Why Annual Fire Safety Inspections in Commercial Buildings are Important

12/7/2023 (Permalink)

Annual fire safety inspections in commercial buildings are crucial!

Commercial buildings are bustling hubs of activity, housing businesses, employees, and valuable assets. With so much at stake, it is crucial to prioritize the safety and well-being of everyone within these spaces. One essential aspect of maintaining a safe environment is conducting annual fire safety inspections. In this blog, we will explore the significance of these inspections and how they play a vital role in mitigating potential fire hazards.

Compliance with Fire Codes and Regulations

Commercial buildings must adhere to specific fire codes and regulations set forth by local authorities. Annual fire safety inspections ensure that the building is up to code and compliant with all necessary safety measures. This not only demonstrates a commitment to the well-being of occupants but also helps avoid legal implications and penalties.

Early Detection of Fire Hazards

Fire safety inspections involve a thorough examination of the entire premises, including electrical systems, fire extinguishers, alarms, emergency exits, and more. Trained professionals can identify potential fire hazards such as faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, blocked escape routes, or malfunctioning fire suppression systems. By detecting these risks early on, necessary preventive measures can be taken to minimize the chances of a fire outbreak.

Maintenance and Upkeep of Fire Safety Equipment

Commercial buildings are equipped with various fire safety equipment, including fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems, alarm systems, and emergency lighting. Regular inspections ensure that these devices are fully functional, properly maintained, and in compliance with safety standards. Any issues discovered during inspections can be promptly addressed, guaranteeing that these lifesaving tools are ready to act in an emergency.

Employee and Occupant Safety

The well-being of employees, occupants, and visitors is of utmost importance in any commercial building. Annual fire safety inspections give individuals peace of mind, knowing that their workplace is actively taking steps to protect them. By identifying and addressing potential fire hazards, these inspections significantly reduce the risk of accidents, injuries, or even fatalities in the event of a fire.

Prevention and Risk Mitigation

Fire safety inspections go beyond mere compliance - they foster a proactive approach to fire prevention. By regularly assessing and addressing potential risks, building owners and facility managers can significantly reduce the likelihood of fire incidents. This not only protects lives and property but also helps maintain the continuity of business operations by minimizing the potential for disruption caused by fire-related emergencies.

Annual fire safety inspections in commercial buildings are crucial to ensure the well-being of employees, occupants, and assets. By complying with fire codes and regulations, detecting and addressing fire hazards, maintaining fire safety equipment, and fostering a culture of prevention, these inspections play a pivotal role in protecting lives and property.

Contents You Should Keep Or Discard After A Fire

8/3/2023 (Permalink)

Contents That May Need to be Disposed of After a Fire.

After a fire, it is important to carefully consider what belongings to keep and what to dispose of.

Some materials, such as plastics, nonorganic fibers, and wiring, release harmful chemicals when exposed to high temperatures. These chemicals can be dangerous if ingested or absorbed through the skin.

It is important to dispose of any items that you plan on putting in or onto your body. This includes food, medicine, makeup, and toiletries. You should also get rid of most items in plastic containers, as these can also release harmful chemicals.

When dealing with fire damage, it is always better to be safe than sorry. If you are unsure about whether or not an item is safe to keep, it is best to dispose of it.

Hiring a professional fire remediation company, such as SERVPRO of Woodland Hills, can help you make these decisions. They have the experience and expertise to assess the damage and help you determine what items can be saved and what needs to be disposed of.

Here are some additional tips for disposing of fire-damaged items:

• Do not throw fire-damaged items in your regular trash. This could contaminate the waste stream and pose a risk to public health.
• If you are unsure about how to dispose of an item, it is always best to err on the side of caution and dispose of it properly.

Space Heater Safety

9/30/2022 (Permalink)

If you have questions about how we can help your home after having a fire damage call us at (818)882-4556.

In Woodland Hills we haven't been getting much cold weather but with the colder seasons approaching we start pulling out our space heaters. Space heaters are amazing at keeping smaller areas warm but there are some risks with having one. The following are some ways SERVPRO of Woodland Hills have found to help you stay safe with your space heater. 

• Make sure you turn off your heater before you go to sleep or leave your property. 
• Keep your space heater at least 3 feet away from anything flammable
• Check that your space heater has an automatic shut off feature
• Keep your heater on a solid flat surface 

These are some ways to keep your property and you safe. SERVPRO of Woodland Hills is always here to help. 

Fire Damage Restoration Process

9/28/2022 (Permalink)

Call now for a free inspection on your property!

When you have a fire on your property you need to move quickly to help get your property safe and sound. Once the fire trucks take off you can be left with fire, smoke and even water damage. 

Every fire damage is different so it is necessary to take a different approach for all of them. We have a team of professionals that know how to properly evaluate every job. The following are some of the typical fire damage steps to help make it “Like it never even happened”.

Step 1: Initial contact 

The first step for us is waiting for the call. Our specialists will ask questions about the damage to your property to help us arrive quickly and with the proper materials to help start services. 

Step 2: Inspection 

Our technicians will inspect the areas of your home that are affected. We determine the amount of damage to your property. This step helps us accurately choose the best way to move forward. 

Step 3: Roof tarp and Board up Services

Fire damage can result in the roofs, windows or doors breaking or having damage. Boarding up your home right away can help from having a break in.

Step 4: Removal of Soot and Smoke

SERVPRO has special equipment that helps to remove soot and smoke from the walls, ceilings and floors. This also includes furniture and other contents that could be affected.

This is just the beginning of the list for what we perform on a fire damage. If you have more questions about how we can help your home after having a fire damage call us at (818)882-4556.

How To Stay Safe While Burning Candles In Your Home

9/26/2022 (Permalink)

If you have fire damage to your property call now for an inspection. (818)882-4556. We are a 24 hour service that is here to help!

With the holidays coming up it is more common to light candles in your home. Although we love to light candles burning they are one of the highest causes of housefires. It is unsafe to light candles and leave them unattended while they are lit. The following are some ways to help keep your home safer. 

1. Keep a candle in the same place once it is lit and do not touch the flame. 
2. Keep the candles at a distance from anything that could burn. (ex: curtains and carpets)
3. Candles should be placed out of reach from pets and children. 
4. Don't place candles around air currents, drafts and vents. 
5. Blow out candles prior to leaving a room or going to bed. 
6. Check that the candles are completely out. 

