Swamp Coolers Cause Stream of Stress In Spring

     In dry desert climates, such as the Western Slope, swamp coolers are efficient and cost effective to cool a home. Because water runs through copper pipes for the coolers to work, it is important that home owners completely drain the cooler of water to prevent burst pipes during the winter.
When water is not drained, when freezing outside temperatures arrive in the winter, the water inside the pipes expands and can cause the copper pipes to burst.
The damaged pipe usually remains undetected until a homeowner turns on their swamp cooler for the first time of the year. Soggy drywall, sunken or fallen ceilings and many other  problems can be a result of a pipe burst in a ceiling or wall. The damage can be catastrophic if not caught early on.
Here are some important tips you should follow if you or someone you know experiences water damage in their home:

1. Shut off the water source to stop the flow of water to the broken pipe

2.Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the house to prevent electric shock

3. Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting 

4. Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items

5. Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying.

6. Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpet.

7. Move valuables or electronics to a dry, safe area to prevent damaging them.

8. Hang draperies with coated hangers up to avoid contact with wet flooring

9. Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.

NEVER USE A HOUSEHOLD VACUUM TO REMOVE WATER- DOING SO WILL RESULT IN ELECTRIC SHOCK.

SERVPRO of Grand Junction is available 24/7 to help with water clean up. We can be reached at 970-241-8181 and will help you with water cleanup as soon as possible.

Candle Fire in Grand Junction

This fire started after a candle ignited a curtain

In 2005-2009, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 12,860 home structure fires that were started by candles according to the National Fire Prevention Association. At SERVPRO of Grand Junction, one of many jobs is to clean such fires.
Last week, we responded to a fire that had created very little structure damage, but heavy soot and smoke damage throughout the entire home. The fire was started when the family left for school and work and forgot to extinguish the candle before leaving. At some point while they were gone, the candle ignited curtains that were directly above the candle. The family returned home to a thick soot and smoke throughout the home. The soot left behind was very oily due to the synthetic fabric of the curtains. This soot can be hazardous to breath  from the chemicals used to create the curtains.

Soot particles and webbing on the ceiling and wall.

SERVPRO of Grand Junction wants to remind you to never never candles unattended. Here are simple some candle safety tips to keep you safe:

• Never leave your home with candles burning

• When using candles, place them in a sturdy container such as metal, glass or ceramic.

• Place in-use candles out of reach of children and pets
•  Keep candles away from any material that is likely to burn.