How Do I Get Rid of this Soot and Fire Damage?

11/6/2023 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO, our goal is to restore your belongings, home or business to it’s pre-fire condition. Depending on the amount of damage and its severity, our SERVPRO experts must assess the needs of your property and find the most efficient clean up solution. But where do we begin? 

First, our highly qualified team locates smoke residue by inspecting the affected area. This inspection starts at the source of the fire. We then follow its path and trace the distance of the smoke throughout your property. Next, we identify the type of residue left behind. Depending on the type of fire, residues may be powdery or sticky.  Several types of residue may exist even within the same affected area. 

Additionally, the type of affected surface is identified. Our restorers will choose the best cleaning solution to address each type of residue based on the type of material affected.  Some examples include sheetrock, metal, plastic, wood, brick, cloth, granite, concrete, etc.   We carefully inspect each aspect of this process to ensure that your materials are preserved. Using wet and dry cleaning processes, we are then able to remove residue particles from your surfaces before carefully disposing of all cleaning waste used in the process. 

Each step of our Fire Restoration process is important to bring your property back to it’s preloss condition. Our detail-oriented team ensures that all of these steps are applied appropriately and that the most efficient methods are used to best ‘SERV’ you. 

Prevent Fires This Summer!

5/18/2022 (Permalink)

Summer is usually filled with cook outs, BBQs, and family get-togethers! While this is fun it also brings the possibility of fire hazards. Here are a few precautions we can take!

Precautions to take while grilling Propane:

• Stay alert when grilling. Avoid grilling when you are tired or have consumed too much alcohol.
• Do Not leave your grill unattended.
• Keep the grill in a place that is free from flammable items and away from porch rails, and low lying branches.
• Keep children and pets as far away from the grill as possible
• Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year.

NOTE: A light soap & water solution applied to the hose is a great way to check for leaks. You can often smell a propane leak, but propane will also release bubbles when the soap and water solution is applied. If you detect a leak, turn the gas tank and grill off. If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again. If the leak does not stop, call the fire department.

• Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before igniting.
• If you smell gas while cooking, immediately move away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not move the grill.
• If the flames go out for any reason, turn the grill and gas off and wait at least 15 minutes before re-lighting it.
• Keep your grill clean by regularly removing grease or fat buildup from the grates and trays below.

Charcoal grill safety tips to consider:

• If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquid to the flames.
• Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.
• Electric charcoal starters do not use fire. Be sure to use an extension cord for outdoor use.
• When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container with a lid.

Fire Damage Tips for Homeowners

5/9/2021 (Permalink)

If you have experienced fire damage in your home, here are some important things to know before SERVPRO gets there:

• Limit movement in the home to prevent further damage
• Place dry colorfast towels or old linens on carpeted traffic areas to prevent more soiling
• If the electricity is off, empty the freezer and refrigerator and prop the doors open
• Wipe soot from the chrome on kitchen and bathroom faucets and appliances then protect them with a light coating of lubricant.
• Do not attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting SERVPRO
• Do not attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture without first consulting with SERVPRO
• Do not attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire or water without consulting a repair service.

These tips are important and will help you get back into your home as soon as possible. If you have any questions, call SERVPRO of Union County at (704)-764-3216.

Garage Fire Damage Can Be Mitigated By Professionals

5/9/2021 (Permalink)

Garage fires are not something the average homeowner has to consider every day, but according to the US Fire Administration, approximately 6,600 garage fires occur in the United States every year. The most prevalent cause of these fires is electrical failure. A light with faulty wiring that catches fire near flammable materials like a wooden workbench can be all it takes for fire damage to affect your home.

When fire damage occurs in your residence, SERVPRO technicians and franchise owners have extensive training in cleanup and safety.  Commercial-grade materials and comprehensive education mean that homeowners get a safer, more thorough clean that protects their home and possessions.

