Keep Your House Warm and Fire-Safe | SERVPRO of Sioux Falls

Name: SERVPRO of Sioux Falls
Address: 701 E. 48th Street N., Sioux Falls, SD, 57104
Telephone: (605) 213-3303

1/16/2024 (Permalink)

Fire safety is a top priority for us at SERVPRO of Sioux Falls this winter. Keep your home safe with these helpful tips!

The best time of the year is when we can spend time playing in the snow and then cuddled up under a blanket with a warm fire at the end of the day. The cozy season is one of the best seasons.

It may be one of the best seasons, but it is also the time of year that house fires rise dramatically. Fireplaces, space heaters and other heating items put our home at risk when they are not used safely.

Addressing Your Fireplace

Nothing quite compares to how a fire can make you feel, especially at the end of a long day. Fireplaces can be dangerous when they are not properly cared for, though.

Wood-burning fireplaces should be cleared of ash and debris after each use. Chimneys should be cleaned to eliminate potential creosote buildup, and you should have them professionally inspected at least once a year.

Never put flammable materials near your fireplace, which might mean you need to reconsider what you are displaying on your mantle. If your fireplace is electric or gas, keep a close eye on the connecting points to ensure everything stays tight. Dust regularly around your fireplace, and make sure you have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Space Heater Safety

Do you use space heaters to add a little extra warmth to some of your rooms? Space heaters are a common source of house fires, responsible for nearly 1,700 each year.

Always put your space heater on a solid surface, and ensure it is level. Your heater should run in an open space with at least a three-foot radius around it. Never put it too close to the couch, curtains or any other flammable materials.

Check your cords before you plug in a heater, and don’t use one that is frayed or otherwise broken down. Never plug a space heater into an extension cord or power strip, but always directly into the wall. Don’t run your space heater unattended, which means cutting it off when you go to bed for the night.

Suggested Safety Features for Your Space Heater

While most space heaters are going to come with some safety features, there are a few specific things you should look for when you plan to use one in your home. If you already have space heaters and they are more than five years old, it is a good idea to invest in some new ones.

Always purchase from a manufacturer that is certified and considered reliable. Space heaters should go through some pretty strict testing before they are sold, so do some research into how yours were checked. Only use space heaters that have automatic shut-off features that kick on when the unit has been running for a while or it has been knocked over.

Make sure the cord on your unit is at least six feet long and feels well-made. Measure ahead of making a purchase to ensure the cord length will be enough to run your unit safely.

With some simple safety steps you can keep your home warm and cozy. If you do experience an issue, call SERVPRO of Sioux Falls for fast repairs so you can get back to enjoying the coziest season of the year.

A quick fire damage restoration is just a phone call away. Call SERVPRO® for immediate assistance.

Have the Safest Holiday Season | SERVPRO of Sioux Falls

11/17/2023 (Permalink)

pan on kitchen counter in residence ablaze while unattended

Fire damage in your home? Not for long with SERVPRO of Sioux Falls on the case!

It’s the most wonderful time of year! No matter how you feel about the holidays and when you celebrate, there is no denying that there are some pretty good foods that come along with the season. If you are the favorite family cook, a little fire safety can go a long way in keeping your home safe.

The number of house fires always go up during the holiday season, and an alarming number of them start in the kitchen. That doesn’t mean skipping the family recipes and ordering takeout, though; instead, with some proactive steps in place you can cook to your heart’s content knowing that all is well.

Reducing Flammable Materials in the Kitchen

One of the best first steps you can take in keeping things safe before you cook is preparing your kitchen. While you chop, peel and dice, clean up any nearby clutter and remove anything close to heat sources.

Keep a close eye on where you place pot holders, oven mitts and towels while you cook. Consider wooden utensils, too. Although a popular tool to use in the kitchen, you shouldn’t place them near heat. It only takes a single oil bubble or a spark from one pan to start a disaster.

Think about what you are wearing when you head in to cook. Skip aprons that have dangling strings or other decorations, as well as clothing with flowing fabric or loose material. These are all fire hazards when you are dealing with hot foods and hot appliances.

Keep a Close Eye on Food

When you cook, make sure you never leave the kitchen. There are so many ways a fire can start in the kitchen, and when they do, they can spread so quickly. You need to be close by so that you can take fast action to put flames out before they are out of control.

