Stay Warm, Stay Safe: The Ultimate Guide to Space Heater Safety in Golden, Wheat Ridge and Evergreen, Colorado

1/1/2024 (Permalink)

Introduction: Embracing the winter season in Golden, Wheat Ridge, and Evergreen, Colorado, often means relying on space heaters for that extra warmth. However, to ensure a cozy winter without compromising safety, it's essential to use these devices with caution. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore best practices for space heater usage in your home, tailored to the unique needs of residents in Golden, Wheat Ridge, and Evergreen.

1. Understanding the Risks: Space heaters, if not used properly, can pose significant fire hazards. It's crucial to understand potential risks such as overheating, electrical malfunctions, and the risk of combustible materials coming into contact with the heater.

2. Choosing the Right Space Heater: Begin by investing in a high-quality space heater with safety features. Look for units equipped with automatic shut-off switches, tip-over protection, and adjustable thermostats. Consider the size of your space to ensure the heater is appropriately sized for optimal safety and efficiency.

3. Location, Location, Location: Proper placement of your space heater is key. Maintain a minimum distance of three feet between the heater and flammable materials like curtains, furniture, bedding, and pets. Place the heater on a level, flat surface to reduce the risk of tipping.

4. Regular Maintenance Checks: Before the winter season kicks in, conduct a thorough maintenance check on your space heater. Inspect the cord for any damage, and ensure the plug is secure. Regularly clean the vents to prevent dust buildup, which can lead to overheating.

5. Plug it Right: Avoid overloading circuits by plugging your space heater directly into a wall outlet. Steer clear of extension cords or power strips, as they may not handle the power load, increasing the risk of electrical fires.

6. Never Leave it Unattended: Whether you're stepping out of the room or heading to bed, always turn off your space heater. Leaving it unattended heightens the risk of accidents, and the fleeting warmth isn't worth the potential consequences.

7. Educating Your Household: Ensure everyone in your Golden, Wheat Ridge, or Evergreen household understands the importance of space heater safety. Establish clear rules for usage, and stress the potential dangers associated with misuse.

8. Carbon Monoxide Awareness: For those using fuel-burning space heaters, be vigilant about carbon monoxide emissions. Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home and never use these heaters in enclosed spaces without proper ventilation.

9. Emergency Preparedness: As part of your comprehensive winter safety plan, create a fire escape plan for your Golden, Wheat Ridge, or Evergreen residence. Make sure all family members are familiar with exit routes and designate a meeting place outside the home.

Conclusion: With winter's chill settling in, space heaters offer a convenient solution for residents in Golden, Wheat Ridge, and Evergreen. By following these guidelines and making informed choices, you can enjoy a warm and secure winter without compromising the safety of your home and loved ones. Stay warm, stay safe!

Microwave Malfunction Causes Fire in Mountain View Kitchen?

10/10/2023 (Permalink)

We are leaders in fire damage restoration services in Jefferson County!

Microwaves simplify our lives by making it easy to defrost food and reheat meals, but sometimes they fail and cause fire damage. Our local Golden, Wheat Ridge, and Evergreen team responds to fire damage emergencies in Jefferson County every year and offers these microwave safety tips from the  National Fire Protection Association:

• PURCHASE a microwave oven that is listed by a qualified testing laboratory. Make sure to complete and return the product registration card. This way, the manufacturer can reach you if there is a recall of the product.
• PLUG the microwave oven directly into the wall outlet — never use an extension cord.
• MAKE sure the microwave oven is at a safe height, within easy reach of all users
• OPEN food slowly, away from the face. Hot steam or the food itself can cause burns.
• FOOD heats unevenly in microwave ovens. Stir and test before eating or giving to children.
• NEVER heat a baby bottle in the microwave. Since a microwave oven heats unevenly, it can create hot pockets, leading to burns. Warm a bottle in a bowl of warm, not hot or boiling, water, or by running it under the tap.

Call Us Today!

When your home or business in Mountain View has fire damage, our local Golden, Wheat Ridge, and Evergreen team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 303-279-8055.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Damaged Electrical Cord Causes Fire Damage in Applewood Home?

10/3/2023 (Permalink)

We respond to fire damage emergencies 24 hours a day in Jefferson County!

Do you know that electrical fires are a leading cause of fire damage in homes in the United States? Our local Golden, Wheat Ridge, and Evergreen teams respond to fire damage emergencies every year in Applewood and want you to be safe from electrical fires.

Here are some tips from the National Fire Protection Association to prevent electrical fires in your home or commercial property:

• Check electrical cords to make sure the wires are not damaged, cracked, or loose. If the cords need to be repaired, take the item to a professional repair shop, hire an electrician, or replace it with a new item.
• Make sure cords are not running across doorways or under carpets. If they are, have a qualified electrician install more outlets.
• Keep children away from electric cords and outlets. Cords placed in the mouth can cause a burn and objects placed in a receptacle can cause a shock, burns, or electrocution.
• Make sure that all receptacle outlets and switches have faceplates
• Never put more than one plug in each receptacle. An outlet may have one or more receptacles - one to receive each plug.

Call Us Today!

When your home or business in Applewood has fire damage, our local Golden, Wheat Ridge, and Evergreen team is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your fire damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 303-279-8055.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Escape Plan Saves Family from Home Fire in Wheat Ridge?

8/29/2023 (Permalink)

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

Our local Golden, Wheat Ridge, and Evergreen teams respond to fire damage emergencies every year in Wheat Ridge. The leading causes of residential fires in the United States are cooking, heating equipment, electrical distribution and lighting equipment, intentional, and smoking materials.

Here are some fire escape planning tips for the National Fire Protection Association:

• Make a home escape plan. Draw a map of your home showing all of the doors and windows. Discuss the plan with everyone in your home.
• Know at least two ways out of every room, if possible. Make sure all doors and windows leading outside open easily.
• Have a designated place (tree, mailbox, light pole) a safe distance away from the house where everyone should meet.
• Practice your home fire drill at night and during the day with everyone in your home, twice a year
• Practice using different ways out
• Teach children how to escape on their own in case you can’t help them
• Close doors behind you as you leave

Call Us Today!

When you have fire damage in your Wheat Ridge home or business, our local Golden, Wheat Ridge, and Evergreen team is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your fire damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 303-279-8055.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Clothes Dryer Lint Causes Fire Damage in Cody Park Home?

7/5/2023 (Permalink)

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

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the leading cause of clothes dryer fires is the failure to clean them. Our local Golden, Wheat Ridge, and Evergreen team has been restoring fire damage in Cody Park for decades, and offer these clothes dryer safety tips from the NFPA:

• Have your dryer installed and serviced by a professional
• Do not use the dryer without a lint filter
• Make sure you clean the lint filter before or after each load of laundry. Remove lint that has collected around the drum.
• Rigid or flexible metal venting material should be used to sustain proper air flow and drying time
• Make sure the air exhaust vent pipe is not restricted and the outdoor vent flap will open when the dryer is operating. Once a year, or more often if you notice that it is taking longer than normal for your clothes to dry, clean lint out of the vent pipe or have a dryer lint removal service do it for you.
• Keep dryers in good working order. Gas dryers should be inspected by a qualified professional to make sure that the gas line and connection are intact and free of leaks.
• Make sure the right plug and outlet are used and that the machine is connected properly
• Follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions and don’t overload your dryer
• Turn the dryer off if you leave home or when you go to bed

Call Us Today!

Cody Park residents and commercial businesses know they can rely on our local Golden, Wheat Ridge, and Evergreen team to restore fire damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 303-279-8055.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Flammable Liquids Cause Fire in Genesee Home Garage?

6/27/2023 (Permalink)

We respond to fire damage emergencies 24 hours a day in Jefferson County.

Our local Golden, Wheat Ridge, and Evergreen team has been restoring fire damage in Jefferson County for over forty years. Genesee residents and businesses rely on us to arrive quickly and immediately begin the cleanup and restoration process.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), many of the fires that originate in a garage start when flammable liquids are stored too close to electrical equipment or heating equipment. Vapors from combustible and flammable liquids can ignite fires if they are stored incorrectly and when they are stored in a room without adequate ventilation.

Our technicians are highly trained and certified to restore fire damage. We provide a full range of cleanup and rebuilding services when required to bring a building back to full functionality.

Fire Damage Restoration Process

Step 1: Emergency Contact

Step 2: Inspection and Assessment

Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service

Step 4: Water Removal and Drying

Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot

Step 6: Cleaning and Sanitizing

Step 7: Restoration

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Genesee sustains fire damage, our local Golden, Wheat Ridge, and Evergreen team is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your fire damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 303-279-8055.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Faulty Smoke Detector Discovered in Evergreen Home?

3/21/2023 (Permalink)

We respond to fire damage emergencies 24 hours a day in Jefferson County.

Our Golden, Wheat Ridge, and Evergreen team is trained and certified to restore fire damage “Like it never even happened.” Smoke detectors, when working properly, allow people to get out of a house and to safety quickly. Here are some smoke alarm safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association:

Smoke Alarm Safety

• A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home. 
• Smoke alarms should be interconnected. When one sounds, they all sound. 
• Large homes may need extra smoke alarms
• Test your smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
• Today’s smoke alarms will be more technologically advanced to respond to a multitude of fire conditions yet mitigate false alarms
• When a smoke alarm sounds, get outside and stay outside
• Replace all smoke alarms in your home every ten years

Call Us Today!

Fire damage can happen at any time for any number of reasons. When your Evergreen home or commercial business has a fire damage emergency, our team in Golden, Wheat Ridge, and Evergreen is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 303-279-8055.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Smoke and Soot Damage from Furnace Puff Back in Golden Home?

3/14/2023 (Permalink)

We clean and restore HVAC systems in Jefferson County.

