Crack Down on Kitchen Fires | SERVPRO® of South Cabarrus Count

5/19/2023 (Permalink)

Kitchen fires are scary events. Call SERVPRO of South Cabarrus County to help clean up the mess, while you focus on what matters most.

Whether you love to cook or you avoid your kitchen at all costs, it is one of the most fire-prone areas of your home. No matter whether you are making a three-course meal or are warming up a pot of mac and cheese, the heat and flame you use have the potential to cause widespread damage and even total devastation throughout your home.

Our SERVPRO of South Cabarrus County team doesn’t want you to suffer a home fire, so we explain some great ways to stay safe and fire-free in the kitchen below.

Smart Kitchen Tips

The most responsible thing to do while you are cooking with heat is to never leave your pot or pan unattended. Even just running down the hall to grab something quickly gives a wandering spark or flame the time it needs to take hold and spread.

Stay present and close by your stove, and consider keeping a lid nearby as well! In the event of a fire, you can quickly put a lid on your pot to snuff out the growing flames.

If you don’t already have a fire extinguisher in your kitchen, you should add one right away. Since the majority of home fires start in the kitchen, it only makes sense to have a fire extinguisher that remains in that part of your home.

If the Fire Spreads

If the fire remains contained, you can try to extinguish it on your own by either putting a lid on it or using a fire extinguisher, but remember, you should never use water on a grease fire. Oil and water are never a good match and the water can actually make the fire much worse.

If a fire starts in your oven, don’t open the door! Calmly turn the gas or electricity off and let the fire burn down.

Little sparks or a burnt wooden spoon that got too close to a flame can typically be managed on your own, but if a fire ever starts to grow and gets out of control, call 911 immediately and leave your home as quickly as possible. Fires can consume entire rooms in minutes and can produce toxic smoke and gas, so the faster you can get out, the better off you will be.

SERVPRO’s Fire Damage Restoration Process

A house fire can be a scary and overwhelming experience no matter how big or widespread the flames got. When you need help recovering after a fire disaster, SERVPRO of South Cabarrus County would be honored to help you. Our team is trained on proper fire restoration techniques that will help you recover quickly and efficiently.

We can clean, sanitize and repair the entire affected area, and we can even pull the stubborn smell of smoke out of the air and your furniture. Call us 24/7, and we will be there for you.

Did you recently suffer a house fire? SERVPRO of South Cabarrus County can help.

Fires Strike the Unprepared more than Anyone!

1/11/2022 (Permalink)

Where did the pumpkin go wrong? It forgot to get a bucket of water to douse the fire!

Fires are unfortunately a staple amongst human civilization for as long as human civilization has existed, but that doesn’t mean you must become a victim to fire damage. Fires can be fairly easily prevented by simply making wise choices and never leaving a fire unattended, and never making a fire that’s too gnarly for you to tame. It’s also prudent to keep a source of water nearby (a hose or a bucket--but only a big enough bucket to knock the job out!) or a fire extinguisher (for worst case scenarios as they can be a bit of a mess to clean up after!) to douse out the flames if things get out of hand.

If you’re a smart firestarter and tend to it well, you should hopefully be able to avoid most types of fire damage. Of course, SERVPRO of South Cabarrus is still here to help you if needed!

Have Fire Damage? You need SERVPRO!

1/11/2022 (Permalink)

Hmmm... yup. We can take care of this!

Fire is one of the most destructive forces we regularly contend with. It cooks our food, it keeps us warm, and it scares off bears when we’re in the wilderness (hopefully!). However, believe it or not, fire can have its downsides. Every year, around 350,000 houses experience a fire. If you find yourself inside one of those houses, once the fire is out, you’re probably wondering what to do next! Your next step after putting out the fire and making sure all your family and pets are safe is to call SERVPRO of South Cabarrus County. We have some of the most skilled and talented franchise professionals that are IICRC-certified to handle your fire damage cleanup, restoration, and even reconstruction!

We’re open 24/7 for your emergency needs, and can easily be reached at (704) 793-1488.

It’s Getting Colder, which Means it’s Fire Season!

11/16/2021 (Permalink)

If you wish to avoid this ire, Keep your eyes on every fire. Never leave it unattended, Unless you want your housing ended.

“Okay, what’s the deal here? I thought fire was hot! Why is cold season fire season?” That’s probably what you’re thinking right now. Well, I’m here to clear things up--it’s my job!

Although you’re correct about the average temperature of fire being quite high, what you neglect to mention is when we use fire most! When do you usually use fire?

I use fire when it’s cold.

You probably do too.

That’s right, autumn and winter are primetime for fire, when we use it indoors to heat our homes, cook, light our rooms, and outdoors to stay warm. All that fire can cause some damage, especially in the hands of someone without the requisite amount of caution. Fire is an incredible tool; without it, humans wouldn’t exist! However, it’s also extremely dangerous and can destroy a structure in a matter of minutes.

If you want to stay safe during “fire season,” make sure you never leave a fire unattended (and no, putting your toddler in beside it with a water hose while you grab another Heineken doesn’t count as attending it!), always have some form of adequate fire extinguisher nearby (hose, bucket of wire, chemical fire extinguisher, an entire dump truck of dirt), and remember to put the fire out when you’re done with it--it’s not that hard to start another if you realise your brats didn’t get fully cooked!

