Top Ways to Prevent House Fires | SERVPRO of Rochester

12/8/2023 (Permalink)

Help protect your home or business this holiday season with these fire prevention tip from SERVPRO of Rochester!

Suffering through a house fire is probably near the top of every homeowner’s list of worst nightmares. The sheer level of damage, not to mention the potential for danger or catastrophe, can keep anyone awake at night. 

While we all know that not every house fire scenario can be prevented, there are things you can do to reduce your risk of a house fire. The tips below can be incorporated into your daily routine to help keep your home and family safe and sound. 

Starting in the Kitchen

The majority of house fires start in the kitchen, but that should be no surprise! We use heat and flame to cook most of our meals, so that directly increases the chance of fire whenever we turn on the stove or preheat our ovens. Because of that, you should never leave your kitchen area when you are actively cooking or baking. Walking away for even a moment is enough time for a kitchen towel to catch on fire or for a grease fire to erupt. 

Stay close by, and keep a lid near you at all times. If a fire does break out, you can quickly throw the lid over your pot to smother the flames. You should also take the time to remove flammable materials from around your stove like wooden utensils, pot holders, oven mitts and even flammable décor items. 

Electrical Safety Tips
Another place for fires to break out is anywhere near your electronics or in your outlets. Electricity is a vital part of our daily life nowadays, but it doesn’t come without risks. Outlets can easily become overwhelmed and overheat, so try to limit what you have plugged in at any given time and consider investing in a surge protector for important spaces like your office or utility room.

You should also limit the amount of extension cords and outlet extenders. Plugging an extension cord into another extension cord is called daisy-chaining and that can be really dangerous, especially indoors. Unplug whatever you aren’t actively using and address loose or warm outlets right away. 

Candles and Space Heaters  

Who doesn’t love to be cozy? Candles and space heaters can warm you up and give your room the coziest feel, especially on those chilly winter nights. Blow out your candles completely before heading to bed or when leaving the room, and be sure they are always set up in a safe location away from kids and pets. 

If you utilize space heaters, set yours up on a level, nonflammable surface and keep a close eye on them. Space heaters are beneficial in the fact that they can easily be moved, but that means they can easily be tipped over. Only use them when you are present in the room and then turn them off before going to sleep. 

Preventing house fires is not always possible, which is why we are here. SERVPRO of Rochester will help put your house back together faster, and we will ensure to remove smoke odors and damaged debris with ease before tackling your repairs.

Suffered a house fire? Make SERVPRO of Rochester your first call after the flames are out.

End of Summer Tips to Care for Your Home

8/29/2022 (Permalink)

If you are like us at SERVPRO of Rochester, it's hard to realize that the end of Summer is here!  Schools are starting, busses are on the roads again and soon it will be Fall. 

The time between the seasons of Summer and Fall is a great time to make sure your home is ready for a new season and in a few months that word...SNOW.

Here a few tips we recommend to help keep your home in good condition for a new season.

Outside your home:

• Clean your gutters. Remove any debris to ensure rainfall can go through the gutter. 
• Perform a visual inspection of the perimeter of your home. Look to make sure there is a positive grade going away from your home, not towards your foundation. 
• Look at trees, branches and limbs close to your home.  Are there any that could damage your home and windows if there were strong winds? 

Inside your home:

• Check your furnace filter. Do you need to change it? Make sure to write the date you changed the filter. 
• Check your smoke detectors. This is a good time to change the batteries. 
• Do you have a carbon monoxide detector? It's a good time to change the batteries or get a new one. 

Firework Clean-Up Tips

7/6/2022 (Permalink)

Celebrating the Fourth of July and lighting off fireworks is a long awaited tradition for many of us. For some people it's the planning and going to the fireworks store to pick out the perfect fireworks. 

SERVPRO of Rochester would like to help you stay safe during the Fourth of July festivities. After you have grilled out, prepared for lighting off fireworks and waited for dusk to be able to begin the fireworks show and then enjoyed lighting them, it's time to think about the clean-up. 

Here are a few tips SERVPRO of Rochester would like to share with you about the aftermath of lighting off fireworks.

1. Let the used fireworks sit and cool down. 
2. When the fireworks are cool, put them in a metal bucket that has water in it.
3. Leave the used fireworks in the metal bucket overnight.
4. The following day, put the fireworks from the water into a double or triple bag. 
5. Dispose in garbage. 
6. NEVER put used fireworks in a bonfire. 