Our Golden, Wheat Ridge, and Evergreen team is trained and certified to clean and restore furnace puff back damage “Like it never even happened.” A puff back can occur when an oil burner doesn’t ignite right away and causes fumes to build up in the furnace. The fumes cause an explosion inside the burner chamber that vaporizes and sends soot throughout the home through the ventilation system, covering walls, floors, and furniture with oily soot residue.

Here are some symptoms of furnace puff backs:

·      Odors, noises, and soot around the boiler or furnace room

·      Visual signs of debris. The heating system needs to be cleaned and serviced if you see soot, rust flakes, and debris in the flue vent connector.

We pretest your belongings and surfaces to determine the most effective cleaning method to use and we use several methods of cleaning smoke and soot from your contents, including:

• Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean before wet cleaning
• Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues
• Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that can’t withstand wet cleaning
• Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned
• Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned
• Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product

Call Us Today!

When the furnace or HVAC system in your home or commercial business in Golden has a puff back problem or is not functioning at its best, our team in Golden, Wheat Ridge, and Evergreen is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 303-279-8055.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Dry Christmas Tree Starts Fire in Golden Home?

1/3/2023 (Permalink)

We are trusted leaders in fire damage restoration services in Jefferson County.

Our Golden, Wheat Ridge, and Evergreen teams wish everyone in Golden a Happy New Year! The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) urges everyone to get rid of their trees after Christmas or when the tree is dry. Our professionals respond to fire damage emergencies every year during the holiday season. Here are some tips from the NFPA for preventing Christmas tree fires:

After Christmas

Get rid of the tree after Christmas or when it is dry. Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage or placed outside against the house. Check with your local community to find a recycling program. Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and make them last longer.

Christmas Tree Fire Facts

• Electrical problems cause almost one-third of home Christmas tree fires
• Although Christmas tree fires are not common, when they do occur, they are more likely to be serious
• A heat source too close to the tree causes more than one in every five fires

Jefferson County Christmas Tree Recycling

In Jefferson County, Christmas trees can be recycled at many locations at no cost to residents. Check for announcements about drop-off locations in the county.

Call Us Today!

When you have fire damage in your Golden home or business, our Golden, Wheat Ridge, and Evergreen team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 303-279-8055.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Holiday Decorating Safety Tips for Wheat Ridge Residents?

12/13/2022 (Permalink)

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

Our Golden, Wheat Ridge, and Evergreen teams respond to more home fire emergencies during December, January, and February than at any other time of the year. Here are some holiday decorating tips from the National Fire Protection Association:

Holiday Decorating

• Be careful with holiday decorations. Choose decorations that are flame-resistant or flame-retardant.
• Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn
• Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both
• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read the manufacturer’s instructions for the number of light strands to connect.
• Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged
• Keep decorations away from windows and doors

Holiday Entertaining

• Test your smoke alarms and tell guests about your home fire escape plan
• Keep children and pets away from lit candles
• Keep matches and lighters up high in a locked cabinet
• Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop
• Ask smokers to smoke outside. Remind smokers to keep their smoking materials with them so young children do not touch them.
• Provide large, deep ashtrays for smokers. Wet cigarette butts with water before discarding them.

Call Us Today!

When you have fire damage in your Wheat Ridge home or commercial business, our Golden, Wheat Ridge, and Evergreen team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 303-279-8055.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

What Happens During a Chimney Inspection in Wheat Ridge?

11/8/2022 (Permalink)

We are leaders in fire damage restoration in Jefferson County.

The National Fire Protection Association recommends chimney inspections once a year and having your fireplace cleaned by a qualified professional. Our Golden, Wheat Ridge, and Evergreen team has been restoring fire damage in Wheat Ridge for years.

Here is some information on level one and two inspections from the home improvement website, Angi:

Level One: The readily accessible chimney parts inspected usually include the fireplace, firebox, damper, flue opening, and exterior parts sticking out from the roof. In addition, the inspector will confirm there are no obstructions or combustion deposits. 

Level Two:  Inspections are required if you’re selling your home or after an operation malfunctions. Additionally, accidents such as hurricanes, destructive storms, building fires, or chimney fires warrant a level two inspection. 

During a level two chimney inspection, your inspector will check the same accessible parts of your chimney as in level one, but they will also likely examine the attic, roof, crawl space, and basement to ensure nothing is damaged

You’ll usually have a level two inspection if you’ve made changes to your chimney—this might be a change in fuel type, change to the shape of or flue material, or purchasing a new liner. Your inspector will examine all internal surfaces and joints of flue liners with a camera.

Call Us Today!

When your home or business in Wheat Ridge has a fire damage emergency, our Golden, Wheat Ridge, and Evergreen team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 303-279-8055.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Wildfire Mitigation Program in Golden?

10/3/2022 (Permalink)

We are leaders in fire damage restoration in Jefferson County.

Our Golden, Wheat Ridge, and Evergreen teams want everyone to prepare their properties for wildfires. Wildfires are so prevalent in Colorado that there is no “season” for them – they can occur any time of the year.

Jefferson County’s SLASH program stands for sustainable lands and safer homes. This program helps reduce wildfire danger by encouraging citizens to create defensible space around their properties. Golden residents can bring their debris to these sites and dump any fire-hazardous debris from around their homes and businesses.

National Fire Protection Association Recommendations

• Keep the corner areas of a building clear of combustible materials due to the higher probability of having direct flame touching the surrounding ground
• Keep gutters free of debris and use metal gutters
• Install hard surfaces, such as a concrete walkway, or use non-combustible mulch products, such as rock
• Keep the lawn well irrigated and use low-growing herbaceous (non-woody) plants. Shrubs and trees are not recommended in the five-foot zone.
• Remove dead vegetation and implement a maintenance strategy to keep the five-foot zone clear of dead plant materials
• Mitigating home ignition zones shouldn’t stop at five feet from the building, and it should be combined with the footprint of an attached deck and area that extends away from the building up to 100 feet or to the property line

Call Us Today!

When your Golden home or commercial business needs fire damage restoration services, our Golden, Wheat Ridge, and Evergreen team will restore your damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 303-279-8055.

Franchises are independently owned and operated. 

Fire Extinguisher Purchasing Tips for Golden Residents?

8/16/2022 (Permalink)

We are leaders in fire damage restoration in Jefferson County.

Our Golden, Wheat Ridge, and Evergreen team has the training, equipment, and experience to restore fire damage “Like it never even happened.” Please read our latest blog here to learn how to select a home fire extinguisher.

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Our Golden, Wheat Ridge, and Evergreen team has been restoring fire damage for over forty years in Golden. Owning and knowing how to operate a home fire extinguisher can save lives. Here are some tips from the National Fire Protection Association for selecting and using a fire extinguisher:  

• For the home, choose a multi-purpose extinguisher (which can be used on all types of home fires) that is large enough to put out a small fire but not so heavy as to be difficult to handle
• Select a fire extinguisher that carries the label of an independent testing laboratory
• Read the instructions that come with the fire extinguisher and become familiar with its parts and operation before a fire breaks out. Local fire departments or fire equipment distributors often offer hands-on fire extinguisher trainings.
• Install fire extinguishers close to an exit and keep your back to a clear exit when you use the device so you can make an easy escape if the fire cannot be controlled. If the room fills with smoke, leave immediately.
• Know when to go. Fire extinguishers are one element of a fire response plan, but the primary element is safe escape. Every household should have a home fire escape plan and working smoke alarms.

Call Us Today!

When you have a fire damage emergency in your Golden home or business, our local Golden, Wheat Ridge, and Evergreen team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 303-279-8055.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Wildfire Escape Planning for Mountain View Residents?

7/13/2022 (Permalink)

We restore fire damage 24-hours a day in Jefferson County.

Our Golden, Wheat Ridge, and Evergreen team responds to fire damage emergencies every year in Mountain View. Wildfires can occur at any time and spread rapidly. Here are some tips for preparing in advance for a wildfire from the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management:

• Build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan
• Know more than one exit route in case you have to evacuate
• Plant fire-resistant shrubs and trees
• Remove leaves and other debris from the roof and gutters
• Inspect chimneys at least twice a year and clean them at least once a year
• Use 1/8 inch mesh screen beneath porches, decks, floor areas, and the home itself to help keep embers out
• Install a dual-sensor smoke alarm on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms.  Test the alarms monthly and change the batteries at least once each year.
• Teach each family member how to use a fire extinguisher and show them where it's located
• Keep a ladder that will reach the roof
• Consider installing protective shutters or heavy fire-resistant drapes
• Clear items that will burn from around the house, including wood piles, wooden lawn furniture, barbecue grills, tarp coverings, etc. Move them outside of your defensible space.

Call Us!

When you have fire damage in your Mountain View home or business, our Golden, Wheat Ridge, and Evergreen team is Here to Help.® Call us today at 303-279-8055.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Kids Playing With Fire Start Fire in Golden Home?

6/14/2022 (Permalink)

We restore fire damage 24-hours a day in Jefferson County.

Do you know that more fires are started by children playing with fire in June when school gets out? Our Golden, Wheat Ridge and Evergreen team offer these tips from the National Fire Protection Association for keeping children from playing with fire in Golden:

• Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children, up high, preferably in a locked cabinet
• Closely supervise children, making sure that they are kept away from other fire sources, including lit candles, cigarettes, bonfires, and stoves
• Explain that fire moves very fast and can hurt as soon as it touches them. Tell them that this is why matches and lighters are tools for adults only.
• Teach young children never to touch matches or lighters. They must tell a grown-up when matches or lighters are found.
• Establish clear rules and consequences about unsupervised and unauthorized uses of fire
• Be a good example! Always use fire sources — matches, lighters, candles, fireplaces, and campfires — in a safe manner. Never treat them as toys, or children may imitate you.
• Talk with children about what their friends or other children are doing with fire. What do they see online in video games, TV, movies, and social media? Teach them specific ways to resist the peer pressure to misuse fire.
• Give praise for showing respect and age-appropriate responsible behavior toward fire

Call Us!