If you have a fire loss from a candle it is possible that additional clean up will be needed. Call SERVPRO of Woodland Hills for trained professionals. SERVPRO understands the challenges with fires to your home and will correctly evaluate the situation to determine the best way to move forward.

Tips To Be Prepared For Wildfires

8/4/2022 (Permalink)

These are just some ways you can be more prepared for Wildfire season. If you need additional help please call SERVPRO of Woodland Hills at 818-882-45

Fire season comes every year and that's why it is so important to be prepared. SERVPRO of Woodland Hills can do our part in making sure our community is ready. When working at a restoration company we see the aftermath of a fire and the devastation it causes on the home owners. Here are some tips to be a little more prepared. 

-Having a fire escape plan is the most important, especially if you live in a high risk area. Practicing your escape plan can help you be ready in case of an emergency. Making sure that you have more than one exit route. 

- Remove any tree branches that reach within 10 feet of a stove or chimney's flue entrance.

- Make sure that your outdoor hose is attached to an outlet. 

-Clean out your roof gutters of branches and leaves to help prevent heavy amounts of flammable items. 

Fire Safety Tips From SERVPRO Of Woodland Hills

2/1/2022 (Permalink)

If your property is affected make sure to call SERVPRO of Woodland Hills to help you restore your property. 818-882-4556

In Southern California developing the right fire safety habits are very important. Here are some Fire Safety tips from SERVPRO of Woodland Hills:

1. Turn your portable heaters off when you go to sleep or leave the room.
2. Keep matches and lighters out of reach from children and educate them on the dangers of fire and how to be safe near a fire.
3. Take precaution if you smoke. Some options are: fire safe cigarettes, smoking outside, and never smoking in bed. Make sure you use a sturdy, deep ashtray to put out your cigarettes before disposal.
4. Do not leaving a burning candle unattended.
5. Try to keep items that could catch on fire at least 3 feet away from anything that gets hot. Such as not putting a space heater next to curtains.

What to do With Belongings After a Fire

10/15/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Woodland Hills 818-882-4556

After a fire, our goal, at SERVPRO of Woodland Hills, is to restore and save as many of your belongings as possible. After a fire some of your belongings could be salvaged but there are some that should be disposed of after a fire. It is important to carefully consider what should be kept and what should be discarded. When certain materials are exposed to high temperatures, they release chemicals, including:

      1.Plastics

      2. Nonorganic Fibers

      3. Wiring

 You should dispose of anything you plan on putting in or onto your body. Items such as medicine, makeup and toiletries should always be replaced. This means you should get rid of most foods, items in plastic containers, and anything containing harmful chemicals.  When dealing with fire damage, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Hiring a professional fire remediation company like SERVPRO of Woodland Hills is always recommended when navigating these kinds of decisions.

Protect Your Family In a Wildfire

10/15/2021 (Permalink)

If a fire occurs in your home or office, SERVPRO Woodland Hills is ready to help! Call us at 818-882-4556

Household fires are way more common than you think. Did you know average number of residential fires each year is 374,000? Fire can get out of control and cause injuries and even death. It is import for your family to have a plan to practice.

The Many Potential Causes of Household Fires:

- Cooking is the top leading cause of household fire.

- The next comes faulty heating systems.

- The third most likely cause of household fires is an electrical malfunction.

- The fourth most common cause is open flames in or around the house.

Evacuation Plan

You should always have an escape plan. Everyone should be aware of the plan, and have a common meeting place that is a safe distance from the building.  Try to schedule practice so that no one is confused in case of an emergency.

Accessible Fire Extinguisher

Because you never know when a hazardous situation could occur you must gave a fire extinguisher in an easy to access place.

Prevent Fire in Your Woodland Hills Apartment

10/14/2021 (Permalink)

Give our Woodland Hills team a call at 818-882-4556

Apartment Fire

How to Help Prevent

California Fires are frightening for everyone, but living in an apartment the fear is greater and the risks are more present. Living in close proximity to others it is impossible to control what they are doing, but there are steps you can take to make yourself more prepared. 

Test fire alarms and change fire alarm batteries frequently- Check the test button on your fire alarms monthly to ensure they are working properly. If you cannot replace them yourself contact your landlord or super as soon as possible.

Blow out candles- Never leave a lit candle unattended, always blow them out before leaving even for a few minutes.

Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen- Most fires begin in the kitchen, make sure to keep an up to date fire extinguisher rated for grease and kitchen fires. 

Keep it clean- Make sure you avoid clutter in the way of exits as well as near any heat sources as this can feed a potential fire

Do not overload outlets- Make sure you do not keep too many things plugged into your outlets. Electrical fires can occur while you are not home.

Plan how to get out- Make an escape plan for you and anyone else living in your apartment, plan ahead to get you and your family out. 

Be aware- Finally, if you smell smoke coming from another unit call your landlord immediately, and if necessary dial 911.

SERVPRO for Fire Damage Restoration in Woodland Hills

10/13/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Woodland Hills is here to help 24/7/365.  818-882-4556

Dealing with a fire loss in Woodland Hills.CA can be one of the most difficult things to a homeowner may experience. Having to deal with fire damage restoration can be overwhelming.  SERVPRO of Woodland Hills can help.

We work with your insurance company on your behalf to make sure they have all the details they need to complete your claim efficiently. We also communicate with you so you are 100% informed and know that you are being taken care of.

Relocating your family can be difficult and traumatic. SERVPRO offers pack out services  to inventory and store your belongings for restoration. We create detailed inventory lists with photos to keep track of all your contents.  We can also restore many items to as close to preloss condition.

We have done this for 26 successful years.  

 Check out the National Fire Protection Association on ways to be prepared.

Fire Prevention for The Holiday Season - SERVPRO

9/27/2021 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Woodland Hills to help if you have a fire in your Woodland Hills, CA home. 818-882-4556

The Holiday Season is approaching. It’s important that ourWoodland Hills Residents prepare their homes. As we place candles in our pumpkins, bake or fry our turkeys and light up our Christmas trees, let’s take amoment before it all begins.

Fire safety keeps your loved ones prepared and ready when an emergency arises.