Stay safe celebrating our freedom this Fourth of July.

SERVPROrochester.com

Fourth of July Fire Tips

7/1/2022 (Permalink)

The Fourth of July is a time that many gather together with family and friends to celebrate the United States independence. There are parades, stellar sales in stores, purchasing fireworks, grilling out and then the long awaited lighting off fireworks!

Whether you participate in the lighting or are a spectator, SERVPRO of Rochester would like to share some firework injury facts and then some safety tips.

The National Fire Protection Association reports the following staggering statistics about injuries and damages to structures on the Fourth of July day. 

• Each year there are 10,000 emergency room visits due to fireworks injuries on Fourth of July 
• There are 19,500 structure fires reported on the day
• Adults age 25-44 and children age 10-14 account for the most firework injuries and burns on the fourth
• 64% of injuries are males
• The leg and finger/ hand are the areas that sustain injury the most frequent due to fireworks injury

We at SERVPRO of Rochester wish you a Happy Fourth of July and hope you stay safe lighting fireworks. Here are a few tips from The American Red Cross. 

1. If you are attending a public show of fireworks, stay at least 500 feet away from the display.
2. If you are lighting off fireworks at home, make sure you have water close by in case a fire starts.
3. Supervise children. 
4. Light one firework at a time. Never "relight" a dud firework.

SERVPROrochester.com

Bonfire Season!

6/19/2022 (Permalink)

It is officially bonfire season in Minnesota!  The weather this week has been perfect 70s during the day and the evening in the 50s. 

Whether you have a fire pit permanently in your backyard or a portable fire pit, SERVPRO of Rochester has a few tips this bonfire season. 

1. Check with the local laws on bonfires. 

2. Check the weather. You want to avoid having a bonfire when there are strong winds.  When there are strong winds embers and sparks may travel away and set a neighbor's home or trees or any belongings on fire. 

3. Make sure you have a hose connected to your house ready to go in case the fire spreads and is out of control.

4. Use wood that is dry. 

5. Only burn wood. You shouldn't burn trash, aerosols, cans, or anything else. 

6. Keep your bonfire size manageable. Recommendations are 4x4 maximum. 

SERVPRO of Rochester hopes you have a fun bonfire season! 

Fire Mitigation

5/19/2022 (Permalink)

Every time SERVPRO of Rochester is called to look at a home, apartment or place of business which has just had a fire it is incredible to hear the story behind the fire. We hear over and over again how quickly the fire started and spread. 

SERVPRO of Rochester works with the homeowner, manager, owner, and insurance adjusters to come up with a fire mitigation plan. 

It is incredible to be part of a team from what the structure and contents look like when we arrive and then through the process almost always we are able to remove the soot, smoke and smell from the various items. 

There are different methods and processes in fire mitigation.

Media blasting: SERVPRO of Rochester has been successful in using media blasting to charred wood beams and stud walls. Look at our photos to see the before and after photos!  incredible!

Walls: SERVPRO of Rochester is able to remove soot off the walls.  Look in the photos to see!

Items in your home or business: SERVPRO of Rochester is able to take these items and clean them and return them soot free! Look in the photos!

Large items, cabinets, and other stationary items: SERVPRO of Rochester is able to clean items in place and remove the soot & smoke. 

SERVPRO of Rochester certainly hopes you don't find yourself in the aftermath of a fire, but if you do, call SERVPRO of Rochester. 507-286-9170.

Hey Rochester MN!

1/18/2022 (Permalink)

Fire mitigation is one of two of our most common services we perform at SERVPRO of Rochester.  The other most common service is water mitigation. 

Are your fire prevention prepared in your home, office or apartment?

December, January and February are the three months when half  of all home heating fires occur. 

This is preventable with a few simple, mindful steps you can do in your home. 

1. Using a space heater? Don't use an extension cord with this appliance. 
2. Keep all items at least 3 feet away from space heaters or wall heaters. 
3. We all like to use candles. Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything and everything. Make sure the candles are fully extinguished before leaving your home or going to bed. 
4. Want to be extra cautious? When leaving your home unplug any and all appliances, make sure your washer, dryer and dishwasher are not running. The National Fire Prevention Association recommends using battery operated flameless candles. 

Also, please check the batteries in all your smoke and carbon dioxide detectors regularly. 

