Know the Drill: Practice Your Fire Escape Plan

10/1/2021 (Permalink)

Have an Escape Plan and Practice It

A fire escape plan can assist your family in evacuating your home quickly and safely using pre-planned, discussed, and practiced routes. Practicing a house fire escape plan can save lives and lower your chance of being injured in the event of a fire. When the smoke alarm goes off, you may only have three minutes to get out. SERVPRO of S. San Rafael/Sausalito is here to offer our local community tips about testing your home escape plan. 

Practice Your Home Escape Plan

Only if you test your home escape plans will they work. Everyone in the house should know your home's escape route and meeting spot. 

• Go over your escape plan with everyone in the household, including children.
• Set off the smoke detector.
• Practice crawling low beneath the smoke. 
• Is there anyone in the household who is young or physically disabled who needs assistance? An adult can go to their child's room and assist them in escaping.
• If a child does not wake up when the alarm goes off, an adult must wake them.
• Carry infants and toddlers to a safe location.
• Always check doors for heat with your palm before opening them; if a door is hot, do not open it. 

Conduct a Home Fire Drill

Fires can start anywhere in the house and at any moment, so rehearse multiple escape routes at different times of the day or night. Conduct fire drills regularly, at least twice a year, to ensure that actions become second nature.

• Be aware of your surroundings. Examine your meeting location for safety. Explain to your children that if the smoke alarm goes off, they must leave the house immediately and meet at the designated safe location.
• Make sure your smoke alarms are working and that your children are familiar with the sound of smoke alarms.
• Do the drill. Allow the children to retire to their rooms and wait for the drill to begin. Adults should be assigned to assist small children. Assign one adult the responsibility of sounding the smoke alarm and running the drill. Next, activate the smoke alarm, set the time, and direct everyone to the designated safety area. Stop the timer once everyone has arrived at a safe meeting place. Give it another shot if you can't get it done in under two minutes. In an actual fire, arrive to a safe gathering spot, phone 911 and keep everyone together until firefighters arrive.

When a fire starts in your home, the first thing you should do is make sure everyone is safe. Then, you can begin the restoration process with the help of SERVPRO of S. San Rafael/Sausalito. If your home has been affected by smoke or fire damage, give us a call at (415) 479-2900 so we can start making it "Like it never even happened."

Test Your Escape Plan Often

10/19/2020 (Permalink)

• Practice your home fire escape plan twice a year, making the drill as realistic as possible.
• Make arrangements in your plan for anyone in your home who has a disability.
• Allow children to master fire escape planning and practice before holding a fire drill at night when they are sleeping. The objective is to practice, not to frighten, so telling children there will be a drill before they go to bed can be as effective as a surprise drill.
• It's important to determine during the drill whether children and others can readily waken to the sound of the smoke alarm. If they fail to awaken, make sure that someone is assigned to wake them up as part of the drill and in a real emergency situation.
• If your home has two floors, every family member (including children) must be able to escape from the second floor rooms. Escape ladders can be placed in or near windows to provide an additional escape route. Review the manufacturer's instructions carefully so you'll be able to use a safety ladder in an emergency. Practice setting up the ladder from a first floor window to make sure you can do it correctly and quickly. Children should only practice with a grown-up, and only from a first-story window. Store the ladder near the window, in an easily accessible location. You don't want to have to search for it during a fire.
• Always choose the escape route that is safest – the one with the least amount of smoke and heat – but be prepared to escape under toxic smoke if necessary. When you do your fire drill, everyone in the family should practice getting low and going under the smoke to your exit.
• Closing doors on your way out slows the spread of fire, giving you more time to safely escape.
• In some cases, smoke or fire may prevent you from exiting your home or apartment building. To prepare for an emergency like this, practice "sealing yourself in for safety" as part of your home fire escape plan. Close all doors between you and the fire. Use duct tape or towels to seal the door cracks and cover air vents to keep smoke from coming in. If possible, open your windows at the top and bottom so fresh air can get in. Call the fire department to report your exact location. Wave a flashlight or light-colored cloth at the window to let the fire department know where you are located.

http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/for-consumers/escape-planning/basic-fire-escape-planning

Stay Strong Marin!

