The importance of securing your property after a fire

12/4/2024 (Permalink)

Experiencing a fire can be overwhelming, and the aftermath often leaves homeowners feeling uncertain about the next steps. However, securing your property promptly is crucial for minimizing further damage and protecting your belongings. Here, we’ll explore why taking quick action is essential and how it can help you recover faster.

Preventing Further Damage

After a fire, your property is vulnerable to additional harm from weather, vandalism, or animals. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), U.S. fire departments respond to over 350,000 home structure fires annually, with the majority causing significant damage to the building’s structure and leaving openings exposed. Securing these openings—such as broken windows, doors, or damaged roofs—can prevent rain, wind, or pests from causing further deterioration. Using tarps and board-up services to seal openings immediately can also help maintain the structural integrity of your home while you plan repairs.

Protecting Against Theft and Vandalism

Once your home has been affected by a fire, it can become an easy target for theft or vandalism. Criminals may take advantage of broken windows or doors to steal valuable belongings or damage the property further. Securing your home with temporary fencing or boarding up doors and windows helps deter opportunistic thieves. In addition, installing temporary lighting around the property can increase visibility, making it less appealing for intruders to target your home.

Ensuring a Safer Environment

While firefighting efforts may extinguish visible flames, some areas of the structure could still pose safety risks. Unstable walls, ceilings, or flooring may collapse if not properly addressed. By securing the property, you minimize these risks, making it safer for restoration crews to assess and begin repairs. Experts recommend having a professional fire damage restoration team inspect the premises for any structural concerns and safely stabilize the building before allowing anyone inside.

Steps to Secure Your Property

Taking the right measures to protect your property is key to a faster recovery. Here are some essential steps:

• Board up damaged windows and doors to prevent unauthorized entry and weather damage.
• Install temporary fencing to secure the perimeter.
• Cover damaged sections of the roof with tarps to prevent water intrusion.
• Arrange for professional inspection and restoration services as soon as possible.

Quickly securing your property after a fire can help you regain peace of mind, minimize losses, and speed up the restoration process. For expert assistance, contact SERVPRO of South Central Fort Worth to ensure your home is protected and restored with care.

Restoring and repairing fire-damaged walls and ceilings

8/14/2024 (Permalink)

If you’re dealing with fire-damaged walls and ceilings, trust SERVPRO to restore your property with care and expertise

Experiencing a fire in your home or business is a traumatic event, leaving you with not only emotional distress but also the daunting task of cleaning up and restoring the damaged property. Among the various challenges, repairing fire-damaged walls and ceilings is crucial for ensuring the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of your space. At SERVPRO®, we specialize in fire damage restoration and are here to guide you through the process, ensuring a seamless recovery and a return to normalcy as quickly as possible.

Assessment and Inspection

The first step in restoring fire-damaged walls and ceilings is a thorough assessment and inspection. This involves identifying the extent of the damage, including structural issues, smoke residue, and soot accumulation. Our team of experienced professionals uses advanced equipment and techniques to evaluate the condition of your property, ensuring no hidden damage is overlooked. Accurate assessment is critical for developing a comprehensive restoration plan tailored to your specific needs.

Smoke and Soot Removal

One of the most challenging aspects of fire damage restoration is removing smoke and soot from walls and ceilings. These residues can cause discoloration, corrosion, and persistent odors if not properly addressed. SERVPRO utilizes specialized cleaning agents and equipment to effectively remove smoke and soot, preventing further damage and ensuring a clean and safe environment. Our team is trained to handle different types of surfaces, from drywall to plaster, ensuring that all residues are meticulously cleaned.

Structural Repairs

Fire can compromise the structural integrity of walls and ceilings, necessitating repairs to ensure safety and stability. This may involve replacing damaged drywall, reinforcing weakened structures, and repairing or replacing insulation. Our skilled technicians are adept at performing these repairs, restoring your property to its pre-fire condition. We use high-quality materials and adhere to industry standards, ensuring durable and reliable results.