Our Golden, Wheat Ridge and Evergreen team can help when your Golden home or commercial business has fire damage. Call us today at 303-279-8055.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Hoarding Fire in Wheat Ridge Garage?

5/4/2022 (Permalink)

We restore fire damage 24-hours a day in Jefferson County.

Our Golden, Wheat Ridge, and Evergreen team restore fire damage in Golden every year. Here is some information about hoarding and fire risks from the National Fire Protection Association:

Why Hoarding Increases Fire Risks

• Cooking is unsafe if flammable items are close to the stove or oven
• Heating units may be too close to things that can burn, and they might also be placed on unstable surfaces. If a heater tips over into a pile, it can cause a fire.
• Electrical wiring may be old or worn from the weight of piles. Pests could chew on wires, and damaged wires can start fires.
• Open flames from smoking materials or candles in a home with excess clutter are very dangerous
• Blocked pathways and exits may hinder escape from a fire

Hoarding Impacts First Responders

• Hoarding puts first responders in harm’s way
• Firefighters cannot move swiftly through a home filled with clutter
• Responders can be trapped in a house when exits are blocked. They can be injured by objects falling from piles.
• The weight of the stored items, especially if water is added to put out a fire, can lead to building collapse
• Fighting fires is very risky in a hoarding home. It is hard to enter the house to provide medical care, and the clutter impedes the search and rescue of people and pets.

Call Us Today!

When you require fire damage cleanup and restoration services, our Golden, Wheat Ridge, and Evergreen team is Here to Help.® Call us today at 303-279-8055.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Extension Cord Fire in Wheat Ridge Home?

4/5/2022 (Permalink)

We restore fire damage 24-hours a day in Jefferson County!

Our local team in Golden, Wheat Ridge, and Evergreen have been restoring fire damage for Wheat Ridge residents and businesses for many years. Here are some extension cord safety tips from The Electrical Safety Foundation International (EFSI):

• Do not overload extension cords or allow them to run through water or snow on the ground
• Do not substitute extension cords for permanent wiring
• Do not run through walls, doorways, ceilings, or floors
• Do not use an extension cord for more than one appliance
• Multiple plug outlets must be plugged directly into mounted electrical receptacles; they cannot be chained together
• Make sure the extension cord or temporary power strip is rated for the products to be plugged in and is marked for either indoor or outdoor use
• Never use a cord that feels hot or is damaged in any way
• Never use three-prong plugs with outlets with only two slots for the plug. Do not cut off the ground pin to force a fit. Never force a plug into an outlet if it doesn’t fit.
• Buy only cords approved by an independent testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL), Intertek (ETL), or Canadian Standards Association (CSA)

Call Us!

When you have a fire damage emergency in your Wheat Ridge home or commercial business, our local restoration team in Golden, Wheat Ridge, and Evergreen will clean and restore the damage, “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 303-279-8055.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Medical Oxygen Fire in Golden?

3/8/2022 (Permalink)

We restore fire damage in Jefferson County!

Do you know that smoking materials are the leading heat source resulting in medical oxygen-related fires? The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that portable medical oxygen in the home has grown over the past decade. Medical oxygen adds a higher percentage of oxygen to the air a patient uses to breathe, and fire needs oxygen to burn. If a fire should start in an oxygen-enriched area, the material burning will burn more quickly. Homes where medical oxygen is used need specific fire safety rules to keep people safe from fire and burns.

SERVPRO® of Golden/Wheat Ridge/Evergreen offers these safety tips from the NFPA for staying safe around medical oxygen:

SAFETY TIPS

• There is no safe way to smoke in the home when oxygen is in use. A patient on oxygen should not smoke.
• Candles, matches, wood stoves, and even sparking toys can be ignition sources and should not be used in the home
• Keep oxygen cylinders at least five feet from a heat source, open flames, or electrical devices
• Body oil, hand lotion, and items containing oil and grease can easily ignite. Keep oil and grease away where oxygen is in use.
• Never use aerosol sprays containing combustible materials near the oxygen

Call Us Today!

When your Golden home or commercial business has fire damage, SERVPRO® Golden/Wheat Ridge/Evergreen will  restore your damage, “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 303-279-8055.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Heating Equipment Safety Tips for Evergreen?

1/11/2022 (Permalink)

Our technicians respond to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Jefferson County.

SERVPRO® of Golden/Wheat Ridge/Evergreen responds to fire damage emergencies every winter in Evergreen and offers these heating equipment safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association:

• Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable space heater
• Have a three-foot “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters
• Never use your oven to heat your home
• Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters, or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer’s instructions
• Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional
• Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed
• Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel-burning space heaters
• Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home.
• Test smoke alarms at least once a month

Call Us!

When your Evergreen home or business needs fire damage restoration services, SERVPRO® Golden/Wheat Ridge/Evergreen is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your fire damage, “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 303-279-8055.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Fire Escape Planning in Evergreen?

11/10/2021 (Permalink)

We respond to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Jefferson County.

Evergreen families and residents need to know!

Once a fire starts, it can spread quickly. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), you should have smoke alarms installed in every room and outside of each room in your home. Smoke alarms should also be installed on every floor of your house and be interconnected so when one alarm sounds, they all sound. Once the smoke detectors sound, you may only have a few minutes to get out of the house. SERVPRO® of Golden/Wheat Ridge/Evergreen offers these tips from the NFPA for making a fire escape plan.

• Draw a map of your home
• Show all doors and windows
• Visit each room
• Find two ways out
• All windows and doors should open easily
• You should be able to use them to get outside
• Make sure your home has smoke alarms
• Push the test button to make sure each alarm is working
• Pick a meeting place outside. It should be in front of your home. Everyone will meet at the meeting place.
• Make sure your house or building number can be seen from the street
• Talk about your plan with everyone in your home
• Learn the emergency phone number for your fire department
• Practice your home fire drill!

Call Us!

When your Evergreen home or commercial business needs fire damage restoration services, SERVPRO® Golden/Wheat Ridge/Evergreen is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 303-279-8055.

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Halloween Party Fire in Evergreen?

10/11/2021 (Permalink)

We respond to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Jefferson County.

SERVPRO® of Golden/Wheat Ridge/Evergreen wishes everyone a happy Halloween celebration this year. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that candle fires are one of the leading causes of home fires in the United States. Here are some candle safety tips from the NFPA: 

• Blow out all candles when you leave the room or go to bed. Avoid the use of candles in the bedroom and other areas where people may fall asleep.
• Keep candles at least one foot away from anything that can burn
• Use candle holders that are sturdy, and won’t tip over easily
• Put candle holders on a sturdy, uncluttered surface
• Light candles carefully. Keep your hair and any loose clothing away from the flame.
• Don’t burn a candle all the way down — put it out before it gets too close to the holder or container
• Never use a candle if oxygen is used in the home
• Have flashlights and battery-powered lighting ready to use during a power outage. Never use candles.
• Think about using flameless candles in your home. They look and smell like real candles.

Call Us Today!

When your Evergreen home or business needs emergency fire damage restoration services, SERVPRO® Golden/Wheat Ridge/Evergreen is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 303-279-8055.

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Fire-damaged Home in Golden?

9/6/2021 (Permalink)

We respond to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Jefferson County.

After the flames were put out, and I was allowed back into my home, I was shocked by the fire damage I faced. Thankfully, my insurance adjuster told me about SERVPRO® of Golden/Wheat Ridge/Evergreen, and it was the best call I ever made. The SERVPRO team arrived quickly and immediately began the cleanup and restoration process.

Fire Damage Restoration Services

Every smoke and fire damage scenario will be a little different, and each one will require a unique solution to restore the damage. Different materials create different types of soot and smoke that require specific cleaning and restoration procedures. Here are the steps we follow for every fire damage situation in most cases:

1. Emergency Contact
2. Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment
3. Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service (if needed)
4. Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)
5. Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces
6. Cleaning and Repair
7. Restoration

Call Us!

When your Golden home needs emergency fire restoration services, SERVPRO® Golden/Wheat Ridge/Evergreen has a team of highly trained technicians with the specialized training and experience to clean and restore any size of fire damage. Call us today at 303-279-8055. We’ll clean and restore your fire damage, “Like it never even happened.” 

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Contents Restoration Services in Evergreen?

8/30/2021 (Permalink)

Our technicians are trained to restore fire damage in Jefferson County.

When my Evergreen home was damaged by fire, the smoke and soot residue covered everything-even areas of my house not damaged by the flames. My insurance adjuster told me to call SERVPRO® of Golden/Wheat Ridge/Evergreen, and they came out and immediately began the cleanup and restoration process. They pretested soot and smoke film on the walls and ceilings to determine the type of residue the fire created to ensure they used the most effective cleaning method. Here are some of the cleaning methods used to restore my fire damage:

• Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning
• Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues
• Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that can’t withstand wet cleaning
• Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned
• Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned
• Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product

Call Us Today!

SERVPRO® Golden/Wheat Ridge/Evergreen has a team of highly trained technicians with specialized training and experience to restore fire damage quickly and efficiently. Call us today at 303-279-8055. We’ll clean and restore your fire damage in Evergreen, “Like it never even happened.” 

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Fire Extinguisher Safety Tips for Applewood?

8/11/2021 (Permalink)

We are trusted leaders in fire damage restoration in Jefferson County.

SERVPRO® of Golden/Wheat Ridge/Evergreen responds to fire damage emergencies throughout the year in Applewood. Here are some fire extinguisher safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association for using portable fire extinguishers:

Safety Tips

• For the home, select a multi-purpose extinguisher (can be used on all types of home fires) that is large enough to put out a small fire, but not so heavy as to be difficult to handle
• Choose a fire extinguisher that carries the label of an independent testing laboratory
• Read the instructions that come with the fire extinguisher and become familiar with its parts and operation before a fire breaks out. Local fire departments or fire equipment distributors often offer hands-on fire extinguisher training.
• Install fire extinguishers close to an exit and keep your back to a clear exit when you use the device so you can make an easy escape if the fire cannot be controlled. If the room fills with smoke, leave immediately.
• Know when to go. Fire extinguishers are one element of a fire response plan, but the primary element is a safe escape. Every household should have a home fire escape plan and working smoke alarms.