Basic Fire Safety Check:

• Fire Alarms & Carbon Monoxide Alarms (Battery, & placement check)
• Escape Plan (Does your family know the plan?)
• Fire Extinguishers (Accessible and near possible hazards)

Don’t wait for disaster to strike. Take precautions when you have the time. Routine checks and escape plan practice with your little ones makes a world of difference in preventing a fire in your Woodland Hills home.

Visit the National Fire Protection Association website for more information on Fire Safety.

And should the un-thinkable happen, SERVPRO ofWoodland Hills isHERE TO HELP!

Wildfire Fire Damage Restoration in Woodland Hills, CA - SERVPRO

9/24/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Woodland Hills helped by restoring this entire home from fire damage cleanup to construction services.

Our local Woodland Hills community knows that when those Santa Ana Winds come over the hills, they can bring a lot more than just dust and heat. Prepare yourself this Wildfire Season with the following action items:

Warnings and Alerts- Sign up for local alerts right to your phone. 

Emergency Plan-Have an evacuation plan. Also know your local shelter information. Once you’ve made out of your home, what comes next?

Prepare your Home- Use fire-resistant materials when building your home. Keep your home and yard clear of debris and other hazards that can lead to fire ignition.

Important Documents-Have important papers in one fire-proof container so you can grab immediately without having to search for things during an emergency fire evacuation.

Supplies-Have an emergency supply box ready to go. Include non-perishable food, medical supplies extra clothes.

Listen to Authorities- If your Woodland Hills home or business is advised to evacuate, don’t hesitate. Be ready to go.

 At SERVPRO, we know the importance of being ready. SERVPRO of Woodland Hills is always ready to help our local community during a fire. Call us 24/7  818-882-4556

Fire Damage Restoration in Woodland Hills, CA - SERVPRO

9/21/2021 (Permalink)

When Fire Strikes Your Woodland Hills Business or Home Call SERVPRO 818-882-4556

SERVPRO is always here to help. We are nationally recognized and have pricing agreements with 100s of major insurance companies throughout the country. Our goal is to assist you each step of the way and make the process seamless.

Here is how SERVPRO can help:

• CALL SERVPRO! We are available 24 hrs. a day 365 days a year. We will answer your call and get to you within 4 hours
• Inspection  Our IICRC certified Fire & Smoke Damage Technicians will come out to do an inspection of your home or business. We test all damaged areas with a dry chemical sponge, that can determine how far soot traveled.
• Board Up & Roof-Tarping Should you have exposed areas of the home to the outside elements, SERVPRO of Woodland Hills will perform board up and roof-tarp services to your home or office.
• Water Mitigation-Realize that damage may not be limited to the fire. As fire fighters fight to stop the blaze, you can find yourself with water damage. Our technicians are IICRC certified in Water Mitigation so this makes the process easier.
• Cleaning & Sanitization: SERVPRO uses specialized equipment and techniques to remove soot from contents and structures. We will assess contents and see if they are restorable or total loss. We can itemize and provide documentation to your insurance company for reimbursement.
• Restoration-Once our job is complete, you are all set to begin repairs of your home. Some homes my need minor repairs like drywall, paint or new flooring. Some may need major repairs that extend to the integrity of the structure. 
• SERVPRO does reconstruction after fire loss.  We are licensed contractors.

 CALL us 24/7 @ 818-882-4556

Fire Damage Restoration in Woodland Hills

8/16/2021 (Permalink)

Severe fire damage in Woodland Hills home.

Fires in Woodland Hills and the surrounding areas are a serious problem, especially when wind picks up, pushing the fire further into our community. People and their homes or businesses are at stake when fire is a factor. Fire not only destroys your property but can also be affected by smoke and soot in the air. SERVPRO of Woodland Hills is ready to help! With our communiticave professionals and our flexible schedule, we can repair and help with anything you may need through this difficult process. SERVPRO of Woodland Hills is here to walk you through every step of the process. We direct bill insurance companies and act as the liaison so that you do not need to handle this alone.

Call SERVPRO 24/7 and let the restoration begin. 818-882-4556

Why Get Renter's Fire Insurance?

2/17/2021 (Permalink)

Don't let fire damage ruin your contents. Call SERVPRO for help 818-882-4556

Less than 20% of rental tenants have renters insurance.

Renter’s insurance is fairly inexpensive and worth every penny in the event of a fire loss. You may think that you can trust yourself not to cause an accident, you may be one of the most careful tenants there are, but accidents happen or the neighbors can cause issues when you least expect it. You will be forced to deal with the aftermath and hope you can salvage things, so SERVPRO of Woodland Hills advises that you get coverage before it's too late.

If a fire or water damage disaster occurs and you don't have renter’s insurance, you will be financially responsible. You'll need to inventory your belongings, box, pack, and move everything out, clean and deodorize contents, then pay for storage while the fire damage is repaired. Later you'll move your items back in, unpack, and reset. The stress can be overwhelming.

Luckily, if you contact SERVPRO of Woodland Hills, we do all of those things for you whether it's on your dime or the insurance companies'.

Call 818-882-4556 today for a free quote.

Holiday Fire Prevention SERVPRO of Woodland Hills

10/22/2020 (Permalink)

Fire, smoke, soot, and odor restoration services in Woodland Hills. 818-882-4556

As the holidays approach, homeowners prepare themselves to make the same mistakes that they have made every year with holiday lights. Outlets quickly become overloaded with multiple extension cords all plugged into the same receptacle making a home fire very likely.

If an outlet sparks and causes flames they spread quickly throughout a home.  Aging electrical systems and overloaded outlets and fuses are common hazards. While the initial thought would be to manage the limitations of your electrical system better, most homeowners do not come to this realization until disaster strikes.

SERVPRO of Woodland Hills professionals respond quickly to a disaster and are available to start mitigation immediately. We accurately assess the scope of the damage, document the loss for insurance purposes, and begin the work required to restore your property to its original condition.

If you have had fire damage in your Woodland Hills home, Call SERVPRO 24/7 @ 818-882-4556. We are always here to help.

Fire Prevention Tips For Woodland Hills, CA Residents

10/21/2020 (Permalink)

Fire, Water, Mold & Biohazards don't stand a chance against SERVPRO. Call now! 818-882-4556

Many home and workplace fires are preventable and almost avoidable.  SERVPRO offers tips that can help reduce the likelihood of a fire in your business or home.

