Recent Fire Damage Posts
Dedicated Division for Professional Boardup Services
6/19/2024 (Permalink)
Professional Boardup Services
We Do So Much More Than Water Damage & Fire Damage Cleanup.
Did you know that SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston has a dedicated team specifically catered to residential and commercial boardup services? Well, we do!
When your South-Central Illinois home or business has been damaged by fire, water, or storm damage, the immediate concern should be temporary protective measures such as placing roof tarps to prevent additional damage, and boarding up any windows or doors is essential to secure your property from vandals and animals entering the building. SERVPRO® arrives immediately after first responders have performed their services to your home or place of business with the proper resources to secure it from unwanted guests.
After protecting and securing the structure, professionals at SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston can begin the restoration process. Your home or business may need reconstruction work to get your property back to its preloss condition and that's where we shine because we are truly a "Full Service" restoration provider. There is no need to call multiple service providers, we handle it all from the first call at 217-536-6655.
A Few Helpful Fire Safety Tips
6/19/2024 (Permalink)
Fire Prevention
There are many things that can cause a residential or commercial fire to take place. There are also many easy steps that you can take to prevent fires from happening and safeguarding our property and you safe.
Here are just a few helpful fire safety tips that can help you avoid a fire:
- Ensure that appliances are turned off and/or unplugged after use and before leaving your home during an extended period of abscence as in a vacation scenario.
- When on vacation, have a trusted neighbor or family member look in on your property as a safeguard.
- Check smoke alarms on a regularly scheduled basis to ensure that they are in properly working condition and have working batteries in them.
-Ensure that heaters are not blocked and there is nothing flammable placed near them.
- If you have a chimney and/or wood burning fireplace in your home, inspect it annually before putting into use. Have this inspected by a professionally licensed service provider.
- Have an emergency plan and escape route in place for the entire family should an emergency occur.
At SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston, we want your home, your family and if you own a business, your employees to remain safe and worry free.
If an unforeseen catastrophe like a fire does occur, call SERVPRO® immediately at 217-536-6655. We are available 24/7, 365 Days a year.
When Dealing with Smoke & Soot Damage
6/7/2023 (Permalink)
Heavy Smoke & Soot Damage
Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your Effingham home or business, 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 Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston 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 at: (217) 536-6655
SMOKE DAMAGED INSULATION? NO PROBLEM!
5/10/2022 (Permalink)
Smoke damaged insulation
SMOKE DAMAGED INSULATION? WE CAN REMEDY THAT!
SERVPRO of Effingham-Mattoon-Charleston understands the need to remove all damaged materials from your home or business to make sure there is no lingering effects from a fire damage. One of those materials is your insulation. Insulation is very porous and absorbent which will trap odors like smoke in the material. SERVPRO has various ways of removing insulation based on what type (rolled or blown in) insulation it is. We make sure we remove all materials that could cause odor problems.
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 Effingham-Mattoon-Charleston 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.
Call the cleanup team that is Faster to any size disaster at (217) 536-6655.
Commercial Fire Restoration is our expertise!
11/15/2021 (Permalink)
Commercial Warehouse Fire
When it comes to commercial fires in the south-central Illinois region, there can always be a risk of a fire from office buildings to restaurants to factory warehouses. Especially, with the cold weather season gearing up. These types of facilities and structures have not had their heating systems turned on all year long and we all know that the winter months tent to yeld more fire related catastrophes. A fire occurs in a structure at the rate of one every 64 seconds, and a home fire occurs every 89 seconds. This is according to the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA).
(NFPA) research has found that structure fires accounted for 20% of the fires, but 49% of related deaths, 80% injuries, and 67% of property damage.
A serious fire in a business is catastrophic and costly to the building, the business itself and the customers it serves. Even when the fire is rapidly controlled, there is still likely going to be significant and secondary fire damage. SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston has trained IICRC Certified technicians and resources to respond to your disaster.
