Candle Safety Tips

Candle Safety Tips

How to Prevent Water Damage From Household Fixtures - This Old House

This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey shows ways to detect and stop common plumbing leaks.

Insurance Check Up: Homeowners & Wildfires

In an interview with News Talk 1590 KVTA AM, Triple-I's Director of Strategic Communications, Janet Ruiz recommends that homeowners who live in wildfire prone areas check their homeowners policy and conduct a home inventory in preparation for wildfire season.

Minimizing Winter Weather Risks

Triple-I offers these home safety tips to help minimize winter weather risks.

10 Tips for Hiring a Contractor

10 Tips for Hiring a Contractor

Alltek Restoration's Commitment and Dedication to Client's Satisfaction is Second to None

https://alltekrestoration.net/

You can expect a professional staff when working with Alltek Restoration, Inc. We value and expect quality, efficiency, punctuality, cleanliness and courtesy from our team. Our commitment and dedication to our client's satisfaction is second to none.

• Quality work, Integrity, and Commitment
• Prompt completion and timeline.
• Detailed estimates upon invitation to bid.
• Explanation of contract and specification

Alltek has established successful working relationships with qualified and competent professionals, and subcontractors who share our customer oriented philosophy.

Our Guarantee: We warranty all work that is done with your project whether we ourselves do the work or our subcontractors do the work.

Choosing the right contractor is crucial for any project to be successful. We specialize in Emergency Services, Contents, Restoration, and Reconstruction. You can rest knowing that your project's interest is at the top of our concerns. Alltek is committed to providing our clients with the highest quality work and exceptional customer service, while assuring you of a well executed plan to complete your project. You and everyone involved in your project will feel confident we are leading the way.

OUR ESTIMATES

Xactware® is recognized in the claims industry and used by many insurance providers. All of our restoration scopes and reconstruction estimates are generated using the Xactimate estimating software or Xactcontents for personal property.

With our estimating staff’s knowledge, combined with the power of Xactimate, our estimates indicate exact quantities and materials & labor. This is accompanied with a clear description of work to be performed and graphical reference providing you with a clear concise scope of work that Alltek will perform on your project.

PROPERTY RESTORATION | STRUCTURE RECONSTRUCTION

There are many aspects to your claim, that our trained and expert staff will guide you through the process. We provide you with a single claim solution from start to finish. Once you choose Alltek Restoration, Inc. you will have one point of contact for your entire claim. No call centers. You will never be a claim number.

Alltek performs both residential and commercial restoration for insurance claim repairs for both small and large loss. For all properties we provide complete restoration services for the following loss categories:

Fire Damage, Water Damage, Smoke Damage, Storm Damage, Vandalism, Vehicle and more.

BOARD UP SERVICES

Are very common requirements after storm or fire loss. 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. We will secure all loss related openings with temporary measures securing the property and temporary structural repairs to help prevent further damages.

Contact our office in Antioch, CA, at 925-732-7208 to speak with one of our construction designers about your upcoming project.

List of Things a Family Needs After a House Fire : Home Safety

If tragedy has struck and you've experienced a house fire, you should always be prepared for what happens next. Make a list of things a family needs after a house fire with help from a certified firefighter in this free video clip.

Holiday Fire Prevention Tips

Holiday lights and decorations provide a festive glow, but it only takes a spark to cause a devastating fire. Triple-I offers these tips to keep your festivities merry and bright.

Safety Tips for Electrical Outlets/Receptacles

Volts, amps, watts—what does it all mean? Electricity can be confusing! Learn the differences between these three electricity units, and how they relate to keeping electrical outlets in your home safe, in this episode of Learn Something New™ by NFPA Journal®. You'll learn about hazards such as overloading electrical outlets, or receptacles, and when to replace outlets.

Dryer Fire Prevention: Get the Lint Out

That lint building up in your dryer could cause big problems if you don’t clean it out from time to time. And by big problems, we mean a house fire.

How to Prevent Laundry Room Flooding | Ask This Old House

In this video, Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey explains how and why to install an automatic shutoff valve for the washing machine supply hoses.

Burn Prevention: What to Do If There is a Fire

Learn more about how families should practice and prepare for a fire emergency in the home.

How to Install Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors | Ask This Old House

Scott Caron, master electrician for Ask This Old House, wires an old house with new smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Disaster Preparation Tips for Your Home

With many people at home more often now, prepping your home is a perfect task to do that you may have not had time for before.

What To Do If Your Home Is Flooded

Your home is flooded. Now what? Danny Lipford joined us to walk you through the steps you should take if you find yourself in this situation.

Why Are Firetrucks Red?

We could all use a break from 2020. So in a more lighthearted approach to Learn Something New™ by NFPA Journal®, this month we explore why most firetrucks are red—as well as the reason why red may not be the best choice for emergency vehicles after all.

Water Damage: Test Your Water IQ

What can damage your home in many ways. Do you know what is covered and what isn't? This video explains the different types of coverage from burst pipes to torrential floods. Spokespersons: Jeanne M. Salvatore, Insurance Information Institute; Ed Connor, National Flood Insurance Program.

