Helpful Fire Safety Tips

6/19/2024 (Permalink)

Fire Safety

There are many things that can cause a residential or commercial fire to take place. There are also many easy steps that you can take to prevent fires from happening and safeguarding our property and you safe.

Here are just a few helpful fire safety tips that can help you avoid a fire:

- Ensure that appliances are turned off and/or unplugged after use and before leaving your home during an extended period of abscence as in a vacation scenario.

- When on vacation, have a trusted neighbor or family member look in on your property as a safeguard.

- Check smoke alarms on a regularly scheduled basis to ensure that they are in properly working condition and have working batteries in them.

-Ensure that heaters are not blocked and there is nothing flammable placed near them.

- If you have a chimney and/or wood burning fireplace in your home, inspect it annually before putting into use. Have this inspected by a professionally licensed service provider.

- Have an emergency plan and escape route in place for the entire family should an emergency occur.

At SERVPRO of Collinsville, Troy, Alton, Edwardsville, Granite City, Belleville, O'Fallon, we want your metro-east Illinois home, your family and if you own a business, your employees to remain safe and worry free.

If an unforeseen catastrophe like a fire occurs,  call SERVPRO® immediately at 618-667-8648.  We are available 24/7, 365 Days a year.

When Dealing with Smoke & Soot Damage

6/7/2023 (Permalink)

Smoke & Soot Damage

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Collinsville, Troy, Alton, Edwardsville, Granite City, Belleville, O'Fallon will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have you experienced Smoke and Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – 618-667-8648

Do You Know What To Do if a Kitchen Fire Breaks Out?

6/2/2023 (Permalink)

Kitchen Fires

Do you know what to do in the event of an out of control kitchen fire?

Electrical fires? Grease fires? What do you need to do?

Here are some tips to follow to prepare you if you ever have a fire in your kitchen!

Electrical

Fires can happen anywhere in the kitchen. Near an electrical outlet, in the microwave, or even in the stove. Here are some tips to go by.

• Electrical: If a fire starts, use a fire extinguisher, never douse it with water. Always call the fire department for an electrical fire, even if you have already put it out with the fire extinguisher.
• Oven: Immediately close the oven door and turn it off. If the fire doesn’t go out right away, call the fire department.
• Microwave: Close the microwave door and keep it closed. Turn the microwave off and unplug it if you can do so safely.

Grease

Grease fires should not be handled like any other kitchen fire. Rule number #1 never pour water on a grease fire. The best way to handle a grease fire it to smother it, if possible, and then let it die out.

• If grease catches on fire in your cooking pan, quickly put on the oven mitt, then place the lid over the pan to smother the fire. Next try sliding the lid over the flames as opposed to dropping the lid down from above.
• Turn off the burner and leave the pan where it is at so the pan can cool down.

You should never hesitate to call the fire department. But if it is a small, contained fire, you should follow the above steps to try to extinguish it while waiting for help to arrive. Also remember safety first to keep yourself and your family protected and call for help.

For kitchen cleaning up and fixing make sure to contact SERVPRO at (618) 667-8648!

Residential Smoke & Soot Damage Facts

5/12/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke & Soot? Call SERVPRO.

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Effingham-Mattoon-Charleston will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care as it were our own.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today at (618) 667-8648

SMOKE DAMAGED INSULATION? NO PROBLEM!

5/10/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke Damaged Insulation

SMOKE DAMAGED INSULATION? WE CAN REMEDY THAT!

SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy understands the need to remove all damaged materials from your home or business to make sure there is no lingering effects from a fire damage. One of those materials is your insulation. Insulation is very porous and absorbent which will trap odors like smoke in the material. SERVPRO has various ways of removing insulation based on what type (rolled or blown in) insulation it is. We make sure we remove all materials that could cause odor problems.

Smoke and Soot Facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke:

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Call the cleanup team that is Faster to any size disaster at (618) 667-8648.

