Does Liability Insurance Cover Fire Damage?

3/4/2020 (Permalink)

Structure fires can lay waste to homes or commercial buildings in mere minutes, and the resulting damage can be astronomical. 

Regardless of how a fire starts—be it a result of neglect, natural disasters, arson, or a ‘perfect storm’ scenario—recovering from a fire is often a long and arduous process. Considering this, it’s no surprise so many home and business owners look to insurance coverage that specifically includes protection against losses due to fires. 

With all of the different kinds of insurance you could buy to protect your property from fire damage losses, you might find yourself wondering, “If I buy basic liability insurance, will fire damage be covered?”

SERVPRO of Littleton/Sheridan specializes in fire damage remediation. We know how catastrophic a fire can be, and we understand the disruption they can cause to the normal operation of business or home life. We also know how insurance policies often operate when the time comes to make a claim for fire damage losses. So, in this blog post, we’re going to be answering the question as to whether or not basic liability insurance covers fire damage. 

Liability Insurance, Defined

According to Investopedia, liability insurance:

“...provides the insured party with protection against claims resulting from injuries and damage to people or property.”

Here’s an example of how liability insurance might work in the case of a fire: 

1. A kitchen fire breaks out in a restaurant. The fire causes damage to the physical structure, and there are no injuries.
   
   
2. The property adjacent to the restaurant incurs fire-related damages. This could be due to smoke exposure or fire propagation.
   
   
3. The restaurant owner had an existing liability insurance policy. The liability policy included specific provisions for liability coverage in the event of a fire.
   
   
4. The restaurant owner did not have insurance coverage against fire-related losses for themselves. Whether this insurance wasn’t purchased because of budgetary reasons or some other reason, the restaurant owner has no recourse to recoup the losses to their own property as a result of the fire. 

However, because the liability insurance carried by the restaurant protected the business owner from third-party legal action resulting from fire damage, the fire’s impact on the adjacent building would be covered by the liability insurance policy. 

When You Think Liability, Think ‘Third-Party’

It’s important to note the distinction between property insurance and liability insurance. When a homeowner buys insurance coverage for their home, that coverage typically includes fire damage that impacts the property in question. However, without liability insurance that specifically protects the homeowner from claims made by a third party, a fire that spreads to a neighboring property might not be covered. 

It’s important to dive deep into the terms and conditions of any insurance policy you may be considering for your home or business. Because fire damages can be so costly, it’s worth the extra time to make sure you have a full understanding of what is and what isn’t covered by the policy. 

Arson

In some cases, fires are intentionally started by those engaging in a criminal activity. As long as the arsonist was not listed as a beneficiary of the policy that protected the home or business, the fire damage would be covered by the property insurance policy. 

Motor Vehicles

Just about every US state has a law that requires drivers to carry Public Liability and Property Damage (PLPD) insurance. This insurance kicks in whenever damage is done to persons or property as a result of an accident caused by the driver. 

However, this kind of coverage is restricted to third parties, not to the driver him/herself or the vehicle itself.

So, if a motor vehicle operator who was only covered by basic PLPD insurance strikes a utility pole and starts a fire that totals her car, the PLPD insurance would cover the damage done to the utility pole and any damage to any person or property aside from the insured and her vehicle.

Comprehensive insurance would be required in order for damage done to the vehicle itself to be covered. 

Have Fire Remediation Questions? Contact Us

Fire damage doesn’t have to mean ‘the end’ for a home or commercial building. In many cases, smaller fires can leave things looking worse than they may actually be. SERVPRO of Littleton/Sheridan has the tools, techniques, and trained staff needed to restore fire-damaged interiors safely, effectively, and quickly.

If your home or business has been damaged by a fire, contact us to schedule an on-site visit with one of our fire damage experts.

Cleaning up After a Fire: 5 Things to Throw Away

10/31/2019 (Permalink)

We all have a place we call home, where we retire at the end of a hard day's work. Having our home taken away from us devastates us beyond measure. However, the dangers of fires, natural catastrophes and theft remain closer than we may think. When a fire breaks out, the cleaning up process forms a key factor to recovery and healing from the traumatic experience. A hard pill to swallow comes when we realize that certain cherished items may have to go away!

