Posted on

16 Most Common Household Fire Hazards

According to the National Fire Protection Association house fires affect thousands of people annually causing injury and even death. Here is a list of the usual fire hazards and how to prevent them.

One of the top causes of house fires is faulty wiring

By the way, faulty wiring isn’t just hidden behind walls. Fortunately, there is a lot you can do to expose hazards every day in your home or workplace. Fortunately, we have some tips.

  • Review electrical cords in your home for fraying and replace as needed.
  • Uncover electrical cords that are pinched by or covered by things such as rugs.
  • Don’t overload circuits. You may want to consult a professional If you are questioning the stability of your electrical system.
  • Surge protector or power strips—know the difference. Surge protectors and power strips are both made for plugging in multiple electronic devices, however surge protectors  are for protecting valuable electronics such as televisions and computers whereas only the surge protector can provide protection of these devices from an electrical power surge.

Cooking is also a major cause of most house fires.

Because, we are distracted. Who doesn’t get distracted while cooking?! We all do. However, kids, pets, and phone calls aside, we have some good precautions to keep everyone safe from fire damage.

  • Pans and pots should never be left unattended over an open flame on the stove.
  • Fire extinguishers should be within reach and readily available should a fire start.
  • When a stove or oven is powered on, built up food or grease can ignite causing smoke and fire damage.

Household dryers for laundry can pose as fire hazards

You’re busy, we get it. But, just for just less than a minute each, you can deploy these tactics before your next load.

  • Improperly installed dryer vents can become clogged and overheat causing fire. Vents should be cleaned regularly.
  • Romove lint from the dryer filter immediately after each load.
  • Remember to clean around and behind the dryer as lint can collect and create a fire hazard

Household space heaters or alternate heating methods can cause fire damage.

  • Older space heaters should be avoided due to inadequate safety features. Newly purchased space heaters should be UL Listed and include safety shut off features.
  • Placement of your space heater is important to avoid the dangers of fire. Placing heaters near flammable objects such as curtains, sofas, and fabric items can cause them to ignite.
  • If you are planning on installing a pellet or wood stove, be certain that the stove complies with the laws of your municipality and state.

Chimney soot can ignite and cause fire and smoke damage

  • The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) can provide information on a certified chimney sweep. Always consider a professional for this job and have your chimney inspected annually.
  • Do not burn damp or green wood that has not been seasoned.
  • Burning wrapping paper, cardboard, or leaves in the fireplace can spark chimney fires.

Need help with fire or smoke damage due to fire, contact Advance Restoration today.

Posted on

Restoration Services Designated “Essential Business” during Coronavirus pandemic

Coronavirus

Advance Restoration is designated as an “essential business” during the Coronavirus pandemic as deemed by Homeland Security and CISA.

Currently, as of the date of this article, there is no CDC or EPA approved cleaning or disinfecting agent(s) guaranteed to kill the Covid-19 pathogen. Since we are a designated essential business, we are continuing service to customers in extreme emergency situations for water, fire and mold damage while using precautions to ensure their safety and the safety of our field staff according to government guidelines.

Here is what we are doing:

  • Following the CDC guidelines for employers to manage the spread of coronavirus in the workplace and in the businesses and residences we provide services for.
  • As always, following the IICRC standards for the cleaning and restoration industry.
  • Providing work for emergency services only, prioritizing highest need for customer health and safety first.
  • Emergency work we perform includes fire damage, water damage, wind damage, and mold remediation. We do not treat Covid-19 at this time.
  • Applying and cleaning surface touchpoints contaminated by toxins, mold or water using approved sanitizing agents.
  • Ensuring our cleaning and sanitization experts are healthy and properly outfitted with hazmat biohazard suiting, booties, and N95 masks before entering any commercial building or residence.

If you have an emergency for fire damage, water damage, storm damage or other residential or commercial disaster—we’re there when you need us. Our staff will be masked up and ready to solve your property restoration issues quickly and efficiently with as little disruption as possible.

Please don’t hesitate to call Advance Restoration at 866-505-3166 for help with your disaster emergency. One of our representatives are standing by to take your call immediately 24/7.

Stay Home. Stay Safe. Save Lives.

Posted on

Avoiding Fire Damage This Winter—Fireplace Tips

When the colder temperatures set in, many homeowners will turn to their fireplace, wood or pellet stoves as an additional source of heat. While fireplaces can provide warmth and comfort, if you are not careful, they can also be a hazard causing potential fire & smoke damage. Keep in mind the following tips to help ensure a safe winter season and for avoiding fire damage.

Keep Your Chimney Fireplaces and Wood Stoves Clean

  • Have your chimney, fireplace, wood or pellet stove inspected and cleaned by a licensed chimney specialist. They should be maintained annually to help ensure they are functioning safely and efficiently. 
  • Be sure to keep the area around the hearth clear of debris, decorations and any other combustible materials.
  • If you have a wood burning, insert or pellet stove, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for additional guidance related to operation and venting.

