Just as clothes need regular washing, so do the carpets in our homes. Soon after being installed, the grit and grime of everyday life begin to take a toll on carpet wear; breaking down tightly knit fibers, increasing the visibility of stains, and decreasing the overall “life expectancy”of a carpet.
Think about it, what we see on the surface level of our carpets, is just the tip of the iceberg! Bacteria, ground in food stains, dirt from shoes, pet dander, and even the tiniest of mites can be found deep within the pile of carpeting, causing allergens and unpleasant odors to lurk around the very rooms where our families feel the most comfortable to curl up on the floor and lay their heads. Sometimes, the rooms that look the cleanest to the human eye, are the ones in need of the deepest cleaning of all!
Although regular vacuuming is a must, it’s just not powerful enough to maintain a deep cleaned, allergen free, well preserved carpet. That’s why professional carpet cleaning is not an option, but a necessity, and that is where Duraclean Services comes in:
-Preliminary Inspection of your carpet to determine the best cleaning method
-Pre-treatment of spots and stains
-Pre-application of cleaning products to loosen ground in soil
-Rinsing your carpet with clean, hot water
-Post-treatment of any residual stains
-Carpet grooming for efficient drying and a uniform appearance
-Placing pads under furniture legs to protect carpet and furniture while it dries
-Final Inspection and walk thru to ensure your complete satisfaction
Realistically, you should strive to have your carpet professionally cleaned every 6-12 months. Keeping up to date with this schedule will not only preserve the longevity of your carpet, but also keep it looking and smelling it’s best; helping to make family life a little less stressful . . . especially when the kids lay their heads on the family room carpet! Remember, whether you’re facing a water, fire, or mold disaster, or in need of professional carpet cleaning, Duraclean is ALWAYS ready to get the job done! So call 410-838-7330 today to take advantage of our April Special, receive 20% off your entire carpet and upholstery cleaning bill when you and your neighbor schedule your cleaning appointments for the same day. Let Duraclean help you get a jump start to your Spring Cleaning. . . Call today!
Furniture Cleaning, it’s a bit different than all of the other cleaning that we routinely do in our homes each and every day. In fact, it’s kind of “special” because it’s only done every once in a while, instead of daily or weekly. Truthfully, most of the time, we aren’t really sure how often we should do it, so we put it off for as long as we possibly can. We all have favorite go to cleaners for dusting, washing floors or windows, but when it comes to furniture, we’re never quite sure what to use, so unless we have a stubborn stain or unexpected spill, we hardly ever think of calling in a professional upholstery cleaner.
These days, buying furniture is exhausting and expensive. The experience of searching online and visiting local stores trying to get the best price, but also wanting to see, feel, and sit on what you are about to invest for your home takes time. Because of the cost and the durability needed to withstand family wear and tear, its important to make an informed choice. From leathers to nylons to cottons to polyesters, each material offers pros and cons that can make life a little easier or a bit more difficult when it comes to the daily grind! Although we cant really recommend the best fabric choice for your family, we can offer a few Duraclean cleaning tips when it comes to keeping your furniture looking its best
Use that vacuum cleaner. With all of the new and improved vacuums out there, there are special attachments that make it easier to keep your furniture clean, getting into all of the tiny crevices that might seem quite impossible to reach. The more regularly you vacuum, the cleaner the surface of your furniture will be and the more likely you will avoid missing something left behind that could leave a permanent mark or stain on your favorite sofa
Fabric Cleaners, use them if you must, but we definitely suggest “testing” them on a small inconspicuous part of your furniture that wont show too much if it leaves a mark (possibly the underneath side of a cushion, that way if it does, it’s well hidden where no one else will see it!). Be sure to look at the “test” patch 24 hours after you’ve used it just to check for discolorations or residual affects. Always be careful when cleaning with chemicals. Odors can be strong, causing headaches and even breathing issues. If you need to, wear a mask to protect you from annoying fumes, ands don’t be shy about opening windows, or turning on fans to keep things circulating.
