Minutes Matter During a House Fire | SERVPRO of North Clay County/Oakleaf/North Middleburg

6/16/2023 (Permalink)

Experienced a house fire? Call SERVPRO of North Clay County/Oakleaf/North Middleburg to restore your home to preloss condition.

Suffering a house fire is one of the most stressful things that a homeowner can go through. In addition to the sheer potential damage of a fire, it can also be a dangerous or even deadly situation to be involved in. Any time a fire breaks out in your Oakleaf area home, getting out safely should be your top priority.

By understanding the progression of a house fire and how to safely exit your home, you can ensure that every member of your family is safe during a fire emergency.

What if your boat has a fire? Are you ready if this happens?

6/23/2022 (Permalink)

Helpful Tips to Enjoy your Boat Safely This Summer!

Summer has arrived, which means it’s boating season. Whether you are trying to sneak in some lake time or preparing to head out for a bit of fishing, fire safety on the water should always be a priority. Boat fires are more common than you think. Common causes of boat fires include equipment failures, fuel leaks, or poor fueling practices. Be prepared.  Make sure you have the correct fire suppression equipment to prevent or extinguish boat fires. Here are some handy fire safety tips for boaters.  

Which Kind of Fire Extinguisher Should Be on Your Boat?

The United States Coast Guard has requirements for the number of portable fire extinguishers to be carried on engine-driven recreational boats. For any boats under 26 feet, the requirement is at least one two-pound fire extinguisher. For boats between 26 and 40 feet, there should be at least two (2) 2 lb. fire extinguishers or one 2.5 lb extinguisher. For boats that are between 40 and 65 feet, the requirement is three (3) 2 lb. fire extinguishers. For detailed information, you can visit Boat US at www.boatus.org. 

The type of fire extinguisher used for your boat fires is critical. Many boat fires are of electrical origin, but that is not always the case. Picking an ABC fire extinguisher will ensure that fires can be safely extinguished. You will be protected while boating this way.

Typical Causes of Boat Fires

The most likely origins of boat fires are electrical panels, galley cooking appliances and the engine compartment. Given this information, it is not shocking that a lot of boating fires are caused by fuel and electrical systems. Most boat fires are caused by issues with 12-volt DC electrical systems associated with batteries or engines located inside the engine compartment. Poorly maintained wiring within an enclosed area containing gasoline or diesel fuel is a common source of fires. Overloaded outlets and faulty plugs can create dangerous scenarios. Cooling system failures and the resulting overheated engines are also a source for fires.

SERVPRO of North Clay County / Oakleaf / North Middleburg is located right here in Orange Park, Florida to assist with cleanup if you need us.

Types of Smoke that can cause Damage

6/22/2022 (Permalink)

We are experts in cleaning up soot from a fire damage, regardless of what caused the fire and what materials burned.

Did you know that there are four different types of smoke? Wet, Dry, Oily, and Protein

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.

Oily Smoke - Grease, Fuel Burning, and Burnt Plastics

• Easily smeared, resistant to wet cleaning

Protein Fire Residue - Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?

Call Us Today - SERVPRO of North Clay County / Oakleaf / North Middleburg is located in Orange Park, Florida is ready to respond and answer your questions on how to tell which type your fire might have been and also clean.  If you don't know which type of soot it is, you can DO MORE DAMAGE by trying to clean it yourself.  You also have to know what kind of paint you have or you could do more damage as well.  You can reach us at 904-861-8870 and we will be glad to assist you.   We cover Middleburg, Oakleaf, Orange Park, Jacksonville, Macclenny and other surrounding areas.  

How Do I Properly Clean My Orange Park Home After A Fire?

6/21/2022 (Permalink)

Right after you call the Fire Department in Clay County, Make SERVPRO of North Clay County your very next call!

Contacting a cleaning professional may be the best decision you can make if a fire occurs in your home. The flames, heat, soot, and smoke will affect every room in your house, and your structure can even be adversely affected. Recovery from a fire event is a tremendous job, so you will need the assistance of professionals who have the expertise and equipment required to get your work or personal space back to normal as soon as possible. Our SERVPRO of North Clay County/Oakleaf/North Middleburg team can be onsite right away to help you begin the recovery process.  Located in Clay County - Orange Park, Florida we are right in our beautiful community and Here to Help!

What Steps Can I Take While Waiting For SERVPRO of North Clay County To Arrive At My Home or Business?

While you are waiting for SERVPRO to arrive, there are some things you can do to begin the cleaning and recovery process:

• Be sure to limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
• Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls, and woodwork.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery, and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
• Clean and protect chrome with a light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
• Wash houseplants on both sides of the leaves.
• Change HVAC filter.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

What Types Of Fire-Related Cleaning and Restoration Services Does SERVPRO of North Clay County / Oakleaf / North Middleburg Offer?

