Fire Extinguisher Maintenance and Inspection

Always inspect fire extinguishers at least once a month.

For everyone's safety it is important to perform Fire extinguisher maintenance.

You must ensure that:

The extinguisher is not blocked by equipment, coats or other objects that could interfere with access in an emergency.

The pressure is at the recommended level. On extinguishers equipped with a gauge (such as that shown on the right), the needle should be in the green zone - not too high and not too low.

The nozzle or other parts are not hindered or damaged in any way.

The pin and tamper seal (if it has one) are intact.

There are no dents, leaks, rust, chemical deposits and/or other signs of wear or abuse. Wipe off any corrosive chemicals, oil, gunk etc. that may have deposited on the extinguisher.

It is recommended by some manufacturers to shake your dry chemical extinguishers once a month to prevent the powder from settling/packing.

Fire extinguishers should be pressure tested after a number of years to ensure that the cylinder is safe to use. Consult your owner's manual, extinguisher label or the manufacturer to see when yours may need such testing.

Replace your extinguisher immediately if it is damaged or needs recharging.

IMPORTANT: Recharge your extinguishers immediately after use regardless of how much was used.

What is the difference between a fire extinguisher inspection and fire extinguisher maintenance?

INSPECTION 

An inspection is a “quick check” to give reasonable assurance that a fire extinguisher is available, fully charged and operable. The value of an inspection lies in the regularity, thoroughness and frequency with which it is conducted. The frequency will vary from hourly to monthly, based on the needs of the situation. Inspections should always be conducted when extinguishers are initially placed in service and thereafter at approximately 30-day intervals.

MAINTENANCE 

Maintenance is a “thorough check” of the extinguisher. It is important to maintain your fire extinguishers at regular intervals (at least once a year), or when specifically indicated by an inspection. Maintenance of your extinguisher is intended to give maximum assurance that an extinguisher will operate effectively and safely. It includes a thorough examination and any necessary repair, recharging or replacement. It will normally reveal the need for hydrostatic testing of an extinguisher.

Seymore Builders is always here for you when it comes to Fire, Flood and Storm damage.

Safety tips for Arizona Monsoon and Thunderstorm season...

In Arizona, storm activity increases from mid to late summer. It is important to consider the devastation these thunderstorms and high winds can cause. Believe it or not, lightning kills about 80 people a year and injures more than 500 in the US. On average, this toll is higher than tornadoes and hurricanes combined.  Protecting yourself, your family and your home takes some knowledge and a little preparation.

Protect yourself and your family during a storm
If your inside when an Arizona thunderstorm hits avoid using corded phones and electrical equipment, such as computers or televisions. Electrical wires can be conduit for lighting. Metal pipes for plumbing can also conduct lightning, so try to avoid washing your hands, taking a shower, washing dishes or doing laundry during these storms. Stay away from windows, skylights and doors because high winds and hail can shatter and propel glass. It is a good idea to keep drapes and blinds closed to help prevent shattered glass from blowing inside and causing injuries.

If you are outdoors and cannot get to shelter for protection, avoid any carports or open garages and get inside a hard-top, all-metal car, truck or SUV. If you're in water, head for shore immediately and avoid close proximity to any metal objects. Water and metal can both conduct electrical current. Do not huddle up for safety, spread out. If you have no shelter or vehicles nearby, make yourself a smaller target by squatting down and putting your hands on your knees and keep your head down.

Protect your home or property during a storm
To protect your home or property from lightning during a thunderstorm remove dead or overhanging tree branches. They could fall on your house if the tree is struck by lighting or even in high winds. Always use surge-protectors throughout your entire house to prevent damage due to voltage spikes. Also, unplug all appliances and electronic equipment during any thunderstorm.

The integrity of a roof is always a major concern for homeowners during a hailstorm. No roofing material is hail-proof, so research for hail-resistant shingles that carry a Class 4 UL rating.  Learn what type or style of roof is appropriate for homes in your area and keep in mind that most roofing jobs are not something you can do yourself and may not be covered by your insurance.

In the even of storm damage to your roof or home, Call a professional damage restoration contractor in Arizona at 480-832-04087 or check online.

Fire Prevention tips for Homeowners

Prevent house fires | Space heaters high risk for fires | Heater Inspections
Arizona, Phoenix, Tempe, Peoria, Ahwatukee, AZ

Fire injuries and burns are the third most common cause of fatal injuries in the Arizona home, according the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. House fires often result from malfunctions in furnaces, appliances, cigarette smoking, and from cooking accidents in the kitchen. Regularly inspecting the most fire-prone areas of your home and taking steps to correct any problems can reduce your risk of an accidental fire.


