Easy Flood Prevention for Homes During the Fall Season | SERVPRO of Cookeville/Carthage/Smithville/Woodbury

10/15/2024 (Permalink)

When flooding strikes, call SERVPRO of Cookeville/Carthage/Smithville/Woodbury for a faster response to recovery!

As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, fall can bring a unique set of challenges for homeowners. One of the most significant concerns is the potential for flooding. But don’t worry! With a few simple steps, you can protect your home from water damage and enjoy the season without any stress. Here are some easy flood prevention tips to keep your home safe this fall.

Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts

Gutters and downspouts are your home’s first line of defense against water damage. When they’re clogged with leaves, twigs, and debris, water can’t flow properly and may overflow, leading to potential flooding around your home’s foundation.

Tips for Effective Gutter Cleaning:

-Regular Maintenance: Clean your gutters at least twice during the fall season.

-Use Gutter Guards: Install guards to keep large debris out while allowing water to flow through.

-Check for Damage: Look for any cracks or loose sections and repair them promptly.

Inspect and Seal Your Home’s Foundation

Water can seep into your home through cracks in the foundation. To prevent this, it’s crucial to inspect your foundation and seal any potential entry points.

To Check Your Foundation:

-Outside of Your Home: Look for any visible cracks or gaps. Clear away leaves, sticks and other debris that may have gathered from around the foundation and check for moisture. Add organic materials to create a gentle slope away from your home to keep water out. 

-Inside of Your Home: Check corners, door frames and window frames to ensure everything is well sealed. Do this on a sunny day—too much light coming in from outside would indicate a crack or opening. Musty odors are another key indicator that water could be seeping in. Use your nose to find the source of the odor as a way to help you pinpoint spots that need to be resealed. 

Maintain Your Yard and Landscaping

Your yard’s grading and landscaping can significantly impact how water flows around your home. Proper yard maintenance can help divert water away from your foundation.

Landscaping Tips:

- Ensure Proper Grading: Make sure the ground slopes away from your home’s foundation.

- Plant Strategically: Use plants and shrubs to help absorb excess water.

- Install a French Drain: Consider adding a French drain to help redirect water away from your home.

Check Your Sump Pump

If your home has a basement, a sump pump is essential for preventing flooding. Ensure your sump pump is in good working order before the heavy fall rains begin.

Sump Pump Maintenance:

-Test the Pump: Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit to ensure it activates and drains correctly.

-Clean the Pit: Remove any debris that could clog the pump.

-Backup Power: Consider a battery backup system to keep your pump running during power outages.

A Well-Maintained Home is a Dry Home

By taking these simple steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of flooding in your home during the fall season. Regular maintenance and a proactive approach will keep your home dry and safe, allowing you to enjoy all the beauty and fun that fall has to offer without worry. 

Even the most prepared home could still see damage due to flooding. If you do, don’t hesitate to contact SERVPRO of Cookeville/Carthage/Smithville/Woodbury for a fast recovery.

Protect Your Home and Loved Ones | SERVPRO of Cookeville/Carthage/Smithville/Woodbury

8/12/2024 (Permalink)

Follow these fire safety tips from SERVPRO of Cookeville/Carthage/Smithville/Woodbury for a safe summer!

Summer is a time for fun and relaxation, but it's also a season when fire risks can increase. Whether you're enjoying a barbecue, camping, or simply spending time outdoors, it's important to take precautions to keep your home and family safe from fire hazards. At SERVPRO of Cookeville/Carthage/Smithville/Woodbury, we're here to help you with some practical tips for summer fire safety.

Keep Your Barbecue Safe

Barbecues are a summer favorite, but they can also be a fire hazard if not used properly. Here are some tips to ensure your grilling activities are safe:

1. Position Your Grill Wisely: Place your grill at least 10 feet away from your home, deck railings, and overhanging branches.

2. Check for Gas Leaks: Before using a gas grill, inspect the hose for leaks by applying a light soap and water solution. If you see bubbles, repair the leak before using the grill.

3. Never Leave Your Grill Unattended: Always stay close to your grill when it's in use, and keep a fire extinguisher or a bucket of sand nearby just in case any flames get out of control.

