Disaster Recovery News

More than 31 square miles have been torched by the recent wildfires that started a week ago outside the Myrtle Beach area of South Carolina, a popular tourist spot. Thousands of people have been or were evacuated from their homes.

More than 70 homes have been destroyed and 100 damaged. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported. Officials are hoping the predicted calm winds and high humidity will help contain the fire.

Lubbock Online reports:

“State workers and fire crews knocked down trees and plowed firebreaks in the hopes of keeping the fire contained. Officials opened some roads near the charred areas and said the blaze was 85 percent under control thanks in part to workers dousing hot spots in an effort to keep expected late-day winds from blowing embers toward houses.”

Wildfire damage prevention is the key to protecting your home and family. If there is a wildfire near your neck of the woods, call the local fire department for suggestions, evacuation routes and road closures. If appropriate, remove any combustibles from your home and secure any fuel sources. Then secure doors and windows and set up water barriers. Finally, evacuate. Learn more about preparing for a wildfire.

Do not worry about trying to pack up non-essential personal items. Instead, worry about getting to safety safely. Items that are damaged many times can be restored by a restoration specialist. Fire restoration specialists can help restore fire damaged books, documents, and fire-damaged pictures. They can also help restore items that got wet, such as documents. Learn more about wildfire recovery.

A 3-alarm fire broke out on Thursday evening in the coastal town of Astoria, OR. The blazes ultimately destroyed five businesses and killed one person who may have been living in one of the buildings.

Firefighters guess the fire began in a floral shop that had not been open in about a year and then spread to a Bank of America, two restaurants, and another local business. The cause of the fire is being investigated.

Read an Astoria blogger’s report of this event.

What many may not know is that there are services that can help these businesses recover after this disaster, even the bank, this is called business continuity. These disaster recovery services can help one develop a business recovery plan; restore business documents that were damaged in a fire by smoke or water; and help rebuild after a disaster.

Read more about disaster recovery services.

Photos by Tara Constantine with Astoria Fire and Rescue

The turning leaves, wind chills, and wet weather are the prime indicators that it is time to turn up the thermostat, throw a log on to the fire, or bring the space heater out of storage. With the rising cost of fuel and electricity, there are many ways you can stay warm and cozy inside your home and do it safely.

The Institute for Business & Home Safety has provided the tips seen below for alternative heating devices, but warn: “Before using any heating device, install carbon monoxide detectors in several parts of the house. Never use a kerosene heater indoors.”

Wood Pellet Stoves: a modern way to heat your home with an automated fuel-delivery system.
- Hire a licensed professional to install these stoves.
- There should always be consideration for proper ventilation and electrical outputs.
- Use floor protection and keep all combustible materials away from the stove.
- Per the manufacture’s guidelines, maintain the stove regularly to keep it in good working condition.

Wood Stoves: a traditional way to heat spaces, but have also been the cause of many home and chimney fires
- Pick a stove that has been approved and tested by Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
- If buying a used stove, make sure it is not broken and does not have any cracks.
- Make proper accommodations for the ventilation system you choose.
- Keep combustibles a safe distance away (at least 36-inches, 3-feet).
- Use the proper floor coverings around the stove.
- Keep the flue clear and unobstructed.

Space Heaters: good for small spaces but are also the leading cause of home fires when it is chilly.
- Get a model that has been tested by the UL.
- Buy a model that shuts off automatically and has heat guards.
- Keep all items at least 3-feet away from the heater.
- Inspect the heater before use. Check for cracks or abnormalities with the electrical wiring.
- Never leave a heater unattended.

Fireplaces: the quintessential, traditional way to heat your home that requires a lot of upkeep and care
- Inspect yearly by contracting a professional chimney sweep.
- Clean regularly to keep the fireplace free of obstructions and creosote.
- Install a cap to keep out debris and small animals.
- Use screens or windows on the fireplace closed. Always use a grate.
- Only used approved fireplace tools.
- Clean out ashes in a non-combustible container with a tight lid. Store ashes outside and away from your home.
- Never leave a fire unattended and make sure the fire is completely out before closing the damper.

Click here for additional tips about heating your home with any of abovementioned heat sources, including gas fireplaces.

Prevention with these items is the key to keeping you and your family safe. Check out this short, informational video about chimney and fireplace safety:

More about fire damage prevention.

Learn about the salvage process and fire damage restoration.

House fires often start unexpectedly and can happen at any time of the day. This was the case for a Eugene, OR woman who escaped unharmed from her home that became engulfed in flames on September 23, 2008 during the noon hour. The fire started on the porch in the backyard and spread to the home. It is suspected a propane tank from a grill caused the fire, but it is not certain. Read the full story here . Click here to see the video of the story.

The total cost of the damage is still not known. However, many people do not realize that personal items in such situation are not lost just to flames. Smoke, water, and flame retardant solution also contribute to the loss of many items. Click here to see tips about preventing the loss of your documents and pictures that are irreplaceable.

Photo by By KVAL Web Staff