Sunday, April 29, 2012

Preventing Fire Damage in the Living Room


Many of the common causes for fire damage in the living room can be easily prevented, given proper attention. The following safety rules will help assuring a safe environment in your living room, minimizing fire hazards to a minimum.

Electrical Devices

Start with checking outlets, sockets, and extension cord. Make sure that they are not overloaded. Never run extension cord under carpets and confirm that they are not looped over nails or other sharp objects that could cause them to fray. Lamps should be used with proper wattage bulbs. Keep adequate space around TVs and stereo equipment to allow air to free flow and cool these items down. It is very important that fuses in the plugs of your TV, and stereo are rated correctly.

Upholstered Furniture

Modern upholstered furniture are required be resistant to ignition from burning cigarettes and matches. Check the label to see when your upholstered furniture was manufactured. If it was manufactured before 1988, it is not fire-resistant and you must be more cautious

Smoking, Lighters and Matches

Keep matches and lighters away from kids and educate them that matches and lighters are dangerous and must be used very carefully. If you have kids, it is recommended to use childproof lighters and matchboxes. Do not leave burning cigarettes unwatched. They can fall onto combustible materials and develop into a serious fire. Be sure to put out smoking materials before you go to sleep. Conform that the contents of ashtrays are cold before you throw them to the trash. It is better to use solid and stable ashtrays, preferably made of non-combustible material. Ashtrays should be large, deep and frequently emptied.

Candles

Keep candles away from curtains, furniture, and anything else that can catch fire. Place candles away from open windows or where they are exposed to draughts. Use proper candleholders and make sure the candle fits firmly inside them. Minimize the option of fire even if a candle falls by leaving a clearance above and around it. Never leave candles unattended.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/153261

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Preventing Fire Damage in the Kitchen


The kitchen is one of the most dangerous rooms in your house as it contains many hazards and a high potential for unintentional fires.

Frying Pans and Deep Fry Pans

Using a thermostat controlled fryer is a great way to prevent deep fry pans fires. Avoid fat and grease build up on the stove or pans because fat and grease can easily catch fire.

Oven and Stove

The oven and range must be cleaned often to prevent grease and food from catching fire. Be careful when you cook and keep pot handles away from the edge of the stove. Don't wear long sleeves that can hang over the stove and catch fire. Always look on the oven when it is on and don't forget to turn it off when not in use. Place flammable fabrics, such as towels, away from the gas or electric range. Be careful with flammable liquids such as cleaning materials.

Appliances

The most important safety rule for appliances is to use only appliances that have been tested and approved by a testing facility. Avoid overloading electrical outlets and check for worn or broken wiring on a regular basis. If you find defects be sure to make necessary repairs immediately. It is also very important to keep appliance cords on the counter to prevent them from, accidentally, being pulled down.

Microwave Ovens

A very common mistake regarding microwave ovens is the wrong assumption that items, heated in the microwave oven, are not as hot as items heated in a regular oven or a mini oven. Keep in mind that even though the container does not heat, the content does. Be sure all the vents are cleared of obstructions and that the microwave oven has an adequate clearance for air circulation. Never place aluminum foil or other metals in a microwave oven.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/144698

Monday, April 23, 2012

Why Should You Use a Water Damage Specialist?


As much as we wish it was possible to avoid the onset of water damage, this is not possible. Inclement weather or plumbing problems can lead to severe flooding in the interior of a home or office. Yes, there are precautions one can take to reduce the damage, but it can occur. When it does occur, one needs to take the next logical step. It becomes important to hire a water removal specialist since a specialist can do exactly what is necessary to restore a water damaged environment to its original glory.
There are a number of important functions a specialist is to perform. One of the most important is to properly extract the water from the environment. If you were to try to do this yourself, you might not prove as efficient as a professional.
"Also, you may run the risk of further damaging the interior if your water removal strategy is less than adequate."
Once the water has been removed it becomes important properly take care of the damage that has been done to the property. This can only be performed by an individual with a clear eye for the process. A water damage professional can spot wear, tear, and damage that a novice would not. This is another reason why it is necessary to call in the services of a professional.
A water damage specialist can then perform all the work needed to restore a home to its original condition. This is a critical point because if the property is not repaired in the aftermath of the water damage, it can present great safety risks. This increases the liabilities a homeowner can face after a water damage.
Proper repair work can also restore the value of the property. This is very important because no one would want to see the equity of their home decline. Water repair specialists can work tremendously well in terms of restoring the value of a home. That alone makes the value of a repair specialist significant.
If you've encountered a large leak or a flood, a specialist will have all the equipment needed to take care of the situation quickly and simply. If there is a lot of water that you think you can take care of yourself, assess whether you think structural damage can occur within the extra time it may take you as opposed to a specialist.
Depending on what type of water there is it could be harmful to your health. You should always call in a professional from a "water damage team" to get the job done. Once all the water is extracted or pumped out you would have to completely dry out the whole area. If you do not have the enmities to do this, most water removal companies own several large, high power drying fans to prevent further damage.
A specialist can also handle septic systems, broken dishwashers or other plumbing or water utility devices. In some cases, a water specialist may offer much lower prices and more accurate work than a regular plumber. If a strange smell in your home just won't go away in your home, consider calling a water damage specialist.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6817625

Friday, April 20, 2012

Emergency Services: Mitigation


After a loss a structures utilities can be interrupted or shut off until safe operation or use can be confirmed. All utilities are subject to interruption which can make your home uninhabitable or unsafe. After a fire if the electrical system is damaged emergency personnel will have the utility provider interrupt service to prevent the risk of injury and further structure damages. We can provide emergency repair or provide temporary utilities that are required so repairs can begin.

