Fire and Smoke Cleanup with SERVPRO

6/30/2023 (Permalink)

Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration and Cleanup with SERVPRO Gets Your Medina County Property Back to Pre-Fire Condition

You might worry that your Medina County house is a total loss after a recent blaze. However, SERVPRO has the training and experience to ensure fire damaged homes in the area get back to pre-fire condition “Like it never even happened.” We tackle each job and treat it as unique, handling every detail with precision and care.

Total fire restoration means addressing fire and smoke clean up in Media County simultaneously. You must get in touch with your home insurance provider to determine what is covered and begin your claim. The most common to-do list homeowners will have with house fire cleanup projects include:

• Structure safety and security –We will not enter until first responders onsite deem the building safe.
• Documentation –Meticulous inventory and paperwork must get done, including photos of the damage.
• Skilled assistance –Hiring the right fire damage restoration team for the job ensures everything gets done right the first time.
• Work begins –SERVPRO can handle removal and disposal of all charred debris, interior cleaning, drying, and controlled demolitions, as needed.

Fire and smoke cleanup are better left to skilled technicians - this is where we come in at SERVPRO of Medina County. With one call to (830) 584-1704, you will have our Green Fleet at your door and ready to get started within a few hours.

Helpful Tips to Avoid Kitchen Fires

6/19/2023 (Permalink)

The kitchen can be a wonderfully versatile place—a place for family and friends to gather, for quality time to be spent and where some delicious eats are cooked up. Unfortunately, the kitchen is also the space where many home fires can occur.

Cooking fires are the No. 1 cause of home fires and injuries and the leading cause of these kitchen fires is unattended cooking.

In previous years, State Farm paid out over $130 million in homeowners insurance claims related to grease and other cooking fires. According to the insurance company, these are the worst states for kitchen fires:

• North Carolina
• Texas
• Pennsylvania
• California
• Ohio
• Illinois
• Maryland
• New York
• Alabama
• Georgia

Kitchen Fire Safety Tips

Staying in the kitchen while cooking is not the only fire safety tip you should be following. Here are some other helpful tips to observe while cooking:

1. Be mindful of your clothing. Does your outfit have long, flowing sleeves or is it big and baggy? It could catch on fire if you aren’t careful while cooking over the stove. It’s best to wear short or close-fitted sleeve shirts and make sure any baggy shirts are tucked in or tied back.

2. Watch the items around the stovetop. Make sure you don’t have kitchen towels, oven mitts, appliance cords or even curtains too close to the stovetop when cooking. Ideally, anything flammable will be moved away from it.

3. Have a fire extinguisher in/near the kitchen. Hopefully you have at least one fire extinguisher located in your home, ideally one that is near your kitchen. Make sure you know how to properly use the extinguisher, just in case it is ever needed.

4. Do not throw hot grease in the garbage can. The grease may not be on fire, but it could be hot enough to cause something in the trash to burn. You should let the grease cool a bit and then dispose of it in an old coffee can. Also, know the smoke points of the oils you cook with. Be sure to never subject a low-smoke point oil to high heat when cooking, as it could catch fire.

5. Have a fire escape plan established. Thinking about the worst-case scenario is never fun, but it’s better to be prepared than unprepared if an emergency were to occur. Go over exit routes and designated meeting points with your family, making sure that everyone knows what to do.

Fire safety in the kitchen is an absolute necessity, as it can help prevent dangerous and destructive cooking fires. If your home has experienced damage from a cooking fire, know that SERVPRO of Medina County is here to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Wildfires can happen in any area

6/23/2022 (Permalink)

Did you know, more than 72,000 U.S. communities are now at risk from wildfire? Every year, wildfires burn across the U.S., and more people are living where wildfires are a real risk. By working together, residents can make their property, and their neighborhood, much safer from wildfire. Keeping your property clear of debris and maintaining landscaping are easy and effective ways to prevent fuel for a wildfire. Keep flammable materials, like wood piles and propane tanks, at least 30 feet away from your home's foundation. Wildfire can also spread to tree tops; help prevent this by pruning trees so the lowest branches are 6 to 10 feet from the ground. Keep your lawn hydrated and maintained. Following these simple tips can help protect you and your property, and reduce the intensity of a potential fire. For more information of these and other wildfire safety tips, visit firewise.org. SERVPRO of Medina County is always here to help whether it be a #wildfire or a #kitchenfire.

There are many ways that a fire can start, it's always important to be aware!

4/15/2022 (Permalink)

No one likes thinking about the possibility of seeing their home damaged by fire, but unfortunately, it’s a harsh reality for a multitude of Americans.

One way you can help protect your home is by understanding fire hazards and knowing how to identify them. In this blog, we’ll be diving into two of the most common household fire hazards.

Candles can be problematic.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, during a five-year period from 2011 to 2015, fire departments in the United States responded to an estimated 8,700 home structure fires a year that were started by candles. In total, there were 82 deaths, 800 injuries and $295 million in direct property damage.

Candles caused 2 percent of reported home fires, with 3 percent of those fires resulting in death and 7 percent with injuries. There were an average of 24 home candle fires reported per day during those five years, with December being the prime time of the year for home candle fires.

Of all the candle fires during this time span, 37 percent started in bedrooms and were responsible for 36 percent of the associated deaths and 51 percent of the associated injuries.

When burning a candle, be sure it’s kept at least one foot away from anything that could burn and is in a sturdy holder that won’t easily tip over. Never use a candle if oxygen is used in the home and always blow out all candles before leaving a room or going to sleep.

Smoking can result in home disaster.

While cooking is the leading cause of home fires, smoking is the leading cause of home fires.

An estimated 17,200 home structure fires were reported in 2014 due to smoking materials, which includes cigarettes, pipes and cigars. Those fires resulted in 570 deaths, 1,140 injuries and $426 million in property damage per the Coalition for Fire-Safe Cigarettes.

