Fire Damage

9/26/2022 (Permalink)

There has been a horrible disaster at your home or business property, a fire! To minimize business interruption and additional recovery costs, the restoration process must begin as soon as possible. The best way to do this is to count on professionals to assess the damage and get to work quickly so that business can resume as normal.

5 ways to get rid of smoke smell

1. Air out the structure as soon as is safe and possible
2. Make sure the area has positive air pressure, by bringing the outside air in and forcing in the inside air out.
3. Get rid of all items that are not salvageable and clean the salvageable items with proper chemicals.
4. Wash all the items that are washable.
5. Call the professional restoration company SERVPRO of Rancho Cordova which have industrial cleaning equipment and the training to effectively deodorize and clean the affected areas.

Should the unexpected happen give SERVPRO of Rancho Cordova a call at 916.251.7963.

Fire Cleanup Steps

9/23/2022 (Permalink)

Inspection

Call your local SERVPRO of Rancho Cordova to come and inspect the damage to your property. Our highly trained Project Managers and Technicians thoroughly inspect your property to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. Hiring a professional restoration company will allow for a complete comprehensive review of the property damage. They will also record and document all damage for your insurer if needed.

Safety Work

Property damage can continue even after the fire has been extinguished. The priority should be to prevent further damage to your property. A restoration company will look at what needs to be protected and take the proper steps to do so. With your windows, walls, and roof potentially damaged, the restoration company will look at what needs boarding up or if your roof needs tarping. This helps to protect your property from further damage.

Water Removal

Water removal post firefighting efforts is top of the list. Hiring a professional team to investigate the possibility of leaks or places where mold can develop is particularly important.

Smoke and Soot Removal

Odors and staining left behind from smoke or soot damage go beyond surface level. With SERVPRO’s specialized techniques, the next step for SERVPRO of Rancho Cordova is to remove the smoke and soot left behind on the ceilings, walls, and other surfaces.

Cleanup

There are a variety of cleaning techniques that can be used to clean up these damaged items and structures, along with equipment such as industrial air scrubbers and foggers that will help remove smoke odors.

Key Fire Safety Tips

1/21/2022 (Permalink)

Some fires are unavailable acts of nature or unpredictable accidents, many fires in the home and workplace are avoidable. The following tips, can help reduce the likelihood of a fire in your business or home. 

• Watch your cooking- stay in the kitchen if you are frying, grilling or broiling food.
• Give space heaters space- Keep space heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn. 
• Smoke outside- If you must smoke inside, have a sturdy, deep ashtray. Never smoke in bed. 
• Inspect electrical cords- Replace cords that are cracked, damage have broken plugs or have loose connections. 
• Be careful when using candles- Keep candles at least one foot from anything that can burn. Blow them out before you leave the room or go to sleep. 
• Install smoke alarms- Install smoke alarms on every level of your office or home and inside bedrooms.
• Install Sprinklers- Sprinklers can help maintain and sometimes even extinguisher fires, giving your local fire department a better chance of saving your property.  

Should the unexpected happen give SERVPRO of Rancho Cordova a call a 916.251.7963.

4 Tips For Preventing a Fire in Your Home

1/21/2022 (Permalink)

No one likes to think about the possibility of having a fire in their home. Fires can be devastating physically, emotionally, and financially. Fortunately, there are ways you can prevent the likelihood of a home fire. Here are four tips for preventing a fire in your home.

1. Install Smoke Alarms
   Fire preparation begins with installing smoke alarms in every sleeping room of your home. You should also have smoke alarms placed in hallways, kitchens, and family rooms. Once you’ve ensured you have the right number of alarms, be sure to test them monthly and replace batteries annually.
2. Educate
   Education is key to increasing the safety of your loved ones. Teach children the following fire safety basics:

• Stop, drop and roll
• Fire crawl
• Checking doors for heat
• Escape routes
• The location and sound of smoke alarms
• Emergency phone numbers

3. Create an Escape Plan
   Everyone should create a fire escape plan. Creating a plan is one of the best fire preparation tips to keep your family safe. Draw a floor plan of your house and mark all possible exits, including doors and windows, in each room. Walk through your home and ensure that exits are free from clutter and that children know how to open and safely exit each window.
4. Practice Your Plan
   Once you have a plan in place, it’s wise to practice it. Choose at least two times a year to hold fire drills. These drills can either be planned or spontaneous. A good run-through of the plan will identify any areas that need to be adjusted or improved. Remember to emphasize that once you get outside, you should stay outside. Never go back inside a home that is on fire.
   Fire preparation is one of the best things you can do to keep your kids safe in the event of a fire. If you ever experience a fire in your home, there are restoration specialists that can help restore your home.