Cleaning Process. SERVPRO specializes in restoring the contents of a home or business that has suffered from fire damage or water damage. The team will assess all your belongings carefully to determine which items can be restored to their “pre-fire” condition and will use several cleaning methods to restore your property to its original condition. These can include:

• Foam. The foam method is used for upholstery since upholstery can shrink, or the colors may bleed in water.
• Dry. This method gets rid of light residue.
• Wet. This technique is a very effective cleaning method used to remove moderate to heavy residues.
• Immersion. In this method, items are dipped into a bath of cleaning products for a thorough cleaning that removes heavy residues and overwhelming odors.  

• Electronics. Electronics damaged by fire and the accompanying smoke often present a serious hazard, so never turn on fire-damaged electrical devices. The smoke residue contains acids that corrode metal and can cause electronic failure in an electrical component. Computers, televisions, and CD/DVD players should be assessed and cleaned by a professional before being used. 

• Odor Removal. Inhaling smoke can have an immediate negative effect on you, even if it’s only for a short time, so managing lingering soot and smoke is important. Hiring a professional fire and smoke damage restoration contractor will ensure that your property is free from the after-effects of a fire quickly and thoroughly. 

• Reconstruction. If the smoke and fire damage to your home or business is such that it will need extensive restoration or rebuilding, SERVPRO can organize your move-out process. Removing your items from designated areas will help any remodeling process go a lot faster and protect them from any further damage. Once that is complete, we can then coordinate and organize your move back into your premises to get back to normal.

If your Clay County home or business located in Middleburg, Oakleaf or Orange Park has suffered damage from fire, water, or mold, SERVPRO of North Clay County team is fire damage and water damage experts, and we handle mold remediation, too. As part of our fire restoration services, we remove all unpleasant fire-related odors, as well. 

This franchise is independently owned and operated.  We are located in your community and are Here to Help!  

Fire Safety & Halloween Tips from SERVPRO

10/15/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO wants YOU to Stay Safe for Halloween

If you’re carving pumpkins, odds are you’re also adding candles to add that spooky flicker on Halloween night. But multiple pumpkins with multiple candles outside can also increase the risk of fire. Especially with children running around in costumes that may be hard to see out of. Glow sticks and battery powered candles are a great, safe alternative that can still be just as spooky.

Remember that 3 out of 5 home fire deaths happened in homes without working fire alarms, so if you do decide to use candles, check to make sure your fire detectors are working properly. That way in the event of an accident you’re prepared to be alerted and take action.

Home electrical fires account for an estimated 51,000 fires each year.

If you’re really going all out for the season, you might find yourself with a large inflatable ghost or animatronic Frankenstein terrorizing your neighbors from your front lawn. Most similar decorations can even be purchased at any hardware store. But refrain from getting too many though as the more plugs in a socket only increase the risk of electrocution or an electrical fire.

By following some general safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association you can keep your children and family safe!

Develop a plan with your family on how to escape if fire starts.

8/27/2021 (Permalink)

Fires can happen anywhere at any time

Each year, the Red Cross responds to nearly 64,000 disasters. The vast majority of which are home fires. As a matter of fact, 1 in 5 home fires are caused from unattended cooking; "pot on the stove". Did you know you have as little as 2 minutes to escape?

Here are the Top Tips for Fire Safety courtesy of the American Red Cross.

• Install Smoke Alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms, and outside sleeping areas.
• Test Smoke Alarms every Month.
• Talk with Family Members about a Fire Escape Plan. Practice your plan twice a year.
• If a Fire occurs in your home, GET OUT, STAY OUT and CALL FOR HELP.

We want to help you!

SERVPRO of North Clay County/Oakleaf/North Middleburg has the water and fire damage training and expertise to help you through this tough time. The specialized fire and water damage restoration training, personnel, and equipment to handle fire and water damage and can quickly restore your home to pre-fire condition.

Have Smoke or Fire Damage Questions? SERVPRO of North Clay County/Oakleaf/North Middleburg & Westside Orange Park is here to help! 

Call Us Today @ (904) 861-8870

Practice Fire Safety Every Time You Light Your Grill

7/1/2021 (Permalink)

Practice Fire Safety Every Time You Light Your Grill

Getting your family together and grilling up a delicious meal is a great way to spend a summer afternoon, but when you are making ample use of your grill, it is important to not let your safety efforts grow lax. While grilling may be as natural to you as cooking on the stove, it is important to remember the special fire safety considerations that an open flame presents.

