3 Tips to Avoid a Fire at Christmas Time

Each year, there are reports of massive fires destroying structures across United States of America. The peculiar thing about these incidents is the fact that they take place during the time of Christmas. Many end up succumbing their lives to such tragedies. Christmas-related fires are rare but when they take place, they end up causing a lot more damage than one can fathom. According to the information provided by the National Fire Protection Association, Christmas-related fires or holiday season-related fires are more likely to be deadly than most other fires in the year. Christmas trees often end up catching fire. The main cause to such fires tends to already exist at home. Different objects along with a lack of concern on the side of the owners, seldom end up being the source of ignition for such fires. National Christmas Tree Association emphasizes on how important it is to be careful during the holiday season.

Following given are the top three tips that one can follow to avoid a fire during Christmas time this year:

Be careful while picking the tree this time

It is important to select a fresh-looking Christmas tree because as per what the American Christmas Tree Association has to say, fresh trees are less likely to be vulnerable to fire than others. One must be careful especially when picking a real Christmas tree. It is important for one to choose the three that features green needles. How can one spot whether the tree is fresh or not? Check if it contains brownish needles, which are often times extremely dry and highly likely to be flammable after coming into contact with any such object. The needles of a fresh Christmas tree are often soft and flexible. They don’t fall off easily and their freshness lasts for a longer period of time.

Thorough inspection of light decorations

The most obvious reason for a Christmas fire is faulty lights. They end up causing the tree to ignite. Therefore, it is important for individuals to inspect the lights properly before putting them up as decorations at home. According to the information provided by NFPA, individuals must choose the kind of lights that have already undergone qualified testing laboratory. There are certain kinds of lighting decorations that are meant for indoor use and others, which are meant for outdoor use. Homeowners must take time while purchasing lights and ensure that they are buying high-quality lighting sets only.

Turn off when not in use

Are you planning on leaving your house or perhaps, are too tired and want to sleep? Make sure you unplug all the Christmas electrical decorations before you do any of these things. By leaving your lights on while you’re away, means you are putting your decorations under no supervision at all. In case something terrible takes place, you won’t be suffering any consequences for following safety measures. Be sure you are avoiding all possibilities when it comes to the electrical fire of your house.
We, at Utah Flood Cleanup, specialize in the best kind of damage restoration expertise. You can get in touch with us at (801) 416-2666 for immediate service. We have experience in every residential, commercial & construction disaster situation you can think of.


About the Author:
Josh Ray is a disaster cleanup professional and the owner of Utah Flood Cleanup. He is a certified mold professional, asbestos inspector, water damage IICRC carpet cleaning professional, and holds a RRP certification. You can rest easy knowing an experienced professional is helping repair you fire damage, water damage, or mold remediation issue.


Utah Flood Cleanup
685 E. 2850 N.
North Ogden, UT 84414
(801) 416-2666

3 Tips to Avoid a Housefire When Cooking a Turkey for Thanksgiving

People all over the world give thanks for the blessing of the harvest and the year ahead of the eve of Thanksgiving in October. It is, however, the number one cause of cooking fire across America, a study by National Fire Protection Association states. It is easy for one to get carried away into being sloppy while cooking Turkey for a large number of visitors. Safety must, therefore, be the top priority for those kitchen experts especially while cooking Turkey on Thanksgiving. Here are the top three tips to keep in mind to prevent a house fire when cooking Turkey for Thanksgiving.

Don’t leave cooking unattended

It is important for cooks to use the involved cooking appliances properly. Unattended cooking is among the top reasons known to lead to a house fire. Cooking Turkey requires a little bit of everything, from broiling to grilling and frying. While simmering, baking or roasting isn’t worrisome as such, one needs to ensure that someone is present while the whole cooking procedure takes place. Don’t be under the wrong impression that being absent for a few minutes to finish a few household chores won’t cause damage. It is in these few minutes that a disaster takes place. Set a timer so that you keep a check on food even if you’re absentminded.