Campfire Safety

Camping is another beloved summer activity, but campfires can be dangerous if not handled correctly. Follow these guidelines to enjoy a safe and fun camping trip:

1. Choose the Right Spot: Build your campfire at least 15 feet away from tents, shrubs, and trees.

2. Prepare the Area: Clear away dry leaves and other flammable materials within a 10-foot radius of the campfire.

3. Keep Water Nearby: Always have a bucket of water or a shovel and dirt close to the campfire to extinguish it quickly if needed.

4. Never Leave a Campfire Unattended: Make sure the fire is completely out before leaving the area. Douse it with water and stir the ashes until they are cold.

Be Cautious with Fireworks

Fireworks are a staple of summer celebrations, but they pose significant fire risks. To enjoy fireworks safely, it is best to catch a professional show. If you do choose to use sparklers or other small fireworks at home, keep this rules in mind:

1. Follow Local Laws: Only use fireworks that are legal in your area.

2. Supervise Children: Never allow children to handle fireworks.

3. Keep Water Handy: Always have a hose or bucket of water nearby in case of fire.

4. Dispose of Fireworks Safely: Soak used fireworks in water before disposing of them in a metal trash can.

Maintain Your Home’s Exterior

During the summer, it's also important to maintain your home's exterior to reduce fire risks:

1. Clean Gutters and Roof: Remove dry leaves and debris from your gutters and roof to prevent them from catching fire.

2. Trim Vegetation: Keep trees and shrubs trimmed and away from your home.

3. Store Flammable Materials Safely: Keep propane tanks, gasoline, and other flammable materials in a safe, well-ventilated area away from your home.

By following these summer fire safety tips, you can enjoy the season while keeping your home and loved ones safe.

For more information or assistance with fire damage restoration, contact SERVPRO of Cookeville/Carthage/Smithville/Woodbury today!

What to Do When Sewage Backs Up | SERVPRO of Cookeville/Carthage/Smithville/Woodbury

5/17/2024 (Permalink)

Did you discover a sewage backup in your home? Our experienced team is here to help. Contact SERVPRO of Cookeville/Carthage/Smithville/Woodbury today.

As a homeowner, there are a lot of things that can damage your home. Storms, appliance failures or high wind might be a few of the things you find yourself worrying about regularly, but there are also disasters that many of us would rather not even consider. 

Sewage backup is certainly one of those disasters we all hope never happens, but it is a very real possibility for any home. It could happen slowly over time, or it could be a sudden disaster that stems from flooding or damage from a strong storm. 

Sewage is a biohazard, and therefore will require professional cleanup in order to be handled sanitarily. You can take some steps to find problems early, as well as respond appropriately after a situation occurs. 

Identify Problems

There are a few ways that sewage problems can happen all of a sudden, but most of the time a blockage in your sewer system will present signs ahead of a major disaster. When you know what to look for, you can take quick action to get things repaired and in good working order with little damage. 

Keep an eye on slow-moving drains that are not easily cleared. While most drain clogs occur pretty high up in pipes, one that returns often or isn’t easily resolved could be lower in your plumbing system. A drain snake can help clear it out before things get worse. If all of your drains start running slowly at the same time—you could be headed for sewage overflow. 

Take a look at puddles in your yard, and watch specifically for foul-smelling water coming up from the ground. These are early indicators that there is a problem with your sewer and a backup could be close to occurring. Even strong odors near your septic tank or the sewer lines are worth further investigation to stay ahead of possible disasters. 

Respond Appropriately

A sewage emergency is a biohazard situation, so your first priority should always be safety. Keep pets and children away from the mess and out of the fumes as much as possible. Protect your skin, eyes and lungs. 

Call our professional cleaners immediately. We will send a team out that will begin cleanup while simultaneously sanitizing and clearing out the hazards. 

While you wait for our team to get there, stay out of the flooded area if you are able. If you do have to step on flooded floors, put on tall rubber boots. 

Open windows around your home, and snap some photos for insurance purposes. Remove anything outside of the flooded area to avoid additional damage, and consider finding an alternate place to stay until your restoration is complete, especially if you have children or elderly adults who could be at risk for illness. 

Our team is ready to handle a sewage backup, 24/7. Our work isn’t complete until your home is sanitary, odor-free and exactly as it was before the event occurred. 