Tips for Preventing Garage Fires
• Keep your garage clean. Not only does clutter make it easier to address a fire when it happens, but it also means fewer materials available to stoke the flames.

• Store flammable materials separately. Put aerosols, motor oil, propane, paint, and other flammable items in a shed or other area unconnected to the home.

• Avoid overloading outlets. Overloaded outlets are one of the most frequent causes of garage fires, so be mindful of electricity use to minimize risks. Using extension cords can create additional risk for wire failures that can start a fire.

• Install a heat alarm. Many garages do not have smoke alarms and may set them off accidentally due to hot temperatures or exposure to dust and fumes. Heat alarms can alert you to unusual changes in temperature that indicate a fire more reliably.

SERVPRO Can Restore Your Possessions
After a team reaches your home, they can get started right away on addressing soot, fumes, and residues generated by a garage fire. SERVPRO uses a variety of advanced cleaning techniques to restore items, including wet and dry cleaning, immersion in eco-friendly cleaners, and much more. If your tools and home repair items are covered in soot, ash, or residues, a combination of immersion, abrasives, spray cleaning, and other techniques may be utilized for restoration.

Lingering odors are common after a fire and can be combated with a combination of industrial cleaners, adequate ventilation, odor counteractant beads, and commercial-grade deodorization. If air is particularly dirty, HEPA air scrubbers can catch odor-causing particulates as small as 0.3 microns in size.

SERVPRO of Union County is Faster to Any Size Disaster, no matter when it occurs in your home. Call (704)-764-3216 today to get speedy and reliable emergency service.

3 Most Common Causes of Fires

5/9/2021 (Permalink)

While some house fires are relatively minor, they generally destroy belongings and disrupt lives. We’ve seen first-hand how stressful a fire can be, which is why we’re advocates for fire prevention. Below are some of the most common causes of house fires in your area!

1. Cooking-related fires. We all love to cook, but did you know cooking-related fires are the number one cause of house fires in the entire U.S? We certainly encourage you to continue cooking, but practice kitchen safety and don’t leave the kitchen unattended while it’s in use!

1. Electrical fires. In today’s society, electronics and appliances are an essential part of our lives. They can be a great convenience, but electrical fires are a problem that many homes face each year. Electrical fires can occur for a number of reasons, and this article offers some great tips.

1. Heating equipment fires. Now that the cold seasons are here, most homes will start using heating equipment. While these are great for staying warm, the heat they generate can cause nearby flammable objects to catch fire. Whether it’s your fireplace or a space heater, keep this equipment at least 3 feet away from flammable objects!

The above are some of the most common causes of house fires in the area, but they are by no means the only ones. If you do have a house fire, know that our team at SERVPRO of Union County is available 24/7 to clean up and restore your home’s fire damage!

Services You May Need if You Have Fire Damage

4/30/2021 (Permalink)

Fires can cause a lot of damage, and the cleanup and restoration process can be extensive. Over the years, we’ve had to help many homes and businesses recover from fire damage, so we know the many pain points our customers face. There are actually many different problems that fire damage can create, but we offer many services that can alleviate those issues.

Odor Removal

Besides bringing up bad memories, the smoky smell that lingers after a fire can cause headaches and other discomfort. This odor can be extremely difficult to get rid of, but we offer odor removal services that completely eliminate any offensive smells.

Duct Cleaning

After a fire, soot and other contaminants will settle all throughout your home—including your duct system. These particles can lead to health issues and should be immediately addressed. We perform HVAC cleanings that remove and seal contaminants in your ducts. This keeps your ducts clean and your air fresh!

Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning

 Soot and smoke can soil your carpet, curtains, and upholstery. Improper cleaning can actually lead to more permanent damage, which is why our team offers professional cleanings. We use industry-standard products and techniques to remove soot and return your belongings back to its pre-fire condition.

