Uncovering the Mystery: Where Does Mold Grow?

5/8/2023 (Permalink)

Mold can grow in any area of your home.

Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in damp and humid conditions. It is a common problem in many homes and buildings, and can cause a range of damage and secondary damages for things that are exposed to it. In this blog, we will discuss where mold grows and how to prevent its growth.

Bathrooms

Mold often grows in bathrooms because of the high humidity levels. The warm, moist air in the bathroom creates an ideal environment for mold to grow. To prevent mold growth in the bathroom, make sure to use the exhaust fan or open a window to circulate the air and reduce humidity. Additionally, regularly cleaning your bathroom with an antimicrobial cleaner can help prevent mold growth.

Kitchens

Kitchens are another common area where mold can grow. Moisture from cooking, washing dishes, and even refrigeration can create an ideal environment for mold to grow. To prevent mold growth in the kitchen, make sure to use exhaust fans or open windows to circulate the air and reduce humidity. Additionally, make sure to clean up any spills or leaks as soon as possible.

Basements

Basements are often damp and humid, making them a prime location for mold growth. To prevent mold growth in your basement, make sure to keep it well-ventilated and use a dehumidifier if necessary. Additionally, make sure to fix any leaks or water damage as soon as possible.

Attics

Attics are often humid and poorly ventilated, making them another common location for mold growth. To prevent mold growth in your attic, make sure to keep it well-ventilated and use a dehumidifier if necessary. Additionally, make sure to fix any leaks or water damage as soon as possible.

Laundry room

Laundry rooms are another area where mold can grow. The moisture from washing and drying clothes can create an ideal environment for mold growth. To prevent mold growth in your laundry room, make sure to use exhaust fans or open windows to circulate the air and reduce humidity. Additionally, make sure to clean up any spills or leaks as soon as possible.

In conclusion, mold can grow in any area that is damp and humid. To prevent mold growth in your home, make sure to keep it well-ventilated, use a dehumidifier if necessary, and fix any leaks or water damage as soon as possible. Additionally, regularly cleaning your home with an antimicrobial cleaner can help prevent mold growth. By taking these steps, you can ensure that your home is mold-free and healthy for you and your family.

Protecting Your Business: 8 Essential Steps to Prevent Fire Disasters

4/13/2023 (Permalink)

Protect your business from disaster after a fire.

As a business owner, protecting your business from fire disaster should be one of your top priorities. Fire disasters can be devastating, causing physical harm to your employees, financial loss, and damage to your business's reputation. Therefore, taking steps to prevent fires and having a plan in place in case of a fire is essential. Here are some ways to protect your business from a fire disaster.

Conduct a fire risk assessment

The first step to protecting your business from fire is to conduct a fire risk assessment. This involves identifying potential fire hazards in your workplace, such as electrical equipment, flammable substances, and smoking areas. It also involves evaluating the risk of a fire starting and the potential consequences if one does.

Install smoke detectors and fire alarms

Smoke detectors and fire alarms are essential in detecting fires early, allowing you to take action before the fire spreads. Make sure you have smoke detectors and fire alarms installed in your workplace and that they are regularly tested and maintained

Train your employees

Training your employees on fire safety procedures is crucial in protecting your business from fire disasters. Ensure that all employees know how to use fire extinguishers and evacuate the building in case of a fire. Conduct regular fire drills to keep employees prepared for emergencies.

Have fire extinguishers readily available

Fire extinguishers can help to put out small fires before they become big ones. Make sure that you have the right type of fire extinguishers for your workplace and that they are readily available in case of a fire.

Keep your workplace clean and tidy

Clutter and debris can increase the risk of fire in your workplace. Therefore, it's essential to keep your workplace clean and tidy, particularly in areas where flammable substances are stored.

Check your electrical equipment

Faulty electrical equipment is a significant cause of fires in the workplace. Regularly check your electrical equipment for signs of wear and tear, and make sure that it is regularly maintained by a qualified professional.