Follow these rules and you’ll be able to survive the autumn and winter, and have a nice, warm, safe time.

Most Fire Damage...Comes from Within!!

11/12/2021 (Permalink)

You should hopefully only be seeing these guys on a calendar!

When you think about fire damage, the first memories you might recall are visions of wildfires in California spreading through the forests, rapidly approaching civilization. That was certainly a frightening experience for all those involved, but did you know that the majority of house fires are actually started from within the house?

Kitchens, fireplaces, candles, and electric wires are where most house fires come from, and they’re almost always started by people inside the house!

There’s no reason to start preemptively pointing fingers at beloved family members yet, however. Your time will be better spent implementing safe practices inside your home.

Don’t leave open flames near drapes or flammable furniture, remember to always turn the stove off and don’t leave things inside too long, keep the fireplace burning at a moderate pace so it doesn't get out of control, and never plug in too many electronics into one wall port. 

If you make wise choices this winter, you can avoid fire damage. However, if you make a mistake (we all do!), SERVPRO of South Cabarrus will be here, 24/7, ready to take your call!

A Crucial Step to Cleaning your House after a Fire

10/11/2021 (Permalink)

"What's that smell? Oh yeah...the fire..."

Disaster has struck, and you’re left reeling. Your home had a fire, whether from the kitchen, furnace, fireplace, or an electrical malfunction. You likely put the flames out and made sure your family is safe and started working on the damage. Maybe you called a restoration company like SERVPRO of South Cabarrus! 

Regardless, you might be overlooking the last step in making it “Like it never even happened.” When it comes to fire damage, you likely focused more on the visible damage, but what about the smokey smell?

That’s where SERVPRO comes in! Our franchise professionals provide specialized services that rid your home of offensive odors left by fire or smoke damage. They do not merely cover up lingering odors with a cheap fragrance; they seek out the sources of the odor and remove them, so your house can smell like your house, for better or for worse!

Candle safety during the chilly months

1/18/2021 (Permalink)

Between 2009 to 2013, an estimated 9,300 house fires were started by candles. These fires caused $374 million in property damage and caused 86 deaths and 827 injuries. During the winter months, home fires due to candles peak. 11% of these home candle fires start because of decorations in December compared to 4% throughout the year. A few candle safety tips are as follows:

1. If you are leaving a room or going to bed, blow out any lit candles. 
2. Keep candles a foot away from flammable objects.
3. Keep candles on sturdy holders in uncluttered areas.
4. Keep your hair and loose clothing away from open flames.
5. Try not to let a candle burn all the way down to the bottom.
6.  If your candles are not full enough, use flashlights during a power outage instead.

Give us a call if you have a fire loss or even soot damage. We'll clean your home up and make it "Like it never even happened."

Space heater fires

12/2/2020 (Permalink)

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, space heater fires are mostly caused when a heater is placed too close to curtains, bedding, or upholstered furniture. Space heaters contribute to 25,000 house fires and 300 deaths annually. Additionally, 6,000 people end up in emergency rooms with burns from contact with a heater's hot surface. If a heater can cause cotton to ignite when operating on its hottest setting, it receives a Poor rating in the Consumer Product Safety Commission fire-safety test. When purchasing a new space heater, make sure it has a safety certification, shutoff features, and a tip-over switch that automatically shuts the heater off. You'll also want to make sure it has a sturdy cord and a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter plug. Most space heaters do not have a GFCI plug to prevent shock, and space heaters should not be used on power strips or with extension cords.

Holiday House Fires

11/23/2020 (Permalink)

Thanksgiving comes around every year like clockwork, and every year there are new cases of cooking-related fires, and a majority of them are related to pressure cookers. Pressure cooking is the process of using high-pressure steam for cooking food using water or a water-based cooking liquid such as broth, in a sealed vessel. This method cooks food significantly quicker than most other methods. The high pressure allows for cooking temperatures well above 212 degrees and limits all around boiling. In many cases of cooking-related house fires, people were not following pressure cooking safety guidelines. Between 2014 and 2018, in the U.S., fire departments responded to 172,900 home fires started by cooking. These fires caused an average of 550 deaths and 4,820 injuries. This led to more than $1 billion in property damage each year.  During Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays alone, house fires peak due to negligence and unsafe cooking environments. It's important to be aware of your surroundings while cooking. Although SERVPRO of South Cabarrus County can restore your home "Like it never even happened," we would prefer for everyone to be safe and enjoy the holiday season.

Grill Safety suggestions

8/24/2020 (Permalink)

More than 10,000 home fires are started by grills each year on average. July is a peak month for grill fires followed by June, May, and August. 

Barbecuing is a summertime staple we all love! Follow these tips to prevent yourself from being a statistic:

• Any type of grill should only be used outdoors. 
• Place the grill far away from the home or anything that could cover it and cause a fire.
• Keep children and pets away from the grilling area, and never leave your grill unattended. 
• Clean your grill by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and trays below the grill before every use.
• Keep your gas grill lid open before lighting it. 

Charcoal Grills-

• Only use charcoal starter fluid. Do not add charcoal fluid or other flammable liquids to light the fire.
• Keep charcoal fluid away from heat sources and children. 
• Use an extension cord for electric charcoal starters, which do not use fire. 
• Let the coals completely cool before disposing of in a metal container. 

