Archived Fire Damage Blog Posts
How to Keep the Holidays Fire Free
12/2/2024 (Permalink)
The holiday season is a time for joy, family, and festivities. However, it’s also important to prioritize safety. House fires are a common occurrence during this time, often caused by careless actions or faulty equipment. Here are a few tips to keep your home safe and your holidays happy:
Christmas Tree Safety:
- Choose a fresh, fire-resistant tree.
- Keep the tree well-watered.
- Place the tree away from heat sources like fireplaces and radiators.
- Turn off Christmas lights before going to bed or leaving the house.
Lighting Safety:
- Use only UL-listed lights.
- Check lights for frayed wires or broken bulbs before using them.
- Never overload outlets.
- Avoid using candles unattended.
Cooking Safety:
- Never leave cooking unattended.
- Keep children and pets away from cooking areas.
- Keep pot handles turned inward to avoid accidental spills.
- Clean up spills immediately.
By following these simple tips, you can enjoy a safe and happy holiday season.
Fire Prevention for Homes and Businesses
12/12/2023 (Permalink)
If you didn't know, it's National Fire Prevention Week. As much as we here at SERVPRO are here to help clean up after fires, our priority is always to help prevent them in the first place. So, we want to share some tips with you that will help keep you and your loved ones safe.
Fire is one of the most devastating disasters that can strike a home or business. It can cause extensive damage to property and possessions, and can even lead to loss of life. That's why it's important to take steps to prevent fires from happening in the first place.
Here are some fire prevention tips for homes and businesses: Home fire prevention tips:
? Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. Test your smoke alarms every month and change the batteries every year.
? Create and practice a fire escape plan with your family.
? Keep flammable materials away from heat sources.
? Be careful when cooking and using candles.
? Never smoke in bed.
? Have your electrical wiring and appliances inspected regularly by a qualified electrician.
Business fire prevention tips:
? Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors throughout your business. Test your alarms every month and change the batteries every year.
? Create and practice a fire escape plan with your employees.
? Keep flammable materials away from heat sources and electrical equipment.
? Be careful when using appliances and equipment.
? Have your electrical wiring and appliances inspected regularly by a qualified electrician.
How SERVPRO can help after a fire
If a fire does happen, it's important to call a qualified fire restoration company as soon as possible. SERVPRO is a leading provider of fire restoration services. We have over 2,000 franchises across the United States and Canada, so we're always nearby to help when disaster strikes.
Our team of highly trained and experienced professionals is equipped to handle all aspects of fire restoration, including:
? Emergency water removal
? Structural drying
? Smoke and odor removal
? Content cleaning and restoration ? Construction services
We work with your insurance company to make the claims process as easy and stress-free as possible. We also offer 24/7 emergency service, so you can always count on us to be there for you when you need us most.
If you have experienced a fire, contact SERVPRO today. We're here to help you get your home or business back to normal as quickly as possible. Additional fire prevention tips:
? Educate your family and employees about fire safety. Make sure everyone knows what to do in case of a fire.
? Have a fire extinguisher on every level of your home or business and know how to use it.
? Keep your fire extinguishers in good working order by inspecting them regularly and having them serviced by a professional.
? Consider installing a fire sprinkler system. Fire sprinkler systems can help to extinguish fires quickly and prevent them from spreading.
By following these fire prevention tips, you can help to protect your home or business from the devastating effects of fire.
How Ozone Gets That Cigarette Smell Out of Your Home
8/18/2022 (Permalink)
A typical ozone machine is an excellent tool for removing cigarette smells.
What Are Ozone Machines?
Ozone machines are among the top tools used by professionals in Hopewell, TN, for home deodorization. They’re especially prominent when it comes to cigarette removal, as they eliminate the baked-in scent of tobacco smoke from walls, floors and ceilings more completely than any other product out there. However, there are some things you should know about these deodorizing tools:
- They don’t just push smoke out of your home
- The amount you must use depends on the size of the issue
- They can be dangerous
Ozone's Power
Ozone machines don’t just create a breeze that pushes smoke out of your home. Rather, ozone gas is powerful enough to destroy particles and microbes that lead to the formation of foul odors. When you smoke, it’s the tar and other particles that built up on the walls that create the smoke odor, so using ozone to remove these unwanted substances is the best way to remove the odor altogether.
The Right Amount
As you might expect, the amount of ozone you’ll need to use in a room to thoroughly deodorize it depends on both the size of the space in question and the severity of the issue. For example, a small room with only slight smoke damage will require far less ozone gas to resolve than a sprawling room with heavy damage.
Necessary Precautions
You can certainly rent one of these machines to use on your own, but ozone gas is not without its dangers. If it’s strong enough to destroy particles in cigarette smoke, imagine the damage it can do to an unprotected set of lungs. That’s why it’s usually best to leave this part of your home deodorization process to the professionals in most cases.
A typical ozone machine is an excellent tool for removing cigarette smells and other smoke odors from a home. However, before you look for one, you should always perform research to ensure you’re doing things safely.
5 Important Fire Prevention Tips for Your Home
6/3/2022 (Permalink)
Install smoke alarms for optimal fire safety.
Fire Prevention Tips For Your Home
A home fire can be devastating to any family, but there are many ways to prevent one from happening in your East Cleveland, TN, home. Follow these five tips to protect your home from an unexpected blaze.
1. Install Smoke Alarms for Optimal Fire Safety
Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of a residence and outside each sleeping area. Having alarms in place is a crucial fire preparation step, but don't neglect their upkeep either. Test out smoke detectors monthly and if battery operated, be sure to replace the batteries annually.
2. Be Mindful of Flammable Items and Their Surroundings
Any items that could catch on fire should be kept a safe distance away from anything that gets hot, such as a space heater or stove.
3. Don’t Use Open Flames in the House
One of the best fire preparation tips is to limit any sort of flame in your home. Even the small flame of a lit candle presents a risk of a house fire, so instead use a safer alternative such as a battery-powered candle.
4. Take Caution in the Kitchen
A cooking mishap can quickly become a disastrous kitchen fire if you don't know the right precautions. Always keep closeby when grilling, broiling or frying food. If a fire breaks out in a pan whilst cooking, place a lid over the pan and turn off the stove. Do not pour water over it or move the pan until it has completely cooled.
5. Keep Electrical Wiring in Check
Electrical malfunctions are one of the leading causes of a house fire. In many cases, homeowners need the help of a fire damage restoration company in the aftermath of an electrical fire. Prevent one from happening by not overcrowding outlets or cords, covering any exposed wiring, and replacing faulty or damaged wires.
Practice these essential fire preparation tips to ensure the highest level of safety for your home.
3 Things You Should Know About Smoke Alarms
5/19/2022 (Permalink)
How often should you change the batteries in your smoke alarm?
Three Things to Know About Smoke Alarms
While it is a small device that you likely think little about, the smoke alarm is an important part of every Wildwood Lake, TN, home. It can alert you to a fire in time to prevent serious damage or allow you to safely leave the building in the event of a serious blaze. There are a few important pieces of information that you should know about this useful item.