Keep Fires Burning Safely by Utilizing These Fireplace Tips

  • Be sure the flue is open before lighting your fire to help ensure the fireplace will vent properly. Do not close your damper until you are sure the fire is out.
  • When starting a fire, only use a match or commercial firelighter. Never use flammable liquids to start a fire.
  • Glass doors of a fireplace should be kept open while burning a fire. This allows the fire to receive enough air for complete combustion and to help reduce creosote build-up in the chimney. 
  • Metal mesh screens should remain closed whenever your fireplace is in use to help keep embers in the fireplace.
  • Only use dry wood in your fireplace. Wet wood can increase creosote buildup, which can lead to chimney fires.
  • Do not burn plastic because it can release toxic chemicals and cause damage to your chimney, fireplace or wood stove.
  • Never burn a Christmas tree in your fireplace as the sparks from the burning needles can increase the risk for a chimney fire and fireplace danger. Also, do not burn cardboard boxes, wrapping paper or trash in your fireplace.
  • Never leave a fire in a fireplace unattended. Before leaving the house or going to bed, you should make certain to fully extinguish the fire.
  • Allow ashes to cool completely before disposing of them — ashes can take several days to cool completely. Never empty ashes directly into a trashcan. Instead, place ashes in a covered metal container located at least 10 feet away from your home and any other building.

Keep the Outside of Your Home and Your Chimney Safe to Avoid Fireplace Danger

  • Firewood should be stacked at least 30 feet away from your home.
  • Your roof and chimney should be kept clean of leaves, pine needles and other debris. Trim trees and branches to keep them away from your chimney for the best chance of avoiding fire damage.
  • Install a chimney cap with spark arrester to help keep debris, leaves, branches and animals out, and to help prevent burning embers or sparks from escaping and creating a fire hazard.

Keep the Inside of Your Home Safe with Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

To help make your winter even safer, we recommend that you take the time to test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. A smoke detector is the most effective way to detect smoke from a fire and signal an alarm so that you can get you and your family out safely. A carbon monoxide detector can alert you to the buildup of this dangerous odorless and colorless gas. Make sure you test the detectors monthly, and after you change the batteries to ensure they work properly.If you’ve experienced fire damage due to chimney fire call the experts—Advance Restoration at 877-363-7462 or visit our website advancerestorations.com to report your loss quickly. Our 24/7-response team will respond immediately, assess your property and provide a plan for property restoration including content restoration and reconstruction.

Posted on

Lead Water Mitigation Technician Job in Michigan

Advance Restoration located in Clinton Township, Michigan is one of the most trusted disaster recovery and restoration teams in Southeast Michigan and in the industry. We are proud to offer careers, not just a job to some of the most qualified, dedicated crews in the business, with everyone from our office staff to on-site recovery experts we are customer satisfaction driven and incomparably the most compassionate water damage and restoration company in southeast Michigan.

Why Work at Advance Restoration?

Advance Restoration is proud to offer a number of competitive benefits to our employees, including:

  • Benefit options
  • Company vehicle access
  • Company-distributed cell phones
  • Competitive wages and bonuses

If you are looking to join a hard-working, devoted restoration team in Michigan, Advance Restoration is the company for you! We are located in Clinton Township and service Oakland and Macomb Counties.

Open Positions

LEAD WATER TECH SUPERVISOR

We are looking for a Lead Water Mitigation Technician. 3 years experience and IICRC certified. You will be expected to take direction from the Operations Manager, and lead other technicians to accomplish tasks.

MUST BE WILLING TO RELOCATE OR LIVE WITHIN CLOSE PROXIMITY FOR TRAVEL TO CLINTON TWP MICHIGAN HEADQUARTERS.

We service Metro Detroit area.

Key Responsibilities as our Disaster Restoration Lead Water Mitigation Technician.

Oversee, and monitor technicians performing dry-out procedures, mold remediation, contents and fire clean-up will also play a roll in this position.

  • Front line and first responder for our company.
  • Inspect sites and present solutions to the customer.
  • Obtain/create daily reports from technicians that document equipment used and work performed.
  • Work closely with the Mitigation Manager/Project Coordinator ensuring proper schedule flow & timely job completion.
  • Effectively communicate with technicians, colleagues, and customers.
  • Sign up new customers and have contracts signed
  • Ensure projects are completed in established time frame and in accordance with IICRC guidelines.
  • Assess damage to determine work scope, including pictures, record of temperature / relative humidity and moisture % readings in affected areas and unaffected areas within the building and outdoors.
  • Must become familiar with and be able to visually recognize mold.
  • Must be IICRC Certified.
  • Investigates job site thoroughly to ensure mold is contained.
  • Uses and sets up appropriate equipment and has good knowledge of all equipment.

Job Qualifications

  • Able to use hand tools and electric tools safely and effectively.
  • Must possess strong problem-solving skills.
  • Demonstrates integrity and honesty at all times.
  • Must participate as a team player and share “best practices”.
  • Communicates with customers and colleagues in a professional manner.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with a high volume of communication on a consistent basis and handle customers in a professional manner.
  • Willing to be coached – Accepts and applies corrective instruction quickly.
  • Assertive – Facilitates the sales process in a determined but friendly way.
  • Must possess a valid Michigan State Driver’s License.
  • Must be IICRC Certified
  • Other duties as required by position.

Experience

  • 3 Years Water Damage Mitigation Experience
  • IICRC Certifications. Basic general construction experience desired,

Job Type: Full-time

To Apply Click Here