 Cooking-

• Stay in the kitchen if you are frying, grilling, or broiling food over an open flame.
• Never allow young children around the stove or oven (especially not unattended).

Space heaters -

• Keep space heaters at least three feet from anything flammable.
• Do not sleep with space heaters on.

Smoking -

• If you must smoke inside, use a deep ashtray.
• Never smoke in bed.
• If possible smoke outside.

Matches and Lighters -

• Keep out of reach of children
• Keep matches and lighters in high cabinets
• Preferably have a child lock on lighters.
• Electrical Cords -
• Inspect cords regularly
• Replace cords that are cracked, damaged, or broken.
• Repair plugs that have loose connections.

 Candles -

• Keep candles at least one foot from anything flammable.
• Blow candles out before you leave the room
• Never go to sleep with candles burning.

SERVPRO of Woodland Hills takes great pride in being a part of the Woodland Hills community.  We want to do our part to ensure the Woodland Hills community thrives by helping to keep the area safe and make our community the best it can be. Call SERVPRO @ 818-882-4556 anytime!

Are You Disaster Prepared For Fire Damage To Your Contents?

10/12/2020 (Permalink)

Fires leave homes in devastation. Even the smallest fires damage contents and make them not salvageable. Creating a household inventory list is a daunting task. But if a fire does strike, having a list can help cover the ruined items on your insurance policy. 

Where Do You Start?

Your standard homeowners insurance policy most likely does not cover your contents. If it does, it might cover less than the full value of your belongings. If you have expensive items you may talk to your insurance agent about more coverage. 

 Here are some tips for getting started:

• Have a plan–  Go room by room and give yourself a deadline to make sure it does get done.
• Take pictures– Take several shots of each room. Open drawers, closets, and cupboards and photograph all of your contents.
• Keep receipts–  Receipts can verify more significant purchases  & help when determining replacement value.
• Be specific– Details matter; the more detailed you are in your descriptions, the better. Also, record serial numbers. 

SERVPRO of Woodland Hills offers inventory services! Ask us to visit you to set up this daunting task for you.  Do not let fire, smoke, & soot damage catch you off guard and render you at a loss. You may never need your inventory list, but if you do, it is ready.

Call SERVPRO to get started 818-882-4556

Fire Cleanup Services for Woodland Hills, CA

10/7/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO - 24 hour Emergency Services. 818-882-4556

Did you know that the Woodland Hills LAFD response time for STATION 84 RESPONSE METRICS, JANUARY - AUGUST 2020 is under 5.5 minutes? That's pretty good!  Unfortunately, fire is much faster.  Fire starts fast and spreads quickly. Even when the fire department responds quickly there is still devastating damage and now water damage that needs to be restored.

SERVPRO responds quickly as well. We have a 1-4-8 response protocol we follow.  

1 - Within 1 hour of notification we will be in contact with you and schedule services (often much sooner).

4 - In 4 hours we will be on-site and begin mitigation of your fire and water damage.

8 - In 8 hours we will have a report for you and your insurance company.

SERVPRO of Woodland Hills is here to walk you through every step of the process.  We direct bill insurance companies and act as the liaison so that you do not need to handle this alone.

Call SERVPRO 24/7 and let the restoration begin. 818-882-4556

Understanding fire in your Woodland Hills home or business

9/25/2020 (Permalink)

24 hour Emergency Services FIRE - SMOKE - SOOT - ODOR Call Now 818-882-4556

STOP!!!! If you have a fire or smoke damage in your home or property, call SERVPRO now.  818-882-4556 The longer the damage waits the more secondary damage can occur. Call SERVPRO of Woodland Hills 24/7/365. 818-882-4556

We understand the devastation and the struggle of trying to get your life back after your home or business has fire damage. 

Preparedness is a large part of what we do here at SERVPRO, and we want to share crucial information to remember if your home or business ever sustains a fire.

• Fire burns FAST! In less than 30 seconds flames can turn into a major fire. It takes minutes for t black smoke, soot, and ash to fill a house or commercial space and for it to be engulfed in flames.
• Fire is extremely HOT! Heat can be just as damaging as flames. A room's temperatures can be 100 degrees on the floor and rise to 600 degrees at eye level! Inhaling this super-hot air will scorch your lungs and melt your clothes to your skin. 
• Fire is DARK! Fire starts burning bright, but quickly produces black smoke and leaves you in complete darkness.
• Fire can be DEADLY!  Toxic gases from smoke kill more people than the flames do. Fire produces poisonous gases that cause disorientation and drowsiness. *Asphyxiation is the leading cause of deaths due to fire, far exceeding burns.

SERVPRO of Woodland Hills continues to share helpful information regarding the dangers of fires to residential homes and businesses and information on how to prepare, respond, and rebuild after a fire. If you have smoke or fire damage in your home or business, call SERVPRO NOW 818-882-4556

SERVPRO Evaluates Your Loss to Determine the Fastest Restoration Approach

9/21/2020 (Permalink)

When disaster strikes SERVPRO of Woodland Hills is here to help 24/7.

After a fire destroys your property, your focus is on clean up, restoration, and getting back to good as fast as possible. If everything goes according to plan, your life can resume fairly quickly. Sometimes, the opposite happens, possibly delaying your income and chances of returning to normal at all.

Could I be delaying recovery after a fire incident?

Immediate action after fire damage is essential. Your actions can end up lengthening the recovery process, especially if you do not understand the loss clearly. Our SERVPRO teams have 25 years of resolving such incidents, a typical restoration involves:

• Cleaning fire residues 
• Packing and inventory of salvageable items
• Drying the water damage caused during firefighting
• Demolition of fire-damaged materials
• Odor elimination
• Reconstruction & rebuilding

Overlooking any steps can delay the fire restoration process. For instance, cleaning before demolishing walls or ceilings and removing damaged materials would be a waste of time and money since you would end up cleaning again.

How do you the right restoration approach?

