How To Prevent Dryer Fires

11/10/2021 (Permalink)

Give SERVPRO of Southwest Wichita a call to clean out your dryer vents (316) 260-9011.

Dryer fires are responsible for a large number of home fires each year. According to the National Fire Protection Association, in 2014-2018, local fire departments responded to an estimated average of 13,820 home structure fires per year in which dryers were involved in the ignition. These fires caused an average of seven civilian deaths, 344 civilian injuries, and $233 million in direct property damage annually.

Not all dryer fires start the same, mechanical, and electrical failure is one-way, faulty wiring and damaged appliances can potentially cause a dryer fire. Improper use can also be a factor, such as overstuffing the dryer, items that should not be put in a dryer, and items that have warnings that advise to not dry with heat. For example, a mat in your home with a rubber back could potentially cause a fire. The most common cause of a dryer fire is clogged vents, ducts, and filters. The buildup of lint on the filter, as well as the outside vent can also become clogged, which inhibits airflow and can lead to dangerous conditions.

Here are a few tips on preventing a dryer fire:

• Make sure it is properly installed
• Clean the lint screen after each use
• Clean the vent and duct periodically
• Have your dryer routinely inspected

We offer dryer vent cleanings as one of our services which can help prevent fires started by your dryer. If your home experiences a fire, give SERVPRO of Southwest Wichita a call. We can help you through the process of getting your home back to normal (316) 260-9011.

Space Heater Safety Tips

10/25/2021 (Permalink)

Combustible's can cause a risk of fire if they come in contact with a unit's electric heating element or too-hot surface.

Space heaters caused 81% of civilian deaths involving heating equipment according to NFPA. Nearly half of all home heating fires occurred in December, January and February. With the cold winter months approaching many Kansans will look to space heaters to heat certain rooms in their home and avoid high electric or gas bills. In order to minimize the risk of fires caused by space heaters here are some practices you can keep top of mind to keep your home safe. 

1. Never leave a portable heater running unattended, unplug when not in use.
2. Assure that there is at least 3 feet of distance in all directions where there is nothing combustible.
3. Regularly inspect the portable heater to assure it is working safely and effectively.
4. Frequently, clean and maintain the heater to reduce dust or dirt build up.

If you do experience a fire don’t hesitate to give us a call. We focus on restoring versus replacing because restoring the affected areas of your property is considerably less costly than demolishing and replacing those areas. SERVPRO of Southwest Wichita is dedicated to getting you back to your preloss conditions, we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week- including holidays (316) 260-9011.

Wet VS Dry Smoke Damage in Your Wichita Home

9/13/2021 (Permalink)

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Us Today – (316) 260-9011

What is smoke?

Smoke is a collection of tiny solid, liquid and gas particles. Although smoke can contain hundreds of different chemicals and fumes, visible smoke is mostly carbon (soot), tar, oils, and ash.

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of residues after a fire that SERVPRO of Southwest Wichita will assess when they arrive on scene. With the different types of residues, there is also different types of cleaning.

Wet Smoke Damage

Wet smoke is usually produced from items made of plastic or rubber, from a slow burning, low heat fire. Protein fires also create wet smoke, these types of fires are quite common, very difficult to clean, very greasy and quite pungent. Wet smoke damage will leave thick, black, and sticky residue with a lingering smell.

Dry Smoke Damage

Dry Smoke is created by a fast burning, high-temperature fire, usually started by paper or wood. This is one of the most common type of house or business fires and is one of the larger loss types of fires. Dry smoke is an easier to clean smoke as it has a powdery texture and wont smear when cleaning.

Each smoke and fire damage situation is different, they all need a specialized solution customized for the specific event. SERVPRO of Southwest Wichita has the specific damage restoration training, personnel, and equipment and can quickly restore your home to pre-fire condition. Give us a call (316) 260-9011.

Ways To Protect Your Home When You’re Away on Vacation

9/8/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Southwest Wichita handles water, fire, and mold damage. Give us call (316) 260-9011.

Going on vacation is something everyone looks forward too, but as part of the restoration business a lot of our calls come from families who were on vacation and came home to the farthest thing from. There are a few tips we always recommend, so that way when you return from a trip you don’t have to wonder what you’re going to come home to.

1. Locking your doors and windows:

Locking up might seem like a no brainer but an estimated 32% of burglars enter through unlocked doors. SERVPRO not only handles water, fire, and mold damage but we take care of vandalism damages too.

2. Unplug your un-used appliances and electronics:

Making sure electronics are unplugged will not only help save money on your electric bill but it will also lower the chance of a house fire due to an electrical short or something flammable being to close to an outlet.

3. Shut off your main water supply:

A major lifesaver could be turning off the house’s main water supply valve to prevent possible water damage from leaky pipes. If you live in a moderate climate and the house will be empty this is a practical option, but if you live in a colder climate, or someone will be checking in while you’re gone, you probably want to leave the water on.

4. Get your security system ready:

Make sure your cameras, smoke detectors and any other components are on and in good working order. Being able to check on your home while you’re away from your phone is just another benefit of today’s technology.

If you come home and walk into an unprecedented disaster, give SERVPRO of Southwest Wichita a call. We are available day or night, 24/7/365. (316) 260-9011.

Fire Safety and Your Pets

6/8/2021 (Permalink)

Tips to help keep your pets safe during emergencies.

For many of us our pets are our family, here at SERVPRO of Southwest Wichita we all have our own fur babies that we love. Emergencies can happen at any moment, and while we may never be able to fully prevent them, we can make sure we are prepared for an emergency and have a plan in place for our pet’s safety. The Red Cross provides a great resource for tips on how to keep your pets safe from potential danger.

Tips for Pet Safety

• Note where your pets like to nap or hide.
  • If you must evacuate quickly knowing the key spots to look will help.
• Have an emergency plan and practice escape routes with your pet.
  • Include all members of the family in this plan, and make sure they know what to do and where to go.
• Keep the phone number and address of a local animal hospital handy.
• Have an emergency bag handy with your pet’s normal food, snacks, waster, medications, and a couple toys for comfort.
• Pet proof your home
  • Use only flameless candles.
  • Removing any stovetop control knobs they could possibly turn.
• Have a pet alert window cling and write down the number of pets inside your house and attach the static cling to a front window. This saves rescuers time when locating your pets. Click here for an example.

After a fire emergency, the trauma of smoke and fire damage can affect the whole family, even the pets. Call SERVPRO of Southwest Wichita to start the remediation process (316) 260-9011.