If and when you are in need of fire or water mitigation services, please call SERVPRO of Rochester.  

Careful With Real Christmas Tree

12/29/2021 (Permalink)

We at SERVPRO of Rochester and our employees hope that you and your loved ones had a joyous Christmas celebration!

There's nothing better than having a real Christmas tree. Each year I love the smell that the tree fills the house with and bright lights reminding of Christs' birth and His light in our lives along with the sentimental Christmas tree ornaments. 

I am never really ready to take down the Christmas tree, but when the needles fall off without anyone touching it, then I just know it's time. This year we want to remind you as you take down your real Christmas tree of a few things. 

1. Make sure to take off all the ornaments. There always seems to be that one that I miss. 

2. Make sure all lights and electrical cords are removed from the tree. 

3. Please consider recycling your Christmas tree to your local recycling center. When you recycle, you are giving them material to make mulch with for the following landscaping season. 

Keep in mind a dry tree that is to say is no longer drinking water, that it takes only 10 seconds to burn and spread to other parts of the room if a fire should start.

Have a blessed rest of 2021. If you find yourself with fire damage, call us. We have technicians standing by, literally, 24 hours a day to serve you.

Thanksgiving Day FIRES!

11/24/2021 (Permalink)

Did you know that Thanksgiving Day is the "peak day for home cooking fires"?  This surpasses other holidays that we celebrate like Christmas, Easter Fourth of July and even the day before Thanksgiving preparations.

The National Fire Protection Association, NFPA, website states that on Thanksgiving Day THREE TIMES more home fires occur than any other day of the year. Unattended stoves are the leading cause of fire on Thanksgiving.

Even though fire and water mitigation is our business and we value the relationships we build with our customers throughout the process, SERVPRO of Rochester doesn't want you to have a fire. Here are a few tips for helping lessen your chances of having a kitchen or house fire during the holidays.

• Don't leave the stove or grill unattended
• Keep the stove area cleared from hot mitts and utensils
• Avoid wearing loose clothing when cooking 
• Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen in case of fire
• Keep children and animals out of the cooking area
• If you light candles, make sure to extinguish them when people are not in the room. 

We at SERVPRO of Rochester wish you each a blessed Thanksgiving and one that is celebrated with those you love and care for. 

Careful Burning!

10/10/2021 (Permalink)

Lots of us especially if you live in rural areas, in Southeastern Minnesota, burn fall leaves. This is so much easier than bagging fifty or a hundred bags of leaves.  Those of us that live in the city of Rochester either bag our leaves or burn them.  

SERVPRO of Rochester wants to give you some quick helpful tips to avoid a home, shed, garage or other structure fire when burning leaves this fall.

• Make sure you call the city or county to see if burning is allowed in your area.
• Do you need a burn permit? 
• In some small communities, like Oronoco,  they request you let the local fire department know you will be burning.
• Check the local weather forecast. Avoid days with strong winds. 
• Make sure you have a hose hooked up to water source in case the fire gets out of control. 
• Check the distance your fire will be away from any structure, yours or any neighbors. 
• Keep the leave pile small and manageable. Add to it to avoid a massive, huge, uncontrollable fire. 
• Keep a phone nearby in case you need to call 911.

Stay safe this fall. 

Special Smoke Alarms for Hard of Hearing or Blind?

7/14/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke alarms if properly tested and batteries changed regularly can save lives. Homes are required to have smoke alarms. 

However, for those of us that have aging parents or are care givers to loved ones we wonder if "regular" smoke alarms would help in the event of a home fire. 

SERVPRO of Rochester wants to let you know about a few tools that are available that may help you and your loved ones stay safe and if there's a fire to get out in time.

As we all age, there are ways that we have to adjust our daily lives, routines and things we do. 

Do you or a family member have difficulties hearing? Or have a hearing aid? Maybe you  or a family member have macular degeneration or another debilitating eye disease or are blind? The good news is that there are different products available for purchase that will alert those that are hard of hearing or blind?

The National Fire Protection Association or N.F.P.A. on their website state that there are smoke alarms  that are specifically made for the hard of hearing, deaf, visually impared and deaf. 

These products have different features such as: strobe lights going off when the smoke alarm goes off, or activating the pillow shaker to wake up the person. 

Both products are available on Amazon.com and range in price averaging about $300.00. 