Helpful tips to prevent home fires:

• Schedule an inspection of your heater/furnace every year before heating season starts. Regular inspections are important in detecting problems in your heater that could cause a fire. Keep newspapers, boxes and other combustible items far from your furnace.




• Be extremely cautious when using a space heater in your Phoenix area home. Always turn off the heater when you leave the room, and place the heater 3 feet away from anything that could burn such as drapes, bedding or furniture. Don't try to extend the reach of your space heater with an extension cord. If the cord overheats, a fire could occur.




• Always use a fireplace screen to prevent sparks from igniting carpeting, flooring, kindling, furniture or other items in the room. Before you begin to use your fireplace each year, have it professionally cleaned to remove creosote, a byproduct of wood fires that can cause a fire in your chimney.




• Get into a habit of removing lint from your clothes dryer after each load and make sure that your dryer is vented outside your home. At least once each year, clean out the lint that builds up under the lint trap, in the back of the dryer and in the dryer vent. Install a smoke detector in your laundry room and turn off your dryer before leaving your home.




• Avoid overloading outlets with power strips that can accommodate multiple items. Don't use a higher wattage light bulb than is recommended for the fixture. Don't use extension cords if possible, as they can easily overheat. Never use a frayed extension cord. Don't push your television up against the wall. If you don't allow air space around the TV, it can overheat and cause a fire.




• If you smoke, have your last cigarette before you go to bed. According to the National Fire Protection Association, smoking is the leading cause of home fire deaths. Don't smoke when you are tired, have been drinking or are in bed. Empty ashtrays every day and wet the contents before placing in the trash.


• 

Always store gasoline in red safety containers that are kept outside the house. Make sure you wait for your lawnmower to cool down before adding more gasoline, and don't add gasoline in an enclosed area.



• Never leave matches and lighters within children's reach, and don't leave kids alone when there is a fire in the fireplace or a space heater is running. Make sure your children know the escape plan if a fire should occur.



Mold Restoration in Arizona

Why is mold growing in my home?

Molds are a natural part of our environment that reproduce by means of tiny spores; these spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through both outdoor and indoor air. Molds play a important part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. There are many types of mold, and they all require water or moisture in order to grow and thrive. Indoor molds may begin growing when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet or damp in any way.

Can mold cause health problems?

Unless mold spores land on a wet or damp area and begin growing, molds usually do not become a problem indoors in Arizona.  Most molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins) which have the potential to cause health problems. Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic reactions to mold are common and can include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). These responses to mold can be immediate or delayed. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs. Symptoms other than the allergic and irritant types are not commonly reported as a result of inhaling mold. Research on mold and health effects is ongoing.

Mold Cleanup

There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a mold cleanup contractor. One consideration is the size of the mold issue. In most cases, if the moldy area is less than about 10 square feet, you can handle the job yourself by following the EPA guidelines. However, if the mold damage covers more than 10 square feet, consult a Mold Restoration Specialist in Arizona.

• When you hire a restoration contractor in Arizona to handle the mold cleanup, make sure they are qualified and experienced specifically in cleaning up mold. Ask the contractor to follow the recommendations in EPA's Mold Remediation, the guidelines of the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygenists (ACGIH), or other guidelines from professional or government organizations and check references.


• If you suspect that the heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC) system may be contaminated with mold, or there is mold near the intake to the system, consult a mold restoration contractor immediately. This situation presents a significant health risk - do not run the contaminated unit as it will spread mold throughout the building.


• When there is water and/or mold damage caused by sewage or other contaminated water, call in a restoration professional who has experience cleaning and fixing homes or businesses damaged by contaminated water or flooding.


• If you have health concerns, consult a health professional before starting cleanup. 

Click here to download the EPA's Mold Remediation Manual

Don't Get Ripped-Off by a Restoration Company Scam…

Prevent Restoration Scam | Professional Restoration Company | Trusted Restoration Company

The idea of a restoration company is a great one. When there is fire or water damage to your home or business, it would be nice to be able to pick up the phone and call a contractor experienced in disaster relief, restoration and recovery. Unfortunately, most restoration companies don't have your best interest in mind. They are interested in running up your clean-up and re-construction bill in order to get a big check from your insurance company's deep pockets. There are some indicators that will let you know if you are getting scammed by a restoration company right off the bat… here's what to look for.

A Restoration Scam Will Feel Like This…
The restoration company shows up unannounced in the aftermath of the disaster and does everything they can to start clean-up and recovery work immediately. They will try to get you to let them start work without any formal estimate or proposal of any kind. They will over-inflate the sense of urgency regarding the recovery and avoid talking with your insurance agent in the beginning. These companies prey on the misfortune of others and are just looking for those big insurance payouts.

