Prevent Cooking Fires: Safety Tips from SERVPRO of New Hyde Park/Mineola

11/19/2024 (Permalink)

The kitchen is often the heart of the home, where delicious meals are created and memories are made. But it’s also the leading location for home fires, with cooking accidents responsible for nearly 50% of all residential fires. At SERVPRO of New Hyde Park/Mineola, we’ve seen firsthand how devastating these incidents can be—and we’re here to help you prevent them.

Top Causes of Cooking Fires

Understanding what triggers a cooking fire can help you avoid one. Common causes include:

• Unattended Cooking: Leaving the stove or oven on while stepping away is the leading cause of kitchen fires.
• Overheated Oil or Grease: Grease fires ignite quickly and can be difficult to extinguish if not handled properly.
• Flammable Items Near Heat Sources: Dish towels, paper towels, or pot holders too close to burners can catch fire in seconds.
• Cooking While Distracted: Multitasking in the kitchen or being under the influence can lead to accidents.

Essential Kitchen Fire Prevention Tips

1. Stay Present and Alert

   • Never leave the kitchen while cooking, especially when frying, grilling, or broiling.
   • If you must step away, turn off the heat.

2. Use Heat Safely

   • Set timers to remind you when food is cooking.
   • Keep handles of pots and pans turned inward to prevent accidental spills.

3. Keep Your Kitchen Clear

   • Maintain a clean cooking area, free of grease buildup and flammable materials.
   • Avoid wearing loose-fitting clothing while cooking.

4. Know How to Handle a Fire

   • For Grease Fires: Cover the flames with a metal lid or cookie sheet. Turn off the heat and never use water—it can make the fire worse.
   • For Oven Fires: Turn off the heat and keep the oven door closed until the fire is out.
   • Always have a fire extinguisher rated for grease and kitchen fires nearby.

What to Do After a Kitchen Fire

Even small fires can cause significant damage, including smoke stains and lingering odors. If your home has been impacted by a cooking fire, SERVPRO of New Hyde Park/Mineola is here to help. Our professional team specializes in fire damage restoration, including:

• Cleaning soot from walls, ceilings, and surfaces.
• Removing smoke odors using advanced deodorization techniques.
• Repairing or replacing damaged areas to restore your kitchen.

Protect Your Home, Protect Your Loved Ones

Cooking fires are preventable with the right precautions, and being prepared can save lives and property. If a fire does occur, trust SERVPRO of New Hyde Park/Mineola to help you recover quickly and efficiently.

Protecting Your Pets from House Fires

12/13/2023 (Permalink)

In today's blog, we're focusing on the often overlooked but cherished members of our households—our pets. New Hyde Park, NY, is a community where pets hold a special place in many hearts, and it's essential to know how to safeguard them in the event of a home fire. Read on to discover valuable tips and information to ensure the safety of your furry friends during a fire emergency.

Why Pet Fire Safety Matters

New Hyde Park is a beautiful place to call home, but it's not immune to fire risks. From electrical issues to cooking accidents, the potential for fires exists. Protecting your pets is a vital aspect of overall fire safety. Our pets can be vulnerable and may not be able to escape on their own, making it crucial to have a plan in place.

Key Steps to Protect Your Pets During a Home Fire

1. Include Pets in Your Fire Safety Plan: Ensure that your family's fire safety plan includes provisions for your pets. Designate someone responsible for each pet and establish designated evacuation routes for both humans and animals.
2. Secure Pet-Friendly Stickers: Place pet alert stickers near entrances to inform firefighters about the number and types of pets in your home. Include your veterinarian's contact information for emergencies.
3. Create a Pet Emergency Kit: Assemble a pet emergency kit that includes their food, water, medications, leashes, carriers, and comfort items. Keep it accessible for a quick evacuation.
4. Pet-Friendly Escape Routes: Train your pets to respond to voice commands and go to a specific location for quick retrieval during evacuations.
5. Practice Fire Drills: Regularly practice fire drills with your pets. This will help them become familiar with the evacuation process and reduce panic during an actual emergency.
6. Pet Safety Devices: Invest in pet safety devices like pet oxygen masks, which can be beneficial in case of smoke inhalation.
7. Fire-Resistant Pet Housing: Consider fire-resistant pet housing options like kennels made of non-flammable materials, providing an added layer of safety.

Local Resources in New Hyde Park, NY

New Hyde Park has a strong community of pet lovers and organizations dedicated to pet safety. Reach out to local animal shelters and organizations to find additional resources and support in preparing for pet safety during home fires.