What to Do After a Fire

12/22/2021 (Permalink)

Immediately after a fire is a very stressful time. With all the fire damage and loss, it can be difficult to see what to do next. The first thought on most people's minds is to repair the damage, but there are a few things that you should consider doing even before that. The very first thing you should do is call your insurance company. The second is to secure your home.

3 Steps to Follow After a Fire

Secure Your Home

Securing your home does not mean lock your doors. Remember that there could be hundreds of access points after a fire. Between the flames, smoke, and the fire department, the damage can be extensive. When you secure your home, you will need to board up holes, windows, and doors.
Here's why you need to tarp or board your home:

• Vacant homes are catnip to vandals and thieves
• Your insurance may require it
• Rain, wind, and sun can make the damage worse
• Someone could go in and hurt themselves

You must cover all the exposed areas of your home as soon as possible.

Take an Inventory

When you are allowed back into your home, you will need to take an inventory. Take a look at what you need to throw out and what can be salvaged. Make sure you board up or tarp anything exposed to the elements while you are doing this. It is far easier to assess the damage and cover things that need to be covered simultaneously.

Fires are devastating. Just remember to board up, take inventory and find a remediation company that can help you. These steps can help you avoid any additional damage.

How to Prevent Dryer Fires

12/21/2021 (Permalink)

Did you know that according to the U.S Fire administration 2,900 home dryer fires are reported each year and cause an estimated 5 deaths, 100 injuries, and $35 million in property loss? The leading cause of home clothes dryer fires is a failure to clean them which causes lint to accumulate and cause a fire. Home fires happen more often during the fall and winter season. Here are some ways to avoid fires within your home:

• Clean the lint screen/filter before or after drying each load of clothes.
• Clean the dryer vent at least once a month to avoid lint accumulation.
• Use metal dryer ducts to help prevent dryer fires.
• No matter the kind of duct is installed in your dryer, make sure to regularly clean it.
• Occasionally wipe the sensor with a rag or cotton ball.

If the unexpected should happen to you call SERVPRO of Rancho Cordova at 916-251-9763

COMMON CAUSES OF HOUSE FIRES

9/28/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage may result in ways you least expect. Take precautionary measures now to protect your home from the following fire instigators.

• Cooking equipment: cooking equipment is the number one cause of house fires. Pots and pans can quickly overheat when left unattended or mishandled. Be sure to always turn your handles towards the middle of the stove to avoid children from accidentally grabbing it. When leaving the house, always remember to turn off stove and oven.
• Smoking in Bedrooms: Avoid smoking in bedrooms. A cigarette butt can stay lit for hours and cause a flame after coming into contact with clothes or furniture. Open flames such as candles can also pose a danger for many residents.
• Old electrical equipment: older lampshades and light fittings may build up heat, and weak bases could pose a tipping hazard. Electrical equipment such as these should be checked for faulty cords, and the power point must not be overloaded with double adapter plugs.
• Flammable liquids: Liquids such as petrol, kerosene, or methylated spirits should be kept away from heat sources and stored properly according to their label.

When accidents happen, SERVPRO of Rancho Cordova is here to help and restore your home quickly and professionally. Give us a call at 916.251.7963.

Smoke damage Restoration for your home

9/27/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke damage is a common side effect of fire damage, but it can happen on its own if a fire is contained. After a fire even a small one, it is important not to skip the important step of smoke damage restoration. A fire can devastate you and even affect your sense of security in your home or office. While fire damage tends to be obvious, smoke damage can be a bit more subtle. However, smoke damage also needs to be repaired to restore the beauty and stability in your building’s interior.

A fire is easier to contain than smoke damage and smoke damage can be destructive even if it does not seem that way. Smoke restoration requires special equipment and knowledge, it also takes a special knowledge of where smoke can penetrate, the sources of smoke odor, and the best cleaning and restoration method for specific surfaces and materials.

If the unexpected should happen to you call SERVPRO of Rancho Cordova at 916.251.7963.

Winter Fire Hazard!

1/24/2021 (Permalink)

Cold freezing temperatures, wind, fog, and rain are some of the winter elements that we may encounter. We tend to stay at home more often during the winter, but did you know that most house fires happen during the winter season?

Some of the most common causes are heaters, fireplaces, candles, and even cooking/kitchen accidents. To help stay clear of any house fires here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Make sure heaters are clear of any flammable contents in case of a tip over, fireplace is clean of any debris and has a screen. Candles should be blown out every time you leave the room and remember do not have too many cooks in the kitchen and always keep an eye on the stove.

Have a wonderful winter season but if the unexpected does occur, call SERVPRO of Rancho Cordova at 916-251-7963.