Sewage cleanup is not a DIY project. Rely on our highly trained team to get things taken care of so that you can keep your family safe. 

Are you concerned about a sewage problem? Contact us to get things handled quickly. 

Keep Your Home Safe From Flooding | SERVPRO of Cookeville/Carthage/Smithville/Woodbury

2/22/2024 (Permalink)

Is your home experiencing the aftermath of a flood? Call SERVPRO of Cookeville/Carthage/Smithville/Woodbury now, we are here to help.

When you think about flooding, do you picture towns along the banks of a large body of water, or coastal areas with sandy beaches and the ocean in their backyard? While these locations are certainly very vulnerable to flooding, floods can happen anywhere, at any time. 

Flooding costs enormous sums of money every year around the nation. As natural disasters continue to increase both in number and strength, it is important to prepare your home for every potential disaster that could arise. 

There may be no stopping floodwaters when they stem from strong storms, but you can prepare for them. With preparation, you can prevent extensive damage and avoid the need for costly repairs. 

Before, During and After

The best way to keep your home safe from flooding is to know what to do before, during and after a disaster strikes. When you have a plan, you can quickly take action when the weather is predicted to get wet and water is predicted to get high. With water damage especially, the faster you move, the less damage you will have. 

Before a flood, get to know your home’s individual risks. Take a look at FEMA’s flood map, and take note of your zone. Check with your insurance agents to make sure you are appropriately covered as well. 

If floods are predicted, put important paperwork in a watertight container and store it on a high shelf. If you can, shut off the electricity in your basement and clear out your belongings. Make sure your sump pump is working well if you have one, and if you don’t, consider adding one to keep water moving out. 

During and after a flood strikes, make safety your priority. If floodwaters are entering your home, do everything you can to stay out of them. Find a safe location on high ground to ride things out. 

As soon as you can safely do so, call us to start getting water out quickly. Take photos of your damage to help with your insurance claim and keep track of things. 

Regular Prevention

While knowing what to do when flooding is imminent is a great way to keep yourself safe, there is also some regular prevention you can do around your home in order to stay prepared even when things happen suddenly. 

Keep your gutters clean to make sure rainwater runs away from your home easily. Repair roof issues quickly, and inspect your roof thoroughly twice a year and after any major wind event. 

Take a look at the seals around your windows and doors periodically as well. Replace caulking that has deteriorated in order to ensure water stays out even when rain gets heavy. 

You should also walk your basement if you have one and around the exterior of your home at least twice a year. Fill in cracks, and make sure things are still watertight. If your gutters are loose or disconnected anywhere, be sure to fix them right away. The more you can do to keep water out, the less damage you will have. 

Get to know your risks, make a plan for emergencies and keep your home prepared. 

Has flooding affected your home? Contact us for fast restoration.

Water Damage Protection in All Seasons | SERVPRO of Cookeville/Carthage/Smithville/Woodbury

11/17/2023 (Permalink)

Is your home experiencing water damage? No worries, SERVPRO of Cookeville/Carthage/Smithville/Woodbury is here to help! Contact us today.

Water is one of the leading causes of home damage across the nation. It can strike year-round in a number of different ways, and it can even hide out long-term. Water moves quickly and creates compounded damage, too—making it a truly challenging disaster for a homeowner to deal with. 

There are plenty of ways we can protect our homes from water damage, though. Even when it comes to natural disasters! You may not be able to prevent floodwaters, but you can prepare for them and mitigate your losses. 

Each season, take some time to protect your home from water damage. Add a few things to your seasonal to-do list that can go a long way to keeping your home dry. 

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Spring and Summer

If you are a big spring-cleaner, you may not be super excited to add more to your to-do list for the season, but the good news is that protecting your home from water damage is actually pretty simple. There is also a good chance you are already doing a few of these housekeeping things, too.

Clean your gutters early in the spring in order to ensure rain can run through them easily. Make sure your downspouts are clear as well, and check around your home to ensure your landscaping slopes away. 

Uncover your outside faucets in early spring and let some water run through them. Check for drips, unusual flow or any other issues so that you can correct it quickly. 

During the summer, keep a close eye under your sinks and all around your bathrooms. With the addition of a high humidity in the weather outside, a small drip inside can quickly become a large mold problem. Check for musty smells, wet spots or slow drainage, which are all signs you could have a bigger problem. 

If you are going on vacation over the summer, be sure to prepare your home ahead of your trip. Set your air to a steady temperature to avoid too much moisture inside, and consider having someone stop by every few days to walk-through your home so that you don’t come back to a surprise flood. 

Fall and Winter

We may not talk about it as much, but fall cleaning is just as important as spring-cleaning in order to prevent damage during the cold season. Some of what you need to do to prevent water damage in the fall and winter is the same as spring and summer. Clean your gutters, check your downspouts and make sure your yard is in good shape. 

Checking under sinks and around other water lines should be another piece of maintenance that you do year-round, but in the fall and winter, you want to pay particular attention to your pipes to prevent potential freezing. Make sure your pipes are well-insulated, allow them to drip when the temperatures take a dive and consider turning off the water to your outside faucets if you are able. 

Take a look at the insulation in your attic during the fall and make sure there is enough—particularly in the corners. We do not see a lot of snow in our area during the winter, but ice is always possible. A well-insulated attic can help stop rainwater that may be on your roof or in your gutters from freezing, which will prevent water seeping in from the roof down. 

Spend a little time each season protecting your home from water damage. With some simple home maintenance, you can avoid costly repairs. 

Do you have water damage in your home? Contact us for fast restoration.

The Basics of Cooking Fire Safety | SERVPRO of Cookeville/Carthage/Smithville/Woodbury

8/7/2023 (Permalink)

Has your kitchen suffered from a fire? SERVPRO of Cookeville/Carthage/Smithville/Woodbury is "Here to Help" get you back to preloss condition.

Have you ever noticed how the kitchen quickly becomes the heart of the home? Even if yours is small, it seems like everyone ends up gathering in the kitchen to chat, snack or share a little dance party. 

The kitchen is also one of the leading locations for home fires. Cooking can lead to a number of disasters, sometimes even resulting in the loss of home or life. Taking the meal prep outdoors can be just as dangerous. 

The good news is that most house fires that result from cooking accidents can be prevented. Get used to making safety a priority while you cook—and keep your home safe. 

Safety Indoors

Even when you hope they don’t, your family and guests you entertain in your home will inevitably end up standing around the stove while you prepare meals or snacks. Take some steps to make your kitchen safe at all times:

Make sure there is a working smoke detector near the kitchen, and never leave a hot stove unattended. Get to know how to extinguish the kinds of fires that might start in the kitchen, including grease fires. 

Keep a fire extinguisher nearby, but never throw water on a grease fire. If something catches on fire in the oven, turn it off and leave the door closed until the flames ease. 

The best way to stay safe is to stay vigilant. Takeout is a better option when you are just too worn-out to get a home-cooked meal on the table. In the same light, if you are home alone with the kiddos, make sure they are somewhere close enough to keep an eye on them and what you are cooking, or opt to cook when they are otherwise supervised. 

Safety Outdoors

Cooking outdoors is a great way to avoid heating up your house on hot days, or just to spend a little time outside. Grill fires are another leading cause of house fires, though, and they are almost always from misuse.

Make sure your grill is in an open space with plenty of distance from any other structures. Like with the stove and oven in the kitchen, never leave a hot grill unattended. 

Teach the kiddos and your four-legged friends how far away to stay while you are cooking. Check gas lines or propane tanks for leaks or loose parts before operating them, and only use approved charcoal and lighter fluids. 

Cooking can be one of the most enjoyable parts of your day. We all have to eat after all! Make your home safe while you cook to avoid potential fires. 

Had a fire in your home and need restoration? Contact us to get things put back together fast!

Protecting Your Home Against Wind Damage

9/6/2022 (Permalink)

Wind Damage from Different Types of Storms

While thunderstorms are the most common source of wind and storm damage, winds from hurricanes or tornadoes are more severe and may be more costly. Still, thunderstorms are responsible for a lot of damage, such as lightning, hail, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding. Either way, billions of dollars are spent on wind damage repair and storm damage restoration each year. While understanding the nature of wind damage can’t stop them from happening, it can help you limit the amount of damage to your property and save on restoration and repair costs.