No matter the age of your loved ones, statistics show that 85% of people do NOT practice the fire escape plan. SERVPRO of Rochester strongly encourages you to practice the fire plan with your loved ones. Simple things like planning, checking alarms, and changing batteries make a significant impact on increasing chances of escaping a fire. 

Each year SERVPRO of Rochester helps families in the aftermath of a fire. Again and again we have heard from customers that they wished they had had a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and wished they hadn't left the candle burning when they left the room. 

We are here to help you or your loved one during times of need after a kitchen or home fire.  

Fourth of July Celebration Safety In Southeastern MN

7/2/2021 (Permalink)

All of us at SERVPRO of Rochester wish you a Happy Fourth of July and hope that you have a safe holiday weekend celebrating our independence.

The Fourth of July celebration is for many of us a take time away from work and have time with family and friends. 

Celebrations are wonderful times to catch up with loved one and relax for a day or two. With these fun times, SERVPRO of Rochester has a few Fourth of July fire & fireworks facts for you in hopes that you stay safe from fire and injury. 

The National Fire Protection Association, N.F.P.A., has done research that shows each year 19,500 fires are started from fireworks!  Of the 19,500 fires, almost 10% of those are structure fires like sheds, garages and homes. Vehicle fires account for 5% of the fires. 

Emergency room statistics show that there are 10,000 people that come in to the ER with a firework injury. In particular the face and hands are the most injured part of the body.  Sparklers account for almost 1/4 of emergency room visits. 

Many think that sparklers are harmless, but think about this for a moment: 

*You bake a cake at 350 degrees F. 

*Glass melts at 900 degrees F.

*Sparklers burn at 1200 degrees F.

With a few precautions, you can lessen your chances of having a injury or structure fire.

Fireworks Safety:

• Check to make sure your fireworks are Minnesota legal.
• Follow the package directions.
• Have water nearby. Make sure you have the hose close by and turned on! Be prepared. Fires happen quickly.
• Supervise children with sparklers.
• Light fireworks away from structures and people.
• If a firework doesn't light and you think is a "dud", do NOT try to relight. Dispose of in water or spray to ensure it is not lit.
• After lighting fireworks, pick-up the firework debris. Spray with water and leave on concrete. Try to gather all debris off grass. 

Wishing you a wonderful Fourth of July celebration! 

Home Fires In Rochester, MN

6/26/2021 (Permalink)

Home fires in Rochester, MN and surrounding communities have been increasing with the dry conditions.

It's our hope for you that you never have to deal with a fire in your home. SERVPRO of Rochester each year helps homeowners with the aftermath of having a part of their home damaged from smoke, soot or fire. 

In an article from ready.gov/home-fires, it says that flames on the floor can reach 100 degrees and at eye level height the temperature of over 600 degrees. There are dangerous toxins in the air that you don't want to breathe or find yourself in this situation. 

Some common household fire starters are: 

1. cooking: stay in the kitchen when cooking & keep a fire extinguisher nearby
2. electrical appliances: Get rid of any appliance with a frayed cord or that is working improperly.
3. portable space heaters: Make sure space heater is off & unpluged before leaving home
4. fireplaces & woodstoves:Have your fireplace and woodstove inspected annually, clean frequently
5. children: Keep matches out of reach from kids.

Always remember the rule for escaping the fire in your home: stop-drop-roll. The most important thing is to have all people inside able to get out and escape. A word of caution: be careful opening doors and touching doorknobs. The heat, smoke and fire can be incredibly intense. Be careful!

SERVPRO of Rochester suggests planning for a fire in hopes that you NEVER have to implement the plan. 

1. Make sure your homeowner's insurance policy is paid and kept current. It's helpful to annually check your policy.  Are contents covered by insurance? Do you have valuables that need its own insurance? 
2. SERVPRO of Rochester suggests that you have digital or photos of your home, room by room, unique items photographed and inventoried. This will help in the event you find yourself dealing with a fire. 
3. Have an escape plan. Things to think about are: How would each person escape? Do you need a ladder to be kept in each bedroom in the event of a fire? Where will you meet once you are out of the home? Who will call 911?

SERVPRO of Rochester has many customers that have fires each year. We are experiences, certified, professional, compassionate and hope to earn your business. 

SERVPRO of Rochester is open 365 days a year. 24 hours a day. Even holidays.