The National Fire Protection Association posted on their website, https://www.nfpa.org/education, some tips for gas grills. The suggestions are as follows: Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose. A propane leak will release bubbles. If your grill has a gas leak, by smell or the soapy bubble test, and there is no flame, turn off both the gas tank and have the grill serviced by a professional before using it again. If the leak does not stop, call the fire department. In case you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department.Do not move the grill. If the flame goes out, turn the grill and gas off and wait at least 5 minutes before re-lighting it. 

Trapped Lint!

8/14/2020 (Permalink)

It is well known that a vital part of drying clothing is cleaning out the lint trap. However, cleaning it from the lint trap is not the only area the dryer needs to be cleaned to prevent dryer fires. Though you are reducing the risk of a fire, the lint trap only catches about 25% of the lint. The remaining 75% goes into the dryer vent and sticks to the crevices of the dryer hose. The U.S. Fire Administration (part of FEMA) cites that there are 2,900 dryer fires every year, resulting in an estimated five deaths, 100 injuries, and $35 million in property loss. The leading cause has been the failure to clean the lint out of a dryer thoroughly. To ensure your dryer ventilation system remains safe and efficient, you need to know the hose’s length and whether there are any curves in the hose. You will also want to make sure that you are not using a foil or plastic hose. 

You want to know the length of the hose because the shorter the hose, the better. There are town requirements for dryer hose length. You also have to acknowledge that every bend in the dryer hose practically adds two and a half more feet or more to the hose length. Plastic and foil hoses sag and catch much more lint making it more difficult to clean. Using metal dryer ducts is a safer and more efficient material. It is also important to clean the duct regularly and clean the lint screen with every laundry load. It would be best if you also wiped inside, behind, and underneath the dryer because lint also builds up there. 

Warning signs that your dryer vent needs to be cleaned include:

• Drying times are taking longer.
• Your dryer is getting hot when you’re using it, and your clothes are being damaged.
• You can’t see any steam or hear any noise outside your house at the wall vent when you run the dryer.

Lightning Myths!

8/10/2020 (Permalink)

There is a myth that lightning does not strike the same spot twice. It turns out that lightning is more likely to strike the same spot twice because it favors the path of least resistance.
One of the benefits of lightning is that it helps fix atmospheric nitrogen into an organic form that rain can bring to the earth. At SERVPRO, we have an Ozone machine that negates the harsh smell of smoke in clothing, furniture, and many other porous items. We often describe how the machine works by comparing it to the way lightning cleanses the earth. And lightning has other benefits such as restoring the electrical equilibrium to earth.
There is another myth that if it is lightning while it is raining, there is a lower likelihood of starting a forest fire. The fact is, any air-to-ground strike can cause a fire. A lightning strike is not always immediately visible, but this depends on the fuel base's combustibility. Greener fuels may smolder for several days before breaking out and spreading. Rain might delay the spread of a lightning fire. A fire can only result depending on the interaction between environmental conditions and lightning. A significant amount of heat must be produced from the lightning, weather, and fuel base to ignite. In the U.S., lightning strikes an average of 400 people a year and kills 80 people per year.
Lightning isn't all bad, but you 100% want to stay away from it!

Asbestos during a house fire.

7/30/2020 (Permalink)

The official website for Homeland Security, Ready.gov, states that more people are killed in house fires due to smoke and toxic gases than flames.

Immediately after a house fire, attention turns to rebuilding and recovering what can be salvaged from the damage. Often people are not aware of the unseen dangers that are in the air.

Asbestos is a ubiquitous fire-resistant ingredient used in construction material. This ingredient can be found in drywall, roof adhesives, linoleum, and vinyl flooring and cement sheets. It was often used to insulate wall gaskets, attics, and wiring for being flame-retardant and durable.

If asbestos is left untouched, it is considered "safe," but as products are damaged or wear down over time, toxic asbestos fibers are released into the air. If the airborne fibers are inhaled or swallowed, they become lodged in the body causing damage to cells, inflammation and can lead to a form of cancer called Mesothelioma.

When a house is burning, many chemical substances are released and become toxic. Although asbestos is fire-resistant, when its area is disturbed in any way, it becomes airborne and an immediate safety hazard. It is essential to cover your face when making a hasty exit out of your house and wait for the fire department. Your safety is important to the team members at SERVPRO of South Cabarrus County. We work with the fire departments to board up any homes that have had a fire loss.

Soot Stains- Upholstry

8/12/2019 (Permalink)

Upholstery

To clean upholstery, you will need detergent.

Steps to Clean

-Your first step will be to combine one tablespoon of dishwashing detergent with two cups of water.

-The second step will be to use a white cloth and dab the stain with the detergent solution.

- The third step is to dab the stain until the liquid is absorbed.

-Your fourth step to remove the detergent solution is to dab the affected area with water and apply pressure until the area is dry,

*Continue repeating steps two and three until the stain is no longer visible.*

Or

For another way to clean upholstery, you will need an absorbent chemical and a dry cleaning solvent

Steps to Clean

-Your first step will be sprinkling baking soda, cornstarch, or another absorbent on the stain.

- The second step will be to allow the absorbent chemical to stand 10 to 15 minutes and then vacuum to clean it up.