Quick Tips: Home Improvement Contracts

In California, a written contract is required for all home improvement projects over $500. Learn what information should be included in your home improvement contract and how to avoid getting scammed.

Top 5 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Contractor

Next to buying and selling your home, choosing a general contractor is just as important! Watch as Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate Dream Team member and licensed contractor expert Jared Dostie walks us through the most important questions to ask a prospective contractor.

The Modern US Fire Problem

Since America Burning was published in 1973, the United States has made incredible progress in lowering the number of fires, fire deaths, and fire injuries through the use of technologies like smoke alarms and implementing up-to-date codes and standards. But more progress is needed to eliminate the modern day fire problem in the US, which is characterized by trends like faster-burning furniture and massive wildfires. A new report from NFPA offers insights into what that problem looks like and how we can address it.

6 Tips for Preventing Water Damage from Appliances

Watch this video for easy and inexpensive steps to help prevent water damage from appliances.

CSLB's Easy Way to Find a Licensed Contractor Near You

CSLB shows you how to find a licensed contractor that lives near you. This video was recorded in Davis, CA during one of CSLB's Senior Scam Stopper Seminars.

Understanding the Dangers of Home Fires | Ask This Old House

Ask This Old House host Kevin O’Connor visits Underwriters Laboratories outside of Chicago to see first hand how dangerous fires can be.

Alltek Restoration's Commitment and Dedication to Client's Satisfaction is Second to None

https://alltekrestoration.net/

You can expect a professional staff when working with Alltek Restoration, Inc. We value and expect quality, efficiency, punctuality, cleanliness and courtesy from our team. Our commitment and dedication to our client's satisfaction is second to none.

• Quality work, Integrity, and Commitment
• Prompt completion and timeline.
• Detailed estimates upon invitation to bid.
• Explanation of contract and specification

Alltek has established successful working relationships with qualified and competent professionals, and subcontractors who share our customer oriented philosophy.

Our Guarantee: We warranty all work that is done with your project whether we ourselves do the work or our subcontractors do the work.

Choosing the right contractor is crucial for any project to be successful. We specialize in Emergency Services, Contents, Restoration, and Reconstruction. You can rest knowing that your project's interest is at the top of our concerns. Alltek is committed to providing our clients with the highest quality work and exceptional customer service, while assuring you of a well executed plan to complete your project. You and everyone involved in your project will feel confident we are leading the way.

OUR ESTIMATES

Xactware® is recognized in the claims industry and used by many insurance providers. All of our restoration scopes and reconstruction estimates are generated using the Xactimate estimating software or Xactcontents for personal property.

With our estimating staff’s knowledge, combined with the power of Xactimate, our estimates indicate exact quantities and materials & labor. This is accompanied with a clear description of work to be performed and graphical reference providing you with a clear concise scope of work that Alltek will perform on your project.

PROPERTY RESTORATION | STRUCTURE RECONSTRUCTION

There are many aspects to your claim, that our trained and expert staff will guide you through the process. We provide you with a single claim solution from start to finish. Once you choose Alltek Restoration, Inc. you will have one point of contact for your entire claim. No call centers. You will never be a claim number.

Alltek performs both residential and commercial restoration for insurance claim repairs for both small and large loss. For all properties we provide complete restoration services for the following loss categories:

Fire Damage, Water Damage, Smoke Damage, Storm Damage, Vandalism, Vehicle and more.

BOARD UP SERVICES

Are very common requirements after storm or fire loss. 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. We will secure all loss related openings with temporary measures securing the property and temporary structural repairs to help prevent further damages.

Contact our office in Antioch, CA, at 925-732-7208 to speak with one of our construction designers about your upcoming project.

Preparing a Pack-and-Go Evacuation Kit

How to pack an evacuation kit in the event of a hurricane or extreme weather.

CSLB Quick Tips: Contracting in Disaster Areas

Many Californians are needing to hire contractors for debris removal and rebuilding due to wildfires and other disasters. This video emphasizes the importance of being licensed to perform work of $500 or more in disaster areas.

Got False Alarms? The Truth About ‘Pesky’ Smoke Detectors

Got False Alarms? The Truth About ‘Pesky’ Smoke Detectors

The 3 Categories of Water

The bad, the worse, and the worser-est?!! There are 3 types of water that can affect your home if you have a flooded house.

How to Create a Home Inventory

Three easy steps for creating a home inventory.

Prevent Water Damage With These Tips

How do you prevent water damage in your home? Knowing that water damage can easily cause structural faults and safety hazards in the home, it is important to do as much home water damage prevention as you can.

Disaster Preparedness Tips

Follow these simple steps to protect yourself, your loved ones and your property in case of an emergency.

CSLB Quick Tips: Consumer Warning About Unlicensed Contracting in Disaster Areas

Unlicensed contractors often prey upon survivors of disasters. Watch these tips to help prevent yourself from getting scammed by someone who will take you money without doing the work or who will do poor quality work.

Fire Safety Anchor Chart

Teach your students how to stay safe in case of a fire with a fire safety at home discussion.

Don’t Forget to Clean Your Dryer Filter!