10/29/2019 (Permalink)

This is an extremely stressful time. Once again, we are experiencing the horror of a massive fire. The Kincade fire began its destruction five days ago and has expanded to 75,000 acres of land. We are fortunate and thankful to the Firefighters and other first responder teams who have been working tirelessly to contain the fire and keep us from harms way. Their efforts have prevented fatalities as of this moment. Preparation has also come with a cost however I live in Marin County and the majority of us have had our power shut off for four days now without any notification as to when the power may turn on. PG&E is working to restore the power by monitoring the wind patterns to see if we may be at risk by faulty power lines. Without power our food storage was the first thing to go. Ice was scarce and many people that relied on refrigeration have had to eat out. Businesses outside of Marin have been busy with people, locals and evacuees from Geyserville and Windsor. Businesses have also had to shut down due to the lack of power leaving those without work as well.

We are being kept in the dark and we can only hope that this fire is extinguished as soon and safely as possible. When this happens, we will need to restore and rebuild what we lost. If you need assistance during that process of getting back into everyday life, then contact a professional here at SERVPRO South San Rafael/Sausalito and we will be glad to help. Until then, take care, be safe, and avoid long outside exposure for the time being.  

Tel: (415) 479-2900

America's next eclipse is in 2024

10/11/2018 (Permalink)

If you weren't able to see one of the most anticipated and unifying events this country has witnessed in nearly a hundred years, don't worry. You won't have to wait an entire century until the next one -- just seven years. Another total solar eclipse will be visible in the United States on April 8, 2024.

Although the last eclipse was peaking over two minutes in the path of totality, the 2024 eclipse will have peaks of 4½ minutes. In the United States, it will be visible in a diagonal path crossing from Texas to Maine, according to NASA.

• 2019: South Pacific, Chile, Argentina
• 2020: South Pacific, Chile, Argentina, South Atlantic
• 2021: Antarctica
• 2026: the Arctic, Greenland, Iceland, Spain
• 2027: Morocco, Spain, Algeria, Libya, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Somalia
• 2028: Australia, New Zealand
• 2030: Botswana, South Africa, Australia

for more information go to CNN.com

Test your escape plan often

9/11/2018 (Permalink)

• Practice your home fire escape plan twice a year, making the drill as realistic as possible.
• Make arrangements in your plan for anyone in your home who has a disability.
• Allow children to master fire escape planning and practice before holding a fire drill at night when they are sleeping. The objective is to practice, not to frighten, so telling children there will be a drill before they go to bed can be as effective as a surprise drill.
• It's important to determine during the drill whether children and others can readily waken to the sound of the smoke alarm. If they fail to awaken, make sure that someone is assigned to wake them up as part of the drill and in a real emergency situation.
• If your home has two floors, every family member (including children) must be able to escape from the second floor rooms. Escape ladders can be placed in or near windows to provide an additional escape route. Review the manufacturer's instructions carefully so you'll be able to use a safety ladder in an emergency. Practice setting up the ladder from a first floor window to make sure you can do it correctly and quickly. Children should only practice with a grown-up, and only from a first-story window. Store the ladder near the window, in an easily accessible location. You don't want to have to search for it during a fire.
• Always choose the escape route that is safest – the one with the least amount of smoke and heat – but be prepared to escape under toxic smoke if necessary. When you do your fire drill, everyone in the family should practice getting low and going under the smoke to your exit.
• Closing doors on your way out slows the spread of fire, giving you more time to safely escape.
• In some cases, smoke or fire may prevent you from exiting your home or apartment building. To prepare for an emergency like this, practice "sealing yourself in for safety" as part of your home fire escape plan. Close all doors between you and the fire. Use duct tape or towels to seal the door cracks and cover air vents to keep smoke from coming in. If possible, open your windows at the top and bottom so fresh air can get in. Call the fire department to report your exact location. Wave a flashlight or light-colored cloth at the window to let the fire department know where you are located.