Have a fire evacuation plan

Having a fire evacuation plan in place is crucial in protecting your business from fire disasters. Ensure that all employees know the plan and that it is regularly reviewed and updated.

Invest in fire-resistant materials

Investing in fire-resistant materials for your workplace can help to prevent fires from spreading and minimize damage if a fire does occur. Consider using fire-resistant building materials, furniture, and decorations.

In conclusion, protecting your business from fire disasters requires a proactive approach. Conducting a fire risk assessment, installing smoke detectors and fire alarms, training your employees, having fire extinguishers readily available, keeping your workplace clean and tidy, checking your electrical equipment, having a fire evacuation plan, and investing in fire-resistant materials can help to prevent fires and minimize damage if a fire does occur. By taking these steps, you can protect your business from fire disasters and ensure the safety of your employees and customers.

Will filing an insurance claim raise my rates?

3/8/2023 (Permalink)

Contact your insurance company to file a claim after a loss.

If you're in an accident, file a claim with your insurance company. But will filing a claim raise your rates? The answer is complicated and depends on many factors. Your insurer might charge you more to make up for paying out money from the claim, or it might not change anything at all. To find out, first check with your insurer about whether filing a claim will affect your premiums at all. Then consider whether waiting until after the next time you renew your policy would be better than filing that claim now.

Insurance claims are common.

Claims are common. It's important to remember that this figure represents all claims across all types of insurance products, homeowners' policies as well as auto and life insurance policies.

In addition to providing valuable information about how much money was spent on claims during this time period (and therefore how much money could potentially flow into your pocket), these figures also show us just how common it is for people like yourself who have filed an insurance claim against their house after some sort of disaster or accident at home. If you're worried about whether filing one will affect future premiums based on what happened with another customer years ago who didn't pay off his debt until 2026...don't worry! Nowhere does it say, if someone else files a claim against their home then yours will cost more.

Insurance claim processing

Most insurance companies ask you to pay a deductible when you make a claim. A deductible is the amount of money that you must pay before your insurer will pay its share of the costs associated with repairing or replacing damaged property.

Claims take time to process. The insurance company has to verify the claim and make sure it's valid before they pay you. Once they do that, they'll pay out some money immediately (called "advanced payments") while waiting for contractors to complete the work and make sure everything was done correctly.

If your contractor isn't available right away or if there are complications with getting an estimate from them, this can delay things even further.

Claims can change your premiums.

Claims can change your premiums, but might not raise them for a long time. Insurance companies look at claims history when setting premiums, so if you make a claim, you may be charged higher rates for a few years. However, if you have a good track record with the company and have been with them for several years (which is why they gave you insurance in the first place), then they may give discounts on future policies or even offer new ones at lower rates.

Check with your insurance company.

Before filing a claim, it is important to check with your insurance company to determine how they handle claims. Some may have a policy of increasing rates after a claim has been made. Others will not raise premiums until the following year, but then keep those increased rates for 3 years or more. If you have had multiple claims within the past three years, this could be an indication that your driving record is not ideal and could result in higher premiums when purchasing new coverage.

The best way to know if filing a claim will raise your insurance rates is to contact your insurance company. Most of them will be able to tell you how claims affect premiums, and they may even offer special discounts for customers who have not filed any claims in the past few years.

How to prevent a Grease Fire

2/14/2023 (Permalink)

If a grease fire breaks out in your kitchen, give SERVPRO a call today!

Grease fires are one of the most dangerous types of fires that you can encounter. They may not seem like much at first, but they can quickly spread throughout your entire home or business. Taking some simple steps to prevent a grease fire is important for everyone who uses the kitchen.

