It just takes some extra cleaning and precautions, which we have laid out below.

The Hazards of Holiday Decorations | SERVPRO® of Gillette, Sheridan

11/9/2022 (Permalink)

Should a fire issue pop-up during this holiday season, SERVPRO of Gillette, Sheridan will be on call ready to assist.

Believe it or not, the holiday season is nearly upon us once more! Cookies, presents, twinkly lights and traditions with friends and family are all what makes this time of year so special.

Unfortunately, while this season is wonderful, there is also an uptick in the number of house fires across the United States.

Decorations vs. Fires

Be careful about where you place your holiday decorations! Decorations that catch fire are responsible for about 790 structural fires every year.

Hanging stockings over the fireplace or chimney is a classic holiday tradition, but be careful not to hang them too low over the flames. Your precious memories may catch fire and start a house fire.

If a real tree is a necessity in your family traditions, keep it watered every day in order to prevent excess drying and needle drop. If needles do start to fall, make sure to sweep or vacuum around the tree daily, and unplug all lights before retiring for the night.

Other Fire Hazards

Did you know that December is the month with the highest number of candle-related house fires? Candles are responsible for 20 new home fires every day in the United States! Never leave a lit candle unattended, and always make sure to snuff it out before going to bed.

Who doesn’t love outdoor lights on houses or in your yard? Before you start setting up, make sure that decorations are tagged for outdoor use so that they can easily withstand the elements without deteriorating. Also be careful not to pierce the cords with nails or anything else while hanging them up!

Once you are done decorating and admiring your handiwork, do a final check of your smoke detectors to make sure they are ready to work for you. Also refresh your family’s escape route and meeting location if you need to make a hasty exit from your home.

 While you are out celebrating the season at the Festival of Lights or are getting cozy with a cup of hot cocoa at Festival of lights, you can rest easy knowing that your house will stay fire-safe.

Protecting Your Home From Lightning Strikes | SERVPRO® of Gillette, Sheridan

9/19/2022 (Permalink)

If you are dealing with fire damage from a recent fire, call SERVPRO of Gillette, Sheridan to learn about a restoration solution for your issue.

You do your best every day to prevent fires in your home by being attentive to any open flame, having working smoke detectors and having a fire extinguisher nearby. But what happens when Mother Nature sparks a fire from a lightning strike? Unfortunately, external fires are much harder to prevent and predict.

In fact, it is actually relatively common to suffer home damage due to a lightning strike. 2020 brought 70,000 damage claims due to lightning. It is definitely a possibility that you will experience a lightning-related fire at some point, so it is important to know how to react when you do.

What Is Lightning?

Lightning is the result of a giant spark of electricity that comes from an overcharged storm system. The spark travels from the clouds to the ground quickly and powerfully.

Lightning is most commonly associated with thunderstorms, but the phenomenon can also happen with forest fires, snowstorms and volcanic eruptions.

Protecting Your Home

Whenever lightning hits your home, it can start a fire either from the heat of the strike or a resulting electrical surge. If a fire starts, you may not notice right away if the fire starts in the attic or in your walls.

Thankfully, you will probably still be alerted by the sound. Lightning strikes are incredibly loud and can produce an immediate burning smell or scorch mark.

If you want to take some preventative measures against lightning, invest in a lightning rod. This is a metal pole that diverts energy away from the strike so your home doesn’t have to absorb all of the energy on its own.

Nearby Lightning Fire Risks

Lightning can contribute to wildfires relatively easily. An average of 9,000 fires are started each year by lightning! When lightning does spark a wildfire, it can start quickly because of the intense heat.

Do your best to keep your landscaping tidy and consider using defensible spaces around your home as a buffer against any flames. Also make sure that your smoke detectors are in good working order so you can react right away to any situation.

If you do discover a fire after a lightning strike, the most important first step is to call 911 and get out of the house. After the flames are out and you can re-enter your home, call us at SERVPRO of Gillette, Sheridan to get your restoration process started. We will work tirelessly to complete your project and get you back into your home.

Have you experienced smoke or fire damage in your home? Call us today to get the restoration finished fast.

Backyard Fires & Fun This Summer | SERVPRO® of Gillette, Sheridan

7/21/2022 (Permalink)

If you have experienced fire or smoke damage, contact SERVPRO of Gillette, Sheridan.