1. How Many Alarms Do You Need?
The number of smoke detectors needed in your house depends on how large it is. Each floor should have at least one alarm. Also, make sure that there is an alarm in each individual bedroom as well as one outside of each sleeping area. If you have a basement or attic, these should have their own alarms as well.
2. How Should You Maintain Them?
Keeping your alarms in working condition can help prevent the need for fire damage remediation and serious repairs by quickly making you aware of a conflagration. Every smoke alarm should be tested at least monthly to ensure it is functioning properly. Dust and debris should be removed to prevent the sensors from malfunctioning. Most alarms will need to be replaced at least every 10 years.
3. How Often Should You Change the Batteries?
Depending on the type of smoke detector you have, this varies. Devices that use traditional 9-volt batteries need to have them replaced every six to 12 months. This includes hardwired alarms that use batteries as a backup in case of a power outage. If your alarm uses a lithium battery, this does not need to be replaced.
Having a smoke alarm in each area of your home as well as properly maintaining them is a vital way to help keep you and your family safe if you experience a fire. Test them regularly and change the batteries often to keep these useful little devices ready in case of an emergency.
3 Ways for Buyers To Differentiate Between Fire Extinguishers
4/17/2022 (Permalink)
You can also contact an expert to see what type of fire extinguisher would work best in your home.
Ways To Differentiate Between Fire Extinguishers
Buying a fire extinguisher for your Hopewell, TN, home is very wise. However, it can also be confusing. There are many different types of extinguishers available, so you may be unsure about which kind to buy. If you need advice in this area, here are three ways for buyers to differentiate between fire extinguishers.
1. Size
The size of an extinguisher is one of the most important factors to consider. Essentially, larger extinguishers will be more effective against substantial fires. However, you may have difficulty handling or even picking up the heavier ones. These are the usual sizes of extinguishers:
- Two-pound
- Five-pound
- Ten-pound
Take into account where you plan to be using your fire extinguisher. For instance, a two-pound model would be the easiest to use in a mobile space.
2. Chemical
The chemical in an extinguisher is also something to consider. The most common materials used are carbon dioxide, air pressurized water and dry chemical. These options are each effective against different types of fires, so consider the intended use before investing. For example, a home fire around or from electrical items should be dealt with using dry chemical material. If you're worried about how much damage a certain chemical could cause, it may be taken care of during the fire restoration process.
3. Fire Classification Label
Every extinguisher should have a label that denotes what type of fires it's effective against. Most use A, B or C. In general, A is combustibles, B is liquids and C is electricity. There should also be numbers in fine print next to the letter. This denotes how effective a fire extinguisher is against certain fires. If this aspect confuses you, keep in mind that the more expensive options are likely more effective. You can also contact an expert to see what type would work best in your home.
Getting the right extinguisher, like any part of the fire preparedness process, can be highly important. Think it through and make an informed decision.
Three Questions To Ask Yourself About Fire Alarms
2/25/2022 (Permalink)
You might think about changing the batteries in your smoke alarm.
Three Questions To Ponder When It Comes To Fire Alarms
You probably have at least one smoke alarm in your Hopewell, TN, home, but how often do you really think about it? For many people, the answer is probably “not often.” Your alarm can help prevent fire and smoke damage in your home by warning you at the first indication of a blaze, but only if you follow proper procedures. The next time you find yourself thinking about your alarm, ask yourself these questions.
1. Do you have the right number of smoke alarms in your home?
It is unlikely that you only have one fire alarm in your home, but it is possible that you still don’t have as many as you should. There is no set number of alarms that you should have in your house as the answer depends on the size of your residence. Each level of your home, including basements and attics, should have at least one alarm. There should be an alarm placed inside each bedroom as well as in the hallway outside each sleeping area.
2. When is the last time you replaced your alarms?
While you might think about changing the batteries in your smoke alarms, at least when they start beeping at you as a reminder, you might not have considered that the alarms themselves need replacing as well. The detectors in a fire alarm will start to wear out between eight to ten years after you’ve started using them, so it is important to replace them around this time.
3. Are you taking proper care of your alarms
In order to keep your alarms working properly, they should be well maintained. Be sure to replace the batteries immediately when the reminder sounds so that you know they will work in case of an emergency. Each fire alarm should be cleaned regularly and tested at least once a month.
A fire damage repair service can help in the event of a fire but keeping properly maintained alarms in the necessary areas of your home can help prevent significant damage and keep you safe.
4 Things You Need To Teach Your Kids About Fire Evacuation
12/28/2021 (Permalink)
One important fire escape technique is to crawl out of a home.
Fire Evacuation
When you think of a home fire in Wildwood Lake, TN, your first concern may be with your kids' safety. In some situations, your children may need to know how to get out of a burning house without your help. Teaching children basic fire safety can better prepare them for the potential danger.
1. How To Open a Door: During a fire, opening a door can create a surge of oxygen for the flames behind it. Touching a handle or pressing the back of a hand against the door can tell a person if there is a fire on the other side. Even if the door feels cool to the touch, it should be opened slowly and closed immediately if a fire is noticed.
2. How To Evade Smoke: Smoke rises, which means it often fills the upper levels of rooms. One important fire escape technique is to crawl out of a home. The fire crawl helps you breathe in the fresh air instead of smoky air. Children should know how to crawl out on their hands and knees and on their bellies.
3. How To Get Out of Bed: Sitting up and getting out of bed normally isn't always safe in a home fire. Your kids' safety can be increased if they know how to roll out of bed. The technique is simple: roll on the bed until your head is by the side and facing down to the floor. Then, put a hand onto the floor and slide gently from the bed.
4. How To Call for Help: Once your family is safely out of the house, they must know who to call in the event of an emergency even if you're not there. Most children should know to call emergency responders, but you may also want to teach them to call a residential fire cleanup professional. Tell your kids to go to a trusted neighbor's house or a nearby store to make their calls for help.
Your kids' safety may be your biggest concern. Teaching them proper fire escape techniques can help increase their safety.
3 Tips for Using a Fire Extinguisher
10/22/2021 (Permalink)
Small fires can be avoided by keeping a fire extinguisher on hand in your Charleston, TN, home.
3 Fire Extinguisher Useful Hints
Keeping a small fire extinguisher handy in your Charleston, TN, home can help you prevent small fires from raging out of control. You may already have one stored under your kitchen sink or in a cupboard. However, if you not prepared to use it, this tool cannot do you much good if a blaze breaks out. Learning how to use your extinguisher before there is an emergency can help you feel more confident about putting out an unexpected fire.
1. Have a Safe Escape Route
Before you try to fight a fire, it is important that you have an escape route in case the blaze re-ignites or grows despite your best efforts. For example, if you are trying to put out a kitchen fire, try to face it with your back toward the nearest exit so you can back away quickly if your extinguisher cannot handle the force of the fire. Trying to put out a fire with no escape route is hand can be foolhardy and put you at risk for serious injury.
2. Inspect the Safety Pin
Any fire extinguisher in your home should have an intact safety pin. This pin must be pulled before operating your unit, as it breaks the device’s safety seal as well as prevents the extinguisher from discharging without warning. You can replace a missing pin if necessary; however, you might want to ask the advice of your local fire station or a qualified fire damage and restoration company if it is safe or advisable to do so.