Easton Construction Group, Inc. is here to help when you need it. Providing first response to your needs 24 / 7. Our team will be dispatched to your loss, will assess the damages, explain the course of action required and with your approval start immediately preventing further loss and damages.
925-726-4357

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

How To Avoid Fire Damage?


Fire tops the list of causes of household deaths all over the world. It may be caused by an accident or initiated on purpose. But whatever may be the reason, fire damage can be devastating-both in terms of the destruction it can cause and the expenses required for repairing the injuries or damages. Do not seek comfort in the thought that insurance against fire is available; instead remember that fire damages cannot be reversed and adopt measures to avoid fire. Because, the wise one had said "Prevention is better than cure."

Here are some tips to avoid household fire:

* Ensure that the rooms in your house are well-ventilated.

* Design a fire avoiding and extinguishing plan for every room. Be extra careful about the kitchen.

* Keep fire detectors and extinguishers within reachable limits when you are working in the kitchen.

But accidents do occur in spite of all precautions. So you can do to the following to minimize the fire damages:

* Turn off the water, to prevent plumbing and/or the heating supply pipes from damages. You may have to call up a plumber to help you.

* If the power supply is not working properly, remove fresh foods from the refrigerator. Otherwise, they will rot and create a foul smell.

* Keep track of all the items you discard due to the damages and preserve the receipts for the same (if at all you have). It eases out your insurance claim process.

* In case you are temporarily shifting to a different location, let your insurance company know the address and contact number, so that they may contact you if needed.

* Do not use electrical equipment before getting them checked by an electrician.

* Vacuum carpets to remove loose dry soot and smoke specks. Please do not walk on the carpet immediately.

* Do not wash or wipe absorbent surfaces such as ceilings immediately.

* Keep the doors of the fire-affected region closed, so that smoke and odor do not spread to other parts of the house.

* Throw away food items that had been exposed to the smoke (even canned food).

* Take you pets to a safe area.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5706138

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Emergency Services: Contents


Contents service is process in which the contents of a structure are processed. Depending on the type of loss and severity will determine what needs to be done.

Services can include the following: manipulation, both salvageable and non salvageable / total loss inventory, packing for on or off site storage, cleaning and restoration, and pack back after repairs.

Easton Construction Group, Inc. is here to help when you need it. Providing first response to your needs 24 / 7. Our team will be dispatched to your loss, will assess the damages, explain the course of action required and with your approval start immediately preventing further loss and damages.
925-726-4357

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Emergency Services: Board Up


Are very common requirement after storm or fire losses. The damages caused by the actual fire and tactics use to extinguish can leave your property with broken or blown out windows, burnt doors or broken doors, ventilation holes in roofs, and structural deficiencies all of which leaves the property open to accessible, in distress, and insecure. Easton Construction Group, Inc. will secure all loss related openings with temporary measures securing the property and temporary structural repairs to help prevent further damages.


925-726-4357
Emergency Services 24/7
365 Days A Year

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Not Filing Water Damage Claims May Equal Big Mold Trouble


Water damage in your home. It's a nightmare that no one wishes to experience. Now compound that catastrophe with higher property and casualty insurance rates and an inflationary economy and the question begs, is this a necessary home repair? Years ago, the answer would be a resounding yes but with budgets so tight some home owners are considering foregoing the cost and hoping for the best. Other home owners are justifiably terrified of their C.L.U.E. report and a raised deductible. I'm not talking about water damage stemming from a broken water heater or extreme weather related disaster such as flooding. The situation you most likely will run into is a small sink leak or overflowing toilet and though you may think a few towels or some fans may solve the immediate problem, you may not have considered the larger, future ramifications of...mold.

After discovering water damage in your home, your first thoughts may gravitate towards your homeowner's policy and your deductible. Immediately after that, more painful visions of your insurance premiums increasing. But these thoughts pale in comparison to the future nightmare that mold will provide.

Mold damage can easily occur within walls, ceilings, cabinets, carpets, underneath sinks, attics, basements and floors without being noticed for years. The cost of mold removal by a professional can easily reach up to $6,000 depending on how pervasive the damage, the time involved, and the environment - humidity, moisture, dark spaces, etc. So that $1,000 water remediation job you were unwilling to pay for will now cost you 6x that amount.