There's never a convenient time for fire or water damage to strike. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue, productivity and potential customer loss. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services in addition to reconstruction capabilities, we have the expertise and the knowledge to get your property back in business.
SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston specializes in the cleanup, restoration and reconstruction of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event.
We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage to its preloss condition. Call us at (217) 536-6655.
When You Have a Fire, You Can Count on SERVPRO
9/2/2021 (Permalink)
Fire Damage
Experiencing a fire is something that can disrupt your entire life. Not only do you have to deal with damage to your home or business, but there are also the lingering traumatization of the experience. That's why we are hear, to take all the agonizing decisions of putting your home or business back to it's original condition before the event. We build it back while you heal from what you just went through.
We understand just how difficult experiencing a house or business fire can be, which is why we have invested plenty of resources, equipment and training into making sure we are ready to handle any fire damage you experience. We can handle the damage quickly and comprehensively, so you can have a home and business that is restored to its pre-damage condition as quickly as possible.
You Can Trust SERVPRO
We Can Handle All Aspects of the Damage
Most folks in the Effingham region don't understand how damage from fires in one area of a home or business can effect a completely different part of the building far from the point of origin. It's not about being just where the actual flames were, it's where the secondary damage travels to. Smoke and soot can spread through all areas of your home and business, impacting areas that were nowhere near the initial fire and causing smoke related damage to penetrate the structure and the contents. However, with our extensive cleaning techniques and procedures that SERVPRO utilizes, we can purify the air and remove odors from your contents non porous contents, keepsakes, etc.
We Have a Rapid Response
When a catastrophic fire event strikes, the last thing you want is to wait on a restoration company’s business hours to respond to your needs. That is why we are here 24/7 and always dispatch a team to you as quickly as possible, so we can get the restoration started right away once we arrive.
We are a Full Service Restoration Provider
After a fire, cleaning up the damage is one thing, but restoring your home to its preloss condition is another. We can take care of all aspects of the restoration process including all phases of reconstruction. Whatever is needed we can provide it. One call to us and we handle all the required services to put your home or business back together.
Call us at (217) 536-6655 for all your restoration and reconstruction needs.
SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston is the only company you need!
6/9/2021 (Permalink)
Construction Project Manager
Every South Central Illinois homeowner or business' worst fear is a fire destroying their biggest investment. The emotional and financial impact brought on by a catastrophic event can be staggering and beyond stressful. The last things you want to worry about are fighting your insurance company and getting countless bids from dozens of contractors for all of the trades required to restore your home or business. The process can overwhelming to say the least.
SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston offers our customers a "One-Stop-Shop" for your fire restoration needs saving you precious time, money and your sanity! Your insurance company will look to pay the least amount possible to restore your home. If you’re dealing directly with your adjuster to settle your claim, this leave you having to cut corners on labor and material. Your home or business is the last place you want to cut corners during a reconstruction phase. This is why it is essential to have SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston as your advocate! With our claims experience and extensive restoration knowledge we bring to the table, we can help smooth out a potential bumpy road to recovery. SERVPRO will be there to assist in the claims process and handle the entire restoration project, providing you with the most efficient and stress-free experience possible to get your home or business back to its preloss condition. Call us today at (217) 536-6655.
SERVPRO handles all stages of the repair process
4/22/2021 (Permalink)
Working Together on all phases of the loss
TEAM WOLFE is a "Full Service" Restoration and Reconstruction Company that handles all aspects of putting your home or business back to its preloss condition. Here we have our Restoration Division collaborating seamlessly with our Construction Division on a recent fire damage project. When faced with a serious disaster to your home or business, a full service restoration company is invaluable. Whether you’ve sustained damage as the result of a fire, flood, storm, or any other unexpected event, you need a Full Service Restoration company in your corner and we respond to your needs immediately. Our professionally trained, IICRC certified technicians will be on-site within one hour of your call, equipped and prepared to start the damage control, cleaning, and restoration process without delay. At TEAM WOLFE, one call takes care of it all from start to finish! Its what all customers should expect from a restoration company and we deliver!