-Your third step is to use a clean white cloth and dab the stain with a dry cleaning solvent.

- the fourth step is to continue dabbing the stain until the solution is absorbed.

*Repeat Steps two and three until the stain is no longer visible.

Soot Stains- Carpets

8/7/2019 (Permalink)

Carpet

What you will need; Isopropyl rubbing alcohol, Detergent, and Hydrogen peroxide.

Steps to Clean

-First, Vacuum using the crevice tool of vacuum cleaner to remove all or most the soot. If the smoke has not been removed, call a professional cleaner. If vacuuming has removed all particles go to the next step to remove any traces.

-Second, Try removing as much of the foreign material as possible. Blot the area with a white paper towel or use a dull knife to scrape the area clean.

-Third, prepare a clean white cloth, white paper towel, or cotton ball, wet with rubbing alcohol. Use a blotting motion if the spot is deep until no color is transferred to the cloth or until the spot is removed. Do not allow the alcohol to penetrate the back of the carpet because this will cause delamination or the destruction of the latex bond. Rub in one direction at a time if the spot is only on the surface because, by cleaning in a circular motion, you risk ruining the texture of the carpet. Stop if spot is removed. If the stain persists, continue with the next step. 

-Fourth, use a small amount of detergent solution directly on the spot. Use a blotting motion to work the detergent into the affected area. Make sure to keep putting the detergent solution until spot is removed using the blotting movement with a white paper towel. (To make the detergent solution mix 1/4 teaspoon of a hand dishwashing detergent which does not contain lanolin or bleach with 1 quart of water)

-Fifth, Rinse the area with clean water using a spray bottle, or a water bottle with a hole popped in the top. Blot the area to dry excess moisture.

-Sixth, Spray lightly with water, do not blot this time; apply pad of paper towels and brick and allow to dry.

-Seventh, If there is still a spot on the carpet then moisten the tufts of the stained area with 3% hydrogen peroxide. Let the hydrogen peroxide stand for one (1) hour. Wipe up the peroxide by blotting and repeatedly reapply the peroxide until carpet is stain free. Light will cause peroxide to change back to water so you will not need to rinse off the rug.

-Eighth, using a heavy object, such as a brick, apply pressure to a stack of paper towels on top of the affected area.

Soot Stains- Washable Fabrics

8/5/2019 (Permalink)

Treat stains as soon as possible after staining. The older the stain, the more difficult it is to remove.

All stain removal methods should be applied prior to laundering washable garments. Stains that have been laundered and dried are almost impossible to remove.

Washable Fabrics

What you will need; a pretreatment laundry stain remover, heavy-duty liquid detergent, chlorine bleach or oxygen bleach, dry-cleaning solvent, and absorbent paper towels.

You’ll want to saturate the area with pretreatment laundry stain remover, first. For greasy stains, aerosols seem to work better. Wait one minute for the product to dig deep to draw out the stain.

For stubborn stains, knead the area with heavy-duty liquid detergent. Launder immediately afterward.

If it is safe for the type of fabric you’re cleaning, soak/wash in chlorine bleach, or oxygen bleach if the color stain remains.

For stains that persist, apply a dry-cleaning solvent to back of the stain over absorbent paper towels. Let it dry, rinse it, and restart the process from the beginning.

We All Fit Test and It Can Be Fun!

7/29/2019 (Permalink)

In our business, EVERYONE needs to be fit tested. Each member of our crew gets fit tested, including marketing. You never know when you'll have to walk into a house with soot or other airborne spores floating around waiting for you to inhale them. Inhalation of soot and other spores can lead to long term breathing issues. A Fit Test checks that while we're wearing full masks or half masks, we can breathe properly without inhaling outside air. We even go so far as to check that our team members can breathe with no problems while touching their toes and that we can hear them through the mask by reading a short passage. We like to ensure our team's safety so they can provide for our clients, safely. #SERVPRO

Lets Eliminate Fire Odors

6/14/2018 (Permalink)

Regardless of how unpleasant burned and smoky odors crept into your home, until effective methods permanently remove the stench it is impossible to put a fire event behind you. That is where SERVPRO of South Cabarrus comes in.

The odor remains in your home long after the neighboring fire is history. Ridding a home of the odors produced by a fire is not a task conducive to a do-it-yourself method.

-Odor elimination include disposal of the burned items and surfaces followed by a thorough cleaning. If not completed carefully, post-fire cleaning can make matters worse, the soot along with the smell.

-Professional fire damage restoration technicians complete a series of training that teach industry best practices. These methods ensure that the odors and particles locked into furnishings, carpets, and unsealed surfaces are dislodged and removed.

-Steam cleaners and innovative products with efficient wetting agents and attractants that loosen the particles, trained technicians remove all soot, which are released out of the smoky vapor.

-Smoke also contains vapors and gases that carry noxious odors in the smallest particles. Some of the airborne molecules can be cleared with fans and ventilation, but not completely. A home that has duct work is the probability that smoke vapor and soot particles recirculate through the HVAC system.

-Expert cleaning of the venting and replacement of the filters goes a long way toward eliminating the residual odors. 

Homeowners respond by using candles, air freshener sprays, and other masking agents. These attempts are a temporary fix, and by mixing synthetic chemical smells with the smoke can create an even ranker aroma. Air scrubbers scrub particulates from the air and penetrate into crevices, cracks, and fibers where the odors hide. The chemical changes effected by this unique equipment eliminate the last bit of the smoky odors lingering after a fire.