Seriously, clean your clothes dryer's lint screen after every load.

Wildfire Insurance Claims-Filing Tips

Triple-I's Janet Ruiz shares insurance claims-filing tips in the event of a wildfire.

What You Didn't Know About Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Most people are familiar with carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, from a car's exhaust, gas appliances, or other source. But did you know that medical research suggests CO is also dangerous when you are exposed to low levels over long periods of time? In this episode of Learn Something New™ by NFPA Journal®, we explore the lesser-known impacts of carbon monoxide—specifically, how low-level and long-term exposure affects health—as well as why some current CO detectors and alarms don't sound from low levels of CO.

4 Things 9/11 Changed Forever

It's hard to believe 9/11 happened 20 years ago this month. From first responder communications to private sector emergency preparedness, this episode of Learn Something New™ by NFPA Journal® outlines four ways the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, changed the world of fire and life safety in the United States forever.

Alltek Restoration's Commitment and Dedication to Client's Satisfaction is Second to None

https://alltekrestoration.net/

You can expect a professional staff when working with Alltek Restoration, Inc. We value and expect quality, efficiency, punctuality, cleanliness and courtesy from our team. Our commitment and dedication to our client's satisfaction is second to none.

• Quality work, Integrity, and Commitment
• Prompt completion and timeline.
• Detailed estimates upon invitation to bid.
• Explanation of contract and specification

Alltek has established successful working relationships with qualified and competent professionals, and subcontractors who share our customer oriented philosophy.

Our Guarantee: We warranty all work that is done with your project whether we ourselves do the work or our subcontractors do the work.

Choosing the right contractor is crucial for any project to be successful. We specialize in Emergency Services, Contents, Restoration, and Reconstruction. You can rest knowing that your project's interest is at the top of our concerns. Alltek is committed to providing our clients with the highest quality work and exceptional customer service, while assuring you of a well executed plan to complete your project. You and everyone involved in your project will feel confident we are leading the way.

OUR ESTIMATES

Xactware® is recognized in the claims industry and used by many insurance providers. All of our restoration scopes and reconstruction estimates are generated using the Xactimate estimating software or Xactcontents for personal property.

With our estimating staff’s knowledge, combined with the power of Xactimate, our estimates indicate exact quantities and materials & labor. This is accompanied with a clear description of work to be performed and graphical reference providing you with a clear concise scope of work that Alltek will perform on your project.

PROPERTY RESTORATION | STRUCTURE RECONSTRUCTION

There are many aspects to your claim, that our trained and expert staff will guide you through the process. We provide you with a single claim solution from start to finish. Once you choose Alltek Restoration, Inc. you will have one point of contact for your entire claim. No call centers. You will never be a claim number.

Alltek performs both residential and commercial restoration for insurance claim repairs for both small and large loss. For all properties we provide complete restoration services for the following loss categories:

Fire Damage, Water Damage, Smoke Damage, Storm Damage, Vandalism, Vehicle and more.

BOARD UP SERVICES

Are very common requirements after storm or fire loss. 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. We will secure all loss related openings with temporary measures securing the property and temporary structural repairs to help prevent further damages.

Contact our office in Antioch, CA, at 925-732-7208 to speak with one of our construction designers about your upcoming project.

Rebuilding After a Disaster

Rebuilding after a disaster has damaged or destroyed your home can be very challenging. Here are some tips from CSLB to help you through the process.

Evacuation Orders Mean Stay Out, Stay Safe!

The message is clear when it comes to evacuation zones - #StayOutStaySafe. The reasons law enforcement closes roads are many. Going beyond the barricade could land you in jail, or worse. Cal OES Law Chief Mark Pazin explains.

CSLB Shows You Why You Should Always Get 3 Contractor Bids

Contractors State License Board has a perfect example of why you should always ask for bids from at least three different contractors. This video was recorded in Davis, CA during a Senior Scam Stopper Seminar.

Diamond Certified Resource Commercial – Home Improvement

When you use Diamond Certified Resource you can find local companies rated highest in quality and helpful expertise. Performance guaranteed.

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher | Consumer Reports

A fire extinguisher might seem like a simple device, but you would be surprised how many people don’t know how to use one. Consumer Reports’ expert explains how they work.

Cal OES Speaks on Adhering to Evacuation Orders

Mandatory evacuations save lives. Cal OES Law Enforcement Chief Mark Pazin speaks on the importance of following through with those evacuation orders.

Extreme Fire Danger in California

ABC News’ Kayna Whitworth is on the frontlines of the exploding Caldor Fire in Northern California as it forces residents to evacuate and destroys structures in its path.

Need To Evacuate? Use These Tips From Cal Fire

Use these tips from Cal Fire to help the evacuation process to keep your family and your home as safe as possible. 

VIDEO: Joshua Bessex

How Do Homes Burn Down in Wildfires?

Hint: They're not typically overcome by flames. As historic wildfires sweep the western United States, this episode of Learn Something New™ by NFPA Journal® examines the facts of home wildfire ignition and some of the things homeowners can do right now to protect their properties.

