During National Fire Prevention Week, October 7 – 13, 2012 attention is focused on promoting fire safety and prevention, however we should practice fire safety all year long. Many potential fire hazards go undetected because people simply do not take steps to fireproof their home.

Many bedroom fires are caused by misuse or poor maintenance of electrical devices, careless use of candles, smoking in bed, and children playing with matches and lighters. Most potential hazards can be addressed with a little common sense. For example, be sure to keep flammable items like bedding, clothes and curtains at least three feet away from portable heaters or lit candles, and never smoke in bed. Also, items like appliances or electric blankets should not be operated if they have frayed power cords, and electrical outlets should never be overloaded.

Fire Safety Checklist:

• Install and maintain a working smoke alarm outside of every sleep area and remember to change the battery at least once a year.
• Designate two escape routes from each bedroom and practice them regularly.
• Teach everyone the “Stop, Drop, and Roll” technique in case clothing catches on fire.
• Avoid storing old mattresses in the home or garage.
• Teach kids that matches, lighters and candles are tools, not toys. If you suspect that a child is playing with fire, check under beds and in closets for telltale signs like burned matches. Matches and lighters should be stored in a secure drawer or cabinet.

Water damage and bacteria growth can begin within hours after you experience a loss. To increase your chances of a complete recovery, call Monroe Restoration as soon as possible. In the meantime, there are a few things you can do to ensure a more successful restoration.

What to do:

• Water damage and bacteria growth can begin within hours. Call Monroe Restoration immediately.
• Remove as much water as possible by mopping and blotting.
• Remove wet area rugs or other removable floor coverings. Do not attempt to start removing wall-to-wall carpet.
• Lift draperies off the floor, loop through a coat hanger and place the hanger on the drapery rod.
• Wipe furniture, prop up wet furniture cushions for even drying and place aluminum foil under furniture legs.
• Move photos, paintings and art objects to a safe, dry location.
• Do not remove books from shelves. Rather, pack them tightly to prevent warping of pages until a restoration professional can begin this specialized drying.
• Open drawers, closet and cabinet doors to enhance drying.

What not to do:

• Do not enter a room with standing water until electricity has been turned off.
• Do not use a regular household vacuum to remove water.
• Do not lift tacked-down carpet without professional help.
• Do not use electrical appliances while on wet carpet or flooring.
• Do not disturb visible mold.

Even after the fire is doused and the smoke cleared, time is of the essence. To increase your chances of a complete recovery, call Monroe Restoration as soon as possible. In the meantime, there are a few things you can do to ensure a more successful restoration.

What to do:

• Corrosive byproducts from fire and smoke can cause irreversible etching in as few as 72 hours. Call Monroe Restoration immediately.
• If the temperature is above 60 degrees, air out your home by opening windows and doors to reduce smoke odor.
• Clean Formica, chrome, porcelain and aluminum fixtures to prevent permanent tarnishing or etching.
• Change the air filter on your furnace it if uses forced hot air.
• Tape damp cheesecloth over important documents to capture loose soot in the air.
• Discard any open food packages.
• If the electricity is off, clean out the refrigerator and leave doors propped open.
• Send clothing with heavy smoke damage to a qualified restoration dry cleaner.

What not to do:

• Do not touch anything. Oil from your hands can permeate upholstery, walls and woodwork, causing additional damage.
• Do not wash walls. Incorrect cleaning could compound the soot residue.
• Do not attempt to clean carpets or upholstered furniture.
• Do not use electrical appliances until having them checked.
• Do not use ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet.