Summer Grilling Safety Tips

7/6/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Avondale/Goodyear/Southwest Phoenix wants YOU to remain safe while grilling this summer.

Be Safe When Grilling

It’s summertime and despite the hot temperatures, spending time outdoors is a must. Whether you are relaxing poolside, camping in the mountains, or out on the patio in your own backyard, being outside, soaking up some sun, and getting fresh air is always needed. Outdoor grilling and barbecuing is a favorite pastime for many, especially during those social gatherings with friends and family. SERVPRO of Avondale/Goodyear/Southwest Phoenix wants you to remain safe while grilling to avoid potential fire hazards from occurring. According to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), from 2014-2018, “grills, hibachis or barbecues were involved in an average of 10,600 home fires per year, including an average of 4,900 structure fires and 5,700 outside or unclassified fires (NFPA.org). Here are some safety tips to consider the next time you are grilling.

Safety Tips

• Be sure to place your grill outside and a safe distance away from your home and any outdoor structures that can catch fire.
• Don’t place the grill near any dry brush, trees, or shrubbery that can easily catch on fire. Be sure to place the grill on a flat and leveled surface to prevent the grill from toppling over.
• Clean your grill properly and remove all grease or fat buildup.
• If you’re using a gas grill, make sure to check the hose for any wear or tear to prevent a leak from occurring. To do so, use a soap and water mixture to apply to the hose and look for any bubbles.  
• Children and pets should be kept away from the grill, at least 3 feet away.
• Do not leave your grill unattended. Be sure to always have someone nearby to watch the grill in case you must step away for a bit.
• Always have a fire extinguisher on hand just in case. Make sure to familiarize yourself with how to properly use it.

Grilling Safety Tips

5/24/2022 (Permalink)

Have a safe Memorial Day weekend!

In just a few short days, many people across the country will be celebrating Memorial Day weekend. This 3-day holiday weekend signals the start of summer as well as giving many individuals the time to remember U.S military personnel who lost their lives. In honor of Memorial Day, SERVPRO of Avondale/Goodyear/Southwest Phoenix would like to provide some safety tips for you and your loved ones who will be doing some outdoor grilling and BBQing this weekend. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the U.S averages about 8,700 grill and BBQ fires per year.

Grilling Safety Tips

• Situate your grill away from your home on a flat and stable surface.
• Make sure the area is clear of any grass or brush that can easily catch on fire.
• Have a fire extinguisher nearby just in case to quickly put out any flames that may occur.
• Use a grill brush to clean away grease and other buildup.
• If you are using a gas grill, check for any gas leaks on the propane tank by applying a soap and water mixture to the hose. If any bubbles appear, it’s time to get a new tank.
• If you are using lighter fluid, be cautious and apply it only to the charcoal and never to open flames.
• Do not leave the grill unattended, always be nearby.

We hope that by practicing these safety tips, you will avoid a potential fire from occurring during your Memorial Day Weekend.

Electrical Safety During The Holidays

10/28/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Avondale/Goodyear/Southwest Phoenix wants you to be aware of the potential safety concerns regarding holiday decorations.

Knowledge of electricity safety is a must, especially for the upcoming holiday season when you’re stringing up lights around your home and using extension cords or power strips. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA.org), “U.S fire departments responded to an estimated average of 770 home structure fires per year that began with decorations, excluding Christmas trees, in 2012-2018.” That statistic alone shows how vital it is to be knowledgeable and aware of electrical safety in your home during the holidays.

Candles

As mentioned in our previous blog, choose battery operated candles. Not only do they last longer and give you the same warm glow effect, it is safer in the long run. If you do decide to use candles, be sure to keep an eye on them and away from children and pets.

Lights

Do not string multiple strands of lights together. Only use lights designated for indoor use in your home or outdoor use for areas outside of your home. As for the bulbs, LED bulbs last much longer and are more energy efficient as well as producing less heat. Consider switching out your old lights with brighter LED lights.

Extension Cords and Power Strips

Do not place these under rugs or furniture as they can get hot. Be sure to check the cords for any damage or cracks.

Turn Off Lights

Last but not least, make sure you turn off lights inside and outside of your home before going to sleep to prevent a potential accident from occurring while you are sleeping.

Stay tuned for more upcoming blogs discussing safety concerns for holiday decorations!

Practice Halloween Fire Safety

10/27/2021 (Permalink)

Halloween is just a few short days away and if you haven’t already, now is the time to start hanging up those decorations! SERVPRO of Avondale/Goodyear/Southwest Phoenix would like you to be aware of the fire safety risks that some Halloween decorations can pose and how you can eliminate those risks this Halloween.

Decorations

Cornstalks, dried floral arrangements, crepe paper and spider webs are common decorative pieces. Make sure you place these items away from heat sources like candles, heaters, or lights.

Jack-O-Lanterns

Carving pumpkins can be a fun activity and is a tradition for many during the Halloween season. Instead of using candles, use battery operated candles, lights, or a glow stick to give you that spooky glow. Not only is it safer, but it will stay lit much longer and is safe to leave outside your door for all to see and enjoy.