What You Need to Know

Flying Debris is a Damage Risk

Flying debris can cause more damage than strong winds themselves. Damage can result from plants or other unsecured structures and objects. If a storm is approaching your area, make sure any potential debris in your homes such as patio furniture, toys, garbage cans are either secured or brought inside. Bonus tip: For severe weather, secure your doors and windows, too.

A Well-Designed Roofing System Does Wonders

Apply roof deck, shingles, or membrane over the decking. A well-designed roofing system will anchor the trusses and decking to the walls and foundation to keep the entire roof from lifting off the structure in a strong wind. Roofing material should latch to the deck.

The construction phase of building a structure is the most influential piece in reducing damage caused by storms. Loosely connected shingles will lift from the deck, so fasten that siding down. Building codes will likely direct the minimum standards for connections. You, your architect, or your contractor may decide to exceed these minimums for a stronger storm-resistant structure—especially if you live in an area more prone to storms.

Monitor and Maintain Your Trees.

Falling trees and tree limbs are another significant type of damage to structures in a windstorm. Maintain your trees by removing dead limbs. In addition, remove the entire tree if it is dead. Healthy trees should have strong enough roots to withstand fairly strong winds, but dead trees will not.

Mitigating Damage After a Storm

What happens after the storm? 

First, close any openings as soon as possible. Roof openings and broken windows are the most common source of water damage in these situations. Keep a roll of plastic sheeting that cuts to size and nail it over the opening. Your insurance policy will likely cover the cost of an emergency close-up, if needed, so contact your agent or claims center to report the damage and seek advice on how to proceed.

If the damage is too much to handle on your own, contact a restoration professional as soon as you can to help limit and repair damage and respond immediately to storm and flooding conditions.

Storm Damage v. Flood Damage: What's the Difference?

9/6/2022 (Permalink)

Property owners in Cookeville, TN, may have a hard time differentiating storm damage from flood damage—which is important when considering insurance coverage. Commercial properties can sustain water damage from both flood and storms, but there are a few significant differences to keep in mind that may help you manage these risks.

The most general distinction is that storm water comes from above, whereas flood water overspills natural bodies or watercourses and covers at least two acres of ordinarily dry land.

Storm damage to a commercial property may originate from a variety of causes such as:

• High winds
• Heavy rain
• Hurricanes
• Snow
• Tornadoes

Most business insurance plans protect from storm damage. Property owners need additional coverage to offset the expenses of flood damage. If your property is located on a flood plain, you should make sure you carry the policies necessary to protect your property investment.

Flooding occurs when water overflows a body of water or watercourse such as:

• Creeks
• Dams
• Lakes
• Storm-water channels

In order for water to be considered a flood, it must cover two acres and affect at least two properties.

If a commercial property is located in a high-risk zone, and the owner has a mortgage from an insured and federally-regulated lender, they must maintain flood insurance. Risks tied to flooding and storms should be known, minimized, and dealt with as soon as possible. Regardless of a moisture source, the risk of mold and other secondary damage within a building can be looming over the aftereffects of large, disastrous water events.

Restoring Damage From Storms and Floods

Restoration specialists can help property owners determine the precise causes of damage and the best solutions. If a property in Cookeville, TN, experiences flood damage or sustains damage during a storm, contact SERVPRO of Cookeville at (931) 528-9292 as soon as possible.

Commercial Systems Prone to Water Damage: SERVPRO of Cookeville

7/29/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial Systems Prone to Water Damage: SERVPRO of Cookeville

Commercial properties present unique risks when it comes to water damage. Unlike residential homes, which are usually one story and have easily accessible crawl spaces and attics, commercial buildings can be many stories high with flat roofs and multiple storefront windows. They also often have expensive specialized equipment that can be very costly to repair or replace if damaged by water. In this blog post, we will discuss the different parts of a commercial building that are at risk for water damage, as well as some tips on how to prevent it.

Plumbing Systems

The first and most obvious risk for water damage in a commercial property is the plumbing system. Because commercial buildings have more bathrooms, kitchens, and other water-using fixtures, they also have larger and more complex plumbing systems. These systems are often located in hard-to-reach places, making them difficult to repair if they spring a leak.

