PASS to Safety: A Step-by-Step Guide to Using a Fire Extinguisher

4/12/2023 (Permalink)

Knowing how to properly use a fire extinguisher can be the difference between a small incident and a catastrophic disaster.

A fire extinguisher is a vital tool that can help prevent small fires from escalating into uncontrollable infernos. Knowing how to properly use a fire extinguisher can be the difference between a small incident and a catastrophic disaster. In this blog, we'll cover the basics of how to use a fire extinguisher.

P.A.S.S.

The acronym PASS is an easy way to remember the steps to use a fire extinguisher:

P - Pull the pin

A - Aim at the base of the fire

S - Squeeze the handle

S - Sweep from side to side

Before attempting to use a fire extinguisher, make sure everyone is safe and call the fire department if the fire is large or spreading. It's also important to note that fire extinguishers are only effective against small fires. If the fire is too large or spreading rapidly, evacuate immediately and wait for professional help.

Now, let's go through the steps of using a fire extinguisher:

Step 1: Pull the pin

The first step is to pull the pin located at the top of the extinguisher. The pin keeps the handle from being accidentally pressed and releasing the contents of the extinguisher.

Step 2: Aim at the base of the fire

Next, aim the nozzle or hose of the extinguisher at the base of the fire. This is important because you want to extinguish the source of the fire, not just the flames. If you aim at the flames, you may only succeed in spreading the fire.

Step 3: Squeeze the handle

Once you have aimed the extinguisher at the base of the fire, squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent. The agent can be either powder, foam, or carbon dioxide, depending on the type of extinguisher.

Step 4: Sweep from side to side

While squeezing the handle, sweep the extinguisher from side to side, covering the entire base of the fire. Make sure to keep the extinguisher aimed at the base of the fire, even if the flames seem to be dying down. The fire may reignite if the source is not fully extinguished.

After using the extinguisher, keep an eye on the fire to make sure it doesn't reignite. If the fire does reignite, use the extinguisher again or evacuate immediately and call the fire department.

Beware of the limitations

It's important to note that fire extinguishers have limitations. They are only effective against small fires and should not be used on large or spreading fires. Additionally, different types of fires require different types of extinguishers. For example, a grease fire in the kitchen requires a different type of extinguisher than an electrical fire.

In conclusion, knowing how to use a fire extinguisher can be a valuable skill in preventing small fires from turning into catastrophic disasters. Remember the acronym PASS: pull the pin, aim at the base of the fire, squeeze the handle, and sweep from side to side. Keep in mind the limitations of fire extinguishers and call the fire department if the fire is too large or spreading rapidly.

4 Tips For Filing An Insurance Claim After Water Damage

3/18/2023 (Permalink)

water damage can be devastating to your home or business, give SERVPRO a call at first sign of damage.

If you have ever been in a flood or water damage situation, then you know how difficult and stressful it can be. Water damage events are often unexpected and can happen with little to no warning. In many cases, they cause massive amounts of damage to homes and businesses. If you've experienced this kind of situation recently, filing an insurance claim may be the first thing that comes to mind. However, if you're like most people who deal with flooding or water damage on a regular basis—or even if this is your first time—you might not know how exactly how to file an insurance claim after a flood or other major water event.

File The Claim immediately

If you have just experienced water damage, it is important to file the claim immediately. Your insurance company will have a claim form and they may also have a list of contractors they recommend. The sooner you file your claim, the better chance you have of receiving compensation for all of your losses.

If you wait too long before contacting them, there could be significant delays in processing your claim which could affect how much money or time it takes to get everything back up and running again. When it comes to water damage, it is important to mitigate the damage immediately in order to prevent further costly damage. The first step is to call your insurance company and file a claim.

As soon as the claim has been filed, an adjuster can be sent out to your property to assess the extent of the damage. This is necessary to ensure that you receive the proper compensation.

Document the Damage

Once you have started filing your claim, it's important to document the damage and make a list of all your belongings that were damaged by water. Take photos of any areas where there is visible water damage and keep receipts for any repairs you make. Also, keep a record of all your communication with the insurance company in case there are any disagreements later on about whether or not something was covered by their policy.