Make sure smoke alarms are in good working order

1/24/2021 (Permalink)

It is important to remember that smoke alarms save lives. If they are maintained and in good working order, they can play an integral role in saving the lives of your family members. Smoke alarms afford you the opportunity to leave your home quickly.

Understanding simple facts about fires can help save lives.

• Have a fire evacuation plan for your family
• Keep doors closed. This can prevent smoke and fire from spreading quickly.
• Test your smoke alarms monthly. If they are older, replace them especially if they are 10 years or older. There have been so many advances that can help save lives.
• The alarms should be interconnected. If one alarm sounds, they all sound – alerting your family to potential dangers.
• When an alarm sounds, move quickly and safely outside your home. Treat every alarm as a serious matter.
• In the event of a fire emergency call 911, immediately and stay outside. 
• Should there be an unfortunate disaster, call us at SERVPRO of Rancho Cordova Call us at 916-251-7963.

Candle safety

12/25/2020 (Permalink)

Follow these steps to eliminate the risk of fire from candles.

Candles are great for helping to create a warm and cozy holiday feeling, but they also pose a threat. Many home fires occur due to candles left unattended or too near flammable items and the occurrence rises around the holidays.

• Never leave a burning candle unattended.
• Never burn a candle without a votive or a container.
• Never burn a candle on or near anything that might catch fire.
• Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets.
• Extinguish all candles when leaving the home or space.

If a fire or smoke damage should affect your home of office SERVPRO of Rancho Cordova are ready to help you make it “Like it never even happened.” Our crews are ready to help 24/7, 365 when disaster strikes.

Space Heaters Need Their Space

12/24/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Rancho Cordova reminds you that half of all home heating fires happen during the months of December, January, and February. The National Fire Protection Association Agency offer the following safety tips:

• Place the heater on a hard, level, and nonflammable surface. They are intended to sit on the floor and not a table.
• Establish a 3-foot kid- and pet-free zone around the heater, and never put a space heater in a child's room.
• Keep the space heater at least 3 feet away from such combustible materials as furniture, bedding, and curtains.
• Do not use a heater in a workshop or garage near paint, gas cans, or matches.
• Turn it off when you leave the room or go to bed.
• Unplug the heater when not in use by pulling the plug straight from the outlet. Check the cord for damage periodically, and do not use it if it’s frayed or worn.
• Do not plug another electrical device or an extension cord into the same outlet as a heater, which can cause overheating.
• Install working smoke alarms on every level of your home and test them monthly.

SERVPRO of Rancho Cordova is always available 24/7/365 to service your needs!

Should I have a fire extinguisher in my home?

9/30/2020 (Permalink)

A quick use of a fire extinguisher can suppress a small fire before it spreads throughout the home.

Home fire safety should start with a working smoke detector and a fire safety plan. If you already have those in your home, you may consider a fire extinguisher as the next step in fire preparedness.

A fire extinguisher works to put out a small fire by removing one of the three components of the fire triangle: heat, oxygen, and fuel. The most common fire extinguisher removes oxygen from a fire by smothering it in a dry chemical foam. In a way, it is a high-powered version of pouring baking soda on a grease fire, which makes it particularly relevant in the kitchen.

But if you’re going to invest in a fire extinguisher to help protect your home and family—which luckily isn’t a huge investment, with most home units coming in between $10 and $40—you don’t want a one-hit wonder. The National Fire Protection Association recommends a multipurpose extinguisher, which works to suppress fires from ‘ordinary combustibles,’ grease fires, and electrical fires. On the market, this translates to a fire extinguisher that is ABC rated. Units with these ratings can be found at almost any home improvement store.

Once again, having a working smoke detector in each room of your home should be your first priority in home fire preparedness. Two-thirds of home fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke alarms. The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) recommends checking the batteries in your smoke detector once a month, changing them at least once a year, and replacing the unit altogether once it is 10 years old. Once you are confident with this routine, you can consider adding a fire extinguisher to your home arsenal!

Removing Fire Odors

9/29/2020 (Permalink)

Odors from smoke and fire damage can be hard to remove. The odors are complex. Fire damage odors depend on several factors: what materials burned in the home, how hot the fire was, and length of time damages sit before cleanup. 

At SERVPRO of Rancho Cordova we understand the process of contents restoration.  We take a restore vs. replace approach, saving our customers time and money. 

Ozone is one method that we use to deodorize items after cleaning them.  When used properly, this is a very effective method.  Used improperly, it can be dangerous or ineffective. 

We have a variety of cleaning and deodorizing methods based on science and years of specialized training. Every odor is unique and must be handled differently. Remember that who you choose to clean after a fire is one of the most important decisions you can make and choosing SERVPRO we will remove that smell, "Like it never even happened."

