Fire Damage Photo Gallery

Create and Practice a Fire Escape Plan

In the event of a fire, remember that every second count, so you and your family must always be prepared. Escape plans help you get out of your home quickly.

Twice each year, practice your home fire escape plan.  Some tips to consider when preparing this plan include:

  • Find two ways to get out of each room in the event the primary way is blocked by fire or smoke.
  • A secondary route might be a window onto a neighboring roof or a collapsible ladder for escape from upper story windows.
  • Make sure that windows are not stuck, screens can be taken out quickly, and that security bars can be properly opened.
  • Practice feeling your way out of the house in the dark or with your eyes closed.
  • Teach children not to hide from firefighters.

Smoke Alarm

A working smoke alarm significantly increases your chances of surviving a deadly home fire.

  • Install both ionization AND photoelectric smoke alarms, OR dual sensor smoke alarms, which contain both ionization and photoelectric smoke sensors.
  • Test batteries monthly.
  • Replace batteries in battery-powered and hard-wired smoke alarms at least once a year (except non-replaceable 10-year lithium batteries).
  • Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement, both inside and outside of sleeping areas.
  • Replace the entire smoke alarm unit every 8-10 years or according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Never disable a smoke alarm while cooking – it can be a deadly mistake.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – (540) 433-6100

Reducing the Risk of Electrical Fires in Your Home Can Be Simple

Electrical Fires

With technology and electronic accessories being an inescapable part of day-to-day activities, it means that electricity is in high-demand and is working around the clock in our homes. Homes today are generating a tremendous amount of electricity, and the greater the electric load, the greater the risk of electric-related fires.

Call SERVPRO of Rockingham and Augusta Counties at (540) 433-6100.

Bad Habits You Should Break

Bad Habits That Could Burn Down Your House

Are you guilty of these bad habits?

  1. Piling Up Dirty Rags
  2. Misusing Electric Blankets
  3. Neglecting Appliance Recalls
  4. Lingering Dryer Lint
  5. Letting Your Laptop Overheat
  6. Choosing the Wrong Wattage
  7. Using Too Many Extension Cords
  8. Performing DIYs You're Not Qualified to Do
  9. Disregarding Dust
  10. Storing Batteries Improperly
  11. Ignoring Uninvited Pesty Guests
  12. Forgetting the Chimney Sweep
  13. Overlooking the Range Hood
  14. Arranging Furniture Unwisely

Have Smoke or Fire Damage? Call (540) 433-6100

 

Different Types of Fires Need Different Extinguishers

Did you know? If it's a grease fire or electrical fire, baking soda is needed. Never Water! Baking soda will put out the flames safely, while water could make the fire grow even larger!

Hoarding can lead to serious fire concerns

Sometimes "Hoarding" can be a subjective opinion, other times the situation is quite obvious.  The concerns go beyond health and sanitation to those of safety in the event of a fire or an emergency; particularly if the alternative pathways for egress are blocked. The county even steps in when conditions have been so obvious neighbors or relatives notified the authorities.