FIRE

Fire is the rapid oxidation of a material in the exothermic chemical process of combustion, releasing heat, light, and various reaction products. Slower oxidation processes like rusting or digestion are not included by this definition. In ancient Greece, fire was considered one of four elements.

The flame is the visible portion of the fire. If hot enough, the gases may become ionized to produce plasma. Depending on the substances alight, and any impurities outside, the color of the flame and the fire's intensity will be different.

Fire in its most common form can result in conflagration, which has the potential to cause physical damage through burning. Fire is an important process that affects ecological systems across the globe. The positive effects of fire include stimulating growth and maintaining various ecological systems. Fire has been used by humans for cooking, generating heat, signaling, and propulsion purposes. The negative effects of fire include water contamination, soil erosion, atmospheric pollution and hazard to human and animal life.

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