It's Candle Fire Season!
11/2/2020 (Permalink)
A diffuser is a much safer alternative to burning candles.
Be Cautious When Using Candles
Yes, that soft light and aromatic fragrances that fill the room from a lit candle can be an easy way to create the atmosphere that you want in your home. However, candles can also become a safety hazard if they are not used properly. Candle fires are common, but the following tips can help you avoid them.
1. Don’t Leave Burning Candles Unattended:
It may seem like an annoyance to extinguish a candle every time you leave the room. However, leaving it burning could result in a candle fire if something gets too close to the flame or if it burns too low. It is best to blow out candles before going to bed at night, even if the candle is in the same room you sleep in..
2. Keep Them Away From Flammable Items:
When you are using a candle, you should be sure to have the area free of flammable objects. This can include papers as well as fabrics such as curtains and bedding. These types of items should be at least a foot away from any candles that are in use. Flammable liquids should be kept even further away.
3. Keep Them Out of Reach of Pets and Children:
Both children and pets often come with an excess of energy and curiosity. For this reason, it can be easy for them to inadvertently start a candle fire. Keep burning candles in an area that are not within reach of a child or pet, especially unsupervised!
4. Use an Alternative:
Perhaps the easiest way to prevent a is simply not to use candles at all. There are a variety of other ways that you can achieve a more relaxing home environment. If you are only interested in adding a nice scent to your home, a wax warmer is a great option. One great option is a diffuser. Diffusers are a great alternative to candles and make you house smell fantastic!
While these tips can help you prevent an emergency, accidents can still occur. Whether it is small or large, fires often require smoke cleanup and some repairs. If this happens, a fire damage restoration company like SERVPRO can help return your home to its preloss condition making it "Like it never even happened."
Cleaning Contents After a Fire
9/1/2020 (Permalink)
Damaged structure and contents from Fire
- Make Sure It's Safe To Start
Your first concern in every fire damage restoration disaster is safety. SERVPRO takes steps to make sure all workers entering your home or business after a fire are safe. It is important that the structure is safe before the evaluation and restoration process begins.
Also, keep in mind that, after a fire, indoor air contains floating smoke and soot particles. Smoke/soot particles are Products of Incomplete Combustion (PIC). These are carcinogens and are dangerous. When cleaning up smoke/soot, it is important to wear a respirator, such as an N-95 or N-100. Using gloves and other protective clothing will also protect against soot exposure. Ventilation is key to letting the contaminants in the air outside.
- Evaluating Damaged Contents
The next step is to determine which items should be cleaned and where, as well as which items to discard. Cost and antique value are key consideration factors. SERVPRO inspects the affected items as quickly as possible, as soot can produce further damage or corrode contents and appliances in a matter of hours or days, depending on the material.
In many cases, contents that have been damaged directly by the fire or by excessive heat should not be discarded until inspected. SERVPRO knows how to clean smoke damage from salvageable items.
Most textile goods like draperies and bedding will be taken to our laundry division or dry-cleaning facility. Other contents that can be restored, such as furniture, may be cleaned within the home or sent to our facility.
Food items must be treated with caution. Any open items should be thrown away. Unopened items in original packaging that were away from the heat can be considered safe. If there is any doubt, throw the items away.
Keep in mind that melted or discolored plastic items can’t be restored, only cleaned.
- Inventory Of Your Contents
If a “pack out” (removing contents out of the structure where damage occurred) is necessary, our SERVPRO technicians will keep careful records for items taken, location of the items, and condition of the items when removed. In other cases, we may determine that conditions allow for cleaning and storing the contents within the home, or perhaps a garage if property has one. An inventory of all discarded items is essential to receiving monetary reimbursement when filing an insurance claim.
