Why Fast Restoration Matters After a Fire | SERVPRO® of Rome

4/28/2023 (Permalink)

If you have a fire and are dealing with damage to your home, call SERVPRO of Rome.

Home fires are unfortunately becoming more common, with an average of 350,000 each year. While just about anything can start a damaging fire, cooking, faulty wiring and wildfires are three of the top causes.

Prevention and safety should always be top of your list in order to ensure that your home does not see damage from fire. Smoke detectors, regular inspections of your electrical systems and constant monitoring of a hot stove or grill are great ways that you can protect your home and loved ones.

If you do experience a fire, the faster you are able to respond and start the cleanup, the more of your property you can save. At SERVPRO, it is our goal to restore rather than replace as much of your belongings as possible.

<h3to-do-during-after-a-fire">What to Do During & After a Fire

If a fire starts in your home, the most important thing to do is get out and stay out. Find the quickest exit route by checking handles and doors for heat, and if an exit is blocked go another way quickly. Once you are out, call 911 and wait for emergency responders.

Check with your family members to ensure all are safe, and establish a meeting place or emergency shelter. Stay in communication with your loved ones, and seek medical help if anyone has sustained an injury.

Once the flames have been put out and your home has been declared safe to re-enter, call SERVPRO. We will work with you and your insurance company to establish a plan that gets you back home fastest.

Fire damage goes deep, and even a small flame in one room can leave the rest of your house with smoke and soot damage. This kind of damage requires special tools and intensive knowledge in order to remove it completely.

<h3fire-damage-restoration-works">How Fire Damage Restoration Works

No two fires are alike, so an inspection of floors, walls and the roof will be necessary to ensure the structure of your home can be repaired. This is where our ²⁴⁄₇ availability comes in handy: We can respond faster so that a plan can be laid out and work can begin. We will even tarp your roof if it is needed.

With fire damage comes water damage, so drying out your home and your goods will likely be the first step once the restoration process starts. As your home is drying out, we will remove items that cannot be salvaged while we work to restore those that can.

We are going to do everything we can to save you the pain and cost of having to replace items in your home.

SERVPRO is equipped to handle odor removal and clean your upholstery and fabric items, so you don’t have to rely on more than one company to get your home back as it should be.

Once water and smoke damage are removed, any minor or major repairs that are required will be tackled by our professionals. This may include carpet removal in one room or a complete rebuild of another. We will also work with you to ensure that your newly restored home has every safety measure in place so your family is better protected from future disasters.

A fire in the home, regardless of the size or the aftermath, is a traumatic experience. As your neighbors, we want to take care of you and not just restore your home, but recover your life. 

Experienced fire damage in your home? Contact us day or night and get restoration started faster.

Smoke Alarms: Fire Safety

4/15/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke alarms save lives when properly installed and maintained, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

In homes, smoke alarms should be in every bedroom and on every level, including the basement. In office and commercial environments, check your state requirements or contact your local Fire Marshall to help ensure all codes are met.

Test smoke alarms monthly using the test button. Smoke alarms with non-replaceable batteries need the entire smoke alarm unit replaced every ten years. Other alarms need batteries replaced every year and the unit replaced every ten years. If the alarm chirps signaling low battery, take the proper steps to replace the unit or the batteries immediately. Never disable or remove the battery from an alarm. Almost half of fires where smoke alarms were present but did not activate had missing or disconnected batteries (NFPA).

In larger commercial facilities, hard wired or wireless smoke alarms offer benefits such as not needing to be tested as often and activating throughout the entire building if smoke is detected in just one area (NFPA).

If you need help installing, testing or changing batteries in your smoke alarms, contact your local fire department, an electrician or the American Red Cross.

Be sure your home or workplace has a fire emergency plan in place and conduct regular fire drills. For more information on Emergency Preparedness, contact SERVPRO® of Floyd County.

*Courtesy of Restoration Newsline Vol 30, Iss 2

Smoke Damage Cleaning

4/6/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke damage cleaning is, perhaps, the most complicated form of treatment for a homeowner to accomplish themselves. Not only does it take a thorough approach and deep remediation of nearly every surface in the building, it can only be done effectively if the areas behind the building’s walls receive treatment as well. This is a massive challenge to anyone but certified professionals, as these experts have the know-how, manpower and equipment to complete the task properly. SERVPRO of Floyd County is your local expert in smoke damage cleaning and restoration.