Some Steps to Protect Your Home From Wildfires

If flames ignite, Cal Fire captain and local resident Scott Green knows that firefighters may be unable to save everything that needs saving. So his rural home protects itself. He shows us how to take defensive steps.

Smoke Alarm Testing and Maintenance

Smoke alarms save lives (they reduce the risk of dying in a fire in half), but they need to be working properly to protect you. Make sure your smoke alarms are fully functioning by learning how to test and maintain them, ensuring that you and your household will be properly alerted in a fire, providing the time needed to safely escape.

How to Salvage Your Valuables After Serious Flooding

Saving family keepsakes after a storm can be painstaking, but it's worth it

Heavy rain and severe weather can upend your life. And if you're faced with mucking out your house and tearing out saturated drywall, recovering keepsakes and family treasures might seem like a task for a later day.

But saving your valuables can be a race against the clock—mold can form within 48 hours. To help, the Heritage Emergency National Task Force, cosponsored by FEMA and the Smithsonian Institution, has developed guidelines for how to salvage what you want and dispose of what can’t be saved.

The first step is to determine what type of water you’re dealing with—salty, dirty, or contaminated by sewage or chemicals. If your valuables have come in contact with toxic water during flooding, you might have to call a professional conservator because trying to clean them yourself can be a health risk. If the water was untainted, then take steps to reduce the humidity around your items as you work to clean and dry them. Here’s how from FEMA’s checklist:

Save Your Valuables

Prioritize. You may not be able to save everything after flooding, so focus on what’s most important to you, whether for sentimental or monetary reasons.

"We always hear about dollar-amount damages, but often the losses that affect us the most are the ones to which a dollar amount cannot be assigned," says Lori Foley, administrator of the Heritage Emergency National Task Force. "What do you own that you’d miss terribly if you lost it? Photographs of loved ones in frames, albums, or shoeboxes? Books and paintings passed down through generations? Grandma’s recipe box?"

Air-dry. Gentle air-drying indoors is best. Weather permitting, open your windows to increase indoor airflow. If it’s too hot and humid, use fans, air conditioners, and dehumidifiers. Avoid using hair dryers, irons, ovens, and prolonged exposure to sunlight, which can do irreversible damage.

Handle with care. Delicate items can be especially fragile when wet, so be careful when you handle them. Separate sodden materials by removing photographs from damp albums and taking paintings and prints out of their frames. Place white paper towels between every few pages of wet books.

Clean gently. Loosen dirt and debris on fragile objects carefully with soft cloths and brushes. Avoid rubbing, which can grind in dirt.

Salvage photos. Clean photographs by rinsing them carefully in clean water. Air-dry photos on a plastic screen or paper towel, or by hanging them by the corners with plastic clothespins. Don’t let the image come into contact with other surfaces as it dries.

Cold storage. Damp objects and items that cannot be dealt with immediately should be put in open, unsealed boxes or bags. If you can’t attend to items within 48 hours, you can put photos, papers, books, and textiles in the freezer and clean them later.

"In general, you can freeze many items that cannot be dried out in 48 hours – photos, books, documents, textiles," says Foley. "Freezing stops mold from growing, ink from running, and dyes from transferring. Freezing items allows you to buy some time to devote to other activities. When you are able, you can return to the frozen items and recover them on your own time."

Dispose of the Debris

Once the waters recede, residents will be able to go back into their homes and start cleaning up, and piles of ruined household belongings will be put on the curb. Cleanup can take months if not years.

Because mold creates a serious health risk, it’s important to remove wet items from your home as soon as possible. FEMA recommends not waiting for your insurance adjuster before cleaning up. Instead, document the flooding damage on your cell phone or camera. Before dragging debris to the curb, check with your municipality on how it wants you to separate items for the garbage haulers. FEMA recommends sorting items into the following six categories:

• Bagged household garbage such as food, packaging, and paper.
• Building materials and furniture, including drywall, carpeting, and mattresses.
• Vegetation debris such as tree branches, plants, and leaves.
• Hazardous household waste, including batteries, paints, and cleaning supplies.
• Large appliances such as refrigerators, water heaters, and air conditioners.
• Electronics such as TVs, computers, and stereo equipment.

For more information and resources, see FEMA’s After the Flood: Advice for Salvaging Damaged Family Treasures.

Article Source: https://www.consumerreports.org/cleaning/how-to-salvage-valuables-after-flooding/

Alltek Restoration's Commitment and Dedication to Client's Satisfaction is Second to None

https://alltekrestoration.net/

You can expect a professional staff when working with Alltek Restoration, Inc. We value and expect quality, efficiency, punctuality, cleanliness and courtesy from our team. Our commitment and dedication to our client's satisfaction is second to none.

• Quality work, Integrity, and Commitment
• Prompt completion and timeline.
• Detailed estimates upon invitation to bid.
• Explanation of contract and specification

Alltek has established successful working relationships with qualified and competent professionals, and subcontractors who share our customer oriented philosophy.

Our Guarantee: We warranty all work that is done with your project whether we ourselves do the work or our subcontractors do the work.