Protect Undamaged Possessions

If you have undamaged possessions, it's important to protect them. Move them to an area not affected by water damage. If possible, put all of your belongings in storage so they can be protected during the cleanup process. Some companies, such as SERVPRO of Santa Barbara, can pack, move, and store your belongings in their secure warehouse during the mitigation and restoration process.

Call A Water Cleanup Company

If you're dealing with water damage, it's important to call a water cleanup company as soon as you can. A reputable water damage restoration company will be able to help you clean up the mess and prevent further problems from occurring.

It is always best to call a professional water cleanup company. They have the proper training and experience to handle a water damage event of any kind. They also use powerful equipment to properly and efficiently mitigate any damage to your property.

Water damage can be devastating to your home and belongings, but filing an insurance claim can help you recover from the damage faster. If you need a water damage restoration company, please contact us today! We're available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.

Protect Your Home from Flood

2/10/2023 (Permalink)

Protect your home from a flood is important to prevent water damage.

Protecting your home from flooding is a critical component to having a safe, secure home incase of a flood. Flooding can cause extensive damage and take months to repair. There are ways to prevent flood damage in your home

Floods can be caused by a variety of factors, many of which are beyond your control. While it's impossible to completely prevent them from happening, there are things that you can do to protect your home from the damage that floods can bring with them.

Install a Sump Pump

Sump pumps are devices that remove water from the basement or crawl space. The sump pump is usually installed in the basement or crawl space, though it can be installed in a pit or in the ground. Sump pumps should be installed when you build your home so that they are there when you need them. Installing a sump pump will help protect your home from flooding and prevent damage to your home's foundation.

Maintain Drainage Areas

Maintain drainage areas. Drainage areas are important to keep your home dry during a flood, as they allow water to leave the property and prevent puddles from forming in front of your door. You can keep your drainage area free from debris by removing leaves and branches that get stuck in the pipes or drains every time it rains. You can also maintain your drainage area by occasionally removing excess dirt accumulated at the bottom of a slope, or even use mulch to help soak up moisture and reduce erosion.

Keep gutters clean: The gutters on your house are designed to carry rainwater away from your roof so that it doesn't end up pooling around the foundation of your home—but if these gutters get clogged with debris (like leaves), they may not perform their job as effectively anymore! To avoid this problem, make sure you clean out any debris in them as soon as possible after each rainfall (or hire someone else).

Seal any cracks in your Foundation

Seal any cracks in your foundation. Use caulking or expandable foam to seal cracks and gaps around plumbing, windows, doors, and electrical outlets. Check for water damage in your basement or crawl space after a flood to make sure that no moisture is getting into the home through cracks in the foundation. Prevent leaks by insulating pipes with pipe wrap (also known as "drip tape") or liquid insulations like polyurethane foam insulation (PUR). PUR can also be used to fill holes in concrete walls that provide outside access to wiring or pipes inside the walls of a home's interior structure.

Protecting your home is important to prevent big damages that cannot be undone. You can do this by sealing any cracks in your foundation and maintaining drainage areas, as well as installing a sump pump.

With these tips, you can protect your home from a flood. You can also contact us for more information about how to protect your home from floods and other disasters.

FAQ about Mold Damage

1/10/2023 (Permalink)

Mold found behind a dresser in a Santa Barbara, CA apartment

Mold is a microscopic fungus that grows in places that are damp and dark. Whether you're an expert or new to the world of mold, this FAQ will answer your questions about how it grows, how to prevent it and what you can do if you have a problem with mold.

What is Mold?

Mold is a fungus that grows in damp places with poor ventilation. The spores (tiny fruiting bodies) of the mold spread throughout the air and can be carried by the wind. Mold requires food and moisture to grow, so it is most likely found where water has been present for some time, such as basements or crawl spaces where there has been flooding or leaky roofs.

There are many different types of mold that can grow indoors, some common types include: Aspergillus niger (black mold), Cladosporium cladosporioides (environmentally friendly), Penicillium chrysogenum (yellowish-green mottled with white), Stachybotrys chartarum (greenish black).

Where Does Mold Grow?

Mold can grow in any damp place—including your home, workplace and vehicle. Mold is a fungus that grows on surfaces where it finds moisture. The type of mold that you see will depend on the material it’s growing on and its location:

• On porous materials like wood, paper or drywall, molds produce spores that spread through the air when disturbed.
• In warm and humid environments like showers or bathrooms, mold will grow quickly on moist surfaces such as grout lines between tiles or under wallpaper due to high humidity levels there.
• On foods (such as bread) that have been exposed to moisture for long periods of time without refrigeration.

Is Mold Common Indoors?

Mold is everywhere, but not all mold is harmful. For example, you can find some molds growing on your food in the refrigerator or inside of cardboard boxes. However, when it comes to indoor buildings and homes, there’s a difference between harmless molds and those that could cause major issues, like property damage.

Mold can grow indoors in areas with high humidity or moisture like bathrooms and kitchens because these rooms tend to have less ventilation than other parts of the house. If these areas become too moist over time due to leaks or condensation buildup from appliances like air conditioners then you may have an issue with mold growth on surfaces such as drywall, wood beams/joists/flooring etc.

Will Opening the Windows and Doors Help When I am Cleaning up Mold in my Home or Business?

No, opening the windows and doors will not help. The spores are still in the air, and they can still grow on other surfaces.

Mold can continue to grow for up to 2 weeks after you've cleaned it or removed it from your home or business. You may think that if you open up all of the windows and doors, then you'll be able to remove some of those mold spores from your house—but this is not true! Mold grows best in dark areas with high humidity levels, so it'll just continue to grow elsewhere inside until you're able to fix all of those issues.

If you have a lot of debris built up around your home (like leaves or grass clippings), make sure that they're removed before cleaning any water damage caused by flooding so that there aren't any more places where mold could start growing again.

Doesn't Bleach Kill Mold?

If you've ever owned a house or apartment, you've probably heard about bleach as a solution for mold. However, it's important to understand that bleach is only effective at killing bacteria and viruses—it doesn't kill mold. In fact, some experts say that using bleach to clean up after a mold problem can actually make things worse because it damages your home's structure.

Do I Need to Have my Home Tested for Mold Before I Clean up a Minor Mold Problem?

If you're just cleaning up a small area of mold growth, you don't need to test for mold. However, if the affected area is 10 square feet or greater, we recommend testing for mold before removing it. This will ensure that you're taking all proper precautions to avoid ingesting any harmful toxins and prevent the spread of spores throughout your home.

How Do I Clean up a Small Area of Mold Growth (Less Than 10 Square Feet)?

If you have a small amount of mold growth in your home, use a HEPA filtered vacuum to remove the spores. Be sure to clean the area with soap and water, then dry it well with a fan or hair dryer. If you need to remove some of the moldy area from walls or other surfaces, use a utility knife carefully so as not to damage any existing wallpaper or paint on those surfaces.

Getting Rid of and Preventing Future Mold Problems

To prevent a mold problem from recurring, you must take action to fix the source of moisture that caused it in the first place. There are several ways to do this:

• Remove all porous materials from the area and replace them with non-porous ones, such as vinyl or linoleum.
• Repair any leaks in your home's foundation, roof or walls so that moisture cannot enter anymore.
• If you have an appliance that uses water (such as a dishwasher), make sure there is adequate ventilation for air circulation around it so that humidity levels aren't too high inside your home at all times.

You can also try using a dehumidifier if needed to keep humidity levels low in areas where mold appears often or stays long after cleanups are complete. In addition to cleaning up after any mold growth has occurred and preventing further damage by removing its causes once again, keep windows open whenever possible during warm weather months across entire house so fresh air can circulate throughout interior spaces. In order ensure success when dealing with moldy spots on items like floorboards wool carpets etc., use products containing bleach.

If you discover mold in your Santa Barbara, CA home, start by contacting a professional for help. Mold can be a large problem, so it’s important to have it professionally removed if possible.

Steps to Create a Defensible Space In Preparation For a Wildfire

12/9/2022 (Permalink)

Defensible space is also important for the protection of the firefighters

How to Prepare for a Wildfire by Creating a Defensible Space

Wildfires are an unfortunate fact of life in many parts of the United States. While it's impossible to predict when or where these fires will occur, you can take steps to prepare your home for potential danger and make sure that your family is safe during this time.

In this article, we'll cover what you need to do before a wildfire strikes so that you're ready for whatever happens next. We'll also discuss how to create a defensible space around your house so that if one does ignite near your home, there's less chance that it will damage or destroy your property.