The summer months are sacred in the Midwest, and it is no different here in Gillette, Sheridan. Spending quality time with family in your backyard enjoying bonfires, barbecues and s’mores can make for precious seasonal memories.

We utilize fire often with all kinds of summer activities. We light campfires, grill out for dinner and burn yard debris often—and we need a reliable fire for all of these things.

However, even if we are being responsible with our fire use, there is always the risk of sparking an unwanted fire. The National Park Service estimates that about 85% of wildfires are started by humans.

Armed with this knowledge, you should still be able to enjoy a responsible campfire at Canyon Lake Park, enjoy a summer barbecue or burn your leaf-drop in the fall. You just need to adopt some safe fire practices and you can continue the fun.

Recreational Fires and Their Risks

Whenever a fire is lit, there is always a certain amount of risk associated with it. When it comes to grills, bonfires and fireworks, that risk seems to grow exponentially. Ensuring that all of your equipment is in good shape and not cracked or broken can help reduce your risk, and be sure to always have someone responsible for the fire at all times.

If you have bonfires or campfires often, choose a location that is a safe distance away from buildings or vehicles, and only light your fires with matches or lighters. Avoid using gasoline as a starter or accelerant as that will only increase your risk of starting an uncontrollable blaze.

If you own one of those portable freestanding fire pits, they actually carry a similar risk as a bonfire pit. These pieces of equipment should never be lit on a wooden surface and should not be placed under an overhang or inside an enclosed space.

Once your fire is established, stick to only firewood as your fuel and move all of your furniture out of harm’s way to prevent it from accidentally catching fire.

If you are planning to celebrate anything this summer by lighting off fireworks, keep in mind that all fireworks are prohibited within city limits other than novelty fireworks like sparklers and party poppers.

Yards and Fire Risk

If you are considering burning your yard debris, check the National Weather Service website to see if our county is at a high fire risk or not. It is always important to follow all regulations, even if the risk is low.

Keeping your lawn clear and free of excess grass clippings and leaves actually reduces your risk of contributing fuel to a wildfire. Learn how to burn debris properly and be careful to follow all regulations.

If you are a frequent user of a lawn mower or other gas-using power equipment, chances are that you have a gas can in your garage. Improper storage of these cans is one of the most common reasons for house fires to start. Only use gas as fuel for your equipment, and avoid using it as any sort of fire accelerant.

If you take into consideration all of the suggestions above and decide to continue with your activity or project, do one final check on the weather conditions to make sure it will be safe. Any windy days or really dry conditions should warrant you to choose a different day.

If you do wind up with fire damage for any reason, call us at SERVPRO of Gillette, Sheridan. We are ready to help you with your fire damage and we will work hard to get your home back to normal as quickly as we can.

Burn safely outdoors. And save some chocolate for us! If you have experienced fire or smoke damage, contact us today to get restoration started faster.

Fire Damage Restoration Process

7/19/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Gillette, Sheridan today!

After the fire trucks leave, your home likely suffers from fire and smoke damage and extensive water damage from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO® of Gillette, Sheridan has the specialized fire restoration training needed to restore your home to pre-fire condition.

Every fire damage event is a little different, and requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate our process for the “typical” fire damage emergency.

Step 1: Emergency Contact

The restoration process begins when you give us a call. Our specialist will ask a series of questions regarding the fire damage event that will help us arrive quickly with the appropriate equipment and resources.

Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment

We will carefully inspect and test adjoining rooms of your property to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is crucial to developing a plan of action.

Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service

Fire damage can often compromise windows, walls, and roofs. To maintain security and to protect against further damage, SERVPRO can board up missing windows and walls and place tarps on damaged roofs.

Step 4: Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)

The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. We will then use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process.

Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces

SERVPRO uses specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces.

Step 6: Cleaning and Sanitizing

We will clean all of the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to restore your belongings to pre-fire condition. We’re also trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

Step 7: Restoration

Restoration is the final step—getting your home or business to its pre-fire condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

Preventing Home Fires Starts With You | SERVPRO® of Gillette, Sheridan

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

If your home is damaged in a house fire, SERVPRO of Gillette, Sheridan is here to help. Contact us for any fire restoration need.

With the first few months of 2022 under our belts, the American Red Cross has already responded to more than 20,000 house fires. That number only represents a portion of the house fires that have actually occurred in the United States so far this year.