Medication

When a fire razes your home, any medicine present may absorb the high temperature and change the chemical components. The medicine also absorbs the soot and the contents of the fire extinguisher. Ingesting smoke and the contents of the fire extinguisher may expose you and your family to health complications. There are no buts on medications when it comes to choosing what to throw away after a fire.

Food and Other Consumables

The smoke from the fire and fire extinguisher chemicals contaminate any food products. Food products include perishable and non-perishable food products. Exposure to heat also alters the chemical elements of the food items, including the containers used for storing the food. Cloth packaging, metal tins, cardboard and plastics all change their chemical composition after exposure to high heat levels. Therefore, do not compromise on health at any standard. Food stored in the freezer may have a slight chance of non-contamination, but it is better to be safe, discard the food. The trauma after a fire coupled with health complications from ingesting contaminated food may weigh down on your recovery process.

Cosmetic Products

The standard while deciding what to throw away after a fire should focus on any products of a chemical nature. Cosmetic products such as make-up, oil products, perfumes and hair extensions have a chemical component. The high-temperature exposure during the fire may alter their chemical composition. Warped casings show that the fire contaminated the products. Fire extinguisher chemicals and soot add another chemical component into the products. Applying any of these contaminated products to your skin may result in an allergic reaction that may add to your woes.

Clothing Material

Any clothes and bedding in the house catch fire. Thus, sort out all the burnt garments and throw them away. Some clothes may have escaped the wrath of the fire but may have soot and fire extinguisher chemicals on their surface. If the clothes belong to children, precaution dictates that you discard them too. However, the use of the appropriate detergents may help to rehabilitate burnt clothes and bedding.

Burnt Electrical Equipment

Electrical equipment within the house has power cords and wiring that may burn during a fire. Electrical equipment that show signs of damage qualifies in the things to throw away after a fire. Compromised electrical equipment could result in another fire due to short circuits. Equipment includes computers, coffee makers, laundry machine, iron box and television sets.

Recovering from the trauma after a fire occurs over some time. The healing process may take time and patience from your side. At SERVPRO, we understand your pain at this trying time and wish to walk you through the healing process. Let us help you rebuild your new home. We help in the clean-up process and follow up on the tiring process of the insurance claim. Visit our homepage for more information on your road to recovery.

Prevent a Deep Fried Turkey Fire

11/21/2018 (Permalink)

Prevent a Turkey Fire!

Tips to help prevent deep fried turkey accidents

• Keep outdoor fryers off decks, out of garages and a safe distance away from trees and other structures.
• Make sure the turkey is thawed and dry before cooking. Ice or water that mixes into the hot oil can cause flare-ups.
• Watch the weather. Never operate a fryer outdoors in the rain or snow.
• Place the fryer on a level surface, and avoid moving it once it's in use.
• Leave 2 feet between the tank and the burner when using a propane-powered fryer.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid overfilling. Oil can ignite when it makes contact with the burner.
• Choose a smaller turkey for frying. A bird that's 8 to 10 pounds is best; pass on turkeys over 12 pounds.
• Never leave fryers unattended.
• Purchase a fryer with temperature controls, and watch the oil temperature carefully. Cooking oil that is heated beyond its smoke point can catch fire. If you notice the oil is smoking, turn the fryer off.
• Turn off the burner before lowering the turkey into the oil. Once the turkey is submerged, turn the burner on.
• Wear goggles to shield your eyes, use oven mitts to protect your hands and arms and keep an "ABC" or grease-rated fire extinguisher close by. Do not to use water or a garden hose on a fire related to Turkey Fryers.
• Skip the stuffing when frying turkey, and avoid water-based marinades.
• Keep children and pets away from the fryer at all times.
• Once finished, carefully remove the pot from the burner, place it on a level surface and cover to let the oil cool overnight before disposing.
• Opt for an oil-less fryer. This uses infrared heat, rather than oil, to cook the turkey.

After your turkey is prepared, remember these Thanksgiving food safety tips to help ensure your family has a safe, enjoyable holiday. 

If you do face a fire please call a professional restoration company like SERVPRO.