Prevent accidental tipping

If you are a frequent cook then you will understand the importance of ensuring complete care while the procedure is taking place. This especially needs to be done with the objective of preventing and treating burns. Small cautious steps such as utilizing back burners, avoiding hot panhandles, coiling mixers/blenders make a ton of a difference. Avoid your skin’s exposure to hot cooking surfaces by wearing long-sleeved tops and closed-toe footwear. Covering your hands with the use of oven mitts or potholders also ensure safety. In case, you do experience burn, you need to quit cooking immediately. Turn off all the cooking utensils instantly and seek medical help right away.

In case of a fire

There are certain techniques that one needs to follow if they wish to fight a small fire. Non-glass lids are the best way to smother the fire in case it begins on a pan. Turn off the burner immediately and slide the lid over the pan. Keep the lid in place until the time the fire completely extinguishes. Keep in mind, pouring water on the grease fire can restart the fire. In case, the fire turns out to be big, you must contact the emergency services immediately. However, before contacting them, you must vacate the kitchen and shut the door behind you. Shutting the door prevents the spread of fire. It is advisable to be in mobile reach of a fire extinguisher. Remain certain about its expiration date. This will allow you to fight fires during the time of emergency. Keep children away from toying with kitchen utensils when they are in use.

Ultimately, it is all about ensuring one’s safety by following simple steps of caution. You can contact us at UtahFloodCleanup.com for any other information regarding this matter.


About the Author:
Josh Ray is a disaster cleanup professional and the owner of Utah Flood Cleanup. He is a certified mold professional, asbestos inspector, water damage IICRC carpet cleaning professional, and holds an RRP certification. You can rest easy knowing an experienced professional is helping repair your fire damage, water damage, or mold remediation issue.


Utah Flood Cleanup
685 E. 2850 N.
North Ogden, UT 84414
(801) 416-2666

3 Easy Ways To Prevent Home Water Damage

If you are filing a homeowner insurance claim, it is most likely due to water damage. Flooding accounts for 90% of the damage caused by natural disasters, according to FEMA. Similarly, the primary cause of non-disaster home claims is plumbing supply system or drain system failure, as well as blocked or broken toilet plumbing, washing machine supply line and drain blockage, and water heater failure from age and corrosion. To lessen the impact of these catastrophes before water damage restoration begins, there are three basic steps to reduce water damage, including the growth of mold. Remember to check for structural damage before entering your house, and turn off electricity wherever necessary.

Remove Standing Water

Wear protective clothing and equipment, such as gloves, boots and goggles when cleaning up flooded areas. Take all water soaked materials, such as clothing, bedding, furniture and rugs, outside to dry, and put mattresses out for removal. A finished basement full of water must be pumped slowly, no more than two or three feet a day, to avoid causing damage to the walls from outside pressure. Pump as much water as possible from the house. Shovel out mud and debris where you are able, and spray hard surfaces with water to remove as much sediment as possible.

Clean to Minimize Mold Growth

Clean flood water contaminated surfaces with hot water and strong disinfectant. To prevent mold growth and kill bacteria, wipe surfaces down with a solution of 1/4 cup chlorine bleach per each gallon of water. Upholstered furniture and carpeting should be cleaned by professionals.

Ventilate Your Home

It is very important to keep the air moving in your house in order to dry wet surfaces and reduce the possibility of mold growth. Open windows and doors and set up fans in every affected room or area. Use dehumidifiers to hasten drying.


If you have not already called us in to do the initial cleaning, we, at Utah Flood Cleanup, can take over from you at this point, and we will perform water damage restoration of your home. We can send our certified technicians to your home at all hours of every day, in fully stocked and equipped service vans. Aside from the cleaning services we can provide, we will perform inspections, locate the source of flooding or leaking, remove damaged materials, and apply an EPA approved, microbial deodorizing and sanitizing solution. We monitor moisture levels, and use industrial fans and dehumidifiers to dry your home quickly, and we perform mold remediation when necessary.


Utah Flood Cleanup provides free phone consultations, and free inspections for all insurance covered water damage. We will work with you and your insurance company if you are filing a claim. We also guarantee our workmanship for five years and have affordable financing plans available.


If you would like to learn more about our water damage restoration services, please go to our website at UtahFloodCleanup.com or call us at (801)876-5225.