Candles

Candles are fun and atmospheric to use for the Fall season. Not only can the warm glow give you that cozy feeling, but it can also add a nice scene to your home. When using candles, make sure it is never left unattended as it only takes a matter of seconds for flames to spread. Keep the candle on a sturdy surface away from children and pets. You also want to keep any flammable materials away from your candle to prevent anything from catching on fire.

Smoke Detectors

Lastly, you want to make sure that all your smoke detectors are working, tested and make sure the batteries are tested regularly.

These are just a few safety measures to consider when it comes to decorating this Halloween.

Wildfire and Brushfire Safety Plan

10/13/2021 (Permalink)

Stay informed on local news for emergencies in Avondale and Goodyear.

Wildfires and brushfires are dangerous occurrences that can occur in dry desert climates such as here in the Valley. Running rampant through our dry climate environment is dry brush and shrubbery that can easily catch on fire, especially now since monsoon season is officially over. SERVPRO of Avondale/Goodyear/Southwest Phoenix has several tips for how to prepare yourself and your family in the event of a potential wildfire and brushfire threatening your home or business.

Be Informed

Follow local news sources and subscribe to text notifications that will alert you of emergency situations in your area.

Plan

Have a safety plan in place that covers everyone’s needs and safety. The plan should include all exits and escape routes as well as determining a safe place to meet outside and away from the home in case you all become separated.

Ready To Go

Create a go-bag which is essentially a bag of emergency items specially catered to you and your family’s needs. Aside from the obvious items such as food and water and a first aid kit, include other items such as specialty medications that certain family members require, clothes, toys and other items to keep your children occupied.

Fire Safety In Your Home

9/30/2021 (Permalink)

Practice fire safety in your home by having an escape plan in place.

Fire safety is an important factor when it comes to the safety of you and your family. You want to ensure that in the event of a fire, you and your family are well prepared and informed on what to do if a potential fire were to take place in your home. The Red Cross has compiled a simple list of the top tips for fire safety.

• Make sure you have smoke alarms installed on all levels of your home, inside bedrooms and outside the bedroom area.
• Regularly test your smoke alarms every month to ensure that they are working properly. To make it easier, mark a day on your calendar or include a reminder on your phone to make sure you test your alarms.
• Have an escape plan in place with your family or those you live with. Include all the exit points for how to safely escape during a fire. Make sure you have a safe meeting place where you can all meet up once you’ve escaped.
• If a fire does occur, do not waste any time, and get out of your home immediately. Do not try and gather items or go back in once you’ve escaped. Remain outside a safe distance and call 911.

Fire Prevention Week 2021

9/30/2021 (Permalink)

Fire Prevention Week is October 2-9.

What Is Fire Prevention Week?

Sunday, October 3^rd marks the first day of Fire Prevention Week 2021. This week long event, which ends on Saturday, October 9^th, is sponsored by the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA). According to the NFPA.org, it is “the longest-running public health observance in our country.” (NFPA.org). During this time, emphasis is focused on how to stay safe during a fire and what to do if you find yourself in that situation.

2021 Theme

This year’s Fire Prevention Week theme is “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety!” This will provide information and teach you about different sounds that different alarms make such as smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and what to do when you hear the sounds they make.

Stay tuned next week to learn more!

Smoke Alarms Save Lives

5/24/2021 (Permalink)

Make sure all the smoke alarms in your home or business are working properly.

Fires Can Spread Quickly

A fire can spread in an instant and can be life threatening to a building’s occupants. This is why smoke alarms are crucial to homes and businesses to ensure that all occupants can evacuate safely and quickly as possible.

According to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), “Almost three of every five home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms (41%) or no working smoke alarms (16%). This fact alone shows the significance of having a working smoke alarm. SERVPRO of Avondale/Goodyear/Southwest Phoenix has provided you with some smoke alarm tips because smoke alarms save lives.

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and outside of all the sleeping areas. It’s also recommended to install alarms in all bedrooms.
• Make sure all smoke alarms are connected so that if one smoke alarm goes off, all the smoke alarms will sound off.
• Test your smoke alarm monthly to make sure that they are working properly by pressing the test button.
• If your smoke alarm sounds off, make sure everyone evacuates and waits outside.
• Replace your smoke alarm every 10 years.

Halloween Fire Safety Tips

10/29/2020 (Permalink)

Opt for battery powered candles instead of real candles when it comes to jack-o-lanterns this Halloween!

The fall season is in full swing here in Avondale and the rest of the Phoenix area! We have finally reached chilly temps (at least for us Phoenicians), which can only mean one thing. Yes, you guessed it! Halloween is just around the corner! Even though things may be a little different this year due to COVID, you are still able to celebrate safely in the comfort of your own home. SERVPRO of Avondale/Goodyear/Southwest Phoenix have put together some fire safety tips to make certain that you and your family are safe this Halloween!

