Summer Fire Advisory Tips

6/25/2023 (Permalink)

1. Observe fire safety regulations: Familiarize yourself with local fire safety regulations and follow them diligently. This includes knowing about burn bans, fireworks restrictions, and any other regulations specific to your area.

2. Properly dispose of cigarettes: If you smoke, ensure that you extinguish cigarette butts completely in designated ashtrays or containers. Avoid tossing them into vegetation or dry areas, as they can easily ignite and start a fire.

3. Be cautious with outdoor cooking: When barbecuing or grilling outdoors, keep the grill away from flammable objects such as trees, branches, and wooden structures. Never leave the grill unattended, and make sure it's fully extinguished after use.

4. Create defensible space: Maintain a defensible space around your property by clearing away dry vegetation, dead leaves, and other combustible materials. Keep your lawn well-watered and regularly trim vegetation to reduce fire risk.

5. Use caution with outdoor activities: If you're camping, always use designated fire rings or fire pits for campfires. Ensure the fire is fully extinguished before leaving the area. Avoid activities like fireworks or open burning in dry and windy conditions.

6. Report wildfires immediately: If you spot a wildfire, call emergency services or the designated authorities in your area right away. Provide them with accurate information about the location and size of the fire to expedite the response.

7. Prepare an emergency plan: Create an emergency plan for your household that includes a designated meeting point, emergency contacts, and evacuation routes. Practice the plan with your family members to ensure everyone knows what to do in case of a fire.

8. Keep emergency supplies ready: Prepare an emergency kit that includes essentials such as non-perishable food, water, first aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, and a battery-powered radio. Keep the kit easily accessible in case of an evacuation.

9. Stay informed: Stay updated on local weather conditions and fire advisories. Pay attention to warnings, alerts, and evacuation orders issued by authorities. Utilize local news sources, weather apps, and official websites for accurate information.

10. Be fire-aware during outdoor activities: When hiking, camping, or participating in other outdoor activities, be mindful of fire hazards. Avoid building fires in dry or windy conditions, never leave campfires unattended, and properly extinguish them before leaving.

Remember, fire safety is crucial to protect lives, property, and the environment. By following these tips and exercising caution, you can help prevent wildfires and ensure a safe summer season for everyone.

Water Damage Tips

6/25/2023 (Permalink)

Dealing with water damage can be a challenging situation. Here are some tips to help you mitigate the damage and handle water-related emergencies effectively:

1. Ensure safety: Before entering a water-damaged area, make sure it is safe to do so. Turn off the electricity if there is a risk of electrical shock, and be cautious of structural damage that could pose a threat.

2. Stop the water source: If the water damage is due to a burst pipe, leaking appliance, or any other controllable source, turn off the main water supply or the specific water source to prevent further flooding.

3. Remove standing water: If there is standing water, remove it as soon as possible. Use buckets, mops, or a wet/dry vacuum to extract the water. If the amount of water is substantial, consider contacting a professional water removal service.

4. Dry the affected area: Once the standing water is removed, dry the area thoroughly. Open windows, use fans, and dehumidifiers to promote air circulation and speed up the drying process. Remove wet items and furniture from the area, if possible.

5. Salvage valuable items: If there are items that have been affected by water, such as furniture, electronics, or important documents, try to salvage them. Move them to a dry area and take immediate steps to dry and clean them. Consult professionals for specialized items like electronics or artwork.

6. Disinfect and prevent mold growth: Water damage can create a favorable environment for mold growth. Use a mild detergent or a mixture of water and bleach to disinfect affected surfaces. Ensure proper ventilation and monitor the area for any signs of mold growth.

7. Document the damage: Take photographs or videos of the water damage for insurance purposes. Document the affected areas, belongings, and any steps you take during the cleanup process. Contact your insurance company promptly to report the damage.

8. Seek professional assistance: For extensive or severe water damage, it is advisable to contact professionals who specialize in water damage restoration. Consider contacting SERVPRO to assist with this!