3. Sweep as You Spray
As you fight a fire, remember to move the extinguisher’s canister from side to side and aim for the fire’s base. This motion may help put the fire out more quickly. If the blaze reignites, sweep the base again.
Keeping a fire extinguisher handy in your Charleston, TN, home can prevent small fires from burning out of control. However, knowing how to use this fire-fighting tool beforehand can help you snuff out a blaze with confidence.
Grease Fire Do’s and Don’ts
7/22/2021 (Permalink)
When oil gets too hot and is unattended, a grease fire can occur.
Do's and Don'ts in the Case of a Grease Fire
Mouthwatering, salty, greasy French fries cook on your stovetop in Hopewell, TN. All of a sudden, the smell turns from delectable to dangerous as the smoke fills your home. What happened? When oil gets too hot and is unattended, a grease fire can occur.
Do
Know the correct actions to take:
- If the fire has spread beyond the pot or appears out of control, immediately get to safety and call 911. Inform the operator that you suspect a grease fire.
- If the fire is small and contained, first turn off the heat source.
- Use a metal lid to cover the pot. It is a good idea to keep this handy on the counter every time you cook with oil. Cutting off the fire’s oxygen supply is the quickest way to stop the blaze in its tracks.
- Pour baking soda or salt on the fire. This works best on a small, contained fire.
- A Class B or Class K fire extinguisher may be used. A multipurpose extinguisher is acceptable if it includes B, such as ABC.
Don’t
Some actions do not work or make the situation worse:
- Never use water to douse the flames. Water may be your first thought when you see a fire, but in this case it is the absolute wrong choice. Water does not mix with oil, and this mistake causes an explosion of grease and fire.
- Do not pour flour on the fire.
- Do not try to fan the fire out. Fire craves oxygen, and this action feeds the flames and causes the oil to splash to other areas.
- Do not try to move the pot that is on fire, as this might spread the grease onto you or other surfaces of your home.
If you experience a grease fire at your home in Hopewell, TN there is more at risk than just burnt French fries. Know the correct actions to take, and which to avoid. After a fire, if there is damage to your home contact your insurance agent to ensure coverage. As soon as possible, call a fire restoration specialist to begin the process of fire cleanup and recovery.
How To Choose a Residential Fire Extinguisher
7/6/2021 (Permalink)
Types of fire extinguishers
Types of Fire Extinguishers
A home fire extinguisher is an essential piece of fire preparedness equipment. Residential fire extinguishers tend to contain dry chemicals and may be rated class A, B, C, or a combination of these classifications.
• Class A extinguishers are suitable for ordinary combustibles.
• Class B extinguishers are designed for fires involving flammable liquids.
• Class C extinguishers are effective for electrical fires.
Other letter classes include D for combustible metals and K for cooking combustibles. Many home extinguishers are designated A:B: C, meaning they are capable of suppressing, if not putting out, all of these types of fires. An A:B: C fire extinguishers can help you protect your property and prevent yourself and other residents from sustaining severe fire-related injuries.
Whether you are upgrading your home safety equipment or just need to replace your extinguisher, in addition to selecting the class of extinguisher, you may also select either a disposable or rechargeable canister design.
- Disposable extinguishers have plastic valves and are intended to be used once and then replaced.
- Rechargeable extinguishers feature metal valves and cost more upfront, but less to refill than buying a replacement disposable extinguisher.
Try to strike a balance between the size and weight of the extinguisher you choose and your ability to wield it reliably in the event of an emergency. The weight of an extinguisher is determined by the chemicals in the canister and the canister materials.
With the right home fire extinguisher, you may be able to put out small fires before the firefighters arrive or at least suppress the flames enough so that all residents can safely evacuate. Only trained firefighters can determine whether a fire is fully extinguished and no longer poses a danger. You should still call 911 to report any fire incident in your home. If you do experience a severe fire, contact a residential damage restoration company located near Cleveland, TN.
Advantages of Professional Fire Damage Restoration Services
7/6/2021 (Permalink)
Severe fire damage on a roof of a house
SERVPRO Technicians are Certified to Deal with the Aftermath of a Fire
Hopefully, you will not experience a fire in your home, but if you do it is imperative to begin cleanup and repair immediately. The more time goes by, the better chances of mold and mildew growth to appear from fire and water damage. When mold and mildew begin growing, cleanup efforts are far more problematic and dangerous.
Hiring professional fire restoration services, like SERVPRO, for a fire damage event in South Cleveland, is the best action to take. They have the licensing, experience and equipment to handle any fire restoration job. When you are thinking if fire restoration services are needed, it is helpful to have good information about them and what they do for you and your family.
One of the first steps that a professional restoration company does when there is damage in your home is to take a damage assessment. This generally involves examining your home, both inside and outside to give homeowners an estimate for the cost to clean, repair, and restore your home to a pre-fire condition.
The next step is to begin cleaning up by removing water, soot, and ash. This involves using specialized equipment, like air movers, dehumidifiers, and special vacuum cleaners. Smoke and water can seep into drywall and soak the carpeting. If so, it may be necessary to remove these items to get rid of the smoky smell.
Regardless of the scope of the work needed, hiring professional fire restoration services to repair and restore your home is worth any cost to bring you and your family back home. Fire restoration services help you by cleaning, repairing, and restoring your home.
Contact your locally owned and operated remediation company – SERVPRO of Bradley County. We are dedicated to responding faster to any size disaster with the training, equipment, and experience to respond to your restoration or cleaning needs.
Reduce Cigarette Odors for Good
6/21/2021 (Permalink)
An ozone generator is one of the best ways to get rid of odors.
Reduce Cigarette Odors for Good
Cigarette smoke can be one of the most difficult odors to remove from a home. Vapors can end up everywhere. Air vents, ceilings, walls, furniture and even cabinets can end up afflicted by cigarette odor. Sometimes, you may even need a specialist to help you out with home deodorization.
1. Hire a Professional
When it comes to getting rid of the smell of cigarette smoke, you may wonder why you need a professional team to help. The truth is that smoke of any type can be a challenge to remove entirely from a residence. When homeowners undergo efforts on their own, they may miss vital steps, or will not have the equipment to complete the job. A professional will help guarantee that the job is done quickly and correctly.
2. Get an Assessment
Assessments are important in all areas of home deodorization. This includes cigarette smoke removal. As you look through the furniture or linen you should remove, a restoration team can help you make the right choices. Assessing the damage gives you an idea of what you may need to replace and the cost of the cigarette removal treatments you may need.
3. Use an Ozone Generator
An ozone generator is one of the best ways to get rid of odors. An ozone generator works well because the airflow is able to travel the same path as the tobacco smoke, meaning it can oxidize odors in smaller spaces of your home, such as vents and cracks you cannot reach. You can run an ozone generator for a few hours up to a few days, depending on the severity of the damage.
When it comes to home deodorization in Cleveland, TN you may find that cigarette odors are one of the most common household problems that specialists have to face. Reach out to them for the best restoration results.