Fire Prevention

Make sure your cooking space is clear of all oil spills or food and supplies that could potentially cause a fire to ignite. All oils have different properties and respond differently to heat. Olive oil has a high smoke point and so it can withstand high temperatures without burning. Peanut oil is great for frying because it has more saturated fat than other types of vegetable oil. Canola oil also has a relatively high smoke point but has been genetically modified to not contain toxins.

How to Extinguish a Grease Fire

If a grease fire does break out in your kitchen, cover the top of the container with a lid. This is an easy way to control a grease fire, as it prevents oxygen from entering the container and feeding the flames. If you don't have an immediate lid, try using baking soda or another powder-based kitchen fire extinguisher to smother it instead.

Use salt or sand if you have enough of it. If there's any salt or sand nearby (such as in your garage), use this method in place of covering up with a lid because these materials can be more effective at quenching flames than lids are. Just sprinkle some over one side of the flame until it dies out completely!

Contact your local emergency services if the flames look like they may grow larger than expected or reach somewhere dangerous. You should never attempt anything more than controlling them yourself when dealing with such small sources of heat.

Shut off the Gas

If a grease fire is out of control, you may need to shut off the gas and electricity. Shut off the gas by shutting down your home's main valve at the source (usually located near where the piping enters your home). You can also check for an emergency shutoff lever on or near your stove top for quick access in case you need it. Shutting off both of these sources will cut off any more fuel from getting into the kitchen, which should help put out any flames that remain.

Open windows as soon as possible after turning off electricity and gas to let out heat and prevent further damage to surrounding objects if they're still burning. Call 911 once you've successfully closed all sources of fuel feeding into your kitchen, but don't wait until you've done this—the longer it takes for someone else to get there, the worse things could get!

Grease fire safety is an important topic because if you are not prepared, you can cause serious damage to your home and put your family at risk. If your home or business suffers from a fire loss, give SERVPRO a call immediately.

Steps to Prevent Commercial Kitchen Fires

1/9/2023 (Permalink)

Make sure everyone knows where their designated exits are in case of an emergency

Cooking is one of the most common causes of fires in commercial kitchens. With proper training and planning, you can reduce the risk of a fire by keeping your kitchen clean and maintaining your equipment.

Make Sure All Cooking Equipment is in Good Condition

To prevent commercial kitchen fires, you should make sure that all cooking equipment is in good condition. This includes checking the age of the equipment and making sure it hasn’t been damaged by heat or water damage. You should also check that it operates properly and has been maintained properly. It should have proper safety features such as automatic shut-off switches or flame detectors, as well as fire protection features such as sprinkler systems or fire walls between areas where combustibles are stored and cooking areas.

Have Your Equipment Serviced Periodically

You will also want to perform regular maintenance on your equipment. Many cooks choose to have their gas ranges serviced annually, as this can prevent common issues like carbon buildup and clogged pilot lights. If you are using a wood-burning oven, it is recommended that you have it inspected every two years by a professional.

Other than having your equipment serviced, there are several steps that you can take in the event of an actual fire in the kitchen:

• Call 911 right away if the issue is too big for yourself or someone else to handle on their own.
• If possible, put out small fires with baking soda or salt — remember that water may cause electrical fires!

Keep the Kitchen Clean

Cleanliness is an important part of keeping your kitchen safe. Wiping down surfaces, especially those that are near grills or ovens, can help prevent fire from starting in the first place. It's also important to keep your grease traps clean and free of debris like food scraps and paper towels; if they get clogged with debris and start building up grease, you might end up with an even bigger mess on your hands. Make sure to regularly clean out any grease buildup in drains as well; this will help prevent fires from starting because there won't be enough room for excess oil when it drains down into the sink. Finally, make sure all exhaust fans are functioning properly so that smoke escapes but doesn't build up in your kitchen space.

Train Staff

Train staff on how to deal with fire emergencies. It's important that your employees know what to do in the event of an emergency, such as a fire alarm or kitchen fire. This includes evacuating people from the building and calling 9-1-1 for help.

