Know the Most Flammable Fluids and Items Around Your Home

Average homeowners usually keep a wide variety of flammable household products around their homes. While they might be conscious that some of these products could easily catch fire, many of them look nondangerous. 

The National Fire Protection Association states that flammable fluids and other ignitable household items cause more than 51,000 house fires every year, resulting in over a thousand injuries, more than 160 casualties, and a lot of property damages worth $644 million in total.

A homeowner like you can prevent these flammable items set your lovely home on fire with proper safety measures. This article will tell you what you need to know about the flammable fluids and products around your home and how to use and keep them safe.

Flammable Fluids and Products Around Your Home

 

1. Powdered Foods and Non-dairy Creamer

Non-dairy creamer, flour, sugar, starch, spices, and even powdered milk are not just potential fire hazards but all highly flammable. These products can quickly catch fire when exposed to an open flame. 

 

So be extra careful when using these items. You may want to store them in an airtight jar or container to avoid getting them spilled and keep them far from the stove.

 

2. Cooking Oil

Indeed, cooking oil is very flammable. So when you cook, never leave your pan unattended. Otherwise, it will ignite and may put your home on fire. 

Do not throw water on a pan fire because it will only cause bigger ignition. Moreover, never carry the pan outside to avoid spilling the burning oil. Place a damp cloth or towel over the pan and leave it for at least 30 minutes.

3. Hand Sanitizers and Rubbing Alcohol 

These products are very flammable, which means they can catch fire easily. So use only a small amount of rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizers that can swiftly dry out.

4. Aerosols

Beauty products like deodorants, hair mousse, and hair spray contain highly flammable alcohol. They can cause a fire problem when improperly used and stored. On top of that, these items can blow up when overheated. So ensure to keep them away from prolonged exposure under the sun or any heat sources. 

 

5. Nail Polish and Nail Polish Remover

Nail polish and nail polish remover contain acetone, so both are fire hazards. These products create fumes and vapor that can catch fire even from a distance. 

 

There was a reported fire case in Texas. A woman got burned because a candle near her ignited her nail polish remover. Although this is a rare incident, it is crucial to be cautious and never use these products near an open flame.

 

5. Black Shoe Polish, Mothballs, Pingpong Balls

Black shoe polish contains charcoal dust which is highly flammable. Vapor from mothballs are combustible and can ignite. Ping pong balls will also catch fire easily if exposed to an open flame.

6. Laundry Products

Pods, fabric softeners, and stain removers are flammable. So ensure to store them in a safe area. And when you are using them, avoid exposing these items to an open flame.

7. Oranges

Unexpectedly, oranges can also put your home on fire. The oil from this citrus fruit contains limonene which is flammable. When you squeeze its skin or peel near an open flame, the oil from it vaporizes and can catch on fire.

 

8. Linseed Oil

Linseed oil is used for staining or finishing work. It dries up once it is exposed to the air. This drying process is called oxidation. It creates heat that can cause a rag soaked in this liquid to catch fire with no outside spark. 

 

Remember that any products used for staining, painting, and stripping are highly flammable. 

 

9. Gasoline, Turpentine, Brake Fluid, Lighter Fluid, and Paint Thinner

They are the most dangerous fluids in your home. If you neglect to store them properly in your garage or shed, it can lead to a house fire. 

 

Tips on How to Safely Keep Flammable Fluids and Items in Your Home

• Keep your extremely flammable fluids (gasoline, oils, strippers, wood varnishes, and paints) outside your house. A detached shed or garage is the best possible place to store these fluids.

• Keep your highly flammable fluids (gasoline, oils, strippers, wood varnishes, and paints) outside your house. A detached shed or garage is the best possible place to store these fluids.

• Store your gasoline, brake fluid, turpentine, and paint thinner ONLY in UL-approved drums or containers.

• The room where you store the flammable liquids and items should be dry and adequately ventilated. Also, keep the area at room temperature. 

• Fill the container 95% or a little less to allow for expansion and avoid container rupture from happening.

• Ensure you seal the containers tightly to prevent fuel vapors from escaping into the air and possibly reaching a flame source. 

• Store these things in places away from electrical circuits, heat, sparks, and flames. 