Act on spills IMMEDIATELY. The quicker you are in cleaning up a spill, the less chance you have for that spill becoming a permanent part of your furniture design! Google the best ways to clean up your specific spill, there are a few different options out there. Always remember, no matter how hard you try, there are just sometimes you NEED to call a PROFESSIONAL
Once you’ve determined it’s time for a Professional, do your homework and make sure that you’ve chosen the very best. Use a company with a good reputation, and lots of experience. With over 30 years in the Restoration business servicing Harford, Cecil, and Baltimore County and the surrounding areas, our professional cleaners are ready to meet ALL of your Upholstery and Carpet Cleaning needs. Offering friendly, trust worthy, detail oriented service with a variety of products that are not only environmentally friendly, but safe to be used around children and pets.
So take a moment to look around your house and check out the furniture in each room. If it’s been a while since you’ve had a professional cleaning, now is the perfect time. We are offering a MARCH SPECIAL . . . Receive an additional 10% off of ALL of your Upholstery & Carpet Cleaning needs through the end of the month.
Call 410-838-7330 to set up an appointment. and remember, whether BIG or small, Duraclean is ALWAYS ready to get the job done!
Imagine walking into a room of your home and noticing water on the floor, with more and more pouring in by the second? Would you know what to do? Who to call, and how to stop the water from continuing to flow? Chances are that sometime during your lifetime, you might just face some kind of home based water disaster, and although you can’t always prevent one from happening, you can do your best to be prepared!
Water valves aren’t talked about too often, but boy oh boy, are they are important! Knowing where the water valve is located in your home should be something found ahead of time (as in today), not that you are frantically trying to find in the midst of a chaotic situation. So let’s take a few minutes to share some Duraclean pearls of wisdom. You never know, you might just find this information helpful in the future.
Water disasters can come in many forms, but a few of the most common happen through overflowing toilets and broken pipes. The first order of business is to shut the water valve off IMMEDIATELY! Do not take a moment to wake up your spouse, to phone a friend for advice, or to check out the internet for helpful information. . . .Just shut it OFF as quickly as possible!(then you can do those other things)Unfortunately, water valves are not always found in the most obvious places, so TODAY is the day that you should start looking around. Trust me, it’s much easier to locate it now, rather than later!
There are a few different kinds of Water Valves. . .
BALL VALVES – These tend to be a little less problematic some of the others, and are pretty easy to operate. They have an external lever located on the outside of the water pipe that can be pushed instead of turned, making it much easier to tell when the valve has been shut off completely.
BUTTERFLY VALVES – These are similar to Ball Valves in that they both use a lever to turn the water on and off, however, the water flow is controlled by a disc located inside the pipe that must turn to a ninety degree angle to successfully turn off completely. Once the disc has been successfully turned, the water will shut off instantly.
WASHER VALVES – are a bit more complicated, but they seem to be the most commonly used. Varying a bit on their exterior design, for the most part, they work the same way. By turning a round handle, the water valve becomes constricted, causing the flow to cease quickly.
No matter which style of Water Valve you have, its important to know exactly where they are located BEFORE a Water Emergency occurs.
If you have City Water, and live in a colder climate, chances are that your water valve is located in your utility room (or basement) along with your furnace and hot water heater. If you look around , the largest pipe in the room should be leading out of the foundation and directly into the street, and the shut off valve should be located near that pipe.
However, if you are living in a warmer climate, perhaps your shut off valve will be located in a concrete or plastic utility box somewhere in the ground in the front of your house or close to the street. Once you figure out exactly where this box is, since it is located outside, be sure to clean off any excess dirt that might make it difficult for you to get to it right away in the midst of a water emergency. Remember, easy access is key.
If you have well water, chances are that you will find your water valve located near the pressure tank, however, it might also be located in a small well house nearby. If you happen to see multiple valves, be sure to turn only one valve at a time, checking the faucet in between to be sure you’re turning the valve that controls the water. Remember, there is a possibility that you might trip the circuit breaker to the well, so be aware.
Once you have located your water valve, it is a good idea to tie a ribbon around it, that way in the future, if a water emergency should happen. you will immediately know which valve to turn!