Train staff on how to respond to fire alarms. Make sure everyone knows where their designated exits are in case of an emergency, including which doors should be opened first if there is smoke or other obstructions in the way.

Train staff on how to evacuate the building during an actual fire. If there truly is a kitchen fire, all employees should know exactly where they are supposed to go in order not only provide them with enough information but also make sure they're safe as well!

Create an Emergency Plan

An emergency plan is a formal document that details the procedures for handling an emergency. This includes identifying the different types of emergencies that could occur in your commercial kitchen and knowing what to do in each type of situation.

The plan should also include a section on evacuating the building and contacting fire department, police, or ambulance if needed.

A kitchen fire can be a dangerous and costly event. But if you follow these steps, you can prevent it from happening in your own commercial kitchen.

10 Ways To Prevent Home Flooding & Water Damage

12/16/2022 (Permalink)

Keep your gutters clean.

Prevent Home Flooding & Water Damage

If you're reading this, you're likely aware of the risks of flooding, especially if you live in an area that's prone to it. But even if your home isn't in a flood zone, a sudden storm or burst pipe can cause major damage and lead to a costly clean-up bill. To protect against water damage, it's important to take preventative measures like checking your gutters and windows regularly — and knowing when to call in the experts. Here are 10 steps that every homeowner should take to keep their property safe from flooding:

Check Your Gutters

Gutters are an overlooked part of many home maintenance routines. That's unfortunate, because when your gutters are clogged, damaged or leaking, you're at risk for water damage and other costly problems. A quick glance around the exterior of your home can tell you if there is any damage to the gutters that needs repair before winter hits.

Gutter guards can help keep leaves out of your gutter system and prevent clogs from forming. The best way to deal with them is by calling a professional who has experience working with this type of installation so they know where to place guards that will give you full protection during rainy season.

Check Your Windows

Check for cracks in the window frame. If you find any, replace them immediately to prevent water damage and mold growth inside your home.

• Look for condensation on the inside of the window. This might indicate that it's time for a change of season or that there's a leak somewhere nearby — and if it's not just condensation, it could indicate a problem with the sealant around your windowsills or frames that needs to be fixed before too long.
• Inspect each window gasket for leaks around its edges and make sure they're in good condition (if they are old). This will help keep water from entering your home through cracks as well as keep out moisture from inside when it gets cold outside.
• Finally, check for stains on exterior walls near windows; these can indicate leaks onto exterior surfaces which may have occurred years ago but are still visible today!

Install a Sump Pump

You'll want to install a sump pump in the lowest point of your home. This can be in the basement or even an unfinished attic. It should be installed in a dry and accessible location so you can easily access it if it needs repair or maintenance. A sump pump will remove water from your basement, but you may also want to consider installing flood gates or other types of protection against flooding, depending on how much damage flooding has caused in the past and how often it occurs.

Seal Your Foundation

If you don't have a basement, you can still get water damage when it rains. Water enters through any gaps or openings in the foundation and can seep into the walls, causing mold and rot to form. To prevent this from happening, install a waterproofing sealant around window frames, doorways and other openings that are not fully covered by siding or brickwork. A professional will be able to help you determine whether your home has been adequately sealed against water intrusion — and if not how best to remedy the situation.

Seal basement windows with putty tape (also called caulk) after caulking around all door frames inside your house as well as outside window frames where they meet drywall walls (this includes any area where moisture could enter from outside).

Upgrade Old Appliances

• Replace old appliances.
• Check the energy efficiency of your appliances.
• Replace your water heater with a more efficient model.
• Check the efficiency of your refrigerator, dishwasher and washing machine.

Insulate Water Pipes

Water pipes are a common source of water damage in the home, particularly during the winter when they are prone to freeze. To prevent this, you can insulate them. Insulating hot water pipes will reduce your energy consumption and help make your home more comfortable in the winter months. Hot water pipe insulation is very easy to install and can be done in just a few hours. If you have an attic, it's best to add insulation there because this is where most of your water pipes are located.