SERVPRO will perform testing to determine the appropriate product to clean your contents. Today’s restoration professionals will use environmentally friendly products for all cleaning and restoration processes. This is an important consideration when choosing a restoration company.
SERVPRO begins to remove soot from each restorable item — either in the home or at our facility. The cleaning method depends on the item, such as furniture, kitchen utensils, dishes, toys, clothing, bedding, draperies, and more.
Pungent odors come with smoke/soot damage. After the cleaning process, most of the smoke odor will be eliminated. Yet, if there is still a small odor, we may add an additional step to the restoration process. This could include ozone or hydroxyl deodorizing. Learn more about processes: ODOR REMOVAL
- For Fire Damage Cleanup and Restoration, Call SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston at (217) 536-6655
When the contents of a home or business are damaged by smoke/soot, mitigating the fire damage, cleaning, and restoring the contents to its preloss condition is a job for restoration professionals. SERVPRO technicians know how to clean smoke damage from contents quickly, ethically and professionally. When you call us, we’ll mitigate the loss and restore your property using state-of-the-art equipment and techniques.
We Are Here For You When Fire Damage Strikes
8/27/2020 (Permalink)
House Fire
The damage caused by a fire doesn’t end when the flames have been extinguished. When dealing with fire damage, homeowners often see their possessions that they spent their lives working for along with the roof over their heads destroyed, leaving them searching for a safe place to stay while they figure out what's next. Meanwhile, businesses can find themselves in financial struggles and unable to deliver their goods and services leaving them exposed to potential loss of clients, marketing share and potentially not re-opening. Rapid fire damage restoration can hold the key to limiting the emotional and financial struggles caused by a fire. SERVPRO understands this and knows how important it is to get your lives back to normal and businesses back open.
EVERY 65 SECONDS!
According to the latest numbers from the National Fire Protection Association, a structure fire is reported every 65 seconds. When a fire alarm sounds, emergency responders and fire departments answer the call for help with rapid response and deployment to the scene of the fire. When the fire is out and the smoke clears, SERVPRO team members respond, ready to help with the same rapid response and quick deployment to your damage home or business – 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
WE ARE HERE FOR YOU ALWAYS
At SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston, we never take a day off because we know fires happen anytime, all the time and we are to serve you!
How a Lightning Strike can impact your Home or Business
8/25/2020 (Permalink)
Lightning strike hitting a home
The Dangers of Lightning
During a South Central Illinois thunderstorm, lightning is a serious concern that can affect your home or business; a thunderstorm can easily create worry about a potential lightning strike that can seriously damage your roof, structure and appliances. Along with strong winds and fallen branches damaging the structure, there is also a risk of a lightning fire. Lightning is not a top reason for a structure fire, a lightning strike can affect your home and business causing hidden fires to start.
Risks Concerning a Lightning Strike
If lightning strikes your home or business, you could be faced with the following scenarios:
Fire: Along with a potential lightning strike hitting the roof or attic area, it could lead to decking, attic insulation or other hidden flammable items being caught on fire.
Power Surges: Bolts prefer to travel the fastest route from the sky to the ground. That often means crossing paths with the wiring and plumbing systems in a home. If a power line in the area was hit, it can also result in a surge that may damage appliances. Electronics, including any smart devices associated with the building, can also be severely damaged.
Shock Wave: The thunder boom in the sky can become very destructive as it gets closer. The explosive shock lightning emits can be powerful enough to break windows, crack foundations, or damage bricks and stones.
After a Strike:
If your home or business is hit by lightning, immediately call 911. A lighting fire isn’t always visible at first glance, so it’s best to have the experts verify your home is safe. Once your home or business is deemed safe to enter, you can assess the damage and file an insurance claim. Along with getting the wiring in your home inspected by a certified electrician, it is a good idea to have the structural integrity of the home checked. If there was a fire, contact a SERVPRO specialist at (217) 536-6655 to get your house or business back to “Like it never even happened.”
