Fire will not only raze your home or place of business, it will also take a tremendous amount of emotional toll on family members and employees. Fire damage can rake up to thousands of dollars in property repairs and may even cause more damage if not attended to immediately.
In addition to the heat and fire, the after-effects of smoke, including soot, debris, odor and ash, can cause surface discoloration throughout a building and damage to belongings if not treated immediately. There may also be substantial water damage caused by firefighting efforts. With ServiceMaster by PWF Pinellas’s rapid response, further damage can be prevented, especially when the holiday season starts.
To ensure you have a happy and safe holiday season this year, we’ve put together a collection of holiday safety tips. Some of them can be useful for fire prevention this Thanksgiving, too!
Use the fireplace with care.
- Whether you have a natural or gas fireplace, it is a source of heat and potential danger.
- Keep kids and pets away, be careful when placing decorations, and always make sure the fire is out before going to bed or leaving the house.
Use candles safely.
- Candles are a popular decoration during this time of the year. They add ambiance and delightful scents.
- Place candles in low-traffic areas and away from flammable materials.
Choose a safe artificial tree.
- Choose a tree that is fire-resistant. When setting it up, make sure the base is sturdy so it won’t tip or fall over.
- Place decorations with care and keep them away from heat and fire hazards.
Turn off holiday lights when leaving.
- Turn off your outside and indoor holiday lights before going to bed or leaving your home.
Avoid unattended cooking.
- Cooking fires are the major cause of household and commercial fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
- It can be difficult to balance preparing a meal, being a host and entertaining guests. As a result, many people leave cooking unattended. Get some help to make sure you are not stretched too thin.
How to Use a Fire Extinguisher
Fire extinguishers can save lives and property with proper training and education. Contact your local fire department for fire extinguisher training and advice.
When operating a fire extinguisher, always remember the word PASS:*
- Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you and release the locking mechanism.
- Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
- Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.
- Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side.
*You can get more information about fire extinguishers through the website of the U.S. Fire Administration.
Holiday Fire? Contact Us for Fire Damage Cleanup & Repairs in Oldsmar, Florida
Don’t know what to do next? We do. ServiceMaster by PWF Pinellas‘ Emergency and Disaster Service Division is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (813) 295-7797. We service residential and commercial properties in Oldsmar, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Largo, Pinellas Park, Tarpon Springs, Dunedin, Safety Harbor, Florida and the surrounding areas.
- Over 30 years of experience
- Licensed general contractor
- IICRC-certified firm
- Licensed and fully bonded technicians
- Advanced technology, techniques and equipment
- Fast response time
Contact us today to know how our qualified fire damage repair services can help. You may connect with us online to schedule an appointment.