You can reduce the risk of death and total fire destruction most reliably by having fully functioning smoke detectors in your home. Once you have your smoke detector installed, you can also do a few other things around your home to help minimize the risk of a home fire.

Clear Out the Clutter

Minimizing the clutter in your home is beneficial not only to the function of your home, but it can also reduce the amount of fuel a home fire can consume. Keeping common areas clear of unnecessary things and excess belongings can help deter a potential home fire from growing more quickly and intensely.

Keep your water heater clear of any piles of clothing or bulky items. Having flammable things in too close of a proximity to your water heater is actually a fire hazard.

Overloaded extension cords also contribute to a large amount of home fires. Rather than keeping all of your appliances and electronics constantly plugged in, plug them in only when they are in use and remove them when you are finished.

Watch for Outdoor Fire Hazards

Fire hazards can occur outside your home as well. Did you leave any yard debris left over from the fall season?

Spruce needles and other conifer tree needles are highly flammable, so don’t let them pile up in your yard or near any outdoor units like your air conditioner unit. Clear them out seasonally so they don’t pose a fire hazard.

Use Defensible Spaces In Landscaping

The way in which you plant your trees and landscape around your yard can actually help slow fire growth around your home. Planted strategically, they can create barriers between the fire and your home, giving your local fire department valuable time to get to you before the fire breaches your walls.

States in the West like California have actually imposed defensible zone requirements when landscaping or planting new vegetation because of their proven effectiveness. Even though we don’t live on the coast, we can still adopt some of these practices here in Gillette, Sheridan.

Cleaning Can Save

One of the easiest ways to help in the fight against home fires is to stay on top of your house cleaning. Even a simple, consistent dusting of the commonly forgotten spaces in your home (laundry room, on top of furnaces and water heaters) can be very helpful in reducing the fire risks in your home.

Give your stove and chimney some cleaning attention every season, too! Spaces like these that come into contact with consistent and high heat can be the catalyst for a home fire, so don’t leave it to chance.

The more you do in preventive care, the greater chance you give yourself to ward off a potential fire disaster.

If you have experienced fire damage or want to learn more about our fire damage restoration services, contact us today. We’re here to act fast, ²⁴⁄₇.

Providing The Best Care For Your Contents

4/7/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO provides contents restoration after fire damage has taken place on your property.

When it comes to dealing with your home, SERVPRO of Gillette, Sheridan takes the utmost care of your personal belongings and keepsakes, especially when a devastating event such as a fire has taken place. Our SERVPRO technicians are equipped with the tools and equipment to safely clean the smoke and soot from your affected belongings as well as drying out the moisture from the water used to extinguish any flames or hot spots.

Contents Restoration

SERVPRO aims to help you save money by restoring your belongings rather than replacing them, which can get rather costly. Through our processes, we determine which items we can restore to its previous conditions. We make sure to take the best care of your items as we know your prized possessions and keepsakes hold sentimental value to you and yours.

Is Your Dryer Safe?

2/21/2022 (Permalink)

A dryer seems like a convenient, safe appliance that lets you forget it and go. If you don’t maintain it properly, a lint fire can happen, which can cause sever fire damage to your home.

A Surprising Amount of Lint

Depending on your family size and how often you go through clothes, it is likely that you do a lot more laundry than you realize. An average family does approximately eight to 10 loads a week. Every load means small fabric, dust and dirt particles are collecting in your dryer’s lint trap, vent and duct work. Lint is highly flammable, making it vital to maintain cleanliness.

Cleaning Out the Lint

Instead of dealing with a potential dryer fire and needing expert help in repairing the damage, good habits can go a long way. Lint traps should be cleaned after very load. Most dryers make this easy. The trap usually slides out and the lint can be lifted off. Any lint that is leftover should be removed with a brush. Every few weeks, the screen should be rinsed with water. While the screen is out, vacuum in and around its entry point. Approximately once a year, unplug the dryer and inspect the vent and hose or pipe connected to the dryer. Wipe lint off the opening and clean any leftover in the hose or pipe. A brush can bused to clean the interior of the vent. Don’t forget the exterior vent. Ensure the vent flap is still attached and working properly. Vacuum or wipe out the opening. This should be done a few times a year.

Extra Safety Tips

To further avoid a lint fire, ensure your dryer is properly installed. Additionally, avoid drying clothes stained with chemicals, gas, oil or cleaning products, and only operate the dryer while at home. In most cases, a lint fire happens because of improper cleaning and maintenance. Taking a little extra to be safe is worth it.

