Eliminating Electrical Fires & Avoiding Appliance Fires

Eliminating Electrical Fires

Working with electricity can be dangerous. Engineers, electricians, and other professionals who work with electricity directly have an increased risk of electrical related injuries. Other professionals, such as office workers and sales people who work with electricity indirectly, may also be exposed to electrical hazards. Electricity and electrical products play a key role in how we conduct business every day. It is important to use electricity properly to avoid serious safety risks.

According to the Electrical Safety Foundation, over the last ten years, more than 30,000 workers have been injured in workplace electrical accidents. Electrical fires can result from electrical system failures, but many more are caused by incorrectly installed wiring, overloaded circuits and improperly used extension cords.

Most electrically-related fatalities and injuries could easily be avoided. Take safety precautions to prevent electrical fire hazards by routinely checking electrical appliances and wiring. Buy electrical products evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL). Consider unplugging electrical devices when not in use. Use extension cords wisely; never overload extension cords or wall sockets. Take steps to protect yourself everyday and make safety an integral part of how you do business.

• Electrical hazards cause more than 300 deaths and 4,000 injuries in the workplace each year.
• Electrical accidents rank sixth among all types of work-related deaths in the United States.
• Electrical accidents on the job cause an average of 13 days away from work and nearly one fatality every day.
• The non-fatal workplace incidents that cause the highest number of days away from work include contact with an electrical current or machine, tool, appliance or light fixture (38 percent) and contact with wiring, transformers or other electrical components (33 percent).
• Nonfatal electrical injury occurs most often to those who work with machines or tools and around electrical wiring other than power lines.
• Over the last 10 years, more than 46,000 workers were injured from on-the-job electrical hazards.

*Facts and figures provided by the Electrical Safety Foundation

Avoiding Appliance Fires

Most homes and businesses have multiple electrical appliances ranging from small appliances like toaster ovens and microwaves, to larger items like clothes dryers and dishwashers. These items have become staples in our everyday operation, and while these appliances make our lives easier, they can also pose significant risks, including fire.

Appliance fire safety can be accomplished by maintaining appliances and keeping them in good working order. Prior to using, ensure appliances are properly grounded. If an appliance has three-prong plug, do not try to force it into a two-prong outlet. Regularly check appliance cords for any visible damage, such as fraying or exposed wiring. Do not use until the cord can be replaced or repaired. If you notice smoke or sparks while operating an appliance, discontinue use immediately. Another indicator or potential hazards are outlets that do not work or are warm to the touch. When it comes to electricity, err on the side of safety, if any electrical appliances or outlet is causing concern, call a licensed electrician to inspect your property.

Annually, residential fires result in an estimated:

• 9,600 fires
• 25 deaths
• 525 injuries
• $211 million in property loss

Source: National Fire Incident Reporting System

SERVPRO Sarpy County - Fire and Water Cleanup & Restoration

1706 Galvin Rd, Bellevue, NE 68005

24 Hour Emergency - 402.291.3355

www.servprosarpycounty.com

 

Preparedness Planning For Your Business...Are You "Ready for Whatever Happens?"

No one plans on a disaster,

but you can plan to be

"Ready for whatever happens."

As many as 50% of businesses close down following a disaster, according to the latest research. Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind. And knowing you are "Ready for whatever happens" speaks trust to your clients and employees that in the event your business is affected by a disaster, they don’t necessarily have to be.

By developing a SERVPRO of Sarpy County Emergency READY Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.

The SERVPRO of Sarpy County Emergency READY Profile Advantage

• A no cost assessment of your facility.This means there is no need to allocate funds, giving you a great value at no cost.
  
• A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.It will only take a little time to complete and will not take you away from current projects. But it will save a lot of time if ever needed.
  
• A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.This can help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action.
  
• Establishes your local SERVPRO of Sarpy County as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.You have a provider that is recognized as an industry leader and close by.
  
• Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin.This saves time so we can begin the work of mitigating the damage which can save you time and money.
  
• Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information.Having a quick reference of what to do, how to do it and who to call provides solutions in advance of an emergency so that during the emergency you are "Ready for whatever happens."

SERVPRO of Sarpy County is committed to providing fire and water cleanup and restoration services to reduce business interruptions and recovery costs. SERVPRO of Sarpy County can provide:

• Over 40 years of experience as a leading fire and water cleanup and restoration provider.
• More locations for faster responses.
• Quick response time to help ensure the damage is contained and the restoration process begins promptly.
• Large loss capabilities - no fire or water damage is too big.

To get started with a

SERVPRO of Sarpy County 

Emergency READY Profile, please call

(402) 291-3355.

For more great information on Emergency Preparedness Planning visit FEMA Ready.gov

SERVPRO Jumps to No. 4 on Entrepreneur's Franchise 500 List

Disaster recovery and restoration specialist celebrates third consecutive appearance on annual Top 10 list

GALLATIN, Tenn. (Grassroots Newswire) - SERVPRO, a disaster recovery and restoration franchise company, jumped up four notches on the Entrepreneur Franchise 500 ranking this year, moving up to the No. 4 spot in 2012 from the No. 8 spot in 2011.  This year's results make SERVPRO No. 1 in the cleanup and restoration industry for the ninth consecutive year.

"It's very satisfying to see our Franchisees' efforts recognized year after year in this prestigious ranking," said Rick Isaacson, Executive Vice President of Servpro Insustries, Inc, "It is a blessing to have the opportunity to help customers restore their lives and Franchisees pursue their dreams at the same time."

SERVPRO specializes in fire and water cleanup and restoration and repair services helping both commercial and residential customers.  SERVPRO also offers large loss, national storm response, mold remediation and other property maintenance and restoration services.

"We are proud of the culture of our employees and Franchise owners," added Sue Steen, Chief Executive Officer of Servpro Industries, Inc. "Our mission is to build a team of quality people who focus on excellent service, and we thank them for their efforts on behalf of each and every client we serve."

SERVPRO of Sarpy County (402) 291-3355 is proud to be a participating franchise in SERVPRO's Disaster Recovery Team.

SERVPRO of Sarpy County

(402) 291-3355 - 24 Hour Emergency

(402) 291.3310 - Fax

www.servprosarpycounty.com

Excersing Caution with Alternative Heating Sources

Everyone wants to keep their homes and workspaces warm during the winter.  In an effort to keep heating costs down, many residents and employees will turn to alternative heat sources, such as fireplaces, wood-burning stoves and portable space heaters.


When used and maintained as directed, these methods can effectively warm your home or office.  However, there is also an inherent danger, as heating equipment is the leading cause of home fires during the winter months.


In 2008 alone, heating equipment caused more than 66,000 fires and led to more than $1.1 billion in direct property damage.*  Portable space heaters were responsible for nearly one-third of these fires.  Some authorities believe the public is at an increased risk of alternative heating fires this year as residents search for ways to cut heating bills in tough economic times.  SERVPRO of Sarpy County would like to pass along the following tips to help minimize the risk for heating fires this winter.


Safety Tips:

• Never use the oven, range or stove to heat your home.
• Never burn trash, paper or green wood in your fireplace.  These items cause heavy creosote buildup, which could eventually start a fire in your chimney.
• Only buy heaters evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
• Purchase electric heaters with a thermostat control mechanism that will switch off should the heater tip over.
• Never use electric heaters to dry clothes or other objects.  Keep space heaters at least three feet away from any combustibles.
• Plug your electric heater directly into the wall - do not use an extension cord or a power strip.
• Always plug your electric heater when it is not in use.

*Source NFPA (2010)