SAFE STEPS: Fire

A fire is both frightening and destructive. Fires are a danger to buildings and residents in equal measure. Keep your cool in the event of a fire by following these SAFE STEPS!

How to Fix and Flip a Fire Damaged Home

Don't be scared of a burnout property! This video will show you how to renovate a fire-damaged home in 5 easy steps. I know house flipping fire and smoke damage can seem intimidating, but if you take a deep breath, sometimes the repairs are easier than you think. What's your experience been flipping a fire-damaged home? ____ Follow James Dainard: Website: https://jamesdainard.com/

ProjectRE

This Old House | Demo Time (S39 E18) | FULL EPISODE

Kevin is at one of Charleston's architectural gems, a house called Sword Gate. The wrought iron gates out front have swords welded into them. SUBSCRIBE to This Old House: http://bit.ly/SubscribeThisOldHouse. Kevin and Tom meet the builder, Lindsay Nevin, whose company is up for the challenge. Lindsay discusses some of the strict rules to follow when it comes to renovating old houses in historic Charleston. Heat, humidity and water are usually the major issues of these old wooden houses, and the only way to assess the damage is to start a careful demo. At the Single House project, Kevin finds Tommy and general contractor Mark in the kitchen house. Mark explains his plan to dig out and pour a concrete slab, and they get to work pulling up floorboards. When it comes to educating the next generation of tradespeople, the American College of the Building Arts, is the only school in the country with a four-year college program which focuses on the building trades. Meanwhile, demolition is in full swing and Judith's backyard is filling up with debris. Judith wants to improve the landscaping as well as the house, and she has some favorite shrubs and trees she'd like to use as green screening. Roger meets her to discuss planting options, and then he travels to a southern nursery to find out what plants will work in the sub-tropics. The nursery can ship out the plants as soon as the yard is ready. Over at the Single House, it's time to privy dive. Richard discusses the history of the outhouse in Charleston and what's buried beneath the surface. Enjoying full-episodes of This Old House? Join This Old House INSIDER to stream every episode ever made of This Old House (over 1,000 hours), commercial-free. https://bit.ly/32CLaGe Plus, download our FREE app for full-episode streaming to your connected TV, phone or tablet: https://www.thisoldhouse.com/pages/st... Products and Services from this episode General Contractor – Charleston Single House Category: Contractors & Services, Building Resources Contractor Renew Urban http://www.renewurban.net/ General Contractor – Elliotborough House Category: Contractors & Services Contractor Flyway Construction http://www.flywaysc.com/construction/ Landscape design – Elliotborough House Category: Landscaping, Design Contractor ADC Engineering http://adcengineering.com Local Trade School Category: Building Resources, Miscellaneous, Generation NEXT Side Trip American College of the Building Arts http://americancollegeofthebuildingar... nursery visit Category: Landscaping Side Trip Fast-Growing-Trees https://www.fast-growing-trees.com About This Old House TV: This Old House is America’s first and most trusted home improvement show. Each season, we renovate two different historic homes—one step at a time—featuring quality craftsmanship and the latest in modern technology. We demystify home improvement and provide ideas and information so, whether you are doing it yourself or hiring out contractors, you’ll know the right way to do things or the questions to ask. Our experts including general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, landscape contractor Jenn Nawada, master carpenter Norm Abram, and host Kevin O’Connor give you the tools you need to protect and preserve your greatest investment—your home. Follow This Old House: Facebook: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseFB Twitter: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseTwitter Pinterest: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHousePinterest Instagram: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseIG

Things to Consider If You Need a Restoration Service

When you find yourself the victim of a natural disaster or fire and water damage, it is only natural to feel as if you have lost everything. Don't despair and lose hope. When disaster strikes, don't assume that all is lost. Simply contact a restoration service and let them take care of everything. Keep in mind that at first, you may be shocked about what has happened to your home, but with the right team of professionals on your side, you can and will get through this ordeal.