Although a lightning fire may not be common, lightning strikes are. Staying aware and taking swift action can help limit secondary damage to your home or business.
What is Ozone?
6/12/2020 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston is your local fire damage expert
If you have ever had a fire on your property and had SERVPRO come out to restore, you will know what an ozone generator is. For those who have not, an ozone generator is a machine that charges the air around it creating O3 out of the O2 molecules we breathe.
What We Use Ozone For
The primary function that we use an ozone generator for is the eliminate odors, especially odors caused by fires. We can use this technique of odor removal in many different cases such as, clothing, furniture, and entire rooms no matter the size. While the odor removal works great, there is a downside to using ozone in excess.
Precautions to Ozone
As stated earlier, ozone is different from the air we breathe. This reaction makes O3 poisonous if it is ingested in excess. This is why we close off the area that is being deodorized during the process. You can trust that we take every precaution necessary to keep our customers and employees safe.
If you experience a fire loss, give SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston
217-536-6655
Electrical Fires
4/13/2020 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston is Here To Help if you have an electrical fire in your home or business
All over the U.S., electrical fires are one of the most common causes of house fires. Electrical fires are not exclusive to old buildings, and they are also not exclusive to home appliances. In fact, 50% of electrical fires start with electrical distribution and lighting equipment. This is due to a compromised wire insulation, an overloaded conduit, or the equipment becoming hot and being close to combustible material.
How To Protect Yourself From Electrical Fires
- Have your home or business thoroughly inspected by a qualified electrician to ensure that electrical work is up to code.
- Install smoke detectors on every level pf your home or business
- Test smoke detectors every month
- Establish an emergency escape plan
- Do not overload electrical outlets
- Use lightbulbs that meet the recommended power of light fixture
- Inspect your appliances, extension cords, and plug-ins often to make sure they have not become compromised
- Look and listen for telltale signs of problems; sizzling or buzzing, flickering lights, frequently tripped breakers
Following these tips can help prevent and make sure you are as ready as possible for a fire disaster, but no one is really ready for a home disaster. In those times of need, SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston is Here To Help. We offer board-ups, free estimates, and reconstruction services. That means that when you call SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston, we will make it “Like it never even happened.”
Call Today: 217-536-6655
SERVPRO of Effingham-Mattoon-Charleston can help you get back to normal after a kitchen fire.
2/11/2020 (Permalink)
A local kitchen fire scorched this customers ceiling. They called SERVPRO of Effingham-Mattoon-Charleston to restore their home.
Cooking is something that most every person does on daily basis. It is an activity that is so normal, that it is easily forgotten how dangerous it can be. The temperatures required to cook are hot enough to start a fire if left unattended.
According to the NFPA, in 2018 the “United States fire departments responded to an estimated average of 172,100 home structure fires per year started by cooking activities in 2012-2016, or an average of 471 home cooking fires per day. These fires caused an average of 530 civilian deaths, 5,270 reported civilian fire injuries, and $1.1 billion in direct property damage per year.”
As you can see, fire damages not only happen often, they are expensive as well. This is because when a fire occurs it damages much more than just the structure of your home or business. The heat from the fire can change the chemical makeup of food items, textiles, furniture, and much more.
Another variable to consider is the amount of soot that the fire spreads around your home or business. Even a small fire in a small corner of your home or business can spread soot over the entire property. The soot gets into the duct systems and is then cycled through the property by the HVAC system. This is why you should trust our highly trained professionals come in and clean the property properly. At SERVPRO, we have a restore first mindset and will do our best to restore any items affected by fire.
What should be disposed of after a kitchen fire:
- Nonperishable food items- even though these food items are sealed, the heat from the fire can activate bacteria in the cans or jars causing the food to go bad.
- Room temperature perishable food items- a sealed refrigerator can keep food safe to eat for up to two hours without power as long as it is left shut. However if when the refrigerator is opened, even within that two hour zone, and a strange odor is present, it would be a good idea to dispose of the items inside.