Each fire damage incident is unique depending on:

• How long the fire burns
• The type of materials affected
• The method used to quell the fire
• Smoke 
• Weather

The way to restore your loss with confidence is by first doing a thorough scope to establish the specific details of the loss. Our SERVPRO technicians consider factors such as:

• Whether residue deposits on surfaces are predominantly wet or dry smoke
• The extent of charring or materials
• Level of water intrusion into materials

We also determine whether there is a need for content move-out. The information gained from the evaluation helps identify any issues that may cause delays and get a solid restoration plan that is easy to understand and will make sense to your insurance company.

We can help you expedite restoration after a fire. Call us to assist 818-882-4556. 

Types of Smoke & Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

9/18/2020 (Permalink)

After the fire SERVPRO is here to help. 818-882-4556

SERVPRO of Woodland Hills is your local expert when it comes to fire damage restoration. Each smoke and fire damage situation is different and each requires a solution tailored to the specific conditions of the fire loss.  SERVPRO has the latest equipment, IICRC trained expertise, and 25 years of experience to restore your fire and smoke damage to preloss condition.  We treat you with empathy and respect and your home, property, or business with care.

SERVPRO Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke moves to cooler areas and upper levels of a building or structure.
• Smoke is drawn to plumbing systems and seeps through the holes used by pipes to migrate from floor to floor.
• Different types of smoke greatly affect the restoration process.

Know the Different Types of Smoke

There are different types of soot residue after a fire because there are 2 types of smoke: wet and dry. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO experts will examine your fire damage loss to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will be based on the information identified during our pretesting. 

Wet Smoke – (Plastic and Rubber)

• Low heat, smoldering, strong odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are very difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – (Paper and Wood)

• Quick burning, high temperature

Protein Fire Residue – (Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire)

• Practically invisible, discoloration to paint and varnish, extremely pungent odor. 

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage to your home or office?

Call SERVPRO of Woodland Hills Now! – 818-882-4556

SERVPRO Fire Safety during COVID-19

8/13/2020 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO 24/7 if you have fire, smoke, soot, or odor from fire damage. 818-882-4556

SERVPRO of Woodland Hills hopes that you are staying safe and healthy during the safer at home order.  We also hope that you are also aware of home fire safety.  According to the National Fire Protection Act (NFPA), the leading causes of home fires are: 

• Cooking
• Heating
• Electrical equipment 

Because people are spending more time at home & engaging in activities that add to home fire dangers, It’s important to recognize potential hazards and prevent them.

The Causes of Home Fires

1. Cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the Los Angeles area. It causes nearly half of all reported home fires & unattended cooking is the leading cause of home cooking fires. So keep a close eye on what you’re cooking and you're less likely to have a home fire. 

With COVID-19 in full force in Woodland Hills, there’s a high risk for distracted cooking since many households are now dealing with unusual circumstances. Like, the kids are out of school and the parents are working from home.

2. Heating/cooling equipment - Causes an average of 52k home fires each year. Since most people are at home HVAC systems are being used for more hours than usual. 

3. Electrical outlets are the third-highest cause of home fires.  Many individuals using the outlets to charge: 

• Phones 
• Laptops
• Other digital equipment

Tips to Keep in Mind

The NFPA recommends that you use fire safety practices during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond:

Cooking and Grilling Outdoors 

• Stay in the kitchen when cooking. Turn off the stove or other cooking appliances if you leave the kitchen
• Use a timer so you don’t forget that you have something on the stove 
• Be sure your smoke detector is working
• Grill outside and away from buildings
• Do not wear loose-fitting clothing while cooking

Electrical

• Charge phones and other digital devices with proper cords
• When charging do not cover items with a pillow or charge on flammable surfaces such as the bed or couch.
• Don't overload outlets
• Plug appliances directly into a wall outlet
• Never place cords across doorways or under carpets 
• Test your smoke alarms monthly
• Make a home escape plan

SERVPRO of Woodland Hills wants to provide you with the resources you need to minimize your risk and help prevent losses and injuries. Please call us with any questions you have about COVID-19 cleanings or if your property suffers from fire or water damage. 818-882-4556

The Lingering Hazards After a House Fire

2/14/2020 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO of Woodland Hills at 818-882-4556 for a free inspection today!

A house fire, no matter how small or localized, has the ability to impact an entire house, with after-effects that can linger around for a very long time. A proper fire damage restoration service is often a multi-step process and is best left to IICRC Certified experienced professionals such as, SERVPRO of Woodland Hills, who can inspect and solve less obvious issues.

Even a very small appliance fire that is addressed quickly, can spread smoke to almost every room of the home. That's why smoke and soot cleanups are not a recommended DIY project. Many areas are not easy to access - even for the handiest, most seasoned homeowner. Fire & smoke damage cleanups require professional cleaning equipment and techniques to ensure that nothing is overlooked. Trying to clean smoke and soot on your own, may result in more destruction and loss of valuables.

For this reason it is highly recommended that you hire a professional restoration company like SERVPRO to ensure a thorough & proper cleaning treatment.

Is All Smoke Damage the Same?

10/16/2019 (Permalink)

24hour Emergency Services 818-882-4556

There  Are Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke, wet and dry. This means that there are different types of soot and residue after a fire. Even though there are only 2 types, the combinations and effects are numerous.  When we visit you after a smoke, soot, or fire cleanup, SERVPRO of Woodland Hills will investigate to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will be based on the information identified during pretesting. We will then know how to proceed.

Wet Smoke – (Plastic and Rubber) Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

• Low heat
• smoldering
• pungent odor
• sticky or smearing

Dry Smoke – (Paper and Wood)

• Fast burning, spreads quickly
• high temperatures that demolish everything
• heat rises, therefore, smoke rises 

Protein Fire Residue – (Produced by evaporation of materials)

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

Since every smoke and fire damage is a little different, each requires a solution tailored to the conditions.  SERVPRO of Woodland Hills has the expertise and experience to restore your fire, soot, and smoke damage.  

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Today – 818-882-4556

Who Chooses? Hiring A Fire Restoration Company

10/15/2019 (Permalink)

Choose SERVPRO for your water damage cleanup services. 818-881-3636

Talking to your insurance company can be a daunting experience after a fire loss.  When you do make the call there will be a lot of questions, including the very important:

Which restoration company are you going to use?

• Do You know who gets to decide?
• What does a “Preferred Vendor” mean?
• Who are preferred vendors”?
• Why are they preferred?