The 4 Major Components of Fire & Why It Matters | SERVPRO® of Gillette, Sheridan.

2/2/2022 (Permalink)

If your home or business has any damage, SERVPRO of Gillette, Sheridan is ready around the clock to help you recover.

Pop quiz: What is a tetrahedron? Don’t worry, you can use Google! It’s a three-dimensional, triangular shape with four equal sides.

You may be wondering what we are getting at. Surprisingly, it has to do with fire safety.

A fire needs four components, which are known as the fire tetrahedron.. Without these elements working together, a fire can’t start.

<h34-things-a-fire-needs-to-live">The 4 Things a Fire Needs to Live

Fuel. This has to be something that can be burned. Things like woods, plastics or fibers are all perfect fuel sources for fire.

Heat. The amount of heat needed will vary for each item, but every object has a threshold at which point it will either ignite or melt.

Oxygen. Fires need oxygen to produce an expanding series of chemical reactions. For easier understanding, oxygen feeds a fire so it can grow, generating products of combustion (like smoke and carbon monoxide) in the process.

Chemical Chain Reaction. Like we mentioned above, oxygen produces a chemical reaction, and that cycle is what feeds a fire and produces a chain reaction. This will keep the fire burning as long as this chain reaction isn’t disturbed.

<h34-ways-to-stop-a-fire">The 4 Ways to Stop a Fire

Cool it. When trying to put a fire out, you have to find a way to exhaust the heat. You can do this by dousing it with water until combustion is no longer possible. Because of high heat, water can sometimes evaporate or boil, so a good bit may be needed to put the fire out.

Smother it. Just like anything in life, in order to live, fire has to have oxygen. If you smother a fire, you are starving it from the oxygen it needs to keep going.

Starve it. Fires will continue to burn as long as they have adequate fuel. The best thing you can do is to remove any source of fuel from a fire’s paths in order to help starve it to death.

Interrupt the chain reaction. There are chemical agents that can effectively disrupt the chain and put a stop to a fire, like halon. Halon is very effective for this purpose, but it has an elevated potential for ozone depletion, which makes it an environmental threat.

If the fire tetrahedron makes a wreck of your home or business, we’re ready around the clock to help you recover. Contact SERVPRO anytime for fast, thorough cleanup and recovery after a fire.

When It Comes to Restoration Services, You Simply Can’t Wait | SERVPRO® of Gillette, Sheridan

12/20/2021 (Permalink)

If a fire issue pops up during the holidays, remember the trusted leader in the recovery industry, SERVPRO of Gillette, Sheridan.

When it comes to family or friends, we all try to make plans or fit them in our schedule. However, sometimes life doesn’t work out that easily and things or events don’t always fit our schedule. Things like disasters or accidents affecting your home or business.

These will never fit into anyone’s calendar because it’s a headache that no one wants to deal with! At SERVPRO, we know that disasters don’t fit into anyone’s plans, and that is why we are here for you all day, every day.

When it comes to restoration, acting quickly and efficiently is essential—and that’s exactly what we will do!

After a fire. Once the flames have been put out, the real work is only beginning. Between the sticky, powdery substance known as soot and the smell of charred wood, the cleanup process is only getting started.

These things not only embed themselves into the fabrics of your home, but they also get absorbed by the walls or wood beams that are still standing. That makes these fire effects an extremely difficult thing to get rid of.

One other fire damage byproduct you might not have thought of? Water damage! Yes, you read that right. When a fire is extinguished, large amounts of water are usually involved.

After water damage. Water damage also requires quick action. Any amount to standing water or even moisture can make matters worse.

In only 48 hours or less, water can cause mold growth and can also seep into boards, causing damage to the structure of your home or business.

The quicker you respond to a disaster situation, the better! You can have more damages occur the longer you take, and we understand that to the fullest.

That’s why we are here to back and help you restore your home or business. No matter the type or the size of the disaster, we can be there quickly.

When you need help after a home or business disaster, fast service is a priority, and there’s nobody faster or more prepared than SERVPRO. Call us anytime to take advantage of our 24-hour emergency service.

Fire Safety During the Warmer Weather

6/7/2021 (Permalink)

Restoring fire and smoke damage is one of our specialties

Rainy, cold and dreary weather is finally gone, and the warmer months are here for a while! Thinking about warmer weather can be exciting, but it’s also a time to think about fire safety for your home or business.