When the water has been turned off, assess the damage. There’s a good chance that you will need to call a Plumber to find out the underlying reason for your water disaster. As far as the clean up and restoration, that’s where Duraclean comes in. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, our company is ALWAYS available to get the job done! Offering Water Mitigation, Mold Remediation, Full Reconstruction, Professional Carpet Cleaning and a lovely Showroom filled with the latest Flooring options, Duraclean is able to walk you through the Restoration Process from beginning to end. With over 30 years in the Restoration business and an outstanding reputation within the community, paired with the latest cleaning techniques, highest safety standards and experienced staff, Duraclean is easily able to meet ALL of your Restoration needs with complete customer satisfaction.
Hopefully you will never face a water emergency, but if you do, having a plan in place will give you peace of mind. So as they rains come down, pipes burst and toilets continue to overflow, rest easy knowing that whatever water situation you may find yourself in, everything is going to be ok! . . .
And remember, “No One is Faster to the Disaster!” Call 410-838-7330 ANY time!
Last month, Duraclean Services had the privilege of being part of a community luncheon sponsored by the Harford County Referral Partners Group. Held at 510 Johnny’s in the town of Belair, a variety of local business representatives were treated to an afternoon of delicious food, new business connections, and an eye opening look into some of the serious problems our county is facing at this present time.
The luncheon started off with a short presentation by Darrell Mcdavid, the Executive Director for the Epicenter in Edgewood. Located in the heart of the town, the Epicenter offers a variety of programs to meet their community needs … Giving up to 7,000 pounds of food away weekly to those in need. Offering care stations for the homeless, complete with showering facilities set up to provide a safe, private, comfortable place to clean up, have a warm meal, and enjoy some friendly conversation in a welcoming atmosphere. Providing before and after school care, including snacks, help with homework, and a myriad of child friendly activities in a safe environment. Hosting special classes for those who were homeless, to help guide them as they get back on their feet, as well as Millenial classes set up for those “adulting” for the first time. Started by Mountain Christian Church over 5 years ago, the Epicenter has strived to be a safe place that empowers people, strengthens families, and builds community . . . and they have done just that, with far reaching effects throughout the county at large. It’s always good to know what is going on in our local towns, and it was great to hear about all of the good things going on in Edgewood through the Epicenter, if you’d like further information, you can reach out to The Epicenter at Edgewood Facebook Page.
Our Main Speaker of the day was Sheriff Jeff Gahler. Recently re-elected for another term, he gave us a candid look into the Opioid Epidemic in Harford County, talking in depth of the far reaching affects that have filtered into our schools, our places of work, our families and our community as a whole. Highlighting new programs and reminding us of steadfast organizations that continue to work dillegently to educate, restore, and encourage those walking through this devastating epidemic. Programs like Hope House on wheels, touring around the county making parents aware of things to look for in a typical teenagers room to catch the signs of a drug problem, The Harford County Crisis Center offering 24 hours care to those in the county who find themselves in immediate need, the Substance Abuse Unit set up within the jail, making strides in educating those already incarcerated, and of course the Citizens Academy, set up to give those living in our county a better understanding of how they can help lend a hand within their own communities. Sheriff Gahler then opened up the floor to a Q & A session where luncheon attendees could ask questions and have an open conversation about the Opioid issue at hand. He offered an honest, informative, eye opening view of this terrible epidemic, but also focused on things put in place and new programs in the works to fight this war that is waging within our community. He did a wonderful job of balancing hard truths with glimmers of hope.
I would love to tell you that one luncheon did a lot to make an immediate change in the Opioid Epidemic, but change always takes a while to be seen. However, what it did do, was bring 50 businesses within our county together to focus on one very important issue. To become more aware, educated and equipped to fight this devastating battle. To learn, to support, to volunteer, and to make a difference. Walking away informed at the seriousness of the situation, but also with a hope that if we all work together, that the future can be better for this community we all love so dearly. Thank you, Sheriff Gahler and to all of those striving to make a positive difference in the opioid epidemic. Although we have a long ways to go, we are moving in the right direction . . . together, and together is always the best place to be!