If you are planning on deep-frying a turkey, you will need to add a few extra precautionary steps to your day. Place the fryer on a level surface, and make sure you don’t put too much oil in it.

Tell the kiddos to stay back, and keep an eye on the four-legged members of your family as well. Thaw your turkey completely—even a partially frozen turkey can cause splatter that will burn anything it touches.

Install Protective Measures

You can’t stop every disaster, but when you take preventive measures, you can greatly lower your risk and rest a lot easier knowing things are protected. Your home should have plenty of protective equipment as well, including smoke detectors on every level of your house. Make sure you check the batteries every month, including in the one by your kitchen.

A small fire extinguisher is another piece of equipment you should have near your kitchen. Make sure you know how to use it properly so that you can move quickly when needed. Keep pot and pan lids where you can grab them fast as well in order to smother potential grease fires.

Keep your home safe and your family eating all holiday season. If something does happen and you have fire damage, call us right away.

We can respond to your property around the clock to get your restoration completed. We make it our goal to get your home put back together so you can carry on celebrating.

House fires can happen in the blink of an eye. Contact us for a quick restoration day or night!

Backyard Fire Safety | SERVPRO of Sioux Falls

9/19/2023 (Permalink)

Man holding tongs above grill preparing food outdoors

Have you had a barbeque gone wrong? Call SERVPRO of Sioux Falls to get your space back in shape.

Summertime might just be the sweetest time. Sioux Falls is bursting with lush greenery and bright flowers, while the temperatures remain mild. Summer is also the best time to get out in the backyard and throw some burgers on the grill.

While there might not be anything better than flame-kissed meat straight off the grill, backyard grilling can become dangerous quickly. Improper use of grills is a leading cause of house fires in the summer. SERVPRO of Sioux Falls wants to make sure you can enjoy every moment this season has to offer without a single worry.

The Setup

In order to grill safely, you need to pick a good spot to set up. Grills should be in an open, outdoor space only, free from overhangs or any overhead combustible materials. That means that even on one of the chilly nights Sioux Falls weather might serve up you shouldn’t move your grill into the garage.

Whatever open space you choose should have a 10-foot radius around it free from structures, low-hanging tree limbs or anything else that could catch fire from sparks. Teach your kids and your pets that this space is a no-play area to keep them safe from potential burns or other accidents.

If you opt for a charcoal grill, make sure to clean it after every use. Remove any ashes or other buildup, and check the body of the grill for holes, dents or signs of wear and tear. For propane or other gas fueled grills, check connections and gas hoses. Make sure nothing is loose and there are no visible holes or signs of holes. A small leak can result in a devastating situation.

Manning the Flames

Once you have your setup and have cleaned your grill, take the time to make sure you have all the necessary supplies before turning it on or lighting it up. Keep a squirt bottle of water at hand for flames that jump too high, and hook up your garden hose or put a fire extinguisher somewhere you can grab it quickly if things do get out of hand.

Don’t leave the grill as soon as the food is done either. While you certainly deserve some applause for your hard work, you need to get everything turned off and start the cooling process. Turn off the gas and any burners, or close off vents in order to stop the flow of oxygen and smother the flames.

Create a habit of cleaning out the ashes as soon as you are able. Flames can start back with little heat, so it’s best to remove them from the heat source quickly. Dispose of them in a metal container, and make sure you check the grill before heading to bed to make sure it has cooled down thoroughly.

You deserve to enjoy the best of the mild and sunny winter Sioux Falls provide. Take the time to create a safe grilling space so you can flip burgers and dogs all season. If things do get out of control, call SERVPRO of Sioux Falls for fast restoration, day or night.

Don’t let fire damage linger in your home. Call us at SERVPRO of Sioux Falls for a fast restoration.

Keeping the Fire Pit Safe | SERVPRO of Sioux Falls

9/19/2023 (Permalink)

campfire-style fire pit with flames emerging from the top of the logs on the dark green grass

Bonfire season is upon us! SERVPRO of Sioux Falls has your back with these helpful fire safety tips.

Have you felt the cool breeze in the air lately? After a particularly hot summer, it might be hard to believe, but a break in the heat and humidity is growing ever nearer as fall finally starts to approach. It’s time to get the pumpkin decorations out and play in the leaves.

As the season changes, many of us also start spending more time outdoors around the campfire. While you gather your friends and family around the fire pit, make sure you are taking action to keep everything safe.