9. Review your insurance coverage: Familiarize yourself with your insurance policy and understand what is covered regarding water damage. Notify your insurance company of the situation and follow their instructions for filing a claim.

10. Prevent future incidents: Take steps to prevent future water damage. Regularly inspect and maintain plumbing systems, address leaks promptly, and consider installing water leak detection devices or an automatic shut-off valve for added protection.

Remember, time is of the essence when dealing with water damage. Acting quickly and following these tips can help minimize the extent of the damage and prevent potential long-term issues such as mold growth and structural damage.

Storm Tips

6/25/2023 (Permalink)

Summer storms can bring heavy rain, strong winds, lightning, and other potential hazards. Here are some tips to help you stay safe and prepared during summer storms:

1. Stay informed: Keep an eye on weather forecasts and stay informed about approaching storms. Use reliable sources of weather information, such as local news channels, weather apps, or the National Weather Service, to stay updated on storm developments.

2. Create an emergency kit: Prepare an emergency kit that includes essentials like a flashlight, extra batteries, a battery-powered radio, a first aid kit, non-perishable food, drinking water, and any necessary medications. Keep the kit easily accessible in case of power outages or evacuation.

3. Secure outdoor items: Before a storm hits, secure or bring indoors any outdoor furniture, grills, toys, or other loose items that could be blown away by strong winds. Trim tree branches that could potentially fall on structures during the storm.

4. Stay indoors: When a storm approaches, it's generally safest to stay indoors. Seek shelter in a sturdy building and avoid windows. If you're outdoors, find a substantial shelter, such as a vehicle or a building, and avoid open areas, tall trees, and bodies of water.

5. Power outage preparedness: Be prepared for potential power outages during storms. Have flashlights and extra batteries readily available. Unplug electronic devices to protect them from power surges when the power is restored.

6. Avoid water-related activities: Do not swim, bathe, or participate in water activities during a thunderstorm. Lightning can strike water and travel through it, posing a significant risk of electrocution.

7. Stay away from electrical equipment: Avoid using electrical appliances, landline phones, or plumbing during a storm. Lightning strikes can travel through electrical and plumbing systems, increasing the risk of electric shocks.

8. Be cautious of flooding: Heavy rain during summer storms can cause flash flooding. Avoid walking or driving through flooded areas as the water can be deeper or moving faster than it appears. Be aware of low-lying areas that are prone to flooding and avoid them during storms.

9. After the storm: After the storm passes, be cautious of hazards like downed power lines, debris, and flooding. Avoid touching or approaching fallen power lines and report them to the appropriate authorities.

Remember, each storm situation is unique, and it's important to prioritize your safety and follow any instructions or warnings issued by local authorities. Stay prepared, stay informed, and stay safe during summer storms.

Firework Safety

6/25/2023 (Permalink)

It's almost time for Independance Day! Some of you may be thinking of letting off some fireworks. They can be a fun way to celebrate special occasions, but it's important to prioritize safety. Here are some firework safety tips to help you enjoy fireworks responsibly:

1. Follow local laws and regulations: Familiarize yourself with the fireworks laws and regulations in your area. Only purchase and use fireworks that are legal and approved for consumer use.

2. Read and follow instructions: Carefully read and understand the instructions provided with the fireworks before use. Follow the recommended safety guidelines and handling procedures specific to the type of fireworks you are using.

3. Adults should supervise: Only adults who are knowledgeable about fireworks safety should handle and ignite fireworks. Keep children and pets at a safe distance from the fireworks display area.

4. Maintain a safe distance: Always maintain a safe distance from ignited fireworks. Follow the recommended safety distance provided by the manufacturer to prevent injuries from flying debris or unexpected firework malfunctions.

5. Keep a water source nearby: Have a bucket of water, a hose, or a fire extinguisher readily available in case of a fire or accident. Use the water source to extinguish spent fireworks and to handle any unexpected fires.