Contents Cleaning

Your belongings are what turns a house into a home. Fire and smoke can cause seemingly irreversible damage to your possessions, but our team has both an on-site textile cleaning facility and a contents-cleaning warehouse. We use cutting-edge technology and techniques to clean your belongings and make it look “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of Union County is available 24/7 to help you and your home recover. If you have fire damage and need professional help, call us anytime at (704)-764-3216

Winter Fire Safety

1/22/2021 (Permalink)

During the winter months the risk of home fires increases. 

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), home fires occur more in the winter than any other season. 

• Kitchen Fire
• Wood Heaters
• Kerosene Heaters
• Space Heaters
• Candles
• Overloaded Circuits

All of these are hazardous to your home.  Make sure that when you are using these that no flammable objects are more than three feet away.

Make sure that you have working smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. 

If you are going to be away from your home, you should make sure that none of these items are left running or open flames unattended when no one is home. 

In the event that you have a fire, do not panic call 911. 

After the fire is contained, please reach out to SERVPRO of Union County at 704-764-3216.

We will dispatch our emergency team to assist you.  

Kitchen Grease Fire

1/22/2021 (Permalink)

Grease fire occurs when the oil becomes too hot.  

If you have a grease fire, first do not panic. Here are some steps to help you in the event that a fire does occur in your home.

• Cover the flames with a metal lid or cookie sheet
• Turn off the heat source
• DO NOT ADD WATER
• DO NOT REMOVE THE PAN FROM THE AREA
• Small fire add baking soda

A grease fire is very dangerous if you were to remove it from the area.  Moving the pan will cause the grease to spread and increase the range of the fire.  

Once the fire is contained, there will be a very strong odor in the home.  After the fire department has inspected the area and it is now safe to return into the home, you should then consider contacting your insurance company and your local SERVPRO.  SERVPRO of Union County will send out their specialized team in order to clean the home and the textiles and contents in the home.  We have a very strong team of professionals that specialize in this area and are always willing to assist.  

We understand that this time is very stressful and we are always here to help.  Please call us at 704-764-3216.

Fire Restoration: Cleaning Basics

2/12/2020 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO, our goal is to restore your belongings, home or business to its pre-fire condition. Depending on the amount of damage and its severity, our SERVPRO experts must assess the needs of your property and find the most efficient clean up solution. But where do we begin? 

First, our highly qualified team locates smoke residue by inspecting the afflicted area. This inspection starts at the source of the fire. We then follow its path and trace the distance of the smoke throughout your property. Next, we identify the type of residue left behind. Several types of residue may exist even within the same affected area. Our restorers will choose the best cleaning solution to address each type of residue. 

Additionally, the type of afflicted surface is identified. Like residue, types of surfaces affect what methods and solutions will be used to most efficiently clean your belongings. We carefully inspect each aspect of this process to ensure that your materials are preserved. Using wet and dry cleaning processes, we are then able to remove residue particles from your surfaces. Lastly, we carefully dispose of all of the residue, debris and cleaning waste used in the process. 

Each step of our Fire Restoration process is important to bring your property back to it’s preloss condition. Our detail-oriented team ensures that all of these steps are applied appropriately and that the most efficient methods are used to best ‘SERV’ you.

Four Ways to Prepare for a Fire Emergency

1/22/2020 (Permalink)

No one can tell when there will be an emergency. More than one-third of fire related deaths are caused by fires in houses where there are no alarms. Most of these smoke alarm failures usually result from batteries that are missing, disconnected, or dead.

Here are four tips to note that might avoid a fire catastrophe in your home:

• The National Fire Protection Association recommends the installation of smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside all bedrooms and at every level of your home
• Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button 
• Smoke alarm batteries should be replaced every year  
• After ten years of use, all smoke alarms should be fully replaced and reinstalled

You never know when tragedy may strike. Consider each of these tips to protect you and your family year round. As a trusted leader in the restoration industry, SERVPRO of Union County provides 24-hour residential and commercial services. As a locally owned and operated business, we’re dedicated to being faster to any size disaster, with the training, equipment, and expertise to handle your restoration and cleaning needs.