Mother Theresa once said, “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples!” . . . May our community come together and work together to cast our stone far and deep, so that the ripples of awareness, education, restoration, compassion, and moving forward together in a positive way, are felt not only in our community, but in our county, our country, and throughout our world.
Ice Damming, there is a strong possibility that you may have never heard of the term before ( you’re not alone, I didn’t know what it was until I began working for a Restoration Company), but chances are that you have definitely seen Ice Damming with your very own eyes! Those beautiful long icicles that hang off of the eaves of houses during the winter time, ( you know what I am talking about) the ones that glisten and catch the sunlight, making houses seem as though they should be featured in a Hallmark Christmas movie. Those aren’t “just” Icicles, actually, they are really Ice Dams!
Basically, an Ice Dam is caused when a ridge of ice forms at the end of the roof (aka an icicle) and causes a “dam.” (nothing can penetrate it) This dam prevents melting snow (aka water) from draining off of the roof properly. Once an Ice Dam attaches itself to a home, major problems usually aren’t too far away! As heat and warm air leak from the living space below (inside the house) the snow on the roof begins to melt, and water begins to trickle down, until it finds it’s way to the coolest edge of the roof line (right above the eaves) where it then refreezes into long, strong pieces of ice. . . lots and lots of ice! Once this ice has hardened itself into a Dam, it becomes virtually impossible for any melting snow to get around it, so it looks for other places to seep into. . .walls, ceilings, and insulation are usually the first places to be hit, but Ice Dams can also warp floors, and damage other areas that require the immediate help of a Professional (aka Duraclean Services, available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to get the job done!).
Although Ice Damming is pretty common especially in ice cold winter months, there are a few things that you can do to help prevent them:
. Pulling off snow with a long handled rake (aluminum with wheels) is a great start. While you are standing safely on the ground, you are able to manipulate the rake on top of the roof without damaging roof top shingles or yourself.
. Calcium Chloride is a great ice melter. When put into a pair of old pantyhose and laid across the top of the Ice Dam and gutter, it will eventually melt the Dam, creating a channel or passage for the water to flow down (Guys, this is important, make sure that you ASK your wife before using her pantyhose, or an icy roof will be the least of your worries!)
.If you can, make sure the roof temperature is the same in every area of the roof, that way, Ice Dams cannot form. The key to doing this is good insulation and proper ventilation.
. Speaking of insultation, be sure you that you have enough. If you don’t, then add some more. By adding more insulation to the attic floor, you will keep things warmer, and when it’s nice and warm, you will not have a problem with Ice Dams.
. Make sure that all ducts (kitchen, bathroom, and dryer) are directed through the roof or walls and are sealed and insulated properly. (again with the insulation . . .sorry to keep repeating myself, but its really really important!)
. Be sure that there are no gaps around your chimney, if there are, fill them in with a fire-stop sealant.
. Stay informed, be aware, keep a watchful eye, and don’t hesitate to call a Professional (Duraclean Services) at a moments notice.
Remember, Duraclean is ready to go 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to meet ALL of your Restoration needs.
Call 410-838-7330 ANY time, and remember, “No One is Faster to the Disaster!”
January 9th is National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. A day set aside to take a moment to thank the men and women in Blue who serve and protect our local communities each and every day. From issuing tickets and writing citations, to spearheading anti-drug programs and visiting schools, to recovering stolen merchandise and apprehending criminals, to participating in local parades, and taking children on shopping trips at Christmas time . . . somehow, these officers seem to be able to “do it all”, and still be prepared to handle unexpected emergencies and impending disasters, all at a moment’s notice.
First established in 1874, the Bel air Police Department has faithfully served Harford County 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year for over 144 years. Just like other Departments in our area (Fire and Ambulance) our local Police Department is invaluable to our community. Headed up by Captain Charles (aka Chuck) Moore, the Department strives to meet the daily needs of the community through proactive involvement and compassionate service, doing all that they can to keep our streets safe, our homes peaceful, and our community at ease for all who call this wonderful town, home.