In New Hyde Park, NY, our pets are not just pets; they are cherished members of our families. Protecting them during home fires is a responsibility we take seriously. By following the steps outlined above and involving local resources, you can ensure that your pets are safe during fire emergencies. At SERVPRO® New Hyde Park/Mineola, we care about the safety and well-being of our community, including our beloved pets. Remember, proactive planning can make all the difference when it comes to safeguarding your furry family members.

Reviving from the Ashes: Exploring the World of Fire Damage Restoration

8/17/2023 (Permalink)

When a fire breaks out in your home, the process requires expertise and specialisted equipment.

A fire is one of the most devastating events that can occur in a building, leaving destruction and chaos in its wake. Beyond the immediate impact of flames, the aftermath presents a new challenge: fire damage restoration. This comprehensive process is designed to mitigate the effects of fire, smoke, and water damage, and restore the building to its pre-fire condition. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of fire damage restoration and shed light on the steps involved in the restoration journey.

Assessment and Planning

The first step in fire damage restoration is a thorough assessment of the affected areas. Trained professionals will evaluate the extent of damage, including the structural integrity, smoke residue, water damage from firefighting efforts, and potential hazards. Based on this assessment, a detailed plan is developed to guide the restoration process.

Safety Measures

Safety is paramount during fire damage restoration. The restoration team will ensure that the building is structurally stable and safe for entry. They will also identify and address any potential hazards, such as weakened structures, electrical issues, or hazardous materials, before commencing restoration work.

Water Extraction and Drying

If water damage is present due to firefighting efforts, the restoration team will focus on water extraction and drying. Specialized equipment, such as pumps, vacuums, and dehumidifiers, will be used to remove excess water and moisture from the affected areas. Thorough drying prevents mold growth and further damage to the building's structure.

Smoke and Soot Removal

Smoke and soot can permeate surfaces, leaving behind stains, odors, and potential health hazards. The restoration team will employ specialized techniques to remove smoke residue, including dry cleaning, wet cleaning, and specialized cleaning agents. This process also includes deodorization to eliminate lingering smoke odors.

Structural Repairs and Reconstruction

Depending on the severity of the fire, structural repairs and reconstruction may be necessary. Damaged materials, such as drywall, flooring, or insulation, will be replaced to restore the building's integrity. The restoration team will work closely with contractors and skilled professionals to ensure proper rebuilding and structural stability.

Content Cleaning and Restoration

Fire damage often affects personal belongings, furniture, and valuable items within the building. The restoration team will carefully assess and clean these items, employing specialized techniques such as dry cleaning, wet cleaning, or ultrasonic cleaning. Some items may require off-site restoration, where they are transported to a controlled facility for thorough cleaning and restoration.

Final Cleaning and Restoration

Once structural repairs and content cleaning are complete, a final cleaning and restoration process takes place. This involves a comprehensive cleaning of all surfaces, including walls, ceilings, and floors, to remove any remaining residue or debris. The goal is to ensure the building is restored to its pre-fire condition, both aesthetically and functionally.

Fire damage restoration is a complex and multifaceted process that requires expertise, specialized equipment, and meticulous attention to detail. By understanding the steps involved in fire damage restoration, building owners can appreciate the importance of engaging professional restoration services promptly. This comprehensive restoration process not only helps in recovering the physical aspects of the building but also aids in rebuilding hope and resilience for those affected by the fire.

Fire Protection Tips for Your Valuables

1/23/2023 (Permalink)

Fires are a serious threat to our homes and valuables.

Fires are a serious threat to our homes and valuables. The best way to protect your home from fire is to have an early warning system in place. However, even with these precautions in place sometimes fires still happen and can be devastating for homeowners who aren't prepared for it—that's why it's important that you take steps now to protect yourself from this threat before it happens!

Insurance Coverage

Check your current homeowner's or renter's insurance policy to make sure that it includes full replacement value for any valuables you have. If not, consider changing to a policy that does include this coverage.

Examine your policy for fine print about items excluded from coverage, such as artwork and jewelry, which are typically covered only up to a certain dollar amount. Your best bet is to take inventory of all of your valuables before they become damaged or destroyed by a fire.

Keep records of each item’s value in addition to photos documenting what was lost and its approximate value. It is also important to keep receipts for big purchases such as artwork bought at galleries or online marketplaces.

Use Fire-Resistant Safes and Cabinets

Consider purchasing a fireproof safe or cabinet. Fireproof safes are available in a variety of sizes and styles. Consider where you want to store the safe, and how much you can afford to spend. Safes can be opened with a key or combination, or by fingerprint. 