After a Fire: Fire Damage Repair and Restoration

1/22/2020 (Permalink)

The effects of a fire in your home or business can be devastating. After the firefighters leave, you are left with the aftermath of not only fire and smoke damage, but also water damage and flooding from the firemen’s efforts. Fire and water damage can leave your home or business vulnerable, unsafe and unlivable. SERVPRO of Union County is trained to clean and restore your home with little disruption. Our restoration process includes some of the following pertinent services to repair your home as quickly and efficiently as possible:

• Emergency contact: SERVPRO is staffed 24 hours a day with representatives ready to help connect you with a nearby team
• Inspection and fire damage assessment: Our professionals will carefully inspect all damages to determine the extent of the fire
• Immediate board-up and roof-tarp service: Our team responds quickly by covering exposed areas to maintain security and protect against further damage
• Water removal and drying: Water removal and drying begins immediately and removes the majority of water. Dehumidifiers and air movers are brought in to remove the remaining water. 

• Removal of smoke and soot from all surfaces: Using special tools, equipment and techniques, our experts will remove smoke residue and soot from ceilings, walls and  all other surfaces. 

• Cleaning and sanitization: SERVPRO Professionals will clean all restorable items with special equipment to help bring your belongings to a pre-fire condition. 

• Restoration: Restoration may involve several minor repairs such as replacing drywall, painting, installing new carpet, etc. Other major repairs may include reconstruction to areas of your home or business.

As a trusted leader in the restoration industry, SERVPRO of Union County provides 24-hour residential and commercial services. As a locally owned and operated business, we’re dedicated to being faster to any size disaster, with the training, equipment, and expertise to handle your restoration and cleaning needs.

9 SAFETY TIPS TO REMEMBER WHEN GRILLING

5/22/2018 (Permalink)

1. Grill outside and away from any structures

2. Make sure your grill is stable

3. Keep your grill clean

4. Check for propane leaks on your gas grill

5. If the flame goes out, wait to re-light

6. Take care around the grill

7. Be careful with charcoal starter fluid

8. Wear the right clothing

9. Be ready to put out the fire

**Have baking soda on hand to control a grease fire and a fire extinguisher nearby for other fires. If you don’t have a fire extinguisher, keep a bucket of sand next to the grill. Never use water to put out grease fire.

Apartment Fire Safety

6/20/2017 (Permalink)

When you're living in an apartment setting, fire can be hazardous to not only you, but each of the other families that are residing there. Here are three top key points to remember when dealing with a fire in your apartment, or town home!

First off, prevention is key! Be sure to guard all flammable materials, especially cigarettes and candles. Also, watch for electrical hazards like fraying chords and overloaded power strips. When too may items are plugged into one outlet the source can over heart, spark, and result in a fire.

Secondly, be sure that all fire detectors have working batteries and are always ON. There should be working fire detectors on every floor of your residence, especially in the bedroom in case a fire should occur at night. The more detectors, the more possible alarms to alert your family. 

Lastly, be sure your family has an escape plan figured out in the event of any emergency or crisis. A person is less likely to panic or freeze when there is a set plan in motion. Being active and alert during a crisis betters the outcome! 

Be Prepared for Fire Damage

3/13/2017 (Permalink)

No one can predict when an emergency will arise. More than one third of fire home deaths occur as a result of fires where no alarms are present. Most of these smoke alarm failure are usually the result of missing, disconnected, or dead batteries.

Here are some tips to keep in mind that could prevent a fire disaster from occurring in your home:

-National Fire Protection Association recommends smoke alarms be installed in every bedroom, outside all sleeping quarters and on every level of the house
-Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button
-Replace batteries in all smoke alarms at least once a year
-Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.

Emergencies can happen 24/7/365. Keep you and your loved ones safe all year round.