Choosing the right contractor is crucial for any project to be successful. We specialize in Emergency Services, Contents, Restoration, and Reconstruction. You can rest knowing that your project's interest is at the top of our concerns. Alltek is committed to providing our clients with the highest quality work and exceptional customer service, while assuring you of a well executed plan to complete your project. You and everyone involved in your project will feel confident we are leading the way.

OUR ESTIMATES

Xactware® is recognized in the claims industry and used by many insurance providers. All of our restoration scopes and reconstruction estimates are generated using the Xactimate estimating software or Xactcontents for personal property.

With our estimating staff’s knowledge, combined with the power of Xactimate, our estimates indicate exact quantities and materials & labor. This is accompanied with a clear description of work to be performed and graphical reference providing you with a clear concise scope of work that Alltek will perform on your project.

PROPERTY RESTORATION | STRUCTURE RECONSTRUCTION

There are many aspects to your claim, that our trained and expert staff will guide you through the process. We provide you with a single claim solution from start to finish. Once you choose Alltek Restoration, Inc. you will have one point of contact for your entire claim. No call centers. You will never be a claim number.

Alltek performs both residential and commercial restoration for insurance claim repairs for both small and large loss. For all properties we provide complete restoration services for the following loss categories:

Fire Damage, Water Damage, Smoke Damage, Storm Damage, Vandalism, Vehicle and more.

BOARD UP SERVICES

Are very common requirements after storm or fire loss. 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. We will secure all loss related openings with temporary measures securing the property and temporary structural repairs to help prevent further damages.

Contact our office in Antioch, CA, at 925-732-7208 to speak with one of our construction designers about your upcoming project.

Understanding the Dangers of Home Fires | Ask This Old House

Ask This Old House host Kevin O’Connor visits Underwriters Laboratories outside of Chicago to see first hand how dangerous fires can be.

Insurance Check Up: Homeowners & Wildfires

In an interview with News Talk 1590 KVTA AM, Triple-I's Director of Strategic Communications, Janet Ruiz recommends that homeowners who live in wildfire prone areas check their homeowners policy and conduct a home inventory in preparation for wildfire season.

What To Do If Your Home Is Flooded

Your home is flooded. Now what? Danny Lipford joined us to walk you through the steps you should take if you find yourself in this situation.

The 3 Categories of Water

The bad, the worse, and the worser-est?!! There are 3 types of water that can affect your home if you have a flooded house.

Fire Safety - Home Maintenance Tips

Helpful fire safety tips from the experts

How to Prevent Water Damage From Household Fixtures - This Old House

This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey shows ways to detect and stop common plumbing leaks.

Dryer Fire Prevention: Get the Lint Out

That lint building up in your dryer could cause big problems if you don’t clean it out from time to time. And by big problems, we mean a house fire.

Top 5 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Contractor

Next to buying and selling your home, choosing a general contractor is just as important! Watch as Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate Dream Team member and licensed contractor expert Jared Dostie walks us through the most important questions to ask a prospective contractor.

Smoke Detectors 101 | Consumer Reports

Your life depends on a smoke detector actually detecting smoke. Consumer Reports’ expert explains what you need to know when purchasing these life-saving devices.

Quick Tips: Home Improvement Contracts

In California, a written contract is required for all home improvement projects over $500. Learn what information should be included in your home improvement contract and how to avoid getting scammed.

Returning To Your Flood Damage Home

Returning home after a natural disaster. This video will discuss how to return to your home for the first time after a natural disaster. This phase normally follows the immediate aftermath and clearances from authorities.

The video goes through a checklist of things to do and look for to ensure the safety of you and your family. The video will highlight things like: what to do if you smell gas, protecting yourself from electrical injuries, wearing waterproof boots to avoid floodwater touching your skin, preventing carbon monoxide poisoning by keeping fuel burning devices outdoors and away from windows, only eat and drink food and water that you know is safe, etc.

Burn Prevention: What to Do If There is a Fire

Learn more about how families should practice and prepare for a fire emergency in the home.

The Modern US Fire Problem

Since America Burning was published in 1973, the United States has made incredible progress in lowering the number of fires, fire deaths, and fire injuries through the use of technologies like smoke alarms and implementing up-to-date codes and standards. But more progress is needed to eliminate the modern day fire problem in the US, which is characterized by trends like faster-burning furniture and massive wildfires. A new report from NFPA offers insights into what that problem looks like and how we can address it.

Triple-I Offers Grilling Safety Tips.

Safety tips for grilling out this summer

What Seniors Should Know Before Hiring a Contractor

What Seniors Should Know Before Hiring a Contractor

List of Things a Family Needs After a House Fire : Home Safety

If tragedy has struck and you've experienced a house fire, you should always be prepared for what happens next. Make a list of things a family needs after a house fire with help from a certified firefighter in this free video clip.

Earthquake Safety

Stay safe before, during and after an earthquake. Use these 7 steps to protect you and your family.

How to Prevent Laundry Room Flooding | Ask This Old House

In this video, Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey explains how and why to install an automatic shutoff valve for the washing machine supply hoses.

