Backyard Fire Pit Safety

11/22/2023 (Permalink)

Cooler Weather is Here

Here in Centreville, AL its a tradition to enjoy the cooler nights outside around a homemade fire pit! Many of us are looking forward to spending time gathering around them to enjoy time with family and friends. Before you start dreaming of moonlit nights and toasted marshmallows, take a moment to check out some of these tips from Allstate to remember.

Tips & Tricks:

• Whether you prefer a built-in or portable fire pit, choose one that is not too large for the area. The pit should be a minimum of 10 feet away from any structures or combustible materials as well as away from trees, fences, sheds, power lines, and telephone wires.
• Make sure that the seating area is large enough and properly placed for comfort and ventilation.
• Check wind direction before lighting a fire.
• Don’t use flammable fluids (gasoline, lighter fluid, etc.) to light or relight fires.
• To start the fire, use a lighter to ignite crumpled pieces of paper covered with small sticks. Then, add larger sticks and a log or two to keep it burning. 
• Burn only dry material. Damp material will create excess smoke. 
• Don’t wear flammable clothing (like nylon) or any loose-fitting clothing.
• Never leave the fire unattended, and keep pets and children far away from the fire as they will be attracted to it.
• Keep a fire extinguisher, garden hose, or bucket of water nearby.
• As the fire dies down, use a shovel and spread out the ashes to allow them to cool down. Then slowly pour water over those ashes and watch them closely to be sure that no burning embers remain or reignite. Put the cooled ashes in a specially designated ash storage metal can. 

Autumn Damage Prevention

10/16/2023 (Permalink)

Outdoor Cleaning Tips that Could help Prevent Damage this Fall

The chill is in the air and the leaves are piling up. Our team at SERVPRO of Centreville, Marion & Selma is committed to helping our friends, you, by offering little tips and important reminders to help during times of need or to prevent damage altogether. As cooler weather approaches, here are some things you may want to add to your cleaning to-do's:

• Check weather stripping and caulking around doors and windows.(Repair or replace as needed.)
• Check and clean the gutters.
  (Do the downspouts, too.)
• Clean the patio furniture.(Then store away.)
• Drain and store garden hoses.
• Check the exterior paint.(Touch up as needed.)
• Drain the pool, if applicable.(Close it up for the year)

Some of these tips can help prevent future water damage as well, like cleaning your gutters and repair the weather stripping & caulk. So, remember:

Stay ahead. Be prepared.