Create a space that is clear of flammable plants and other debris.

Maintain a 30-foot zone of bare ground around your home. Remove dead leaves, branches, and other flammable materials from your yard. Keep trees and shrubs trimmed to 10 feet from the house, so that fire can’t jump from them to the roof (or vice versa). Also keep grass short by mowing regularly – a good rule of thumb is to keep your grass around three inches high. 

Inspect chimneys for proper clearance from the roofline, eaves, or walls of your house. Chimney fires are common causes of structure fires during wildfires because they can quickly spread through attics if not properly maintained and inspected every year.

Review your insurance plan or speak with your insurance agent to make sure your home is covered in the event of fire.

If you have a homeowner's insurance policy, go over it to make sure that you have enough coverage for:

• Your home and its contents
• Any pets or livestock (farm animals) on the property

Review your landscape to identify potential hazards.

• Identify areas of high fire risk.
• Identify areas that are not easily accessible when in a fire, such as steep slopes and areas with limited access.
• Identify areas where you can't see the fire, such as a canyon or valley.

These are all things to consider when planning your defensible space.

Remove dead leaves and debris from rain gutters and roofs.

The best way to prevent a fire is to have your roofing system inspected and maintained on a regular basis. We recommend having your roof inspected every year, especially if you’re in an area that has high fire danger or where wildfires are common.

Clean out dry brush and weeds growing under decks and along fences.

• Clean out dead leaves and debris from rain gutters and roofs.
• Remove any shrubs, trees or other vegetation that could cause a fire to spread quickly.

When landscaping, select plant species that are fire resistant or have a high moisture content.

When landscaping your home, it is important to select plant species that are fire resistant or have a high moisture content (such as palm). This will help prevent wildfires from spreading from the ground up. You can also find online resources for tips on building a safe space around your home for this purpose.

In addition to landscaping, you should be sure that there is no flammable vegetation or debris on your property. This includes dead trees and dead or dry grasses.

Conclusion

A defensible space is an important defense against the spread of fire. By taking these steps, you can protect your home and loved ones from harm in the event of a wildfire, as well as reduce property damage.

Water Mitigation Procedures

11/7/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage in a Santa Barbara home

The Water Mitigation Process

Water damage can be a serious issue, especially if it happens to your Santa Barbara, California home. The problem is that water has a knack for making everything it comes into contact with wet and soggy. This includes drywall, insulation, flooring, furniture, and even clothing. So if you've experienced flooding in your house or business due to something like a burst pipe or toilet overflow, then it's time to take action!

Clean Up the Water

The first step is to clean up water, you'll want to remove as much of it as possible. Use wet/dry vacuums with a pump or a shop vac to suck out excess water, removing it by hose or vacuum lines. For particularly stubborn areas of standing water, you can use buckets and mops to soak up excess moisture as well.

Dehumidify the Space

The next thing you will want to consider is how to dehumidify the space. Use a dehumidifier to reduce excess moisture in your home, which can lead to mold growth. If you don’t have a dehumidifier, turn on your fans and open windows in every room of your house to get rid of excess moisture.

Remove wet clothes, towels, and bedding from the home immediately. After floodwaters recede, remove wet carpets or rugs as soon as possible—even if you plan to clean them later. This is because carpeting acts like sponges that soak up moisture from floors or subfloors; once saturated with water, these materials can take weeks to dry out completely and even then may still harbor mildew or mold growth when exposed to heat sources like vents or radiators.

Disinfect and Sanitize 

The third step is to disinfect and sanitize appliances and any parts of the home that have been in contact with the water. Use a disinfectant to clean all items, including countertops and floors (following the manufacturer's instructions). Sanitize with a bleach solution of 1/4 cup bleach per gallon (2 liters) of cold water. Soak for 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly after soaking as described above. Dry with a clean cloth if you do not want a residue on your appliance or floor surfaces. Disinfect/sanitize again if needed. If you need to remove mold from walls, ceiling tiles or other parts of the home make sure they are dry before beginning this process. If possible, identifying areas where mold has developed will help determine what materials might be affected by mold growth: wood, fiberglass insulation, fiberglass siding etc. When you have mold growth, it’s always a good idea to call a professional like SERVPRO of Santa Barbara to remediate the mold.

