Knox County

Knox county is in the area served by 1st Response.


DISASTER SERVICES PROVIDED

● Emergency Water Extraction
● Dehumidification and Drying
● Smoke and Odor Removal
● Complete Structure Repair
● Fire and Smoke Damage
● Emergency Board-Up
● Pack-outs and Storage
● Debris Removal
● Vandalism
● Total Content Cleaning
● Storm Damage
● Electronics Cleaning

24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE
740-345-4911
TOLL FREE
888-345-1911

1st Response covers six counties in Central Ohio. They are Knox, Coshocton, Licking, Muskingum, Fairfield and Perry.

WE ARE A FULL SERVICE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

Fire and Smoke Damage

Smoke and Odor Removal
Cigarette Smoke
Smoke from Fires
Skunk Odor
Structure Repair
Temporary Board-up
Structure Cleaning
Drywall Repair
Painting
Cleaning and Restoration
Office Furniture
Carpet
Upholstery
Drapery
Total Content Cleaning

Water Damage

Water Extraction
Drying Dehumidification
Interior Wall Drying
Mold and Mildew Odor Removal
And Containment

Carpet Restoration
Cleaning and Deodorization
Carpet Pad Removal and
Replacement
Carpet Replacement

Repair and Reconstruction
Base Removal and Replacement
Drywall Repair and Replacement
Stain Removal
Specialty

Electronic Equipment Restoration
Stain Removal
Fine Arts Restoration
Document Restoration

Cold Winter Weather .... and water pipes

Before the cold hits
Insulate pipes in your home's crawl spaces and attic. These exposed pipes are most susceptible to freezing. Remember - the more insulation you use, the better protected your pipes will be.

Heat tape or thermostatically-controlled heat cables can be used to wrap pipes. Be sure to use products approved by an independent testing organization, such as Underwriters Laboratories Inc., and only for the use intended (exterior or interior). Closely follow all manufacturers' installation and operation instructions.

Seal leaks that allow cold air inside near where pipes are located. Look for air leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents and pipes. Use caulk or insulation to keep the cold out and the heat in. With severe cold, even a tiny opening can let in enough cold air to cause a pipe to freeze.

Disconnect garden hoses and, if practical, use an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets. This reduces the chance of freezing in the short span of pipe just inside the house.

When the mercury drops
A trickle of hot and cold water might be all it takes to keep your pipes from freezing. Let warm water drip overnight, preferably from a faucet on an outside wall.

Open cabinet doors to allow heat to get to uninsulated pipes under sinks and appliances near exterior walls.

Before you go away
Set the thermostat in your house no lower than 55°F (12°C).

Ask a friend or neighbor to check your house daily to make sure it's warm enough to prevent freezing or

Shut off and drain the water system. Be aware that if you have a fire protection sprinkler system in your house, it will be deactivated when you shut off the water.

If your pipes freeze
Don't take chances. If you turn on your faucets and nothing comes out, leave the faucets turned on and call a plumber. If you detect that your water pipes have frozen and burst, turn off the water at the main shut-off valve in the house; leave the water faucets turned on. (Make sure everyone in your family knows where the water shut-off valve is and how to open and close it.)

Never try to thaw a pipe with a torch or other open flame. Water damage is preferable to burning down your house. You may be able to thaw a frozen pipe with the warm air from a hair dryer. Start by warming the pipe as close to the faucet as possible, working toward the coldest section of pipe. Do not use electrical appliances in areas of standing water because you could be electrocuted.

1st Response - A Full Service Construction Company

Someone recently asked me, "What all do you do out there, Craig?"

1st Response does THIS and MORE .........................

A Full Service Construction Company
Specializing in Fire, Smoke, Water & Storm Damage Restoration
Emergency Water Extraction
Dehumidification and Drying
Smoke and Odor Removal
Complete Structure Repair
Fire and Smoke Damage
Emergency Board-Up
Pack-outs and Storage
Debris Removal
Vandalism
Total Content Cleaning
Storm Damage
Electronics Cleaning

24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE
740-345-4911

ADDITIONAL SERVICES PROVIDED

Drywall
Framing
Electrical
Plumbing
Finish Trim
Patio & Decks
Room Additions
Roofing & Siding
Carpet - Vinyl - Tile
Bathrooms & Kitchens
Door & Window Replacement

Puff Back ... the damage they can cause

Most people are not aware of puff back and the damage that it can do to their home or apartment. Home owners are more concerned about other dangers that can plague their home like water damage and other causes of house deterioration only.

For the sake of those people who are not aware of what a puff back is, I will give you two definitions. The most basic and simplest definition is that it is caused by an oil burner which has problems functioning properly. In highly technical terms, a puff back happens when a combustion chamber experiences an explosion caused by the speedy ignition of oil vapors and built-up gas inside.