6. Never relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks: If a firework fails to ignite or malfunction occurs, do not attempt to relight it. Wait for at least 20 minutes and then soak it in water before disposing of it properly.

7. Alcohol and fireworks don't mix: Avoid consuming alcohol or any intoxicating substances while handling or igniting fireworks. Impaired judgment can increase the risk of accidents and injuries.

8. Proper disposal: Once the fireworks have completely burned out, dispose of them safely. Soak them in water overnight to ensure they are fully extinguished, then dispose of them in a designated trash container.

Remember, safety should always be the top priority when handling fireworks. If you prefer a fireworks display, consider attending a professional show conducted by trained experts. Enjoy the celebration responsibly, and have a happy and safe fireworks experience!

Commercial Fire Tips

6/25/2023 (Permalink)

Fire Safety Tips for the Workplace

No matter type of business you conduct at your workplace, fire safety should always be a main concern. Here are a few fire safety tips you can distribute to your staff.

Fire Prevention

• Keep your work area free of waste paper, trash and other items that can easily catch fire.
• Check on your electrical cords. If a cord is damaged in any way, replace it. Try not to lay cords in places where they can be stepped on, as this will contribute to deterioration of the protective outside coating.
• Don't overload your circuits.
• Turn off electrical appliances at the end of each day.
• Keep heat producing equipment away from anything that might burn. This includes copiers, coffee makers, computers, etc.
    

In the Event of a Fire

• Upon finding a fire, call 911 immediately and don't hand up with the emergency responder until told to do so.
• Close doors when exiting to help limit the spread of smoke and fire throughout the building.
• Never use elevators during an evacuation.
• Follow the escape plan and meet at a per-determined place outside of your building and away from danger. Conduct a headcount to ensure all of your staff has evacuated.

The best way to ensure the safety of your staff is through fire prevention and preparation. Talk with your staff about fire safety in the workplace today.

Should your business suffer fire damage, contact SERVPRO of Bangor/Ellsworth and Bar Harbor at (207)947-0400!  Let us help you make it "Like it never even happened."

Why SERVPRO? Advanced Techniques

6/25/2023 (Permalink)

When people experience a loss, there’s no doubt this time is frustrating and scary. So when the time comes to bring the professionals in to clean up the mess. You may ask, “Why SERVPRO?”

SERVPRO uses a wide arrangement of chemicals and equipment to ensure that any situation we respond to can be appropriately taken care of with ease. Here are some of the restoration techniques we use at the job site.

Moisture Detection and Measurement Equipment

Scientific drying principles rely upon specialized equipment to detect, measure, and monitor a property’s moisture levels. Recent advances, like infrared cameras, can help us detect water through a wall, ceiling, or floor.

• An infrared camera may be used to identify water location for thorough water removal.
• Sensitive moisture detectors, hygrometers, and other meters measure the extent of moisture saturation.

Water Extraction Equipment

Powerful extraction equipment speeds the drying process by removing the bulk of the water from your home or business.

• Submersible and gas-powered pumps for continuous pumping of high-level water. 
• Truck-mounted and portable extraction units perform efficient water removal.

Drying Equipment

Industrial strength air movers and dehumidifiers are needed to remove the remaining moisture from ceiling, walls, and floors of your home or business. Proper drying helps to prevent swelling and warping of floors, walls, and furniture.

• High-speed air movers causes moisture to evaporate at a faster pace.
• Industrial grade dehumidifiers pull the water vapor from the air.

Odor Removal and Deodorization

Water and fire damage often causes powerful odors. The machines we use remove airborne contaminants and control the air quality during the restoration and cleanup process.

• Air scrubbers remove airborne particles and contaminants.
• Thermal foggers and deodorization agents control odors.

Sanitizing Agents, Germicides, and Anti-Microbial Treatments

The use of OSHA-approved cleaning agents may be needed to clean and remove odors and/or contaminants on your property.