 

For Fire Damage Restoration Services, Contact Superior Restoration

 

A homeowner like you must give enough time to know about different flammable or combustible items around your home. Always remember to store them properly. It can save lives and prevent fire damage to your property. 

 

Let us say your home has experienced fire damage. In this case, we recommend you seek help from Superior Restoration immediately. Our company offers extensive fire and smoke damage restoration services. We are available even in emergencies, 24/7. 

 

We have highly skilled specialists who are always ready to restore your home in order. To know more about our services, call us today!

 

10 Common Causes of Commercial Kitchen Fires

Commercial kitchen fires happen a lot more often than residential fires. Statistics reported an estimated 5,600 restaurant fires occurred each year from 2011 to 2013 in the United States. Though fire is what drives the kitchen, especially for businesses involved in cooking like restaurants, accidental fires can cause great devastation to a business. But, by understanding your risks and the most common causes of commercial fires, you can take ways to prevent such disasters to occur. 

Most Common Causes of Commercial Kitchen Fires

Restaurants are full of potential fire hazards, including equipment and fabrics that can ignite.

1. Cooking equipment

Equipment such as a deep fryer, grill, oven, and stove is one of the most common causes of fires in the kitchen. Defective appliances can also lead to commercial fire damage when a spark begins and could ignite nearby grease or oil buildup and combustible materials.

2. Electrical Wiring

Overloaded circuits, frayed cords, and worn out or faulty wirings can cause a fire. Also, if there is an electrical problem in the kitchen, such as a defective socket or incorrect use of extension cords, a fire may start. Furthermore, overloading the kitchen with appliances can also pose a fire risk. The building's electrical capacity might not be able to accommodate the power consumption, which can result in short circuits, overheating, explosions, and fires.

3. Flammable Liquids

Ingredients for your dishes such as grease, oils, and alcohol are some of the most flammable and combustible items in the kitchen. These items are usually placed in metal containers, which can pose a fire risk if not properly cleaned. Also,  fire involving these items is hard to contain and can cause big fires because of their ability to spread rapidly. 

4. Kitchen Rag and Towels

Most commercial kitchen fires use rags and towels to wipe off grease residue, cooking oil, and mess around the area. Over time, the residue that builds up from grease and oil can ignite when comes into contact with sparks and cooking fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 20 % of kitchen fires have been caused by grease accumulation. Furthemore, when these liquids get trapped in flammable materials like rags and towels, there is a chance for spontaneous combustion.

5. Ductwork and Exhaust Woods

The purpose of an exhaust is to get rid of extra smoke, grease, oils, gas, and odors. When poorly maintained, there’s a possibility that it can turn into a minor fire. When the exhaust wood gets hot, some grease and oils that accumulate can be in danger of igniting a fire. 

6. Poorly Maintained Kitchen Equipment

One of the most significant pieces of equipment in your kitchen is your cooking equipment. Dirty and defective equipment has a residue build-up from greases and oils that can ignite. 

7. Gas Leaks

One of the most devastating causes of commercial kitchen fires is gas leaks. This incident happens when the equipment can no longer support gas flow and leaves flammable gas in the air. 

8. Faulty Heating System

The heating equipment in your office or warehouse, such as furnaces, boilers, and radiators can also pose significant fire hazards.

9. Smoking Materials 

Cigarettes, lighted cigars, and other smoking materials can also start fires in commercial areas when not disposed of properly. That is why it’s not recommended to smoke inside the kitchen, as most kitchen fires could start near the trash cans.

10. Intentional

Arson falls in this category. Intentional fires are responsible for the large percentage of commercial fire damage. This can result in significant fire damage to a company. 

Tips to Prevent Commercial Kitchen Fires

To avoid potential kitchen fires on your businesses. Here are some tips to prevent commercial fires.