You are going to need to do some things before the restoration service can get started. One of those things is to file a police report so that your insurance company will cover the cost to fix any damaged components of your home. A reputable restoration service can get things back to normal the fastest way possible. If some part of your home needs to be rebuilt because of extensive damage or if some part just needs to be remodeled, you don't have to go out looking around for a company that would be willing to take on your home with the type of damage it has sustained.

There are several reasons why you should hire a professional company. One is because emergencies and disasters can happen any time of day or night. You don't want to have to wait for assistance if it is after hours. By hiring a professional team, you have assistance available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. They are there at your beck and call to help.

Because there is so much urgency in times of dire need, it may not be possible for you to properly screen all contractors that offer a restoration service. That is why you should hire a restoration service that has employees. A reputable company will be certified by several government agencies, in addition to having all of the required credentials and insurances for your protection. When you are faced with this type of situation, it is best to get started right away to reduce the severity of your loss or damage. The right company will get your property secured and cleaned up in no time.

You want to hire a company that will work with your insurer so you don't have any unexpected or out of pocket expenses. They can fill out the necessary paperwork and speed up the processing time for your claim. This will help you to get back on your feet.

Keep in mind that you need to hire a restoration service that is available around the clock. They need to have workmen's compensation insurance and liability insurance on all of their workers. The longer they have been in business shows how well they cater to the needs of their customers. Ultimately, you want a company that can take care of all of your needs from start to finish, which will make the whole process less stressful and easier to deal with.

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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.

AllTek Restoration Repair Services

 

You can only expect a professional staff when working with Alltek Restoration, Inc. We value and expect quality, efficiency, punctuality, cleanliness, and courtesy. Our team believes in our commitment and dedication to each 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.

Contact our office in Pittsburg, CA, at 925-732-7200 to speak with one of our construction designers about your upcoming project.

https://alltekrestoration.net/

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

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

ABANDONED HOME Complete Renovation START to FINISH + Full Tour

Thank you Helix Sleep for sponsoring! Click here https://helixsleep.com/wildwonderful to get 25% off your Helix mattress (plus two free pillows!) during their Labor Day Sale, which ends September 10th. If you miss this limited time offer, you can still get 20% off using my link! Offers subject to change. #helixsleep Book a stay at The Chapter House in Lost City, WV here: https://airbnb.com/h/wwog (two night minimum stay) Last year we purchased an abandoned home tucked away in the mountains of Lost City, WV. Built in 1986 and left abandoned for 20 some years this house was crumbling on itself and in dire need of full renovation. Ask no more.... we were happy to take on that daunting challenge! In this video you will see the complete renovation from start to finish of this amazing mountain home. Watch as we tackle challenge after challenge and go from disaster to stunning! Link to our second channel: Josh & Erin- The After Show    / @ucljk0fmykpsq6h7byg7kvbq   Shop Our Apparel: https://www.bunkerbranding.com/pages/...

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Fire Damage Restoration Is The First Step Towards Tomorrow

When smoke and flames consume a residence, trying to pick up the pieces and return to a normal life may seem like an impossible task. Fire damage restoration is the all-important first step in the process of rebuilding the structure and making it a livable space once again. The process of remediation after this kind of loss is time-sensitive and involves a number of steps. Finding a professional organization to perform this process can lessen financial stress and help property owners return to the home that they love.

Time Is Of The Essence

Fire damage restoration is a time-sensitive process. The passage of time will increase the impact in terms of the harm to property and belongings and the cost to return them to their former state. The initial impact of the flames is obvious; charred items show the results of the event. Water and chemical agents that were used to tamp down and contain the event also leave behind traces of how they were applied. However, there are other elements, less apparent but no less critical, that can dramatically increase the level of harm that has occurred.

The residual effects following a combustible event begin within minutes of the flames being doused and the smoke being cleared. Soot, ash, and odors can combine to discolor surfaces; corrode metallic objects, such as appliances and plumbing fixtures; and permanently stain fabrics, such as clothing and upholstery. As time passes, the long-term impact can be felt both in financial and emotional terms. Beginning the recovery process as soon as possible will help reduce the cost and the time required to begin a return to normalcy.