So if you are out and about this week and see our Men and Women in Blue, maybe, you might want to say “thank you” for all that they do for our community. Perhaps a note, a shout out on social media, or even sending a lunch or dessert from a local restaurant to the precinct. Although I am sure they would tell you that they don’t do it for the thanks . . . we all know that everyone likes to be appreciated every now and then . . . so take a moment to let them know that you care!
On behalf of Duraclean Services, we would like to personally thank the Bel air Police Department for the service and care that they give to our town each and every day. We enjoyed bringing you some sweet pastries today, visiting your precinct, and saying “thank you” to a few of the amazing men and women in Blue who call Bel air home. May you be safe, may you be wise, and may you continue to invest in, serve, and protect this wonderful town that we all call home.
Appreciatively,
Duraclean Services LLC
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to meet ALL of your Restoration needs! Call 410-838-7330.
Although the temperature has dropped dramatically over the last few days, we still have a little time before the bitter cold and snow head our way! Since it will be here before you know it, we’ve put together a list of “Must Do’s” to get your house in order before the first snowflake falls.
So here it is, our Duraclean ” Must Do” List to Prepare for Winter. . .
Fireplaces . . . if you have a fireplace, you have a chimney, and if you have a chimney, you MUST make sure that it is fully cleaned EVERY season. Although there are some who attempt this feat on their own, we would highly suggest using a professional. Making sure that your flume is free and clear of any debris makes for a nice cozy fire and a sweet peace of mind knowing that your family is as safe as possible. While you’re at it, if you intend to have quite a few fires during the winter season, it’s best to order your fire wood in advance to ensure the very best price.
Furnaces . . . this is an important one! Be sure to keep a watchful eye on your furnace, checking the blower often, and changing the filters regularly. Also routinely clean all vents and ducts. Using a professional is definitely the way to go with a furnace, but if you don’t be sure to keep up on regular maintenance.
Gutters . . . As we already reminded you in our last blog, it’s very important to clean out your gutters. After filling with leaves, twigs and other debris during the Fall, clogged gutters WILL cause you problems, some of which can be quite costly! Always remember to guide all water AWAY from your house. Doing both of these things will help to protect you from water damage in or outside of your home!
Sidewalks . . . Before the snow and the ice hit the ground, make sure to fill in or smooth out any cracks or crevices in your driveway, sidewalks or pathways. This may protect you from taking a “spill” and also make it much easier for you to shovel your way out during a snowstorm.
Windows. . . When was the last time you replaced your windows, added some extra insulation or caulked around windows or doors? Doing each of these things can help lower your monthly heating costs.
Winter Storm Kit . . .We’ve all been there, the snow starts falling, the winds start blowing and pretty soon we are left sitting in the dark; cold, hungry, cold, bored, and did I mention being cold? It’s good to always hope for the best, but be prepared for the worst! Gathering a few storage bins (depending on the size of your family) of bottled waters, a first aid kit, heavy blankets, socks, hats, gloves, sweatshirts, a few flashlights, canned and boxed food (a can opener of course), extra toilet paper, a hand crank radio, an extra battery for your cell phone and even a few packages of hand or foot warmers. I know it sounds like ALOT, but boy oh boy, when the electric is out and your sitting in the dark, cold and hungry, it’s so much easier to pull a pre-packed storage bin out of the hall closet, than it is to be frantically looking for items in the dark!
Generator. . . If you’d like to avoid sitting in the dark for a day or two or more, a generator is a good investment. When used properly (outside use only!) it can totally change a terrible storm experience into a tolerable one. Offering a few lights, use of a space heater and the possibility of keeping the food in your refrigerator safe from any power outages. Although a pretty big investment, chances are you will probably use it at least a time or two, and when you do, you will be very glad that you have it!
Although there will always be ways to tweak this “Must Do” list, we feel as though this is a great start to help prepare and make for an easier Winter season for you and your family. So take a few minutes now to make sure that you are prepared for later, and always remember, that if Disaster should strike, to give us a call @ 410-838-7330.