Independence Day Fire Safety

4/4/2018 (Permalink)

Staying Safe on Independence Day is sometimes not the first priority. 4th. of July is a fun family time holiday, its great for cook outs, beach trips and yes Fireworks. Most all people associate the two together. They are bright colorful and make a exciting loud noise throughout. 

Kids find fireworks to be the most intriguing of all. Fire works are also a number one cause of fires and burns associated to the combustible material they are made of. If you and your loved ones choose to engage in a night of Fireworks this Holiday please follow these safety tips.

-The Best Way To Enjoy Fireworks

To view public Fireworks Displays put on and conducted by the professionals in a public location

-If You Plan To Use Fireworks

Ensure they are legal to purchase in your area

-Always Read The Directions 

Warning labels are located on all fireworks. If a devise is not marked with the contents, directions and a warning label, do not light

-Stand Several Feet Away At All Times

If a device does not go off or ignite, do not stand over it or pick it up to investigate. Do put it out in water and dispose of properly

-Most Important

Always supervise children at all times

Every One have a Safe and Happy 4th. of July

Fire & Restoration Process

4/3/2018 (Permalink)

When your home or business has suffered significant fire damage, getting the local fire cleanup and smoke damage restoration at the location in a timely manner can make all the difference. These fire in home or fire in business professionals can transform even the more dire fire loss to back what the location looked like before the fire. Here is how the local fire cleanup crew can make short work of giving you back piece of mind and your property after fire damage.

Once you reach out to the fire in home or fire in business experts, they will arrive in a timely manner to perform a fire loss assessment. This part of the fire cleanup process allows the fire in home or fire in business professionals to inspect the soot damage and further test adjoining rooms to determine the extent of the all the fire damage, smoke damage, and soot damage. This is a very important step in the fire loss cleanup process to helping the fire in home or fire in business team to developing a plan of action.

Now that the fire in home or fire in business experts have analyzed the air quality risks, they will begin boarding up any locations that pose a serious security risk. They will board up windows, doors, and tarp the roof. When it comes to commercial fire damage, the amount of work in this process could be further complicated due to the large amount of equipment on the property that didn't sustain fire damage. The commercial fire damage team will secure the premises and maintain security to protect further damage or theft. If the commercial fire damage team finds issues that they can not address, they have inroads to fire cleanup contractors that can work on air quality too.

The next part of the fire cleanup process is water removal that was used to prevent fire loss. The more fire loss that was prevented, the more water could be on the property. The fire in home or fire in business team will locate all the water and utilize high-power vacuums and drying machines in a timely manner. The air quality experts remove the majority of the water and then will use dehumidifiers or air movers to completely remove all of the remaining water while completing the drying process.

After the fire in home or fire in business team have successfully removed all the water and dried all property, the smoke damage and soot damage removal process begins. In order to improve the air quality in the home or business, the soot damage and smoke damage from the fire damage has to properly be removed by the fire loss experts. These commercial fire damage professionals use specialized equipment and techniques that remove smoke damage and soot damage from ceilings, floors, walls, doors, and other fire damage surfaces.

As it pertains to commercial fire damage, the cleaning and sanitizing process is extremely important because customers and employees will both be on the property. The commercial fire damage experts will clean all restorable items or structures that sustained fire damage and improve air quality. Visit http://www.SERVPROsouthcabarruscounty.com for more information on fire damage.

The Need for Professional Fire Damage Services

6/26/2017 (Permalink)

The Need for Professional Fire Damage Services

It is devastating and traumatizing to see your home or business go up in smoke. However, fire damage happens and in most cases, at the worst possible time. When faced with a fire in home or fire in business, you need to seek fire damage restoration services. In most cases, people assume that everything is lost and nothing can be salvaged. However, you might be surprised with how much of a building you can save if you bring in commercial commercial fire damage restoration companies in good time.

Timing is everything when it comes to dealing with fire damage. The number of items that can be salvaged will depend on how first you engage the services of commercial fire damage restoration services. Understanding different timelines and the extent of damage emphasizes the need to call in the experts immediately after the fire has been put out.

Once a fire has occurred, in the first few minutes, the soot damage residue can cause discoloration among appliances, plastics and porous materials such as marble and alabaster. Several hours of fire damage can cause deeper stains and smoke damage. These stains can affect appliance finishes, bathroom grouts, furniture finishes and counter-tops. Repair on these items can be very expensive, while this could have been easily avoided by calling in commercial fire damage experts.

If the fire in home or fire in business damage extends for days without being dealt with, then the discoloration on the appliances and the wall can become permanent. The smoke smell and smoke damage may also spread to other rooms or buildings. In most cases, the furniture, floors and finishing’s get damaged that they need replacement. If the damage extends beyond a few days, then the cost of commercial fire damage restoration is much higher. The personal items and household components can also erode.

The fire in home or fire in business effects through the timelines show that you should not wait. The fire cleanup and fire damage restoration need to begin on the material day. The soot damage and smoke smell and smoke damage also need to be addressed immediately. If professional services are sought in good time, the commercial fire damage process can be completed in a few hours.