Be Safe This Halloween

Be super careful when using candles. Be sure to place them away from items that can easily catch on fire. Position them on a stable surface to prevent them from accidentally being knocked over.

When it comes to carving jack-o-lanterns, opt for battery powered candles as opposed to the real deal. They last much longer, especially if you’re setting them outside.

Hanging spooky lights in and around your home for Halloween decorations can give you a spooky ambiance. Be sure to situate lights away from flammable fabrics and items such as gauze, crepe paper, and fake spiderwebs.

Most importantly, make sure you have planned escape routes in your home in the event of a fire possibly occurring. Also, make sure all smoke alarms in your home are working properly to ensure you and your family are safe. 

Fire Damage To Residential Property In Southwest Phoenix

10/28/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has the knowledge and expertise when dealing with fire damage cleanup.

SERVPRO of Avondale/Goodyear/Southwest Phoenix has had several occurrences this year in which our SERVPRO crews responded to numerous residential properties dealing with the aftermath of a fire. Our office answered the call from a home owner who was dealing with a fire damage situation in their home located in Southwest Phoenix. The customer was dealing with an emergency in which they had to call the fire department to extinguish the growing flames in their home. Once the fire trucks left and the home was left in chaos and disarray, SERVPRO of Avondale/Goodyear/Southwest Phoenix was contacted and our crews arrived to help ease the stress on this family’s life.

The fire started from an electrical fire in the exhaust fan located in the bathroom which led to heavy smoke and soot damage throughout the rest of the home. There was charred structural framing of roof joists which had to be replaced. Extensive roof repairs were completed on the home as well as having the ceilings removed. All the insulation was heavily smoke damaged which led to them being removed. Once the cleanup of the smoke and soot damage was completed and all affected materials were removed, reconstruction on the home began.

We understand that this situation can be hard on our customers which is why SERVPRO is here to help you through this process. Our crews are experienced when dealing with fire and smoke damage, no matter how big or small, we are always here to help.

Wildfire and Brushfire Safety Preparation Tips For Avondale and Goodyear Residents

10/9/2020 (Permalink)

Brushfires are a hazard in the area due to the dry climate and heat.

National Fire Prevention Week is currently taking place and as you already know from our previous blog, the theme this year is “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!” SERVPRO of Avondale/Goodyear/Southwest Phoenix would like to help you and your loved ones with safety tips in the event of a possible wildfire or brushfire occurring near your home. Although wildfires and brushfires are not exactly a part of this year’s theme, we still feel it’s crucial information for Avondale and Goodyear residents to know since we do live in a dry desert climate.

According to the National Weather Service, Arizona has experienced the second hottest and third driest summer in over 100 years. According to Maricopa.gov, the top hazards we face in Maricopa County are flooding and wildfires. Monsoon season is officially over and we are still dealing with triple digit temperatures so wildfires and brushfires occurring at this time of year is still very likely. Here are some tips to practice with your family and loved ones to ensure everyone’s safety if a wildfire or brushfire is threatening your home.

Stay Informed

• Make sure you’re signed up to receive emergency notifications on your cell phone.

Have A Plan

• Create a disaster plan that accounts for everyone’s needs and safety. The plan should detail all possible exit routes from your home and identify where everyone should meet, preferably outside your home and another spot that’s included away from your home at another safe location.

Ready To Go

• Create a go bag which is essentially items in a bag that you can grab and take right away when you’re needing to make a quick exit during an emergency. Examples of items to place in your go bag include bottled water and snacks for energy, extra clothes, blanket, important documents, cash, rechargeable battery for your phone, first aid kit, flashlight with extra batteries, important medications and child care supplies. Of course, everyone’s needs vary so feel free to make whatever adjustments needed.

This past summer, areas around Scottsdale experienced brushfires which quickly spread near residential areas causing evacuations for many homes. The increase of dried vegetation this year was due to moisture from 2019 and early 2020 that caused for new growth of vegetation which eventually dried up. Because of the dry climate that we live in, it is important to know what to do and to be ready if a possible wildfire or brushfire occurs near your home.

For more information, check out maricopa.gov/Preparedness.

Avoid A Kitchen Fire With These Safety Tips

9/28/2020 (Permalink)

Check out these kitchen safety tips!

Fire Prevention Week begins this coming Sunday, October 4^th. This year’s theme is, “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!” The number one cause of home fires and fire injuries in the United States is caused by cooking. Here are a few tips to implement in your household to keep you and your loved ones safe in the kitchen.

• Keep children at least 3 feet away from a hot stove an oven.
• Keep the area around your stove top clean and free of clutter.
• Do not leave food unattended while cooking. Stay in the kitchen and keep a close eye on whatever you are cooking.
• Keep a lid close by in case you need it to extinguish a small grease fire.
• Use a timer just in case so your food does not accidentally catch on fire

Unattended cooking is the leading cause of kitchen fires so be sure to apply these simple tips to assure that you and those in your household are applying the proper techniques to assure your safety.

Source: NFPA.org

Fire Prevention Week 2020

9/25/2020 (Permalink)

Fire Prevention Week is October 4th through October 10th.