Grill fires are quite common according to the U.S. Fire Administration—there are over 5,000 fires that result from grilling accidents yearly, which adds up to millions of dollars in property losses. Knowing how to stay safe when grilling can significantly reduce the chances that you will be included in one of these stats.

Fire Safety Considerations for Grilling

Create a safe zone around your grill. You want your grill to be set up in a spot that is convenient to cook in, but make sure you consider safety when you designate a spot for it as well. In case of a flare-up, designate at least three feet around the grill to be absent of any flammable materials such as a deck or your home’s siding.

Clean your grill grates often. When food is allowed to build up on the grates of the grill, a fire hazard can quickly occur. These bits of food are often greasy, which can lead to a severe grease fire any time they become hot enough to ignite. Simply brushing your grill grates off after each use will remove these stuck-on food particles and make your cooking more consistent.

Never leave the grill unattended. It is wise to never leave an open flame, even for just a moment, and grills are no different. Even if the lid is down, still be sure that you have someone take over for you if you need a break and be sure to keep a working fire extinguisher nearby just in case.

Inspect the grill regularly. Double-check your grill’s hardware every time you use it to prevent any accidents. Make sure the lid closes properly and that the connection to the gas tank is still air-tight and shows no signs of wear. Gas leaks are an extremely common cause of grill fires, so you may want to replace your hoses or connectors if issues arise

If you have a grill fire that does damage to your home, we are here to help. You can call us any time, day or night, to have a quick response from our restoration experts.

Turkey Fryer Fire

11/18/2020 (Permalink)

Turkey Fryer Fire

Tips to help prevent deep fried turkey accidents

• Keep outdoor fryers off decks, out of garages and a safe distance away from trees and other structures.
• Make sure the turkey is thawed and dry before cooking. Ice or water that mixes into the hot oil can cause flare-ups.
• Watch the weather. Never operate a fryer outdoors in the rain or snow.
• Place the fryer on a level surface, and avoid moving it once it's in use.
• Leave 2 feet between the tank and the burner when using a propane-powered fryer.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid overfilling. Oil can ignite when it makes contact with the burner.
• Choose a smaller turkey for frying. A bird that's 8 to 10 pounds is best; pass on turkeys over 12 pounds.
• Never leave fryers unattended.
• Purchase a fryer with temperature controls, and watch the oil temperature carefully. Cooking oil that is heated beyond its smoke point can catch fire. If you notice the oil is smoking, turn the fryer off.
• Turn off the burner before lowering the turkey into the oil. Once the turkey is submerged, turn the burner on.
• Wear goggles to shield your eyes, use oven mitts to protect your hands and arms and keep an "ABC" or grease-rated fire extinguisher close by. Do not to use water or a garden hose on a fire related to Turkey Fryers.
• Skip the stuffing when frying turkey, and avoid water-based marinades.
• Keep children and pets away from the fryer at all times.
• Once finished, carefully remove the pot from the burner, place it on a level surface and cover to let the oil cool overnight before disposing.
• Opt for an oil-less fryer. This uses infrared heat, rather than oil, to cook the turkey.

How to Choose and Use a Fire Extinguisher

8/11/2020 (Permalink)

Fire Extinguishers

Here at SERVPRO of North Clay County/Oakleaf/Middleburg we like to keep our local community as informed as possible.

The best way to choose what type of Fire Extinguisher is to first know what type of fire you are dealing with.

There are a few different grades of Fire Extinguisher-A, B, C, D and K

A is the common household extinguisher

B is used to combat grease and gasoline fires

C is used with electrical equipment

D is used on flammable metals

K is the most common restaurant extinguisher

Using a Fire Extinguisher follows four easy steps

Pull the pin

Aim low

Squeeze the lever slowly

Sweep the nozzle from side to side

For more information on how to choose and use a fire extinguisher, visit https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/outreach/extinguishers.html

Fire Safety for the summer

6/15/2020 (Permalink)

Grill fire

SERVPRO of North Clay County/Oakleaf/Middleburg would like to share some tips on how a safe summer can be had by everyone in our local community. Summer weather means cookouts, Fourth of July fireworks, and all sorts of campfire fun as families across the country take advantage of the warm temperatures to get back in touch with nature.

It’s certainly relaxing to enjoy a beach bonfire with friends and loved ones, or roast marshmallows by the lake or in the backyard fire pit, but it’s also important to ensure that everyone stays safe by observing a few simple fire protection guidelines.