About the Author:
Josh Ray is a disaster cleanup professional and the owner of Utah Flood Cleanup. He is a certified mold professional, asbestos inspector, water damage IICRC carpet cleaning professional, and holds a RRP certification. You can rest easy knowing an experienced professional is helping repair you fire damage, water damage, or mold remediation issue.


Utah Flood Cleanup
685 E. 2850 N.
North Ogden, UT 84414
(801) 416-2666

5 Fire Safety Tips To Prevent Fires In Your Bedroom

We can never be too careful when it comes to preparing and dealing with tragedies. A lot of people try to insure their properties in case a disaster hits. One of the leading causes of property loss is fire. But what if we could prevent tragedies such as fire from happening? Which safety measures can we put in place?

Disaster Clean Up Companies

Disasters can strike any moment without fore warning. Therefore we should know the right people to call for disaster restoration. Utah Flood Cleanup is our go-to disaster Management Company. Founded in 1992 and located in Utah, this disaster management company deals with fire damage restoration, water, and mold damage. Utah Flood Cleanup understands our needs, and therefore the company is always prepared with their best technicians at hand. They are additionally well-equipped with the most recent and most advanced tools enabling them to handle tough jobs.

Utah Flood Cleanup has made it their mission to ensure that all properties are as good as new once they are through restoring them back. They can handle both commercial and residential houses and are available every hour of the day.

Safety Tips to Prevent Fire in your Bedroom

Fire is very destructive, and most of the time, it leaves nothing to be salvaged. That is why it is easier and less costly to prevent fires than to deal with the after effects of a fire. Some precautions can be adopted to help to avoid fire disasters.

• It is advisable to install smoke detectors in the bedroom and any other room in the house and ensure they are working at all times.
• Ensure that all electric switches have arc circuit interrupters which are essential in case the circuits become overloaded. Combustible items and heat sources such as candles should never be placed close together.
• Acquire a mattress that meets the flammability standards. Such kind of a mattress goes a long way in preventing the spread of fire in the bedroom.
• It is advisable to place phones, laptops, tabs and any other electronic devices on hard surfaces.
• All electrical wires around the bedroom should be properly installed and should not be left hanging out of the sockets.

Preparing for disaster

When a disaster strikes, it can be tough to adapt if we did not have a plan in place before hand. Everything in this life is unpredictable. No one knows what tomorrow holds. And because of this, everyone should always be ready for anything both psychologically and physically. It is always important to have ready to go-bags that contain necessary items for survival. Having a backup plan ready in case of emergency is important.

Conclusion

One of the major ways to prepare for disasters is to always have a disaster management company on speed dial. Utah Flood Cleanup is one of the best businesses in the market, and they will always have the client’s back. This company can restore any damage be it fire damage restoration. They are only a phone call away.


About the Author:
Josh Ray is a disaster cleanup professional and the owner of Utah Flood Cleanup. He is a certified mold professional, asbestos inspector, water damage IICRC carpet cleaning professional, and holds a RRP certification. You can rest easy knowing an experienced professional is helping repair you fire damage, water damage, or mold remediation issue.


Utah Flood Cleanup
685 E. 2850 N.
North Ogden, UT 84414
(801) 416-2666

3 Tips to Avoid Water Damage This Summer

The summer should be a time for relaxation and family fun. When the weather is sweet, our hearts and minds long to wander to thoughts of vacation destinations and family cookouts. The last thing we want or need to deal with during the summer is water damage and the headaches it brings with it. Water damage repair can be a costly disruption to our social and professional lives. If water damage does occur in your home or business, Utah Flood Cleanup is here to help. Luckily, however, there are preventative measures home and business owners can take to avoid the headache of water damage cleanup. We'd like to take a moment to discuss three important tips to avoid water damage this summer.