One of the main water damage challenges according to The Hartford Insurance is an improperly maintained sprinkler system. By law, most commercial buildings must have a fire sprinkler system, but many building owners forget to regularly maintain and test these systems. While a well-maintained fire sprinkler system can help prevent extensive fire damage in the event of a fire, improper maintenance or disaster planning can cause extensive water damage that can flood multiple floors.

Another plumbing risk is burst pipes. Commercial buildings, especially high rises tend to run at a higher pressure than residential buildings. Therefore, a burst pipe has the potential to release significantly more water than a home.

One of the ways in which we help commercial property owners prevent catastrophic property damage before it happens is through our app-based Emergency Response Planning program (ERP).

Roofing Systems

In addition to the plumbing system, there are several exterior commercial building components that can experience water damage. One of the most common is the flat roof. Because flat roofs are not sloped like traditional pitched roofs, they tend to pool water instead of shedding it. This can lead to leaks and eventually, if left unaddressed, major water damage.

Some common commercial roofing systems include:

• Built-up Roofing (BUR): Often called tar and gravel roofs, these commercial roofing systems are built with a semi-continuous membrane installed in layers, then covered in aggregate. While they are usually simple to maintain, best practices suggest inspecting the roof for deterioration and possible leak points at least twice yearly.
• Thermoplastic Single-Ply Membrane Roofing (PVC & TPO): These roofs are installed in large rolls that are then welded together at the seams with heat. The material is very durable and oil resistant. However, the heat-welding methods require skilled installation, which can lead to weak points and leak-prone areas if not performed correctly.
• EPDM Roofing: Some roofers call these "rubber roofs" because the material they are made of ethylene propylene diene monomer is very rubber-like. This kind of roof is derived from oil and natural gas and appears dark gray or black. When installed correctly and with the highest thickness available, this type of commercial roof will last a very long time with little to no issues. Unless you experience storm damage in your area, an annual check for leaks around the roof penetrations should suffice.

Window Systems

Commercial window systems are built for durability and use; however, they can often present a unique water damage challenge for commercial facilities. Most aluminum glazing systems aren't intended to be 100% waterproof. Most commercial window systems are meant to limit water penetration during extreme circumstances while also weeping water back out to the exterior.

By directing all moisture to the sill flashing, storefront systems limit water penetration. It's critical that the sill flashing be installed correctly to avoid water damage. Making sure that sealant is put on the top of the rear leg before installing the sill is one of the most important aspects of a good installation.

The most essential aspect of maintaining water penetration with a storefront is end dam fastening and sealing. Water will enter the building through the jamb locations if end dams are not properly fastened and sealed. Improperly (or missing) end dams can cause significant water damage to the interior drywall or flooring around commercial storefront windows.

Like anything else in a building, time and the elements can cause wear and tear and failure of these commercial window water control systems.

Commercial Water Damage Inspection Services

So if you notice moisture or water damage around your storefront windows, you should consider calling SERVPRO of Cookeville to inspect for potential water damage issues. Our technicians are trained to identify, troubleshoot, and restore all types of commercial water issues.

Call today to schedule your commercial service!

931-528-9292

Fire Hazards in Commercial Office Buildings and Tips to Prevent Them

7/29/2022 (Permalink)

Our homes and our businesses in Cookeville or The Upper Cumberland are our castles, which is why we work hard to make them as safe and secure as possible. Unfortunately, there are some hazards that may not be obvious and can cause damage to your office, in the form of fire or water damage. Even more unfortunate? The cost of these damages, which could run into the thousands of dollars, and can come out of your pocket—whether you’re an individual homeowner or a business owner or landlord. Here are some common causes of fire and water damage in commercial office buildings, as well as tips on how to prevent them from occurring and damaging your home or commercial property.

Understanding Building Fire Damage

Most office building fires are small. But even a small fire can do a lot of damage if it gets out of control or isn’t contained early on. One of the biggest dangers is smoke and fire damage to your home or commercial office's interiors. Smoke can permeate materials, carpets, walls, flooring, ceilings—even drywall joints—leaving hidden danger behind long after flames have been extinguished. Even if you can’t see any visible signs of fire or smoke damage, you should always have an experienced professional examine your property for lingering toxins from before you move back in.

According to this report by the NFPA, there are 7 main causes of fires in commercial office buildings. Cooking Equipment, Electrical distribution and lighting equipment, heating equipment, intentional damage, smoking materials, exposure to other fire sources, and electronic, office, or entertainment equipment. This statistic includes general business offices, banks, veterinary or research offices, engineering, mailing firms, and post offices.

