Top Tips for Preventing Kitchen Fires on Thanksgiving Day in Gary, Indiana?

11/25/2024 (Permalink)

We are trained and certified to restore fire damage in Lake County.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, Thanksgiving Day is the peak day for home cooking fires in the United States. Our local Gary and Whiting teams want everyone to have a safe and fire-damage-free celebration and offer these tips for preventing kitchen fires:

Whether roasting a turkey in the oven or simmering sauces on the stovetop, it's crucial to monitor your cooking. If you need to step away, ask someone else to watch the stove.

Second, keep flammable items like towels, wooden utensils, and pot holders away from heat sources. A small spark or open flame can quickly ignite these materials.

It's also essential to have a working fire extinguisher in the kitchen, preferably within arm's reach. Know how to use it, and if a fire does break out, act quickly to extinguish it before it spreads.

Finally, be cautious with children and pets in the kitchen. Keep them at a safe distance from hot appliances and sharp objects. These simple fire prevention tips can keep your Thanksgiving celebrations safe and worry-free.

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When your home or commercial business in Gary sustains fire damage and your need restoration services, our local Gary and Whiting teams are Here to Help. ® Call us today at 219-433-1592.

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

The Importance of Testing and Maintaining Smoke Alarms in Whiting?

10/22/2024 (Permalink)

We are leaders in fire damage restoration services in Lake County.

Have you tested your smoke alarms lately? Our local Gary and Whiting teams urge residents to participate in National Fire Prevention Week. Fire Prevention Week 2024's theme, "Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!" emphasizes the need for regular testing and maintenance of smoke alarms to ensure they function when needed most. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), smoke alarms can reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by almost half, but they must be in working condition to be effective.

Unfortunately, many smoke alarms are inoperable due to dead or missing batteries. To prevent this, the NFPA recommends testing alarms at least once a month. Press the test button or use smoke to verify that the alarm sounds. Additionally, clean alarms annually to remove dust and cobwebs that can impede functionality.

Battery replacement is another crucial maintenance task. Replace smoke alarm batteries once a year, even if they appear to be working. By taking these simple steps, you can ensure that your smoke alarms are ready to protect your home and family. This Fire Prevention Week, test, clean, and replace the batteries in your smoke alarms. Doing so can significantly increase your chances of surviving a home fire.

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Whiting sustains fire damage, our local Gary and Whiting teams are Here to Help. ® Call us today at 219-433-1592.

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

Halloween Party Decoration Fires: How to Keep Your Festivities Safe in Gary?

9/30/2024 (Permalink)

We restore fire damage 24/7 in Lake County.

Our local Gary and Whiting teams want everyone to have safe and fire-free Halloween events with friends and family. People eagerly anticipate Halloween celebrations, excited to dress up in costumes, decorate their homes, and enjoy all the spooky festivities.

Halloween decorations bring a festive and spooky atmosphere to any celebration but can also create serious fire hazards if not used carefully. Many popular decorations, such as dried cornstalks, paper banners, and plastic props, are flammable and can easily catch fire if exposed to an open flame or overheated light bulb.

Candles are a common ignition source, especially when placed inside jack-o'-lanterns or near other decorations. To reduce the fire risk, consider using flameless candles or battery-operated LED lights instead of real candles.

Always place decorations away from heat sources like lamps, radiators, or fireplaces, and ensure they are securely positioned to prevent them from falling or being blown into a flame. Also, never leave a room unattended with candles or other open flames burning.

By taking these precautions, you can ensure that your Halloween festivities remain fun and safe, allowing everyone to enjoy the holiday without the threat of a fire disrupting the celebrations.

Call Us Today!

When your home or business in Gary has fire damage, our local team in Gary and Whiting is Here to Help. ® Contact us today at 219-433-1592.

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

Lithium Battery Explosions: A Fire Hazard You Should Be Aware of in Whiting?

9/10/2024 (Permalink)

We are trained and certified to restore fire damage in Lake County.

Our local teams Gary and Whiting teams are trusted fire damage restoration leaders. Lithium batteries, commonly found in everyday devices like smartphones and laptops, pose a unique fire risk due to their potential for explosion. When these batteries are damaged, improperly charged, or exposed to extreme temperatures, they can undergo thermal runaway. This chain reaction results in a rapid increase in temperature and pressure, potentially causing an explosion.

Lithium battery explosions can start fires that spread quickly due to the high temperature of the burning materials. This can lead to extensive damage in a short amount of time. The risk is exceptionally high if the battery is defective or improper charging equipment is used.

To reduce the risk of lithium battery fires, it’s essential to use only the manufacturer’s recommended charging devices and avoid exposing batteries to extreme conditions. Additionally, handle batteries with care to prevent damage. In the event of a battery malfunction, follow proper disposal procedures to avoid accidents and ensure safety.

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You never know when a lithium battery might explode and cause fire damage, but when your home or commercial business in Whiting has fire damage, our local Gary and Whiting teams are Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your fire damage “Like it never even happened.” Contact us today at 219-433-1592.

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

The Need for Professional Restoration Services to Remove Smoke Odor in Whiting?

8/27/2024 (Permalink)

We restore fire damage 24/7 in Lake County.

Our local teams in Gary and Whiting are trusted leaders in fire damage restoration services.

One of the most persistent and challenging issues after a fire is the lingering smell of smoke. This odor can permeate every inch of a home, embedding itself into walls, carpets, furniture, and even the HVAC system. To effectively eliminate this odor, professional restoration services are essential.

Our technicians use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke odor at its source rather than simply masking it. Thermal fogging, ozone treatments, and hydroxyl generators are some of the advanced methods employed to break down odor molecules and neutralize them completely. These techniques penetrate deep into materials where smoke particles are trapped, ensuring a thorough deodorization process.

Attempting to mask the smoke odor with heavy perfumes and room deodorizers often leads to incomplete results, with the smell returning over time. Our trained professionals understand the complexities of smoke odor and will use scientific methods and techniques to eradicate the odor. By investing in our professional restoration services, homeowners can breathe easier knowing that their home is truly free of smoke odor "Like it never even happened."

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Whiting has fire damage, our local teams in Gary and Whiting is Here to Help. ® Contact us today at 219-433-1592.

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.