When you need to make a claim after fire soot, or smoke damage loss, many property owners need help. Whether it is property damage due to fire, water damage, or biological hazard, it is a trying time already without having to worry about navigating the claims process.

First Your insurance company's adjuster will check to see if you have coverage. Then they might make a suggestion from a list of people they already have relationships with. They have a list of Preferred Vendors in your area that they recommend you choose from.  You can also choose any contractor that you are comfortable with.

SERVPRO of Woodland Hills has agreements with thousands of insurance companies and pre-agreed upon pricing to ensure that not only is your loss covered you will not have to come out of pocket because we negotiate with them and are paid directly by them.

If you have fire damage or any loss call SERVPRO of   818-882-4556

Fire, Smoke, and Soot Cleanup and Restoration

10/14/2019 (Permalink)

If you suffer from smoke damage or fire damage, Call SERVPRO today 818-882-4556.

Wildfire damage can affect everything in your home, from the structure to appliances and personal items. After the fire, contacting SERVPRO will be very helpful. Our team knows how to get your home back to normal as quickly as possible.

SERVPRO of Woodland Hills specializes in restoring the contents that have received fire damage or water damage or both.  We assess all your belongings to determine what can be restored to “pre-fire” condition.

Here are some things that SERVPRO can use to clean personal items after a fire:

• Wet cleaning - This cleaning method is used to remove heavier residues.
• Foam cleaning -  Used for upholstery since the fabric can shrink or bleed if water is used.
• Dry cleaning - This method is good for cleaning light residue on delicate items.
• Immersion cleaning -  Where items are dipped into a cleaning product.

If the damage to your home or business will need extensive restoration or cleaning,  SERVPRO of Woodland Hills can organize a move-out by removing your items from places that have smoke damage. This will streamline the remodeling process and protect your property. After we complete the restoration and construction, move-in can be performed.  This is when we unpack and reset your contents for you.

If you have sustained fire damage to your home, call us today for assistance: 818-882-4556.

Fire Damage Leads to Water Damage & Mold Damage

9/30/2019 (Permalink)

For immediate assistance call SERVPRO of Woodland Hills 818-882-4556

Firefighters use water to extinguish the fire but this also saturates contents with wet smoke, and soot making the cleanup very difficult. 

When water combines with toxic soot it produces a chemical reaction that is acid and will damage property further if left too long.  The high-pressure water from fire hoses, and in fact, any water, that gets into the crevasses of interior spaces, attics, ceiling, in walls and along floorboards and carpeting, if not removed and dried quickly will develop the problem of toxic black mold as well as the fire damage. This process happens very quickly so you need to act immediately to avoid further damage. 

Call us at 818-882-4556 for immediate assistance for residential and commercial fire and water restoration and smoke odor removal cleaning services.

Not Just Fire and Water Damage

9/29/2019 (Permalink)

Faster to any size disaster Call Now! 818-882-4556

It's easy to associate SERVPRO of Woodland Hills to fire and water damage restoration.  From the commercials you may have seen, to the natural disasters we’ve had, SERVPRO is in the forefront when it comes to helping in a disaster. However, there is much more to us than just fire and water clean-up.

Firstly, we have a 1-4-8 policy. Within 1 hour from our notice of loss, we will contact you for service arrival times. Secondly, within 4 hours, we will be on-site to start services. Thirdly, within 8 business hours, a verbal briefing of the scope of work will be communicated to you.

RESTORATION SERVICES IN WOODLAND HILLS

Fire, Smoke, and Soot Cleanup

Water Extraction

Dehumidification 

Mold Mitigation and Remediation

Move-Outs and Move Back

Contents Restoration

Document Drying     

Contents Claim Inventory Services 

Biohazard, Crime Scene, Hoarding and Vandalism

Carpet, Upholstery, & Drape Cleaning

Ceilings, Walls and Hard Floors 

Deodorization

HVAC and Duct

As well as this list of services, we also are here as advisors for our clients. You could be wondering if damages are worth filing a claim and potentially getting dropped by your insurance provider, we are here to help with information on costs and services any time. Just give us a call and we're happy to help. 818-882-4556 

Fire Cleanup Services for Homes and Businesses

8/20/2019 (Permalink)

Fire Cleanup in Woodland Hills, CA

Commercial and Residential Fire Cleanup Services SERVPR of Woodland Hills

You would think that after a fire has been extinguished and the firemen have gone, the damage would be over. That is not the case with fires.

Immediate response after a fire can ensure additional damage is not done to the property or the contents. When measures have been taken to extinguish a fire you may need to address both water and fire damage. The smoke and soot damaged items become saturated with water and it becomes a mess. This is not a job for the do-it-yourself property owner. The professionals at SERVPRO of Woodland Hills are the experts in both water and fire restoration.

Call now for a free estimate! 818-882-4556

Fire Safety Info. From SERVPRO of Woodland Hills

2/4/2019 (Permalink)

Prevention is Key to Survival. SERVPRO of Woodland Hills Fire Tips.

SERVPRO of Woodland Hills - sharing important fire safety information for you and your loved ones. Taking these precautionary measures can drastically reduce the risk of fire, injury, property loss, and even death.

 Fire safety is an important topic, especially for children, the elderly and individuals with special needs. A fire can destroy everything in its path and devastate the people and communities it affects. 

• Prevention – Does your home have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors? Are the batteries changed and the detectors tested twice a year? Is there a fire extinguisher? Can you operate a fire extinguisher?
• Escape Routes – Are exits accessible? Are the pathways to the exits free from clutter and obstacles? Is there an evacuation plan in place? Are there pets that might need to be rescued?
• Treasures –  Keep valuables, special keepsakes and heirlooms (e.g., jewelry, photos, collectibles) in a fire proof safe or off site in a safe deposit box.
• Hoarding – Consider how excess accumulation might make it difficult for people to leave their home/possessions and how many items might help fuel the fire.

Be proactive! Don’t risk becoming a statistic! For more information about Fire Safety, call or stop by SERVPRO of Woodland Hills 

21250 Califa St. #103

Woodland Hills, CA 91367

818-882-4556

Fire Prevention tips from SERVPRO

10/10/2018 (Permalink)

24 hour emergency services guaranteed!

After a fire disaster you may be in shock, be overwhelmed and not know what to do. SERVPRO understands this is a very emotional time for you,
and we are here to help.

