Archived Why SERVPRO Blog Posts
SERVPROXIDE
8/3/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO technicians have been developing and cleaning with the most advance products around. For over 50 years SERVPRO has been at the forefront of extreme fire and water disaster clean ups and restoration. In addition to offering our Certified SERVPRO Cleaned program, where our franchises perform a professional pathogen cleaning on your site, we are now proud to offer SERVPRO's certified disinfectant, SERVPROXIDE. This single product kills most viruses and bacteria and has an extremely low EPA toxicity rating, making it safe for everyday use.
SERVPROXIDE vs COMPETITION
SERVPROXIDE
-kills 99.999% of bacteria
-Requires no dilution
-Non bleach formulated
-No harsh chemicals or fumes
-NSF certified (safe around food)
-Lowest toxicity rating by EPA.
COMPETION
- Kills 99.999% of bacteria
The facts speak for themselves. Add this to your daily cleaning protocol today!
Document Restoration
8/1/2022 (Permalink)
Major water or fire damage can leave you feeling helpless over the loss of important family documents and photographs or books. SERVPRO knows that quick mediation is the key to recovering your damaged property.
What can we restore?
- paper documents
- books and magazines
- manuscripts and files
- photographs, films, negatives, and microfiche
- x-rays
- blueprints and maps
- parchment
How do we do it?
We use innovative vacuum freeze-drying techniques. Our vacuum freeze-drying process is the only method approved by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) and the General Services Administration (GSA).
With major water damage documents can we exposed to mold and bacteria. SERVPRO uses a gamma irradiation process to safely and effectively sterilize your documents. We are also able to digitize your valuable documents and photographs. It will save you space allow for easy and fast access
Preventing Water Damage in your Bathroom
7/20/2022 (Permalink)
14,000 US citizens have a water related issue in there home every day. Allot of these issues come from a home owners bathroom. Anything from a leaky or overflowing toilet, a crack in the pipes, or an overflowing sink from faulty valves, can leave a home owner with a major loss on there hands.
These simple suggestions could keep you from being a statistic.
- Frequently test valves for your toilet, shower, and sink to ensure they are properly working.
- Check faucet supply lines hidden under vanities and replace when needed.
- If you notice a clog in your sink, call in a professional.
Keep an eye out for rust or brown colored stains in the drywall. This may be a sign that something is wrong with the hidden pipes
After The Fire Trucks Leave
7/14/2022 (Permalink)
After the fire trucks leave, your home likely suffers from fire and smoke damage and extensive water damage from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO of Eaton County has the specialized fire restoration training needed to restore your home to pre-fire condition. What should you do after a fire? Call SERVPRO!
Have Questions About Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Today (517-541-1170)
Every fire damage event is a little different, and requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate our process for the “typical” fire damage emergency.
Step 1: Emergency Contact
The restoration process begins when you call the SERVPRO of Eaton County, whose phones are answered 24 hours a day. Our representative will ask a series of questions regarding the fire damage event.
Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment
Our Professionals will carefully inspect and test adjoining rooms of your property to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is crucial to developing a plan of action.
Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service
Fire damage can often compromise windows, walls, and roofs. To maintain security and to protect against further damage, the SERVPRO of Eaton County can board up missing windows and walls and place tarps on damaged roofs.
Step 4: Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)
The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes most of the water. They will then use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process.
Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces
SERVPRO of Eaton County uses specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces.
Step 6: Cleaning and Sanitizing
They will clean all the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. They use a variety of cleaning techniques to restore your belongings to pre-fire condition. They’re also trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.
Step 7: Restoration
Restoration is the final step—getting your home or business to its pre-fire condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.
SERVPRO vs. Mold
7/7/2022 (Permalink)
Did you know that it is actually impossible to remove ALL mold from your home or business? Mold lives everywhere, indoor, and outdoor. Mold spores are microscopic and travel through the air, entering your home through windows, air conditioning units, and doors. They thrive on moisture and can quickly turn into a much larger problem when exposed to water.
Large mold problems are generally easy to find because it produces a strong musty odor.