Did you know that spring sees more daily fires on average than any other time of year? It’s true, but there are steps you can take to lower your risk.

Here are some common fire threats and ways to protect yourself:

The grill. Almost 9,000 fires a year are related to grilling accidents. They create the perfect combination of flames, heat, grease and gas, which can make things escalate quickly. Make sure you are taking care of the essentials to help prevent a fire. Verify that the grill is in good working condition, have it placed at least three feet away from everything and clean it before each use. Cleaning the grill before each use is critical because [almost 20% of grill fires are due to poor cleaning]. (https://hgi-fire.com/blog/spring-has-sprung-fires-safety-tips-for-the-warmer-months/).

Fire pits. Campfire accidents spike as soon as summer rolls around. Usually burns account for three out of four camping injuries in children younger than 16. So, never leave your children unattended near a fire pit. It’s also a good idea to keep a bucket of water or drag a water hose close to the pit. You should never add leaves or pine needles to the fire, and finally, put the fire out slowly to avoid scattering embers.

Chimneys and dryer vents. Warmer months are the perfect time to do your annual chimney inspection. Having your chimney inspected and cleaned helps avoid a potentially dangerous buildup of ashes. Another yearly maintenance service to consider is having your dryer vent pipe cleaned out. Lint, even if you clean the filter in the dryer every time, can build up quickly in the pipes.

At SERVPRO, we have technicians on hand ²⁴⁄₇! These technicians are ready and waiting, no matter the cause of fire, to help you have it cleaned up. 

Increase Your Fire Safety

3/3/2021 (Permalink)

Considering that a fire might occur in your home can be scary, but it is an important thing to think about. Fires can cause severe damage to the home, but thankfully, putting proper fire safety measures in place can limit the likelihood of one occurring as well as the damages if it does.

There are many resources circulating online with fire safety materials, but it can often be a challenge to find everything in one place. That is why we have provided an overview of all the most important tips to keep in mind to increase your household fire safety.

Tips for Increasing Household Fire Safety Efforts

Frequently Check Smoke Detectors. Having smoke detectors installed in the house and making sure they are properly maintained is the top way to reduce the risk of fire-related injury and lessen the damage that occurs to the home. Test them every 30 days to be sure the batteries are still charged.

Have a Fire Escape Plan. Putting a plan in place for how your family will escape when a fire starts and rehearsing it regularly will help everyone know exactly how to keep themselves safe in a fire. Make sure each room has two exits and that you have a designated meeting place away from the home.

Know How to Operate a Fire Extinguisher. Purchasing a fire extinguisher and learning how it operates can make the difference between a disastrous house fire and a small incident of flames. Store it according to manufacturer’s directions in a place that is easily accessible to everyone.

Never Leave Flames Unattended. Small flames are everywhere—lit candles, cook tops and even fireplaces may seem harmless because of how frequently they are used. However, any flame has the potential to get out of hand, so they should never be left unattended under any circumstances.

Keep a Closed-Door Policy. Nighttime house fires are some of the most alarming because of their high fatality rates. The best thing to do to protect your family is making sure everyone sleeps with a shut door. This can slow the spread of smoke and flames exponentially, adding precious seconds on to everyone’s time allotted to escape.

If you’d like to learn more about protecting yourself from a house fire and how our restoration services can help you recover, get in touch today to learn more.

Tips to Keep Your Home safe from Fire This Winter.

2/15/2021 (Permalink)

Are you ready for the ending of winter? Most people are excited for the beginning of spring time, the plants start growing back, and all the animals start waking up. but that doesn't mean you are at any less of a risk for fire damage. 

But did you know that fall and winter carry the highest risk for house fires to start? According to the American Red Cross, statistically most house fires happen in the fall and winter months.

Luckily there are steps you can take to lower your risk of a fire starting in your home. The first one is actually very simple. Just check the batteries in your home’s smoke detectors.

Working smoke detectors help keep your home and family safe. Experts recommend having a smoke detector in every bedroom.

If you have issues remembering when you need to change your smoke detector batteries, a good rule of thumb is to switch them every spring and fall when you change your clocks.

Don’t Forget Basic Fire Safety

Do you enjoy a big, happy bonfire with family and friends? If you do, you aren’t alone.