There are several steps that are involved during a fire cleanup process. The first order of business should be protection. Fire damage protection involves putting on thick gloves and clothes. An oxygen tank is also necessary due to the burning of harmful chemicals. Proper ventilation is also crucial in a commercial fire damage mitigation process. Opening the windows and doors help to release the smoke smell. If you do it on a windy day, then you may not need extra ventilation. Fans can be used for enclosed spaces that lack sufficient ventilation.

Fire cleanup will include cleaning, doors, fixtures, ceilings, windows, and clothes. To get rid of the soot damage residue, high-efficiency cleaners need to be used. This is especially when cleaning upholstery or the carpeting. Pressure washers may also be needed to wash the brick, wood or paint walls. High-quality detergents are also necessary to deal with the discoloration.

The smoke smell also necessitates the need for odor removal measures. This is also part of the fire damage restoration process. Odor removal may involve the use of aerosol sprays, disinfectant sprays, and deodorizing sprays, alongside other measures such as ensuring proper ventilation. As evidenced, the process of damage restoration is neither easy nor simple. This is why it is advisable to seek the services of commercial fire damage companies.

The fire cleanup services also involve inspection of the entire home and identification of the source of fire. Water damage remediation is also important when dealing with fire damage. Once water has been used to put out the fire, it needs to be removed to avoid further damage to the property. A professional fire cleanup company will have expertise on both fire and water damage to deal with any fire in home or fire in business. They also need to have a mitigation strategy for dealing with the smoke smell, smoke damage, and soot damage.
Visit http://www.SERVPROsouthcabarruscounty.com for more information on fire damage.

The Need For Water and Fire Damage Mitigation

5/19/2017 (Permalink)

The Need For Water and Fire Damage Mitigation

Once the fire has been put out, and the fire damage has been contained, the property will suffer water damage. Commercial fire damage services should also include water damage remediation. The water used in fire damage restoration can create another problem. Fire cleanup should be done prior to the water damage remediation. This way the fire in home or fire in business is first contained. The smoke damage, smoke smell and soot damage must also be handled. When dealing with fire damage or water damage, business and homeowners need to enlist the services of a company that will also handle the water situation. It becomes very expensive to hire another company after the fire damage restoration has been done to deal with the water.

Water cleanup should come after the fire in home and fire in business has been dealt with. To appreciate the need for restoration or water cleanup services, it is best to understand categories of water contamination. w

Classifications of water contamination

Water damage or flood damage can be put in three broad categories. The first category of water damage is from clean water. The second is grey water used for home appliances. This water can cause illness if ingested. The third category is black water contamination from unsanitary sources that could contain animal or human waste. Flood water from rivers and lakes is classified as black water. This water contains disease causing pathogens.

Water in home or water in business remediation should be done in safe conditions. Special cleaning agents and disinfectants should be used when handling household items. It can be very easy to contract tetanus especially when handling contaminated water. This is why it is best to let the water cleanup agents handle it. Professional water and commercial fire damage restoration companies use high-tech equipment and tools when drying the water. These water restoration and commercial fire damage technicians are also trained on safety measures when conducting fire damage or water remediation.

While contemplating on the need for water or fire clean up mitigation services, most people faced with fire in home or fire in business consider the cost aspect. However, businesses and home owners stand to gain if their property or household items can be salvaged. Water or fire can also be stopped from creating further losses. There are several instances when water or fire in home or fire in business calls for the expertise of water or fire damage companies.

When to enlist the services of water or fire cleanup services

When there is a fire, there is also the aspect of smoke damage, soot damage and smoke smell. These issues need to be addressed immediately before the water restoration process begins. How much damage can be avoided largely depends on how soon these water and fire cleanup professionals are brought on board. To save business property or household items, these commercial fire damage experts should be contacted immediately.

Timing is everything when it comes to restoration or commercial fire damage mitigation services. Once the fire has been put out, special attention should be paid to smoke damage, soot damage and smoke smell. The fire cleanup paves way for water damage restoration. It is essential to note that mold can begin breeding as soon as two days after the water or flood damage incident. The water therefore needs to be dried using the right equipment. When it comes to water cleanup or commercial fire damage restoration, professional water and fire clean up firms have the manpower needed to deal with the smoke damage, soot damage, smoke smell and water damage from an entire building or house. Acting promptly also helps to salvage more items before they are completely destroyed in water.

As evidenced, water cleanup and commercial fire damage restoration requires expertise. This is why it is best to entrust the process to certified and experienced professionals. Visit http://www.SERVPROsouthcabarruscounty.com for more information on fire damage.

Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment Restoration Crew

4/24/2017 (Permalink)

Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment Restoration Crew

When your home or business has suffered significant fire damage, getting the local fire cleanup and smoke damage restoration at the location in a timely manner can make all the difference. These fire in home or fire in business professionals can transform even the more dire fire loss to back what the location looked like before the fire. Here is how the local fire cleanup crew can make short work of giving you back piece of mind and your property after fire damage.

Once you reach out to the fire in home or fire in business experts, they will arrive in a timely manner to perform a fire loss assessment. This part of the fire cleanup process allows the fire in home or fire in business professionals to inspect the soot damage and further test adjoining rooms to determine the extent of the all the fire damage, smoke damage, and soot damage. This is a very important step in the fire loss cleanup process to helping the fire in home or fire in business team to developing a plan of action.