Fires can be devastating. It only takes a few seconds for flames to spread throughout your home leading to a possible tragedy. Fire Prevention Week will take place this year on Sunday, October 4^th to Saturday, October 10^th. The purpose of Fire Prevention Week is to educate people on how to stay safe in the event of a fire taking place.

This year, the theme is “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!” The number one cause of home fires and injuries is caused by cooking. As you can already tell, information and safety tips will be provided during Fire Prevention Week as to what you and those around you can do to stay safe and prevent fires from occurring in the kitchen.

Be sure to check out the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) for more info on Fire Prevention Week. Stay tuned to our Facebook page for Fire Prevention safety tips starting October 4th. 

Smoke Alarm Safety

5/19/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke alarms can save lives.

When was the last time you’ve tested the smoke alarms in your home? Do you remember the last time you switched out the batteries? According to the National Fire Protection Association, three out of five home fire fatalities happen in homes where smoke alarms aren’t working properly or where there are no smoke alarms installed. SERVPRO of Avondale/Goodyear/Southwest Phoenix wants you and your loved ones to be safe so we put together these simple steps.

• Make sure your home has the right amount of smoke alarms. This depends on the size of your home. Ideally, you want a smoke alarm on each floor and located outside of bedrooms and the kitchen area.
• Make sure that smoke alarms are all interconnected so that if one goes off, all the other smoke alarms alert as well.
• Test your smoke alarms at least once a month by pressing the test button and switching out batteries when necessary.
• Clean around your smoke alarm and remove any dust or spiderwebs.
• Replace smoke alarms after 10 years.

It’s important to make sure your home is equipped with the proper smoke alarms so that you and your family can be alerted of a possible fire in your Avondale or Goodyear home.

Halloween Safety 2019

10/31/2019 (Permalink)

Have a fun and safe Halloween!

The colder temperatures have officially hit Avondale. The fall season is in full swing here in the Valley and you know what that means! Costumes, trick or treating and parties. Halloween is just around the corner which can leave many of us scrambling to put up last minute decorations. SERVPRO of Avondale/Goodyear/Southwest Phoenix have put together some safety tips so you and your loved ones can be safe this Halloween.

• Keep flammable decorations such as spider webs, gauze and crepe paper away from lights, heaters and lit candles.
• Never leave a burning candle unattended. If you do decide to burn a candle to create that spooky ambiance, make sure that it is on a stable surface where it won’t be easily knocked down and make sure that you are within its vicinity. If you decide to light up a jack-o-lantern, use battery opted candles instead.
• Don’t overload your extension cords and make sure that outdoor extension cords are used outdoors only. 
• Place reflective tape on costumes so that drivers can easily spot your trick or treaters while they’re out and about. Teach your children to stay on the sidewalk, travel in groups, and carry glowsticks or flashlights.
• Drivers should remain cautious while driving out in the roadways. Drive slowly and proceed through intersections and crosswalks safely. Be extremely careful when pulling in and out of driveways.  

Avoid A Grease Fire In Your Goodyear Home

10/28/2019 (Permalink)

Follow these simple steps to avoid a grease fire from occurring in your Goodyear home.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the leading cause of kitchen fires is due to unattended cooking. Grease fires can take place if you’re not following the proper precautions when it comes to cooking on your stovetop. What can start out as small flames can quickly spread to your kitchen and the rest of your home causing much devastation to you and your family. SERVPRO of Avondale/Goodyear/Southwest Phoenix have put together some helpful safety tips to help you avoid a potential grease fire from occurring in your Goodyear home.

• Do not leave your pan unattended while cooking.
• Make sure that your food is thawed out properly as you want to avoid adding frozen food to hot grease.
• Heat the oil slowly and avoid adding oil to an already overheated pan to avoid oil from splattering everywhere.
• Once the oil is heated to the correct temperature, slowly add the food.
• If small, manageable flames occur, use baking soda or a pan lid to smother the flames.
• Remove any flammable objects such as kitchen towels and potholders away from the stove.
• Never use water to extinguish flames. Instead, make sure you have a fire extinguisher in your kitchen to use when necessary.
• If the flames become too big to manage, don’t risk it. Immediately evacuate your home and call 911.

Fire Prevention Week October 2019

10/9/2019 (Permalink)

Check out www.nfpa.org for more information on fire safety.

For nearly 100 years, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has supported the public observance of Fire Prevention Week which, this year, happens October 6-12. The purpose of National Fire Week is to educate the public on how they can protect themselves, as well as their loved ones, in the event of a fire. This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign message is “Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape!”

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), you can have as little as one to two minutes for you and your family to safely escape your home in the event of a fire.

The NFPA has put together these simple steps to help keep you and your loved ones safe.

1. Plan an escape route for all members of your household. You can try mapping it out and include all the entrance/exits as well as windows.
2. Test your smoke alarms to ensure they are running properly.
3. Decide on a safe location to meet outside.
4. Make sure you post the escape plan up for everyone in the household to see.
5. Do several test runs of your home fire drill.

