Is Your Exit Plan In Place?

2/10/2022 (Permalink)

EVERY SECOND COUNTS DURING A FIRE.  In a matter of moments, a small flame can turn into a major fire, making it critical to be prepared by having an escape plan in place.  A survey conducted by the American Red Cross shows only 26 percent of families have developed and practiced a home fire escape plan.  Once a plan is developed, it is critical everyone in the home understands the plan; the best way to do this is by practicing the escape plan at least twice a year.  The following are a few suggestions to help you develop an emergency escape plan for your family.

Draw a Map of each level of your home and show all doors and windows.  Find two ways to get out of each room.  Make sure all doors and windows that lead outside open easily.

Consider escape ladders for sleeping areas on the second and third floor.  Only purchase collapsible escape ladders evaluated by a recognized testing laboratory.  Store them near the window where they will be used.

Choose an outside meeting place a safe distance in front of your home where everyone can meet after they've escaped.  Make sure to mark the location of the meeting place on your escape plan.

Teach childrenhow to escape on their own in case you cannot help them.

Plan for everyone in your home with special consideration for elderly or disabled individuals.

Practice your fire escape plan at night and during the daytime. 

SERVPRO of Alamo Ranch

Eliminate Heating Hazards This Winter

1/15/2022 (Permalink)

Did you know 50% of all residential heating-related fires are reported during the months of December, January, and February? 

Sure, its important to keep your home warm during the winter.  But SERVPRO of Alamo Ranch urges San Antonio to use these helful hints to also stay safe.

--  Keep anything flammable at least three feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or a portable space heater.  Have a three-foot 'kid free zone' around open fires and space heaters.

--  Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.

--  Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturers, for fuel burning space heaters.

--  Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room.  Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container.  Keep the container a safe distance away from your home.

--  Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.

--  Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters, or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer's instructions.

-- Test smoke alarms monthly.

If your property does suffer fire damage, contact SERVPRO of Alamo Ranch to help make it "Like it never even happened."