Odor Removal and Deodorization

Even after cleaning and repairs, lingering odors can be a persistent reminder of the fire. SERVPRO employs advanced deodorization techniques to eliminate these odors at the source. Using equipment such as thermal foggers and air scrubbers, we neutralize odor particles, ensuring a fresh and clean environment. Our comprehensive approach guarantees that your property not only looks restored but also feels and smells like home again.

Restoration and Finishing Touches

The final step in the restoration process is adding the finishing touches that make your space feel complete. This may include painting, wallpapering, and restoring decorative elements. SERVPRO takes pride in providing meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that the restored areas seamlessly blend with the rest of your property. Our goal is to leave your space looking even better than before the fire.

Why Choose SERVPRO?

At SERVPRO, we understand the complexities and challenges of fire damage restoration. Our team is committed to providing exceptional service, using state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to deliver the best results. We work closely with you throughout the process, ensuring clear communication and transparency every step of the way.

If you’re dealing with fire-damaged walls and ceilings, trust SERVPRO to restore your property with care and expertise. Contact us today to learn more about our fire damage restoration services and how we can help you get back to normal.

Why Thorough Fire Damage Documentation Matters for Insurance Claims

4/15/2024 (Permalink)

Our experienced team not only specializes in fire damage restoration but also assists you with navigating the insurance claims process.

Experiencing a fire in your home or business is a traumatic event that can leave behind extensive damage and financial strain. In the aftermath of a fire, one of the most critical steps you can take is to document the damage thoroughly for insurance purposes. Proper documentation not only helps expedite the insurance claims process but also ensures that you receive the compensation you deserve to rebuild and recover. In this blog post, we'll explore why proper fire damage documentation is crucial for insurance claims and provide tips for documenting the damage effectively.

Maximizing Insurance Coverage

Proper documentation of fire damage is essential for maximizing your insurance coverage and ensuring that you receive fair compensation for your losses. Detailed documentation, including photographs, videos, and written descriptions of the damage, provides concrete evidence of the extent of the loss and helps support your insurance claim.

Facilitating the Claims Process

Insurance claims can be complex and time-consuming, especially in the aftermath of a disaster like a fire. Thorough documentation streamlines the claims process by providing insurers with all the information they need to assess the damage and process your claim efficiently. This can help expedite the payment of insurance benefits and enable you to begin the restoration process sooner.

Ensuring Accurate Valuation

Accurate valuation of fire damage is crucial for determining the amount of compensation you are entitled to under your insurance policy. Proper documentation helps ensure that all aspects of the damage, including structural damage, contents damage, and additional living expenses, are accounted for accurately. This prevents disputes with insurers and helps ensure that you receive fair and adequate compensation for your losses.

Protecting Against Disputes

In some cases, insurance companies may dispute the extent of the damage or the validity of your claim, leading to delays or denials of coverage. Thorough documentation serves as evidence to support your claim and protect against disputes with insurers. By providing clear and comprehensive documentation of the damage, you can strengthen your position and increase the likelihood of a successful claim outcome.

Preserving Evidence for Future Reference

Proper documentation of fire damage is not only essential for insurance purposes but also for your own records and reference. Keeping detailed records of the damage, including photographs, estimates, and correspondence with insurers, can help you track the progress of your claim and ensure that nothing is overlooked during the restoration process.

How SERVPRO® Assists with Insurance Claims

At SERVPRO, we understand the challenges you face in the aftermath of a fire, which is why we're here to support you every step of the way. Our experienced team not only specializes in fire damage restoration but also assists you with navigating the insurance claims process. From documenting the damage to communicating with your insurance provider, we handle the administrative tasks, allowing you to focus on rebuilding and recovery. With our expertise and attention to detail, we strive to ensure that you receive the full compensation you deserve to restore your property to its pre-fire condition. Let us take the stress out of the insurance claims process so you can move forward with confidence.