Bonfires are one of the most popular American fall activities. (And they’re a great way to make s’mores.) But if they aren’t properly attended, they can turn a fun night out into an accident waiting to happen.

Supervising a bonfire safely really comes down to keeping an eye on the fire. Don’t leave a fire burning by itself in your yard. If you’re done for the night, be sure to put out your bonfire so it doesn’t cause any unintended damage.

If there’s a fireplace in your home, then using it becomes more tempting on chilly winter nights. Before you light your first fire this fall, have a professional check out your chimney and fireplace to be sure it’s safe.

You don’t want to light a fire in a fireplace when the chimney is clogged or damaged. Having them check the condition of your home’s other heating units (like your furnace) can also help prevent fires caused by maintenance problems.

We’re Here if You Need Us!

If an accident happens at your home this winter and you need help restoring fire or smoke damage, you don’t have to look far.

Our team is always ready to help you if a fire damages your home. Local experts can guide you through the fire restoration process and help get your home back in top shape. 

If you have any other questions you can call us at (307)228-1559 were ready 24/7!

If you have fire damage due to a heating malfunction or other issue, count on SERVPRO of Gillette, Sheridan to fully restore your home.

1/27/2021 (Permalink)

If you’re a homeowner here in Rapid City, there’s a team of local experts who can help you and your family if your home suffers fire damage. We’re prepared to work with you to remediate and repair in the aftermath of a fire.

Millions of house fires happen every year in the United States—something many homeowners will deal with over the next year. And that number likely includes members of the community here.

Why Winter Is a Riskier Season

Fires happen more often during the colder winter months—especially in places like South Dakota, where residents may need to use furnaces, space heaters and more to heat their homes.

Christmas tree accidents cause numerous fires every year.

Space heaters without automatic shutoff functions can topple over. Malfunctioning furnaces and mishaps with appliances happen sometimes.

How SERVPRO Is Different

Want to know why so many families trust us in the country? Here’s how we’re different:

We have a restoration-first mentality. Our team helps families recover from a fire in a way that’s both logical and economical. Experts are there at every step. We’ll help you save money on repairs and insurance premiums.

We can help with all the restoration issues you’ll face. House fires can damage upholstery, walls and more. Issues resulting from water and smoke are common problems, too. We have the tools and resources to remediate these issues. We’ll make the damage like it never happened.

We’re here at any time. Beginning the restoration process quickly is an important step in getting your home back to its original state. When it’s an emergency, we’re available ²⁴⁄₇. We make sure our team is here when it matters most.

We are locally owned. SERVPRO locations are everywhere—all across the United States. This location is locally owned. It’s staffed by team members who live in Gillette or Sheridan area. But since we are a SERVPRO location, we can use the resources, equipment and training you would find at a leading-edge company. We use them here in our community.

If you have fire damage in your home due to a kitchen, heating or other fire, you can count on us for restoration assistance. Our team is always ready to meet your needs and help you restore your home. Contact us at any time to learn more about our restoration services.

SERVPRO of Gillette, Sheridan can help with fire damage.

1/11/2021 (Permalink)

When a fire happens in your home or place of business, it's not always a total loss, but the mess that is left behind from the smoke/soot and putting out of the fire itself can make it seem like a total loss! Smoke gets into everything in your home/business and the odor that is left behind is awful. 

Smoke affects various materials in different ways. The temperature and type of fire can cause different forms of smoke that will damage your home in different ways. Smoke is actually made of small particles of the fire itself and is a toxic hot speck that damages the surfaces as it lands on it.

Not all fires are big fires, and not all smoke damage is caused by a direct fire. In fact, it's the fires that we don't think that much about, like smoke from a fire outside that sneaks into your home. This type of smoke damage can go unnoticed for a long time, all the while damaging the surface that it's on as well as leaving behind a lingering odor.

You may find yourself wanting to brave the mess yourself, BUT it's not always the safest for you to do on your own. If you have suffered a fire, chances are that the conditions are unsafe. The structure may be falling apart and the smoke damage combined with the water is very slippery.

Odds are that if a fire has occurred, there will be a need to secure the area and clean up the debris before a decision can be rendered on its safety.

Thankfully, SERVPRO of Gillette, Sheridan can help with this. We have the equipment and experience to secure your home and cherished items, while getting it ready for restoration.