Candle Safety at Home: 5 Tips To Prevent Fires
3/22/2021 (Permalink)
Use candle holders
Five Safety Tips
Candles can be the perfect addition for relaxing at night, setting the mood or freshening the air. That said, using them does not come without risks. Between 2014 and 2018, candles caused approximately 7,610 residential fires. To keep your home in Charleston, TN safe from a potential candle fire, you should understand the dangers as well as proper handling instructions. To prevent the likelihood of needing to call a smoke cleanup team after your next bubble bath, consider these five safety tips.
1. Stay Nearby or Blow Them Out
It is better to be safe than to be sorry. If you plan on leaving the room, make sure you blow out any burning flames. You never know who could pass by or what could happen that might accidentally start a fire.
2. Keep Flammable Items Away
Even if you are in the same room, you need to keep anything flammable at least one foot away. Be especially mindful of materials like paper and cloth to avoid a candle fire.
3. Use Candle Holders
When you use a candle without a holder, it can easily tip over. A sturdy holder or non-flammable container can prevent this from happening.
4. Avoid Using Around Children or Pets
It is also wise to ensure small children and pets stay clear of any areas where you have candles burning. In addition, consider where you keep matches and lighters. While your cat probably will not figure out how to use them, your son or daughter might.
5. Do Not Use Near Oxygen
If anyone in the house uses oxygen, candles can be extremely dangerous. For this reason, you may want to look into artificial options that do not have flames.
While many residential fires occur because of candles, they do not have to be unsafe. Fortunately, there are simple safety measures that can allow you to enjoy comfortable lighting and pleasant smells at home without starting a candle fire.
Answering Your Questions on Fire Damage Restoration
10/29/2020 (Permalink)
Handling Fire Losses In Cleveland, TN
We recently completed fire damage restoration on a home in Cleveland where a grease fire occurred. The homeowner mentioned that she wished she was more prepared for what to do after a fire. We wanted to provide some tips on how life will likely look after a fire occurs.
#1: Contact your insurance company right away. If you have insurance on your property, you'll want to call them as soon as the fire is safely extinguished. Your insurance agent will recommend a fire damage restoration company. Or, if you have a company in mind, let your agent know that you want to work with the specific company.
#2: Try not to touch anything until the damage is inspected by a licensed professional. You would be surprised how much soot travels and how much it can affect. The fire restoration company will take your belongings and professionally clean them.
#3: Decide if you should repair or demolish and rebuild. You will have to discuss with your family and adjuster whether or not the extent of the damage is repairable or not. The fire damage restoration company will give some guidance on how to handle this decision.
#4: Hire the right contractor for the job. Make sure to do your research and hire a reputable company to complete the restoration.
Visit http://www.SERVPRObradleycounty.com/ for more information on how to handle a fire loss.
How To Avoid Fires in Your Crawlspace- Cleveland, TN
7/29/2020 (Permalink)
What Causes a Fire in a Crawlspace?
The crawl space is usually where the water drain pipes and wiring runs, as well as where the air handler for your HVAC is found. Because of possible malfunctions with electrical wiring or mechanical equipment, it can cause a fire. We recently cleaned a job where the wiring caught fire under the house. Smoke and soot filled the HVAC systems and thus the home. This is one of the reasons why we recommend periodically checking your crawl space. In addition to fire hazards, you may have water or mold that you are unaware of. Fires in the crawl space occur on an infrequent basis, but can still have the same result: displacement of occupants.
We always recommend to have the adequate amount of smoke alarms in your home. In most cases with fires in crawlspaces, the fires will burn undetected for a while since there is not typically a smoke detector in crawlspaces. Such a fire could burn for hours or even days until the smoke rises through the HVAC system or you notice from the outside.
No matter how much of a pain it may be, make it a point to go under your home periodically to check for fires, water, mold, or other issues.
While it may not be top of mind, be cautious of the space under your home. Be aware of the signs of fires in your crawl space and check it regularly for fire hazards. If you experience a fire in your crawl space, call SERVPRO of Bradley County at (423) 614-5552 or visit https://www.SERVPRObradleycounty.com/.
How To Get Through A Fire In Your Home
7/8/2020 (Permalink)
What to Do After Suffering From A Catastrophic Fire
People who lose their homes and business to fire damage sometimes are grounded from the shock of having to start over from scratch especially if they lose everything. However, with the right kind of help, such individuals can recover from their losses especially with the assistance of professional commercial fire damage experts who help deal with soot damage, smoke damage and improvement of air quality.
Having a reliable company take charge of the fire cleanup process can help victims settle and reconcile with their fire loss ordeal faster.
Why work with a reputable commercial fire damage team?
There is only so much a person can do when dealing with a fire in home or they have a serious fire in their business. In fact, most victims are unable to do anything, as they are overwhelmed with emotions and panic of seeing their hard-earned investment going up in flames. The best thing to do amidst this kind of confusion is to stay calm and contact the nearest commercial fire damage expert team. Victims need to understand that professional help comes in handy. This time will take charge of controlling air quality, fixing soot damage, minimizing smoke damage and generally keeping the fire damage under control.
Calling in the team in good time guarantees that the fire loss will be on a small scale. The team of professionals comes in with special tools meaning that the fire cleanup will start on the right note. It does not matter how severe the fire in home is or whether the fire in the business is on a larger scale. A good commercial fire damage expert has a reputation for handling all sizes of fire damages. This coupled with experienced, trained technicians and the latest fire clean up tools guarantees recovery from fire loss.
What to do after a fire
Most victims panic when they consider the effects of a fire loss and fire damage. In the process, they are likely to take action that could endanger their lives following the fire in home or fire in business place. Inasmuch as seeking professional assistance from a commercial fire damage expert is important, there are things that victims ought to do to avoid harming himself or herself, hindering the fire cleanup process or enhancing the damage.
One of the first things to do is to minimize movement in the house to prevent further soot damage when particles spread to upholstery and other other delicate places if you are dealing with fire in business premises.
- Always keep your hand clean and avoid touching furniture and upholstery to contain the smoke damage.
- Prop fridge doors open to improve air quality in the fridge but ensure the electricity is off first.
- Change the HVAC filter after the fire cleanup to enhance air quality.
- Wash houseplants on either sides of the leaves to restore them from smoke damage and soot damage when dealing with fire in home.
- Recovering from fire loss and fire damage is not easy but it can be done.
You need the right team of dedicated commercial fire damage experts who understand that a fire cleanup process involves enhancing air quality, rectifying soot damage, smoke damage and generally ensuring that the fire in home or fire in a business does not leave the victim unable to move on with life. It offers the best support when it’s most needed.
Visit http://www.SERVPRObradleycounty.com for more information on fire damage.
Five Fire Damage Recovery Tips
7/8/2020 (Permalink)
Five Fire Damage Recovery Tips
After a fire in home or fire in business strikes, many people are unsure what to do about the fire damage. The five tips below can serve as a guide for people who have recently suffered fire damage:
1. Don't Turn On Utilities That Have Been Shut Off
Examine the building before moving back in after a fire in home or fire in business. In many cases, the fire department shuts off utilities during a fire. This is for safety reasons. Therefore, never attempt to turn the utilities back on until you have been cleared to do so by the fire department or the utility company. Turning the utilities back on before then could result in further damage to the home.