What Is Involved

A professional fire damage restoration team follows a number of steps in achieving the goal of returning the affected property to its former state. Below are highlights of this process.

Securing The Site

After a professional team is called to a location and performs an initial assessment, the location will be secured from the elements. This may involve windows and damaged walls being boarded up. If there is damage to the roof of a structure, a roof tarp may also be installed to prevent the elements from causing additional harm. It is important to note that protective clothing is utilized during the entire operation as team members can be exposed to potentially harmful elements that resulted from the occurrence.

Initial Removal Of Flame Retardant Items

Water and chemical agents used to control the event need to be removed from the location before additional work can be performed. Drying elements, such as dehumidifiers, are brought in to expedite the process. Large fans and other air moving devices will improve ventilation and make the area both easier and safer to perform the remediation.

Removing And Cleaning

The next phase of the procedure involves removing the residual soot and smoke odors from the premises. This is one of the most comprehensive steps, as it involves a thorough cleaning of all surfaces including walls, ceilings, floors, fixtures, and appliances. During this time, additional estimates can be made as to what can be restored and what must be replaced.

Sanitizing and deep cleaning will help bring items back to the condition that they were in before being damaged in the event. This step can also result in significant cost savings both to the homeowner and the insurance company involved.

Restoration And Replacement

The final step in fire damage restoration is dealing with any structural damage. Installing new flooring, repainting, and similar activities will be undertaken at this time. If portions of the property need to be rebuilt, this can also be completed during this phase.

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How to Work with a Contractor | Ask This Old House

Ask This Old House host Kevin O’Connor, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and HVAC expert Richard Trethewey, mason Mark McCullough, and carpenter Nathan Gilbert discuss the ways homeowners and contractors should communicate to set appropriate expectations for home improvement projects

Steps: 1. Before partnering with a contractor to work on your house, consider some of the unexpected disruptions or uncomfortable circumstances that could arise between you and the contractor during the project that are worth being prepared for and having appropriate conversations about. 2. Start by doing as much research as possible on the project to try and understand the scope of the work you’re asking for. Talk to neighbors who have done similar projects, go to the home center and look at the cost of desired materials, etc. The more knowledge you have going into the project, the better informed your questions will be for the contractor. 3. To avoid “sticker shock” from a contractor quote, consider all the work required by the contractor to complete the job while they aren’t at your house. They will need to purchase and transport materials, train employees, maintain the overhead cost of their business, etc. 4. Beware the “low bid”. Usually, the low bid is missing “behind-the-scenes” work that can result in long lasting errors in the project. 5. Be prepared for weather disruptions. Some work can’t happen in the rain, snow, etc., which can exponentially delay a project. 6. Have materials for the project in mind and consider having backup materials in mind as well. If there are delays in the delivery of the material, that can also slow down the project significantly and a runner-up could save a lot of that time.

This Old House

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What To Do After A Fire: Think Straight And Sort It Out

Experiencing a fire at one's residence is very frightening, disturbing and upsetting. However, once the fire is out, there are a few very important things one needs to do. Recovering from the fire may take some time and many of the things that need doing are probably new to the home-owners. The damage caused to the property is not only from the fire itself but also the secondary damage from the smoke and the water and chemicals that are used to put out the fire. Here is a short guideline on what to do after a fire.

The first thing that is to be taken care of is protecting oneself from further losses. You will want the site protected from further damage by weather, theft or vandalism. The site left unsecured, could result in further damage. If the house has been left unsafe by the fire and one has to stay elsewhere, then the local police is notified before you leave, so that they can keep an eye on the property. Also, you will want to remove all valuables from the house.

Next, watch out for the electric wiring, gas or fuel, and any structural damages such as weakening of walls, roofs, etc. because of the fire. Power should only be turned back on after seeking professional advice. Edibles and medicines were probably damaged by the fire, and so check them and discard if needed in the proper way.