For more information, visit www.nfpa.org.

Practice Safety To Avoid A Kitchen Fire

10/1/2019 (Permalink)

Never leave a kitchen stove unattended while it's in use.

According to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), unattended cooking is the leading cause of fires in the kitchen. It’s important to be completely alert and take all the necessary precautions when it comes to preparing a homecooked meal in your kitchen. Here are some safety tips to avoid a potential fire from occurring in your kitchen.

• Make sure your fully alert when cooking. Avoid operating the stove if you’re sleepy or have consumed alcohol.
• Keep anything that can easily catch on fire away from the stove such as oven mitts, towels, kitchen rags, paper, etc.
• Do not leave the kitchen while the stove is in use, especially if you’re boiling, frying and grilling on the stovetop. If you are baking or roasting, use a kitchen timer to remind you to check on your food.
• If a grease fire starts, simply place a lid over the pan, remove from heat, and turn off the stove. You can also use baking powder to extinguish any small and manageable flames. Use a fire extinguisher as a last resort. Never try to extinguish flames with water.
• If the flames become unmanageable, have you and your family get out of the house immediately and call 911. Close the door to your home to keep flames from escaping.

We hope that by following the above safety tips, you can avoid a kitchen fire from occurring in your home. But in the event of fire or smoke damage, you can call SERVPRO of Avondale/Goodyear/Southwest to tackle the cleanup and restoration. Our SERVPRO techs are trained and experienced in fire and smoke damage cleanup.  

Candle Safety Tips 101

9/26/2019 (Permalink)

Treat candles with care as it is an open flame that can spread flames in your home if not handled properly.

After an almost non-existent monsoon season, it looks like the cloudy skies and rainstorms have finally decided to arrive in Avondale and the greater Phoenix area. The cooler double digit temperatures, (still in the 90’s but we’ll take it), and the overcast skies have marked an excellent beginning to the official start of the fall season and we all know what that means! Sweater weather, Halloween decorations, pumpkin everything, and let’s not forget the candles which can add that fall ambiance we so desperately wanted during 110+ degree temps in the summer. While they may be calming and aromatic, they can pose a serious fire hazard if the proper precautions are not taken. Here are several candle safety tips to take to avoid a potential house fire from occurring.

• Keep your hair and loose clothing away as you’re lighting the candle.
• Never leave candles unattended. Always blow them out before leaving a room or going to bed.
• Keep candles away from anything that can easily catch on fire.
• Make sure the candle is on a stable surface so that it won’t tip over or be knocked off.
• Use flashlights or battery-operated candle lights in the event of a power outage.

Although candles are a nice touch to the start of a cozy season, it’s extremely important to practice fire safety to prevent an open flame from spreading in your home. According to the National Fire Protection Association, “more than one-third of home candle fires start in the bedroom”. Simply following the above safety tips can ensure that you and your loved ones are safe while still enjoying the lovely fall atmosphere here in the Valley.

Trust SERVPRO To Handle The Fire Damage Cleanup

5/14/2019 (Permalink)

You can trust SERVPRO to handle the cleanup for your smoke and fire damage.

Fires can be unpredictable and can unleash a significant amount of damage to homes or businesses. Big or small, no matter what the size of the fire is, the destruction that it can cause can be chaotic, disheartening and can cause a huge inconvenience by forcing you to move out of your home or business temporarily. It will have you questioning what to do next once the smoke clears and the fire department leaves. That’s when you can call on SERVPRO of Avondale/Goodyear/Southwest Phoenix to provide fire and smoke damage cleanup and restoration. Our SERVPRO technicians are have all the necessary equipment, experience, and are highly trained in all the latest techniques to restore your property back to its previous condition so that you can get back under your own roof.

If you are experiencing fire damage, give our office a call at 623-537-9999. We are available 24/7 to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

Be Safe This Halloween!

10/22/2018 (Permalink)

Have a fun and safe Halloween!

Halloween is just around the corner and will be here before you know it. Of course, it can be fun and games, trick or treating, decorations, parties, costumes, and jack-o-lanterns, but it’s always important to adhere to proper precautions to ensure your Halloween is celebrated safely. Here are some helpful tips to keep you and your family safe while you're out and about and to also keep you safe from potential fire damage.

• Yes, candles can be fun and can add a “spooky” ambiance. If you’re going to use candles, make sure you are nearby. NEVER leave lighted candles unattended, especially those that are in jack o’ lanterns that are left outside. You never know when heavy wind gusts or perhaps, someone could accidentally knock a pumpkin over leading to flames spreading. Instead, opt for battery operated candles which are much safer.
• Avoid using flammable decorations such as crepe paper for instance. You can use these but keep them away from heat sources such as lightbulbs, stringed lights and heaters. The same applies for decorations such as corn stalk material.
• Choose the right costumes that are made of flame-resistant materials. You also want to make sure they are the right size to prevent tripping or falling.
• Make sure to place reflective tape or stickers on costumes so that you are seen while out navigating streets at night. Provide your children with flashlights or glow sticks to carry while they are out trick or treating so that they are visible to drivers on the road.
• Travel in groups and always be on alert. Always use the crosswalk and obey traffic signals. Be extremely cautious when crossing driveways.