While these may be expensive, they can save your valuables from the fires that are increasingly common in our world. Fireproof safes and cabinets should be tested regularly by a certified technician to ensure that they remain functional and useful in the event of a fire. 

Documents in Two Places

Store copies of important documents at an off-site location, such as with a trusted friend or family member.

Store digital copies of documents in cloud services, which can be accessed from anywhere and are automatically backed up on a regular basis.

Fire is a significant risk to our possessions; we can do things to protect them from it.

If you haven't experienced a fire before, it's important to know that they're one of the most common causes of home insurance claims. Fire can destroy not only your property but also your valuables and belongings. It could happen to anyone at any time—and there are steps you can take to protect yourself from this risk. 

When you experience a fire in damage in your home or business, SERVPRO of New Hyde Park/Mineola is here to help! Give us a call to get your New Hyde Park home back to normal as quickly as possible.

Planning Key to Fire Preparedness

8/27/2022 (Permalink)

Having a contingency plan will better ensure a safe evacuation

A lot goes into ensuring your New Hyde Park, NY, is successful and thriving. Along with all the operational sides, the building itself also needs to be considered. If a fire breaks out, having a contingency plan will better ensure a safe evacuation and a process in place to address the fire damage and restoration of the structure and its contents.

Plan Ahead

A fire is an unexpected event, so it can be overwhelming when it occurs. Minimize the potential for panic amid the chaos by creating an evacuation plan. Although every business is different, the following are key components that should be included:

• Create a map of the building, including emergency exits, fire extinguisher locations and escape routes.
• Establish a clear chain of command for an emergency, including assigning detailed tasks to different individuals.
• Acknowledge any special consideration for employees or visitors with disabilities or other conditions.
• Determine a safe meeting place outside the building to convene and conduct a headcount.
• Develop a communication plan to notify customers of the disaster.
• While people come first, data safeguards should be in place to maintain access to critical data.
• All aspects of the plan need to be documented and distributed to ensure everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency.
  
  

Conduct Training and Drills
Even if you have already established a contingency plan, it only works if it has been properly communicated. Knowledge is power, so ensure the people in your organization know the proper procedures. Like in school, it is essential to conduct fire drills to ensure that understanding and provide everyone a sense of calm that they will know how to handle a difficult situation. It is also important to factor in first aid training. If someone is injured, is there someone on-site that can assist? Consider conducting training throughout the year.
While a fire may be unavoidable, be prepared by having a contingency plan can help ensure the safety of everyone.

3 Ways To Get Cigarette Smoke Out of Your Home

6/25/2022 (Permalink)

The best way to remove smoke from your home is with an ozone machine.

Three Methods for Getting Cigarette Smoke Out of Your House

Cigarette smoke is one of the most pervasive smells out there, and once it gets onto something, it can be hard to remove it. Instead of masking odors with air fresheners, use these three methods to remove the cigarette smells from your Mineola, NY, home.

1. Use a Home Deodorization Ozone Machine
The best way to get rid of the smoke smell is to clean the air in your home. You can do this with an ozone machine. The ozone machine uses an electric discharge to split oxygen molecules into single atoms, creating ozone. The atoms then attach themselves to the organic compounds in the air - the compounds producing the smells - and neutralize them. If the ozone machine doesn't get rid of the smells, contact an odor removal service to help remedy the situation. 

2. Wipe Down All Surfaces
Because of how fine it is, smoke can easily find its way into every nook and cranny in your home. So, as part of your home deodorization journey, you need to deep clean every surface that has been in contact with the smoke. Steam clean floors and upholstery that have smoke on them. Use a half water/half distilled vinegar mixture and wipe down bookcases, tables and walls. The vinegar smell will dissipate when the mixture dries. 

3. Clean Your HVAC Unit
The air filter in your HVAC system is designed to catch particles and clean the air in your home, which means you could be continually adding to the smoke smell when you don't regularly change the filter. Purchase the strongest filter your HVAC unit can handle and change it every few weeks while you're working to remove the smoke smell from your home. Also, contact an HVAC maintenance company to clean the ducts in your home and remove any lingering smells that might be trapped inside them. 
Your home deodorization process might take some time, but you can have your home smelling great in no time with some hard work and dedication. 

The Standard Steps in a Fire Restoration

4/25/2022 (Permalink)

Removing smoke and soot damage in a Mineola, NY home.

