Smoking Safety

7/26/2017 (Permalink)

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reported that "smoking materials, including cigarettes, pipes, and cigars, started an estimated 17,200 home structure fires reported to U.S. fire departments in 2014. As the air gets dryer, it's important to remember that it's much easier to start fires than other times of the year. If you are a smoker, smoke responsibly and follow these smoking safety tips, provided by the National Fire Protection Association.

Smoking Safety

• If you smoke, use only fire-safe cigarettes.
• If you smoke, smoke outside. Most deaths result from fires that started in the living rooms, family rooms and dens or in bedrooms.
• Keep cigarettes, lighters, matches, and other smoking materials up high out of the reach of children, in a locked cabinet.

Put It Out

• Use a deep, sturdy ashtray. Place it away from anything that can burn.
• Do not discard cigarettes in vegetation such as mulch, potted plants or landscaping, peat moss, dried grasses, leaves or other things that could ignite easily.
• Before you throw away butts and ashes, make sure they are out. Dousing them in water or sand is the best way to do that.

For more information, visit http://www.nfpa.org/public-education/by-topic/top-causes-of-fire/smoking

Smoking Safety

6/29/2017 (Permalink)

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reported that "smoking materials, including cigarettes, pipes, and cigars, started an estimated 17,200 home structure fires reported to U.S. fire departments in 2014. As the air gets dryer, it's important to remember that it's much easier to start fires than other times of the year. If you are a smoker, smoke responsibly and follow these smoking safety tips, provided by the National Fire Protection Association.

Smoking Safety

• If you smoke, use only fire-safe cigarettes.
• If you smoke, smoke outside. Most deaths result from fires that started in the living rooms, family rooms and dens or in bedrooms.
• Keep cigarettes, lighters, matches, and other smoking materials up high out of the reach of children, in a locked cabinet.

Put It Out

• Use a deep, sturdy ashtray. Place it away from anything that can burn.
• Do not discard cigarettes in vegetation such as mulch, potted plants or landscaping, peat moss, dried grasses, leaves or other things that could ignite easily.
• Before you throw away butts and ashes, make sure they are out. Dousing them in water or sand is the best way to do that.

For more information, visit http://www.nfpa.org/public-education/by-topic/top-causes-of-fire/smoking

Pool Safety

6/21/2017 (Permalink)

Days are getting longer and the weather is getting warmer. It's time for more trips to the pool whether at home or at your local community pool. This summer, safety is SERVPRO of Tacoma's main concern. Keep yourself and your children safe by following these pool safety tips provided by The Washington State Department of Health.

• Never take eyes off children in the water.
• Don't allow a young child in the pool without an adult
• Knowing how to swim doesn't make a child drown-proof. Never use flotation devices as a substitute for supervision.
• If a child is missing, check the pool first. 
• A barrier, such as a fence that is at least 4 feet high, must surround the pool or spa. The gate or door must be self-closing and self-latching with the latch out of reach of children.
• For above ground and inflatable pools with ladders, remove or secure the ladder when the pool is not in use. 
• A power safety pool cover or safety cover for spas is another barrier option.
• Don't play or swim near drains or suction outlets, especially in spas and shallow pools.
• Keep long hair away from suction drains by using hair braids, bands, or swim caps.
• Never enter a pool or spa that has a loose, broke, or missing drain cover.
• Know where the electrical cut-off switch for the pool or spa pump is and mark it for quick turnoff.

For more pool safety information, refer to The Washington State Department of Health's website at http://www.doh.wa.gov/CommunityandEnvironment/WaterRecreation/PoolSafety.

Call SERVPRO of Tacoma Professionals for Your Water Damage Needs

5/10/2017 (Permalink)

Leaks from piping, roofs, and other water sources can cause water damages that can go unnoticed for weeks, even months. Attempting to clean up water from a leak can lead to further damage and contamination if not handled properly.

SERVPRO of Tacoma's trained professionals are equipped with a full line of cleanup and restoration services that handle water damages caused by leaks and excessive moisture. Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, our specialists can help protect your business and property from further damage and get you back to normal business functions.

So, before you risk doing further damage by attempting to clean up the water yourself, call SERVPRO of Tacoma, your cleanup and restoration professionals. SERVPRO of Tacoma ensures we will arrive on-site within four hours to start mitigation services and within eight business hours, a verbal briefing of the scope will be communicated to the appropriate person. Contact us at 253-896-3000 to protect your home or business from further water damage.

Water Damage in Your Business

5/8/2017 (Permalink)

Water leaks within a business can seep into flooring, carpets, baseboards, and walls while moving throughout the structure, potentially creating mildew and staining walls. Quick action is critical in avoiding costly repairs and expensive downtime. SERVPRO of Tacoma understand the water damage event can not only disrupt your facility, it can also interrupt day-to-day business functions- possibly closing the business and ultimately affecting your revenue.

To avoid your business closure, here are a few leak prevention tips:

Exterior

• Check roofing for deterioration
• Check gutters and down spouts for blockage
• Check basements and crawl space for moisture

Interior

• Check appliances in break rooms and cafeterias
• Check sinks and toilets in restrooms
• Check HVAC for leaks and blockage

There's no such thing as a small emergency when it threatens to shut down your business. Turn to the company with the resources and experience to be a national leader in cleaning and restoration. SERVPRO of Tacoma ensures to arrive on-site within four hours of loss notification to start mitigation services and within eight business hours, a verbal briefing of the scope will be communicated to the appropriate person. We understand that every minute counts. Call SERVPRO of Tacoma for your water damage needs. 253-896-3000

What's Your Fire Plan?