In conclusion, proper documentation of fire damage is crucial for insurance claims, facilitating the claims process, ensuring accurate valuation, protecting against disputes, and preserving evidence for future reference. By taking the time to document the damage thoroughly, you can maximize your insurance coverage and expedite the recovery process after a fire. If you need assistance with fire damage documentation or restoration, don't hesitate to contact our team of experts at SERVPRO of South Central Fort Worth, Edgecliff Village for professional assistance tailored to your specific needs.

Home Fires and Smoke Damage Aftermath

5/23/2023 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of South Central Fort Worth / Edgecliff Village at (682) 708-1004, for a free fire damage consultation.

Fire Damage Consists of More Than Flames

The damages from flames after a fire are not the only damages incurred. Flames can move throughout the home quickly, burning and ruining every item in their path, but once the flames have been extinguished, the home is left with soot and smoke damages, too. Smoke damage can completely devastate a home if not properly and swiftly addressed. In fact, smoke damage can occur in rooms where the flames were not even present.

With so much attention placed on the flames, people often overlook the dangers linked to smoke damage. The following are some of the most common issues of smoke damage after a home fire:

• Toxic air
• Smoke odor in upholstered furniture, drapery, clothing, carpets, and in the air
• Charring
• Warped plastic
• Warped wood
• Yellow stains on walls and ceilings
• Household textiles covered in soot

Salvaging items that have smoke damage is a complicated issue. A smoke damage expert will need to assess the home and the impacted items to determine what can be saved. In addition, smoke damage experts will tackle lingering smoke in less obvious places like crevices and cracks where particles may linger, since the smell can last for months following a fire.

Smoke Damage is as Dangerous as Fire Damage

During a fire, the materials that burn produce toxic smoke filled with microscopic particles known as soot. These tiny particles become charged from the extreme heat and migrate to cooler air found in other parts of the house, forming soot webs. Because this smoke is often scorching, it can cause additional damage by melting plastics, scorching fabrics, and textiles and spreading toxic gasses that will kill any living thing in its path. That's why smoke alarms throughout your home are critical to saving lives.

Don’t Grab, Just Go.

The Department of Homeland Security says, "In less than 30 seconds, a small flame can [...] turn into a major fire…Most deadly fires occur in the home when people are asleep. If you wake up to a fire, you won't have time to grab valuables because the fire spreads too quickly, and the smoke is too thick. There is only time to escape."

Call Us Today for a FREE Fire Damage Estimate

Restoring smoke and fire-damaged items costs less than replacing them. We love when we can restore your belongings, especially items with sentimental value. Call SERVPRO of South Central Fort Worth / Edgecliff Village at (682) 708-1004, for a free fire damage consultation. We have helped hundreds of families recover from house fire damages and our fire damage repair and restoration specialists have years of experience.

Why is My Smoke Alarm Beeping?

3/27/2022 (Permalink)

In addition to potentially causing significant fire damage, flames and smoke can endanger the lives of everyone inside your home. A properly functioning fire alarm can alert you to danger and help save lives. For this reason, every household should have this lifesaving device.

Sometimes, however, a smoke detector may act sporadically, chirping loudly or going off despite the absence of smoke. Often, there is a simple explanation for this erratic and—let’s be real, annoying!—behavior.

Why Is My Smoke Alarm So Annoying?

Weak Battery

Batteries have a limited lifespan. A chirping alarm may indicate that your device needs a new battery.

Improperly Installed Battery

A loose battery or terminal obstruction may cause your fire alarm to chirp intermittently. Use the self-check button on your smoke alarm to ensure the battery works after installing.

Dirty Sensing Chamber

Dust and dirt can sometimes obstruct the sensing chamber, resulting in a false alert. To help prevent this problem, you should routinely wipe your detectors with a dusting cloth.

Interference From Steam

Steam can also interfere with your detector’s sensing capability. This may be a particularly challenging problem for units located near bathrooms. To help reduce the likelihood of an inadvertent alert, close the bathroom door while showering and turn on the fan.

Interrupted Power Supply

An interrupted power supply may also cause erroneous beeping. You should examine each detector’s wiring for loose connections. If you notice lights dimming spontaneously, especially when an appliance is in use, contact a licensed electrician to help you inspect your home’s wiring.