SERVPRO of Avondale/Goodyear/Southwest Phoenix provides these safety tips so that you can have a fun and safe Halloween! 

Dryer Safety

10/11/2018 (Permalink)

When was the last time you cleaned out your lint filter?

Prevent a Dryer Fire in Your Home

Clothes dryers are a modern amenity in every household. Let’s be honest, they make the laundry process so much easier, right? If it weren’t for dryers, we’d still be hanging our clothes out on the clothes line which can be a little hard to do, especially when you live in the city. Oftentimes, due to our busy schedules, we forget about simple dryer maintenance such as cleaning out the lint filter, vacuuming underneath and around the dryer, and keeping all flammable materials stored away from the dryer. Here are some tips for Avondale, Goodyear and Southwest Phoenix residents to remember when it comes to dryer safety and maintenance.

• Do not leave your dryer running in an empty house. Always make sure you are nearby, just in case.
• Be sure to clean out the lint filter before and after each usage. You want to make this a habit in your laundry routine. Even a little lint buildup can lead to a potential fire starting.
• Do not store items on top or around your dryer. This includes items such as towels, blankets, clothes, etc. Do not store any flammables such as household cleaners nearby as well. In the event of a potential fire starting, you do not want to add additional fuel to a flame. Make sure to sweep or vacuum underneath and around your dryer to pick up any lint that may be collecting.
• Be sure to inspect the vent hose (located behind your dryer) for wear and tear. If your hose is plastic or a foil accordion style hose, replace with a metal hose as these are more durable. A plastic or foil accordion style hose can have a buildup of lint on the inside.
• Have your venting and exhaust system inspected every year. It’s best to contact a qualified professional to do some cleaning and inspecting to ensure that everything is running properly.

When it comes to heat-producing appliances, it’s best to practice extra caution, especially when it comes to your clothes dryer. Nearly 3,000 dryer fires are reported each year. Be sure to practice these safety tips to ensure your home and family is safe from potential fire damage. For more information on fire damage, contact SERVPRO of Avondale/Goodyear/Southwest Phoenix at (623)537-9999.

Practice Electrical Safety

10/10/2018 (Permalink)

If you detect a burning smell or sparks coming from an electrical outlet, be sure to contact a qualified electrician to inspect.

We use electricity every single day. From the moment we flip on a light switch or charge our phones, it’s there and will continue to be a part of our everyday routine. We oftentimes forget just how integral electricity is in our daily lives until we experience something like a power outage or forget to pay our electric bill. Simply put, electricity makes our lives so much easier. Nevertheless, we need to practice safety and caution when it comes to electricity in our homes or businesses. Here is some essential information regarding electrical safety that all homeowners and business owners in Avondale, Goodyear and Southwest Phoenix should be aware of.

• Don’t plug too many appliances that are in use in one outlet, especially if it’s a heat producing appliance such as a crock pot, toaster, or a space heater.
• Plug major appliances (such as stove, refrigerator, washer/dryer, microwave, etc.) directly into a wall outlet. Do not plug them into extension cords or power strips.
• Do not have electrical cords running underneath carpets/rugs as you run the risk of heat building up and potentially starting a fire.
• Do not use extension cords for an extended period. They are only meant for temporary usage.
• Hire a professional and qualified electrician to handle all electrical work. Don’t try and do it yourself to try and save a few bucks.
• If you’ve bought a new home or are planning on remodeling, make sure the electrical work is in accordance with local requirements.

If you encounter any electrical issues such as flickering lights, constant blown fuses or tripped circuits, a burning smell from an outlet, or sparks coming from an outlet, please contact a qualified electrician to assess the situation.

If you are dealing with fire or smoke damage from an electrical fire, contact SERVPRO of Avondale/Goodyear/Southwest Phoenix at (623) 537-9999. We are always here to help.

Avoid A Kitchen Grease Fire

10/1/2018 (Permalink)

Do not leave your stove unattended while it's in use.

Cooking. We all do it, some of us better then others, but we all do it, whether it’d be whipping up some scrambled eggs, cooking up some stir fry, or doing the three-course meal. Cooking is the leading cause of fire injuries and home fires in the United States. What can start as a small grease fire can eventually grow and spread to other areas of your home if it’s not safely contained. Here are some helpful tips to help Avondale, Goodyear, and Southwest Phoenix residents when it comes to safely putting out a grease fire in your home.