Every fire presents its own set of circumstances. A good process that is followed is:

• Emergency Contact (When you first call us).
• Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment.
• Immediate Board-Up and Roof Tarp Service (if needed)
• Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)
• Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces.
• Cleaning and Repair
• Restoration

Odor elimination is a big part of the restoration process as well. SERVPRO technicians are IICRC certified in odor removal.

Some odor removal basics are as follows

• Remove the source of the odor, i.e. burnt wood and building materials safely
• Cleanup begins and the deodorization begins. Smoke and soot residues can deposit on and even penetrate the various surfaces such as walls and ceilings. SERVPRO technicians clean
  different surfaces depending on the type of surface and residue deposited on it.
• Sealing if needed. Generally, sealing is not needed. But if the damage is extensive and the removal of the source is too expensive or impractical, it is the recommended option.

If you believe that you have unchecked smoke damage or have lingering odors, give us a call today at 307-228-1559 and we'll gladly come and serve you or your business

Have You Cleaned Your Dryer Lately?

1/11/2021 (Permalink)

A dryer seems like a convenient, safe appliance that lets you forget it and go. If you don’t maintain it properly, a lint fire can happen, which can cause sever fire damage to your home.

A Surprising Amount of Lint

Depending on your family size and how often you go through clothes, it is likely that you do a lot more laundry than you realize. An average family does approximately eight to 10 loads a week. Every load means small fabric, dust and dirt particles are collecting in your dryer’s lint trap, vent and duct work. Lint is highly flammable, making it vital to maintain cleanliness.

Cleaning Out the Lint

Instead of dealing with a potential dryer fire and needing expert help in repairing the damage, good habits can go a long way. Lint traps should be cleaned after very load. Most dryers make this easy. The trap usually slides out and the lint can be lifted off. Any lint that is leftover should be removed with a brush. Every few weeks, the screen should be rinsed with water. While the screen is out, vacuum in and around its entry point. Approximately once a year, unplug the dryer and inspect the vent and hose or pipe connected to the dryer. Wipe lint off the opening and clean any leftover in the hose or pipe. A brush can bused to clean the interior of the vent. Don’t forget the exterior vent. Ensure the vent flap is still attached and working properly. Vacuum or wipe out the opening. This should be done a few times a year.

Extra Safety Tips

To further avoid a lint fire, ensure your dryer is properly installed. Additionally, avoid drying clothes stained with chemicals, gas, oil or cleaning products, and only operate the dryer while at home. In most cases, a lint fire happens because of improper cleaning and maintenance. Taking a little extra to be safe is worth it.

Have a Plan for Recovering from a House Fire.

1/7/2021 (Permalink)

Having a plan for the moment a house fire starts is one of the best things you can do to boost your household’s safety. Getting everyone out of the house and calling for help in an organized manner is key, but it is also important to know what happens once the flames are extinguished.

Navigating the aftermath of a house fire is a complicated process, but with these helpful tips, you can make sure you are taking care of all the necessary considerations.

Prepare yourself for what to expect. While it is impossible to predict the exact extent of your household’s damage before you go inside, being mentally prepared can help lessen the associated shock. Fire damage can often look more severe than people are expecting, so understanding how the charring, soot and smoke damage might appear can be helpful.

Wait to enter your home. Though many people will want to rush to re-enter the home and get started on their recovery process as quickly as possible, you should never do this without a green light from officials. Fires can compromise the structure of the home and make it quite hazardous, so it is important to prioritize staying safe above all else during recovery.

Contact your insurance company. Filing a fire damage claim will vary based on your policy provider, so getting in touch with them early on is a great way to make sure you are taking the right steps to get the most out of your claim.

Document the damages. Photos and a detailed inventory list are often requested by your insurance company anyway, but even if they are not, we recommend keeping track of the damages in an organized way. This will prevent you from accidentally forgetting about items that have been impacted by the fire and will come in handy as you work to recover.

Contact your restoration company. The emotional repercussions of a house fire can be difficult to deal with, which is why we always recommend prioritizing using the best restoration company you can. Trusting the company you work with will be vital in your peace of mind throughout the process and can help you return to your home as quickly as possible.

If your home is damaged in a house fire, you can count on SERVPRO of Gillette, Sheridan to help you. Get in touch at any hour for a quick response.

SERVPRO of Gillette, Sheridan on smoke and soot cleaning

1/6/2021 (Permalink)

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 Gillette, Sheridan 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 to 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 – (307)-228-1559