End of Lifespan

Did you know your smoke detector can essentially expire? The average lifespan for most smoke detectors is 8 – 10 years. After this period, the unit’s sensing capacity may diminish, reducing its effectiveness. If an older device is chirping, it may be time to replace it with a new one.

A fire alarm may not spare your home from a destructive fire or smoke damage, but this valuable safety device may one day save your life. To help safeguard your well-being, you should promptly investigate a chirping detector and replace batteries, or the entire unit, as needed.

Call SERVPRO of South Central Fort Worth / Edgecliff Village if you have smoke or fire damage, (682) 708-1004.

Rug Cleaning for Fire Damaged High-Quality Carpet and Upholstery

3/20/2022 (Permalink)

Protect your high-quality carpet and upholstery investment.

Rug Cleaning for High-Quality Carpet and Upholstery After a Fire

The highest-quality carpet and upholstery can show soiling over time, especially after experiencing fire damage. These pieces of functional decor can be priceless, timeless, and a large investment. Protect your investment by having your Persian rugs maintained by a professional service.

SERVPRO of South Central Fort Worth / Edgecliff Village offers several cleaning options to match any type of carpet and upholstery:

• Bonnet Cleaning, a less aggressive method for short pile carpets
• Hot Water Extraction, a more in-depth cleaning method for all carpet types
• Deluxe Precondition and Rinse, to restore deeply soiled areas
• Showcase Premier Cleaning, the most thorough cleaning method in the industry
• Dry Cleaning, used when color-fastness is an issue

After a fire, more than carpets and upholstery are damaged. That is why, as cleaning professionals, we have equipment to clean varieties of surfaces and materials.

Cleaning vs. Replacing

Heat can burn flammable materials inside a structure, forcing removal and replacement of those materials, but the smoke coming from the blaze can also cause soils, soot residues, and intense aromas that are easier to restore. 

Our experienced and trained SERVPRO team knows that mitigating fire damage includes a variety of replacing, restoring, and cleaning techniques. Various fire residues adhere to each surface in your home differently, and we can help with it all.

Dry Smoke

Most fires go through stages of creating both wet and dry smoke. However, usually fires will have more of one type than the other. Dry smoke is created by fast-burning, oxygen-rich burns. Dry smoke is also usually created when organic materials like wood, paper, or natural fabrics burn.

Wet Smoke

Whether a fire produces a majority of wet or dry smoke depends on the amount of oxygen present, the combustion rate, and the type of substance that is burning. When the fire is starved of oxygen and burns at a lower temperature, it produces wet smoke. Wet smoke is also created when synthetic materials such as rubber or plastic burn. Wet smoke usually adheres strongly to surfaces and is difficult to remove. 

Cleaning Techniques

When our SERVPRO technicians work with hard surfaces, we can use water based-detergents and other wet cleaning methods. However, for porous surfaces, wet techniques could cause the soot to soak deeper into the material. Dry cleaning methods that use agitation can prove useful in these cases.

Dry Cleaning: Light Agitation

SERVPRO conducts the dry cleaning agitation technique with softer tools such as dusters or brushes. Special vacuums are also useful when removing some soot residues and using compressed air to blow off the soot.

Dry Cleaning: Medium Agitation

Residues that adhere to some of your contents and building surface materials could work better in medium agitation cleaning techniques. Dry sponges are an example of a medium agitation method, and they can be useful when removing soot residues from drywall. Dusting cloths or crumbling cleaners that work like a pencil eraser are also useful.

SERVPRO has the necessary tools, techniques and knowledge to save your rugs after fire damage. Protect your high-quality carpet and upholstery investment. For professional assistance after a fire, call us at (682) 708-1004, 24/7.

Dry Techniques for Cleaning Fire Damaged Home

3/20/2022 (Permalink)

Our experienced and trained SERVPRO team knows that mitigating fire damage includes a variety of replacing, restoring, and cleaning techniques.

Fire Damage Cleanup Restored Using Dry Cleaning Methods

When our SERVPRO technicians work with hard surfaces, we can use water based-detergents and other wet cleaning methods. 