SERVPRO® is always available if a fire does leave your yard or home damaged, but we also want to help you prevent a disaster from ever starting in the first place.

Tips for Starting the Fire

Once you have your evening around the fire scheduled, there are few things you want to do to keep it safe:

Do find a spot that will be safe for placing your fire pit or campfire ring. Make sure there are no overhangs, structures or debris nearby.

Do keep water close by in case something does get out of hand. A bucket full or a hose you can turn on in a hurry can put any stray flames out before a disaster starts. Dirt or sand can also help to smother out any rogue sparks, as well as help put out the embers when all the marshmallows are gone.

Do check the weather. Look at the forecast and take note of what is happening outside the day of your fire. Even a little bit of wind can lead to a dangerous situation fast. Take a look at any burn bans that have been issued as well. These can change daily, so make sure you check the day you are planning to have your fire.

Tips for While the Fire Is Hot

As you get the fire going, keep in mind some things you want to make sure you don’t do:

Don’t try and stoke the fire with gas or lighter fluid. Tossing trash in is also a bad idea, and can result in hot and tall flames. Only use treated and approved firewood to keep things going.

Don’t let anyone play near the fire. Create a zone around the fire pit or campfire where no one plays, runs or walks in order to avoid potential accidents.

Don’t make a big fire. You can get caught up in building the fire and be tempted to make it big enough that it won’t need any added wood for a while. Keep it small, though; it only takes a single ember landing in the wrong place to result in an out of control situation.

Don’t leave the fire until it is no longer glowing red. Red embers can still create flames. Pour water over the fire when you are done for the night, and stick around until everything is completely out.

Wildfire Prevention

It is an unfortunate fact that most wildfires are started by humans. If you are going to enjoy an evening around the fire with the family, do everything you can to prevent a disaster. Use the right materials, keep it small and stick around as long as it takes for the fire to go out.

If a fire does create damages on your property, call SERVPRO. With ²⁴⁄₇ availability, a highly trained staff and industry-leading equipment, we will get things put back together fast.

Fire can cause a lot of damage in a short amount of time. Contact us day or night for immediate assistance.

Fire Safety Doesn’t Have to Be Scary | SERVPRO® of Sioux Falls

6/10/2023 (Permalink)

img src =”fire” alt = " young boy staring at a lit match being held between his fingers” >

SERVPRO of Sioux Falls is here for you and your family if you experience a fire in your home or business.

There are a lot of rewards that come with raising children, but the responsibility certainly isn’t without some incredibly hard work. You have the blessing of watching them grow and explore the world while teaching them about life. Some lessons, however, are harder to teach than others.

Fire safety is an incredibly important life skill that needs to be taught early and often. It is a scary concept to teach, though, no matter what age you are working with.

When you introduce how to stay safe in a fire emergency to your children in a fun and comfortable way, they can absorb your lessons and your whole family can stay safe.

Explain the Dangers of Fire

Kids learn best when they are able to experience the lesson hands-on in order to see causes and effects. Start your fire safety lessons by explaining to your children different ways fires may start. Walk them through your house and point out particularly risky areas, including the stove and fireplace if you have one. Make sure they understand how this equipment should be safely used.

Matches and lighters should always be kept out of children’s reach, and you should make it a family rule that any found matches should immediately be brought to an adult. Entire homes have been consumed in flames that started from a single smoldering match.

Familiarize Them With Authority

Authority figures can be a scary concept for children, particularly when they are in full uniform. Talk to your children about who would respond should a fire start, and show them pictures of what firefighters look like with their gear on. Make sure they understand these people are there to get them to safety, and consider introducing your children to these heroes in person to help them get even more comfortable.

Practice with your children how they can help firefighters find them during an emergency by creating a couple of games. Have them crawl down a hallway to see who can move the fastest. Use your smoke detector as the starting bell so they get used to hearing it, and have them call out their name at the finish line. Make it a fun experience that will stick with them long-term.

Make a Game Plan Together

Work with your family to create an emergency exit plan that includes the fastest route out of each space in your home. Get creative with it and bring out some craft supplies for the kids as they design their own maps of your home.

Play another timed game with your kids to see who can follow each escape route the fastest. Be sure to talk about windows, and how they should only be used as a last resort way to safely get out of your home. While your children need to be able to properly operate windows, they also need to understand the dangers associated with them so they don’t feel comfortable enough to play inappropriately.