Protect Against Sewer Backups

Install a backwater valve. If you live in a high-risk area, it’s important that you have a backwater valve installed on your property. It will prevent sewage from backing up into your home if there is heavy rain or flooding in the area, which can lead to water damage and mold growth.

Assess Your Risk for Flooding

Before you do anything else, it's important to assess your risk for flooding. If you live in an area that is at risk for flooding, then it's essential that you familiarize yourself with what may happen and how to prevent it. The best way to protect yourself from flood damage is by knowing the signs of possible water damage and taking preventative measures before any actual damage occurs.

Check Your Local Weather Forecast

The first thing that you should do is check your local weather forecast. If heavy rains are on their way and predicted to occur within 24 hours or less, then this could be an indication that a storm drain system might overflow into your home due to high water levels in the streets. This can be especially problematic if there isn't proper drainage around your home (like gutters).

Elevate Appliances & Furniture

If there's a chance your couch could get wet in an apartment flood, place it on top of some plywood so that its legs don't get submerged. A heavy-duty plastic cushion can protect the fabric from moisture while keeping it elevated above any potential floodwaters on the floor below.

If your rugs or area rugs are susceptible to water damage, move them off-site until they're needed again.

Buy Flood Insurance

Flood insurance is a type of insurance that covers damage to your property due to flooding. It also covers contents that were damaged in the flood and any additional living expenses incurred while repairs are made or if you need to temporarily move out of your home. If a flood occurs and you don't have flood insurance, you will be responsible for paying all costs associated with the cleanup and repairs yourself.

The good news is that many homeowners’ policies do include some coverage for flooding, but it's usually not enough to cover all the damages that can occur from this type of event. To get adequate coverage, you'll need to purchase separate flood insurance through an independent provider such as NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program).

We hope that this post has helped you better understand what you can do to prevent water damage in the home. When it comes to your property, it’s important that you take steps to protect it. And while prevention is always better than cure, if something does happen, don’t panic! We have a team of experts at SERVPRO of Nantahala who can be there within hours with all the equipment needed for any type of emergency — and we promise we won’t leave until everything is back in order again.

How Do You Prevent a Water Damage?

11/1/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage in Franklin, NC

How Do You Avoid Water Damage?

Water damage is one of the most common disasters in homes. It can happen to anyone at any time. However, there are many ways that you can prevent water damage in your Franklin, NC home.

First, do your water damage prevention upfront before you even buy your home.

The first thing you should do is to check your property for leaks. If there are any, they must be fixed before you move in.

After that, check the property for mold and water damage. Make sure that there are no signs of flood damage as well. This can often be a problem with properties located near a creek or river in areas prone to flooding during heavy rainfalls and spring thaws.

If you notice any of these signs, contact an inspector immediately before buying the home so that they can determine whether there is anything structurally wrong with it (and thus something worth fixing prior to purchase). You’ll also want to make sure that any necessary repairs have been done already (you don't want to buy a house only after finding out there's mold growing everywhere) and that proper measures have been taken against future damage by ensuring insulation around pipes or other essential household.

Second, call SERVPRO of Nantahala and have them come out and inspect your home.

The second thing that you can do is to call SERVPRO of Nantahala, or another water damage restoration company and have them come out and inspect your home. They're going to be able to see all the damage that has occurred and then they'll give you a free estimate on how much it will cost to dry out your home. Once they have inspected your property, they can help you get started on getting things repaired quickly so that you can move back in as soon as possible.

Third, have some sort of insurance in place.

Number Three is to have some sort of insurance in place, whether it's through your homeowners policy or a different policy that can protect you from water damages as well as fires.

Talk with your insurance company about what kind of coverage you have and how much coverage you need. The more assets that require protection against water damage and fire, the more coverage will be needed. If there's any doubt about whether your home has adequate fire or flood insurance, contact an agent today!