Take Care of Your Roof

Your roof is your home or business' first and a main line of defense against weather of all sorts, but especially rain. When a roof starts leaking, the damage to a structure can build quickly. The visible damage may start as nothing more than discoloration on the ceiling or walls, but be assured that if left go, the water damage can become catastrophic, possibly even forcing the abandonment of the home or business. Be sure to inspect your roof yearly, or if you're not able, call a professional to come assist you. Any damaged or missing shingles should be replaced as soon as possible to avoid costly water damage repair

Clean Those Gutters

Your gutters are there for a lot more than to keep the water from dripping on you when you enter or exit your home or business. The main purpose of gutters is actually to take the water that pours off the roof in the rain and get it away from the foundation of the house. When water is allowed to pour straight off the roof and land so close to the foundation, a slow erosion process occurs that will inevitably lead to deterioration of the foundation and moisture making its way into the home. This can lead to mold infestation and other water damage related issues. So keep those gutters clean and free of debris to ensure that they are in proper working order.

Maintain Your Windows and Siding

Aside from the roof and gutters, the exterior of the walls of your home or business, including windows, is the vanguard in protection from the elements. Thorough inspection and maintenance of siding and windows is key to keeping your house dry and free of water and mold. Make sure the exterior of the house is inspected yearly and after heavy storms with high wind and that any minor repairs are completed before they cause major water damage related headaches.

Conclusion

Following these 3 easy tips will go a long way to helping keep your home or business dry and water free. If you do have any trouble, however, the team here at Utah Flood Cleanup is here to help. Call Us!

3 Tips to Stay Safe When You Have a Sewage Backup

Just the phrase “sewage backup” is enough to strike fear in the hearts of a homeowner. It conjures up images of gross matter in the tub or shower, in the basement or on residential flooring. So as a homeowner, what can you do when faced with a sewage backup?

Find the Cause

First, try to pinpoint the cause of the problem so that you can at least begin to take care of it even before the pros come in. It may be that your sewer line is clogged, causing backup into your sink, tub or toilet. Large trees with extensive roots can also create backup problems since the roots can grow into and around the pipes, causing holes and blockage. Or, especially if you live in an older house, your sewer lines were probably built from iron and clay, both of which break down and/or rust over time. Understanding the cause of your problem will help you help us hone in on our job.

What You Can Do Before the Pros Arrive

The best idea for cleaning up a sewage leak is to call in one of the professional sewage cleanup services in Utah. If you decide to tackle this before we arrive, there are several things you can do:

• Clean your floors as quickly as possible, but be prepared to replace flooring that has been deeply penetrated by the sewage.
• Use a small amount of non-ammonia dish detergent mixed with one part chlorine bleach to four parts water to wash down all affected surface.
• If area rugs are salvageable, wash and dry them well. Have carpeting that has been slightly affected cleaned by a professional, but discards any carpeting that has gotten soaked.
• If it is safe to turn off all your power, do so; if you aren’t sure, wait until a professional gives you the okay.
• Don't flush your toilets or drain your sinks or tubs, and this can just create more mess and more problems.
• Do not try to unclog the system using harsh chemical products that can make things worse by damaging your pipes.

How to Keep Safe

Be aware of the issues that sewage backup can cause - health hazards, fire hazards and extensive property damage - and know how to protect yourself:

• Wear protective gloves, goggles, boots and a face mask.
• Open windows in order to ventilate the area.
• Keep children and pets away from the affected area.
• Add a cup of chlorine bleach when washing any contaminated clothing or bedding.

Call the Professionals

No matter how much you know and how thorough you may be, in order to ensure that the cleanup process is completely successful call one of the sewage cleanup services in Utah. We here at Utah Flood Cleanup have the expertise and experience to deal with cleaning and repairing the damage, and we can make sure that there is nothing left over that might cause the growth of mildew, fungi, and bacteria, all of which can create future problems for you.


About the Author:
Josh Ray is a disaster cleanup professional and the owner of Utah Flood Cleanup. He is a certified mold professional, asbestos inspector, water damage IICRC carpet cleaning professional, and holds a RRP certification. You can rest easy knowing an experienced professional is helping repair you fire damage, water damage, or mold remediation issue.


Utah Flood Cleanup
685 E. 2850 N.
North Ogden, UT 84414
(801) 416-2666

3 Signs of Mold in Your House

Over a thousand species of mold exist. The problem isn't in mold existing, but the quantity of it in a finite area. If your home becomes a place for mold to breed, you face potential health hazards. It's hard to know if you need mold removal. Have you noticed a musty smell in the house or noticed some wall discoloration? It's important to identify the signs of mold in your house for the safety of you, your family, and your home.