2. Working Out How To Finance Fire Cleanup
For individuals who have home insurance, fire damage will likely be covered. It's usually very easy to contact an insurance company during an emergency situation. For those without home insurance, financing fire cleanup is a bit more complex. However, there are still ways to finance fire cleanup. Here are some ways to finance fire cleanup without home insurance:
- Get in touch with the Salvation Army. Other religious organizations in your area may be able to provide assistance.
- The American Red Cross may be able to provide assistance under certain circumstances.
- The public health department may be able to provide a certain amount of assistance. Contact the public health department for more detailed advice.
- Municipal and state emergency services may be able to help.
3. Report Important Financial Information
If a credit card was destroyed in the fire or from smoke damage, it's essential to get a replacement right away. To do this, report the damaged credit card to the creditor.
Keep track of receipts for services that are used for repairing the fire damage. This can often be deducted on tax returns. In addition, the insurance company will ask for this information.
It's also essential to report damaged social security and Medicare cards. It is essential to thoroughly take inventory of anything that was lost in the fire. In cases of commercial fire damage, there are likely to be many business records that need to be replaced.
4. Find The Right Company For Restoration
In most regions, there are many fire damage restoration services to choose from. Here are some ways to pick the right company:
- Do an online search for fire damage restoration companies in the area. Then, examine each company's reviews and years of experience.
- Ask the insurance company what fire damage restoration companies in the region are best. They often will be able to provide a full list of what companies are reputable.
- For commercial fire damage, it is essential to find a company that specializes in commercial fire damage.
- Check to see if the company will be able to take steps to reduce the smoke smell.
5. Get To Work On The Smoke Damage
If there is a significant delay before fire damage restoration professionals arrive, it's essential to get to work on the soot damage and smoke smell. As the soot settles, serious soot damage is likely to occur from a fire in home or fire in business. The best way to prevent the soot damage is to remove it quickly. Here are some ways to do this:
- Wash the exterior of the house with a hose.
- Use a HEPA filter to get the tiny particles of soot out of the air. This is a highly effective way to prevent further smoke damage.
- Clean all floors with a vacuum.
- Promptly launder any clothing that was in the home at the time of the fire.
- Use deodorizers to reduce any lingering smoke smell after the damage from a fire in home or fire in business has been repaired. This is often especially important in cases of commercial fire damage. A smoke smell is likely to be quite off putting to customers.
Here is a link where you can learn more about steps to take for the removal soot damage and other forms of smoke damage: http://www.SERVPRObradleycounty.com
Stay Safe This Fourth of July
6/23/2020 (Permalink)
Summertime is known for grilling out, soaking up the sunshine, and during the month of July -- fireworks. They bring a flashing light show in the sky that is amazing to watch but requires a lot of safety and precaution. The National Safety Council advises everyone to enjoy fireworks at public displays conducted by professionals, and not to use any fireworks at home.
In 2017, eight people died and over 12,000 were injured badly enough to require medical treatment after fireworks-related incidents. Of these, 50% of the injuries were to children and young adults under age 20. Over two-thirds (67%) of injuries took place from June 16 to July 16. And while the majority of these incidents were due to amateurs attempting to use professional-grade, homemade or other illegal fireworks or explosives, an estimated 1,200 injuries were from less powerful devices like small firecrackers and sparklers.
SERVPRO of Chattanooga understands that in these current times many public displays of fireworks may be cancelled due to the global pandemic, and safety for the community comes first. Click here to see information about the status of local firework shows. If you chose to use legal fireworks at home, here are some tips and safety precautions for you, your kids, and pets!
For Lighting Fireworks:
- Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol
- Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear
- Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands
- Never light them indoors
- Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person
- Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting
- Never ignite devices in a container
- Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks
- Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding
- Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don't go off or in case of fire
- Never use illegal fireworks
For Kids:
- Never allow young children to handle fireworks, glowsticks are a good alternative for them!
- Older children should use them only under close adult supervision
- If you give your kids sparklers, make sure they keep them outside and away from the face, clothing, and hair. Sparklers can reach 1,800°F (982°C) — hot enough to melt gold.
- Don't allow kids to pick up pieces of fireworks after an event. Some may still be ignited and can explode at any time.
For Pets:
- Keep your pets inside if you or your neighbors are setting off fireworks.
- Keep sparklers, glow sticks, fireworks, charcoal and kabob skewers away from curious pets.
- Don’t let pets get near your barbecue grill while it is in use or still hot.
- Make sure your pets – cats and dogs alike – have identification tags with up-to-date information. If you have horses, you might consider marking a safety (breakaway) halter with your contact information and leaving it on your horse during this stressful time.
- After celebration, check your yard and/or pastures for firework debris
As always, call SERVPRO of Chattanooga at (423) 326-1406 if you have fire damage, water damage, or mold damage.
The Fire Damage Restoration Process - What You Should Know
3/2/2020 (Permalink)
After the emergency personnel has extinguished the fire, the fire-damaged home or business is now left in the hands of the person who experienced the fire. Insurance adjusters will make a determination as to what caused the fire loss and determine the amount of fire cleanup, soot damage removal, smoke damage removal, and more.
After the fire damage is assessed, the homeowner should get in touch with a company who is trained to facilitate fire cleanup. They will estimate the extent of the fire loss and determine what will be needed to restore healthy air quality, and the removal of soot damage and smoke damage. A commercial fire damage or a fire in the business may require a more thorough review such as to assess the lost merchandise from the fire loss.
Homeowners should be certain to avoid areas where the fire damage, soot damage, smoke damage and air quality may affect their breathing or damage skin and personal items even further.
Fire damage can often compromise windows, walls, and roofs. To maintain security and to protect against further damage, our fire restoration team can board up missing windows and walls and place tarps on damaged roofs. We then use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces.
Afterwards, we clean, sanitize, and disinfect all of the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to restore your belongings to pre-fire condition. We’re also trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.
Finally, we work to get 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.
Experts in fire loss will assist the affected party quickly, efficiently, and within a reasonable budget and time constraints, making the service invaluable. Visit https://www.SERVPRObradleycounty.com/fire-repair-process for more information on the fire damage process.
Fire Damage in Bradley County
8/21/2019 (Permalink)
Have you had fire damage to your residence or business? Did it leave you with a big mess that you can not handle, like the resulting water damage and soot damage? Water damage can come from flood damage or a fire, or both. Fires, while they are being put out, will cause not only fire damage but water damage as well from melted pipes and firefighters' efforts.
Professional help is needed to restore the residence or business to its previous condition. Returning to the issue of a fire, once a fire is put out, there is generally water damage to add to the damage from the fire.
There is a SERVPRO in Cleveland, TN, that is there when you need it. Bradley County, TN has had its own SERVPRO franchise for years, and we pride ourselves in being there when needed. SERVPRO has been handling fire damage and smoke damage nationwide for years. It is our specialty. We are the vendor of choice for a number of insurance companies, and we have the capacity to be first on the scene to clean up after any fire or other disaster.
SERVPRO is a professional company that can deal with these natural and unnatural elements in Bradley County. We have some extreme weather from time to time, but sometimes, we're not prepared for the damage that can occur from a fire or other man-made disaster. These man-made disasters can occur at just about any time, and most often when you least expect it. That's why we pride ourselves in being just a phone call away to survey and deal with soot and soot damage after a fire.