Common Causes of Commercial Building Fires

Most office fires are caused by cooking equipment, accounting for slightly over one in every four commercial office fires. However, while these fires are the most common, they do not account for most of the property damage to office buildings. That position is taken by the intentional damage category. Intentional damage alone accounts for a full 20% of commercial fire property damage. Intentional Property Damage occurs when a person seeks to purposely damage the office property through arson.

Two other leading causes of fire in office buildings are heating equipment, electrical distribution, and lighting equipment. Together, they account for 18% of property damage to commercial office buildings. These can include things such as space heaters, light fixtures, electrical wiring, outlets, electrical appliances, extension cords, and more.

While lower on the list, smoking materials, electronic, office, or entertainment equipment account for 12% of commercial office property damage.

Lastly, exposure fires, as defined by the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS), are fires resulting from another fire outside of the commercial building itself. This kind of commercial fire damage accounted for 18% of property loss.

What Can I Do to Prevent A Building Fire?

If your building was constructed with modern building materials, fire damage should be a rare occurrence. But it can still happen if you’re not careful. Make sure all smoking materials are safely extinguished before leaving work each day. A smoldering cigarette can ignite more easily than you think. Also, make sure to regularly inspect your smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire suppression systems to ensure they’re working properly. If a smoke alarm goes off for no reason at all, make sure to replace or recharge its batteries immediately.

The NFPA uncovered another intriguing statistic about fires on weekends and between the nighttime hours of 7 pm and 7 am. 19% of fires occurred on weekends but accounted for 31% of fire-related property losses. Meanwhile, fires at night accounted for less than one-third of office property fires yet caused 67% of direct property damage due to fires.

Automatic Fire Detection & Fire Extinguishing Systems: This shows that one of the most important steps you can take towards protecting your office building from fire damage is to install and maintain automatic detection and fire extinguishing systems.

Camera monitoring systems would be best for large-scale commercial properties. Otherwise, self-installed solutions such as those recommended in this article by PC Mag will work well.

For fire suppression systems, the best solution is to pay a proper fire protection services consultant such as Fire Protection Services LLC. Make sure to ask them to help you develop and implement a fire suppression system maintenance plan.

Cooking Equipment Fire Prevention:The best way to prevent fires with cooking equipment is to train your staff properly in its use, cleaning, and maintenance.

When it comes to electrical distribution and lighting equipment, there is a multitude of reasons why fire may start. But according to this article by firerescue1.com, faulty outlets or appliances, light fixtures, extension cords, space heaters, and wiring issues were the 5 most common electrical fire causes.

Electrical Hazards Fire Prevention: To prevent faulty outlet or wiring fire hazards, the first step is to make sure to have a certified electrical contractor or property inspector review your commercial property before purchase. Even if you or a tenant are already occupying your commercial office space, a proper inspection by a certified electrical contractor to ensure code compliance of all building materials and installations will protect you from potentially expensive fire repairs. This is especially important to protect you from having to pay for potential property damages out of pocket.

To protect your commercial property from fire damage due to light fixtures or extension cords, the most important tip is to ensure you follow the manufacturer's maximum recommended wattage and amperage guidance.

A good rule of thumb for selecting an extension cord is the smaller the wire gauge rating, the greater the capacity. According to this article by the Spruce, 12-gauge extension cords can handle up to 1920 watts (16 Amps), 14-gauge cords can handle 1440 watts (12 Amps), 16-gauge  can handle 840 Watts (7 Amps), and 18-gauge cords 600 Watts (5 Amps). In addition to wattage capacities, another thing you should look at when choosing a commercial electrical power solution is cord lengths. The longer the cord, the more important it becomes to have a higher wattage extension cord.

For light fixtures, you should follow manufacturer guidelines to prevent property fire damage. However, what you should look out for are potentially dangerous light bulb wattages and materials around your lighting fixtures that could catch fire. High-wattage incandescent bulbs installed on light fixtures that are rated for lower-wattage bulbs can spark flames because of overheating. Also, keeping flammable materials around light fixtures, or allowing dust buildup increases the risk for fire damage.