- Burnt clothing- all clothing burned by the fire should be disposed of even if it is just barely burned.
- Cosmetics and medications- carefully sort through and examine cosmetics and medicine. If there are any signs that the container has been compromised, dispose the item.
A reliable rule of thumb after a kitchen fire is to get rid of items stored in cardboard, thin plastic bags, or cloth.
SERVPRO of Effingham-Mattoon-Charleston is a team you can count on to be Faster to Any Size Disaster. Call (217) 536-6655 today for a fast disaster cleanup service from an experienced team.
10 Key Causes of Catastrophic Fires
1/9/2020 (Permalink)
Unfortunately fires can happen.. We hope you never have to experience a fire, in case you do here are some ways to avoid a catastrophic fire.
Fires devastate homes and businesses and cause damage in numerous ways. Not only is fire destructive, but it also leaves behind lingering and pervasive odors, also not to mention extensive water damage that results from the firefighter’s efforts to extinguish the flames. The professionals at SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charlston have the specialized training, equipment and experience that will restore your home or place of work back to the way it looked before or even better!
To increase the odds that you’ll stay safe, consider these Top 10 causes of fire. This information will help you plan how to make your home or business a safer place to be at!
- Cooking: Avoid splattering grease, never leave kitchens unattended and keep flammable materials away from heat sources.
- Heating Equipment: Have your furnace checked regularly and keep portable heaters away from combustibles.
- Smoking: If you smoke in or near the house, always make sure the cigarette butt is fully put out and make the bedroom off-limits to smoking.
- Electricity: Look out for frayed cords, the overuse of extension cords and overloaded outlets, and don’t run electrical wires under rugs or heavy furniture.
- Candles: Never leave them unattended and keep them out of the reach of children or pets.
- Children: Keep them away from matches and lighters to suppress any curiosity they may have about what happens when different items burn.
- Inadequate wiring: It’s often found in older homes and apartments. Have a professional electrician check yours.
- Flammable Liquids: Keep fuels, solvents, cleaning agents, thinners, adhesives, and paints away from heat sources.
- Holiday Decor: Keep your Christmas tree well-watered and away from heat sources. Check decorative lights for damage and never place candles on or near Christmas trees.
- Grills: Keep them away from your home, deck rails, tablecloths and tree limbs. And never use them indoors, including your garage.
SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston has the knowledge, professional equipment and ability to eliminate all traces of a fire. Besides the easily accessible areas, we also examine wall cavities, duct work, crawl spaces and plumbing chases to establish whether they also suffered any smoke or fire damage. We will make sure that all fire damage is cleaned, repaired, or removed and leave your home or business "Like it never even happened." Because that is the SERVPRO way!
Do You Have Adequate Smoke Alarms?
1/9/2020 (Permalink)
Smoke alarms are a key part of a home fire escape plan. When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast. Working smoke alarms give you early warning so you can get outside quickly.
- A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home. Install alarms in the basement. Smoke alarms should be interconnected. When one sounds, they all sound.
- Large homes may need extra smoke alarms.
- It is best to use interconnected smoke alarms. When one smoke alarm sounds they all sound.
- Test all smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
- Today’s smoke alarms will be more technologically advanced to respond to a multitude of fire conditions, yet mitigate false alarms.
- A smoke alarm should be on the ceiling or high on a wall. Keep smoke alarms away from the kitchen to reduce false alarms. They should be at least 10 feet (3 meters) from the stove.
- People who are hard of hearing or deaf can use special alarms. These alarms have strobe lights and bed shakers.
- Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.
- Smoke alarms are an important part of a home fire escape plan!
Make a Fire Escape Plan!
1/9/2020 (Permalink)
Fire can spread rapidly through your home, leaving you as little as one or two minutes to escape safely once the smoke alarm sounds. A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire. Make sure to install smoke alarms in every sleeping room, level and outside each separate sleeping area. Bring everyone in your household together and make a plan. Walk through your home and inspect all possible exits and escape routes.