Many fires in the home and workplace can be prevented. The following tips can help reduce the likelihood of a fire in your business or home.

1. Watch your cooking- Stay in the kitchen if you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. Never allow young children around the stove or oven, especially if they are not closely attended.

2. Give space heaters space- Keep space heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn.

3. Smoke outside- If you must smoke inside, have sturdy, deep ashtray. Never smoke in bed.

4. Keep matches and lighters out of reach- Keep matches and lighters in high cabinets, preferably under a child lock.

5. Inspect electrical cords- Replace cords that are cracked, damaged, have broken plugs or have loose connections.

6. Be careful when using candles - Keep candles at least one foot from anything that can burn. Blow them out before you leave the room or go to sleep.

Call SERVPRO 24/7/365 if you have a fire, water damage, mold, or cleaning emergency.

Planning Your Escape

10/10/2018 (Permalink)

Fire Escape Route

SERVPRO of Woodland Hills helping you plan a way out of a fire.

A flame can quickly grow out of control and turn into a large, uncontrollable fire in less than 30 seconds, it’s vital for you to establish and plan your family’s fire escape plan. Remember, building your family’s fire escape plan can keep your family safe!

Fires are the most common disaster in the nation, so when a fire happens, there is no time to waste.  A fire escape plan can help ensure that your family evacuates quickly and safely through routes that are pre-planned discussed and practiced.

Here’s a plan to help you prepare your family’s escape:

1. Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, and on every level of your house. Test each alarm monthly and change batteries at least once a year.
2. Draw a floor plan of your home, marking ways out of every room. It’s important to make sure that all family members know how to open doors and window locks. Also, if you have security bars, they should have a quick-release feature that can be operated from the inside.
3. If your house has two or more floors, place escape ladders in or near windows to provide an escape route. If you live in an apartment, never use the elevator to escape, use the stairs.
4. Set a plan in advance for who will help the very young, elderly, or physically challenged members of your family.
5. Teach your family that when the smoke alarm sounds, they should:
   • Roll out of bed onto the floor.
   • Stay low beneath the smoke and crawl to the door.
   • Check the door for heat with the back of the hand. If the door is cool, then open it slowly and check to see if it’s safe to crawl to the nearest exit. If the door is hot, don’t open it! Instead, place a towel or blanket across the bottom of the door to keep smoke out and crawl to the nearest window to exit the house.
6. Choose an outside meeting place a safe distance (more than 300 feet away) from your home and make sure everyone knows to meet at this location after they escape the burning house.
7. Once everyone is safely at the designated meeting spot, call your local fire department from a friend or neighbor’s house.
8. Under no circumstances should you re-enter your house. Once you are out of the burning house, stay out until a fire official gives you permission to re-enter the house.
9. Practice your family’s fire escape plan at least once every six months. It’s important to practice it during the day and during the night and make the fire drill as realistic as possible. Be sure to practice all escape routes to ensure all household members know how to escape safely.

If there is a fire call SERVPRO of Woodland Hills 818-882-4556 24/7/365

Fire Damage Restoration Services By SERVPRO of Woodland Hills

8/15/2018 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO 24/7/365. 818-882-4556

Fires are one of the most devastating forces in nature, when one of them happens to your home or business, they are a life changer.

That is why it's important to prepare for such events ahead of time so you can put your family or your business in the best position to recover and recover quickly. This is where the Restoration Experts at SERVPRO of Woodland Hills can help. Whether is preparing your business ahead of time with one of our Emergency Ready Profiles (ERP) or having us programmed ahead of time in your smartphone. This simple preparation cannot be stressed enough.

Acting quickly after a fire strikes can mean the difference in thousands or tens of thousands of dollars in secondary damage, that can happen after the fire.

Securing your property with a board up is only the first step in this process. Proper Mitigation and Restoration, from highly trained technicians with cutting edge technology ensures you that SERVPRO has you covered.

SERVPRO has been helping families and businesses recover when disaster strikes, for almost 24 years  Trust the fire professionals that the insurance professional trust.... trust SERVPRO of Woodland Hills

SERVPRO - Restoring Your Woodland Hills Commercial Property After A Fire

5/29/2018 (Permalink)

Fire damage in Reseda California. SERVPRO of Woodland Hills 24 hour Emergency Services 818-882-4556.

What To Expect: 

When SERVPRO of Woodland Hills visits your home or business after a fire loss, we will scope the effected areas to determine the extent of the loss. We will always pretest affected surfaces to determine the type of smoke and which products will help us recover the area most effectively. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire, soot, and smoke damage. If a fire has damaged your home or business , call us right away at 818-882-4556. SERVPRO of Woodland Hills will treat you and your family with empathy and respect, and your property with care. 

Tips

Though some fires are unavoidable acts of nature or unpredictable accidents, many fires in the home and workplace are avoidable. The following tips, courtesy of the NFPA, can help reduce the likelihood of a fire in your business or home.

1. Watch your cooking- Stay in the kitchen if you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. Never allow young children around the stove or oven, especially if they are not closely attended.

2. Give space heaters space- Keep space heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn.

3. Smoke outside- If you must smoke inside, have sturdy, deep ashtray. Never smoke in bed.

4. Keep matches and lighters out of reach- Keep matches and lighters in high cabinets, preferably under a child lock.

5. Inspect electrical cords- Replace cords that are cracked, damaged, have broken plugs or have loose connections.

6. Be careful when using candles - Keep candles at least one foot from anything that can burn. Blow them out before you leave the room or go to sleep.

Help for a Woodland Hills fire damage - SERVPRO of Woodland Hills

4/4/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Woodland Hills - 24/7 Emergency Services: Fire, Water Damage, Mold, Biohazard, Cleanup. 818-882-4556 SERVPROwoodlandhills.com

What you can expect from SERVPRO of Woodland Hills:  When we visit your Woodland Hills home after a fire loss, we will scope the effected areas to determine the extent of the loss. We will always pretest affected surfaces to determine the type of smoke and which products will help us recover the area most effectively. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. If a fire has damaged your home, call us right away at 818-882-4556. SERVPRO  will treat you and your family with empathy and respect, and your property with care. 