Fourth, check the pipes in between the furnace and the hot water heater.

• Now if you've got an older home, those pipes can get cold. And if they're not insulated properly or they are touching each other, then you can get a freeze there and then when that happens it'll burst your pipe. So, you want to make sure that there's plenty of space between them so it doesn't happen again.
• Also make sure there isn't any water around those pipes because if there is, then it's going to freeze during those cold winter months and burst your pipe too. So, we recommend having an electric heater running down here too just so that keeps everything nice and warm so nothing freezes up on us when we're not looking for these things!

Fifth, make sure that your hot water heater is protected and up to code.

One of the most common causes of hot water heaters bursting is when they're not properly protected. So, generally, you should make sure that:

• The shut off valve on your hot water heater is in good working order and that it's located near where the tank is installed. This will allow you to easily turn off the flow of water if there's a leak or other problem with your unit.
• Your drain for draining out excess water from your tank has a trap and isn't connected to any sewer pipes—this can cause serious problems if not done correctly!

How Do You Prevent a Water Damage?

You know how to prevent a water damage, so now you can put your new knowledge to good use. The next time you see those pesky puddles forming in the bathroom or kitchen, don't panic! Instead of reaching for the phone and calling SERVPRO of Nantahala NC, follow these 3 tips:

• Check the pipes between the furnace and hot water heater.
• Make sure your hot water heater is protected and up to code.
• Have insurance in place.

Hopefully, you have a better understanding of how to prevent water damage. As you can see, there are many things you can do to protect your home and prevent water damage from occurring.

Should You Choose the Mitigation Company to do the Rebuild?

10/7/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPR of Nantahala can handle any job.

What's Involved In the Mitigation and Reconstruction Process

Restoration after a flood or other natural disaster can be a daunting process, especially if you don't know where to start. This guide will help you understand what's involved in the mitigation and reconstruction process.

There are many unknowns that can impact how long the reconstruction process takes to complete.

The reconstruction process is unpredictable. It depends on many factors, including the extent of damages and your insurance company's decision-making process. You should also consider that there are other unknowns that may impact how long it takes to complete the reconstruction project:

• The company you hire to do your rebuild may make mistakes during the rebuilding process, which can delay completion.
• If there is structural damage from high winds or flooding, then additional steps must be taken before reconstruction begins (such as removing debris).

The first thing you'll need to consider is the insurance claims process.

The first thing you'll need to consider is the information you receive from your insurance claims adjuster.

Generally speaking, insurance companies are big, impersonal corporations. They're used to dealing with claims on a large scale and don't want any trouble from their customers. If they think that you might cause them problems (for example, if they think your claim will be more complicated than others), they'll likely give your case the cold shoulder or send a low-level employee who doesn't have the authority to make decisions about it. If this sounds familiar, SERVPRO of Nantahala can help!

Another thing you'll want to decide on is whether you'll use a mitigation company that does both the cleanup and reconstruction services.

When choosing a mitigation company, you should make sure that it does both the cleanup and reconstruction services. If your home was damaged beyond repair during a flood or other natural disaster, then you'll want to ensure that your contractor can rebuild it in such a way that it's resistant to future weather conditions and damage. This means they should offer materials with high performance ratings (such as those from Shake-R-Dry) and have experience building homes in your area's climate.

Another thing you'll want to decide on is whether you'll use a mitigation company that does both the cleanup and reconstruction services. If so, consider these things:

• The company’s reputation—you need someone who has successfully completed projects like yours before.
• Their track record—does their work stay on time? Does their work stay within budget?

Choosing a one-stop-shop for the entire restoration process will go a long way toward speeding up your final walk through with the insurance adjuster.

The idea of doing everything yourself is appealing, but it can be a daunting task. It can ultimately cost more in time and money for you to try to do everything yourself than if you had hired a professional from the beginning.