Consider drawing a floor plan of your home if you have children. This will help them visually see the exits. Make sure to mark two ways out of each room, including windows and doors.
Escape planning tips:
- Check to make sure the escape routes are clear and doors and windows can be opened easily.
- Choose an outside meeting place (i.e. neighbor's house, a light post, mailbox, or stop sign) 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.
- Go outside to see if your street number is clearly visible from the road. If not, paint it on the curb or install house numbers to ensure that responding emergency personnel can find your home.
- Have everyone memorize the emergency phone number of the fire department. That way any member of the household can call from a neighbor's home or a cellular phone once safely outside.
- Once you're out, stay out! Under no circumstances should you ever go back into a burning building. If someone is missing, inform the fire department dispatcher when you call. Firefighters have the skills and equipment to perform rescues.
Fires are dangerous and we want to make sure you and your family are prepared!
Deodorizing After a Fire Damage to Remove Odors
1/9/2020 (Permalink)
Things You Should Know
One of the biggest problem after an incidence of fire is the lingering, foul, burnt odor. If the odor is not remedied professionally, it can stay on your property for a long time making it almost impossible to stay there.
Thankfully, professionals can help you get rid of this odor after fire damage to your Effingham home. The odor after an incidence of fire is a mix of chemical and natural odors due to the burning of wood, plastic, and other building material. Here at SERVPRO, we employ a multi-step process to eliminate odor and get your home smelling like home again- removing, and cleaning. Let's take a closer look at every step.
Removing
One of the first things that SERVPRO technicians do while tackling an odor problem after a fire is removing the source of the odor. The source of odor after a fire damage can be burnt wood or other building materials. Our IICRC certified technicians dispose of the source in a safely and efficiently.
Cleaning
The second step during the deodorizing process is cleaning. Smoke and soot residues can deposit on and even penetrate the various surfaces such as walls and ceilings. SERVPRO technicians clean different surfaces depending on the type of the surface and residue deposited on it.
Sealing
Sealing is not required in most cases, but if the damage is extensive and the removal of the source is too expensive or impractical, it is the best option. Painting walls to seal in the odors is one such case.
We are here to help you in your hour of need. Call SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston today!
Most Fires Are Preventable
11/12/2018 (Permalink)
Did you know that more than 360,000 home structure fires each year?
The cold weather often means a higher risk of house fires, this is because people are spending more time at home and indoors from the wintry weather!
Common Fire Hazards at Home
- Candles
- Cigarettes
- Electrical & Lighting
- Dryers & Washing Machines
These fire hazards can be "preventable" with some forethought and care! The most preventable are are unattended candles and cooking! Be aware of when you light candles or leave the stove on before you leave your home or go to bed.
The most recent fire damage SERVPRO of Effingham-Mattoon-Charleston did was "quick and a job well done" stated from a happy customer. She explained a fire had started in the middle of the night and SERVPRO was there that morning removing the damage and making everything smell and look nice!
Although most fires are preventable, if you ever experience an unfortunate fire damage call SERVPRO of Effingham-Mattoon-Charleston at (217) 536-6655!
American RED CROSS Fire Campaign
4/27/2018 (Permalink)
Each year, the Red Cross responds to nearly 64,000 disasters, the vast majority of which are home fires. So we set a goal to reduce fire-related deaths and injuries in the US by 25%.
On average:
- 7 people die every day from a home fire, most impacting children and the elderly
- 36 people suffer injuries as a result of home fires every day
- Over $7 billion in property damage occurs every year
Every day, seven people die in home fires, most in homes that lack working smoke alarms. Sadly, children and the elderly disproportionately lose their lives. The American Red Cross wants to improve the odds and save lives- that’s why we launched our Home Fire Campaign.