Call Us Today!

SERVPRO® Golden/Wheat Ridge/Evergreen has a team of highly trained technicians with specialized training and experience to restore any residential or commercial fire damage. Call us today at 303-279-8055. We’ll clean and restore your fire damage in Applewood, “Like it never even happened.” 

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Fire Damage Emergency Tips for Wheat Ridge Homeowners?

7/5/2021 (Permalink)

We are trusted leaders in fire damage restoration in Jefferson County.

According to a report published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), during a five-year period, United States fire departments responded to an estimated 353,100 home fires per year between 2014 and 2018.

SERVPRO® of Golden/Wheat Ridge/Evergreen offers these tips from our website on things you can do to stay safe while waiting for help to arrive:

After any fire damage situation, your safety should be the primary focus.

• Stay in the house only if it safe
• Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns
• Only do activities that are safe for you to perform
• Wet materials can be very heavy

What To Do After A Fire

• 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 leaves
• Change the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) filter
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers

Call Us Today! SERVPRO® Golden/Wheat Ridge/Evergreen has a team of highly trained technicians with specialized training and experience to quickly and efficiently restore fire damage. Call us today at 303-279-8055. We’ll restore your fire damage in Wheat Ridge, “Like it never even happened.” 

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

House Fire in Golden?

6/14/2021 (Permalink)

We restore fire-damaged properties in Jefferson County.

House Fires Happen

After the Golden Fire Department extinguishes the flames, SERVPRO® of Golden/Wheat Ridge/Evergreen is often the next set of emergency responders to arrive on site. As you can see from the picture after the firefighters leave there will be a lot of cleanup and interior restoration required to restore a home to preloss condition. Here are some tips from our website on things you should never do after a fire:

What NOT To Do After A Fire

• Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery
• Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat, or water without consulting an authorized repair service
• Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat, or water
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet as the wiring may be damaged
• Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner as improper cleaning may set the smoke odor

Fire Damage Restoration Services

• Emergency Contact
• Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment
• Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service (if needed)
• Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)
• Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces
• Cleaning and Repair
• Restoration

Call Us Today!

SERVPRO® of Golden/Wheat Ridge/Evergreen has a team of highly trained technicians with the specialized training and experience to restore fire-damaged properties quickly and efficiently. Call us today at 303-279-8055. We’ll restore your fire damage in Golden, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO^® of Golden/Wheat Ridge/Evergreen is Independently Owned and Operated.

Fire-damaged Home in Wheat Ridge?

6/7/2021 (Permalink)

We respond to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Jefferson County.

Fire Damage Safety Tips

SERVPRO® of Golden/Wheat Ridge/Evergreen has been mitigating and restoring fire damage for Wheat Ridge residents for years. As soon as we arrive, we board up any broken windows and doors to secure the structure and minimize the potential for further damage. If your home has been damaged by fire, there are some things you can do while waiting for help to arrive. Here are some fire damage emergency tips from our website:

After any fire damage situation, your primary focus should be safety first:

• Is it safe to stay in the house?
• Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns
• Only do activities that are safe for you to perform
• Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!

Here is our fire damage restoration process we use for most fire damage restorations:

1. Emergency Contact
2. Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment
3. Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service (if needed)
4. Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)
5. Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces
6. Cleaning and Repair
7. Restoration

Call Us Today!

SERVPRO® of Golden/Wheat Ridge/Evergreen has a team of highly trained technicians with specialized training and experience to restore fire-damaged properties quickly and efficiently. Call us today at 303-279-8055. We’ll restore your fire damage in Wheat Ridge “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO^® of Golden/Wheat Ridge/Evergreen is Independently Owned and Operated.

Cooking Fire in Golden Home?

5/11/2021 (Permalink)

We are leaders in fire damage restoration in Jefferson County.

Cooking Safety Tips for Golden

Did you know that cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home injuries in the United States? According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking and most cooking fires in the kitchen involve the kitchen stove.

SERVPRO® of Golden/Wheat Ridge/Evergreen responds to fire damage emergencies throughout the year in Golden, and we offer some cooking safety tips from the NFPA:

“Cook with Caution”

• If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, don’t use the stove or stovetop
• Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, boiling, grilling, or broiling food
• If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove
• If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking
• Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains — away from your stovetop

Call Us!

SERVPRO® of Golden/Wheat Ridge/Evergreen has a team of highly trained technicians with specialized training and experience to restore fire damage of all kinds. Call us today at 303-279-8055. We’ll restore your fire damage in Golden, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO^® of Golden/Wheat Ridge/Evergreen is Independently Owned and Operated.

V-belt Fire in Wheat Ridge?

4/14/2021 (Permalink)

We are leaders in fire restoration in Jefferson County.

Washing Machine Fire in Wheat Ridge?

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), home fires involving clothes dryers and washing machines account for an estimated 15,970 home fires each year, resulting in:

• 13 civilian deaths
• 440 civilian injuries
• $238 million in direct property damage

Between 2010 and 2014, eleven percent of home fires involving washing machines were caused by a conveyor belt, drive belt, or v-belt. SERVPRO® of Golden /Wheat Ridge /Evergreen often arrives on the scene when the West Metro Fire Rescue firefighters are leaving, and there is always a lot of fire, smoke, soot, and water damage left from the firefighting efforts, no matter what kind or size of fire occurred.

When we arrive, we will provide an assessment of the damage, tarp and board up any areas of the home that are exposed to the elements and immediately begin the cleanup and restoration process. We pretest every fire-damaged item before cleaning, and we treat your belongings with great care.  

Call Us Today!

SERVPRO® of Golden /Wheat Ridge /Evergreen has a team of highly trained technicians on call and ready to restore your fire damage 24-hours a day. Call us today at 303-279-8055. We’ll restore your fire damage in Wheat Ridge, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO^® of Golden /Wheat Ridge /Evergreen is Independently Owned and Operated.

Properly Installed Smoke Detectors in Golden

2/28/2021 (Permalink)

There is no structure in Golden that cannot be made safer with properly installed smoke detectors. These devices, when used as instructed, can save lives and property.SERVPRO of Golden / Wheat Ridge / Evergreenknows the safety of your family is your number one concern. It is ours as well. 

Did you know: 

• Properties without working smoke alarms have an increase in home fire deaths
• Around one-third of home, fires begin in homes that do not have smoke alarms
• The chances of someone dying in a home fire is cut in half when smoke alarms are present

SERVPRO of Golden / Wheat Ridge / Evergreen would like to share these suggestions: 

• We recommend that your home be equipped with smoke detectors outside and inside each sleeping area
• Place a smoke detector on all levels of the structure (bigger homes require more detectors). 
• Closing doors will inhibit the movement of heat, smoke, and fire. 
• Test your smoke alarms at least every thirty days. Testing is done by pressing the test button to ensure each alarm is working. 

 Most professionals agree that your alarms should be interconnected so that, no matter where the smoke is detected, everyone in the house is alerted simultaneously.  When the alarms sound, immediately vacate the structure in Golden and position you and your loved ones away from it until help arrives.

SERVPRO of Golden / Wheat Ridge / Evergreen is independently owned and operated. 

In-home fire safety for the Golden area

2/23/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Golden / Wheat Ridge / Evergreen knows that candle fires happen and even though candles are small, the damage of a residential fire by a candle can turn out to be larger than expected. 

Here are some candle fire safety tips for the Golden area: 

• When lighting a candle in the home, keep the candle at least twelve inches away from anything that can burn
• Try to avoid keeping a lit candle in bedrooms, bathrooms, or sleeping areas
• Do not leave a lit candle where a child or family pet can access or reach it

One more important candle safety tip will tie to one of the above tips about not leaving a lit candle in the bathroom. When cleaning a bathroom using aerosol chemicals, this becomes extremely dangerous if there is a lit candle nearby. Aerosols are highly flammable and this can cause an explosion of sorts – please practice safety first and share this tip with friends and family who may not be aware of it. 

If a Golden home catches fire for any reason, including a candle, please call the trained professionals at SERVPRO of (Franchise) so we can help clean up the fire mess and damage. 

SERVPRO of Golden / Wheat Ridge / Evergreen is independently owned and operated.

House Fire- It Won't Happen to Me

9/24/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Golden, Wheat Ridge, Evergreen gives you the knowledge to help prevent a house fire in your foothills home.

It won't happen to me. 

That's a very common thought when the topic is a disaster.  We go about our days, thinking everything should fall, generally, into place.  However, what if it doesn't?  What if you forget to unplug the toaster one morning before you leave for work and your whole kitchen ends in thick black smoke?  

The truth is, a house fire can happen to anyone at any moment. But here at SERVPRO of Golden, Wheat Ridge, Evergreen we believe knowledge is power.  If you know some common areas and hazards in the home for a fire, you can help to prevent them from happening.  

The remainder of this blog will highlight the high risk areas in your home and give you helpful tips on how to mitigate your risk so that maybe, it won't happen to you.   

How House Fires Happen

            A house fire can start just about anywhere in your home, and from the smallest of sparks.  However, there are the five most common places in your home that you can come to know and take special attention to. 

            First off, the kitchen.  This is the number one place where house fires occur.  Nearly half of all house fires start in the kitchen.  This shouldn’t come as a surprise considering most all of the cooking is done in the kitchen and most household appliances are located here. Among kitchen fires, grease fires are the most common, and that is due to neglect.  Hot pans of grease are left unattended on the stove and become too hot.  Once the oil is too hot, it will catch fire.  If the cook is not there to see this happen, the fire builds and spreads.  To help prevent kitchen fires take the following into consideration:

• Maintain all appliances, keeping them clean and in good condition.
• Unplug electrical appliances such as coffee makers and toasters when not in use.
• Install a working smoke detector in the kitchen and keep a fire extinguisher.
• Always use caution when lighting a piolet burner or gas stove.
• Never put metal in the microwave.
• Keep an eye on what you are cooking at all times.
• Do not over fill pots and pans with oil.
• Keep oven mitts, towels, and the like away from the stove.