• Cleaning agents help to stop the growth of bacteria, fungi, mildew, and other harmful microorganisms.

Remember to choose SERVPRO for a great outcome for you and your home. If you should suffer a loss make sure to contact SERVPRO of Bangor/Ellsworth and Bar Harbor at (207)947-0400!  Let us help you make it "Like it never even happened."

Summer Storms

7/4/2022 (Permalink)

Summer storms can sometimes disappear as quickly as they appear. Because of this, the average person may be inclined to just ride out a storm. Even though the storm may be brief, the lightning it brings can still cause damage to property and potentially threaten your life. The odds are very low, but the danger is still there. The CDC offers tips to remain safe from lightning. See them below.

Safety precautions outdoors

• If the weather forecast calls for thunderstorms, postpone your trip or activity.
• Remember: When thunder roars, go indoors. Find a safe, enclosed shelter.
• Don’t forget the 30-30 rule. After you see lightning, start counting to 30. If you hear thunder before you reach 30, go indoors. Suspend activities for at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder.
• If no shelter is available, crouch low, with as little of your body touching the ground as possible. Lightning causes electric currents along the top of the ground that can be deadly over 100 feet away.
• Stay away from concrete floors or walls. Lightning can travel through any metal wires or bars in concrete walls or flooring. Although you should move into a non-concrete structure if possible, being indoors does not automatically protect you from lightning. In fact, about one-third of lightning-strike injuries occur indoors.

Safety precautions indoors

• Avoid water during a thunderstorm. Lightning can travel through plumbing.
• Avoid electronic equipment of all types. Lightning can travel through electrical systems and radio and television reception systems.
• Avoid corded phones. However, cordless or cellular phones are safe to use during a storm.
• Avoid concrete floors and walls.

Lightning strikes may be rare, but they still happen and the risk of serious injury or death is severe. Take thunderstorms seriously.

Lightning: Tips and Tricks

6/5/2022 (Permalink)

Lightning has always been a part of people’s lives and depending who you are or your geographical location, it may or may not be posed to be an immediate threat compared to a tornado. Make no mistake though, lightning is powerful and can lead to the damage of yourself or your home. 

As a lightning storm approaches one of the safer areas is an indoor shelter with a hard top. Do not mistake a tree for shelter. The risk is much greater if you stand next to a tall object. Lightning will always try and seek the shortest path. 

The chance is low, but lightning could cause a power surge to your electrical system, damaging almost all of your electronics. There are surge protectors, however, common surge protectors do little to stop the power of a lightning strike and end up destroying your electronics anyway. The best thing to do is to unplug your electronics.

While in your shelter, make note of the interval between the sound of thunder and the flash of lightning. The National Weather Service states it takes thunder 5 seconds to travel a mile. Count the number of seconds between the flash and the sound to estimate how far away the lightning strike was. The farther, the better. 

Remember to seek shelter, prepare, determine the distance of the storm, and most importantly, stay safe.

The Fire Extinguisher and PASS

5/30/2022 (Permalink)

According to OSHA, one of the most common emergencies small businesses must plan for is a fire. Fire extinguishers can be invaluable tools to help fight smaller fires in the workplace or to protect evacuation routes in the event of a larger one. It is, however, important to know how to properly and safely utilize one.

OSHA requires employers to thoroughly train workers not only how to use an extinguisher properly, but also how to accurately assess a situation and determine when evacuation is the safest course of action. OSHA requires employees to be trained in fire extinguisher use annually, at a minimum.

An easy to remember fire extinguisher training technique to use with employees is the PASS method:

• Pull the pin on the extinguisher.
• Aim the hose nozzle low toward the base of the fire.
• Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent.
• Sweep the nozzle from side to side at the base of the flames until extinguished.