Health issues. Mold can cause infinitely more than just structural damage. Hidden mold in your home can make you and your family sick. Mold inflames the pulmonary system and can cause serious medical conditions such as chronic lung infections and cancer. Common complications that often arise are asthmatic conditions, wheezing, nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, or skin rashes. Your increasing allergic symptoms? Mold. If you feel your allergies worsening over a period of time it is a good indicator that there is mold in your home.

The best and only method to assure you don't have to deal with the expensive and detrimental future problems of mold in your home is to quickly and effectively ascertain the extent of the water damage to your home by calling a professional. Deciding not to file a claim due to the immediate cost that you may incur may ultimately hurt you financially and medically in the future. The damage may be far worst than you think. And remember, mold does not materialize from only extreme weather events like flooding, more often mold damage surfaces from a slow, constant leak over time. The small cost of solving the problem immediately will greatly outweigh the large future penalties to your wallet and health.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6940743

Thursday, April 5, 2012

How Smoke Damages Your Home



Smoke damage is both seen and unseen in the aftermath of a house fire. It is tricky to tackle in a cleanup effort, and the care that must be taken to do it correctly is a major reason why people tend to hire a fire restoration firm to get it done professionally.

The damage that you can see is from soot. Soot is actually very oily, because when the plastic that makes up household and building materials burns, there are greasy molecules released into the air. The microscopic particles travels with smoke and are deposited on everything. Soot is also composed of ash. When soot lands on fabric, such as upholstery, drapes and carpet, the inclination would be to brush it off, because it appears ashy. But the oily residue is holding the ash in place, and it will usually smear if brushed. Even the brush at the end of a vacuum hose will create a smeared mess. Professionals utilize very high velocity vacuums, which are needed because the hose must be kept a few inches off of the surface in order to prevent smearing. A home vac does not have enough of the power needed to remove soot at the distance off of the surface that is needed to avoid smears.

The damage that you cannot see, but can smell, is smoke odor. This is also a molecular problem, and must be dealt with at the molecular level. Odor molecules, following a fire, will have penetrated fabric, walls, insulation and any permeable material. The problem with smoke odor is that it cannot simply be covered up. No deodorant is powerful enough to permanently overcome the acrid, unique smell of smoke. The fact is that once smoke molecules permeate, they can't be removed. They must be disabled.

Professionals have to deoderize smoke - to take away the odor. That does not mean a deodorant, in the sense we think of some flowery-smelling cover up. They have to attack the part of the smoke molecule that holds the odor. This can be done with specially designed fogs. Some literally "kill" the odor molecule. Another technique is an ozone fog. It is very effective. The way it works is to deactivate the odor molecule. Ozone removes the molecule's innate ability to release a smell. Ozone treatments require the rooms to be sealed off. But fogs and ozone are effective tools of smoke damage professionals.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6514404

Monday, April 2, 2012

Smoke And Fire Damage In Your Home - Why You Should Use The Services Of A Fire Restoration Company


If you are reading this article, your home might have been the unfortunate victim of a fire in the area. When people suffer a fire in their home, they are often hard pressed when it comes to finances and avoid using the services of a professional fire restoration company. This approach can however prove to be a costly mistake as a professional fire damage and smoke damage company will be able to save you a lot of money although they might seem like a very large unwanted expense at the beginning.

To fully understand the importance of letting professionals do the job of smoke damage cleanup or fire damage cleanup, you must first understand the various intricacies related to a fire.

Every fire is different in the sense that every house uses a different design and a different mix of construction materials which can all burn very differently. To start with, you have to understand that smoke damage can be very high even if the fire was small and contained to a very small space. This is because smoke can be absorbed by various porous construction materials such as wood, carpets, walls, ceilings and so on. There are many different types of smokes that can result out of a fire. For example, there is wet smoke, dry smoke, protein smoke and fuel oil smoke. Each type will need to be cleaned in a very different way. Smoke damage will also go hand in hand with soot damage. Soot will need to be cleaned thoroughly and materials will have to be treated with special chemicals and ozone treatments to get rid of the smoke odor which can linger for months after a fire if they are not treated.

A professional fire restoration company will usually work around the clock which means that you can call them at any time of the day to get started with your restoration work. It is very important to start early as they will be able to treat your home for smoke damage. If not treated early, the smoke can be absorbed by various parts of your house and the cleanup process will become much more drawn out when the smoke has been left unchecked for a while. Fire damage experts will also quickly be able to give you an estimate about what materials in the house can be restored and what is beyond any form of repair. They will be able to treat certain damaged materials such as scorched furniture in such a way that it can be used without having to be discarded.

Often times, fire restoration companies will also take a considerable amount of effort in cleaning up the mess left by the extinguisher which was used to put out the fire. It might be water in some cases or it could be a foam extinguisher. Regardless of the type, it will have to be cleaned up as foam can damage materials such as carpets, walls, ceilings while water can also have a very damaging effect by allowing the growth of mold.

A professional fire restoration company will also be able to assist you with those complicated insurance forms that you will have to fill out with the insurance company.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5770058