Now that the fire in home or fire in business experts have analyzed the air quality risks, they will begin boarding up any locations that pose a serious security risk. They will board up windows, doors, and tarp the roof. When it comes to commercial fire damage, the amount of work in this process could be further complicated due to the large amount of equipment on the property that didn't sustain fire damage. The commercial fire damage team will secure the premises and maintain security to protect further damage or theft. If the commercial fire damage team finds issues that they can not address, they have inroads to fire cleanup contractors that can work on air quality too.

The next part of the fire cleanup process is water removal that was used to prevent fire loss. The more fire loss that was prevented, the more water could be on the property. The fire in home or fire in business team will locate all the water and utilize high-power vacuums and drying machines in a timely manner. The air quality experts remove the majority of the water and then will use dehumidifiers or air movers to completely remove all of the remaining water while completing the drying process.

After the fire in home or fire in business team have successfully removed all the water and dried all property, the smoke damage and soot damage removal process begins. In order to improve the air quality in the home or business, the soot damage and smoke damage from the fire damage has to properly be removed by the fire loss experts. These commercial fire damage professionals use specialized equipment and techniques that remove smoke damage and soot damage from ceilings, floors, walls, doors, and other fire damage surfaces.

As it pertains to commercial fire damage, the cleaning and sanitizing process is extremely important because customers and employees will both be on the property. The commercial fire damage experts will clean all restorable items or structures that sustained fire damage and improve air quality. Visit http://www.SERVPROsouthcabarruscounty.com for more information on fire damage.

Managing A Fire Loss In Concord, NC

3/24/2017 (Permalink)

Residential Fire Damage in Concord, NC

Managing A Fire Loss In Concord, NC

Fire damage is a devastating thing that no one wants to go through, and it may stretch from water damage from fire and soot damage or smoke damage to the upper reaches of the home where no one can see. This article explains how a mitigation company in Concord NC will ensure the house has high air quality. The things that happen during a fire may be reversed, but the homeowner must be prepared to invest in a process that will make their home much cleaner.

#1: How Is The Water Cleaned?

Water damage from fire is the first thing everyone notices when the fire is out. The people who come to the site will see there is quite a lot of standing water, and it must be cleaned up as soon as possible because there is no other way to get to the repairs on the house. Smoke and soot will cover the parts of the house that were burnt, and the rest of the house must be treated with gentle care.

The water that is removed from the house will cause mold and mildew if it is allowed to stay, and the mitigation company may begin making repairs when they are ready. They will build every part of the house that was torn down, and they will clean the house at the same time.

#2: The Fire Cleanup

Fire damage that is cleaned in any North Carolina home must be scrubbed from the walls because it will stick easily when has burned for some time. There is quite a lot of debris that will sit in the home, and it is difficult for the homeowner to control the air quality in the house. They must have every part of the house cleaned, and they may ask for tests in the house that ensure the air quality has improved. Midland NC homeowners may ask the company how they plan to clean each part of the house, and they will find it simple to ensure the house has come clean even after a bad fire. The cleaning process is not complete until air tests come back clean.

#3: Building Parts Of The House

There are many parts of the house that will begin to break down after a fire, and someone who is looking for assistance with their home must ensure they have taken the time to have each part repaired. The mitigation company will ensure the house has been sealed as it should be, and they will show the homeowner all the issues that they found when they inspected the house. The house is much simpler to manage once it has been repaired, and the home will look better than it did when it was burned.

#4: Soot And Smoke Damage

Air in the house will be quite dirty when there is soot damage and smoke that touched all the walls. It will cling to everything, and there will be a pall in the air that is hard to ignore. The people who live in the house will have many problems breathing, and they will fall ill more often because of the low quality of the air. There are quite a few health problems that may start, and it is possible that mold and mildew will begin to grow.

#5: Mold And Mildew Growth

North Carolina homeowners must ensure they are prepared for the humid climate, and they will find it much simpler to remain prepared when they have asked the mitigation company to help. The mitigation firm will ensure the homeowners in Concord NC and Midland NC have services that take in to account the humidity in the air, and they must ensure they have cleaned all the parts of the house before mold and mildew begin to grow. The growth could be toxic, and it will be a terrible thing for the family as it will make them even more sick.

#6: Emergency Response

The emergency response on behalf of the customer will be quite easy to manage, and they may contact the company at any time. They crews will scramble to the house, and they will have every opportunity to clean up the house before daylight hits. There are many different people who will quite enjoy the way the response team works, and they will not feel as though the house is being broken down when the fire occurs. The best emergency crews will show up at the house when the fire trucks are leaving, and they will notice how easy it is begin work. They will ensure the house is safe, and they will start the water removal process. They have special vacuums that are easy to use, and they will work into the early hours to ensure the house is stable.

The emergency response team will continue their work by beginning the cleanup process inside the house. There are many different things that must be done if the company wants to get their clients in the house, and they will work for days until they have created a place the homeowner is prepared to live. It is not healthy for the homeowner to be in the house when it is not safe, and they will not allow the homeowner back in until they are certain they are allowed to.