In Bradley County, there are other teams that do fire cleanup, but SERVPRO is the number one recommended service in Cleveland, Tennessee dealing with smoke and other quality issues. We are the experts in fire cleanup, and deal with smoke and other type of quality issues as well. After a fire, furnishings need to be replaced, building damage needs to be deal with, and many other aspects of the problems encountered need to be addressed.
If you or someone you know has a problem with mold, structural damage, damage from fire, smoke, water, or other disaster, please give us a call. We will be happy to help you. Call us; you will be glad you did. Visit http://www.SERVPRObradleycounty.com for more information on fire damage.
Why Should Soot Be Cleaned By A Professional?
7/19/2019 (Permalink)
Soot is the result of incomplete burning materials and can be heavily contaminated and dangerous to someone without the proper disposal knowledge. After a fire, soot spreads and settles on almost all of the surface area, depending on the circumstance. Soot is a fine particle, allowing it to settle deep within porous surfaces and travel through the air. Smoke and soot also leave a distinct, strong smell. Imagine the smell of your clothes and hair after you leave a bonfire, but much more potent. If you have ever been in a recently burned home, you know that it is often difficult to breathe. Sometimes, you are able to see the particles floating in front of you.
Smoke Damage Can Create Long Term Issues
If you attempt to clean the smoke damage yourself or leave it unattended for weeks, it may settle in and cause significant discoloration and deterioration to your furniture, walls, and HVAC system.
Health Concerns
As mentioned before, fine soot particles can travel through the air and make their way into the home ventilation system. If the HVAC system is not properly evaluated and cleaned, these particles can blow throughout the house. As a result, the air quality of the home will be negatively impacted and can cause a flare up of asthma, allergies, and other respiratory issues.
Without professional equipment designed to neutralize odors completely, it’ll be difficult to fully rid your home or business of smoke damage. Whether the fire engulfed the entire property or only a small section, it’s important to have a certified technician evaluate the property. SERVPRO of Bradley County is a full-service fire and water restoration company, in addition to mold remediation and biohazard cleanup. We also provide content clean-up and restoration, as well as a reconstruction division. We can make fire damage look "Like it never even happened."
Fire Prevention and Safety Tips for Businesses
6/21/2019 (Permalink)
Your success shows through the hard work you put into increasing your business to keep the doors open. The unforeseen challenges of life keep you on your toes and remind you there are always going to be things out of your control. You can, however, protect yourself and your business from any unforeseen hazards like fires.An unexpected fire can cause huge financial liabilities for all size business owners. First of all, a fire usually can cause you to close up shop for an undetermined amount of time, which can prevent you from conducting business and making money. You can also find yourself being charged with a great deal of liability claims from employees and customers. Here are some tips to protect your business from fire damage:
Fire Extinguishers and Business Safety
One way to protect yourself, your employees, and your business from fire is to have proper fire extinguishers handy on the premises. Fire extinguishers can help you eliminate a small fire from spreading into a fire that is out of your control.
When you purchase fire extinguishers, you need to be sure to purchase the proper class extinguisher for each form of fire hazard. The following list will help you purchase the class of extinguisher that is right for your business:
Class A- Regular Combustibles
Class B- Flammable Liquids
Class C- Electrical Equipment
Class D- Combustible Metals
Once you buy all the necessary extinguishers, perform a training session with all employees on the proper use of the extinguisher and how to check if it is charged. Place them in a highly visible area for quick and easy access. The most common place for extinguishers are break rooms and kitchens.
Smoke Detectors and Fire Alarms
The best protection from a fire is early detection. Smoke detectors provide the early warning you need to stop a fire in its tracks. Be sure to change the batteries every three months and test them every month. Place one smoke detector in every room and fire alarms on every floor. Like everything else in the world, smoke detectors have a life expectancy. Replace your smoke detectors every ten years. If you are unaware of the age of your detectors, replace them. The amount you spend on new detectors is nothing compared to the alternative.
Overhead Sprinklers Prevent Fire Damage
One important tool for putting out a fire is water. Overhead sprinklers can douse a fire as soon as they detect it. If you have equipment and paper that is sensitive to water, simply have them installed in the areas that are prone to fire outbreaks.
Your business is your livelihood. You do not want to loose it to a fire. Taking the proper precautions can save you a lot of time, effort and money in the long run. Use these tips to help you take preventive measures to protect your business.
What To Do After A Fire
- Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
- Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
- Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
- If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
- Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
- Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
- Change HVAC filter.
- Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.
What NOT To Do After A Fire
- Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting us.
- Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
- Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.
- Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
- Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.
Can Lightning Cause a House Fire?
5/30/2019 (Permalink)
We've discussed safety precautions to take in the summer months like grilling, which we’ve talked about here, but have you considered that your home could be struck by lightning during those summer storms and cause a fire? It is rare- but it happens, and you should be prepared if it does.
If you suspect that your home has been struck by lightning, we recommend calling the fire department to complete a full inspection of your home. The most common place for a fire to ignite is in the attic, when a lighting bolt comes through the roof or top of the house. However, the heat from the electricity of a lightning bolt can run through the walls inside your plumbing or wiring and could start a fire as well. You may notice it immediately, or it may burn slowly inside the walls without your realizing it for some time.
One way to prevent your home from being struck by lightning and causing a fire is to install a lightning protection system on the roof of your home. These protection systems are long rods along your roof that are connected to copper wires running into the ground beside your home. They help disperse the lightning away from your home to prevent causing a fire.
You may think it will never happen to you, but I have been in a house that was struck by lightning. It is not as rare as you may think! We are always Here to Help in the event that your home is struck by lightning and causes fire damage. Call us today at (423) 614-5552.
10 Tips for a Safe Summer Barbecue: The Do's and Dont's of Grilling
5/23/2019 (Permalink)
Practice grilling safety this summer season!
Summer is finally here! While the warm weather welcomes pool days, bonfires, and cookouts, it’s always important to keep in mind the safety hazards of your favorite summer activities. I would like to point out one in particular- grilling. It doesn’t seem dangerous, right? However, it is estimated that every year, 7,000 Americans are injured while using backyard barbecue grills, usually due to the fact that the equipment was used incorrectly.
Do:
1. Keep your grill away from your home, garage or carport, deck railings or overhanging trees and branches at all times. These factors play a huge part in accidental fires, and you may not be aware of the safety hazards that they present. This applies to both charcoal and gas grills. Also, make sure your grill is always on stable, level ground.
2. Check for gas leaks. Test your grill for a gas leak before every use with a 50/50 solution of dish soap and water. Rub the solution on the hoses and connections then turn the gas on with the grill lid open. If the soap forms large bubbles, that's a sign that the hoses have tiny holes or that the connections are not tight enough.
3. Clean your grill regularly. As you probably know, grease is a major source of fires in the home. Be sure to clean your grill thoroughly after every use to remove grease, food, and other buildup that could cause a fire.
4. Keep lighter fluids capped and a safe distance away from the grill. If you are using a charcoal grill, use only charcoal starter fluid and never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids directly to the fire. Additionally, turn off your propane tank first before turning off the knob on your grill when you are finished cooking.
