Outdoor Events

6/23/2017 (Permalink)

Summer is here! It's the perfect time for outdoor parties, family get-togethers, and BBQ's. Something most of us don't consider is that outdoor events increase the risk of home fires according to the National Fire Protection Association. Luckily, they've provided us a list of tips to consider when hosting an outdoor event.

• Have an adult present at all times when a portable fireplace is burning
• Use sturdy candle holders that won't tip over easily
• Keep anything that can burn, as well as children and pets, at least three feet away from open flames
• Use battery-operated, flameless candles and solar-powered patio or tiki torches in place of an open flame

In the case your outdoor event doesn't go as planned, SERVPRO of University Place/Lakewood West is ready to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We proud ourselves in being on site within 4 hours of our first notice of your loss. For your fire restoration needs, contact us at 253-896-3000.

For more information, visit the National Fire Protection Association website at http://www.nfpa.org/public-education/by-topic/wildfire-and-seasonal-fires/outdoor-entertaining

Electrical Safety Month

2/28/2017 (Permalink)

February is National Electrical Safety Month! It’s time to inspect your home for potential hazards. NOVEC, an electric distribution company based out of Northern Virginia, gives us these home electrical safety tips to keep our homes and families safe.

• Check electric cords often for damage. Have damaged cords repaired right away. Worn cords can cause shock, short circuit, or fire


• Pull the plastic housing of the electric plug to take it out of the wall socket, never pull on the cord


• Do not overload electric outlets with too many items plugged in at once


• Water and electricity do not mix. Do not operate electric appliances such as radios or hair dryers near a bathtub of sink full of water


• Never stick your fingers, toys, or anything except electic plugs into electric outlets


• Unplug any appliance that emits sparks or that does not work properly


• Always unplug an appliance before cleaning or repairing it


• Always unplug the toaster or other appliance when removing a piece of stuck food


• Remember that at turned-off appliance is still connected to electricity until it is unplugged


• Limit use of extension cords. Make sure the cord is the appropriate size for use. Some appliances or equipment required heavy-duty cords

In case of an electrical fire, call SERVPRO of University Place/Lakewood West for your cleaning needs. 253-896-3000

https://www.novec.com/Safety/HomeElectricalSafety.cfm

Winter is Coming!!!

12/5/2016 (Permalink)

Cooler temperatures, morning frost, rain, and snow fall tell us winter has begun. Not only must we prepare for these changes ourselves, it’s important to prepare our homes for winter weather as well. Pipe bursts and puff backs can occur without the proper precautions. In order to get ahead, here is a list of preventative methods for losses that occur most during the winter.

Frozen Pipes

A frozen pipe can burst at the point where the ice blockage inside the pipe is located. A burst pipe can cause considerable damage to your property if not addressed quickly. To prevent burst pipes and prepare for winter weather, follow these easy steps:

• Keep cabinet doors open during cold spells. This allows warm air to circulate around pipes.
• Keep a slow trickle of water flowing through faucets, especially if the pipes for faucets run through unheated or uninsulated areas of your home.
• Consider shutting off outdoor faucets. Find the shut-off valve in the basement or crawl space and turn it to “off.” Then open the outdoor faucet to help ensure it drains completely and the inner valve is shut off.

Puff Backs

A puff back is a messy furnace malfunction that occurs when an oil burner backfires, sending soot throughout your home or business. It can happen all at once, covering the inside of your home in grimy soot, or a puff back can leak soot particles more gradually. Proper maintenance of your furnace can help reduce the risk of puff backs.

• Keep your oil heating system free of dust
• Inspect and service your heating system yearly

In case of water damage or damage caused by a puff back, SERVPRO of University Place/Lakewood West is faster to any size disaster, bringing the latest equipment and training to help make your property damage “Like it never even happened.”

Thanksgiving Safety Tips

11/9/2016 (Permalink)

This Thanksgiving, stay safe when cooking by following these safety tips provided by the National Fire Prevention Association:

• Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop so you can keep an eye on the food.


• Stay in the home when cooking your turkey to check on it frequently.


• Keep children away from the stove. The stove will be hot and kids should stay 3 feet away.


• Make sure kids stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy, or coffee could cause serious burns.


• Keep the floor clear so you don't trip over kids, toys, pocketbooks, or bags.


• Keep knives out of the reach of children.


• Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer, or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.


• Keep matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children- up high in a locked cabinet.


• Never leave children alone in a room with a lit candle.


• Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.

This time of year, kitchen safety is SERVPRO of University Place/Lakewood West's main priority. Let it be yours too!

http://www.nfpa.org/public-education/by-topic/wildfire-and-seasonal-fires/thanksgiving-safety

IICRC Certified Firm

8/30/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of University Place/Lakewood West is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

IICRC Certified Firms must

• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.

• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.

• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.

• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.

• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.

Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.

About SERVPRO of University Place/Lakewood West

SERVPRO of University Place/Lakewood West specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: from initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.