What To Do After A Fire

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
• Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
• Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
• Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
• Change HVAC filter.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

What NOT To Do After A Fire

• Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting us.
• Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
• Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
• Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

Prepare Your Home or Business For a Wildfire

8/16/2018 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO at 303-576-6868

Prepare your home or business for a wildfire. If possible, use Class A roofing material. This includes tile, slate, or asphalt. You can also use Class B pressure-treated shingles or shakes. Make sure that you have smoke alarms near every bedroom or office and in each zone of your house or business. Test smoke alarms monthly and change their batteries annually. Also, consider installing fire sprinklers.  Outside your home, make sure you have enough garden hose available to reach any part of your property. Designate water sources and make sure that the fire department can access them if they need to. Water sources are areas such as swimming pools, ponds, lakes, wells and fire hydrants. Create an emergency escape plan. Speak to town officials to learn what the evacuation route is for your area. Discuss this evacuation route with everyone in your family and your employees. Ensure family members who live nearby know the route and have means of transportation. Also, stay informed by signing up for emergency text or alert messages from your town. Finally, don’t forget to create an emergency kit. 

During a Wildfire

• Moving furniture to the center of rooms and taking down drapes and curtains to prevent combustion.
• Closing all windows and doors to prevent drafts and reduce heat.
• Shutting off natural gas from its source.
• Turning on all lights in your property so that firefighters can more easily see it through smoke.

After a Wildfire

The Esporta Wash System

6/21/2018 (Permalink)

Before and After

Contents

Fire and water cause enormous damage to countless homes every year. Beyond structural damage, they also impact contents causing contamination that can prove very difficult to restore.

Leave it to us!

We know all too well that many items are extremely difficult to clean, but that is why we are the professionals. SERVPRO has a specialty Wash System that can clean almost irreversible damage. 

About the Esporta Wash System

The Esporta washing technology is capable of cleaning category 1, 2, and 3 water, heavy smoke, and soot damage.

You can count on Esporta to predictably clean and restore soft contents. Even the toughest soot, water damage and bio contamination is no match for Esporta. Our wash system consistently delivers 90% of soft contents back to “food grade” clean. Customers are wowed by what we can restore! 

What is the Esporta capable of cleaning:

• Bacteria
• viruses
• sewage
• soot
• grime
• mold
• biowaste
• mildew

Soft contents that can be cleaned include:

• Clothing
• bedding
• comforters
• pillows
• sleeping bags
• linens
• rugs
• jackets
• suedes
• furs
• linens
• stuffed animals
• shoes
• hats
• belts
• purses 
• Sports Equipment

More About Contents Restoration

SERVPRO professionals specialize in restoring contents damaged by fire, water, or mold. Their expertise and “restore” versus “replace” mentality can help you save money while preserving precious keepsakes that can’t be replaced. They pretest your contents to determine what items can be restored back to their condition before the water damage. SERVPRO Professionals utilize several methods of cleaning your contents, including:

• Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning.
• Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.
• Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that can’t withstand wet cleaning.
• Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned.
• Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned. 
• Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product. 

Smoke Odor Damage

4/12/2018 (Permalink)

Smoke Damage

Areas of a Home Commonly Affected by Fire Damage

The level of damage varies depending on where a fire originated. An enclosed space typically will not have as much smoke damage as a large, open room with multiple appliances and a lot of wiring in the walls. Additionally, certain parts of a room may experience more damage than others.

Ceilings
 
Hot air rises, the highest concentration of smoke residue is commonly found directly above where a fire started - usually on the ceiling above the point of origin. Nail heads in the ceiling (and walls) can also attract smoke particles, which appear as an outline of a ring around them.

Corners
 
When smoke particles are ionized - or have an electrical charge - they are attracted to certain surfaces. Smoke produced by burning plastic carries a stronger charge than smoke from wood, paper or cotton. This causes smoke residue to form in clusters that look like cobwebs in the corners of rooms where walls and ceilings meet.

Walls & Windows 
 
Windows and exterior walls are normally cooler than the center of a room and because smoke  travels to areas with a lower temperature, it's common to find smoke residue on outside walls and in spaces behind drapes and blinds, even more so than surrounding surfaces.

