Local damage restoration Professionals focus on seasonal fire hazards

As owner of SERVPRO^® in Antioch, Michael Borders wants to remind local homeowners to review all of the safety tips from the National Safety Council, including tips on preventing home fires.

“While most homeowners take at least the basic steps to protect against a fire” said Borders, “there are fire sources in homes that are frequently overlooked. We want to shine a spotlight on some of the causes of home fires.”

Clothes Dryers

According to U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), these everyday appliances are responsible for about 15,500 home fires every year, causing an average of 10 deaths each year, and more than $84.4 million in damage. Summer’s warmer weather and outdoor activities can create additional laundry. Help prevent dryer fires by:

1. Controlling lint buildup – on the lint filter, the back of the machine and in the venting system.

2. Replacing plastic or vinyl vent hoses with a rigid or flexible metal venting system.

3. Drying only items that are approved and safe to be put in a dryer (not foam backed rugs or athletic shoes).

Fire Pits

These outdoor fireplaces add a warm touch to the season’s al fresco entertaining, but they need to be handled with respect and caution. In their Seasonal Safety Tips, Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL) recommends that homeowners keep the glow confined by:

1. Keeping these fireplaces at least 10 feet from any structure or flammable items.

2. Placing the unit on a solid surface, in an open area, away from overhanging trees or rooflines.

3. Never leaving the fireplace unattended; Keep a fire extinguisher close at hand, avoid using lighter fluid to start or restart the fire and ensure any embers are completely extinguished before going inside.

Gas Grills

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports fire departments in the U.S. respond to an average of 8,200 grilling-related fire calls per year. Five out of six of these fires involved gas grills. As summer grilling season heats up, SERVPRO^® recommends that outdoor chefs keep these tips from UL in mind:

1. Position the grill outside, at a safe distance from the house. Never grill inside a garage or enclosed porch or under a breezeway, awning, carport or overhang that might catch fire.

2. Check the grill’s propane hoses for cracks and brittleness then trickle soapy water over the hoses and fittings. Look for bubbles that would indicate a propane leak, and address the problem before using the grill again.

3. Never light a gas grill with the lid closed. Keep a spray bottle filled with water handy to suppress flare-ups and a fire extinguisher close by for emergencies.

“House fires can happen anytime, in any season, so it’s important to understand all the possible sources for a fire in your home,” said Borders. “Prevention is still the best way to protect your home, your family and your investment. But, if a fire does damage your home, SERVPRO^® is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to provide immediate response and advice that helps limit secondary damage and potential health risks.”

SERVPRO^® of Antioch specializes in disaster restoration, cleanup and repair services, helping to remediate fire damage, making it “Like it never even happened,” for both commercial and residential customers. SERVPRO^® of Antioch also offers wind and water damage mitigation, mold remediation, carpet and upholstery cleaning and other home-maintenance and restoration services.

For more information on severe storms or other emergency situations, visit the FEMA website at www.ready.gov. For more information about SERVPRO^® of Antioch, please contact Michael Borders at (925) 706-0106 or m.borders@embys.net or visit www.serveproofantioch.com.

Firefighters douse the flames of the fire on Golf Course Road on Sunday, September 9, 2012

By Allen Payton, Publisher

A brush fire in open space on Golf Course Road  in Southeast Antioch on Sunday afternoon, September 9, 2012 threatened adjacent homes, but firefighters were able to douse the blaze before any burned.

The home at the corner of Mesa Ridge Drive and Golf Course Road, and homes at the end of the cul-de-sac on Vesteny Court were closest to the flames that shot as high as 30 feet in the air, according to witnesses, burning bushes and trees in the area near an unmarked monument sign.

Three trucks from the Contra Costa Fire Department responded to the scene.

Fire burns bushes along Golf Course Road 9-9-12

Witnesses watch the fire on Golf Course Road on 9-9-12, photo by Garrett Holloman

Firefighters spray fire retardant on the areas where the fire burned bushes and trees on Golf Course Road 9-9-12. photo by Brandon Payton

The fire on Golf Course Road was under control in about 30 minutes 9-9-12. photo by Brandon Payton

The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association Political Action Committee endorsed Meuser for the California Senate. They stated “We believe you will be an excellent representative for taxpayers and look forward to working with you in the years ahead.” Meuser is honored to have received this endorsement. Meuser stated “It is time for the citizens of Contra Costa and Alameda counties have a representative who will fight for the taxpayer.”

DeSaulnier has been an Assemblyman or a Senator representing Contra Costa for the last six years. During these years, DeSaulnier has received an F grade each year. According to Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association Report Cards, DeSaulnier has been one of the worst representatives for the taxpayers. DeSaulnier’s grades are as follows:

2007 – 3.4%

2008 – 12.3%

2009 – 0%

2010 – 15.2%

2011 – 14.9%

2012 – Not yet released

Average grade 9.16%

After seeing DeSaulnier’s voting record, Meuser replied “This year the choice is real clear for the citizens of Contra Costa and Alameda county. Do they want a representative who works for the taxpayers or do they want someone who works against the taxpayers.”

Meuser is an attorney based in Walnut Creek, running against incumbent Mark DeSaulnier who is seeking his second and final term in the California State Senate. For more information on the Meuser campaign visit www.MarkMeuser.com.

By Sergeant Quintero, Antioch Police, Field Services Bureau

On Saturday night September 8, 2012 at about 11:37 p.m., a 30-year-old Pittsburg man, driving a 2006 Mercedes sedan, was traveling westbound on Delta Fair Blvd. in Antioch, in the number one lane at or below the speed limit when a pedestrian walked southbound in front of his car from the north curb.

The pedestrian, a 51-year-old San Francisco man, was trying to get back to a party he was attending in the middle of the block and did not walk to a legal crosswalk to cross the street. The man who was struck by the car appeared to be under the influence of alcohol at the time of the collision but the driver did not.

The pedestrian was transported to John Muir Medical Center by AMR with severe but non-life threatening injuries.

The names are being withheld pending further investigation and notification of family members.

September 5, 2012

Dear Editor:

The new EB ramp at Loveridge to Route 4 might open today (or soon). I hope to see a reduction in merging congestion at Loveridge EB in the PM rush. If this occurs, I would be inclined to give a thumbs up to the design and construction team to be able to reduce congestion during the construction.

This has happened with the EB on ramp at Somerville – it is now longer and allows a more controlled merge.

If this effort gets noticed, they might even do more to improve the commute.

Lloyd Young

New Kobe Steak and Seafood House is now open in Antioch at the corner of Hillcrest and Lone Tree Way.

A new Japanese restaurant, featuring steak, seafood, tepanyaki tables and a sushi bar, has opened in Southeast Antioch. Following a VIP reception and ribbon cutting by the Antioch Chamber of Commerce, Kobe Steak and Seafood House opened on Wednesday, August 29, 2012 with great food, unique drinks and exciting performances by tepanyaki chefs.  The restaurant is located at 5007 Lone Tree Way at the corner of Hillcrest Avenue. For reservations call 925-706-8887.

Patrons enjoy the show at the tepanyaki tables.

The sushi bar at Kobe Steak & Seafood House

Representatives from the Antioch Chamber of Commerce join the owners and staff of Kobe Steak & Seafood House for a ribbon cutting to officially open the restaurant on Wednesday, August 29, 2012.