Proper Location of Smoke Alarms

NFPA requires that smoke alarms are located in several locations throughout the home. This video identifies where they should be placed to ensure adequate protection in the event of a home fire.

Water Damage: Test Your Water IQ

What can damage your home in many ways. Do you know what is covered and what isn't? This video explains the different types of coverage from burst pipes to torrential floods. Spokespersons: Jeanne M. Salvatore, Insurance Information Institute; Ed Connor, National Flood Insurance Program.

Safety Tips for Electrical Outlets/Receptacles

Volts, amps, watts—what does it all mean? Electricity can be confusing! Learn the differences between these three electricity units, and how they relate to keeping electrical outlets in your home safe, in this episode of Learn Something New™ by NFPA Journal®. You'll learn about hazards such as overloading electrical outlets, or receptacles, and when to replace outlets.

Alltek Restoration's Commitment and Dedication to Client's Satisfaction is Second to None

https://alltekrestoration.net/

You can expect a professional staff when working with Alltek Restoration, Inc. We value and expect quality, efficiency, punctuality, cleanliness and courtesy from our team. Our commitment and dedication to our client's satisfaction is second to none.

• Quality work, Integrity, and Commitment
• Prompt completion and timeline.
• Detailed estimates upon invitation to bid.
• Explanation of contract and specification

Alltek has established successful working relationships with qualified and competent professionals, and subcontractors who share our customer oriented philosophy.

Our Guarantee: We warranty all work that is done with your project whether we ourselves do the work or our subcontractors do the work.

Choosing the right contractor is crucial for any project to be successful. We specialize in Emergency Services, Contents, Restoration, and Reconstruction. You can rest knowing that your project's interest is at the top of our concerns. Alltek is committed to providing our clients with the highest quality work and exceptional customer service, while assuring you of a well executed plan to complete your project. You and everyone involved in your project will feel confident we are leading the way.

OUR ESTIMATES

Xactware® is recognized in the claims industry and used by many insurance providers. All of our restoration scopes and reconstruction estimates are generated using the Xactimate estimating software or Xactcontents for personal property.

With our estimating staff’s knowledge, combined with the power of Xactimate, our estimates indicate exact quantities and materials & labor. This is accompanied with a clear description of work to be performed and graphical reference providing you with a clear concise scope of work that Alltek will perform on your project.

PROPERTY RESTORATION | STRUCTURE RECONSTRUCTION

There are many aspects to your claim, that our trained and expert staff will guide you through the process. We provide you with a single claim solution from start to finish. Once you choose Alltek Restoration, Inc. you will have one point of contact for your entire claim. No call centers. You will never be a claim number.

Alltek performs both residential and commercial restoration for insurance claim repairs for both small and large loss. For all properties we provide complete restoration services for the following loss categories:

Fire Damage, Water Damage, Smoke Damage, Storm Damage, Vandalism, Vehicle and more.

BOARD UP SERVICES

Are very common requirements after storm or fire loss. 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. We will secure all loss related openings with temporary measures securing the property and temporary structural repairs to help prevent further damages.

Contact our office in Antioch, CA, at 925-732-7208 to speak with one of our construction designers about your upcoming project.

Kidde Smoke Alarms Recalled; May Fail To Work During Fire

About 226,000 Kidde TruSense smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are being recalled because they may not work in case of an emergency. Geoff Petrulis reports.

Six Things You Need to Do After a House Fire

Written by Heidi Petschauer 

You may think a house fire will never happen to you. But what if it does? Are you prepared?

Figuring out what to do after a home fire can be a very stressful and overwhelming process, and it can be hard to decide what to do first. With a little help from your insurance agent, though, you may be able to settle your claim more quickly and get your life back to normal.

Here are the six things you should do after a home fire.

1. Call your insurance agent immediately. You will be getting calls at all hours of the day from public adjusters and contractors who will try to offer you a deal on putting your house back together. These calls can create a lot of stress and confusion. I suggest you speak to no one but your agent to discuss your options at this point in the process.

2. Ask about restoration companies that can help with cleaning up soot, boarding up windows, and other construction. Immediately after a fire, especially if it is a minor one, you’ll need to clean up any soot or water damage. It is important to hire a reputable service to deal with these issues. Ask your agent or insurance adjuster to recommend a few different companies. They deal with these situations more often than you do and likely know of some businesses that fit your needs. Many of these restoration companies have connections to good contractors, engineers, and architects, as well.

3. Separate damaged property from undamaged property. The insurance company will need a detailed inventory list from you after they inspect the loss. Separating your damaged property from your undamaged property will make it easier for you to make a list of your damaged items. This list needs to include the date you purchased each item, the brand name, the price you paid, and the serial number, model, or description of each item. If the item was a gift, be sure to indicate that as well.

It’s a good idea to submit your receipts with this inventory list. If the receipts were destroyed in the fire, or you didn’t keep any receipts, request copies of prior bank statements. This can make obtaining duplicate receipts easier. Keep in mind that photos of any damaged items are always helpful if receipts are not available.

4. Save undamaged property from further destruction. Any items that are not damaged should be put in a safe place, even if it means putting them in storage. Insurance adjusters are typically fair when it comes to adding additional costs for storage.