http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/for-consumers/escape-planning/basic-fire-escape-planning

How You Can Help People Affected by the North Bay Fire

10/12/2017 (Permalink)

Our prime purpose in life is to help others. - Dalai Lama

While dozens of fire crews go from house to house to save lives, killer wildfires continue to menace North Bay California with 26 dead and hundreds missing. The 21 fires currently burning across the northern part of the state have also destroyed more than 3,500 buildings and torched more than 191,000 acres — a collective area nearly the size of New York City. These wildfires collectively are the deadliest in California’s modern history. 

RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:

• If there is a wildfire in the area, be ready to evacuate on short notice.
• If you see a wildfire and haven't received evacuation orders yet, call 9-1-1. Don't assume that someone else has already called.
• If ordered to evacuate during a wildfire, do it immediately- make sure and tell someone where you are going and when you have arrived.
• If you or someone you are with has been burned, call 9-1-1 or seek help immediately; cool and cover burns to reduce chance of further injury or infection.

HOW TO HELP RIGHT NOW:

• Santa Rosa has currently met its immediate requirement for volunteers, but they ask that people interested in volunteering or donating as-needed sign up with the Red Cross. The Red Cross has a sign-in sheet here. For Sonoma County, you may call 707-573-3399 if you're hoping to volunteer.

• The Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership has also been called in to help. If you wish to donate or volunteer, you can register on their website.

“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” ... “The best way to not feel hopeless is to get up and do something.

Help People by Donating to Hurricane Irma

9/13/2017 (Permalink)

Together we can make a difference. You can help by making a donation to the American Red Cross.

After Hurricane Harvey caused devastation along the Texas coast few weeks ago, Hurricane Irma made landfall in Southwest Florida over the weekend. Hurricane Irma was the longest-lasting powerful hurricane or typhoon ever recorded, worldwide. Widespread flooding and wind damage have been reported across most of the Florida Peninsula and Southern Georgia.  

With over 180 mph gust of winds and the longest cyclone around the globe, Hurricane Irma caused many lives, destroyed homes, government buildings, and businesses.   As the rain continues, many people are in danger with flooding across the Southeast U.S. The amount of people injured and dead is still unknown, as death toll rises. The estimate overall cost of property damages and lost businesses may well rise up to hundreds of billions of dollars. 

You Can Help By Making a Donation Today!

The American Red Cross is working around the clock to help the thousands of people whose lives have been devastated by these recent catastrophic hurricanes.

Click HERE to make a donation.

Summer heat waves

6/23/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of S. San Rafael/Sausalito 415-479-2900

At SERVPRO of S. San Rafael/Sausalito we're here to help you get ready for this Summer Heat! 

Stay safe during the heat waves waiting to hit the North Bay by remembering these tips:

·Get the trained in first aid to learn how to treat heat-related emergencies.

·Have a emergency kit handy

·To reduce 80 percent of the heat that enters your home by covering windows that receives morning and afternoon sun

·Weather strip your doors

· Stay aware of upcoming temperature changes. Listen to local weather forecasts.

·Window air conditioners snugly; insulate if necessary.

 Stay safe this summer and if you need us remember to give us a call for all your fire, water, and smoke emergencies at 415-479-2900! We are faster to any size damage.  Our SERVPRO Franchise professionals is ready for whatever happens.  Should a disaster strike at your home or business, we are here to help!

Movie Night

1/29/2016 (Permalink)

Servpro of SSanRafael/Sausalito 415-299-1323

SERVPRO of S. San Rafaeal/Sausalito would like to thank everyone that made it out to out movie night on Wednesday! 

We had a great time watching Creed, we brough snacks, candy and soda for eveyone and had a great time. We love being out in our community with our clients, friends, and family! 

Hope to see you all at our next event! And remember, SERVPRO is Always Here to Help! 