5. Purchase long handed utensils like forks and tongs to help you cook meat. Long handed utensils can help you avoid splatters and burns when you are grilling. Avoid using all metal, as metal heats up quickly which can burn your hands.
6. Keep a fire extinguisher within a couple steps of your grill and know how to use it. In addition to the fire extinguisher, keep a spray bottle of water handy. That way, if you have a minor flare-up you can spray it with the water to instantly calm it.
Don't:
7. Turn on the gas while your grill lid is closed. Turn the gas on while your grill lid is closed causes gas to build up inside your grill, and when you do light it and open it, it can create a huge fireball explosion.
8. Leave a grill unattended. Stay near your grill at all times while it is on. Plan ahead so that all of your other food prep chores are done and you can focus on grilling.
9. Overload your grill with food. If too much fat drips on the flames at once, it can cause a large flare-up that could light nearby things on fire. Also, don’t try to ignite your grill immediately if it is not starting. Wait at least 5 minutes for the gas to dissipate before trying to start your grill again.
10. Use a grill indoors. Even small grills are not safe to operate indoors. Not only is it a fire hazard, but grills also release carbon monoxide, the deadly colorless, odorless gas. Carbon monoxide can be deadly if it is not vented in fresh air.
We hope you have a fun-filled summer! As always, we are Here to Help when you need us. Call us anytime at (423) 614-5552.
The Unseen Dangers of Soot
2/8/2019 (Permalink)
Soot completely covers the furniture in a fire damaged room
If a house or business fire isn’t hard enough, sometimes smoke and soot leave more damage than the actual fire. We are seeing this in a fire job that we currently have crews on site. The fire started with a portable fireplace and destroyed the room that it was in. The fire did not spread beyond that room, but the smoke and soot covers the rest of the home. We have crews cleaning every crevice of the opposite side of the home because soot spread so quickly. So, how does this happen, and what are the dangers if it is not cleaned properly?
What is Soot?
Soot is the black residue that is the result of incomplete fossil fuel combustion after a fire. When coal, oil, wood or other fuels are burned, the residual carbon material can travel through the air and settle into the surrounding environment. The issue that we often find is that soot travels though the HVAC system to the rest of the home or business. House fires and insufficient ventilation in the fireplace are some of the most common causes of soot within the home.
How Do I Identify Soot?
Individual soot particles are smaller than dust, but accumulated soot appears as dark black dust. As mentioned before, soot particles can turn up in areas far away from the original source of the fire because they can travel easily through the air as well as through your ventilation system. Additionally, you can identify soot through smell. Soot as the scent of smoke, ash, or a smelly odor, you may be detecting hints of soot.
Is Soot Harmful?
Soot is harmful because the particles can contain acids, chemicals, metals, and dust because these materials burn during a common house fire. These toxic particles then stick to surrounding surfaces, like walls and ceilings, leaving you and your home exposed to the harmful effects. Soot contamination in your home or business impacts indoor air quality and leaves foul odors and stains behind.
Health Risks of Soot
If it goes untreated or improperly cleaned, especially in your HVAC system, tiny particles of soot can be inhaled deep into the lungs. These toxic particles can cause breathing issues, including aggravated asthma, bronchitis, and more severe respiratory illnesses.
To avoid health risks and restore your home, call SERVPRO of Bradley County at (423) 614-5552. To learn more about fire damage cleanup, click here.
Proper Cleaning Methods Used To Combat Fire Damage In Charleston Homes
6/25/2018 (Permalink)
SERVPRO technicians use several principle methods to restore many materials to a quality preloss condition after a fire occurs in your home.
SERVPRO Uses Professional Cleaning Methods to Fight Fire Damage in Homes in Charleston.
Having any size fire in your home can have far-reaching effects. The fire itself damages different surfaces; countertops, cabinets, flooring, carpeting, walls, or ceilings and anything else that comes in direct contact with the flames requires replacement most of the time.
But it isn't always the case, even basic cleaning efforts after fire damage incidents happen in your Charleston home can provide you with a rather significant reduction in the costs associated with a fire damage claim. Saving several assets you may have thought were lost to you forever.
At SERVPRO, our basic cleaning services used during your fire damage restoration are instrumental in providing you with quality options to help salvage many items including, structural, upholstery, and wood contents at a significant reduction in costs that would accompany full replacement.
SERVPRO technicians use several principle methods to restore many materials to a quality preloss condition after a fire occurs in your home. Our expertly trained restorers locate smoke residues by carefully inspecting the affected areas, beginning near the source of the fire and tracking smokes movement throughout the entire structure.
Next, we identify the different types of residues present and select the proper cleaning method to remove them efficiently. Determining the type of surface we're dealing with provides us with various cleaning products to use to preserve both the material and the surface itself. However, sometimes the material cannot survive the cleaning process and must be replaced.
With that in mind, SERVPRO technicians carefully use a variety of dry or wet cleaning methods to release and carry residue particles away from the affected surface safely and dispose of the residue, debris and cleaning waste in a proper manner. Four fundamental elements are used to suspend residues during removal:
Temperature - With the proper application of heat and cleaning solution selection, we can increase the speed of the chemical reactions in our cleaning products.
Agitation - By using towels, brushes, air, and water pressure or sonic vibrations in ultrasonic machines, this method dislodges residues from surfaces and helps distribute our cleaning products across each surface evenly.
Chemical - Products used to dissolve, emulsify, bleach, oxidize, or digest specific residues on different surfaces, producing chemical reactions to restore materials.
Time - As always, the longer any item or surface is exposed to various residues has an impact on the possibility of cleaning products working to produce desired effects.
However, by combining the principles and elements together, removing smoke residues and deodorizing smoke odors from the affected areas is entirely possible. Presenting you with several different types of procedures to restore items and cut any costs associated with your fire damage restoration.
Locally Owned Company with National Resources
Contact SERVPRO of Bradley County today to begin your recovery process. (423) 614-5552
5 Reasons to Choose Professional Fire Damage Restoration
10/25/2017 (Permalink)
5 Reasons to Choose Professional Fire Damage Restoration
If there has been a fire in a home, homeowners are often at a loss of how to deal with the fire cleanup. If there has been a fire in a business, owners don't know how to board up and overcome the smoke smell. There are issues regardless of whether it's residential or commercial fire damage.
There are many reasons for choosing to call a professional restoration company. Experts in fire damage restoration will make short work of identifying the damage and creating a plan to get everything fixed.
There's a Lot of Cleanup
Many people don't realize the amount of fire cleanup that happens after there has been a fire in a home or a fire in a business. There's a strong smoke smell and there might be a lot of soot damage and smoke damage hiding behind some of the obvious damage.
Additionally, the fire cleanup involves a variety of steps. The first is to board up. The reason to board up is to ensure that there is some security on the building while the restoration company deals with the residential or commercial fire damage.
Identifying Damage
The amount of smoke damage and soot damage has to be identified. After there has been a fire in a business or a fire in a home, there might be water, foam, or other materials everywhere. This is because of the method used to put the fire out. Without cleaning up first, it's impossible to know the level of fire damage.
Once all of the damaged items are removed, it's easier to see what has been burnt, broken, or otherwise affected by smoke damage. It will also be easier to address any lingering smoke smell that is inside the building.