Some of them will even start to board up windows or remove carpet without even asking you. They are counting on you assuming they are authorized representative of your insurance company. They will always remove more drywall or more carpet after a flood than they need to. They will use more equipment than necessary for a longer time than necessary, because they know they can bill the insurance company for each piece of equipment and every hour of time. These companies are giving the restoration and reconstruction industry a bad name! They are owned and operated by inexperienced people looking to make a quick buck, and many of them succeed by having an insurance adjuster or two in their pocket.

A Professional Restoration Project Should Feel Like this…
The restoration contractor specializing in fire, flood and storm damage arrives on the scene at the request of you and/or your insurance company. They will treat you with care and respect while stabilizing and securing the property after the catastrophic event. They will work hand-in-hand with you and your insurance company to come up with the best plan to restore your property to it's original condition. They will acknowledge the fact that you as the property owner have the right to choose the contractor you want to perform the necessary work. They will provide estimates and realistic timelines for the project's completion.

They will use industry standard formulas to access the damage and implement the proper amount of equipment for the proper amount of time so you get the most for your insurance dollar. Most of all, they won't try to push you into a hasty decision. They will allow you to check with your insurance company and get competitive bids if necessary. They are there to help, not take advantage. They will be there to coach you through the process, so you are aware of every aspect of the project and the open communication with their insurance company. Even though you are experiencing an unfortunate event in your life, hiring a restoration contractor should feel like hiring any other contractor. Just remember… you are the one in control making the decisions!

To contact Arizona's most trusted contractor for insurance replacement construction and remodeling… call Seymore Builders at: 480-832-4087 or visit our website at: www.seymorebuilders.com

A step by step guide to fire and/or water damage recovery...

Fire damaged home | home damaged by flood | flood & fire damage remodeling
Arizona, Tempe, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Ahwatukee, AZ

When your home has been damaged by water from a leak or a fire. How are you going to deal with the aftermath of clean up and reconstruction if necessary? Restoration Companies are usually the first responders following significant damage to a home from floods and fires, water damage, sewage backup and other major events. The job of a restoration contractor is to clean up the mess and to preserve and protect the home and its contents so that further damage will not occur. It is important to realize that there are two phases of most home restoration projects. The first phase is to secure the home and handle the clean-up and dry-out processes. The second phase involves reconstruction of significantly damaged areas of the property. Most reconstruction companies are not licensed for the reconstruction work that may be required. Make sure to ask the right questions and hire the right contractor for your home recovery project.

A few easy steps to consider:

1. After the damage has occured, place a call to your insurance agent or other representative.

2. The insurance company will typically provide you with information about restoration companies who can remove the water or other contamination and secure the property. Most insurance adjusters and claim representatives are familiar with the Restoration specialists available in your community that can begin the clean up quickly. Even if your insurance company jumps the gun and places the call to the Restoration Company… Alway REMEMBER the Restoration Company works for you!

3. Review your responsibilities under your insurance policy for cleaning up the home to prevent additional damage. Discuss any questions you have about clean up with your insurance representative or claim adjuster. Make sure you completely understand what their responsibility is and what your responsibility is. Leaving any grey area on the table is a recipe for more disaster.

4. When the Restoration Company arrives, conduct a thorough walk-through of your home with the Restoration Company Representative and discuss any and all areas that need to be cleaned and/or repaired. Your insurance company adjuster or claim representative may may offer input on what and how your home should be cleaned, but in the end it is your decision. Make sure to take detailed pictures of all property damage.

5. After the Restoration Company evaluates the work and equipment needed to clean your home, they will provide you with an estimate or contract for their services. Read the contract to make sure all the services discussed are listed. You must sign this contract, before the Restoration Company will begin work on your home. Ask for documentation showing drying progress and completion timeline.

Once you sign this contract, YOU ARE ULTIMATELY RESPONSIBLE for paying the Restoration Company for the work described. Most insurance claim settlements will cover the cost of the cleanup done by the Restoration Company. If your insurance claim is denied, your contract with the Restoration Company requires you to pay for their services. THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT OF YOUR RECOVERY PROJECT IS TO MAKE SURE THERE IS A TRUSTED RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY AND THE CONTRACTOR YOU CHOOSE. 

6. In the weeks following the water damage, frequently inspect the areas where the Restoration Company worked to make certain no moisture
or dampness remain in your home.

REMEMBER: You are not obligated to hire the Restoration Company called by your insurance Company. You have the right to select any Restoration Company you choose to do the clean up, but the work must be done quickly to prevent further damage to your home.

- If you experience a problem with the services of the Restoration Company, remember that you must work through the issues with them, NOT the insurance company.