1. Clean grease and oil frequently.

2. Never throw water in the grease fire.

3. Keep flammable materials away from the flame.

4. Always clean and wash the rag and towels after use.

5. Make sure to check the wirings, cords, and sockets in the kitchen.

6. Regularly inspect the equipment inside the kitchen.

7. Maintain and clean the electrical and cooking equipment regularly.

8. Unplug electrical appliances when not in use.

9. Install a smoke detector near the kitchen but not inside.

10. Ensure that the smoke alarm and sprinkler system are working.

11. Install an extra fire extinguisher.

12. Never use metal items in the microwave oven.

13. Always clean the ductwork and exhaust woods.

14. Minimize the usage of grease.

15. Never leave cooking unattended.

16. Inform employees about the guidelines of fire safety.

17. Let the employees dress appropriately inside the kitchen.

18. Before using the cooking and electrical equipment, make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions.

19. Install a remote power shutdown system in case of a sudden fire incident.

20. Properly installed and decreased the ventilation system inside the kitchen.

21. Train employees on the proper way to use fire safety gear and handle kitchen fires.

22. Always maintain a safe environment.

23. Secure the kitchen before closing.

24. Always have an escape plan.

25. In case of a fire incident and need a fire damage clean-up, call a professional for help.

For Commercial Fire Damage Restoration Emergency, Call Professionals.

Building a business is never easy, even if it's a restaurant or a market. Fire can always find ways to destroy your structures. But, without the proper safety guidelines and prevention, possible fire damage might occur. 

If a fire hits your business, call 911, immediately leave the area and hire a restoration company like Superior Restoration for cleanup.

We, at Superior Restoration, offer quality fire damage cleanup and restoration services. We have highly trained technicians with high-quality equipment that can clean and restore your business to its pre-loss condition. We also offer 24/7 emergency fire and water damage services. Call our office today.

HANDLING SMOKE DAMAGE AFTER A FIRE

Fires occur in residential or commercial premises from time to time and cause significant damage to property. Some of the major causes of fire damage are accidents and negligence, faulty wiring, faulty construction, defective appliances, willful misconduct and natural disasters. In case you are a fire victim, the next course of action is usually fire damage restoration.

Fire damage restoration is the process of returning the damaged property to its pre-loss state. One crucial aspect of the water/fire restoration process is smoke damage restoration. Dealing with smoke damage is often the primary pain point after the fire is put out. Below is a simple guide on how to manage smoke damage after a fire.

1. IDENTIFY THE TYPE OF FIRE

Not all fires are the same. Depending on the source, every fire will have a personality and damage type. Low oxygen fires tend to leave behind wet smoke residue. On the other hand, high oxygen fires leave the drier smoke residue. 

You will find it a lot easier to clean residue from high oxygen fires. In case you used water to extinguish the fire, the humidity in the premises will typically increase. The increased moisture causes the wooden structures to absorb more smoke and residue.

2. OBSERVE SAFETY

Smoke is corrosive and can damage anything if you give it enough time. In many cases, smoke from a commercial or residential fire is not only emanating from burnt wood. It may come from other items such as plastics, chemical, and leathers.

These factors will determine how you deal with the smoke damage. The air around these charred items may be toxic. As such, you should consider wearing nitrile gloves and dust masks. Another recommended task is ventilating the premises. Open all the windows and install a fan to circulate air.

3. ELIMINATE ANY SOURCE OF ODOR

Odor from smoke damage can be particularly challenging to deal with. Start by removing all the items that you have deemed to be a total loss or beyond repair from the property as soon as possible. Doing so will mitigate a considerable amount of the smoke odor.

The next step is drying any remaining wet items. Use fans and dehumidifiers to achieve this. The smoke odor may remain in upholstered furniture, draperies, carpets, and clothing. This will be the case if you do not adequately deodorize them before cleaning. You should ideally seek professional assistance for this process.

If you cannot have the textiles professionally treated, there are two options. The first is to soak the textiles in a cup of dishwashing detergent dissolved in a gallon of warm water. The second option is to use household chlorine bleach for the items that can be bleached.

4. CLEAN SOOT STAINS FROM WALLS

If possible, use a chemicals sponge to clean soot from the walls. Chemical sponges are usually available from a cleaning supply company. You can also use other non-water based cleaner for this task. Rubbing alcohol or paint thinner also work well. 

However, you must exercise caution while using these items due to the fumes and toxicity. Wear rubber gloves and increased ventilation while you are working. Avoid using water-based cleaners on plaster walls. They cause the stains to bleed into the walls.

You should contact your insurance agency as soon as possible following a fire incident. They may provide advice on the restoration process and legalities. They may be able to recommend a professional water and fire damage restorer. Regardless of whether you enlist the services of professional fire restorers, the above actions can help minimize further damage