Once the fire dies out, the problem is only beginning. Soot and smoke have a tendency to get everywhere, and these particles are so small that they can pass through walls effortlessly. They will also cake onto furniture, countertops, floors and walls if not dealt with right away, causing discoloration and overpowering odors. Smoke damage cleaning has to address both issues to be completely effective.

The professionals at SERVPRO of Floyd County are certified through the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and have the expertise and materials needed to do the job right. With powerful treatment solutions, the soot and smoke can be removed during a deep scrubbing of the building. Professionals have access to thermal fogging technology to take care of the odors emanating from behind walls. The thermal fogging produces a cloud of odor neutralizing particles that can go where the smoke does.

*Information courtesy of https://www.IICRC.org/blog/tag/smoke-damage-restoration

Emergency Fire Damage Tips

4/2/2020 (Permalink)

These emergency tips will assist you in taking proper action until SERVPRO® of Floyd County professionals arrive. Follow these DOs and DON’Ts to help reduce damage and increase the chances of a successful restoration.

DO: 

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into carpet and avoid tracking.
• Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator completely and prop doors open to help prevent odor.
• Wipe soot from metal kitchen and bathroom faucets, trim and appliances.
• If heat is off during winter, pour RV antifreeze in sinks, toilet bowls, holding tanks and tubs to avoid freezing pipes and fixtures.
• Remove soot particles from plants with a damp cloth.
• Change HVAC filter, but leave system off until a trained professional can check the system.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers to stop particles of soot from getting in or out of the HVAC system.

DON’T:

• Don’t attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting SERVPRO® of Floyd County.
• Don’t attempt to shampoo carpet, rugs or upholstered furniture without first consulting SERVPRO® of Floyd County.
• Don’t attempt to clean any electrical appliances (TV sets, radios, etc.) that may have been close to fire, heat or water without first consulting an authorized repair service.
• Don’t consume any food or beverages that may have been stored close to fire, heat or water. (They may be contaminated.)
• Don’t turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. Wiring may be wet or damaged and cause electrical shock and air movement may create secondary damage.
• Don’t send garments to the dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set in smoke odor.

When fire and water damage take control of your life, SERVPRO® of Floyd County will help you take it back.

*Courtesy of Restoration Newsline Vol 30, Iss 2

The 10 Best Home Fire Extinguishers

2/27/2020 (Permalink)

Fire Safety Do’s and Don’ts

2/27/2020 (Permalink)

Fire Safety Do’s

• Keep smoke detectors in good working order. Check your Smoke detectors at least twice a year. A good way to remember is by checking them when the time changes due to daylight savings.
• Have an escape plan and have multiple escape routes. Practice multiple times a year, especially with young children.
• Teach children about the dangers of playing with lighters and matches. Seek to enroll them in a fire safety class. There are several available free of charge or for a minimal fee. Your local fire station is a wonderful place to bring your children to learn about fire safety, meet some of the local firefighters, and get to see the trucks.
• If you notice any electrical malfunctions in your home, have them examined immediately by a certified electrician. If you wait, it could be too late. With this in mind, if you own an older home with an outdated electrical system, have it updated ASAP. The old knob and tube electrical systems are unable to handle the electrical load of today’s electronics.
• Have at least one fire extinguisher in your home. Keep it in an area where it is easily accessible. Make sure all family members are familiar with how to use them. Small fires cause less damage but grow quickly so be cautious while using a fire extinguisher. If the fire does not go out quickly, EVACUATE!!
• Stay below the smoke. The chemical make-up of smoke does serious damage to your brain and lungs. First disorientation will set in, then you go unresponsive. Eventually, your breathing will stop. It’s important to remember that the smoke will kill you before the fire does.
• Tell arriving firefighters the location of the fire or trapped family members. This will drastically increase the odds of the fire going out quickly and drastically shorten the time for the firefighters to find your family member.

Fire Safety Don’ts

• Don’t try to extinguish the fire yourself and then call 911. Call 911 immediately. Fires double in size every minute.
• Don’t try to be a hero. If the fire is too large EVACUATE!! If you have practiced your escape plans everyone will make it out safely.
• Don’t re-enter your home once you have evacuated.
• Don’t put space heaters within 3 feet of combustibles. Typical combustibles include bedding, curtains, clothes, books, and furniture.  Never leave space heaters unattended or left on in the room where you are sleeping.
• Don’t leave cooking food unattended and DO NOT use water on a cooking fire. If you are cooking with oil or grease, smother the fire with a lid or use an extinguisher specifically designed for cooking materials.  DO NOT smack at the fire with a dishtowel, this will cause oil or grease to splash around and cause the fire to spread!