            Next up on the list is the bedroom.  This is the location where electrical meets plush. The bedroom is full of plush items such as pillows, blankets, drapes, and a bed of course. A bed is especially prone to fire if it is not a new one.  Any bed before 2007 is not likely up to fire code.  The following are tips for preventing fires in the bedroom:

• Install a working smoke alarm in the bedroom and have a fire extinguisher near.
• Never smoke in bed.
• Replace mattresses prior to 2007.
• Keep lit candles away from bedding, drapes, papers, or anything flammable.
• Do not run electrical cords underneath the bed or trap them against a wall.(Heat can build in this way).
• Do not overload extension cords.
• Only use lab-approved electrical blankets.

            The chimney is number three on our list. This one may seem like the obvious, but neglect to your chimney can result in a damaging house fire.  Often, the fire place itself is serviced regularly because it is in sight.  However, the chimney is forgotten.  Whatever you are burning in the fireplace will travel up and stick to the inside of the chimney, whether it be ash from paper or sap from the wood.  The coating on the chimney is flammable, especially if it is too thick.  Clean out your chimney.  It is recommended to clean out our chimney at least once a year or after 50 uses. 

            Fourth is the living room.  This is another place for an electrical fire.  The living room is often home to fire places, electronics, and like the bedroom, many plush items.  Many of the same rules from the bedroom apply to the living room such as, installing a smoke detector, not running electrical cords underneath furniture, keeping lit candles away from flammable materials, etc.

            Lastly, the laundry room. The main culprit here being lint in the dryer.   Lint can get caught in the vents and filters of your dyer machine and the heat can cause the lint to flame.  Additionally, the laundry room is often left unattended due to its passive work.  Be sure to regularly clean out the filters and vents in the laundry room and avoid leaving the house if you have a load running.

Why Choose SERVPRO of Golden, Wheat Ridge, Evergreen For Fire Damage Restoration

            SERVPRO is an industry leader in fire restoration.  We use advanced equipment and techniques to remediate the damage quickly and efficiently. We are a locally owned and operated family business, so customer care is our number one goal.  We live where we serve!  Heck, we might even be your neighbor. 

            We provide extensive training to our employees and are highly specialized in fire damage restoration putting great emphasis on monitoring and documenting the entire process until completion.

            We are a preferred vendor to many national and local insurance companies making the claims process easy and painless for the homeowner.

            Please give us a call for any of your home restoration needs! (303) 279-8055

Or visit our website at  https://www.SERVPROgoldenwheatridgeevergreen.com  

Smoke in the Air

8/27/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke can damage your Golden, Wheat Ridge, and Evergreen homes and belongings. Protect yourself from the dangers and know your next steps.

Smoke and Fire

This past month, fires have been devastating our state of Colorado.  Four fires are currently burning in different areas swallowing up thousand and thousands of acres in its wrath.  Fire fighters diligently work to stop the flames and contain them to 100%.  

While these wildfires are only in those 4 distinct locations, all of Colorado has been affected by their smoke.  From Fort Collins to Denver, Steamboat to Colorado Springs, we have been blanketed with a grey haze. Air quality has been poor and in some areas miles and miles away from the fires, it has reached levels that are deemed to be "very unhealthy". 

Many of us are now becoming aware that fire isn't the only danger in that disaster, but smoke is a huge factor as well.  So, what if you have a fire in your own home?  The firefighters come and they put it out fairly quickly.  Only your kitchen, for example, has been affected by flames.  But, while that fire rolled, so did the smoke....all over your home.

Soot and smoke can be very invasive and can penetrate various areas of your Golden, Wheat Ridge, or Evergreen home.  Smoke travels up and to the coolest part of a room or home. It travels alongside piping, getting into the holes as it goes from room to room. It causes hidden damage to the naked eye and can leave a nasty odor.  Even if the fire was contained in the microwave, the traveling smoke can affect your entire house, potentially leaving every room damaged. 

            There are 2 types of smoke that fire creates, wet smoke and dry smoke.  Each one varies in odor and level of damage.  It also great affects the restoration process.  The two require different measures in order to restore the damaged area to like new again.  Our SERVPRO team pretests the smoke to determine the type and course of action. 

            Wet Smoke

                        This type of smoke usually comes from a fire that was left unattended or unnoticed.  It comes from a slow burning fire that is of lower heat and from its smoldering.  An example of a wet smoke fire would be from an iron that was left on after you left the house.  During a slow burn fire, fewer air currents are created.  With less air currents, the smoke has more time to enter into cavities around the home.  Often times these crevices are harder to reach and therefore, harder to remediate. The odor it leaves behind is very pungent.  The smoke itself is sticky and smeary on surfaces.

            Dry Smoke

                        This type of smoke comes from a very hot quick burning fire often wood or paper being the primary source.  This type of smoke occurs when there are sufficient amounts of oxygen present, unlike a wet smoke situation where the fire was oxygen starved.  Since this smoke is dry, it carries with it less deposits and aerosols, and is easier to clean.  Additionally, the odor from a hot fire is less pungent and requires less aggressive cleaning methods.

            While we cannot fix a dining table that has turned into ash, we can fix almost everything that the smoke it produced damaged. Even your remaining furniture can be restored.  Restoring items after the damage of smoke is far less expensive than replacing it.  Plus, it can help to save a family heirloom.

3 Areas in Fire Damage Restoration

            Structural Cleaning

                        The first step in the remediation of a fire is structural cleaning.  After fire and smoke has made its mark on your home, ceilings, walls, flooring, and woodwork will need a thorough cleaning.  After the pretest, our SERVPRO team of Golden, Wheat Ridge, and Evergreen will use the appropriate cleaning chemicals for the type of smoke and specific surface it is on.  Often times, our specifically designed chemicals can completely remove the damaging smoke from the structure so that repainting or refinishing is not necessary, saving you money.  If we cannot clean the surface completely, we will restore it to a “prepare for paint” condition.  This process deodorizes and ensures that the new coat of paint will adhere properly.

            Content Cleaning

                        Area rugs, furniture, draperies, upholstery, and all restorable personal items in the affected areas will be professionally cleaned and deodorized. Some items can be cleaned onsite, but many are packed up and cleaned in-house.  The type of cleaning will be determined upon a pretest and an inventory list of all items will be made so our franchise and the home owner can keep track of them. 

            Deodorizing

                        After the structures and contents of the home have been cleaned, the home itself will also be deodorized.  We do not merely mask the smells, we seek the source and eliminate it.  SERVPRO teaches IICRC technical classes in the proper removal of odors, and our specialized equipment cannot be beat.

The 7 Step Process

Each fire situation is unique and will require its own specific steps in restoration. However, we follow a 7-step process for a typical fire damage emergency.  Here it is below so you may better understand what will take place.   

Step1: Emergency Contact

Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment

Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof Tarp Service (if needed)

Step 4: Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)

Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces

Step 6: Cleaning and Repair

Step 7: Restoration

Why Choose SERVPRO of Golden, Wheat Ridge, Evergreen For Fire Damage Restoration

            SERVPRO is an industry leader in fire restoration.  We use advanced equipment and techniques to remediate the damage quickly and efficiently. We are a locally owned and operated family business, so customer care is our number one goal.  We live where we serve!  Heck, we might even be your neighbor. 

            We provide extensive training to our employees and are highly specialized in fire damage restoration putting great emphasis on monitoring and documenting the entire process until completion.

            We are a preferred vendor to many national and local insurance companies making the claims process easy and painless for the homeowner.

            Please give us a call for any of your home restoration needs! (303) 279-8055

Or visit our website at  https://www.SERVPROgoldenwheatridgeevergreen.com  

Smoke in the Air

8/27/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke can damage your Golden, Wheat Ridge, and Evergreen homes and belongings. Protect yourself from the dangers and know your next steps.

Smoke and Fire

This past month, fires have been devastating our state of Colorado.  Four fires are currently burning in different areas swallowing up thousand and thousands of acres in its wrath.  Fire fighters diligently work to stop the flames and contain them to 100%.  

While these wildfires are only in those 4 distinct locations, all of Colorado has been affected by their smoke.  From Fort Collins to Denver, Steamboat to Colorado Springs, we have been blanketed with a grey haze. Air quality has been poor and in some areas miles and miles away from the fires, it has reached levels that are deemed to be "very unhealthy". 

Many of us are now becoming aware that fire isn't the only danger in that disaster, but smoke is a huge factor as well.  So, what if you have a fire in your own home?  The firefighters come and they put it out fairly quickly.  Only your kitchen, for example, has been affected by flames.  But, while that fire rolled, so did the smoke....all over your home.

Soot and smoke can be very invasive and can penetrate various areas of your Golden, Wheat Ridge, or Evergreen home.  Smoke travels up and to the coolest part of a room or home. It travels alongside piping, getting into the holes as it goes from room to room. It causes hidden damage to the naked eye and can leave a nasty odor.  Even if the fire was contained in the microwave, the traveling smoke can affect your entire house, potentially leaving every room damaged. 

            There are 2 types of smoke that fire creates, wet smoke and dry smoke.  Each one varies in odor and level of damage.  It also great affects the restoration process.  The two require different measures in order to restore the damaged area to like new again.  Our SERVPRO team pretests the smoke to determine the type and course of action. 

            Wet Smoke

                        This type of smoke usually comes from a fire that was left unattended or unnoticed.  It comes from a slow burning fire that is of lower heat and from its smoldering.  An example of a wet smoke fire would be from an iron that was left on after you left the house.  During a slow burn fire, fewer air currents are created.  With less air currents, the smoke has more time to enter into cavities around the home.  Often times these crevices are harder to reach and therefore, harder to remediate. The odor it leaves behind is very pungent.  The smoke itself is sticky and smeary on surfaces.