Tips

Though some fires are unavoidable acts of nature or unpredictable accidents, many fires in the home and workplace are avoidable. The following tips, courtesy of the NFPA, can help reduce the likelihood of a fire in your business or home.

1. Watch your cooking- Stay in the kitchen if you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. Never allow young children around the stove or oven, especially if they are not closely attended.

2. Give space heaters space- Keep space heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn.

3. Smoke outside- If you must smoke inside, have sturdy, deep ashtray. Never smoke in bed.

4. Keep matches and lighters out of reach- Keep matches and lighters in high cabinets, preferably under a child lock.

5. Inspect electrical cords- Replace cords that are cracked, damaged, have broken plugs or have loose connections.

6. Be careful when using candles - Keep candles at least one foot from anything that can burn. Blow them out before you leave the room or go to sleep.

Fire Safety Tips from your local SERVPRO of Woodland Hills

2/13/2018 (Permalink)

This is a fire in Woodland Hills. SERVPRO of Woodland Hills restored the property to better than preloss condition. "Like it never even happened".

Though some fires are unavoidable acts of nature or unpredictable accidents, many fires in the home and workplace are avoidable. The following tips, courtesy of the NFPA, can help reduce the likelihood of a fire in your business or home.

1. Watch your cooking- Stay in the kitchen if you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. Never allow young children around the stove or oven, especially if they are not closely attended.

2. Give space heaters space- Keep space heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn.

3. Smoke outside- If you must smoke inside, have sturdy, deep ashtray. Never smoke in bed.

4. Keep matches and lighters out of reach- Keep matches and lighters in high cabinets, preferably under a child lock.

5. Inspect electrical cords- Replace cords that are cracked, damaged, have broken plugs or have loose connections.

6. Be careful when using candles - Keep candles at least one foot from anything that can burn. Blow them out before you leave the room or go to sleep.

Fire Clean Up - SERVPRO of Woodland Hills

5/31/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Woodland Hills was called in to clean up the aftermath of this terrible kitchen fire.

What To Expect: 

When we visit your home after a fire loss, we will scope the effected areas to determine the extent of the loss. We will always pretest affected surfaces to determine the type of smoke and which products will help us recover the area most effectively. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. If a fire has damaged your home, call us right away at 818-881-3636 or 818-882-4556. SERVPRO  will treat you and your family with empathy and respect, and your property with care. 

Tips

Though some fires are unavoidable acts of nature or unpredictable accidents, many fires in the home and workplace are avoidable. The following tips, courtesy of the NFPA, can help reduce the likelihood of a fire in your business or home.

1. Watch your cooking- Stay in the kitchen if you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. Never allow young children around the stove or oven, especially if they are not closely attended.

2. Give space heaters space- Keep space heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn.

3. Smoke outside- If you must smoke inside, have sturdy, deep ashtray. Never smoke in bed.

4. Keep matches and lighters out of reach- Keep matches and lighters in high cabinets, preferably under a child lock.

5. Inspect electrical cords- Replace cords that are cracked, damaged, have broken plugs or have loose connections.

6. Be careful when using candles - Keep candles at least one foot from anything that can burn. Blow them out before you leave the room or go to sleep.

Safety Tips to Prevent Fires

5/31/2017 (Permalink)

Fire Damage in Woodland Hills

Though some fires are unavoidable acts of nature or unpredictable accidents, many fires in the home and workplace are avoidable. The following tips, courtesy of the NFPA, can help reduce the likelihood of a fire in your business or home.

1. Watch your cooking- Stay in the kitchen if you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. Never allow young children around the stove or oven, especially if they are not closely attended.

2. Give space heaters space- Keep space heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn.

3. Smoke outside- If you must smoke inside, have sturdy, deep ashtray. Never smoke in bed.

4. Keep matches and lighters out of reach- Keep matches and lighters in high cabinets, preferably under a child lock.

5. Inspect electrical cords- Replace cords that are cracked, damaged, have broken plugs or have loose connections.

6. Be careful when using candles - Keep candles at least one foot from anything that can burn. Blow them out before you leave the room or go to sleep.

Fire Safety

5/15/2017 (Permalink)

Woodland Hills Fire damage pre restoration. - 24/7 Emergency Services: Fire, Water Damage, Mold, Biohazard, Cleanup. 818-882-4556

What To Expect: 

When we visit your Woodland Hills home after a fire loss, we will scope the effected areas to determine the extent of the loss. We will always pretest affected surfaces to determine the type of smoke and which products will help us recover the area most effectively. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. If a fire has damaged your home, call us right away at 818-882-4556. SERVPRO  will treat you and your family with empathy and respect, and your property with care. 

Tips

Though some fires are unavoidable acts of nature or unpredictable accidents, many fires in the home and workplace are avoidable. The following tips, courtesy of the NFPA, can help reduce the likelihood of a fire in your business or home.

1. Watch your cooking- Stay in the kitchen if you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. Never allow young children around the stove or oven, especially if they are not closely attended.

2. Give space heaters space- Keep space heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn.

3. Smoke outside- If you must smoke inside, have sturdy, deep ashtray. Never smoke in bed.

4. Keep matches and lighters out of reach- Keep matches and lighters in high cabinets, preferably under a child lock.

5. Inspect electrical cords- Replace cords that are cracked, damaged, have broken plugs or have loose connections.

6. Be careful when using candles - Keep candles at least one foot from anything that can burn. Blow them out before you leave the room or go to sleep.

Fire Safety Tips

2/3/2017 (Permalink)

Fire Tips

Though some fires are unavoidable acts of nature or unpredictable accidents, many fires in the home and workplace are avoidable. The following tips, courtesy of the NFPA, can help reduce the likelihood of a fire in your business or home.

1. Watch your cooking- Stay in the kitchen if you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. Never allow young children around the stove or oven, especially if they are not closely attended.

2. Give space heaters space- Keep space heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn.

3. Smoke outside- If you must smoke inside, have sturdy, deep ashtray. Never smoke in bed.

4. Keep matches and lighters out of reach- Keep matches and lighters in high cabinets, preferably under a child lock.

5. Inspect electrical cords- Replace cords that are cracked, damaged, have broken plugs or have loose connections.

6. Be careful when using candles - Keep candles at least one foot from anything that can burn. Blow them out before you leave the room or go to sleep.