When it comes to fires, knowledge can the difference between life and death so don’t hesitate to ask. If you have questions about these fire safety tips, home evacuation plans, or other fire prevention tips contact your local fire department.

*Courtesy of https://asisecurity.solutions/fire-safety-dos-donts/

P.A.S.S.

2/21/2020 (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 at nfpa.org.

*Courtesy of Restoration Newsline Vol 30, Iss 2

9 THINGS TO DO WHEN IN A HOUSE FIRE 

8/28/2019 (Permalink)

Prevention is always the first step in all instances. To prevent a house fire from causing severe damages you truly need tips and tricks that could come in handy in times of a house fire. Fire is disastrous, and you have to be cautious because in as little as two minutes, a house fire can turn into a rapid movement and life-threatening disaster.

According to FEMA, each year thousands of Americans die in fire related incidents with billions of properties lost. In fact, the heat and smoke from the fire causes more deaths. Here are some tips and tricks you will need during a house fire:

1. Get The Fire Extinguisher.

If you hear the sound of the fire alarm in your home do not ignore it, go for your fire extinguisher as a one stop preventive measure. This singular act can help curb the fire instantly, but if your effort proves abortive after using the fire extinguisher, leave the scene immediately. Fire extinguishers are very important and should be installed in every house, no matter if private or commercial.

2. Raise an Alarm.

Inform others in the house of the fire situation by screaming out loud; do not rely on smoke detectors and alarm to inform others, they might sometimes malfunction due to battery faults and other reasons.

3. Call 911.

Pick up your phone and call the fire department after leaving the property, do not stop inside the house searching for your mobile device as you could get caught up in the flames. Rush out, and ask neighbors or passer-by to help you call the fire department.

4. Leave Valuables behind.

When in a fire, never delay to find the best possible escape route from a burning house to find valuables. You could always notify the fire safety officers when they arrive of such valuables describing their last known location.

5. Stop, Drop and Roll.

If your clothes catch fire, do not run, simply drop to the floor and roll over your back to extinguish the fire. Always crawl and remain close to the ground to keep you away from the high temperature, and thick smoke from the fire. Stay low, until you escape the burning house.

6. Cover Your Nose.

Cover your nostril with a shirt or a damp towel during a house fire; this will prevent smoke from entering your lungs. Also cover the faces of children as much as possible, especially when helping out to get them to safety.

Lastly do not run into a room filled with smoke or flames, doing that means running into massive danger.

7. Close doors.

Once you crawled out of a room, close the door behind you. Research has proven that closing doors prevents fire from spreading, which simply means the fire will be relegated to a spot for a while.

8. Rest Out.

Once you are out of the house, stay out. Even if you left your animals or property behind, do not enter a burning house. Notify the fire department officers immediately if you believe people or pets are still in the house and direct them to where they could be.

9. Safety Evacuation Spot.

After the evacuation, meet the rest of the family members in a predetermined location and remain there until everyone in the household is rescued. This is done to prevent fire officers from searching for people who are already out of the fire.

*Courtesy of: https://www.lifehack.org/487224/9-things-to-do-when-in-a-house-fire

Destroy Odors with Deodorization

4/3/2019 (Permalink)

Even a small fire can cause odors for years to come if the affected areas are not properly cleaned and deodorized. Fire, smoke and soot damage in your home or business can create unpleasant and potentially permanent problems.

As various materials burn, the smoke produced travels throughout the structure, leaving odorous residues and deposits on surfaces and in hard-to-reach places. Unless fast, professional action is taken, these residues and deposits can cause permanent damage to contents and may result in resurfacing odors.

With technicians certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration (IICRC), SERVPRO® of Floyd County professionals provide specialized services that can rid your home or business of offensive odors left by fire or smoke damage. SERVPRO® of Floyd County professionals do not cover up lingering odors with a fragrance; they seek out and remove the source of the odor. Once the source is found, SERVPRO’s own proprietary line of cleaning products is used to treat and prevent the odor from returning. Any restorable item in affected areas will also be professionally cleaned and deodorized, including furniture, draperies and upholstery, electronics, art, flooring, walls, ceilings, HVAC air ducts and more.

Ask SERVPRO® of Floyd County to explain the various deodorization methods available and which will work best for you.

If you or a customer suffer a fire damage or some other accident and require deodorization services, contact SERVPRO® of Floyd County. Whether it’s fire, water, or mold damage or just a stubborn odor that refuses to go away, we’ll help make it “Like it never even happened.”

*Courtesy of Restoration Newsline Vol 30, Iss 4