            Dry Smoke

                        This type of smoke comes from a very hot quick burning fire often wood or paper being the primary source.  This type of smoke occurs when there are sufficient amounts of oxygen present, unlike a wet smoke situation where the fire was oxygen starved.  Since this smoke is dry, it carries with it less deposits and aerosols, and is easier to clean.  Additionally, the odor from a hot fire is less pungent and requires less aggressive cleaning methods.

            While we cannot fix a dining table that has turned into ash, we can fix almost everything that the smoke it produced damaged. Even your remaining furniture can be restored.  Restoring items after the damage of smoke is far less expensive than replacing it.  Plus, it can help to save a family heirloom.

3 Areas in Fire Damage Restoration

            Structural Cleaning

                        The first step in the remediation of a fire is structural cleaning.  After fire and smoke has made its mark on your home, ceilings, walls, flooring, and woodwork will need a thorough cleaning.  After the pretest, our SERVPRO team of Golden, Wheat Ridge, and Evergreen will use the appropriate cleaning chemicals for the type of smoke and specific surface it is on.  Often times, our specifically designed chemicals can completely remove the damaging smoke from the structure so that repainting or refinishing is not necessary, saving you money.  If we cannot clean the surface completely, we will restore it to a “prepare for paint” condition.  This process deodorizes and ensures that the new coat of paint will adhere properly.

            Content Cleaning

                        Area rugs, furniture, draperies, upholstery, and all restorable personal items in the affected areas will be professionally cleaned and deodorized. Some items can be cleaned onsite, but many are packed up and cleaned in-house.  The type of cleaning will be determined upon a pretest and an inventory list of all items will be made so our franchise and the home owner can keep track of them. 

            Deodorizing

                        After the structures and contents of the home have been cleaned, the home itself will also be deodorized.  We do not merely mask the smells, we seek the source and eliminate it.  SERVPRO teaches IICRC technical classes in the proper removal of odors, and our specialized equipment cannot be beat.

The 7 Step Process

Each fire situation is unique and will require its own specific steps in restoration. However, we follow a 7-step process for a typical fire damage emergency.  Here it is below so you may better understand what will take place.   

Step1: Emergency Contact

Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment

Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof Tarp Service (if needed)

Step 4: Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)

Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces

Step 6: Cleaning and Repair

Step 7: Restoration

Why Choose SERVPRO of Golden, Wheat Ridge, Evergreen For Fire Damage Restoration

            SERVPRO is an industry leader in fire restoration.  We use advanced equipment and techniques to remediate the damage quickly and efficiently. We are a locally owned and operated family business, so customer care is our number one goal.  We live where we serve!  Heck, we might even be your neighbor. 

            We provide extensive training to our employees and are highly specialized in fire damage restoration putting great emphasis on monitoring and documenting the entire process until completion.

            We are a preferred vendor to many national and local insurance companies making the claims process easy and painless for the homeowner.

            Please give us a call for any of your home restoration needs! (303) 279-8055

Or visit our website at  https://www.SERVPROgoldenwheatridgeevergreen.com  

Golden/ Wheat Ridge/ Evergreen House Fires

6/30/2020 (Permalink)

Fire and smoke can ravish a home. SERVPRO of Golden, Wheat Ridge, Evergreen are here to help clean up the mess.

The Flames

            You are cooking in the kitchen as you do every night.  Chicken and roasted veggies are on the menu.  You start up the frying pan with oil when your phone rings in the other room.  You go to pick it up and forget about cooking.  The hot oil spews out of the pan and lights the burner on fire.  Smoke and flames fill the house.  The local fire department is able the put out the fire, but what is left is soot, smoke, and a lot of damage.  What do you do now?

            In the following blog, we will explain how and where fires begin in your home, how fire can damage beyond its flames, the three main areas to clean, our process, and why you would choose SERVPRO of Golden, Wheat Ridge, Evergreen.

How House Fires Happen

            A house fire can start just about anywhere in your home, and from the smallest of sparks.  However, there are the five most common places in your home that you can come to know and take special attention to. 

            First off, the kitchen.  This is the number one place where house fires occur.  Nearly half of all house fires start in the kitchen.  This shouldn’t come as a surprise considering most all of the cooking is done in the kitchen and most household appliances are located here. Among kitchen fires, grease fires are the most common, and that is due to neglect.  Hot pans of grease are left unattended on the stove and become too hot.  Once the oil is too hot, it will catch fire.  If the cook is not there to see this happen, the fire builds and spreads.  To help prevent kitchen fires take the following into consideration:

• Maintain all appliances, keeping them clean and in good condition.
• Unplug electrical appliances such as coffee makers and toasters when not in use.
• Install a working smoke detector in the kitchen and keep a fire extinguisher.
• Always use caution when lighting a piolet burner or gas stove.
• Never put metal in the microwave.
• Keep an eye on what you are cooking at all times.
• Do not over fill pots and pans with oil.
• Keep oven mitts, towels, and the like away from the stove.

            Next up on the list is the bedroom.  This is the location where electrical meets plush. The bedroom is full of plush items such as pillows, blankets, drapes, and a bed of course. A bed is especially prone to fire if it is not a new one.  Any bed before 2007 is not likely up to fire code.  The following are tips for preventing fires in the bedroom:

• Install a working smoke alarm in the bedroom and have a fire extinguisher near.
• Never smoke in bed.
• Replace mattresses prior to 2007.
• Keep lit candles away from bedding, drapes, papers, or anything flammable.
• Do not run electrical cords underneath the bed or trap them against a wall.(Heat can build in this way).
• Do not overload extension cords.
• Only use lab-approved electrical blankets.

            The chimney is number three on our list. This one may seem like the obvious, but neglect to your chimney can result in a damaging house fire.  Often, the fire place itself is serviced regularly because it is in sight.  However, the chimney is forgotten.  Whatever you are burning in the fireplace will travel up and stick to the inside of the chimney, whether it be ash from paper or sap from the wood.  The coating on the chimney is flammable, especially if it is too thick.  Clean out your chimney.  It is recommended to clean out our chimney at least once a year or after 50 uses. 

            Fourth is the living room.  This is another place for an electrical fire.  The living room is often home to fire places, electronics, and like the bedroom, many plush items.  Many of the same rules from the bedroom apply to the living room such as, installing a smoke detector, not running electrical cords underneath furniture, keeping lit candles away from flammable materials, etc.

            Lastly, the laundry room. The main culprit here being lint in the dryer.   Lint can get caught in the vents and filters of your dyer machine and the heat can cause the lint to flame.  Additionally, the laundry room is often left unattended due to its passive work.  Be sure to regularly clean out the filters and vents in the laundry room and avoid leaving the house if you have a load running.

The Black Stuff

            Fire can completely destroy whatever is in its path. It can turn an entire dining table into ash, but that is only the beginning of a fires destruction.  Soot and smoke can be very invasive and can penetrate various areas of your Golden, Wheat Ridge, or Evergreen home.  Smoke travels up and to the coolest part of a room or home. It travels alongside piping, getting into the holes as it goes from room to room. It causes hidden damage to the naked eye and can leave a nasty odor.  Even if the fire was contained in the microwave, the traveling smoke can affect your entire house, potentially leaving every room damaged. 

            There are 2 types of smoke that fire creates, wet smoke and dry smoke.  Each one varies in odor and level of damage.  It also great affects the restoration process.  The two require different measures in order to restore the damaged area to like new again.  Our SERVPRO team pretests the smoke to determine the type and course of action. 

            Wet Smoke

                        This type of smoke usually comes from a fire that was left unattended or unnoticed.  It comes from a slow burning fire that is of lower heat and from its smoldering.  An example of a wet smoke fire would be from an iron that was left on after you left the house.  During a slow burn fire, fewer air currents are created.  With less air currents, the smoke has more time to enter into cavities around the home.  Often times these crevices are harder to reach and therefore, harder to remediate. The odor it leaves behind is very pungent.  The smoke itself is sticky and smeary on surfaces.

            Dry Smoke

                        This type of smoke comes from a very hot quick burning fire often wood or paper being the primary source.  This type of smoke occurs when there are sufficient amounts of oxygen present, unlike a wet smoke situation where the fire was oxygen starved.  Since this smoke is dry, it carries with it less deposits and aerosols, and is easier to clean.  Additionally, the odor from a hot fire is less pungent and requires less aggressive cleaning methods.

            While we cannot fix a dining table that has turned into ash, we can fix almost everything that the smoke it produced damaged. Even your remaining furniture can be restored.  Restoring items after the damage of smoke is far less expensive than replacing it.  Plus, it can help to save a family heirloom. 

3 Areas in Fire Damage Restoration

            Structural Cleaning

                        The first step in the remediation of a fire is structural cleaning.  After fire and smoke has made its mark on your home, ceilings, walls, flooring, and woodwork will need a thorough cleaning.  After the pretest, our SERVPRO team of Golden, Wheat Ridge, and Evergreen will use the appropriate cleaning chemicals for the type of smoke and specific surface it is on.  Often times, our specifically designed chemicals can completely remove the damaging smoke from the structure so that repainting or refinishing is not necessary, saving you money.  If we cannot clean the surface completely, we will restore it to a “prepare for paint” condition.  This process deodorizes and ensures that the new coat of paint will adhere properly.

            Content Cleaning

                        Area rugs, furniture, draperies, upholstery, and all restorable personal items in the affected areas will be professionally cleaned and deodorized. Some items can be cleaned onsite, but many are packed up and cleaned in-house.  The type of cleaning will be determined upon a pretest and an inventory list of all items will be made so our franchise and the home owner can keep track of them. 

            Deodorizing

                        After the structures and contents of the home have been cleaned, the home itself will also be deodorized.  We do not merely mask the smells, we seek the source and eliminate it.  SERVPRO teaches IICRC technical classes in the proper removal of odors, and our specialized equipment cannot be beat.

