Rainbow International is a global franchise organization providing professional residential and commercial restoration and cleaning services with multiple offices in the Miami area.
Every week, we ask a real estate professional for their Short List, a collection of tips and recommendations on an essential topic in real estate. This week, we talked with Rainbow International, a global franchise organization providing professional residential and commercial restoration and cleaning services, shares its tips on preventing holiday fires.
The holiday season is one of the most wonderful times of the year, but in a matter of seconds, it can turn tragic. The U.S. Fire Administration reports there are approximately 128,700 fires during the month of December. Most of these fires are holiday related, started by Christmas trees, decorations, holiday lighting, and heating methods.
Help your clients stay safe this year while bolstering your own know how and follow these simple tips:
5. Christmas trees – Every year, more than 230 Christmas tree fires ignite. Place trees at least three feet away from heat sources such as fireplaces, candles, portable heaters, heat vents, and radiators. Use a sturdy tree stand to prevent tip over. Avoid over-decorating the tree and never place a lit candle on a Christmas tree. Always unplug tree lights before leaving the home or going to bed. When using a real tree, be sure to throw it away when it becomes dry.
4. Lighting – Follow the lighting instructions on the number of strands to connect. Inspect all lighting – indoor and outdoor – before plugging it in. Never leave lights on when no one is home. Be careful to keep lit candles away from flammable decorations and never leave a lit candle unattended. Consider using battery-operated flameless candles, which often look, smell and feel like real candles. Always check for fraying wires or other damage on electrical decoration wiring.
3. Decorations – One fifth of fires started in December begin because decorations are too close to a heat source. Keep decorations away from plugs and other heat sources and be especially careful when using a fireplace. Move stockings or any other decorations before starting a fire.
2. Electric Heaters – Heaters are involved in more than 53,600 fires annually. Space heaters are a great way to keep warm, without cranking up the heat for the entire house; however, it is essential to follow precautions listed on the electric heater instructions. It is important to make sure that any unattended electric heater is turned off.
1. Cooking – Cooking is the number one cause of fires and injuries in the home. Be careful not to leave any cooking projects unattended and keep a close eye on any open flames. Keep any cloth or other flammable materials away from the stove or oven. Always keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen in case of fire. If fire ignites, call for help immediately to limit damage to the home.
“Fire damage restoration is a process that involves more than just damage from the actual fire. It also deals with heat, smoke and water restoration,” said Jack White, vice president of technical services at Rainbow International. “At Rainbow International, we act quickly and use only the best equipment, innovative technologies and processes to assure every job is done right.”
Fire damage restoration is a process that begins as soon as the authorities say the property is safe. Smoke is an acidic byproduct of fire capable of corroding and staining surfaces such as walls and counters. In some cases the steps taken to put out the blaze can cause more damage than the actual fire. This is why proper fire restoration deals with heat, smoke and water damage.
In the event you face a fire disaster, call in the experts, like Rainbow International®, to begin fire and water damage restoration as soon as authorities say the property is safe to enter. Keep Rainbow International’s number – 855-774-6815 – with your other emergency contacts, and call in the professionals to start restoring your home and life after a fire.
Established in 1981, Rainbow International is a global franchise organization providing professional residential and commercial restoration and cleaning services through more than 400 locations worldwide. Recognized by Entrepreneur magazine among its “Franchise 500,” Rainbow International franchisees offer services including water damage restoration, fire and smoke damage restoration, and mold removal. Additional services such as carpet and upholstery cleaning, tile, grout and hard surface cleaning, odor removal, air duct cleaning, and more are available in some areas. Rainbow International utilizes the most advanced equipment, innovative technologies and accountability systems to assure an uncompromising commitment to service excellence and customer satisfaction.