Once this happens, and if you are in our FIVE country area, Licking, Knox, Fairfield, Muskingum, Perry or Coshocton, the quickest solution is to call us at 740-345-1911.This step should be done in order to eliminate the chances of a puff back from occurring again, and, to take the steps necessary to make the necessary repairs on your home.

Ironically enough, most people think that puff back is made entirely of dust. Contrary to its name, it is actually a part-petroleum based particle or oil-based particle that puffs back. This is even more dangerous than dust and trickier to dispel because the oil component that causes soot will stick to your house, clothes and furniture.

1st Response can also be called if you ever experience a puff back. Usually, we employ the same treatment that we use in fire and smoke restoration. Cleaning should be done within 48 hours of the occurrence of puff backs, in order to prevent more damage.

1st Response - 740-345-1911

About your Chimney

Your chimney–and the flue that lines it–may add architectural interest to your home, but their real function is to carry dangerous fireplace, wood stove or furnace* gases and smoke safely out of your home.

A chimney helps your household air stay breathable…just as your windows and your bathroom, attic and kitchen vents do. Unlike those other exhaust points in your home, however, fireplace and wood stove chimneys need a special kind of care. As you snuggle in front of a cozy fire or bask in the warmth of your wood stove, you are taking part in a ritual of comfort and enjoyment handed down though the centuries.

The last thing you are likely to be thinking about is the condition of your chimney. However, if you don’t give some thought to it before you light those winter fires, your enjoyment may be very short-lived. Why? Dirty chimneys can be a fire hazard. Chimney fires can damage structures, destroy homes and injure or kill people.

No One Welcomes a Chimney Fire

A chimney fire in action can be impressive. It has been described variously as creating: . loud cracking and popping noise . a lot of dense smoke, and . an intense, hot smell.

Chimney fires can burn explosively – noisy and dramatic enough to be detected by neighbors or people passing by. Flames or dense smoke may shoot from the top of the chimney.

Homeowners report being startled by a low rumbling sound that reminds them of a freight train or a low flying airplane. However, those are only the chimney fires you know about. Slow-burning chimney fires don’t get enough air or have fuel to be dramatic or visible. But, the temperatures they reach are very high and can cause as much damage to the chimney structure – and nearby combustible parts of the house – as their more spectacular cousins. With proper chimney system care, chimney fires are entirely preventable.

If YOU suffer smoke damage, fire damage, water damage or storm damage, and you live in the Newark, Ohio area, check out this WEBSITE.

EMERGENCY Tips from 1st Response

Learn what to do and what not to do on water, fire and smoke damage

If you’re in the midst of a water, fire or smoke disaster, know that 1st Response will be there when you call 345-4911. In the meantime, here are some ways to mitigate the damage yourself.

What to do if you ever have water damage:

If the outside temperature is above 60 degrees, use dehumidifiers if available.
Use fans to circulate the air and assist drying.
Remove as much water as possible by mopping and blotting.
Wipe furniture dry.
Lift draperies off carpet, loop through a coat hanger, and place the hanger on the drapery rod.
Prop up wet furniture cushions for even drying and place small wood blocks or aluminum foil under furniture legs.
Remove wet area rugs or other floor coverings.
Open furniture drawers, closet doors, and luggage to enhance drying.
Move photos, paintings, and art objects to a safe, dry location.
Remove wet fabrics and dry them as soon as possible. Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.
Remove damp books from shelves and spread out to dry.
If damage occurs during a cool season, leave heat on; if in summer, use an air conditioner if available.

Important warnings on water damage

Do not use an ordinary household vacuum to remove water.
Do not use electrical appliances while on wet carpet or wet floors.
Do not go into rooms with standing water if the electricity is still on.
Do not lift tacked down carpet without professional help. Lifting the carpet incorrectly could promote shrinkage.
Do not wait to call for professional help. Damage from the water and bacteria growth can begin within hours.

What to do if you have smoke/fire damage

Blow off or brush-vacuum loose soot particles from upholstery, drapes, and carpets.
Cover carpeted traffic areas with towels or old linens to prevent additional soiling.
Discard open food packages. The food could be contaminated.
If electrical service is off, clean out your freezer and refrigerator. Leave the doors propped open or place charcoal in the unit.
Send clothing with heavy smoke damage to a qualified professional dry cleaner who specializes in smoke damage.
Clean Formica and chrome fixtures in the kitchen and bathroom to prevent permanent tarnishing.
Wipe residue from porcelain bath fixtures to prevent etching.
Wipe the leaves of houseplants to remove smoke residue.
Change the air filter on your furnace if it uses forced hot air.
Tape cheesecloth over intake and outlet air registers to capture any loose soot in the air. This is even more effective if the cheesecloth is damp.
If the outside temperature is above 60 degrees, air out the house to reduce smoke odor.