Knowing how to correctly operate the extinguisher is not the end of training. Employees responding to a fire also should be trained to adhere to the following protocol:

• Sound the fire alarm or call the fire department immediately.
• Before approaching the fire, determine an evacuation route safe of flames, excessive heat and smoke. Do not allow this evacuation route to become blocked.
• Use the PASS technique for discharging an extinguisher and back away from the area if the fire flares up again.
• If the extinguisher is empty and the fire is not out, evacuate immediately.
• If the fire grows beyond what can be safely handled, evacuate immediately.

Fire extinguishers are designed to handle small fires. If a fire becomes too large or the environment becomes too dangerous, employees should know when and how to evacuate the area. If any of the following conditions are present, workers should follow evacuation procedures immediately and should not attempt to fight the fire with an extinguisher:

The fire is too large. The fire involves flammable solvents, is partially hidden behind a wall or ceiling, cannot be reached from a standing position, or covers more than 60 square feet in area.

The air is unsafe to breathe. Levels of smoke make the fire impossible to fight without some form of respiratory protection.

The environment is too hot or smoky. Radiated heat is easily felt, making it hard to approach a fire within adequate range of using the extinguisher (about 10-15 feet). It is necessary to crawl on the floor to avoid heat or smoke. Visibility is poor.

Evacuation paths are impaired. The fire is not contained and heat, smoke or flames block potential evacuation routes.

In the event of a fire emergency at your business, contact SERVPRO of Bangor/Ellsworth at (207)947-0400!  Let us help you make it "Like it never even happened."

Mold: Where Is It?

5/30/2022 (Permalink)

Everyone wants to think their home is pristine. You do your best to maintain a clean environment and try to be thorough with your chores. There's no way mold can be infesting your sanctuary...right? Unfortunately, there are many instances where mold may be hiding within your residence, despite your best efforts.

Mold problems can occur in any home or business as long as conditions are ideal for growth. No amount of vacuuming or dusting will prevent mold growth as long as warmth, moisture and a nutrient source are present.

Here are some common "hot spots" to keep an eye on:

Kitchen

The kitchen is a location that may have moisture issues which can contribute to mold growth.

• Check under your sink. A small pipe leak may go unnoticed, letting the moisture and water damage sit untreated. Leaks combined with dark spaces are the perfect environment for mold.
• The sponge dish may have a mold problem. You use your sponge to wash dishes every day, but when you put it back in its dish, moisture may begin to collect and mold may begin to form.
• Under your fridge isn’t safe either. Yes, even your refrigerator may have moisture issues. The refrigerator can leak without you knowing. There is a drip pan under your refrigerator that can collect excess water, but if left untreated, mold can form.

Laundry Room

Your washing machine can be a hot spot for mold. Check the door of the washing machine, inside the gasket. Dark, warm, moist areas are ideal for mold growth. Make sure to wipe under the door gasket after each wash to prevent mold growth. Also leave the door open to air-out the washing machine.

Bathroom

Your shower or tub may be hiding mold without your knowledge.

• Check under lids and bottoms of shower products. You may forget to pick these products up and clean underneath. Moisture can become trapped under the lids or under the products and mold can form.
• Bath toys may be fun for kids, but they may also be housing mold. Water may get inside the toys and be unable to get out. This is a difficult location to discover mold. You may need to open up one of the toys to see if mold is growing inside, and if there is mold, replace all of the toys, as there most likely will be mold within them as well.

Mold does not discriminate and may develop in any property as long as ideal conditions are met. Mold can cause health issues with excess exposure, so it is important to remove any mold you discover. If you suspect mold may be in your property, contact a professional home inspector. A home inspector will be able to conduct mold tests which will be able to identify moldy areas within your home. Once mold is officially discovered, contact a qualified mold remediation company, such as SERVPRO of Providence, to remediate the mold and restore your home to the haven you work so hard to maintain.

If you have mold issues in your home or business, contact SERVPRO of Bangor/Ellsworth and Bar Harbor at (207)947-0400 to arrange for a mold inspection today!