If you’re a smoker, it is safest to smoke outside, as most deaths result from fires that have started in living rooms, family rooms or bedrooms. Fire-safe cigarettes are the best option, and a deep, sturdy ashtray should be used.

Douse all cigarette butts and ashes in water or sand prior to throwing them out and keep in mind that one out of four fatal victims of smoking-material fires is not the smoker whose cigarette started the fire.

Fire hazards could be hiding in plain sight.

While candles and smoking are two of the most common causes of home structure fires, there are also other lesser-known hazards that could be present in your home.

Did you know that some kinds of glassware in your home could be a fire risk? When sunlight passes through them, the concentrated ray could ignite flammable materials, which is why it’s best to move glass accessories away from windows.

Dust bunnies can also pose a fire risk when collecting near electrical sockets and floor heaters. Sweeping or vacuuming your floors regularly and cleaning hard-to-reach areas like behind the entertainment system can help prevent buildup.

Also, look out for loose outlets in your home. The movement of these electrical outlets could loosen the wires connected to the outlet and create dangerous arcing.

Fire and smoke damage can be devastating to homes, and in many circumstances, can be accompanied by water damage from firefighting efforts. If your home is damaged, know that SERVPRO of Medina County is here to help restore your home to pre-fire condition.

When It Comes To Fire It's Important To Be Prepared

4/14/2022 (Permalink)

Every second counts during a fire. Fire experts agree; people have as little as two minutes to escape a burning home before it’s too late to get out.* In a matter of moments, a small flame can
become a major fire, making it critical to be prepared and have an escape plan in place. A survey conducted by the American Red Cross shows only 26 percent of families have developed
and practiced a home fire escape plan.  Once a plan is developed, it is critical everyone in the home understands the plan; the best way to do this is by practicing the escape plan at least
twice a year. Increase your chance of surviving a fire by ensuring you have working smoke detectors in place, building an escape plan, and
then practicing the escape plan. The following are a few suggestions to help you develop an emergency escape plan.

Draw a map of each level of your home and show all doors and windows. Find two ways to get out of each room. Make sure all doors and windows that
lead outside open easily.

Consider escape ladders for sleeping areas on the second and third floors.  Only purchase collapsible escape ladders evaluated by a recognized testing laboratory. Store them near the window where they will be used.

Choose an outside meeting place a safe distance in front of your home where everyone can meet after they’ve escaped. Make sure to mark the
location of the meeting place on your
escape plan.

Teach children how to escape on their own in case you cannot help them. Plan for everyone in your home, with special considerations for elderly
or disabled individuals.

Practice your fire escape plan during the day and at nighttime, at least twice a year.

Do you have the correct fire extinguisher?

3/30/2022 (Permalink)

Portable fire extinguishers can be life and property saving tools when used correctly. In order to operate an extinguisher, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) suggests remembering the word PASS:

• Pull the pin. Hold the nozzle  pointing away from you and  release the locking mechanism.
• Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
• Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.
• Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side

Read the instructions on the fire extinguisher and become familiar with them before a fire breaks out. Remember, extinguishers do have limitations. It is also important to ensure you have the correct type of extinguisher for your facility. To find more information on choosing the appropriate class of extinguisher, please visit the NFPA website.  Fire safety is one of our top priorities at SERVPRO of Medina County.
at nfpa.org.

Basic Fire Safety Tips for Your Family

3/30/2022 (Permalink)

Did you know that every year in the United States, more than 350,000 house fires occur, adding up to more than $5.5 billion in property damage? Beyond the financial costs, these fires also lead to nearly 3,000 deaths and another 10,000 injuries.

Your best defense against a fire is to prepare in advance. That’s why it’s important for every person in your family to know how to prevent fires and what to do if they occur.

Start teaching your kids basic fire safety guidelines early in life. Let’s also take a look at three other fire safety practices you can practice as a family:

Create a Plan

If a fire sparks, every person in the family needs to know what to do—including how to get out of the house and where to go once they’re out.

But don’t just create a plan and forget it.

As the saying goes, “practice makes perfect.” Regularly practice the routine of what to do. Doing so will make you more likely to remember the steps if an actual fire occurs.

Look Out for Fire Hazards

If you were to take a look through your home, you might be surprised how many fire hazards you spot! Take some time to go through every room and your outdoor space to uncover these hazards.

• Make sure appliances are in good shape.
• Check that electrical cords aren’t frayed or otherwise damaged.
• Make sure outlets and/or extension cords aren’t overloaded.
• Ensure light fixtures are using the correct wattage of light bulbs.
• Double-check that electrical wiring is not covered up by rugs or carpet.

Watch Yourself in the Kitchen

Cooking is the biggest single cause of home fires. That’s why it’s important to be especially careful in the kitchen.

Anyone who’s cooking needs to practice some basic cooking safety:

• Never cook when tired or otherwise not able to pay attention.
• Always supervise kids and teens when they cook.
• Keep a lid nearby when cooking on the stove in case of a grease fire. If a small grease fire occurs, smother it with the lid.
• If the oven catches on fire, turn it off and keep the door closed.

If a kitchen fire occurs and begins to spread, leave the room and close the door.

If your family has experienced a fire and needs help restoring your home, SERVPRO of Medina County can help! Give us call to learn about our fire restoration services and what we can do for you. (830)584-1704

SERVPRO of Medina County Fire Restoration Services

3/30/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Medina County will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – 830-584-1704

Medina County Smoke and Soot Cleanup

2/9/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke and Soot Damage Can Cause a Pervasive Odor in Your Medina County Home.

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and Soot Facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Medina County will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke - Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke - Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue - Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire and Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – 830-584-1704