Why chose SERVPRO of Eaton County if you find mold present in your home or business?
FIRST......
We are faster to any size disaster!
SECOND.....
We are highly trained mold remediation specialists. We have the training and expertise to safely handle any mold situation.
- Applied Microbial Remediation Specialist
- Water Damage Restoration Technician
- Applied Structural Drying Technician
SERVPRO of Eaton County is here for you day or night 365 days a year.
The SERVPRO ERP Plan
5/18/2022 (Permalink)
When disaster strikes your business, having a plan in place ahead of time for what you will do can make all the difference in whether your business survives the event. The majority of businesses that come out stronger on the other side of an emergency are the ones that pre-planned for one. That’s where SERVPRO’s Emergency Ready Plan (ERP) can help give you, your employees and customers peace of mind. You can trust that whatever might happen to disrupt daily business will only be temporary. With our Emergency Ready Plan, your business will be able to minimize interruption because you’ll know what to do and what to expect if any-sized disaster strikes. This is important to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.
Clean Water Damage
4/11/2022 (Permalink)
What to DO:
-Shut off the source of water if possible or contact a qualified party to stop the water source.
-Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building, when access to the power distribution panel is safe from electric shock.
- Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.
- Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items.
-Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying.
- Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
- Use wooden clothespins to keep furniture skirting off damp floors.
- Hang draperies with coated hangers to avoid contact with wet carpet and floors.
- Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.
What NOT TO DO:
- Enter rooms with standing water where electrical shock hazards may exist.
-Enter effected areas if electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers or electrical equipment are exposed to water. Always avoid electrical shock hazards.
-Leave books, newspapers, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors to cause staining.
- Leave oriental rugs or other colored rugs on wet wall-to-wall carpets to cause staining.
-Use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water, possibly causing electrical shock or damage to the vacuum cleaner.
- Use TV's or other appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors, especially not on wet concrete floors.
- Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet or enter room where ceilings are sagging from retained water.
Hiring a Hero
5/10/2021 (Permalink)
Our, Blake Darling at his monthly training for the U.S. Navy Reserves
1 in 5 Americans are eligible to serve in the U.S. Military. When I think of our family members, friends, co-workers, and fellow Americans taking that oath, I think of those words running throughout their blood, even after they complete their military service.
We are an organization that understands the character and dedication veterans bring to the SERVPRO family, such as:
- Strong Leadership Qualities
- Flexibility to work strongly within a team as well as individually
- Ability to work efficiently and diligently in a fast-paced environment
- Respect for procedures and accountability
- Strong sense of health, safety, and property standards
- Problem solving skills
Whether active duty, or retired, SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt is proud to offer a job, and work around schedules for those who serve, or have served our country.
We Work With Insurance
3/9/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO works with insurance companies on a daily. Choose us for your cleanup and restoration!
SERVPRO is very knowledgeable about insurance paperwork and processes because we work with it on a daily basis.
It is very important to get these things done in a timely manner to speed up your job and turn-around time.
Why should you pick SERVPRO for your cleanup and restoration?
Simple, we are very reliable and are determined to make sure your insurance claims go smoothly.
For a stress-free claims process, SERVPRO can help manage the insurance paperwork and process. Call for details at (517) 541-1170
Highly Trained Employees
3/8/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO staff is more than qualified to do your job, and go above and beyond to educate themselves to help you out!
Why should you pick SERVPRO to do your home's cleaning and restoration?
At SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton & Gratiot Counties and Lansing & Holt our employees have the best training a homeowner could ask for.
Employee Certification Training is voluntary, but almost all of our employees choose to do this training to ensure they are as educated as they can be. This is only one of many reasons SERVPRO is more than qualified to restore your home.
Another reason you should choose SERVPRO is that we also offer our employees credit and noncredit courses for insurance agents, insurance adjusters, real estate professionals, and Franchise staff. These improve the knowledge of emergency mitigation and prepares them for any challenges.
If you would like to speak to our highly trained cleaning and restoration staff please call us at (517) 541-1170.
Advanced Technology Benefits
3/3/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO is determined to help you during your water loss.