4/10/2017 (Permalink)

In an emergency situation, like a building fire, every second counts. How quickly you respond could depend on how prepared you are before the emergency. Emergency planning and training directly influence the outcome of an emergency situation. Facilities with well-prepared tenants and well-developed plans are likely to incur less structural damage and fewer or less severe injuries.

When preparing a fire evacuation plan, it is important to designate multiple evacuation routes and exits. This ensures more than one way to exit the building, should an exit be blocked by fire. When choosing emergency exits, consider the following recommendations:

• Exits should be clearly marked and well lit.


• Exit routes should be wide enough to accommodate the number/volume of evacuation personnel.


• Exit routes should remain unlocked and clear of debris at all times. 

If you prepare drawings that show evacuation routes and exits, post them prominently for everyone to see. Once an escape plan is created, it should be practiced to help familiarize everyone with emergency exit routes. The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) recommends practicing fire and emergency evacuations at least twice a year. It is important to talk to your local fire department, as local codes may required more frequent drills for various facilities. 

Fire Escape Safety Tips:

• Make a plan- remember, every second counts


• Practice your plan- make sure you, your staff, and/or your family are well-versed in escape routes from every area of your home or business. Practice leaving the property with your eyes closed, feeling your way out.


• Leave immediately- don't stop for possessions or keepsakes. Exit as quickly as possible. If the smoke has already grown thick, crawl low and cover your mouth to avoid smoke inhalation.


• Never open doors if they are hot to the touch- when you come to a closed door, use the back of your hand to see if the door is hot to the touch. If it appears the fire is on the other side of the door, leave it shut and find another escape route.


• Designate and outside meeting place- designate a meeting location away from the building. Take attendance to ensure everyone is accounted for and safely evacuated. 

Be Prepared for the Next Big One

3/22/2017 (Permalink)

In July of 2015, The New Yorker posted an article relating to "The Big One"- a massive earthquake that is predicted to hit California, Oregon, and Washington. Unfortunately, these things are never planned. It's important to be prepared for emergency situations. To help, the American Red Cross has provided safety tips to follow during an earthquake. 

If you are inside when shaking starts:

• Drop, cover and hold on.


• If you are in bed, stay there, curl up and hold on. Protect your head with a pillow.


• Stay away from windows to avoid being injured by shattered glass.


• Stay indoors until the shaking stops and it is safe to exit. Use stairs to exit the building rather than an elevator. 


• Be aware that fire alarms and sprinkler systems frequently go off in buildings during an earthquake, even if there is no fire. 

If you are outside when the shaking starts:

• Find a clear spot away from buildings, power lines, trees and streetlights and drop to the ground until the shaking stops.


• If you are in a vehicle, pull over to a clear location and stop. Avoid bridges, overpasses, and power lines if possible. Stay inside with your seat belt fastened until the shaking stops. 


• If a power line falls on your vehicle, do not get out. Wait for assistance.


• If you are in a mountainous area or near unstable slopes or cliffs, be alert for falling rocks and other debris. Landslides are often triggered by earthquakes. 

http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2015/07/20/the-really-big-one

http://www.redcross.org/news/article/Are-You-Ready-for-the-Next-Big-One

Wildfires

6/27/2016 (Permalink)

Summer of 2015 was one of the most severe wildfire seasons in the history of the Pacific Northwest. The US Forest Service reported and detailed over 3,800 wildfires within Washington and Oregon which burned more than 1.6 million acres. Wildfires cause more than just burnt forests; the fires also cause poor air quality and smoke damage to structural buildings.

Smoke damage can cause a pervasive odor and the need for a deep-clean of soot from upholstery and carpet if the structure is nearby a wildfire. The professional team comprised of specialized trained technicians at SERVPRO of Tacoma respond quickly to disasters. Our technicians can clean upholstery and fabrics, eliminate odors, and restore your business or home to pre-fire condition.

As the 2016 wildfire season begins, the team at SERVPRO of Tacoma support the US Forest Service and its many firefighters in an effort to prevent structural building losses and wish everyone a safe, summer.

To read more on the 2015 Fire Season, visit:

http://www.wfmrda.nwcg.gov/docs/_Reference_Materials/2015_Timeline_PNW_Season_FINAL.pdf

Statistical data provided by:

http://wildfiretoday.com/2016/02/14/review-of-the-2015-wildfire-season-in-the-northwest/

Firework Safety

6/22/2016 (Permalink)

Fourth of July weekend is a fun time of year as we celebrate our Nation’s Independence. According to the Washington State Patrol, in 2015 there were 481 fireworks- related emergencies in Washington. In an effort to promote injury and fire prevention, here are some recommended safety tips provided by the National Council on Fireworks Safety:

·         Use fireworks OUTDOORS in a clear area; away from buildings and vehicles.

·         Always have a bucket of water and charged water hose nearby.

·         Dispose of spent fireworks by wetting them down and place in a metal trash can away from any building or combustible materials until the next day.

Keep your home and family safe this Fourth of July. From all of us at SERVPRO of Tacoma / University Place / Lakewood, have a safe and Happy Fourth of July weekend.

To read more tips on fire safety, visit:

http://www.fireworkssafety.org/safety-tips

http://www.wsp.wa.gov/fire/statistics.htm