1. Keep a bucket of water handy. If an ember floats out of your fire pit, or a log falls down from your bonfire stack and sets nearby foliage, paper, or other flammable materials aflame, you don’t want to be scrambling for a way to put the fire out. Having a bucket of water nearby is a great first response tool to keep a fire under control.
2. Supervise all fireworks (if fireworks are legal in your state, of course). Sparklers and pinwheels might seem “low risk,” but the reality is that there aren’t any fireworks out there that are safe enough for kids to use without adult supervision. It’s also important to ensure that no one tries to re-light fireworks that don’t work properly the first time. Dump these in a bucket of water and move on to the next package.
3. Don’t let barbecue grease build up. Whether you’re using a charcoal or a gas grill, it’s important to keep it clean to prevent accidental grease fires caused by all of the gunk that can accumulate on a grill over time.
4. Inspect the area around your BBQ and campfire. You don’t want to grill or light a campfire anywhere near other flammable materials. This includes deck railings, overhanging branches, dry grass or that pile of dry wood and recycling sitting in the back corner of your yard. If you’re camping, clear out the area immediately around your BBQ or campfire spot to be sure that there’s no scrub or brush nearby that could ignite if a spark lands on it.
5. When you’re done with the fun, put out the flames. While it might seem romantic to fall asleep in front of a campfire, you really should dump water and/or sand on those embers before catching some shut-eye. The same goes for BBQs – close your propane valve and the unit’s lid, as well as any vents on a charcoal grill once you’re done. Unsupervised BBQs can easily tip over in the wind. A breeze can pick up and carry coals and embers from that campfire, dropping them where they can ignite dry grass, branches, trees or deck planks.

Ready to Grill?

5/28/2020 (Permalink)

Grill Fire Safety

The weather gets warmer, more people use outdoor grills – and incidents of grill-caused fires go up.  According to the National Fire Protection Association from 2014-2018, fire departments went to an annual average of 8,900 home fires involving grills, hibachis or barbecues per year, including 3,900 structure fires and 4,900 outside or unclassified fires.  Gas grills cause more home fires than charcoal grills, the association adds. 

Regardless of the type of grill you own, here are 9 BBQ safety tips that we are sharing from Nationwide that will keep you safer during barbecuing season:

1. Grill outside and away from structures
2. Make sure your grill is stable
3. Keep your grill clean
4. Check for propane leaks on your gas grill
5. If the flame goes out, wait to re-light
6. Take care around the grill
7. Be careful with charcoal starter fluid
8. Wear the right clothing
9. Be ready to put out the fire

These easy-to-follow tips will help you and your family to enjoy a safe summer barbecuing season.

Entertaining or Just Cooking on the Grill? Use these practices to ensure safety!

4/27/2020 (Permalink)

During these times of staying home more and cooking for the family..... make sure you use the following tips to keep your home safe.

Every year, 7,000 Americans are injured while using backyard barbecue grills. It's usually a case of good products used incorrectly.

Do:

1. Keep your grill at least 10 feet away from your house. Farther is even better. This includes portions attached to your house like carports, garages and porches. Grills should not be used underneath wooden overhangs either, as the fire could flare up into the structure above. This applies to both charcoal and gas grills.

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

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

4. Keep decorations away from your grill. Decorations like hanging baskets, pillows, and umbrellas look pretty AND provide fuel for a fire. To make matters worse, today's decor is mostly made of artificial fibers that burn fast and hot, making this tip even more important.

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

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

Don't:

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

8. Leave a grill unattended. Fires double in size every minute. Plan ahead so that all of your other food prep chores are done and you can focus on grilling.

9. Overload your grill with food. This applies especially to fatty meats. The basic reason for this tip is that if too much fat drips on the flames at once, it can cause a large flare-up that could light nearby things on fire.

10. Use a grill indoors. People often think it will be safe to use a grill, especially a small one, indoors. NOT TRUE. In addition to the fire hazard, grills release carbon monoxide; a deadly, colorless, and odorless gas. That gas needs to vent in fresh air or it can kill you, your family, and your pets.

Know which type of fire you have had to enable mitigation cleaning to be successful!

2/17/2020 (Permalink)

Be sure to know which kind of soot you are mitigating so you don't cause MORE DAMAGE!

Did you know that there are four different types of smoke? Wet, Dry, Oily, and Protein

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.

Oily Smoke - Grease, Fuel Burning, and Burnt Plastics

• Easily smeared, resistant to wet cleaning

Protein Fire Residue - Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?

Call Us Today - SERVPRO of North Clay County/Oakleaf/North Middleburg are ready to respond and answer your questions on how to tell which type your fire might have been and also clean.  If you don't know which type soot it is, you can DO MORE DAMAGE by trying to clean yourself.  You also have to know what kind of paint you have or you could do more damage as well.  You can reach us at 904-861-8870 and we will be glad to assist you.   We also cover the west side of Orange Park in Clay County, Macclenny in Baker County and Starke in Bradford County.