Our Large Loss Division Deployed to a Commercial Fire

3/1/2022 (Permalink)

Large Loss Deployment

TEAM WOLFE is back on the road again with our Large Loss Division. Once again, Our Large Loss Team was called upon to perform a complex multi-story commercial large loss due to an extensive fire in the Metro East Illinois region.When your commercial property is suddenly hit with damage due to a complex fire event or other disaster, it can leave you, your employees and customers in shock and not knowing where to turn. It’s important to know that you have professional large-loss specialists right here in the midwest in addition to that can handle commercial restoration processes from start to finish as quickly as possible so that you can get back to business. SERVPRO’s Disaster Recovery Team is an elite team of restoration specialists and technicians that know exactly how to accomplish getting you back in business. We’re strategically located and prequalified to respond Faster to any size disaster. At TEAM WOLFE, we serve our clients with pure passion and no limitations.

Smoke & Soot Damage - What You Need To Know

12/30/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke/Soot Damage

Smoke & Soot After a Fire

After fire damages your home or business, smoke & soot will be present throughout the structure and affects everything from ceiling tiles to HVAC/Ventilation systems, etc., posing a threat to your health and to the contents within the structure. Learn more about the Fire Damage Restoration process.

Smoke & Soot from Fire, What Should You Know About It

Smoke/Soot damage is tiny carbon particles created by incomplete combustion of fossil fuels (wood, oil, coal, etc.). Smoke/Soot contains lots of acids, as well as chemicals, metals, soils, and dust. These particles leave a charred residue and a pungent foul smell on everything it comes in contact with.

During a fire, smoke and/or soot spreads to throughout the entire structure, attacking surfaces and you contents within the structure. This acidic film will cause secondary damage your home your contents and indoor air quality if it is not remediated by a professional immediately.

Soot can inhabit your home even if there wasn’t a fire such as the case with excessive candle burning. Excessive candle usage can lead to soot buildup especially on your ceilings, so make sure to use them carefully as they are a leading cvause of fires. Fireplaces can release soot as well if they’re not properly ventilated. Furnaces are also a source of soot contamination when a defective operating system is in operation.

The dangers of soot exposure:

Data shows that soot exposure leads to around 20,000 deaths in the U.S. each year. Soot-related diseases are the culprit of many of them. Moreover, soot exposure causes 300,000 asthma attacks and two million lost workdays annually due to respiratory problems.

Soot can enter your body through inhalation, ingestion or via the skin and eyes. These toxic particles can cause many breathing problems, including asthma, bronchitis, coronary heart disease, and even cancer. Infants, the elderly, and those who already have breathing problems are the most affected by these contaminates.

To avoid the health risks of soot exposure after a home fire, make sure that all soot-affected areas are properly cleaned and sanitized by a SERVPRO professional.

How to clean up soot

Your home or business likely holds many chemicals, such as plastics, foams, carpets, wood products, and synthetic fabrics. Soot derived from these materials leads to health hazards that make fire restoration a dangerous and difficult process to remedy. That's why it's always best to call professioinals like SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy! We have the specialized training, PPE and resources to properly remediate Smoke and Soot from your property. Personal protective equipment (PPE) refers to protective clothing, helmets, gloves, face shields, goggles, facemasks and/or respirators or other equipment designed to protect the wearer from injury and/or hazardous materials.

A dust mask and a household cleaner are not enough to clean up soot! Removing soot thoroughly requires professional tools, knowledge, and expertise. SERVPRO can properly clean soot and odors from your entire home or business to ensure its safe.

For professional smoke/soot remediation or fire damage repair, contact SERVPRO at (618) 667-8648.

SERVPRO handles all stages of the repair process

4/22/2021 (Permalink)

Working seamlessly with one goal in mind.

TEAM WOLFE is a "Full Service" Restoration and Reconstruction Company that handles all aspects of putting your home or business back to its preloss condition. Here we have our Restoration Division collaborating seamlessly with our Construction Division on a recent fire damage project. When faced with a serious disaster to your home or business, a full service restoration company is invaluable. Whether you’ve sustained damage as the result of a fire, flood, storm, or any other unexpected event, you need a Full Service Restoration company in your corner and we respond to your needs immediately. Our professionally trained, IICRC certified technicians will be on-site within one hour of your call, equipped and prepared to start the damage control, cleaning, and restoration process without delay. At TEAM WOLFE, one call takes care of it all from start to finish! Its what all customers should expect from a restoration company and we deliver!