Repair or Replace Damaged Materials

Whether you’re looking to repair or replace wet building materials, furniture, and personal belongings, there are several steps you should take:

• Replace any damaged items. If the item is beyond repair and no longer usable, then it needs to be replaced. Damaged items can include carpeting, hardwood floors, drywall, plaster, and molding. 
• Clean and sanitize any items that are salvageable. If the item has not been contaminated with mold or mildew (and there is hope for cleaning) then clean it thoroughly with a disinfectant cleaner (such as Lysol). Do not use bleach or ammonia-based cleaners because they may cause further damage if left in contact with wood surfaces for an extended period of time.

Monitor the Drying Process

It is important to monitor the drying process for a few days after the cleanup is complete to ensure everything is fully dry. If you don’t, mold can grow. You should check for mold every few days over the course of at least one week or until you’re sure it has dried out completely.

Act Quickly

Water damage can quickly spiral out of control, so it's important to take steps to fix it as soon as possible. Water damage that is left untreated can lead to structural damage and mold growth—both of which can be expensive to fix.

Water is an incredible force of nature, but it can also lead to costly damage if not handled properly. Our experts are here to help you clean up your Santa Barbara home or business after a flood or other water-related disaster, so don't hesitate to call us with any questions.

Basic First Aid for Burns

10/1/2022 (Permalink)

The first step in treating a burn is to stop the burning process.

Basic First Aid for Burns

The first aid for burns is to stop the burning process, remove clothing and jewelry from the affected area, keep burned skin under cool (not ice cold) running water or apply a compress until medical help arrives. Do not use ice, which can cause further tissue damage. Avoid breaking blisters, which help your skin heal and prevent infection.

Stop the Burning Process

The first step in treating a burn is to stop the burning process. To do this, you need to put out the fire by covering it with clothing, sand, or a blanket. If you don’t have anything to use for this purpose, try rolling on the ground and smothering it with your body weight until help arrives.

If clothes are stuck to your skin after having been burned by something hot like an oven or stovetop burner (or if they have melted onto your skin), remove them carefully without causing further damage. You should also remove any jewelry from the affected area so that it doesn’t get caught under bandages later on. This can be done by cutting off pieces that are stuck together using scissors or tweezers (if possible).

Cool the Burned Skin Down

While waiting for help to arrive, keep burned skin under cool (not ice cold) running water or apply a cold compress – such as a clean towel or sheet– until medical help arrives. Do not use ice, which can cause further tissue damage.

Do not apply bandages or creams unless instructed by emergency medical personnel; doing so could make matters worse if they become infected later on. And never rub the burned area: this will only increase circulation and worsen symptoms while increasing pain levels significantly

Avoid Breaking Blisters, Which Help Your Skin Heal and Prevent Infection 

The first thing to do is avoid breaking blisters, which are a natural part of the healing process. If the blisters are not infected, they should be left intact.

It is important to cleanse the wound and then cover it with a dressing.

This is a quick guide to aid someone who is burned, do not use this as a substitute for proper medical care from a qualified professional. If you have any questions or concerns, contact your doctor. This is not a comprehensive guide, only a basic first aid guide.

If you suspect that someone has been burned, the first thing to do is remove them from the source of their burn immediately. 

Flooded? Don't Let Mold Take Hold

8/29/2022 (Permalink)

Infrared cameras can find water in unexpected places

Flooded? Keep Mold From Taking Root

Storm flooding can occur in Santa Barbara, CA, without much warning. It is crucial to act quickly to clean up flood water in order to prevent mold growth. Even small amounts of moisture can allow mold to grow, so it is important to get help from an experienced professional who will assess the extent of water damage, remove the water, and ensure that affected materials are completely dry.

1. Assessing the Damage

Water damage may be apparent, but moisture is often invisible. If you don't address excess moisture levels quickly following a flood, you risk needing mold removal down the line.
An experienced storm damage restoration specialist has the knowledge and equipment necessary to detect water levels in porous building materials where moisture can hide. He or she can restore your house to its pre-flood condition, whether that means drying or replacing the material.