5. Cooperate fully with the insurance company’s investigation. When a fire claim is reported to an insurance company, it is given top priority. Usually, the adjusters come out to see the loss within 24 to 48 hours. To help settle your claim in a timely manner and to your satisfaction, be sure you are available and on time for all meetings, that you return calls promptly, that any requested paperwork is completed as quickly as possible, and that you contact the company or your agent immediately with any questions.

6. Find somewhere to stay if you can’t live in your home. Most homeowner’s policies include “Loss of Use or Loss of Rents” coverage, which will pay for the food, clothing, and shelter that you and your family may need for a specified period of time. Keep in mind that your policy will pay for “like kind and quality” living arrangements. You may want to save the Ritz for a special occasion and instead stay in a more reasonably priced hotel.

What to do before disaster strikes

• Review your homeowner’s policy to be sure you have replacement cost coverage, loss of use coverage, and adequate dwelling coverage. The last thing you want to hear after a fire is that you were underinsured.

• Save all your receipts and put them in a metal fireproof box or in a storage facility off the premises, such as a safety deposit box. Better yet, scan the receipts and save them to a computer file. Taking a video of your entire home and the possessions within it is the next best thing to receipts. This will show the insurance company what sort of lifestyle you had prior to the claim.

• Be sure to have smoke detectors in every room of your home to ensure that everyone gets out of the house or apartment safely in the event of a fire. Have exit ladders and fire extinguishers handy, and know how to use them.

• Discuss escape strategies and plans with your family prior to a fire, and consider a fire drill to help ensure everyone’s safety.

Article Source: https://blog.equifax.com/credit/six-things-you-need-to-do-after-a-house-fire/

3 Insurance Rules After Disaster Hits Your Home

I. Avoiding Insurance Disaster.

It seems like whenever catastrophe strikes, insurance problems rear their ugly head. It might be your home isn't sufficiently covered to pay for repairing the damage. Or, you might be the victim of unfair adjusting practices, such as a carrier that would rather fight than pay its fair share.

In a disaster such as fire, flood or earthquake, you might not even know who your insurance company is, since your policies and other important documents may well be cold ash or soggy trash.

If you suffer a disaster and have to make a claim on your insurance, keep these three principles in mind:

II. Get a Copy of Your Policy and read It.

Insurance always begins with a written contract. So, the first thing that needs to be done when getting ready to make a claim is to get a copy of every policy that might possibly provide coverage for your damaged property and read them all from front to back.

If you don't have the policy forms because they were lost, destroyed or are otherwise unavailable, you'll have to get policy reconstructions from the insurance company. Requests can be made to your agent or directly to the insurance company's policy services department. If you don't remember who your insurance company is, you'll need to do a little detective work. Start with your checking account. A review of your banking records may well lead you to every insurer that might provide coverage for the damaged property.

III. Check your coverages.

Your insurance policy provides coverage for certain types of loss and excludes coverage for others. That's why it's important to get a copy of the contract right at the beginning.

One issue that frequently arises following a catastrophic loss is the damaged property was not adequately insured in the first place. Where an agent or broker provided you with professional advice on the appropriate coverage or bound coverage based upon their own professional expertise, there may be a claim for professional negligence where the property isn't properly protected.

IV. Watch out for Time Limits

Property insurance contracts generally have their own time limits, called "statute of limitations," built in, and the period in which to file suit to enforce the contract is generally less than the period that applies to a plain vanilla written contract.

When in doubt, consult a legal professional about what time limits will apply to your claim. Be proactive. Once you have a loss, there is a clock ticking somewhere that might limit your ability to recover policy benefits.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/586228

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How to Salvage Your Valuables After Serious Flooding

Saving family keepsakes after a storm can be painstaking, but it's worth it

Heavy rain and severe weather can upend your life. And if you're faced with mucking out your house and tearing out saturated drywall, recovering keepsakes and family treasures might seem like a task for a later day.

But saving your valuables can be a race against the clock—mold can form within 48 hours. To help, the Heritage Emergency National Task Force, cosponsored by FEMA and the Smithsonian Institution, has developed guidelines for how to salvage what you want and dispose of what can’t be saved.

The first step is to determine what type of water you’re dealing with—salty, dirty, or contaminated by sewage or chemicals. If your valuables have come in contact with toxic water during flooding, you might have to call a professional conservator because trying to clean them yourself can be a health risk. If the water was untainted, then take steps to reduce the humidity around your items as you work to clean and dry them. Here’s how from FEMA’s checklist:

Save Your Valuables

Prioritize. You may not be able to save everything after flooding, so focus on what’s most important to you, whether for sentimental or monetary reasons.

"We always hear about dollar-amount damages, but often the losses that affect us the most are the ones to which a dollar amount cannot be assigned," says Lori Foley, administrator of the Heritage Emergency National Task Force. "What do you own that you’d miss terribly if you lost it? Photographs of loved ones in frames, albums, or shoeboxes? Books and paintings passed down through generations? Grandma’s recipe box?"