#7: How To Work With The Company

The company must be left enough time to do their work, and there are many different people who are looking for a way to get the house back to the way it was. The house will begin to take shape when the homeowner is searching for a simpler way to recover what they have lost, and they will see the whole of the house repaired to its original glory. They may remove all air problems, and they will make the house look as though it was never burned. Every job that is done by the mitigation company includes their commitment to customer service and the health of the family. Visit http://www.SERVPROsouthcabarruscounty.com for more information on fire damage restoration.

Experiencing a Fire Loss in Concord, NC

2/15/2017 (Permalink)

Fire Loss in Concord, NC

Experiencing a Fire Loss in Concord, NC

There are not many ways by which the initial shock of a fire accident can be alleviated in North Carolina. However, there are steps that can be taken to get one’s life back to a normal condition and the home or business back to a near pre-accident condition. However, these steps must be engaged quickly and actually, one of the only steps that a homeowner can take in a way that will result in a completely remediated home is to contact a proven, comprehensive water and fire remediation service with many years of proven service to the community.

Every step after the call to one of these North Carolina cleaning services that will make the home livable or the business viable will have to be accomplished by this Concord, NC or Midland, NC company, so choosing the appropriate service correctly is very important. Home and business owners must be persistent in their quest for the appropriate service, and they should exercise due diligence and be very thorough even though this is a stressful time for Midland, NC and Concord, NC residents and any of those affected by the incident.

The initial damage occurs from the fire itself, but there are corresponding components to the fire that are also vehicles for damage like water and other fire retardant materials, soot damage, ash, smoky air and the odors that correspond with every level of the accident. All of these combined issues must addressed in thoroughly and in their entirety in order to have a full remediation, so the experience of the company contracted is central.

Contracting the wrong service at this point would be a serious set back. Additionally, If there are any even slight remnants that are missed or neglected, these residual particles will begin to emit odor from wherever they are, and still may even stain drapery and carpet as well as many furniture items. Any excess or residual moisture that is not remediated properly will present the same issue, but residual water will also produce a chance to create the conditions in which mold propagates.

All of the substances that were necessary to arrest the fire in the home or building are still present in the structure after the fire is extinguished, and these dirty, malodorous substances are negatively affecting everything that they encounter, and the longer these materials impact the home or business, the more damage that is being done multiplies. Additionally, the water damage from the fire cleanup instituted by the remediation company includes drying time, and the constant changing and rearranging of the equipment necessary to render a habitation moisture free. This makes this part especially stressful for the inhabitants of the home or the business owner, but it is one of the most important steps, and abating the water damage from the fire must be performed thoroughly.

Additionally, this step will bring the family or business owner closer to regaining their former domiciles when the water from the fire damage remediation step is occurring, so patience at this step is required, but crews should be active. This information is helpful because less than honest remediation companies will use this step to artificially lengthen a job. Additionally, water remediation can sometimes mean removal of wall board and other parts of the structure in some areas, and sometimes this deconstruction can be extensive. However, it is sometimes unnecessary to disassemble the structure when remediating the water that has proliferated from abating the fire because the volume may not be great enough to warrant such action.

Smoke damage can be as invasive a water sometimes and depending the structure of the fire, this problem can do much smoke damage to the home. The damage is so great because it spreads stains and odors throughout the home including areas that are not directly related to the fire like airdrops, vents and ducts. This negatively affects air quality greatly, and it means that the entire HVAC system must be cleaned thoroughly to not only improve air quality, but to also eliminate odor and prevent damage to the HVAC system. However, this type of cleaning is a specialty of comprehensive remediation and cleanup companies here in Concord, NC. 

Soot damage is the fine particulate contained in the smoky, hot air from fires. This is especially true in home and business fires because of the many varied things that can become incinerated in the fire. It differs from ash because ash is the remains of material incinerated in the fire, and it is heavier because it is produced as a by product of the fire and carried away in the smoky air. Additionally, ash is a heavier, larger grained particulate. Additionally, it is sometimes the particulates left over from smoky water after remediation, but before the actual cleaning occurs. For example, soot would be the particulate that invades the HVAC system because it is fine enough to be picked up by the smoke-filled air and also the HVAC system itself, and sent throughout the building, or carried via the smoky air.

The smoke itself is a potent vehicle for odor, ash, stains and soot throughout the entire habitation, but it is more dangerous because of the things that the smoke carries, and the extent that smoke-filled air proliferates everything including the interior sections of walls and in between floors. This is why smoke is so dangerous to health in a fire and creates such extensive damage to structures also.

All of these combine to present a real picture of the extent of damage that must be eradicated in order to make a building habitable or usable in the case of a business. This is in conjunction with the things that the fire damages itself. In many cases, much of the damage must be cleaned in order to accurately assess the extent of the damage. Additionally, these issue must addressed immediately in order to mitigate the damage. This is especially true for the water involved, but all of the issues will be exacerbated by the failure to act immediately. Visit http://www.SERVPROsouthcabarruscounty.com for more information on fire loss and fire damage.

Burn Awareness Week

2/4/2015 (Permalink)

February 1-7 is Burn Awareness Week. This week is designed to provide an opportunity for fire and life safety educators to share burn awareness and prevention messages in our communities. In honor of Burn Awareness week, the American Burn Association has provided preventions tips on their website. Some of these resources include Pediatric Scalds, Cooking Safety for Older Adults, and Scald Injury Prevention. Please visit http://www.ameriburn.org/preventionBurnAwareness.php for more information.