A critical part of the campaign is Sound the Alarm, a series of home fire safety and smoke alarm installation events across the country. Together with fire departments and other community partners, Red Cross volunteers:
- Canvass at-risk neighborhoods
- Install free smoke alarms
- Replace batteries in existing alarms
- Provide fire prevention and safety education
In just three years, our home visits have accomplished so much, including the installation of more than 1 million smoke alarms and preparing more than 1 million people against home fires.
Join SERVPRO and the Red Cross April 28 through May 13 on a Sound the Alarm home visit in your community, where teams of volunteers will be installing 100,000 free smoke alarms in more than 100 cities across the U.S. Together, we can save lives!
Check out www.redcross.org/sound-the-alarm for more information and how to help in YOUR community!!
Regularly Inspect Your Fire Sprinkler System
3/6/2018 (Permalink)
Sprinkler Head
Water-based fire protection systems, or fire sprinklers, should always be kept in working condition and tested periodically to ensure maximum fire suppression capacity. Your sprinklers are your home or business’s first line of defense in the event of a fire, and it may be mandatory in Williamsburg, NY, to conduct routine tests and inspections.
1. Check the age of your sprinkler system. Modern standards require that sprinkler systems adhere to NFPA 25 requirements, but systems in buildings older than 60 years may be outdated and in need of a full replacement.
2. Check your sprinkler installation. Faulty or defective installation equipment and procedures can lead to sprinkler malfunctions in the event of a fire.
3. Always keep your fire sprinklers clean. Dirty fire sprinklers can lead to obstructions that block the water flow and prevent sprinklers from working correctly, or even from detecting and activating in the event of a fire. Many organizations and inspectors recommend an obstruction inspection every five years.
4. Periodically test your sprinkler functions. Sprinklers can be tested in a variety of ways, including simply testing that they work through routine checks. However, more complex testing such as corrosion testing and hydrostatic testing can uncover additional issues that may not be readily apparent on a simple functional test.
5. Immediately replace defective parts. Because sprinklers are so deeply interconnected, replacing a defective part may require replacing larger sections of the sprinkler system. However, this is highly advisable as a matter of safety to prevent any issues should the sprinklers fail to activate in the event of smoke or fire.
One benefit of fire sprinklers is that fire sprinkler cleanup is usually much less messy than cleanup after fire suppression using stronger means. Sprinklers can make a serious difference in prevention of property losses and safety issues, and should be maintained at all times.
Avoiding Candle Fires - 5 Tips
3/6/2018 (Permalink)
Many homeowners light candles to freshen up a room or to have lighting during a power outage. However, candles still have the potential to create a fire that spreads throughout the building. Avoid a candle fire at all costs, and follow these helpful tips to stay safe.
1. Do Not Leave Candles Unattended
If you are leaving a room with a candle in it, first extinguish the flame. After all, you can always relight a candle if you desire.
2. Keep the Area Around Candles Clean
The shelf or stand where you place the candle should not have anything flammable on it. Additionally, you should avoid placing a candle on a nightstand near your bed. The bedding may catch fire if you are not careful.
3. Toss It Once It Is Less Than Two Inches Tall
You do not want to risk a candle fire by allowing the flame to get too close to the base of the candle. It is better to simply throw away a candle once it is less than two inches high. They are relatively inexpensive to replace.
4. Keep Candles Away From Pets and Children
Candles should be placed high enough that kids and animals cannot get them. It is dangerous for children to play with anything lit. If the candle is left on a coffee table, then a dog’s tail may accidentally hit it and cause it to fall onto the floor.
5. Do Not Put Out a Candle With Water
It is preferable to put out a flame by blowing on it rather than pouring water. The reason is that water can cause the wax to spill all over the place. The hot wax may still catch fire, causing flames to spread throughout a home in Brooklyn NY. Candles are meant to be enjoyed, so always follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions to avoid a nasty candle fire and the impending smoke cleanup.
24/7 Emergency Service