Unusual Smell

Sometimes a smell is hard to detect, especially if living among it for a while and the smell is still more of an undertone. However, leaving the home and returning may encourage the detection of strange odors. Mold produces an odor from the microbial volatile organic compound, or MVOC, gasses. This musty odor is a high warning sign of mold, even when not visible. Mold will grow in dark, damp areas such as behind walls, in ceilings, and under floors. Although mold grows very quickly, it isn't easy to detect. That's why visible signs of mold indicate an already troubling problem and an immediate need for mold remediation.

 

Ceiling or Wall Discoloration

While it's easy to recognize the outright growth of mold, minor discolorations are a strong indication of mold growth. The most obvious discoloration of mold comes in green or black. However, the slightly discolored areas of a wall are potential signs, as well. For instance, a white wall with slightly yellowed or off-white discoloration may indicate the beginning growth of mold in your house. The most common discoloration comes in:

• Yellow
• Grey
• Blue-green
• Black
• White
• Variations on the hue and tone of these colors.

Discoloration will likely be irregular and come with minor structural damage, such as peeling paint or curling of wallpaper. Mold remediation is the surest way to reverse these effects.

Water or Stains

High humidity, condensation, leaks, and standing water are all breeding grounds for mold. Standing water, such as in the basement, suggests a leak in the home. Water soaked into the walls, floors, or ceilings will stimulate the growth of mold. If you find you have standing water, clean it immediately and check for signs of mold. If mold is present, it's time for mold removal. Water stains need an inspection if no obvious signs of growth exist. When checking water stains consider their color, appearance, and texture.

In addition, if past flooding has occurred, a mold is a high likelihood. Water intrusions, such as broken water lines, are difficult to detect right away, which leave standing water and the chance for mold growth.

Utah Flood Cleanup for Mold Removal

If you're uncertain whether you have mold or have clearly identified the growth of mold in your home, contact Utah Flood Cleanup. We're efficient, effective, and timely. Mold is a serious condition for any home and health. Call us at (801) 416-2666 for a free consultation and let us make your home safe.


About the Author:
Josh Ray is a disaster cleanup professional and the owner of Utah Flood Cleanup. He is a certified mold professional, asbestos inspector, water damage IICRC carpet cleaning professional, and holds a RRP certification. You can rest easy knowing an experienced professional is helping repair you fire damage, water damage, or mold remediation issue.


Utah Flood Cleanup
685 E. 2850 N.
North Ogden, UT 84414
(801) 416-2666

3 Types of Toxic Mold

Mold is something most homeowners are terrified of, and at Utah Flood Cleanup, we fully understand why. Everyone has heard the horror stories of toxic mold growth and about how living in moldy environments can potentially lead to a range of different health problems. However, the truth is that there are more than 100,000 different types of mold and only very few of these are actually toxic.

Of course, to the untrained eye, all mold looks to the same. This means that it's always a good idea to hire a mold remediation specialist, as otherwise, it will be impossible for you to know if you're facing one of the many harmless species or one of these truly toxic varieties.

Stachybotrys

Typically referred to simply as black mold, Stachybotrys is by far the most dangerous type of mold for human health. Unfortunately, it is also one of the toughest types of mold to fully get rid of once it has fully set into a building. In fact, while bleach is often effective at killing most other species, it seems to have virtually zero effect on Stachybotrys.

Worse still, decreasing the humidity levels in the home, which is important in helping to dry out any wet spots, generally makes black mold problems even worse. This is because the lower humidity levels cause the mold to release its spores, thus spreading the problem throughout the house.

Exposure to this type of mold can lead to a range of serious health problems, especially in infants and young children. Typically, the first signs of exposure are similar to a cold or flu and can include coughing, sneezing, wheezing, rashes and diarrhea.

There are actually numerous types of black-colored mold, but this particular species is actually more of a greenish-black color and is generally slimy. As well, it is only ever found on wood, paper, and other cellulose products.