Fire Danger In Rochester MN

5/17/2021 (Permalink)

This winter and spring have been extremely dry in Southeast Minnesota.  The summer outlook doesn't look good in terms of getting out of the drought we are currently experiencing.

SERVPRO of Rochester wants to give you a few tips about taking care of your home and property during the current drought season. 

1. Water your flowers, shrubs, trees and lawn in the early morning or late evening. This will help the roots absorb the water more than if you water in the mid-day hours.

2. Make sure your gutters are free of leaves, twigs and other debris to avoid a spark from bonfire or firework catching fire and then starting the house on fire.  

3. Prune any overgrown branches over trees around your home. 

4. Make sure you have a fire extinguisher in your kitchen, near your outdoor grill and in the garage. Also, check the date on each fire extinguisher to make sure the dates are current. 

5. Hook up a hose, which is at least 50 feet in length,  to your homes outdoor water faucet. 

6. Make sure that you and your family have an emergency plan in case of fire or other reason where all occupants would need to flee the home.  Practice, practice, practice your plan!  The more you practice, the more natural it will be for everyone to remember in time of distress. 

SERVPRO of Rochester is here to help you in time of need. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Holidays too. 507-286-9170.

Winter Fire Safety Tips for Rochester Homeowners

1/19/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Rochester recommends checking the batteries in your smoke alarm and testing monthly.

Many of us are spending more time inside than outside because it's winter here in Minnesota and it's an extraordinary year of COVID-19.  SERVPRO of Rochester has been on several home and garage fires this past year. 

Here are a few fire prevention safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association. 

• Never leave a candle unattended or in the reach of little ones.  Blow out the candle when leaving the room. 
• Working from home and using a space heater? Make sure that the cord is intact and not fraying.  Recommended distance from any object is at least three feet. Make sure to turn off the heater or unplug it when leaving the room. 
• Check your smoke detector to make sure it's working. If you hear that dreaded "chirp" noise, that means you need to replace the batteries. 

If you find yourself in need of our services from fire & water damage to trauma or mold clean-up, SERVPRO of Rochester is here to serve and work with you.

Media Blasting After Fire in Chatfield

1/9/2021 (Permalink)

The photo shows on the left side was BEFORE the media blasting and the right side shows AFTER the media blasting.

SERVPRO of Rochester has worked with customers on several fire damages the past year. Some fires are considered minimal while others are extensive.

Recently, we worked with a customer that had a garage fire resulting in a total loss. However, the heavy smoke affected the home's attic.  

Media blasting is used for many different applications. There are different types of media that one can use: soda, dry ice, garnet and others. 

SERVPRO of Rochester is a fire, water, mold, graffiti mitigation and trauma clean-up company which uses media blasting.

Our technicians used soda blasting to remove heavy smoke from the wood framing. Incredible, right? We were able to remove all the smoke damage and odor. This process saved the home's roof and climate and the odor. The final step in the process is sealing the wood. 

There are photos of this process that show before and after as well as a video on our main webpage. 

SERVPRO of Rochester is here to serve you in your times of need. We are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Happy Thanksgiving Rochester and Surrounding Communities!

11/23/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Rochester wishes you a safe holiday as you celebrate Thanksgiving.  In this year of uncertainties and challenges, we have a few tips for you and your family as you cook and prepare. 

• Always stay in the kitchen when you are cooking food
• Check the oven to make sure it's empty before pre-heating
• Keep children out of the kitchen and cooking area
• Make sure knives are out of reach from children
• Make sure the floor is clear of kid's or dog toys, and bags
• If grilling outside, make sure grill or fryer is at least 10 feet away from your home
• Candles are a nice touch, but don't light ahead of time. Don't leave unattended
• Have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen working area

Thanksgiving is a peak day for home fires. Please stay safe. 

SERVPRO of Rochester. Here to help. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Even holidays.

I Had Fire and Smoke Damage to my Rochester residence....Now What?

7/15/2020 (Permalink)

Customers have shared with SERVPRO of Rochester their feelings after sustained soot, smoke and fire damage. The words they describe are a feeling of an out of body experience, the disbelief that this happened to their home, anger and feelings of now what. 

SERVPRO of Rochester has been fortunate to help many customers mitigate their smoke and or fire damage. 

So what are you supposed to do if you find yourself in this position?