When you experience water, fire, mold, or storm damage we hope that you would choose SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton & Gratiot Counties and Lansing & Holt to do your cleaning and restoration, but why should you? Here is why.
We offer cleaning services that utilize advanced technology. This technology includes machines that do moisture detection and measurement which can help determine the spots within the building that are completely dry or still wet and need to be taken care of. The technology that we have on-site is very helpful to ensure that all of the job is done, and it is done to its best ability.
Additionally, industrial-strength air movers and dehumidifiers will help dry out every bit of moisture remaining in the home. This equipment is absolutely necessary during water damage restoration to completely dry out the home or business and keep the floors, walls, and furniture from warping and swelling.
Instead of trying to dry out your home or business yourself call the professionals at SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton & Gratiot Counties and Lansing & Holt to avoid further damage and receive great results.
Our number is (517) 541-1170. Give us a call!
Reasons We Don't Recommend Carpet Shampooers
1/21/2021 (Permalink)
Reasons we don't recommend carpet shampooers After you buy or rent a personal use carpet shampooer and use the recommended soap/detergent, your carpets might appear to have come clean. Unfortunately, you have to wait out the long (sometimes several days) drying process to see the full results of your efforts. Extra unfortunately, those results never seem to last more than a few days, and those pesky spots and stains have seem to come back worse than before!
WHY IS THAT?!
There's a lot playing into this common carpet cleaning cycle, but most of it can be blamed on the use of soap and the aggressive beater-bar style machine.
Here at SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt, we offer several cleaning methods for various carpet and upholstery types that will take significantly less time to dry, and give you a longer lasting clean and overall better result.
If you'd like a quote for a carpet cleaning, give us a call! (517)541-1170
Attic and Basement Mold
1/4/2021 (Permalink)
Mold problems can spread via spores that float in the air, which is one reason experts recommend immediate mold remediation as soon as possible. Still, it may seem like an odd coincidence if mold shows up in both your attic and your basement.
Whether the two mold problems are simultaneous or consecutive, you should know that they could be related in one of several different ways. Here are four ways that mold in your attic and mold in your basement could be related.
Both Mold Problems Could Result From Gutter Issues
Did you know that problems with your rain gutters can cause erosion, mold, rot, leaks, and even foundation damage? Gutters can cause moisture problems in your basement if they spill water down your walls or allow it to waterfall over the gutter's edge to the ground rather than carrying it away down the downspout.
If the gutter is too small for the amount of rain, it could leak quite a bit of water down towards your foundation with every heavy rain. Other gutter problems that can cause this include a gutter that can't catch the rain because it's misaligned and a gutter that's bent or deformed, allowing water to escape.
But rain gutters can also cause moisture problems in your attic. For instance, if the gutters are clogged with leaves, the wet debris holds moisture in place so the air pulled in by your roof's soffit vents may be very high in humidity, allowing condensation to build up on the roof deck until mold appears.
Basement Air and Humidity Could Rise to the Attic
Another way basement mold problems can relate to attic mold problems is through sharing air. Air, which may carry mold spores and extra moisture, can transfer between the basement and the attic. Stairwells, wall cavities, and other open spots may allow air to travel upwards through your home in a stack effect.
Roof Leaks Could Trickle Down
You'd expect that a roof leak could cause moisture problems in the attic, since that's the first stop for anything that leaks through the roof. However, a leak could potentially affect the basement as well.
Some roof leaks, instead of dripping down into your living space, sneak down along the supporting beams of your home, and gravity pulls the water downwards all the way to the basement. Moisture problems can develop wherever the leak ends up, meaning you could have mold growing not only in the attic and basement but inside your walls as well.
Pests Could Be Involved in Both Areas
Pests can be either a cause or an effect of moisture problems. For example, damp wood termites love to infest wood that's already wet and rotting, so they could show up throughout your home after moisture problems develop. On the other hand, pests such as bats and raccoons can sometimes be the cause of a moisture problem in your home.
One way pests can cause moisture problems is simply by living in your attic or basement. Their waste products could increase humidity and allow mold to develop. But large pests such as raccoons, or pests with powerful teeth such as rats, can also let the elements in while trying to access these areas of your home.