Air-dry. Gentle air-drying indoors is best. Weather permitting, open your windows to increase indoor airflow. If it’s too hot and humid, use fans, air conditioners, and dehumidifiers. Avoid using hair dryers, irons, ovens, and prolonged exposure to sunlight, which can do irreversible damage.

Handle with care. Delicate items can be especially fragile when wet, so be careful when you handle them. Separate sodden materials by removing photographs from damp albums and taking paintings and prints out of their frames. Place white paper towels between every few pages of wet books.

Clean gently. Loosen dirt and debris on fragile objects carefully with soft cloths and brushes. Avoid rubbing, which can grind in dirt.

Salvage photos. Clean photographs by rinsing them carefully in clean water. Air-dry photos on a plastic screen or paper towel, or by hanging them by the corners with plastic clothespins. Don’t let the image come into contact with other surfaces as it dries.

Cold storage. Damp objects and items that cannot be dealt with immediately should be put in open, unsealed boxes or bags. If you can’t attend to items within 48 hours, you can put photos, papers, books, and textiles in the freezer and clean them later.

"In general, you can freeze many items that cannot be dried out in 48 hours – photos, books, documents, textiles," says Foley. "Freezing stops mold from growing, ink from running, and dyes from transferring. Freezing items allows you to buy some time to devote to other activities. When you are able, you can return to the frozen items and recover them on your own time."

Dispose of the Debris

Once the waters recede, residents will be able to go back into their homes and start cleaning up, and piles of ruined household belongings will be put on the curb. Cleanup can take months if not years.

Because mold creates a serious health risk, it’s important to remove wet items from your home as soon as possible. FEMA recommends not waiting for your insurance adjuster before cleaning up. Instead, document the flooding damage on your cell phone or camera. Before dragging debris to the curb, check with your municipality on how it wants you to separate items for the garbage haulers. FEMA recommends sorting items into the following six categories:

• Bagged household garbage such as food, packaging, and paper.
• Building materials and furniture, including drywall, carpeting, and mattresses.
• Vegetation debris such as tree branches, plants, and leaves.
• Hazardous household waste, including batteries, paints, and cleaning supplies.
• Large appliances such as refrigerators, water heaters, and air conditioners.
• Electronics such as TVs, computers, and stereo equipment.

For more information and resources, see FEMA’s After the Flood: Advice for Salvaging Damaged Family Treasures.

Article Source: https://www.consumerreports.org/cleaning/how-to-salvage-valuables-after-flooding/

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Alltek Restoration's Commitment and Dedication to Client's Satisfaction is Second to None

https://alltekrestoration.net/

You can expect a professional staff when working with Alltek Restoration, Inc. We value and expect quality, efficiency, punctuality, cleanliness and courtesy from our team. Our commitment and dedication to our client's satisfaction is second to none.

• Quality work, Integrity, and Commitment
• Prompt completion and timeline.
• Detailed estimates upon invitation to bid.
• Explanation of contract and specification

Alltek has established successful working relationships with qualified and competent professionals, and subcontractors who share our customer oriented philosophy.

Our Guarantee: We warranty all work that is done with your project whether we ourselves do the work or our subcontractors do the work.

Choosing the right contractor is crucial for any project to be successful. We specialize in Emergency Services, Contents, Restoration, and Reconstruction. You can rest knowing that your project's interest is at the top of our concerns. Alltek is committed to providing our clients with the highest quality work and exceptional customer service, while assuring you of a well executed plan to complete your project. You and everyone involved in your project will feel confident we are leading the way.

OUR ESTIMATES

Xactware® is recognized in the claims industry and used by many insurance providers. All of our restoration scopes and reconstruction estimates are generated using the Xactimate estimating software or Xactcontents for personal property.

With our estimating staff’s knowledge, combined with the power of Xactimate, our estimates indicate exact quantities and materials & labor. This is accompanied with a clear description of work to be performed and graphical reference providing you with a clear concise scope of work that Alltek will perform on your project.

PROPERTY RESTORATION | STRUCTURE RECONSTRUCTION

There are many aspects to your claim, that our trained and expert staff will guide you through the process. We provide you with a single claim solution from start to finish. Once you choose Alltek Restoration, Inc. you will have one point of contact for your entire claim. No call centers. You will never be a claim number.

Alltek performs both residential and commercial restoration for insurance claim repairs for both small and large loss. For all properties we provide complete restoration services for the following loss categories:

Fire Damage, Water Damage, Smoke Damage, Storm Damage, Vandalism, Vehicle and more.

BOARD UP SERVICES

Are very common requirements after storm or fire loss. 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. We will secure all loss related openings with temporary measures securing the property and temporary structural repairs to help prevent further damages.

Contact our office in Antioch, CA, at 925-732-7208 to speak with one of our construction designers about your upcoming project.

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The video goes through a checklist of things to do and look for to ensure the safety of you and your family. The video will highlight things like: what to do if you smell gas, protecting yourself from electrical injuries, wearing waterproof boots to avoid floodwater touching your skin, preventing carbon monoxide poisoning by keeping fuel burning devices outdoors and away from windows, only eat and drink food and water that you know is safe, etc.