SERVPRO of Rochester recommends the following:

• Contact your insurance agent. 
• Call SERVPRO of Rochester 507-286-9170
  • We have the knowledge and expertise 
  • We have the necessary equipment
• Don't throw anything away.
  • We inventory everything for you and send it to your insurance company.

When you experience a damage like this, you need to know that the process can be lengthy. However, we believe that doing a thorough job is better than simply rushing through things. 

Rochester Residents...Fourth of July Celebration Tips

7/2/2020 (Permalink)

Celebrating the Fourth of July creates such excitement for many of us! Everyone seems to celebrate differently from spending the time with family or friends to boating or grilling. However, one common part of the day we all do is to watch or light off fireworks. 

SERVPRO of Rochester wants to help you stay safe.

Here are a few fireworks safety facts and tips for you:

Facts:

1. Sparklers' sparks are 1800-3000 degrees F. and can cause third degree burns.

2. Fireworks burn at 2000 degrees F. which is hotter than a blow torch. 

Tips to Stay Safe:

1. Keep a bucket full of water or hose nearby in case of fire.

2. Make sure children are closely supervised. 

3. Never place any body part over any part of a firework when trying to light. 

4. If a firework doesn't light, don't try to relight it.

5. When all fireworks are completed, don't put the burned pieces in plastic. Put in a bucket of water overnight. 

SERVPRO of Rochester hopes you have a safe Fourth of July!

It's Officially Summer Rochester!

6/26/2020 (Permalink)

It is officially summer! There's nothing better than firing up the grill, putting some steaks or hamburgers on and the wonderful smells as it cooks. Many of us look forward to these fun summer traditions. 

The National Fire Protection Association reports that every 7 of 10 Americans own some type of grill whether it's a gas, charcoal or smoker grill. The months of May through August are when the most grill fires occur. So, we are currently in the months when most grilling fires occur. 

Gas grills account for 84% of grill fires, while charcoals accounts for 16%. 

A few tips for grilling to prevent fires: 

1. Clean the grill before putting food on. 29% of fires were caused by a grill that hadn't been cleaned. 

2. When lighting the grill, make sure the lid is open. 

3. Keep the grill at least 10 feet away from the home. 

4. Never leave the grill unattended.

Happy Grilling!

Fire Tips for Rochester Residents

5/18/2020 (Permalink)

FEMA reports that in one single year over 4,000 people die in fires and over 25,000 people are injured from fires. And, annually the insurance industry reports that home damage costs are estimated at $8.6 billion dollars. 

SERVPRO of Rochester is here to help you if you find yourself in this situation. We have helped people when their homes have had minor losses such as smoke and soot damage to complete demolition of their kitchen or several rooms affected from fire.

There are a few simple steps that you can do to help prevent a fire. Some suggestions are:

1. Install a smoke alarm. FEMA estimates having one that is installed and working, it could decrease your chances of dying from a fire in half. 

2. You need to have one smoke alarm in each room of your home. 

3. You need to replace the batteries in your smoke alarm at least once a year. 

4. You need to replace each smoke alarm every 10 years. 

5. Have an escape plan. Talk to your family and make a plan how to get out of your home and where to meet if you would have a fire. 

These steps are very important. SERVPRO of Rochester is here to help you. 

SERVPRO of Rochester Fire Tips

1/12/2020 (Permalink)

Did you know that the most common time for a house fire is 5 P.M. to 8 P.M.? Each year over 900 people die in house fires. That number is staggering. The number one cause of winter house fires is cooking fires, while the second cause is from heating sources. 

We at SERVPRO of Rochester want to help you not be one of these statistics that has a home fire. Here are some helpful tips: 

1. If you have a fireplace or wood stove, keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away from the area. It's recommended that you don't burn paper, wrapping paper or newspapers.  Most importantly, have your fireplace or stove inspected each year. 

2. If you use a portable heater, make sure it has an automatic shut off. Place the heater at least 3 feet away from curtains, drapes, bedding and clothing. 

Fire Prevention Tips for the Upcoming Holidays

11/24/2019 (Permalink)

We at SERVPRO of Rochester LOVE the holiday times!! For us, this is a time of gratitude for all we have, time for family and moments to remind us how important life truly is!

With that said, we wish you and your family a blessed Thanksgiving and Christmas and offer some tips to keep you safe. These tips come from The National Safety Council website.