Create a meeting spot safely away from danger. Make sure your children know this is your safe space, and teach them how to call 911. Help them memorize basic facts to relay to safety professionals. The more prepared your family is, the safer everyone can stay.

Fires can cause widespread damage. Call us for a thorough and efficient restoration.

Safe Home Heating All Winter| SERVPRO® of Sioux Falls

2/24/2023 (Permalink)

img src =”heater” alt = "a small electric heater in a living room” >

Call SERVPRO of Sioux Falls if you experience any smoke, soot or fire damage.

The winter chill set in a long time ago, and you have probably been heating your home for some time now. If you are not taking good care of your heating system, though, you could be creating a fire risk in your home.

Life in Sioux Falls means that you have to enjoy cold weather at least a little bit, but you deserve to be able to warm up as much as you want. Take care of your units now so you can rest easy.

Furnace Basics

While furnaces are one of the most common types of heating sources, many of our homes also have radiant floor heat or a boiler. With our extreme winters, it is also not unusual to have a combination of units in a home. Regardless of what kind of heat you use, regular maintenance is crucial to keep things running correctly and long-term.

Keep outside units clear of snow and ice, including any vent covers. Dust regularly to avoid buildup, and change your filter every 90 days. The air filter is crucial for keeping things running well, but it can also help maintain the proper humidity in our moist environment.

Fireplace Safety

For most of our homes, fireplaces or wood-burning stoves are a necessity to provide additional warmth, particularly when a big snowstorm blows through. While the flames can make your home feel magical, they can also leave it at risk for fires. Have them cleaned and inspected regularly to continue the magic without worry.

Wood-burning fireplaces or stoves should be cleared of ash and soot after each use, and the chimney or stove pipes should be inspected to clear any blockages. If you have a gas or electric fireplace, dust it often and remove the logs. Clean the glass and the screen.

Portable Heaters

Space heaters are a great way to warm up a single room quickly, but without proper use, they could easily cause fires. Opt for more blankets on a cold night instead of your space heater, and only run it on a flat surface.

Make sure your space heater has an automatic shut-off feature if it is tipped. Never plug your unit into an extension cord, but always directly into the wall to avoid electric surges and fire.

Keep an eye on little ones and pets when you use any of your heating equipment. Most house fires start from an avoidable accident. Prevent chaos in your home and stay warm and cozy by always being fire-aware.

If you experience fire damage this season, give us a call at SERVPRO of Sioux Falls for immediate assistance. We’re here ²⁴⁄₇ when you need us!

Don’t Let Lightning Threaten Your Home | SERVPRO® of Sioux Falls

9/20/2022 (Permalink)

multiple lightning strikes off in distance of dark purple night sky

If you are dealing with smoke or fire damage from a recent fire, call SERVPRO of Sioux Falls to learn about a restoration solution for your issue.

The proper fire safety equipment is essential to protecting your home and keeping your family safe. Home fires are typically preventable, but there are some risks that we can’t do anything about.

Lightning caused 70,000 insurance damage claims during the year 2020, and it can strike 6,000 times a minute. Protecting your home is crucial when you face such high risks.

What Is Lightning?

Lightning is a surge of electricity between clouds in the air and the ground, and it always comes with thunder. Lightning usually comes with severe weather, but it can also occur during a forest fire, a volcanic eruption or even a snowstorm when it falls heavily enough.

Lightning is a threat in more events than just wet, severe weather. Dry lightning is a phenomenon that happens when there is no rain, which creates a scary situation as wildfires can easily result from a strike. No matter the time of year, it is wise to always be prepared.

Protecting Your Home From Lightning Fires

If your home does take a strike, it can end up with a large amount of damage. A fire may begin within the walls or roof area due to the heat carried by the lightning, or a fire can start due to a surge through your wiring resulting from the bolt.

A fire may not immediately be noticeable, but you will hear the strike when it hits your home.

If a loud noise has occurred, start checking for black burn marks and smell for smoke. Call the fire department, and once they have been able to declare your home free of risks, let an electrician double-check that your wiring is safe so that you avoid the risks of future fires.

A solid form of protection for your home is a lightning rod. This pole can divert the energy and the heat from a strike into the ground, allowing it to avoid your home.

A surge protector for your entire house is another great preventive tool. This can be added to your utility box to protect your electronics, appliances and wiring from strikes.