The 7 Step Process

Each fire situation is unique and will require its own specific steps in restoration. However, we follow a 7-step process for a typical fire damage emergency.  Here it is below so you may better understand what will take place.   

Step1: Emergency Contact

Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment

Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof Tarp Service (if needed)

Step 4: Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)

Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces

Step 6: Cleaning and Repair

Step 7: Restoration

Why Choose SERVPRO of Golden, Wheat Ridge, Evergreen For Fire Damage Restoration

            SERVPRO is an industry leader in fire restoration.  We use advanced equipment and techniques to remediate the damage quickly and efficiently. We are a locally owned and operated family business, so customer care is our number one goal.  We live where we serve!  Heck, we might even be your neighbor. 

            We provide extensive training to our employees and are highly specialized in fire damage restoration putting great emphasis on monitoring and documenting the entire process until completion.

            We are a preferred vendor to many national and local insurance companies making the claims process easy and painless for the homeowner.

            Please give us a call for any of your home restoration needs! (303) 279-8055

Or visit our website at  https://www.SERVPROgoldenwheatridgeevergreen.com  

Burning Down The House

9/18/2019 (Permalink)

Fire Damage Restoration

Burning Down the House

            “Ah, watch out, you might get what you're after 
Cool babies, strange, but not a stranger 
I'm an ordinary guy 
Burning down the house”

            If you grew up around 1983 you no doubt recognize the above lyrics from The Talking Heads, Burning Down the House. The opening lines illustrate a normal, average joe, burning down a house.  Ok, so it might not be literal, but in our line of business, we know it doesn’t take a small child, a master mind, or a forgetful Lucy to start a house fire. Anyone can become victim to a house fire, even an ordinary guy.

            In the following blog, we will explain how and where fires begin in your home, how fire can damage beyond its flames, the three main areas to clean, our process, and why you would choose SERVPRO of Golden, Wheat Ridge, Evergreen.

How House Fires Happen

            A house fire can start just about anywhere in your home, and from the smallest of sparks.  However, there are the five most common places in your home that you can come to know and take special attention to. 

            First off, the kitchen.  This is the number one place where house fires occur.  Nearly half of all house fires start in the kitchen.  This shouldn’t come as a surprise considering most all of the cooking is done in the kitchen and most household appliances are located here. Among kitchen fires, grease fires are the most common, and that is due to neglect.  Hot pans of grease are left unattended on the stove and become too hot.  Once the oil is too hot, it will catch fire.  If the cook is not there to see this happen, the fire builds and spreads.  To help prevent kitchen fires take the following into consideration:

• Maintain all appliances, keeping them clean and in good condition.
• Unplug electrical appliances such as coffee makers and toasters when not in use.
• Install a working smoke detector in the kitchen and keep a fire extinguisher.
• Always use caution when lighting a piolet burner or gas stove.
• Never put metal in the microwave.
• Keep an eye on what you are cooking at all times.
• Do not over fill pots and pans with oil.
• Keep oven mitts, towels, and the like away from the stove.

            Next up on the list is the bedroom.  This is the location where electrical meets plush. The bedroom is full of plush items such as pillows, blankets, drapes, and a bed of course. A bed is especially prone to fire if it is not a new one.  Any bed before 2007 is not likely up to fire code.  The following are tips for preventing fires in the bedroom:

• Install a working smoke alarm in the bedroom and have a fire extinguisher near.
• Never smoke in bed.
• Replace mattresses prior to 2007.
• Keep lit candles away from bedding, drapes, papers, or anything flammable.
• Do not run electrical cords underneath the bed or trap them against a wall.(Heat can build in this way).
• Do not overload extension cords.
• Only use lab-approved electrical blankets.

            The chimney is number three on our list. This one may seem like the obvious, but neglect to your chimney can result in a damaging house fire.  Often, the fire place itself is serviced regularly because it is in sight.  However, the chimney is forgotten.  Whatever you are burning in the fireplace will travel up and stick to the inside of the chimney, whether it be ash from paper or sap from the wood.  The coating on the chimney is flammable, especially if it is too thick.  Clean out your chimney.  It is recommended to clean out our chimney at least once a year or after 50 uses. 

            Fourth is the living room.  This is another place for an electrical fire.  The living room is often home to fire places, electronics, and like the bedroom, many plush items.  Many of the same rules from the bedroom apply to the living room such as, installing a smoke detector, not running electrical cords underneath furniture, keeping lit candles away from flammable materials, etc.

            Lastly, the laundry room. The main culprit here being lint in the dryer.   Lint can get caught in the vents and filters of your dyer machine and the heat can cause the lint to flame.  Additionally, the laundry room is often left unattended due to its passive work.  Be sure to regularly clean out the filters and vents in the laundry room and avoid leaving the house if you have a load running.

The Black Stuff

            Fire can completely destroy whatever is in its path. It can turn an entire dining table into ash, but that is only the beginning of a fires destruction.  Soot and smoke can be very invasive and can penetrate various areas of your Golden, Wheat Ridge, or Evergreen home.  Smoke travels up and to the coolest part of a room or home. It travels alongside piping, getting into the holes as it goes from room to room. It causes hidden damage to the naked eye and can leave a nasty odor.  Even if the fire was contained in the microwave, the traveling smoke can affect your entire house, potentially leaving every room damaged. 

            There are 2 types of smoke that fire creates, wet smoke and dry smoke.  Each one varies in odor and level of damage.  It also great affects the restoration process.  The two require different measures in order to restore the damaged area to like new again.  Our SERVPRO team pretests the smoke to determine the type and course of action. 

            Wet Smoke

                        This type of smoke usually comes from a fire that was left unattended or unnoticed.  It comes from a slow burning fire that is of lower heat and from its smoldering.  An example of a wet smoke fire would be from an iron that was left on after you left the house.  During a slow burn fire, fewer air currents are created.  With less air currents, the smoke has more time to enter into cavities around the home.  Often times these crevices are harder to reach and therefore, harder to remediate. The odor it leaves behind is very pungent.  The smoke itself is sticky and smeary on surfaces.

            Dry Smoke

                        This type of smoke comes from a very hot quick burning fire often wood or paper being the primary source.  This type of smoke occurs when there are sufficient amounts of oxygen present, unlike a wet smoke situation where the fire was oxygen starved.  Since this smoke is dry, it carries with it less deposits and aerosols, and is easier to clean.  Additionally, the odor from a hot fire is less pungent and requires less aggressive cleaning methods.

            While we cannot fix a dining table that has turned into ash, we can fix almost everything that the smoke it produced damaged. Even your remaining furniture can be restored.  Restoring items after the damage of smoke is far less expensive than replacing it.  Plus, it can help to save a family heirloom. 

3 Areas in Fire Damage Restoration

            Structural Cleaning

                        The first step in the remediation of a fire is structural cleaning.  After fire and smoke has made its mark on your home, ceilings, walls, flooring, and woodwork will need a thorough cleaning.  After the pretest, our SERVPRO team of Golden, Wheat Ridge, and Evergreen will use the appropriate cleaning chemicals for the type of smoke and specific surface it is on.  Often times, our specifically designed chemicals can completely remove the damaging smoke from the structure so that repainting or refinishing is not necessary, saving you money.  If we cannot clean the surface completely, we will restore it to a “prepare for paint” condition.  This process deodorizes and ensures that the new coat of paint will adhere properly.

            Content Cleaning

                        Area rugs, furniture, draperies, upholstery, and all restorable personal items in the affected areas will be professionally cleaned and deodorized. Some items can be cleaned onsite, but many are packed up and cleaned in-house.  The type of cleaning will be determined upon a pretest and an inventory list of all items will be made so our franchise and the home owner can keep track of them. 

            Deodorizing

                        After the structures and contents of the home have been cleaned, the home itself will also be deodorized.  We do not merely mask the smells, we seek the source and eliminate it.  SERVPRO teaches IICRC technical classes in the proper removal of odors, and our specialized equipment cannot be beat.

The 7 Step Process

Each fire situation is unique and will require its own specific steps in restoration. However, we follow a 7-step process for a typical fire damage emergency.  Here it is below so you may better understand what will take place.   

Step1: Emergency Contact

Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment

Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof Tarp Service (if needed)

Step 4: Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)

Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces

Step 6: Cleaning and Repair

Step 7: Restoration

Why Choose SERVPRO of Golden, Wheat Ridge, Evergreen For Fire Damage Restoration

            SERVPRO is an industry leader in fire restoration.  We use advanced equipment and techniques to remediate the damage quickly and efficiently. We are a locally owned and operated family business, so customer care is our number one goal.  We live where we serve!  Heck, we might even be your neighbor. 

            We provide extensive training to our employees and are highly specialized in fire damage restoration putting great emphasis on monitoring and documenting the entire process until completion.

            We are a preferred vendor to many national and local insurance companies making the claims process easy and painless for the homeowner.