Remember, “No One is Faster to the Disaster!”
Wishing you and your family a safe, happy, and stress free Winter Season!
If you are a fan of HGTV, Public Television, or a myriad of other stations featuring Home Improvement shows, you have seen first hand that hard work, determination, and many long hours can take a house of little to no value and restore it into something of absolute beauty. Over the past 10 years, “flipping” houses has become all the rage. From coast to coast, houses that no one seems to want, are purchased, and poured into to create transformations as dramatic as the story of Cinderella! The thing is, to go from before to after requires experience and knowledge of the inner and exterior workings of a home. More often than not, these homes have flaws, sometimes many flaws, that need to be addressed, corrected, and completely renovated . . . that is where Duraclean Services comes in!
Homes that have been left to sit for an extensive amount of time usually have damage. Water damage from broken pipes, ill working sump pumps, or roof leaks left to fester, create challenges that MUST be addressed before all of the cosmetic changes can take place. Sometimes smoke damage plays a factor in house flipping (maybe that’s why you got such a great deal on it), there are even times that mold has begun to run rapid through the walls and ceilings of a dwelling, and there is absolutely no option other than to completely fix the situation.
Duraclean Service has the experience (28 years and counting), knowledgeable employees, the most up to date equipment, and the newest techniques to get the job done. From small jobs, to HUGE jobs, our team is always prepared to meet ALL of your Restoration needs. From Mitigation, to Remediation, to Reconstruction, we will walk with you from beginning of your flip, right to the very end (if you need us that long) to see your Restoration to completion. From installing dry wall, windows and doors . . . to choosing paint colors and renovating kitchens and bathrooms. . . to installing the latest floorings and carpets from our lovely Showroom . . . Duraclean is One Stop Shopping for both the novice and experienced Home Flipper.
So as housing prices continue to rise, and the demand for updated homes in nice neighborhoods hits an all time high, Duraclean Services will still be here just like it has been for the past 28 years, offering high quality craftsmanship, economical pricing, and years of knowledge and experience to get the job done! So whether renovating a Flip, or getting a call about a recent disaster, Duraclean’s commitment to our customers and to our community will never waiver.
If you are a private homeowner, a realtor, or just someone considering possibly “flipping” a home in the future, give Duraclean a call today 410-838-7330. One of our experienced Sales Representatives or General Contractors will be happy to talk with you and start you on your Restoration journey.
Remember, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, Duraclean is ALWAYS ready to get the job done!
As the days become shorter and the nights become colder, we are gently reminded that Summer has packed up it’s bags for a while (for an entire year to be exact), and that Fall is here to stay! Changing leaves, barren branches and the faint smell of bonfire’s in the distance, remind us that as seasons change, so does life. Easy going days, with laid back schedules and poolside conversations, are traded in for the hustle and bustle of busy school days, hurried dinners, and late nights of homework and extracurricular activities.
With that change, comes a list of household “chores” and responsibilities for those crisp October Saturday’s. Pruning, trimming and mulching, with a touch of tilling and planting of annuals, help to ensure a well manicured lawn for the rest of the season . . . and leaves, we can’t forget the leaves! Some red, a couple of orange, and a few with a touch of gold are raked, and raked, and raked some more! Soon a plethora of children of all ages (from 1-99) will be jumping and laughing and throwing handfuls of colorful leaves at each other, making sweet memories to recall in the days to come.
Just about the time you sit down to take a well deserved break and treat yourself to a hearty slice of pumpkin pie and a sip of a steaming pumpkin latte (remember, whether you like it or not, pumpkin is the “official” flavor of the season!) suddenly, you realize that you have forgotten one very important job . . . cleaning the gutters. . . Ugh!
Your mother always told you to keep your mind out of the gutter, but for today and today only, you need to keep your mind focused on those gutters, and do your best to get the job done!
What are they and what do they do . . .