If you have insurance, collect all the receipts for the money spent on the fire loss and keep them for the perusal of the insurance company. You should keep all the damaged goods as well, until after they are shown to the insurance people. The sooner you contact the insurance company, the quicker they can process the claims as the damage is more easily investigated. If one has to leave home, one should leave the alternate contact options with the insurance professionals. You could also ask the insurance people to recommend the best fire damage restoration companies according to them.

Depending on the type of fire damage that occurred, the type of restoration done is also different. The restoration work could be done by property management teams, building maintenance staff or the homeowners themselves, if the damage is minimal, however, it is best to ask for professional help. This is because they are trained on fire damage restoration, not to mention their extensive experience.

To sum up, one shouldn't lose one's head after a fire. You want to take action to secure the site and the necessary precautions are taken care of. The insurance company and the police should be notified at once. In case one has to leave the premises, one should take identification, vital medicines and valuables along, and tell the important people of the new contact details. Let's not lose our heads over what to do after a fire.

We all hope to never be there, but when a disaster happens to your home you want to be sure that you have the right coverage on your insurance to help you through those tough times. You don't want to have to think about all of the details like what to do after a fire, damage repair assessments, and insurance claims. Finding a great company online to handle all of this for you would be the best option for you and your family.

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This Old House | A House for the Next Generation

A homeowner inherits her childhood home but wants to accommodate their children and in-laws. Mike Rowe visits to discuss the need for a new generation of skilled tradespeople. SUBSCRIBE to This Old House: http://bit.ly/SubscribeThisOldHouse

This Old House

How Do You Decide Whether To Clean It Or Destroy It?

Deciding to clean something or not on a restoration job can be tricky. subscribe:    / @firehouseeducation  

Why Alltek Restoration?

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 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. We will secure all loss related openings with temporary measures securing the property and temporary structural repairs to help prevent further damages.

Learn more at: https://alltekrestoration.net/services

Contact our office in Pittsburg, CA, at 925-732-7200 to speak with one of our construction designers about your needs.

Window Restoration from Start to Finish | This Old House

This Old House takes on restoring the old windows at the Belmont Victorian house. We show you the entire process from start to finish.

This Old House

Flooded Home: Make Sure Everything is Dry Before Rebuilding

NDSU Extension Educator Carl Pedersen shows what to look for and check out in your home before rebuilding after the flood.

For more flood information check out http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/flood

Home Mold Inspection Questions Answered

Have questions about mold inspection? We invited NJM Solutions Inc to discuss its mold inspection tactics with the United Water Restoration Group team and audience. Learn more about home mold inspections by watching our video now.

https://www.youtube.com/@restorationtalks4887

Water-Related Disaster? Safety First

When it comes to emergency water removal, mold removal, and flood damage restoration, leave it to the pros. Your professional disaster restoration specialist has the industry knowledge, experience, and credentials to guide you and your family through the entire process. The appropriate treatment depends on the specific nature of the damage in your home and will be tailored to meet your specific needs.

But homeowners, often feeling helpless in these situations, may ask what they can do to help during this time. The answer is simple but important: safety. Taking measures to ensure the safety of your family and your home is advice to heed. Let's take a look at some safety do's and don'ts.

Is The Home Safe?

Determine whether the house is structurally safe to enter or live in; professionals may refer to the structural integrity of the home. If you're unsure, don't enter the house and make arrangements for shelter with the help of local agencies, neighbors, and friends. Contact your insurance company, too.

If it's determined that the home is safe to enter, turn off the power by disabling the main circuit breaker; turn off the main water supply as well. A flooded basement could damage your furnace if the water reaches a dangerously high level. If you have a natural gas supply line, turn that off also; better still, leave that for a professional.

Of course, keep children and pets away from flooded areas; you don't want accidents from slippery, wet floors.

Don't operate televisions, computers, vacuums or other electrical appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors, especially concrete surfaces.

Be sure your valuables are safe. If you will not be living in the house due to the unsafe conditions, remove your valuables including documents and treasured items such as photographs and other keepsakes; store them with a trusted friend or relative. If you are able to stay in your home, move valuables to a dry, safe location.

Is There Mold?