Aspergillus/Penicillium

These are the two most common types of mold found in water-damaged indoor environments. Although it is what penicillin is made of, penicillium is nonetheless toxic and can lead to asthma, pulmonary edema, bronchitis and, in cases of long-term exposure, emphysema. Similarly, aspergillus also typically leads to pulmonary infections and asthmatic sensitivity.

Chaetomium

Not much is actually known about this rarer mold species. However, what is known is that it can potentially lead to permanent DNA damage and neurological damage. Like most other species, the first symptoms of exposure tend to be the same as other allergic-type reactions. Chaetomium usually thrives in wet drywall and generally emits a very strong, musty odor, which at least makes it slightly easier to diagnose.

In the long run, it doesn't really matter what sort of mold problems you're facing, as the most important thing you can do is to immediately attack the problem at the first signs. Acting quickly is one of the keys to successful mold remediation. Not only will this help prevent the mold from spreading and thus minimize the amount of damage it does to your home, but it will also prevent any serious damage to you and your family's health in case you are dealing with one of these toxic species.

About the Author:

Josh Ray is a disaster cleanup professional and the owner of Utah Flood Cleanup. He is a certified mold professional, asbestos inspector, water damage IICRC carpet cleaning professional, and holds a RRP certification. You can rest easy knowing an experienced professional is helping repair you fire damage, water damage, or mold remediation issue.

Utah Flood Cleanup
685 E. 2850 N.
North Ogden, UT 84414
(801) 416-2666

3 Tips for Home Fire Prevention

Despite having the word "flood" in our name, we also understand how an unchecked fire can lead to damage either from something catching  fire and burning a home down or from the smoke that results from a strong blaze and leads to ruined furniture and valuables. According to the National Fire Protection Association, over 11,000 civilians were injured in 2015 from fires that started within the home. Below, we have provided a trio of tips to bear in mind in order to prevent a potential fire from affecting your home.

Tip #1: Be Mindful of Potential Heat Sources

Make sure that you have the house's heating system regularly checks by professionals. The term "heating system" includes any area where heat, flames or smoke are common, such as a fireplace or chimney. You want to make sure that all heat sources are clean and kept free of particulates that could potentially ignite and cause a fire.

It is also important to remember that a clothes dryer is a potential fire hazard if the lint trap is not regularly cleared. Should a clog develop in the dryer's filter or its lint trap, temperatures inside the dryer can grow beyond the rate that air escapes and the lint can be forced into contact with the dryer's heating element; resulting in a fire hazard.

Tip #2: Minimize the Chances For A Blaze Around the House

Keep potential sources of kindling as far away from the home as possible. Remember that this can include:

• Piles of firewood or dead tree limbs.
• Leaves either bagged up or left on the ground.
• Any form of trash or debris that can potentially work as an accelerant, such as anything oil- or paper-based.

Even a small patch of grass can lead to a massive blaze if it makes contact with any of the above, which may then spread to your house if left nearby. When disposing of hot ashes, toss them into a metal container far away from the home and any garage or tool shed.

As for mindfulness inside the house, keep vessels of cooking oil far from the stove. When cooking something that involves oil, you should always pay attention to the stove. If a grease fire flares up, immediately cut off the burner and then suffocate the blaze by covering it with either a lid or generous amounts of baking soda.

Tip #3: Be Mindful of Your Electrical Needs

Be exceedingly mindful of heating devices commonly sold during the winter season. While space heaters are great for warming a room, they can elevate temperatures to levels sufficient for starting fires. Be mindful of outlet extensions and power strips; too many active devices can overload circuitry. Always replace old or distressed power cords.

If you have any issues or concerns with fire or smoke damage, please don't hesitate to contact us at Utah Flood Cleanup. We can be reached through our website or over the phone at (801) 416-2666.

About the Author:

Josh Ray is a disaster cleanup professional and the owner of Utah Flood Cleanup. He is a certified mold professional, asbestos inspector, water damage IICRC carpet cleaning professional, and holds a RRP certification. You can rest easy knowing an experienced professional is helping repair you fire damage, water damage, or mold remediation issue.

Utah Flood Cleanup
685 E. 2850 N.
North Ogden, UT 84414
(801) 416-2666

3 Common Household Fire Hazards

Household fires are a common problem not to be ignored. Not only can fires cause a huge amount of damage to your home but they put the lives of you and your family at risk. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there are over 350,000 house fires every year in the United States alone.