If you notice a lingering smoke smell in your home or business call SERVPRO at 303-576-6868

SERVPRO Tips

What To Do After A Fire

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
• Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
• Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
• Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
• Change HVAC filter.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

What NOT To Do After A Fire

• Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting us.
• Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
• Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
• Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

Fire Damages Denver Home Undergoing Remodeling

11/19/2017 (Permalink)

When smoke and soot damages your home, contact SERVPRO to begin remediation and restoration efforts right away for best results.

SERVPRO Technicians Clean Up So That Your Project Can Proceed As Scheduled

During a rehabbing project a homeowner may expect problems, but understandably expects the issues to be ones of budget overruns or construction material backorders. When Denver contractors work on a number of different projects at the same time, errors in operation or judgment happen. Some mistakes or accidents can lead to disasters like a fire during a renovation.
 
Your home remodeling project halted abruptly due to fire damage in Denver when conductive heat came in contact with some combustible insulation while construction crews were welding. Compounding the event was the malfunction of the fire extinguisher initially used to smother the flames. The damage is a combination of scorched building materials and soot and smoke that invaded the rest of your home. Our fire damage crew can help with both.
 
Although frightening, the actual blaze and its immediate effects are relatively straightforward to remediate. Burned insulation switched out, chemical extinguisher foam cleaned up, and charred studs sealed or replaced quickly turn back time in your soon-to-be-remodeled room, permitting those jobs to move onward. You need the SERVPRO touch in areas of your home not receiving remodeling services.
 
It may seem odd that fire damage is worse so far from the site of the blaze, but that is the nature of smoke and soot. While the insulation smoldered and the fire extinguisher sputtered, the rest of your home received an unexpected and unwanted coating of residue and persistent smoky odors. It floats through the air, perhaps helped by an operating HVAC system. The particles spread and are highly corrosive. Unless we attend to it, your furnishings, fixtures, and structures, no matter how far from the fire, begin to deteriorate. SERVPRO technicians know how to remove fire residues safely and efficiently.
 
The smoldering fire in this type of situation generates a sticky coating. Unlike dry ash and light soot, this oily coating may need abrasive tools and scrubbing with special cleaners or solvents. SERVPRO team members are familiar with the various types of sooty residues and match the appropriate cleaners to them. Our deodorization experts then work on eradicating the harsh smell of melted insulation that pervades your home. We have a range of options available, including thermal fogging and hydroxyl generators that safely neutralize odor bearing particles.
 
SERVPRO of West Littleton / Sheridan has the answer when your remodeling project hits a wall. Remediate the effects of fire damage with our help by calling (303) 593-1374.

For more information about the City of Denver, Colorado visit:  https://www.denvergov.org/content/denvergov/en.html

Fire Damage From a Burning Candle in Denver Homes

10/13/2017 (Permalink)

Homeowners should always be cautious when there are lit candles in their home.

Candles Can Easily Cause Fire Damage in Denver Homes

When the lights go out, it is common for people in Denver to use candles for lighting. One of the disadvantages of this source of light is its ability to cause a fire without warning. A lit, abandoned candle in the bedroom, for instance, could set the curtains and upholstery ablaze, leading to immense property losses. If the fire spreads to other rooms, it can compromise the structural integrity of the building.

The days, weeks, and even months following the fire disaster can be overwhelming. One way SERVPRO can help ease the tension is dispatching fire damage restoration experts from our Denver branch to salvage your property. We have industry standard tools and equipment and follow IICRC guidelines in every restoration process. We're Faster to Any Disaster, and our reputation precedes us in our dedication to restoring fire-damaged homes to preloss conditions quickly and efficiently.

A good way to avoid fire damage when using candles is by exercising safety precautions. Keep candles at least twelve inches from anything that might burn, including tablecloths, books, magazines, and other combustible materials, and always keep an eye on burning candles. Remember to blow them out if you are going to sleep or leaving the room.

At SERVPRO, we have encountered several instances of fire damage that were caused by unstable bases. Be sure to place the candle on a sturdy surface and, if possible, use a flashlight instead of a candle in the event of a blackout. In some cases, fires occur due to the fact that many people believe that candles are safe.