When Lightning Strikes Nearby

Every year, there is an average of 9,000 wildfires due to lightning strikes. A wildfire that originates from lightning can burn hot and fast due to the incredible heat a strike has.

Check out if defensible landscaping zones are a good idea for the space around your home. This is strategically designed so that a fire is diverted away from your house if one were to start.

You should also clear out dead plants, which means cleaning up fall leaves quickly. Test your smoke detectors on a regular basis, too, and place one on every level of your house.

If you do experience a fire in your home, make a call to SERVPRO right away. We have the industry-leading equipment to handle every step of the fire restoration process. We are available ²⁴⁄₇ and want to get you back to your life as normal as soon as possible.

Have you experienced smoke or fire damage in your home? Call us today to get the restoration finished fast.

Staying Fire-Aware in the Backyard | SERVPRO® of Sioux Falls

7/21/2022 (Permalink)

a close up view of a bright campfire burning at night

If you have experienced fire or smoke damage, contact SERVPRO of Sioux Falls.

Sitting around the fire with your family is the perfect summer memory maker. Roasting hot dogs, toasting marshmallows and embarrassing your teenagers with stories of your childhood lead to an unforgettable night.

Fire serves us in many ways around our home, including grilling our dinner, keeping the bugs at bay and cleaning up the yard. You may feel like that small brush fire you started is completely in control, but in an instant, it can grow to a dangerous size. The National Park Service found that 85% of wildfires are started by humans.

Like the rest of our state, we have experienced high risk of grassland fires for most of spring and summer this year. The combination of dry grounds, low humidity and high winds created red flag warning days throughout March.

2021 was a very difficult year for wildfires as we watched so much land burn throughout the state. It is important that we are consistently fire-aware in order to keep our homes safe.

This does not mean you have to stop all of your fun. Follow local safety regulations when they are in place, make sure your own safety measures are ready to go and use your backyard as you wish. And don’t forget the chocolate.

Recreational Fire Hazards

Open flames will always come with a risk, but grills, campfires and fireworks are three common ways that fires are started outdoors. Grills are actually to blame for an average of 8,800 home fires each year, mostly due to improper use by the operator. Check your gas line or propane tank before you start your grill, and stay nearby once the grill is hot.

If you are planning a backyard campout, choose a location a fair distance from your house and any outbuildings. Start your fire with matches or a lighter only, and once the flames are going stick to firewood for additional fuel. Flames can start back from just a few embers, so keep a close eye on your fire even if you ate way too much chocolate.

Fire pits are a great accessory to have in the backyard, but they carry the same risks as a regular campfire. While you enjoy a camp-like feel, take safety measures to keep the flames in check. Never place a portable pit on a wooden surface or under an area that has any kind of roof or overhang.

Burning leftover supplies from your last DIY project or other household waste items in your fire pit might seem like a safe and viable option, but only approved firewood should be utilized.

Other Outdoor Fire Hazards

Despite the risks, we still want and need to use fire and other fire related materials around the home and yard. For those of us with lots of trees that lose their leaves, burning the excess might be the best way to clean up the yard when another waste disposal option isn’t available.

Burn permits are required if you plan to burn vegetation and other yard waste, so be sure to check with the city before you start your fire. You will also need to pay close attention to burn bans and be flexible with your dates.

Maintaining an uncluttered yard is essential in wildfire prevention, and when combined with landscaping with defensible fire safety zones in mind, it can actually protect your home. Make sure you follow regulations and only burn what is safe.

If you have yard tools, you likely have a gas can or two laying around as well. Improper storage of gasoline can create a disaster, so ensure your cans are approved containers and stored well out of the reach of any kiddos that may access your storage space.

It is also important to only use gas as intended—so even if the fire does look a little low or is slow to light, don’t reach for the gasoline can.

Before you light any kind of flame outside, check the weather and current local regulations. If there is a burn ban or the weather has been dry and windy, skip the fire and save the s’mores for a better day.

If you do experience fire damage to your home, call SERVPRO right away. We are available ²⁴⁄₇ with the knowledge and tools to handle every complicated aspect that comes along with fire recovery. It is our goal to restore as much of your property as possible and get your life back on track faster.

Burn safely outdoors. And save some chocolate for us! If you have experienced fire or smoke damage, contact us today to get restoration started faster.

Staying Fire-Aware in the Backyard | SERVPRO® of Sioux Falls

7/21/2022 (Permalink)