- Not all Cleaning and Restoration Services that the Restoration Company provides are covered under your Insurance Policy. Again… make sure you do your homework before signing a contract with the first contractor that shows up on the scene.

- You have the right to inspect the work being done on your property at any time. You, are the customer, and you must be satisfied with the work!

THE BOTTOM LINE…
You have the right to choose which contractor you hire for you home recovery project. But… you MUST hire a contractor that your insurance  company trusts and is willing to work with. Beware of any insurance agent or adjuster that tries to strong-arm you into using a "preferred contractor." This usually means there is some funny-business going on behind the scenes.

Arizona Emergency Telephone numbers...

Emergency Numbers | Flood, Fire and Storm Damage | Disaster Situations
Arizona, Tempe, Phoenix, Glendale, Scottsdale, AZ

When you report an emergency, the Emergency Operator will need to know the following:

Your name.
Address and telephone number where you are.
Nature of the problem.

The Emergency Operator may ask you to stay on the line. Do not hang up.

Remember: Emergency telephone numbers are for emergency services and should be used only for emergency or disaster situations.


What is "9-1-1"?
"9-1-1" is an emergency telephone number which provides immediate and direct access to fire, ambulance and police. You can dial 9-1-1 from any telephone, including payphones, at no cost. If 9-1-1 services is not available, check the front of your community telephone directory for your local emergency number.

Emergency Telephone Numbers that you should know for your city and/or county:
Ambulance
Fire
Police
Electric Utilities Provider
Gas Utilities Provider
Family Contact
Doctor's Office
Hospital

In the event that your Arizona home is involved in a fire, flood, storm or other emergency, it is important to keep these numbers handy!

After flooding in your home or business…

Flooded home | Home restoration after flood | Prevent mold after water damage
Arizona, Tempe, Gilbert, Peoria, Scottsdale, Phoenix, AZ

There is no time to waste when it comes to the recovery process after water has entered your home or business. The home restoration process must begin immediately. Unlike a fire that can be extinguished to stop further damage, water continues to cause damage to your home long after the water has receded.

Here's what you can do to begin restoring your home immediately:

• Check for structural damage before re-entering your home to avoid being trapped in a building collapse.
• Call a trusted Arizona Fire and Water Restoration company to help you stabilize the property and document damage for your insurance company. Make sure to take photos of all damaged areas.
• Call your insurance agent to file a claim. Remember that you have the right to choose which contractor you hire to handle your property restoration in Arizona.
• Make a list of damaged or lost items and include their purchase date and value with receipts, and place with the inventory you took prior to the flood. Some damaged items may require disposal, so keep photographs of these items.
• Let an electrician inspect your electrical system for safety before turning it back on.
• Boil water for drinking and food preparation until authorities tell you that your water supply is safe.
• Prevent mold and further damage by removing wet contents immediately and start the dry-out process of salvageable walls and flooring.
• Wear gloves and boots to clean and disinfect. Wet items should be cleaned with a pine-oil cleanser and bleach, completely dried, and monitored for several days for any mold growth and/or odors.

It is important to hire an insurance-friendly restoration company in Arizona. Make sure to ask the right questions when hiring a restoration contractor. Some restoration companies specialize in floor and carpet dry-out etc. and others are complete restoration contractors that can handle all aspects of recovery and reconstruction. Be careful to hire a contractor with the right fit for your situation. Working with your insurance company is an important part of the process an insurance companies know the reputation of local restoration companies.

Damage control and restoration contractor in AZ for flood, fire and storm damage: Seymore Builders

What Do I Do After a House Fire? Where do I start...?

Home Fire Restoration | Fire Damage | Household Recovery After a Fire
AZ, Phoenix, Glendale, Scottsdale, Gilbert, Arizona

Watching your life go up in flames can be an overwhelming experience to say the least. Sometimes the trauma associated with events like this in our lives can cause us to lose sight and potentially make hasty and/or poor decisions regarding the recovery efforts. Remember that as the owner, it is your choice which contractor you use to restore your home or property in Arizona. Be careful not to hire the first contractor your insurance company may recommend. Do your homework and find a reputable Arizona contractor that specializes in working with insurance companies on home fire restoration projects.


Here are some basic ideas for dealing with the immediate aftermath of a home fire in Arizona.

• Take care of yourself and family members first.
• Help your pets
• Contact an Arizona fire restoration company to board up and secure your property
• Contact your insurance agent
• Valuation of property loss
• Replacing important documents and records

The government through FEMA has provided some very valuable and detailed information detailing the best way to deal with the aftermath of a fire in your home. You can click here to view their "After A Fire" checklist and download the complete FEMA "After the Fire!" document.

Best contractor for fire restoration and rebuild in Arizona: www.seymorebuilders.com