            Please give us a call for any of your home restoration needs! (303) 279-8055

Or visit our website at  https://www.SERVPROgoldenwheatridgeevergreen.com  

Wildfire ready...a Public Safety Reminder

5/9/2019 (Permalink)

With warmer weather, the threat of wildfire danger in the front range will be greater. We at SERVPRO of Golden/Wheat Ridge/Evergreen urge everyone in our community to be cautious and aware of their surroundings. Practicing basic fire safety is a must for everyone, from proper disposal of fire place ash and being aware of local fire restrictions to not tossing cigarette butts out of car windows. The other piece of the fire danger puzzle is being prepared for an emergency. Last years catastrophic fires in California are a prime example of the speed at which one’s escape can be cut off. Having an understanding of what is needed to remain safe can make a difference in the outcome of such an emergency. The following is a Fire Evacuation Check List that may prove helpful:

Attire and Equipment

• Wear only cotton or wool clothes
• Wear long pants, long sleeved shirt or jacket and boots
• Carry gloves, a handkerchief to cover your face, water to drink and goggles
• Keep a flashlight and portable radio with you at all times
• Tune in to a local radio station and listen for instructions

Your Family

• Evacuate all family members
• Make sure to designate a safe meeting place and contact person
• Relay your plans to the contact person
• Evacuate pets

Vehicles

• Place vehicles in the garage, pointing out with keys in the ignition
• Roll up the windows
• Close the garage door, but leave it unlocked
• Disconnect the electric garage door opener so that the door can be opened manually

Inside the House

• Close all interior doors
• Leave a light on in each room
• Close fire-resistant drapes, shutters and venetian blinds
• Turn off pilot lights
• Move overstuffed furniture (couch/chair) to the center of the room

Outside the House

• Place combustible patio furniture in the house or garage
• Shut off propane at the tank or natural gas at the meter
• Close all exterior vents if possible
• Prop a ladder against the house to provide firefighters access to the roof
• Make sure that garden hoses are connected to faucets, nozzles set to ‘spray’
• Close all exterior doors and windows, leave exterior door unlocked
• Turn on outside lights
• If you have an emergency water source (pool/pond) clearly mark it

Essentials (to place in the car)         

• Important documents (bank, IRS, trust, insurance, birth certificates, etc)
• Credit and ATM cards
• Medications
• Prescription glasses
• Driver’s license
• Passports
• Computer backup files
• Inventory of home contents (photograph all rooms and contents of drawers, closets, cupboards)
• Address book
• Cell phone and charger
• Personal toiletries
• Change of clothing
• Family photo albums and video/DVD’s
• Family heirlooms
• Pet food, water and bowls

This is a sample and fairly simple evacuation list; more detailed lists can be found online. Part of your evacuation plan should be to identify routes to safety from your home. If you live in a mountain community with limited access remember that also means limited escape routes. Please plan accordingly for traffic when all your neighbors reach the same conclusion to evacuate at the same time.

If possible and space allows many of these ‘emergency items’ could be packed in bins placed for easy access and quicker evacuation. The more organized the plan, the quicker it can be put into action.

From all of us at SERVPRO of Golden/Wheat Ridge/Evergreen to you, have a safe and fun summer!

After the fire…..

5/3/2019 (Permalink)

Flames and smoke cause different damage. Call the professionals at SERVPRO of Golden, Wheat Ridge, Evergreen to help!

After you hang up with your insurance company, after the fire trucks pull away and you stand there looking at a charred room and realize your entire home smells of smoke thinking “Now what?”

Pick up the phone and call SERVPRO of Golden/Wheat Ridge/Evergreen as soon as possible. 

The first 48 hours after a fire loss can make the difference between being able to salvage materials and starting over from zero. Our seasoned team can start by boarding up windows or holes if necessary, to secure your structure. 

We understand there is the loss from fire, loss from smoke and soot, and the loss from water and chemicals used to extinguish the blaze. We understand each of these losses have their own remediation protocols and are trained and experienced in handling all these varied issues. Our crew will remove damaged building materials, clean remaining surfaces, eliminate odors and pack out your damaged belongings. We will then assess and, if possible, clean each remaining item and communicate with your insurance when belongings cannot be saved. 

When we are finished your home or business will be ready for reconstruction, fresh paint and finally, your move back in to reclaim your space “Like it never even happened.”

A Tale of Damage: Fire, Water, Soot and Smoke

11/30/2018 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot cause extensive damage in Evergreen home.

Crackling fire in the fireplace? Warming, cozy and GOOD.

Crackling fire in the hallway? Frightening, dangerous and BAD. 

As devastating as fire can be, once it’s put out is when ALL the damage becomes apparent.

Sure, there will be damage from the flames. There will also be damage from materials used to douse the flames, be that chemical suppressant or water. Damage from smoke and soot will quickly become apparent as smoke carries its oppressive odor everywhere it goes and soot sticks to every surface it crosses. 

Professional assessment of fire and smoke damage is vital to the recovery of your home or business. Smoke and soot damage can vary depending on what materials were burning, improper handling of the clean-up can result in permanent staining, odor retention and surface damage. 

As soon as the danger has passed, call SERVPRO Golden/Wheat Ridge/Evergreen at          303-279-8055 24/7 for help clearing the damage so you can rebuild. From boarding windows and securing your building to testing the smoke residue and implementing the proper method of cleaning, SERVPRO Golden/Wheat Ridge/Evergreen will help you through the process of recovery from fire.

What do do before help arrives

4/24/2018 (Permalink)

The fire has been put out and now it’s time to deal with the damage. Before you risk doing further damage by attempting to clean up the mess yourself, call 303-279-8055.      SERVPRO Golden/Wheat Ridge/Evergreen is on call 24/7 to help with your mitigation needs.

Here is a list of what you can do until help arrives:

• Keep your hands clean
• Limit movement in the home to prevent further damage
• Place dry/colorfast towels or old linens on carpeted traffic areas to prevent more soiling.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open
• Wipe soot from chrome on faucets and appliances then protect with a light coating of lubricant such as oil or petroleum jelly
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpet
• DO NOT attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces
• DO NOT attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture
• DO NOT attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire or water without first consulting a repair service.
• DO NOT send clothing to a dry cleaner since improper cleaning may set smoke odor

Our crew of trained technicians will answer your call promptly and help to prioritize what needs to be done to get your home back to “Like it never even happened."

Wildfire Awareness in Golden, Wheat Ridge, Evergreen

4/23/2018 (Permalink)

The Front Range has had another dry winter. The Department of Agriculture has found that as of February 2018, 70 percent of Colorado is in a moderate drought or worse. With much of our communities considered to be ‘wildland urban interface’ and the effects of drought, even a moderate one, it is wise to be as ready as possible when it comes to wildfires.

Local fire departments suggest home owners take measures to create a ‘defensible space’ around their homes. Such a space would include removing trees and shrubs, piles of slash, woodpiles and outdoor clutter for up to 30 feet around the structure. Gutters should be cleared and raking yards to clear them of fallen pine needles and leaves would be beneficial too. Residents could also work to limb and thin trees beyond the 30-foot measure.

Doing this mitigation yard work won’t guarantee fire will bypass a home, but it will give firefighters a better chance of saving the structure if the time comes.

SERVPRO Golden/Wheat Ridge/Evergreen wishes everyone a safe and fire free season.

Prevent Kitchen Fires

4/23/2018 (Permalink)

According to the U.S. Fire Administration cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires with unattended cooking causing nearly 90% of those fires.

Steps can be taken to prevent becoming one of those statistics. For starters having a working smoke alarm in the home reduces one’s chances of dying in a home fire by nearly half.

Other precautions to help prevent kitchen fires are:

• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Check cooking food regularly, remain in the home with food is cooking and use a time to remind yourself that the oven or stove is on
• Avoid wearing loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking
• Keep kids away from cooking areas by enforcing a ‘kid free zone’ of three feet around the stove
• Keep anything that can catch fire away from the stove top and oven or any other appliance that generates heat
• Clean cooking surfaces regularly to prevent grease buildup
• Always check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving the house to make sure all stoves, ovens and small appliances are turned off
• Consider purchasing a fire extinguisher to keep in your kitchen
• Smoke alarms save lives, install one and replace the batteries at least once a year

SERVPRO Golden/Wheat Ridge/Evergreen hopes everyone prevents home fires, but should such a loss occur, call us at 303-279-8055 we are your fire remediation specialists.

AFTER the fire

4/23/2018 (Permalink)

What happens after the fire is put out? Make one of your first phone calls to SERVPRO Golden/Wheat Ridge/Evergreen 303-279-8055 for our professional help. Our trained technicians will be on site right away to help assess what can be restored and what cannot. A fire squelched with water will leave behind water damage as well as fire damage. Once the water damage is addressed, we can begin to tackle the fire damage. Smoke will have invaded every surface of your home leaving behind soot and odor.

It is important to seek professional help as soon as possible. The first 48 hours after a fire can make the difference between restoring and replacing your property and personal belongings.

Soot is caustic and the longer it is in contact with surfaces in your home the more pitting and staining can occur. Attempting to remove the soot with improper methods will result in adhering the soot particles permanently to your homes surfaces. Improper cleaning methods of smoke filled fabrics can lead to set in odor that cannot be removed.

Our crew will properly wipe all surfaces clear of soot and use ozone treatment to break down remaining smoke particles in the air and clear the smell. Before the heating or air is turned on after a fire, we recommend our crew clean the furnace and duct works to remove smoke, debris or chemical sediment remaining from the initial fire.  After the cleanup is finished walls can be repainted and the structure restored.

Fire and Smoke Damage

2/9/2017 (Permalink)

This customer forgot to open the flu for the chimney when they started the fire.

Soot and Charring.

Smoke damage causes black marks and discoloration to your walls and ceiling. Soot is the residue left by smoke. Charring is the actual burning of the paint. You should first assess the extent of the damage and determine whether cleaning is a reasonable option.

SERVPRO of Golden, Wheat Ridge and Evergreen has experience in cleaning Smoke and Soot Damage.  We have procedures in place that will effectively make it "Like it never even happened." 

Cigarette smoke, on walls ceilings and textiles....is an  offensive odor that need to be handled by professionals.  

Let SERVPRO of Golden, Wheat Ridge and Evergreen be those professionals!  

As experts in deodorization, SERVPRO of Golden, Wheat Ridge and Evergreen are trained to identify and eliminate offensive odors. These odors can come from a number of sources both inside and outside a structure.

SERVPRO teaches IICRC technical classes in the proper removal of odors. Masking and other short cuts don't work when your odor problem is serious or persistent.

We have the training and equipment to identify and eliminate these offensive odors. By identifying the cause of the odor and determining the conditions in which it contact any surfaces, the odor can often be removed over time without a trace. Our technicians have access to several odor removal products capable of penetrating surfaces to neutralize an unpleasant odor thoroughly.

The science of identifying and eliminating odors can be a tricky thing, so give us a call, and leave the restoration to us.