A second benefit of choosing one-stop-shop companies is speedier assistance when dealing with your insurance company adjuster. Because they have already done much of the work required on their end, they are better prepared when it comes time for them to negotiate with your adjuster or assist during inspections or final walkthroughs. This allows them to move things along faster and get everyone paid faster!

With so much to think about and plan for, it can be hard to know which decisions are the right ones for your disaster recovery. If you're still unsure about any of these issues, consider getting in touch with a professional restoration company like SERVPRO of Nantahala first. We have decades' worth of experience helping others who've been through similar situations. Let us help guide you through this process with as little stress as possible!

How To Become a Preferred Vendor

8/12/2022 (Permalink)

Did you know that we are a Preferred Vendor for many insurance companies.

Getting Started as a Preferred Vendor

Not all restoration companies are created equal. Your company needs help to restore your business space after a disaster in Murphy, NC, and you want to make sure that your first pick will be easy to work with, reliable, and provide superior service. Your insurance agent will provide you with a list of preferred vendors, but how can you know that you're really getting the best? At SERVPRO, you'll find some of the most stringent standards in the industry that ensure your project will be completed with excellence every time.

1. Quality Checks
When your insurance agent recommends a local franchise to complete your project, the SERVPRO vendor program has 21 guidelines that franchise owners must adhere to in order to earn jobs when you, the client, call the restoration hotline. These guidelines include conducting background checks for all employees, submitting to internal auditing for quality assurance, and maintaining all proper insurance coverage.

2. Rigorous Documentation
From the moment the customer contacts the restoration hotline, your case will be tracked every step of the way. You will be presented with information about which local franchise you were connected to, the amount of time it took to respond, the cause of the claim, and each step that was taken to complete your project.

3. Project Validation
Restoration companies have standards that must be followed when completing a project. You'll never have to wonder if your site was cleaned properly because you can request that drying validation be a part of your project documentation. You as the business owner can see the standards that the company promises and the tools that are to be used; there are no industry secrets. This transparency can provide you peace of mind, knowing that your restoration project was done to the highest standard.
When your insurance agent provides a preferred vendor list that includes a local SERVPRO franchise, you can be confident that your restoration project will be backed by high industry standards.

How To Use a Fire Extinguisher

7/28/2022 (Permalink)

Learn how to use a fire extinguisher in your home

A Guide to Fire Extinguisher Use

A home fire can have many causes and can happen at any time. It's important for homeowners in Franklin, NC, to keep a fire extinguisher handy inside the home so a fire can be extinguished before it gets out of control. While the majority of homeowners have an extinguisher inside the home, research shows less than half actually know how to use one.

Being Prepared
A homeowner should not only be prepared to use a fire extinguisher at a moment's notice, but they need to know where to find it. If an emergency does arise, you'll be quicker to act on it. Situations in which you might need a fire extinguisher include:

• When the fire is contained to one object
• You feel confident in using the extinguisher
• You have the right extinguisher type

While you should always call the fire department before using an extinguisher, you should get out of the structure if you're aren't confident in how to use the device. It's always best to put safety first, and during a fire is not the time to try to learn how to use an extinguisher. Fire damage can always be reversed during restoration.
Extinguishers are made for different types of fire. Some extinguishers are water-based, and made for common products such as wood, cloth, plastic, or paper. The majority of homeowners will only have a class A extinguisher. You wouldn't want to use a class A extinguisher on a gas burner during a kitchen fire.

Using the Extinguisher
You'll be confident in using your extinguisher if you remember the acronym P.A.S.S. This stands for pull, aim, squeeze and sweep. First, you pull the pin, then you aim the extinguisher, squeeze the handle and sweep from side to side.
If a fire happens, always think first. A fire extinguisher can be a powerful tool against devastating damage, but only when you know how to use it properly. It's a good idea to periodically refresh yourself on fire safety and proper usage of the extinguisher in your home.