Important warnings on smoke and fire damage

Do not attempt to wash any papered or flat painted walls without consulting 1st Response. Incorrect cleaning procedures could compound the soot residue problem.
Do not attempt to clean carpets or upholstered furniture. Again, incorrect procedures could increase damage.
Do not use electrical appliances that have been close to fire or water before having them checked. They could malfunction.
Do not use ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet. A short circuit could result.
Do not touch anything. Soot on your hands can permeate upholstery, walls, and woodwork, causing further damage.
Do not eat food that has been exposed to fire or smoke.
Do not wait to call for professional help.
Call 1st Response, 345-4911.

House Fire Information

House Fires
Each year there are over 10,000 house fires in Australia, causing more than 1,500 injuries and 70 deaths. [Australian Bureau of Statistics: Australian Social Trends 2000 - Housing - Housing Stock: Home fire safety]. The tragedy is that most are started by accident and could have been prevented. House fires can happen to anyone, but there are some easy things you can do to reduce the risks.

Protect your property

House fires are caused most commonly by cooking, smoking and electrical faults in wiring or appliances. About 30% of house fires start in the kitchen - don't leave the room while food is cooking on the stove. If a fire starts, put a lid over the burning pan or use a fire extinguisher; never move a fire.

Never throw water on a burning fat or oil fire as it will cause an explosive reaction.

Keep curtains, electrical cords, tea towels and your dressing gown sleeves well away from a hot plate or gas flame.

Make sure cigarette butts are put out properly before throwing them away and never smoke in bed. Tiny embers can smoulder in the bedding without you noticing and burst into flames later.

Faulty wiring, overloaded power points and faulty appliances can all start fires. Don't do your own electrical wiring, call a qualified electrician and either get broken appliances fixed or throw them away.

Don't put electrical cords under rugs, over nails or in high traffic areas, as walking on cords can break wiring and possibly cause a fire.

Make sure there's plenty of air around your TV, video, stereo and computer equipment so it doesn't overheat.

Protect your family

Most deaths from house fires occur at night when people are asleep. Smoke inhalation and asphyxiation are the leading causes. Many fires will be confined to one room, but are still dangerous as smoke can fill a house in just a few minutes. People often overestimate the time they would have to escape a fire. But in real life, you may have no idea where the fire is, you'll hardly be able to see anything and you'll find it very difficult to breathe. It's easy to panic, with tragic results.

Smoke alarms are essential to give you early warning of a fire in your home, especially at night. You can't smell smoke when you're asleep. And don't count on the kids reacting to an alarm; studies show 85% of children won't wake up if it goes off.

In a fire, every second counts. Don't stop to gather possessions, pets or call the fire brigade. Your only priority is to get out. Call '000' (triple zero) from your neighbour's phone.

What is FIRE?

Smoke and toxic gases can be as deadly as heat and flames. Actually, the majority of people die or get injured in fires because of exposure to hazardous smoke and toxic gases and not actual burns. In addition, smoke often obscures vision and thereby decreases the ability of fire victims to escape. Carbon monoxide poisoning is the major cause of death following smoke inhalation.

What is fire?

Fires start in three main ways:

Accidents (e.g. misuse of appliances, dropping a cigarette or match on a sofa or mattress, etc.)
Deliberate ignition or arson
Equipment failure including electrical malfunctions and overheating
Fire is the result of a chemical reaction between oxygen and some sort of fuel (for example a TV or sofa). When a heat source, such as a candle or a cigarette, heats the fuel to its ignition temperature, a combustion reaction is triggered and a fire is the result.


How to prevent fire?

The best solution to stop a fire is to prevent it from starting.
To avoid a fire from developing or spreading, the chemical reaction between the oxygen, fuel and heat source has to be prevented or broken.
This can be done by taking away one of the three elements, needed to keep the chain reaction going.
And that is exactly what flame retardants are designed to do.

WHAT TO DO AFTER A FIRE

The following are guidelines for different circumstances in the period following a fire:

If you are with burn victims, or are a burn victim yourself, call 9-1-1; cool and cover burns to reduce chance of further injury or infection.

If you detect heat or smoke when entering a damaged building, evacuate immediately.

If you are a tenant, contact the landlord.

If you have a safe or strong box, do not try to open it. It can hold intense heat for several hours. If the door is opened before the box has cooled, the contents could burst into flames.

If you must leave your home because a building inspector says the building is unsafe, ask someone you trust to watch the property during your absence.

FIRE

Each year, more than 4,000 Americans die and more than 25,000 are injured in fires, many of which could be prevented. Direct property loss due to fires is estimated at $8.6 billion annually.

To protect yourself, it is important to understand the basic characteristics of fire. Fire spreads quickly; there is no time to gather valuables or make a phone call. In just two minutes, a fire can become life-threatening. In five minutes, a residence can be engulfed in flames.

Heat and smoke from fire can be more dangerous than the flames. Inhaling the super-hot air can sear your lungs. Fire produces poisonous gases that make you disoriented and drowsy. Instead of being awakened by a fire, you may fall into a deeper sleep. Asphyxiation is the leading cause of fire deaths, exceeding burns by a three-to-one ratio