Fire Restoration Process

Roughly, 350,000 home fires occur every year in the U.S. These are frightening events that cause serious injuries and millions of dollars of property damage. They happen quickly and can spin out of control in a matter of minutes. The first step is to get everyone out of the home and call 911. The fire crew will arrive and put out the fire and then depart the scene when the job is completed. The next step is fire restoration. This is a difficult, technical job and should be trusted by a qualified fire remediation company in Mineola, NY. Though each fire is unique, restoration technicians follow a proven process that maximizes safety and efficiency.

The Essential Steps

After being contacted, a crew of highly-trained technicians is dispatched to the home. They begin with an inspection and damage assessment of the property and use this information to develop a plan of action. If necessary, they will board up the home or put a tarp over it to keep the away secure and avoid further damage. The next steps are as follows:

• Water removal and drying, if needed
  
• Removal of smoke damage from all surfaces
  
• Removal of soot damage
  
• Cleaning and repair
  
  

The final stages of the fire restoration include drywall repair, painting and laying down new carpeting. After major fires, major reconstruction is sometimes needed.

The Important Tools and Techniques

A professional crew uses advanced equipment to remove water, dry out wet areas, remove smoke and soot damage and facilitate damage cleaning. Air filtration devices, ozone machines and thermal foggers are sometimes necessary to rid a home of persistent smoke odors. Industry-recommended cleaning agents are employed to clean all surfaces impacted by the fire. Technicians also employ a variety of cleaning techniques for personal belongings, fabrics and other materials. The fire restoration process is complete when the home is restored to its original condition.

How to Deal With Roof Damage

3/18/2022 (Permalink)

Call in tarp services for your roof in case of a fire.

A fire in your workplace is probably one of your biggest nightmares. You do everything possible to avoid this disaster, but it's important to be prepared in case this terrible event occurs. A large fire can cause catastrophic damage, and even smaller blazes can require extensive fire cleanup. Roofs are often most prone to repair needs. If your roof suffers damage from a fire, there are some important steps you should take to mitigate the issue and prevent further problems.

Consequences of Roof Damage

A sturdy, well-built roof is essential for any building. At your Stewart Manor, NY, office, you rely on the roof to provide security and safety. It will also keep out the elements and provide a more comfortable environment. If your workplace faces roof repair the following effects may be present:

• Could let in rain or snow, which in turn could cause water damage or flooding
  
• Could leave gaping holes in your building, making the facility vulnerable to intruders or looting
  
• Damage could increase and lead to further structural problems
  
  

Call the Pros

There is too much at stake for you to try to address fire cleanup on your roof by yourself. It can also be unsafe for an untrained novice to attempt inspection and repairs. Your best bet is to get in touch with a fire restoration company, especially one that specializes in roof repair. Professionals have the experience, skill and techniques to safely assess the extent of the damage and to quickly and thoroughly repair the roof.

Board, Tarp and Restore

The specialists will either board up the roof where there are gaps, or they will call in tarp services to cover up the holes. This will protect the rest of your building and help prevent more problems. The team will then begin the repair portion of the process.
Trust fire cleanup to the professionals. The right team knows how to correct even the most severe problems with your building's roof.

What To Expect With Fire Damage Restoration

2/12/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot removal in Garden City Park, NY.

Fire Damage Restoration

When fire hits your Garden City Park, NY, home you may be in the market for a good fire restoration team. You may also be wondering what exactly these professionals can do to get your home back to pre-fire condition. Keep reading to learn about a few things you may be able to expect during this process.

Services That May Be Included

If choosing to hire a restoration team there may be several related services offered as well.

• Damage cleaning, including debris and water damage
  
• Removal of soot and smoke damage
  
• Personal item restoration
  
• Structural repairs
  
• Smoke odor removal
  
• Board over and tarping services
  
  

Steps in the Process

There are several steps you can expect to see in the fire restoration process. In most cases, it will start out with a damage assessment so that repairs can be conducted in the best order. Boarding and tarping over damaged areas to protect against further damage may follow. The area will then be dried of all water if needed, and smoke and soot removal will begin. After this, cleaning and repairs can start, and will continue until the restoration is complete.

The End Result

While it might take some time depending on the damage severity, you can rest assured that your home can be restored to its pre-fire condition. Even unpleasant smoke orders can be removed. In most cases, a restoration team can conduct the repairs without causing too many complications to your everyday life.

Knowing what to expect when it comes to fire restoration for your home may help you be better prepared for the process. Many services may offer cleanup and board over options, as well as the ability to clean personal items and the structure. The process itself may involve inspections, damage removal, and finally, any repairs needed. With some time your home can be restored back to the way it was before the fire hit.