2. Extracting the Water

Any area that has flooded can have water removal challenges. Specialized machinery may be needed to remove standing water and extract it from carpets, furniture, and walls. Such equipment may include submersible pumps and powerful wet/dry vacuums. These machines generally will be able to remove most, but not all, of the flood water from your home. At this point, there is still an opportunity for mold growth until moisture has been reduced to acceptable levels.

3. Eliminating the Moisture

To eliminate excess moisture, you'll need a professional to detect where it remains and equipment to dry it. Moisture detectors such as hygrometers and infrared cameras can find water in unexpected places, such as behind walls and underneath carpet. Dehumidifiers and industrial fans help extract moisture from materials and move it out of the building. Moisture levels should be rechecked until they have reached levels low enough to inhibit mold.

Act quickly to ensure that you prevent mold growth following a flood. An experienced professional can help you to assess the extent of water damage, extract the water, and ensure that all moisture has been properly dried.

7 Tips for Preventing a Space Heater Fire

8/20/2022 (Permalink)

A burned space heater can lead to disastrous results.

Seven Ways to Avoid a Space Heater Fire

A space heater is an excellent appliance to have when you need extra warmth to take the chill off or if your Goleta, CA, home's furnace goes out. However, the chance of a burned space heater is always a possibility when you're using one, so safety is essential.  

1. Prepare a Fire and Smoke Cleanup Plan
There are never guarantees when you have a space heater in your home, so you should create a fire preparation plan and share it with your family. Include the phone number of fire damage restoration professionals so that you can call them quickly in an emergency. 

2. Ensure It Has Automatic Safety Features
Make sure the unit has an automatic shutoff feature. Many heaters will power off automatically if they begin overheating or tipping over. Some also have timers.

3. Give It Space
Put at least three feet between your space heater and other objects. There are many flammable objects in a home, such as curtains, bedsheets, upholstered furniture, stuffed toys and aerosol cans.

4. Place It on a Solid Surface
Place the space heater on a stable, solid surface so it won't tip over. Also, make sure it's not on the edge where someone could accidentally knock it off.

5. Don't Leave It Unattended
Many space heater fires happen when they are left unattended. These fires can have devastating consequences because the burned space heater won't be noticed immediately. Shut the appliance off when leaving the room or going to sleep. 

6. Keep It Out of High Traffic Areas
Don't place the space heater in a high traffic area. Also, keep the unit out of reach of children and pets. 

7. Unplug It After Each Use
Unplug your space heater when you're not using it. Also, inspect the power cord and unit itself regularly for damage. 
A burned space heater can lead to disastrous results. Practice these tips to keep your family and home safe while keeping them warm. 

3 Ways To Protect Yourself as a Flood First Responder

8/15/2022 (Permalink)

An N-95 respirator provides the best protection if you find mold growing in flooded areas

First Responders To a Flood: Three Ways To Safeguard Yourself

With historic flooding occurring across the United States in the past few years, the role of the first responder has become more essential than ever before. As one of the first to arrive on scene at disaster sites in Santa Ynez, CA, your help as a specially trained responder can often mean the difference between life and death for those trapped by floodwaters. In order to help others, it is important for you to take precautions to protect yourself before you even reach the disaster scene. Here are three ways to shield yourself in those challenging initial responder situations.

1. Update Vaccinations
Before heading out to a flood response disaster, make sure you are up to date on your immunizations. Tetanus shots are required every 10 years and usually contain diphtheria and pertussis protection. Another protective vaccine that is often required is Hepatitis B.

2. Beware of Possible Hazards
Depending on how long the floodwaters have been on the ground and what category of water you are working in, there are some hazards you may face as a first responder. Wearing an N-95 mask can help protect you from mold that can begin growing in flooded areas in as soon as 24 hours. Also, be careful of chemicals, sinkholes, and disaster-related sharp objects.

3. Protect Yourself
As an initial responder, wearing protective clothing can help guard you from chemicals, fecal matter, and other pollutants in the floodwaters. The clothing should include boots, gloves, eye goggles, and an approved outer protective suit.
Whether the flood is of epic proportions or the result of a broken levy that floods a handful of homes, your role as a first responder can be a heroic one. If you have questions about how best to protect yourself or about the different categories of floodwaters you may be called to work in, contact a water and mold remediation specialist for information to help protect yourself.