Mold growth is often one of the ensuing problems created by flood damage. The damp conditions in your home after a flood are an ideal breeding ground for these microscopic organisms that spread by producing airborne spores. Those mix with the air inside your house and can lead to health and safety concerns for you and your family. Typical symptoms resulting from mold exposure include everything from respiratory problems and nasal and sinus congestion, to skin, eye, nose and throat irritation.

(Be on the lookout for signs of mold. They vary considerably but may include a smelly odor, a white and thread-like growth, clusters of small black spots; mold can be grayish-brown, grayish-green or white in color.)

Do treat all flood water as contaminated. The water and water-impacted surfaces may not be contaminated but until determined by a professional, don't take chances. Don't track contaminated materials and items into undamaged areas. Do keep children and pets, who are especially vulnerable, out of suspect areas. Absorbent materials such as carpeting and drywall may be unsalvageable after contaminated.

Implementing these tips will put you into action mode versus feeling helpless. More importantly, it will ensure the safety of your family and your home.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Felecia_Drake/1284157

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Seasonal Safety Tips: Portable Generator Safety & Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Portable generators can be essential during power outages, but as their use increases so does the danger of deadly carbon monoxide exposure. It’s important to learn how to operate generators in a safe and effective way and also how to recognize the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning. Local firefighters from Eastside Fire and Rescue offer tips to help you and your family stay safe during the holidays and year-round. View the City of Seattle's commenting policy: seattle.gov/online-comment-policy

Seattle Channel

With Safety, Never Compromise. Choose NFPA® as Your Trusted Source

When it comes to work that affects the safety of lives and property, failure is not an option. For over 125 years, NFPA has been a proactive safety organization that vets challenges and researches solutions to help people the world over do uncompromisingly good work. Driven by passionate experts, NFPA is a trusted source of information that leads the world in developing guidance and resources for fire, electrical, and life safety. If you and your company don’t compromise the work that you offer, then you can’t compromise on the quality of information and knowledge that prepare you to work at the highest level. As building materials, technologies, and social challenges change, work with greater efficiency, productivity, and safety by working with superior knowledge. Our products, services, and events include: ● NFPA LiNK® ● NFPA Conference & Expo® ● Individual Membership, Electrical Inspection Membership ● Fire Prevention Week™ ● NFPA 70®, National Electrical Code® (NEC®) ● NFPA 70E®, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace® ● NFPA 101®, Life Safety Code® ● Fire Protection Handbook® (FPH®) ● And much more To learn more, visit nfpa.org.

National Fire Protection Association

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher

Watch more Home Security & Safety videos: http://www.howcast.com/videos/341988-... Accidents happen. Be prepared to fight your own fire by learning how to use a fire extinguisher. Step 1: Know how fire extinguishers are classified Know how fire extinguishers are classified. Class A extinguishers are for common combustibles like paper or wood; Class B are for flammable liquids; and Class C are for electrical fires. Tip The Red Cross recommends ABC classified fire extinguishers for home use. Step 2: Inspect the fire extinguisher Inspect the fire extinguisher before use. Read instructions and warnings; check that the pressure gauge needle is in the green portion of the gauge; and check for a clogged nozzle, a broken seal, or other damage. Tip A fire extinguisher won’t work if it’s not properly charged. The pressure gauge measures the charge. Step 3: Decide if you'll evacuate or stay and fight Decide if you’ll evacuate or stay and fight the fire. Consider the size of the fire, the amount of smoke in the room, and whether there is a reliable escape route. Step 4: Remember the acronym PASS Remember the acronym PASS. It stands for Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep. Step 5: Pull the pin that unlocks the operating handle Pull the pin or ring that unlocks the fire extinguisher’s operating handle, and aim the extinguisher at the base of the fire. Tip Aim at the fire from 6 to 8 feet away. Step 6: Squeeze extinguisher lever to discharge contents Squeeze the extinguisher lever to discharge its contents, and sweep the hose back and forth until the extinguisher is empty. Did You Know? Food Network star Alton Brown used a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher, a water cooler bottle, and a tennis racket to make a fruit smoothie on television.

Howcast