To keep mold problems from deteriorating the structural integrity of your home, you'll need to not only remove the mold but also eliminate the conditions that caused the mold to grow. A professional mold restoration service can help you with both of these objectives.
Call SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt today to discuss the mold remediation services we offer. We can help you salvage damaged materials, clean off mold, and remove excess moisture from the air. We can also help you get to the bottom of why the damage occurred in the first place so you can resist the damage next time.
IICRC Firm
1/4/2021 (Permalink)
We are an IICRC Certified Firm
SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot County, Lansing & Holt is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.
IICRC Certified Firms must:
• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.
• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.
• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.
• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.
• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.
The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry
The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation.
These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.
Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.
About SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt
SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.
What is the IICRC, and why does it matter?
11/23/2020 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt are an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.
IICRC Certified Firms must
• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.
• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.
• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.
• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.
• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.
The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry
The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.
Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.
SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: from initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.
Preventative Maintenance to Avoid Water Damage
6/1/2020 (Permalink)
Debris in your gutters will prevent proper water flow.
Not all disasters are preventable, but there are some precautions you can take to be sure your home is at a lower risk of water damage. Here are some ways you can make sure water stays outside of your home this spring.
While you're out pulling weeds, planting flowers, or laying mulch, look for low spots near the foundation of your home. Low spots can lead water into your basement or crawl space, and also act as a breeding ground for insects. These low spots can be filled with compacted soil to ensure water doesn't pool up around your foundation.
While making your rounds, you can also check for any cracks in your concrete areas near your home (sidewalks, patio areas, etc.) and have them filled. Water should always flow away from your home, and sometimes cracked or damaged concrete can lead water in the wrong direction.
Lastly, you can check your gutters for holes or excessive amounts of debris. Improper gutter drainage may lead water to travel into walls, crawl spaces, and basements.
If you notice any signs of water damage in your home, or would like more information on how you can keep water from entering your home, please call SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt at 517-541-1170
SERVPRO of Michigan Scholarship
5/20/2020 (Permalink)
These are the first students to win the annual SERVPRO of Michigan Scholarship
We are very happy to be able to hand over annual SERVPRO of Michigan Scholarships at Olivet College. All of the SERVPRO of Michigan franchises are invited to donate. Of the two shown recipients, one of them was in our franchise area. The other student was from Marshall and was awarded her scholarship from SERVPRO of North Calhoun County. In order to be eligible for the scholarship students must be majoring in Insurance, maintain a good GPA, be a Junior or a Senior, and be a resident of Michigan.
Olivet College has 100% placement for its Insurance Program and is commited to the success of its students. It is very important to us to encourage and support the next generation of the Insurance Industry. Congratulations to both recipients this year!
Hiring a Hero
5/20/2020 (Permalink)
Our very own Blake Darling, with others, at drill
1 in 5 Americans are eligible to serve in the U.S. Military. When I think of our family members, friends, co-workers, and fellow Americans taking that oath, I think of those words running throughout their blood, even after they complete their military service.
We are an organization that understands the character and dedication veterans bring to the SERVPRO family, such as:
- Strong Leadership Qualities
- Flexibility to work strongly within a team as well as individually
- Ability to work efficiently and diligently in a fast-paced environment
- Respect for procedures and accountability
- Strong sense of health, safety, and property standards
- Problem solving skills
Whether active duty, or retired, SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt is proud to offer a job, and work around schedules for those who serve, or have served our country.
Pets are Family Too
3/18/2020 (Permalink)
Charlotte Fire Department
Disaster can strike at any time without warning. In the case of a fire, the most important question? "Is everybody out?" This is a question where some in your home may not be able to shout out "I'm here!"
A pet's reaction to an emergency such as a fire can vary. Naturally, due to our four-legged friends being close to the ground, they are in the zone with the most fresh air. So they are safe, right? Not always the case. As we practice our fire safety plan with our family, we decide and make routine of the safe way to escape. Our pets however, tend to resort to a 'fight or flight' survival, which leads them toward having to hide in hopes to survive.