House Fire Statistics and How to Avoid Them

2/3/2021 (Permalink)

Residential Home Fire

Home Fires Lead The Way In Property Losses

Residential homes are the leading types of property losses. We broke down the facts and figures surrounding house fires and property loss nationwide. House fire property claims are also some of the most common and expensive in the United States according to the Insurance Information Institute.

According to the United States Fire Administration, residential buildings are the leading property type for fire deaths, injuries, and property losses. Here are just a few figures surrounding house fires and property loss nationwide. There are many more factors that cause fire but here are just 4 to name a few:

• According to the National Fire Protection Association An estimated $8 Billion dollars of property loss from house fires occurred in 2018.

• It's estimated that 49% of house fires were caused by cooking from 2013 to 2017 according to the NFPA.

• According to the U.S. Fire Administration, the estimated number of residential fires that occurred nationwide in 2018 were 379,600. That's a whole lot of fires!

• Every year, 48%of Thanksgiving Day house fires occur between the hours of 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., according to the U.S. Fire Administration. Over 50% of all fires in 2018 were directly caused by cooking!

Reducing Your Risk of Becoming Part Of The Stats

There are many things you can do to help prevent a potential fire at your home. We suggest you put together a checklist of all potential hazards in your home and inspect those items on a regularly schedules basis.

Here are just a few items you should check regularly to get you started on creating your own checklist:

• Make sure your HVAC is in good working condition. You should have this inspected annually by a Heating and Air professional. 

• The easiest way to avoid a house fire is by checking your smoke alarms/detectors on a regularly scheduled basis. There is a little button on it that you can press to test it. If it beeps weakly, then you need to change the batteries ASAP. It's a good habit to change the batteries during daylight savings time annually.

•  Keep your stove and oven clean and free of grease and buildup of food particles. Never leave your kitchen unattended while your cooking! It only takes a few seconds for a fire to break out. If you have to leave the kitchen for any reason, turn off the burners before you leave the room. 

If for whatever reason you can’t turn off the oven, call someone into the kitchen to watch the food until you get back. 

• Make sure that electrical cords are in good condition and are not frayed or chewed by the family pet. If you do notice damaged wires, replace them as soon as possible because this is a huge fire hazard. Never use a cord the is damaged.

• Fire Extinguishers are your best defense weapon when a fire breaks out. You want to make sure you have one in every room that is a potential threat, such as the kitchen or laundry room. Every family member should know how to use an extinguisher so if a fire does happen, it can be put out as fast as possible. 

In the event at fire strikes your home, call the cleanup specialists at SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy at (618) 667-8648. We promise to put your home back to it's preloss condition "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy can get you back to normal after a kitchen fire

11/17/2020 (Permalink)

Fire Damaged ceiling and walls

Cooking is something that most every person does on daily basis. It is an activity that is so normal, that it is easily forgotten how dangerous it can be. The temperatures required to cook are hot enough to start a fire if left unattended.

According to the NFPA, in 2018 the “United States fire departments responded to an estimated average of 172,100 home structure fires per year started by cooking activities in 2012-2016, or an average of 471 home cooking fires per day. These fires caused an average of 530 civilian deaths, 5,270 reported civilian fire injuries, and $1.1 billion in direct property damage per year.”

As you can see, fire damages not only happen often, they are expensive as well. This is because when a fire occurs it damages much more than just the structure of your home or business. The heat from the fire can change the chemical makeup of food items, textiles, furniture, and much more.

Another variable to consider is the amount of soot that the fire spreads around your home or business. Even a small fire in a small corner of your home or business can spread soot over the entire property. The soot gets into the duct systems and is then cycled through the property by the HVAC system. This is why you should trust our highly trained professionals come in and clean the property properly. At SERVPRO, we have a restore first mindset and will do our best to restore any items affected by fire.

What should be disposed of after a kitchen fire:

• Nonperishable food items- even though these food items are sealed, the heat from the fire can activate bacteria in the cans or jars causing the food to go bad.
• Room temperature perishable food items- a sealed refrigerator can keep food safe to eat for up to two hours without power as long as it is left shut. However if when the refrigerator is opened, even within that two hour zone, and a strange odor is present, it would be a good idea to dispose of the items inside.
• Burnt clothing- all clothing burned by the fire should be disposed of even if it is just barely burned.
• Cosmetics and medications- carefully sort through and examine cosmetics and medicine. If there are any signs that the container has been compromised, dispose the item.