Gutters, every house and building should have them. When properly installed and maintained, gutters help to protect and prolong the life of your home from the natural elements, especially rainwater. Other benefits include protection from:
-water damage and staining to brick or siding
-deep settling and cracking of sidewalks, driveways and patios
– foundation problems and water damage in basements
-erosion of landscaping and turf
How to take care of them . . .
Maintaining gutters is fairly easy once you get the hang of it and make it a part of your annual Fall cleanup routine. Here are a few tips to remember:
– gutters should be securely fastened to the fascias, and should have downspouts that are attached to the exterior of the house
-remember that Fall means falling leaves, and falling leaves mean gutters that are filled to capacity, be sure to clean them of all clogs and debris
-houses with trees within 10ft of the roof line need to be cleaned out at least 2 times a year, sloped roofs may require more cleanings
Be sure to take the time to treat your gutters well this Fall, come Spring . . . you will be so glad that you did!
If you should discover any water, fire, or mold problems along the way, be sure to call Duraclean Services @ 410-838-7330. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year!
It’s that time of year again, when our local Fire Departments take the time to remind our communities just how important Fire Safety is. Within the walls of our homes, schools, workplaces, churches, malls, restaurants, and any other places that people congregate, there is a great need to make sure that people of all ages are educated, equipped, and always prepared to tackle any Fire Emergency they may encounter! From small kitchen fires, to unexpected car fires, to life threatening fires that destroy everything in their path, having a plan will increase your odds of staying safe. This year’s Fire Prevention theme is “Look, Listen, and Learn”. . .
LOOK for places that a fire can start
LISTEN for the sound of the smoke alarm
LEARN two ways out of each room.
Chances are that remembering these three simple suggestions are your best bet for keeping your family safe in the event of a fire.
Did you know that 4 out of 5 local fires will occur in the home? Those staggering statistics stress how important it is that your entire family have a fire safety plan in place. Talk about Fire Safety, discuss your plan, and practice your escape route on a regular basis. Make sure that everyone knows to get out of the house immediately, to go straight to the meeting place, to call 911, and to never ever go back inside under any circumstances! Don’t live in fear of fire, but live in knowledge, protecting your family the best that you can.
REMOVE ALL clutter from your cooking area (towels, oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging or loose papers)
KEEP AN EYE on what you are cooking (do not walk away from the stove to answer the phone or the door, stay put until you have finished cooking and have turned off the stove)
MAKE SURE ALL major appliances (washers, dryers, refrigerators and stoves) are plugged into a main wall receptacle outlet. (DO NOT use extension cords)
COOL DOWN small appliances before putting them away. (toasters, coffee makers, or small cooking appliances retain heat even after they’ve been unplugged)
CLEAN ALL heating equipment and chimneys each year by a registered professional. (getting rid of any excess debris will help protect you from a fire)
TURN OFF space heaters when you leave the room or go to sleep. (even though they are small, space heaters can catch on fire easily and need to be watched at ALL times)
NEVER leave candles unattended. (it just takes a small spark to quickly ignite an entire room in flames, if possible, use battery operated candles)
BEFORE throwing away cigarette butts and ashes, make sure they are out by dousing them with water or sand. (never empty out ashtrays in potted plants, mulch, or anything that could ignite easily)
Try your best to follow these simple suggestions and be aware of everything around you. Equip each floor of your home with a fire alarm and fire extinguisher. If you hear a fire alarm go off, take it seriously. Change alarm batteries regularly, and discuss and practice Fire Safety plans often. Taking the time and effort to implement all of these things on a regular basis, will help to ensure your family’s safety and your own peace of mind.
Always remember to “Look, Listen, and Learn” today and every day, and teach others in your community to do the same.
Visit your local Fire Department, send them a donation, write them a thank you note, tour their facilities and shower them with accolades . . . each and every day they put their lives on the line for everyone in your community, so don’t be shy about saying “thanks”!
Remember, in the event of a fire call 911 immediately . . . and in the event of fire damage, call Duraclean Services @ 410-838-7330 for Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration, Pack-Outs, Repairs & Full Reconstruction.
Wishing you and your family safety and protection today and every day! – Duraclean Services