Decorating Tips:

1. Use flame less candles. If you must use real flame, keep out of reach of children. 

2. Make sure to extinguish candles before leaving your home or to go to sleep. 

3. If you have an artificial tree, make sure it's labeled "fire resistant". 

4. If you have a live tree, make sure to water it each day. When the holiday is over, dispose of it right away. 

5. Replace lights and light sets that have broken or frayed cords.

6. Read the package directions on how many sets you can plug in to each other. 

Lastly, keep a fire extinguisher accessible in your home in case you do have a fire start. 

We hope you have a wonderful holiday season.

SERVPRO of Rochester 4th of July Celebrations Safety Tips

6/30/2019 (Permalink)

With the Fourth of July just a few days away, we at SERVPRO of Rochester want to help you stay safe from injury and fires.

A few safety tips from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission about injury and fires around the Fourth of July celebrations.

*Keep a water hose nearby in case grass or your home catch fire from fireworks.

*After the fireworks have completed burning, spray them off and then put in a bucket of water.

*Keep sparklers and fireworks away from your body and other people.

*Sparklers are pretty and fun, but they burn at almost 2000 degrees, as hot as a blow torch.

*Never touch or look at a "dud" firework. Leave it alone. Spray water on it and dispose.

*Never put used fireworks in a plastic garbage bin or recycling container. It may catch fire even if it feels cool to the touch.

*Do NOT relight a firework that has not fully ignited. 

*Children should always be supervised by an adult. 

Byron Bonfire Fun!

5/20/2019 (Permalink)

We at SERVPRO of Rochester have a few tips as we move into the summer grilling and bonfire season. 

Bonfire tips:

1. Keep a hose or bucket of water nearby so that if an ember or spark gets outside the firepit that you are able to put it out.

2. NEVER leave a bonfire unattended.

3. Make sure everyone stays at least 3 feet away from the fire. 

4. When you are done with the bonfire, make sure the entire fire is put out.  Use water to spray the area down. 

5. Make sure to walk around the yard before going inside for the night. Check for any sparks or embers. 

Fun times can turn quickly into a catastrophe. We hope you have a fun and safe time having bonfires this summer.  As always, we at SERVPRO of Rochester are here to help you in the event you have a fire or water damage.

Homeowners in Rochester: Don't Let Your Christmas Tree Dry Out

12/19/2018 (Permalink)

This is a beautiful, healthy tree. Please make sure to check the water level daily in the Christmas tree stand.

At SERVPRO of Rochester, MN we want to remind you of a few safety tips as Christmas nears.  

The likelihood of a household fire increases dramatically in December and early January.  The National Fire Protection Association recommends that you follow these steps to decrease your chance of a fire.

*Check the Christmas lights before hanging.  Make sure that the bulbs are not broken and cords are not frayed. 

*Keep the Christmas tree at least 3 feet away from any heat source.

*Make sure to check the tree water each day and water. 

*Before going to bed at night or leaving home, unplug the Christmas lights. 

*Once the Christmas tree is dried or you have removed all the lights and ornaments, recycle at Waste to Energy lot.  They will shred the tree to be used later as landscape mulch. 

If you do have any water, smoke, fire needs during the Christmas season, SERVPRO of Rochester is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!  Call 507-286-9170!

Merry Christmas!

SERVPRO of Rochester Thanksgiving Fire Safety Tips

11/20/2018 (Permalink)

Thanksgiving is less than 48 hours away.  Soon kitchens will be bustling with food galore, drinks, laughter and gathering of family and friends. We, at SERVPRO of Rochester, want to give you a few tips to keep your kitchen safe this Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving is the #1 day that fires start in kitchens. 

There are a few simple steps you can do to avoid the likelihood of having a kitchen fire.

Kitchen

1. Clean the oven and stove top from any crumbs or debris. Remove any grease build-up.

2.  Keep all pan & pot handles turned inward. 

3. Stay in the kitchen while food is cooking, particularly on the stove top.

4. Make sure the batteries in smoke alarms are working.

5. If you have a fire in your oven keep the door closed.

Turkey deep fryers

1. If using a turkey deep fryer, use it outdoors.

2. Use the correct oil that the manufacture recommends. 

3. Thaw the turkey completely.

4. Don't overfill the oil. 

5. Keep children away. 

From our family at SERVPRO of Rochester, we wish you and your family a blessed and safe Thanksgiving.