A reliable rule of thumb after a kitchen fire is to get rid of items stored in cardboard, thin plastic bags, or cloth.

SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy is a team you can count on to be Faster to Any Size Disaster. Call (618) 667-8648 today for a fast disaster cleanup service from an experienced team.

Make a Fire Escape Plan!

11/17/2020 (Permalink)

Make a plan!

Fire can spread rapidly through your home, leaving you as little as one or two minutes to escape safely once the smoke alarm sounds. A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire. Make sure to install smoke alarms in every sleeping room, level and outside each separate sleeping area. Bring everyone in your household together and make a plan. Walk through your home and inspect all possible exits and escape routes.

Consider drawing a floor plan of your home if you have children. This will help them visually see the exits. Make sure to mark two ways out of each room, including windows and doors.

Escape planning tips:

• Check to make sure the escape routes are clear and doors and windows can be opened easily.
• Choose an outside meeting place (i.e. neighbor's house, a light post, mailbox, or stop sign) a safe distance in front of your home where everyone can meet after they've escaped. Make sure to mark the location of the meeting place on your escape plan.
• Go outside to see if your street number is clearly visible from the road. If not, paint it on the curb or install house numbers to ensure that responding emergency personnel can find your home.
• Have everyone memorize the emergency phone number of the fire department. That way any member of the household can call from a neighbor's home or a cellular phone once safely outside.
• Once you're out, stay out! Under no circumstances should you ever go back into a burning building. If someone is missing, inform the fire department dispatcher when you call. Firefighters have the skills and equipment to perform rescues.

Fires are dangerous and Team Wolfe wants to make sure you and your family are prepared! 

With Colder Weather Comes Fire Risk

11/2/2020 (Permalink)

Electrical Fire from a overloaded circuit

Seasonal traditions like Thanksgiving and Christmas require adjustments to our daily routines as the thermometer drops in the region.  With these changes come unwanted risks including fire hazards from additional holiday lights, candles and cooking.  Below, we list some preventative measures you can take now in order to prepare for the colder seasons.

• Change the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. This process should be completed on an annual basis, preferably at Daylight Savings Time or the beginning of a new season to ensure your home and business is safe and prepared for potential emergencies.
• Check your heaters and HVAC systems for signs of failure and damage. Heating systems pose a significant threat of fire damage during the fall and winter months, so preparation and HVAC system inspections are critical in order to eliminate the risk of fire or lack of heat in your home. Any space heaters should be also be placed away from items that pose a risk such as clothing.
• Fireplaces should be inspected annually to ensure they do not pose a risk, and combustible materials should be kept a safe distance away.
• Clear your roof and gutters of debris that can collect and pose a risk if ignited.
• Do not leave a fire of any kind unattended.

As colder weather ushers in to the metro-east region of Illinois, so does the risk of fires in your home or business.  SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy, SERVPRO of Alton, Edwardsville & Granite City, SERVPRO of Belleville-O'Fallon wants to remind you about safe practices and safety precautions this fall and winter.  Along with many other preventative measures you can take, these steps are critical in helping to keep you, your family  safe.

If your home or business does experience a fire damage event of any size, our team is here for immediate assistance.  Our fire restoration professionals can handle the entire restoration and reconstruction process for you in order to help ease the stress that often comes with these types of disasters.  For more information, give us a call at (618) 667-8648.

It's Candle Fire Season!

11/2/2020 (Permalink)

A diffuser is a much safer alternative than a candle.

Be Cautious When Using Candles

Yes, that soft light and aromatic fragrances that fill the room from a lit candle can be an easy way to create the atmosphere that you want in your home. However, candles can also become a safety hazard if they are not used properly. Candle fires are common, but the following tips can help you avoid them.

1. Don’t Leave Burning Candles Unattended:
It may seem like an annoyance to extinguish a candle every time you leave the room. However, leaving it burning could result in a candle fire if something gets too close to the flame or if it burns too low. It is best to blow out candles before going to bed at night, even if the candle is in the same room you sleep in..