• Make sure you have a fire extinguisher in your kitchen and know how to use it.
• Be sure to have the handles on your pots and pans facing inwards as to avoid accidentally knocking it onto the ground.
• Do not leave the stove unattended while cooking. Always remain in close proximity of the stove when in use.
• Keep kitchen towels, pot holders, and anything that is flammable away from the stove.
• Watch the heat carefully. If the pan gets too hot, the grease will start to boil or splatter, and the pan will start to smoke which could lead to flames. When you notice the pan start to smoke, turn the heat down immediately and watch carefully.
• If a hot pan does catch on fire, use pot holders to place a lid or baking sheet on top of the pan. If you don’t have a lid or baking sheet available, you can also resort to using baking soda. Be sure to carefully pour it over the flames. The key here is to smother the flames. DO NOT use water or anything else that is flammable to try and put out the flames.
• If none of those options are working, use your fire extinguisher. If the flames do get out of hand, do not try and put it out. Instead, have you and your family evacuate immediately and call 911.

With the holidays coming up, many of us will be in the kitchen preparing large meals. To avoid a potential grease fire from happening, you can apply the above tips. Applying these safety tips will protect you, your home, and most importantly, your loved ones.

If you do find yourself dealing with fire or smoke damage in your kitchen from a grease fire, you can count on SERVPRO of Avondale/Goodyear/Southwest Phoenix to provide restoration services. Give SERVPRO of Avondale/Goodyear/Southwest Phoenix a call at (623) 537-9999.

Smoke Alarm Safety 101

9/28/2018 (Permalink)

When was the last time you tested your smoke alarm?

Smoke alarms can be a life saver. Literally. In a 2015 report from The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), “three of every five home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms (38%) or no working smoke alarms (21%)”. This statistic alone is startling and shows the importance of having smoke alarms in your home or business. SERVPRO of Avondale/Goodyear/Southwest Phoenix has some helpful tips for how to properly install and maintain them to ensure the safety of you and your family.

• Alarms should be installed on the inside and outside of bedrooms.
• Install a smoke alarm on each level of your home.
• Use an interconnected alarm system which allows for all alarms in your home or business to sound off when one alarm is set off.
• Do not install a smoke alarm near your kitchen as you don’t want any false alarms such as smoke from burnt toast.
• Test all smoke alarms once a month to ensure they are running properly.
• Replace smoke alarm batteries at least once every year.
• Replace your smoke alarm every 10 years. Be sure to check the back of your alarm for the manufacturer’s date so you know when to replace.

Nearly 3,000 deaths were reported in 2016 from home fires in the United States. Be sure to take the proper precautions to protect you and the lives of those around you by adhering to the recommended safety tips listed above.

If you find yourself dealing with Fire Damage, call SERVPRO of Avondale/Goodyear/Southwest Phoenix at (623) 537-9999 for additional information.

Fire Damage Avondale - Dealing with Avondale Fire Damage

5/24/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Avondale/Goodyear/Southwest Phoenix can restore your Avondale home from fire damage and make it "Like it never even happened."

Dealing with Fire Damage in Avondale 

Fire damage in Avondale frequently strikes homes large and small, often in unpredictable and unusual ways. Large fires can engulf entire buildings or portions of them, and smaller fires can still cause enough damage so as to make the home temporarily unlivable. It can be difficult for many homeowners to cope with the effects of a fire, both financially and emotionally. Luckily, many services exist to help with the transition back into normal life after a fire in your Avondale home. 

Homeowners' Insurance 

If you have homeowners' insurance, a great deal or all of the financial loss associated with a house fire is typically covered by the insurance provider. You should contact your provider as soon as possible after the fire, to find out what is and is not covered under your policy. The provider may also launch an investigation to ensure that the fire was not started purposefully, but you should be able to receive significant financial help in most cases. 

Restoration and Repair Services 

Professional restoration companies help to salvage and rebuild all that can be recovered from an Avondale fire, and assist in potentially hazardous repair work. These teams are composed of professionals and experienced workers, and can typically help you to get back to your home and repair most damages as quickly as possible. 

Counseling and Therapists 

Many mental health professionals are used to interacting with victims of fire damage, as many objects and records of sentimental value may be lost in a fire. Finding a mental health professional willing to take on and experienced in cases related to fire damage to your home may be worth the money, even if you felt stable and composed in the aftermath. 

Housing Charities 

If you lack the money to stay at a hotel while the house is being repaired, many charities and locations exist with the purpose of giving families a roof to stay under for short periods of time. Additionally, many churches and other religious organizations may be willing to let you stay on their property. If this is an issue for you, be sure to ask around at local charitable organizations for help. 

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

A locally owned and operated company, SERVPRO of Avondale / Goodyear / Southwest Phoenix is committed to helping all residents in repairing and restoring their homes in the face of natural disaster. If you are in need of repair and restoration services, give us a call at (623) 537-9999. 

Phoenix Smoke Damage And Your Possessions

1/14/2016 (Permalink)

Smoke and Fire Damage Are No Match for SERVPRO

SERVPRO Restores Your Possessions in Phoenix After Smoke Damage

Once a fire takes place on your property, Phoenix smoke and fire damage are the outcome. You likely find yourself experiencing anxiety and concern regarding the condition of your residential living space. Smoke damage to your possessions presents unique challenges to SERVPRO for successful salvaging. For example, the smoke that results from a fire can leave behind a residue that coats your property and causes issues such as warping, rusting, corrosion, etching, discoloration, and staining. Smoke generates unwanted odors that that are stubborn to remove.  There are four categories of property items that are specifically susceptible to extensive, expensive damage from the smoke and soot that fires generate.