As the firemen arrive and start to put out the flames, they will try to search for your pets if you tell them that they are still inside. Unfortunately, pets are very good at hide and seek, which makes the search difficult, and sometimes it's too late by the time they are found. But there is some hope for a pet that is found and still hanging onto life.
Pets breathe the same air we do, and can breathe the smoke as well as we can. And just as we need concentrated oxygen if we breathe in smoke, they do too...
SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt has been helping communities in need with this, and giving hope for our four-legged friends. We have been donating WAG'N O2 Fur Life Pet Oxygen Masks to local fire departments who do not have this tool in their tool box of life safety. The O2 Fur Life kits have three sizes of masks that are designed for a dog and cat's face, and are completely reusable! These kits help the fire departments to have tools that may not be very high on their lists of immediate needs, based on their budget.
If you would like to know if your fire department has a pet oxygen mask, give them a call. If they don't, give us a call so we can contact them and ask if they would like a kit. We at SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt understand and respect the value of life and property, and are here to help in every way possible, including making sure that your four-legged family members have the best chance in the worst time!
Conditions in Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt Right for Mold
3/17/2020 (Permalink)
Call us anytime! 517-541-1170
It’s estimated that more than 1 million types of mold exist, yet less than 10 percent have actually been named. This means mold is very common in both indoor and outdoor environments. While mold and humans can sometimes co-exist without issue, there are certain species of mold that can cause health effects for some people.
If the right conditions exist, mold will grow. Those conditions include:
- Water - Different mold types require varying amounts of liquid before growth begins.
- Temperature - Normal indoor temperatures will promote mold growth.
- Time - Initial mold colonizers can take hold within one day after being exposed to an adequate water supply.
Mold growth can occur in any home, so it’s important to keep an eye out for situations that might promote mold activity. Roof/chimney leaks, wet basements, or condensation from ducts that dampen surrounding insulation are just a few examples of issues that make a house a prime target for mold growth.
If you suspect mold in your home, call SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt to assess the situation. We have the knowledge, tools and track record to effectively remediate mold in your home or business.
If you suspect mold, call us today at 517-541-1170
What to Do:
- Stay out of affected areas.
- Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
- Contact SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt for mold remediation services.
Mold Surprises in Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt
3/17/2020 (Permalink)
This mold was hiding behind furniture in a basement that had a small water damage.
While many of us in Michigan use our basements daily, some of us never go down there at all. Whether it's a Michigan basement that just holds a furnace or a fully finished basement that just doesn't get utilized anymore, all basements are susceptible to water damage and mold.
Sometimes when a water damage happens the homeowner may not be aware. This can happen from being on vacation or just not going downstairs often. A water damage that isn't cleaned up and dried out properly can lead to the perfect conditions for mold to grow.
- It is important to check basements regularly
- Check all of your basement appliances to make sure they are functioning properly and have no cracks or leaks. i.e. Sump pump, hot water heater, water softener, etc.
- Keep stacked contents away from walls.
Call SERVPRO of Eaton County, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Lansing & Holt today for a mold estimate at 517-541-1170
Holiday Fire Safety!
12/1/2017 (Permalink)
Make safe choices while decorating
The Holiday Season is a time for families and friends to come together and celebrate. It is important to follow safety measures when decoration to ensure a safe and happy Holiday.
1. When decorating with candles, be sure to keep them out of the reach of children, pets and other decorations.
2. As much as you may want to mingle, don't walk away while cooking and baking. Set timers check your oven and stove regularly while in use.
3. When putting up your Christmas Tree be sure to put it away from heat sources and exits. Be sure to water real trees daily and choose flame resistant artificial trees and decorations.
4. Make sure you smoke alarms are installed and working correctly and never leave portable heaters or fireplaces unattended.
5."The stockings were hung by the chimney with care"
But don't light the fireplace!
6. Be sure to keep flammable materials away from anything that gets hot such as heat sources and fires.
7. Check strings of lights for worn out or broken cords and loose bulbs.
We wish you a safe and merry holiday season!