2. Keep Them Away From Flammable Items:
When you are using a candle, you should be sure to have the area free of flammable objects. This can include papers as well as fabrics such as curtains and bedding. These types of items should be at least a foot away from any candles that are in use. Flammable liquids should be kept even further away.

3. Keep Them Out of Reach of Pets and Children:
Both children and pets often come with an excess of energy and curiosity. For this reason, it can be easy for them to inadvertently start a candle fire. Keep burning candles in an area that are not within reach of a child or pet, especially unsupervised!

4. Use an Alternative:
Perhaps the easiest way to prevent a is simply not to use candles at all. There are a variety of other ways that you can achieve a more relaxing home environment. If you are only interested in adding a nice scent to your home, a wax warmer is a great option. One great option is a diffuser. Diffusers are a great alternative to candles and make you house smell fantastic!

While these tips can help you prevent an emergency, accidents can still occur. Whether it is small or large, fires often require smoke cleanup and some repairs. If this happens, a fire damage restoration company like SERVPRO can help return your home to its preloss condition making it "Like it never even happened."

We Are Here For You When Fire Strikes

10/20/2020 (Permalink)

Flames raging on a roof

The damage caused by a fire doesn’t end when the flames have been extinguished.  When dealing with fire damage, homeowners often see their possessions that they spent their lives working for along with the roof over their heads destroyed, leaving them searching for a safe place to stay while they figure out what's next. Meanwhile, businesses can find themselves in financial struggles and unable to deliver their goods and services leaving them exposed to potential loss of clients, marketing share and potentially not re-opening. Rapid fire damage restoration can hold the key to limiting the emotional and financial struggles caused by a fire. SERVPRO understands this and knows how important it is to get your lives back to normal and businesses back open.

EVERY 65 SECONDS!

According to the latest numbers from the National Fire Protection Association, a structure fire is reported every 65 seconds. When a fire alarm sounds, emergency responders and fire departments answer the call for help with rapid response and deployment to the scene of the fire. When the fire is out and the smoke clears, SERVPRO team members respond, ready to help with the same rapid response and quick deployment to your damage home or business – 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU ALWAYS

At SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy, we never take a day off because we know fires happen anytime, all the time and we are to serve you!

Tips for ensuring a fun and safe Thanksgiving!

11/13/2019 (Permalink)

Thanksgiving is known for being a time for being thankful, recognizing the good things in our lives, enjoying good food, and spending time with friends. However, it is also knowing for being a time when many difference kitchen accidents, including fires, can occur. Here at SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy, we want you to be able to enjoy your holiday with your family, so we put together a list of easy suggestions for having a safe and fun holiday.

• Check all smoke detectors in the home to ensure that they are working and have working batteries in them.
• Ensure that there is a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and that the individuals in the household have been trained on how to use it.
• Have an emergency plan and escape routes mapped out in case of an emergency
• Encourage children to stay out of the kitchen or cooking area to minimize accidents
• Try to keep toys and other items off of the kitchen floor and counters, and ensure that there are no appliance cords left dangling on the counter.
• Remain in the kitchen while cooking food on the stove top
• Stay at home while the turkey is in the oven and check on it frequently

We hope that your holiday is full of fun, memories, and delicious food! If a fire or other emergency does occur, our team can be contacted 24 hours a day at 618-667-8648.

Candle Safety

11/13/2019 (Permalink)

Candles are a popular way to decorate a home. They come in a variety of colors, designs, and scents to match every decorating style and preference. While candles are used every day, they are often more popular around the holidays such as Halloween, Christmas, and New Year's.  However, the open flame can cause a risk of a house fire.  According to the National Fire Safety Association, candles can cause house fires resulting in up to $264 million dollars of property damage a year. In order to ensure the safety of your home and property, there are several alternatives to candles that you can consider. 

• Flameless candles or battery-operated candles 
• Wax warmers  
• Electric candle warmers 
• Oil diffuser or warmer 
• LED string lights in decorative bowl or vase 

If you do choose to use candles in your home, consider these tips to keep your home and family safe. 