Wooden Furniture
Wooden furniture will often require careful, extensive treatment due to smoke and soot damage. Typically, wood is very porous, which makes it more susceptible to retaining odors, acquiring residue, and taking on staining. Hard surfaces offer a landing point for oily soot.

Carpets, Drapes, Upholstery, and Rugs
Each of these items is recognized for absorbing and subsequently retaining unpleasant smells. Depending on the level of penetration and type of material, the odors generated by smoke soot can be difficult to remove completely. SERVPRO utilizes specialized dry cleaning services for fabrics.

Books
A library replete with well-kept books in good condition can quickly deteriorate into a library full of damaged books. The heat and acid generated by the smoke can degrade book bindings and cause discoloration of the pages. If the books were wetted, we have specific equipment and techniques for drying and restoring, if possible.

Artwork
Different media of artwork can be adversely impacted from smoke damage, and some of them include antique sculptures, original paintings and framing, and family photographs and albums.  Although you may feel inclined to complete the restoration process on your own, it is always best to contact industry experts to do the job. If you complete the cleaning process incorrectly or incompletely, you could permanently damage or even destroy your valuable artwork. SERVPRO can restore many artifacts but recognizes limitations and liabilities. We can secure the services of an art museum or a private company for restoration.

Choose SERVPRO Now!
Once your property is impacted by smoke damage, there's only one company to call for professional restoration: SERVPRO. With over 57 years of experience in the industry and all members of our team IICRC-certified professionals, we are passionate about offering customized services that suit your individual needs and preferences. We offer free estimates, a fast response, and immediate customer service. Don't put up with unwanted smoke damage and odors for a moment longer. Instead, allow us to restore your property "Like it never even happened."

Have Smoke or Fire Damage?

SERVPRO of Avondale/Goodyear/Southwest Phoenix is dedicated to responding immediately day or night to your Phoenix home or business. We offer 24/7 service to Phoenix, Goodyear, and Avondale and are proud to help our local communities. Call us. (623) 537-9999

Avondale Fire Damage Cleanup and Restoration

8/11/2015 (Permalink)

After a house fire, a home can be severely damaged both in the structure and cosmetically.

Fire Damage Cleanup and Restoration

Avondale fire damage remediation occurs when a house was involved in a fire and has suffered water and smoke damage. Homeowners should hire professionals to help with fire damage remediation to restore the damaged areas and make the home livable again. After a house fire, a home can be severely damaged both in the structure and cosmetically. To ensure the job is done precise, call a remediation company like SERVPRO.

How Fire Damage Remediation Works
Once a fire has damaged a home, specific areas need to be cleaned and restored. This includes rebuilding the structure that has been damaged, removing debris, cleaning the HVAC components, and drying out the inside of the home.

Rebuilding Structure
Comprehensive Avondale fire damage remediation companies can help you make sure the structure of your home is safe for your family. Structural beams, floorboards, and framing can be replaced. As long as the structure has been restored to its original state, your home should be safe.

Removing Debris
After a fire, there will be a lot of debris that cannot be salvaged. A good fire damage remediation company will go throughout the home and discard all items that have been affected by the fire, smoke, and water. Certain items cannot be saved, and it is usually easier to let the professionals handle this task.

Cleaning the HVAC
Any time a home has been affected by water and smoke; the HVAC system needs to be professionally cleaned. A fire damage remediation company can clean the filters and coils or determine if they need to be replaced. Contingent on the extent of the damage, you may need a new system.

Drying out the Home
Water damage can destroy many items in the home quickly. Damp furniture will develop mold and mildew and standing water will damage drywall and other structures. Professionals who work with a Avondale fire damage remediation company will use dehumidifiers and air moving machines to dry the home and prevent mold.

When cleaning up from fire damage it is best to let the professionals do the job. A fire damage remediation company like SERVPRO can respond quickly and get to work to remove the water and begin the drying process. Remediation companies can identify items that can be salvaged and make an inventory of items that need to be discarded. Allowing the professionals to come in and the do their job will get your life back to normal as quickly as possible.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

SERVPRO of Avondale/Goodyear/Southwest Phoenix is locally owned and operated, so we are part of this community too. When you have a smoke or fire damage emergency, we’re already nearby and ready to help. We take pride in being a part of the Avondale community and want to do our part in making it the best it can be.

We are proud to serve our local communities:

• Fire Damage Avondale, AZ
• Goodyear Fire Damage, AZ
• Fire Damage Southwest Phoenix, AZ
• Phoenix Fire Damage, AZ

Our expertise in fire damage is extensive.  SERVPRO utilizes IICRC training as part of our on-going education to stay ahead of the curve.  Call us for help.  (623) 537-9999