Jar candles, in particular, are set in a glass container that provides a false sense of security. People assume that they are foolproof just because they are in a glass. However, the wick can heat up the glass as the wax burns off, causing it to fail and explode. The flaming wick could result in tremendous fire damage. Candles contained in a tin jar are equally susceptible to fire damage. The candle tends to heat up the tin as it bums down, and it may light up whatever it is sitting on.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

If your bedroom, living room, or other space in your home sustains fire damage from a burning candle, do not hesitate to contact SERVPRO of West Littleton / Sheridan. Our team of professional restoration experts is available 24/7, every day of the week. You can reach us at (303) 593-1374.

For more information regarding the city of Denver, click here.

Denver Fire Damage Restored By SERVPRO

8/21/2017 (Permalink)

Trust SERVPRO for Fire & Smoke Cleanup in Your Denver Home

A Misbehaving Grill Causes Smoke and Fire Problems Needing Cleanup and Restoration

During the summer months, many residents enjoy relaxing on patios and decks. Dinner cooked al fresco is a welcome change of pace, and even small outdoor areas feature compact grills that may on rare occasions cause a wooden deck or roof to catch on fire. SERVPRO assists with both indoor and outdoor fire damage fast so summer fun can continue at your Denver BBQ.
 
You planned to end a leisurely day with a delicious meal from the grill with friends and family. An unexpected flare up caused fire damage when it set your Denver townhouse’s second-floor deck ablaze. Exterior siding and the wooden awning burned, while smoke and soot drifted through the open French doors into your living area. Once the fire department completes its final inspection, we arrive to set things right both outdoors and indoors.
 
Our SERVPRO project manager assesses the deck area for safety and to view the damage before work begins. An inspection of the interior of your home is essential even if no actual burning occurred inside. Any hot air, full of smoke and soot, pulled into your home through the deck doors possibly spread smoke residues. Smoke, ashes, and soot are extremely corrosive and discolor, etch, and otherwise, deteriorate surfaces and contents within your townhouse.
 
The SERVPRO crew gets to work, cleaning off charring outside and determining whether any structural pieces need to be removed and replaced. We scrub and refinish salvageable areas, quickly returning your deck to usable condition. Our mission is always to restore as much as possible, saving you money and minimizing the disruption to your place. We work with your insurance to maximize benefits to you through paid claims.
 
If fire damage did invade the interior, we use a range of products to clean surfaces. Light ash and soot respond well to vacuums with HEPA filters and dry sponging. Stickier coatings may need a spray and wipe technique, or an abrasive approach in some cases. SERVPRO has immersion tanks and even ultrasonic methods available if larger and detailed items need specialized cleaning. Clothing and window coverings launder out smoke and soot damage, although dry cleaning may be necessary for delicate or non-washable fabrics.
 
If dinner plans go up in smoke, SERVPRO of West Littleton / Sheridan is ready to help you get through the aftermath of a deck fire. Call us at (303) 593-1374 as soon as the fire fighters depart from your Denver, Sheridan, or Littleton property so we can get on the job quickly.

See the Mile High City here.

The Reasons You Need SERVPRO's Help After a Fire

3/3/2017 (Permalink)

This is a fire that we responded to in Franktown, CO. This may look like a disaster, but we have the tools to restore it!

The following was taken from the University of Missouri Extension's website. The author, Betty Feather, explains why it is better to call the professionals than to try to "do-it-yourself" after a fire. SERVPRO West Littleton/Sheridan is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. 

Removing smoke odor from household textiles

Smoke odor could remain in clothing, upholstered furniture, carpets and draperies unless it is properly deodorized. Professional fire restorers and some dry cleaners use a deodorizing process that actually breaks up the smoke molecule to eliminate the odor. This deodorization process is called the ozone treatment. The ozone treatment produces an oxidizing agent that creates the same sweet smelling air associated with a rain storm. The ozone treatment can be done by a professional fire restorer at the home with an ozone generator. Sometimes household textiles are deodorized in an ozone room. If the process is done at home, clothing, upholstered furniture and other textile items are put under a tent while the ozone generator is operating. Clothing and other textile items should be deodorized before they are cleaned; otherwise, the smoke odor could be set in the fabric.