Often, the board up keeps the smoke smell inside. This means that getting rid of the damaged items will make it easier to get one step closer to getting the building back to the way it was.
Additionally, if there is an insurance claim to be made, it's critical that residential or commercial fire damage be properly documented. This is something that a professional restoration company can do on behalf of the home or business owner.
Insurance Needs Documentation
All of the documentation has to be made before the board up and before the fire cleanup. Depending on the insurance company, this will be done by fire damage professionals or by the individual insurance adjuster. Either way, there will need to be documentation of soot damage, smoke damage, and everything else.
Various Repairs Will Need to Be Done
A lot of work goes into dealing with fire damage. The plan for fire damage restoration will involve getting rid of soot damage, replacing materials that were torn out during cleanup, and much more.
If cabinets were burnt, they will need to be rebuilt. If drywall was damaged, it will need to be rebuilt. The list of repairs will vary with every fire in a home and with every fire in a business.
Most repairs will involve a lot of work, making it harder for an owner to deal with on their own. It's why it's beneficial to call in professionals to deal with residential or commercial fire damage.
Fire Damage Restoration Professionals Have the Expertise
There's something to be said about wanting to make sure that a home or business gets the rebuild and repairs needed to overcome fire damage. Not everyone has the expertise to handle fire damage restoration because it encompasses so many areas.
A professional restoration company will have the tools and know-how to deal with fire damage effectively. By calling in the pros, it will make it easier to know that all of the work is being done properly and in an efficient manner.
Visit http://www.SERVPRObradleycounty.com for more information on fire damage.
The Steps of Professional Fire Damage Restoration
8/29/2017 (Permalink)
The Steps of Professional Fire Damage Restoration
A fire in a home or a fire in a business can ruin everything. Whether it is confined to one area or it spreads, it's important to focus on fire cleanup as soon as possible. There is a right and a wrong way to deal with fire damage restoration. The best thing to do is contact a restoration company to ensure that it's all handled properly.
Handle the Emergency
A restoration company will be able to come out and help with the fire cleanup immediately. Whether there is residential or commercial fire damage, there might be the need for a board up. The board up is often something that needs to be done right away to help protect the property until the restoration is complete.
When there is a fire in a home or a fire in a business, it can happen at any time. It's important to work with a restoration company early on as they will be able to take the lead. They can identify what needs to be done, from getting a board up done to focusing on the fire cleanup.
Often, significant residential and commercial fire damage can be avoided by the quick acting professionals who come out to a property. They can secure building structures and prevent further soot damage and smoke damage.
Clear Out the Fire Damage
Once the board up is done, it's then possible to focus on the interior. There might be smoke damage, soot damage, and much more going on. Some of the fire damage will obviously need to be cleared out. This could be everything from flooring materials to countertops and even appliances.
Some items that have soot damage or smoke damage can be cleaned. It's why it's important to explore fire damage restoration from professionals. They will be able to identify whether things are salvageable or not. The smoke smell might be lingering, but that can often be addressed later on.
Residential or commercial fire damage will vary based on how long the fire went on before it was put out. Additionally, the fire cleanup might have to involve water cleanup because of what was needed to put the fire in a home or fire in a business out.
Focus on the Restoration
The fire damage restoration should be a focus once the fire cleanup has taken place. Anything that experienced severe soot damage or smoke damage should be discarded. From there, it will be easier to see what needs to be repaired and reconstructed.
Professionals who understand fire damage restoration will work hard to clear out the smoke smell and make it look like a fire in a home or a fire in a business never took place. The residential or commercial fire damage repairs can include fixing cabinets and countertops, replacing flooring and drywall, and much more.
The smoke smell, in many instances, is something that will go away once the home or business gets cleared out.
Restorations are important because it's what will get a person back inside their home or business faster. The longer it takes to restore the property, the longer a person is without their home or are unable to continue business operations.
Fire damage is something that a home or business can overcome. By working with a professional restoration company, it's possible to get rid of the smoke smell and work on clearing out the fire damage. A person can then enjoy their building once again without having to focus on the fact that there was a fire. The reminder will be all but gone when it's done right.
Visit http://www.SERVPRObradleycounty.com for more information on fire damage.
Why It's Important for Professionals to Take Care of Smoke Damage
7/25/2017 (Permalink)
Why It's Important for Professionals to Take Care of Smoke Damage
A fire in a home or a fire in a business can leave extensive smoke damage as well as fire damage. While most individuals believe they can clear out the smoke smell after a fire, it generally requires a complete fire damage restoration before all smoke damage and soot damage can be reversed. Soot settles into surfaces only minutes after a fire and can be extremely stubborn. These particles not only cause odor, they can be dangerous to inhale. Only a certified professional can guarantee that soot damage and smoke damage is reversed safely and completely.
Immediately after a fire in a home or a fire in a business, it is important to call a restoration company, since they can arrange for the immediate boarding up of the property. This ensures security while the fire damage restoration process is going on. It can be unsightly to board up a home or a business, but this is certainly preferable to further commercial fire damage. With the property boarded up, the restoration company can evaluate for soot damage.
Before a professional upholstery and fabric specialist can remove soot from any surfaces in the property, the flooding and excess water from firefighting must be extracted by another licensed professional. This will prevent water damage from adding to the fire damage already present. It will also prevent mold from growing in the moist areas in the property.
Fire cleanup can start after the property is dry. The smoke smell that lingers after extensive fire damage is irritating, but it can also cause smoke damage to the lungs. A complete fire damage restoration purifies the air with industrial air purifiers so that it becomes safe to breathe, even for young children, the elderly, and even the infirm. Commercial fire damage can cause an even stronger smoke smell if industrial equipment is damaged. A fire in a business is often treated differently than a fire in a home.
A fire cleanup company will also help to sort all personal items and evaluate them for soot damage. If smoke has entered the personal items, it may be more cost-effective to replace them rather than to restore them. However, many individuals place quite a bit of sentimental value on their personal belongings and prefer for them to be restored without the smoke smell. Commercial fire damage tends to be evaluated for cost-effectiveness. Either way, it is imperative that the smoke is completely extinguished from the items before they can cause any harm to individuals who may come into contact with them.
A restoration company will also arrange for debris that has been irreversibly damaged to be removed via crane if necessary. It is important during the fire damage restoration process that a professional evaluates the fire damage to objects caught in the fire so that they can decide whether or not something is safe to be salvaged. A fire cleanup can often be a disposal of all items that can cause harm, even if the property owner is unaware of their dangers.
A fire in a home or a fire in a business can also require collaboration with the local fire department for prevention of further disaster. A restoration company will both board up a property and manage access to it so that all necessary parties can help to prevent further harm. Commercial fire damage can spread if prevention methods are not decided upon and implemented.
A fire cleanup is both impossible and unsafe for an individual who is not licensed and trained. A restoration company is necessary to ensure the safest and quickest path toward normalcy after a shocking disaster like a fire. Smoke inhalation is often more dangerous than the fire itself, and all properties that have undergone a fire must be evaluated for the risks that lingering smoke might have on individuals who will come into contact with it. Visit http://www.SERVPRObradleycounty.com for more information on fire damage.
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