• Ensure that candles are extinguished before leaving the room or going to sleep. 
• Keep candles away from anything flammable  
• Place candles on a sturdy surface 
• Do not light candles if oxygen is being used in the home 
• Ensure that children and pets are not left alone in a room with burning candles 

In the event of a house fire, call SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy at (618) 667-8648 with any questions you may have. Our experienced team is available and willing to help 24/7.  

Fire safety tips

2/26/2019 (Permalink)

In the last few weeks there have been multiple fires in the surrounding areas and I wanted to take this time to remind everyone to be prepared by following the fire safety guidelines listed below: 

• Everyone in your household should help make a plan. Walk through your home and inspect all possible exits and escape routes. 
• A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home.
• Everyone in the household must understand the escape plan. When you walk through your plan, check to make sure the escape routes are clear and doors and windows can be opened easily.
• Choose an outside meeting place a safe distance in front of your home where everyone can meet after they've escaped. Make sure to mark the location of the meeting place on your escape plan.
• Go outside to see if your street number is clearly visible from the road. If not, paint it on the curb or install house numbers to ensure that responding emergency personnel can find your home.
• Have everyone memorize the emergency phone number of the fire department. That way any member of the household can call from a neighbor's home or a cellular phone once safely outside.
• If there are infants or family members with mobility limitations, make sure that someone is assigned to assist them in the fire drill and in the event of an emergency. Assign a backup person too, in case the designee is not home during the emergency.
• If windows or doors in your home have security bars make sure that the bars have emergency release devices inside so that they can be opened immediately in an emergency. Emergency release devices won't compromise your security - but they will increase your chances of safely escaping a home fire.
• Tell guests or visitors to your home about your family's fire escape plan. When staying overnight at other people's homes, ask about their escape plan. If they don't have a plan in place, offer to help them make one. This is especially important when children are permitted to attend "sleepovers" at friends' homes.
• Be fully prepared for a real fire: when a smoke alarm sounds, get out immediately.
• Once you're out, stay out! Under no circumstances should you ever go back into a burning building. If someone is missing, inform the fire department dispatcher when you call. Firefighters have the skills and equipment to perform rescues.

Thanksgiving safety tips.

11/14/2018 (Permalink)

Thanksgiving is already next week. SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy wants to wish everyone a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving Day! To help keep you, your family and your home safe this year take a look at these tips:

• Stay in the kitchen when cooking.
• If you leave the room, turn off the stove and move the pan from the burner.
• Keep things that can burn — oven mitts, towels, and wooden spoons — three feet from the stove.
• If a fire starts, slide a tight-fitting lid on the pan and turn off the heat.
• Avoid loose-fitting clothing that can easily catch fire.

Cooking fires is one of the main causes for home fires a year. Being aware and paying attention while you are cooking will help prevent a fire from starting. Stay safe this Holiday Season and remember SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy is always Here To Help!

Common causes for house fires.

10/4/2018 (Permalink)

House fires are more common during the colder season. Between 2011 and 2015, the U.S fire departments responded to an average of 358,000 house fires per year. Cooking is one main cause of house fires and injuries. Frying and unattended cooking are the main reasons for cooking fires. Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter are three big Holidays when most house fires occur. 

When planning and prepping for a party people tend to get overwhelmed and distracted. They will forget something is in the oven, leave a burner on, or a put a towel to close to the stoves flame. Try to be more focused while cooking. Designate someone to keep an eye on the food at all times. Have a fire extinguisher close by and check all smoke alarms as well. 

Be prepared and safe next time you are cooking a big meal! SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy is here to help if you experience a cooking fire!

How to eliminate the odors caused by a fire

5/9/2018 (Permalink)

We are building more ozone chambers

Experiencing a fire in your home or business is very tough. If you are fortunate enough to be able to save your furniture and belongings; they will have an odor left from the fire. Removing the odor may be tough, but not for SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy. Our facility currently has five ozone chambers and we are in the process of building more. These ozone chambers will eliminate the odor left form the fire in your belongings. Our crews are trained on how to use them and what needs to be done to make your belongings look "Like it never even happened." We are available 24/7 for calls and services. If you were to experience a fire give us a call at 618-667-8648