Household deodorizing products are temporary relief methods. Deodorizing with perfumes, aerosol sprays, and disinfectants generally only mask the smoke odor. The smoke odor will still remain after the spray or perfume evaporates. In addition, deodorizing sprays may interact with smoke odor and create an additional odor.

Removing smoke odor from the home

Smoke can enter and remain in and between the walls of the living space. If it is not properly removed, the smoke odor reoccurs from time to time, particularly during damp periods. Therefore, action should be taken to properly remove all smoke odors.

During a fire, the heat will expand pores in the walls and fill the pores with smoke. After the fire, the house cools, the pores close and trap the smoke odor. On warm days the pores will open and release the trapped smoke odor, which could settle on furnishings. Professional fire restorers can eliminate the smoke odor with a process called thermal fogging, which opens the pores in the walls and neutralizes the smoke odor. There is probably no process a home owner could use that would work as effectively as thermal fogging.

Household vents and ducts trap smoke odors. During a fire, smoke drifts through the ducts and becomes lodged on the sides. Since it may be impossible to clean the ducts; some professional fire restorers will use a chemical sealer to secure smoke permanently to the sides of the ducts. This procedure prevents smoke odors from drifting in the air at a later time.

If the attic has been insulated prior to the fire, it may be necessary to remove the insulation. Insulation cannot be cleaned; unfortunately, it will need to be replaced because insulation retains smoke odors.

Source: http://extension.missouri.edu/p/GH145

December Candle Safety

12/1/2016 (Permalink)

Candles can add to your holiday enjoyment but make sure to use them safely with these tips.

From 2009-2013, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 9,300 home structure fires that were started by candles. These fires caused 86 deaths, 827 injuries and $374 million in direct property damage. 

Facts and figures

During the five-year period of 2009-2013:

• Candles caused 3% of reported home fires, 3% of home fire deaths, 6% of home fire injuries, and 5% of the direct property damage in home fires.
• Roughly one-third (36%) of home candle fires started in bedrooms. These fires caused 32% of the associated deaths and 47% of the associated injuries.
• Falling asleep was a factor in 11% percent of the home candle fires and 30% of the associated deaths.
• On average, 25 home candle fires were reported per day. 
• More than half (58%) of home candle fires occurred when some form of combustible material was left or came too close to the candle.
• December is the peak time of year for home candle fires. In December, 11% of home candle fires began with decorations compared to 4% the rest of the year.

Safety tips

Remember that a candle is an open flame, which means that it can easily ignite anything that can burn.

• Blow out all candles when you leave the room or go to bed. Avoid the use of candles in the bedroom and other areas where people may fall asleep.
• Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn.
• Think about using flame-less candles in your home. They look and smell like real candles.
• Use candle holders that are sturdy, and won’t tip over easily.
• Put candle holders on a sturdy, uncluttered surface.
• Light candles carefully. Keep your hair and any loose clothing away from the flame.
• Don’t burn a candle all the way down — put it out before it gets too close to the holder or container.
• Never use a candle if oxygen is used in the home.
• Have flashlights and battery-powered lighting ready to use during a power outage. Never use candles.

Religious candle safety

Lit candles are used in religious services, in places of worship, and in the home. Whether you are using one candle, or more than one on a candelabra, kinara, or menorah, make sure you use them safely.

• Candles should be placed in a sturdy candle holder.
• Handheld candles should not be passed from one person to another at any time.
• When lighting candles at a candle lighting service, have the person with the unlit candle dip their candle into the flame of the lit candle.
• Lit candles should not be placed in windows where a blind or curtain could catch fire.
• Candles placed on, or near tables, altars, or shrines, must be watched by an adult.
• Blow out candles when you leave the room or go to sleep.
• If a candle must burn continuously, be sure it is enclosed in a glass container and placed in a sink, on a metal tray, or in a deep basin filled with water.

Source: http://www.nfpa.org/public-education/by-topic/top-causes-of-fire/candles

Space Heater Safety

12/1/2016 (Permalink)

Space heaters account for about one third of all winter house fires.

CELEBRATE SAFELY WITH A RECIPE FOR SAFETY

11/11/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of West Littleton/Sheridan wishes you a safe and Happy Thanksgiving with your family and friends.