Fortunately, there are many things that you can do to reduce the risk of fire, as many of the major causes of fire can be eliminated with proper safety precautions and a little bit of common sense. Below are 3 of the most common household fire hazards to watch out for.

1. Cooking

The majority of household fires are a result of cooking accidents. When people leave a hot stove or oven turned on, they put their home at risk of fire.

To prevent these risks be sure to use common sense and practice basic safety precautions.

Make sure to turn off any cooking equipment after using. Follow all cooking instructions closely, and be careful when using kitchen items.

Be sure that there are no flammable materials around cooking areas and surfaces. Unplug portable kitchen appliances when not in use and clean up all grease and oil spills immediately.

2. Electrical Systems

Electrical systems, particularly lighting sources, are another major cause of household fires. Lighting sources account for the majority of electrical fires and offer a considerable risk for your home.

Each year, more than $1 billion of property damage occurs each year due to electrical issues.

Be extra careful when setting up and maintaining the electrical systems in your home. Make sure that a qualified professional takes care of all of the wiring in your home and assure that electrics are properly installed.

Also, be sure to avoid using frayed and damaged cords. Be extra wary of overloading any power outlets in your home.

3. Candles

Candles can also offer a risk for your home. It can only take a few minutes of leaving an open flame unattended before an immense amount of damage is done.

Believe it or not, candle fires are quite common and the NFPA has found that from 2007-2011, candles started an average of 10,630 fires in the U.S, leading to many deaths and injuries as well as property damage.

A pet or child can easily nudge or knock over a candle. Be sure not to leave candles unattended and never use a candle too close to flammable materials. Keep candles at least 12 inches from anything flammable. Never leave a candle burning when you go to sleep at night.

The above list is just a few of the main fire hazards that we have found to be the most common, but there are many others. Be sure to take all of the preventative measures you can and you will be sure to never go through the pain of a household fire.

If the worst should happen, be assured that here at Utah Flood Cleanup we offer a full range of fire damage services that will help protect your home.

We offer a range of fire restoration services and can help restore your property and repair any stains, soot, or structural damage issues that occur. We also have services to help with damage from mold, flooding, and sewage backup. Call 801-876-5225 today for a free consultation.

 About the Author: 

Josh Ray is a disaster cleanup professional and the owner of Utah Flood Cleanup. He is a certified mold professional, asbestos inspector, water damage IICRC carpet cleaning professional, and holds a RRP certification. You can rest easy knowing an experienced professional is helping repair you fire damage, water damage, or mold remediation issue.

Utah Flood Cleanup
685 E. 2850 N.
North Ogden, UT 84414
(801) 416-2666

3 Signs of Black Mold

Discovering black mold in your home can be scary and frustrating. It's a toxic fungus that grows in damp areas, such as basements, and can severely affect the indoor air quality (IAQ) of your home. Black mold can be the result of flooding due to extreme weather conditions, poor ventilation, plumbing leaks or burst pipes.

A constant moist environment will only feed mold growth and lead to an infestation that will require professional remediation from the pros like us at Utah Flood Cleanup. This could cost you a lot of money or even your home. Not to mention cause respiratory illness or exacerbate pre-existing conditions. However, paying attention to the warning signs could get black mold out of your home before it gets too bad. Below are the three main warning signs of mold you should look out for.

Black Mold Can Be Seen

Mold usually appears as stains on the walls, furniture or other items. It comes in a variety of colors, but black mold obviously appears to be black. The stains or spots you see are actually a collection of mold spores. Spores are released into the air, and can be expelled through the ventilation system and inhaled deep into the lungs. So, if you see black mold stains on your wall this means there are a lot of mold spores around.
Dark mold that's found along baseboards and the lower part of the wall and accompanied by dampness of high humidity levels is most likely black mold, especially after flooding. If you discover this, you'll need to contact us immediately.

It Has a Musty or 'Moldy' Odor

Black mold is often smelled before it's seen. A musty or 'moldy' odor is an indication of microbial growth before any visible growth is detected on walls and other structures. This smell is often wafted through the ventilation system and can even be an indication that there's mold in the vents. If you smell a persistent pungent musty odor, then you must likely have some black mold growth in your home.