Free Courses!

12/10/2015 (Permalink)

Free courses are available!

At SERVPRO of S. San Rafael/Sausalito we offer both credit and non-credit courses for insurance agents, insurance adjusters and Real Estate professionals. The Continuing Education (CE) Courses provide you with information to better service your customers.

These programs are designed to improve your knowledge regarding emergency mitigation. 

Here are some of the CE courses that are offered by SERVPRO

• Fire Damage Restoration

• Understanding Mold in the Restoration Industry

• Restorative Drying for Water Damage

• Mitigation Awareness Response Seminar

• Biohazard Cleanup

Continuing Education (CE) Courses are available every few months, yearly. If you are interested in attending a free course call and reserve your seat! 

Questions? Call us today at 415-479-2900

Sausalito Disaster Preparedness Day

10/9/2015 (Permalink)

Always Here to Help!

The Sausalito Disaster Preparedness Day on October 3rd was a great even to get informed on how to handle an emergency. The City of Sausalito’s Disaster Preparedness Committee along with the Sausalito Police Department, Southern Marin Fire Protection District, and several other organizations conducted the Disaster Preparedness Awareness Day event.

Great tips for your everyday life, home, office, and community involvement. SERVPRO of S. San Rafael/Sausalito representative Josh met and explained how at SERVPRO we help get your life back in order after an emergency. We are a 24hour emergency response service who is here to help whenever disaster strikes. 

Our professional techs have the experience and tools to make your emergency "Like it never even happened."  

Dont Wait, Communicate!

9/8/2015 (Permalink)

National Preparedness 2015!

September is National Preparedness Month and here at SERVPRO we are always ready for any emergency and are faster to any size disaster! Make sure you have your emergency plan ready!

When we say we are always Here to Help we mean we are available to you 24hrs a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Next time you or someone you know has an emergency call your local SERVPRO professionals! 

Fire Knowledge

8/3/2015 (Permalink)

Northern California has had to face many wildfires and the damage they cause. Thre has been over a dozen homes destroyed by the #Rockyfire alone. When facing a fire in your home it is important to know the first 48 hours after fire damage can make the difference between restoring versus replacing your belongings. SERVPRO franchise professionals provide timely response with mitigation services ranging from fire smoke and soot removal to document restoration. These services help ensure your belongings are restored to preloss condition when possible.

When facing a redidential or comercial fire it is best to limit movement to prevent spreading soot and causing further damage; do not wash any walls or painted surfaces; do not shampoo carpet or upholstery; and do not clean any electrical equiptment. We understand your belongings and memories have more value than at first glance, and will do our best to restore them whenever possible.

SERVPRO services include Restoration and Cleaning for:

• fire, smoke, and soot
• water removal and dehumidification
• mold mitigation and remediation
• catastrophic storm response
• move outs and contents restoration
• electronic and equip[ment
• documentation drying
• contents claim inventory service
• clean air ducts and HVAC
• biohazard, crime scene and vandalism
• carpet, walls and hard floors
• deodorization

 Remember we are always Here to Help!

http://www.pressdemocrat.com/news/4292763-181/containment-of-roaring-rocky-fire#.Vb-gyR1dvik.facebook

Happy 4th of July!!

7/2/2015 (Permalink)

Firework fun

Everyone at SERVPRO wishes you a safe and fun weekend. Remember to respect the firework laws in your area and be aware of your sorroundings when setting off fireworks.

SERVPRO of South San Rafael/Sausalito is on Facebook.

5/27/2015 (Permalink)

You can like our page by clicking on the link facebook.com/SERVPROsonomarin Find out what we are up to and get updates, tips, and news about our company. Its a great way to learn a little bit more about what we do in our community and keep up with events that we have done, or those coming up. 

Tell us about your experience with SERVPRO on Yelp. We want to know what we can do to continue providing our customers with the best care we can.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/SERVPRO-of-south-san-rafael-sausalito-san-rafael