Out Step by Step Process to Fire Damage Restoration

1/25/2020 (Permalink)

Every fire damage event is a little different, and requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate our process for the “typical” fire damage emergency.

Step 1: Emergency Contact

The restoration process begins when you call us. Our representative will ask questions regarding the fire damage event that will help us respond immediately with the appropriate equipment and resources. 

Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment

We carefully inspect and test adjoining rooms of your property to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is crucial to developing a plan of action. 

Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service

Fire damage can often compromise windows, walls, and roofs. To maintain security and to protect against further damage, we can board up missing windows and walls and place tarps on damaged roofs. 

Step 4: Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)

Some fires require the fire department to use water in your home. If this happened the water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. We then use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process. 

Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces

We use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces. 

Step 6: Cleaning and Sanitizing

We clean, sanitize, and disinfect all of the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to restore your belongings to pre-fire condition. We’re also trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

Step 7: Restoration or Reconstruction

Restoration is the final step—getting your home or business to its pre-fire condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

Have Questions About Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Today – (916) 251-7963

Smoke and Soot Damage to Neighboring Properties

1/25/2020 (Permalink)

A question I was once asked: Can my home be affected by a fire in the house next door? The answer is yes! Let SERVPRO of Rancho Cordova do an inspection of your home and find out if smoke and soot has penetrated the interior of your home. It is common for the houses on either side or behind a home that has had an extensive fire to have smoke and soot residue. It can get into the attic and even into the interior of the home by being drawn in through the HVAC system. Depending on the materials that were in the actual fire the soot and smoke residue can be very corrosive to different items in your home. Let SERVPRO of Rancho Cordova inspect the HVAC system and the interior and remove any smoke and soot therein. Call today (916) 251-7963

What TO do and what NOT to do after a fire

12/26/2019 (Permalink)

What to do after A Fire

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
• Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
• Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
• Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
• Change HVAC filter.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

What NOT To Do After A Fire

• Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting us.
• Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
• Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
• Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

Why to Board Up After a Fire

12/26/2019 (Permalink)

If your commercial or residential property has experienced a fire, there are several reasons why you might want to board up structural damage or windows. In addition to keeping the external elements out of a building with fire damage, boarding up can also prevent additional losses due to looting and make the fire cleanup process easier. 

Most full-service restoration specialists offer boarding-up services. Here are four reasons to board-up after a fire.

1. There is still viable stock on the premises. If products that appear viable remain in the building, you should consider boarding up. These items may require assessment and cleaning and may not be fit for sale, but having them properly processed rather than stolen can be helpful for insurance purposes.

2. You want to protect electronics and other valuables. Depending on the extent of the fire damage, you may be able to restore some electronics or other valuable property to working condition. Loss can be far more expensive than restoration or covered replacement.

3. You need to keep out the elements. If the structure of your property has sustained extensive damage, you should try to keep the elements out. Exposure to additional water, wind, or sunlight can compound the damage caused by smoke residue and soot.

4. You want to limit soot damage. It is generally a good idea to reduce foot traffic on the scene of a recent fire. When soot gets embedded into carpeting or upholstery, it can be much more difficult to restore these materials to a pre-fire condition.

Talk to restoration experts at SERVPRO of Rancho Cordova, about whether boarding up is a good strategy for preventing loss and limiting damage after a fire. Your major concern is likely to be how to recover from fire damage as quickly and completely as possible. Preventing looting and exposure to the elements can make fire cleanup more successful. Don’t hesitate to call us (916) 251-7963.

Smoke and Soot Cleaning

10/16/2019 (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 West Sioux Falls 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. To schedule an inspection, call SERVPRO Rancho Cordova today (916) 251-7963.

Fire Hazards

10/9/2019 (Permalink)

Home and commercial fires can happen quickly and always expectantly.  Here are some common causes of home fires and ways to reduce the risk:

• Electrical Equipment - Faulty or frayed cords can be the culprit to an electrical fire. Even seemingly harmless appliances like a toaster oven or blender can be dangerous if the cord is damaged.  Make sure all cords plugged in are in good condition.
• Candles - Approximately 37 percent of fires caused from candles start in a bedroom, because it is easy to forget about a candle or fall asleep with one lit. Make sure to blow out a candle when leaving the room and be sure to keep tissue boxes, books, and curtains away. 
• Heating Mechanisms - winter months can sometimes require extra heating devices. Portable heaters are useful but are dangerous.  Furniture, clothes, curtains, and other flammable objects can all catch fire if near a portable heater.  Be sure to keep those items away from the device and monitor regularly. 

There is always a risk of fire hazards so it’s important to know the potential sources and take precautions. If you suffer from fire damage, call SERVPRO of Rancho Cordova today so we can get you back in your home. (916) 251-7963