Black Mold Causes Health Problems

Respiratory issues is also an early indicator of black mold. Mold spores can be inhaled through the mouth and nose. This can cause coughing, congestion, sneezing, difficulty breathing, watery eyes, constant colds, asthma and other respiratory illnesses. It can also exacerbate pre-existing conditions, such as asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, bronchitis and more.

Black mold is the most toxic form of mold and it can cause extreme issues and even be fatal to people with respiratory problems. Because it's so detrimental to the IAQ of a home and causes so many health problems, home's with black mold must be evacuated immediately. When we come into your home to re-mediate the mold, we'll make sure its all clear and livable before inviting you back in.

If you've been the victim of flooding or have seen signs of black mold growth, then you should call us at Utah Flood Cleanup immediately. Our certified specialists will come in, perform a mold inspection, clean things up, dry thing out and re-mediate that mold. We'll make your home like new and have you back in it in no time - safe and sound!

About the Author:
Josh Ray is a disaster cleanup professional and the owner of Utah Flood Cleanup. He is a certified mold professional, asbestos inspector, water damage IICRC carpet cleaning professional, and holds a RRP certification. You can rest easy knowing an experienced professional is helping repair you fire damage, water damage, or mold remediation issue.

Utah Flood Cleanup
685 E. 2850 N.
North Ogden, UT 84414
(801) 416-2666

3 Reasons to Choose Professional Mold Removal

Mold is never a word you want to hear regarding the inside of your home. Unfortunately mold and mold spores can't be prevented from entering a home. It can grow on any surface as long as there is ample moisture. In this situation, professional help is definitely advised.

Serious Health Hazard

Mold poses health risks to everyone exposed, young or old, healthy or ill. Depending on the type of mold, reactions can vary. According to the CDC, some common health problems reported are:
•    allergic reactions - sneezing, coughing, rash
•    fever
•    fatigue
•    flu-like symptoms
More serious health hazards that can occur are lung infections and fungal infections. Sometimes the illnesses can be tricky to diagnose if mold isn't immediately suspected or known to exist in the home. Yours or your loved ones health aren't worth risking. When mold is found, it's safest to have it removed correctly, right away.

Small Spores Can Be Hard To Locate

Mold spores, the form in which mold spreads and multiplies, are microscopic. It's not until mold has established growth that you will be able to see it. As trained professionals, we are able to locate the problem areas - whether from flood damage, a leak, etc. - and properly clean and repair the damage. This includes mold removal. The task can be daunting, especially without proper equipment and cleaners. Not to mention it's not something you will want to have to do again, especially if the problem area is behind a wall or in another hard to reach spot.

Home Value

If you have ever shopped for a used car, you probably checked to make sure it wasn't previously wrecked. There's a feeling that once something major has happened, the damages may never be fully repaired or cause recurring issues. The same often goes for homes. If your home has been affected by mold, or has been flooded and not checked for mold, a potential buyer could see that as a red flag, thus delaying the sale. Having your home and any issues arising with it properly and professionally handled gives assurance that all is well. A buyer wouldn't have to worry about future problems and your home value elevated.
Home is most likely where you spend most of your time. It's where your family and friends congregate, where you entertain, relax and maybe even work. You expend time and money to make it the best it can be. Any time something goes wrong such as a natural disaster, water pipe burst, mold growth, it is always best to get it taken care of quickly and effectively. At Utah Flood Cleanup we pride ourselves in getting your home, your life, back to normal. We have friendly, knowledgeable staff ready to make your clean up issue a distant memory, keeping your health, peace of mind and home in excellent condition.


About the Author:
Josh Ray is a disaster cleanup professional and the owner of Utah Flood Cleanup. He is a certified mold professional, asbestos inspector, water damage IICRC carpet cleaning professional, and holds a RRP certification. You can rest easy knowing an experienced professional is helping repair you fire damage, water damage, or mold remediation issue.


Utah Flood Cleanup
685 E. 2850 N.
North Ogden, UT 84414
(801) 416-2666