For porous surfaces, wet techniques could cause the soot to soak deeper into the material. Dry cleaning methods that use agitation can prove useful in these cases.

Heat can burn flammable materials inside a structure, forcing removal and replacement of those materials, but the smoke coming from the blaze can also cause soils, soot residues, and intense aromas. 

4 Types of Smoke and Soils

A professional will know to use different chemicals and techniques when removing residues left behind, based on the smoke type. In most situations, smoke and the soils it leaves behind can be classified into one of four categories of smoke and soot damage: wet, dry, protein residue, and fuel oil soot. Knowing what type of smoke was present helps the technician pick the best method to remove soot residues on the various surfaces of your building materials and contents. 

Dry Techniques for Cleaning Fire Damaged Home

Various fire residues adhere to each surface in your home differently, and we can help with it all. Some of the most effective techniques are dry techniques. Dry techniques are not suited to all material types, but they work well on materials that might otherwise be damaged from a more intense cleaning process. 

Light Agitation

SERVPRO of South Central Fort Worth / Edgecliff Village conducts the dry cleaning agitation technique with softer tools such as dusters or brushes. Special vacuums are also useful when removing some soot residues and using compressed air to blow off the soot. Light agitation is used for delicate or lightly soiled items that don’t require further scrubbing.

Medium Agitation

Residues that adhere to some of your contents and building surface materials could work better in medium agitation cleaning techniques. Dry sponges are an example of a medium agitation method, and they can be useful when removing soot residues from drywall. Dusting cloths or crumbling cleaners that work like a pencil eraser are also useful.

It's What We Do

Our experienced and trained SERVPRO team knows that mitigating fire damage includes a variety of replacing, restoring, and cleaning techniques. When mitigating smoke-related problems inside your home, it is invaluable to have the necessary knowledge. For professional assistance after a fire, call SERVPRO of South Central Fort Worth / Edgecliff Village at (682) 708-1004, 24/7. We're Faster to Any Size Disaster®.

Why You Should Clean Your HVAC System This Spring

3/13/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Central Fort Worth, Edgecliff Village can help. We offer heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit inspections and cleaning.

Spring is on it’s way, so it's almost time to open the windows and let in the fresh air. As you embark on cleaning your home this spring, you may forget an important piece of machinery that needs cleaning and maintenance as much as the garage needs cleaning! Don't forget about your HVAC system.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), pollutant levels inside your home can be two to five times higher than outdoors pollutant levels, and the ventilation system is often the largest contributor to low indoor air quality! Many systems go a long time before being inspected and cleaned, so if your HVAC system is like most, your dirty vents might be circulating odors, mold, and irritating dust throughout your home, too.

The EPA reports contaminants or foreign objects such as rodents, insects, dust, dirt, debris, bacteria, mold, and pollen have the ability to enter and collect in your air ducts. So not only is your indoor air quality worsened, but these critters and allergens can cause long-term damages to your HVAC system.

So, Who Cleans Air Ducts?

Cleaning your HVAC system is no easy task without the right tools, but that’s where a professional in the industry like SERVPRO of South Central Fort Worth / Edgecliff Village can help. We offer heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit (HVAC) inspections and cleaning. In most cases, air duct cleaning is not essential to a smoothly run home, but after a major air-quality-reducing event like a fire with smoke or suspected mold growth, duct cleaning is essential to limit the circulation of contaminants throughout the house.

If your HVAC has been operating for some time without attention, it could be circulating the following:

• Dust
• Pollen
• Odors
• Dirt and debris
• Other contaminants

How Does SERVPRO Clean HVAC Systems?

Unlike most duct cleaning services, we use a Portable Ventilation & Air Duct Cleaning System to examine ductwork and sweep clean years of dust and grime.

This system allows us to:

• Remediate Bacteria, Fungi, and Mold
• Reduce Potential for Mold Growth
• Restore Peak Energy Efficiency
• Eliminate Offensive Odors
• Provide Free Written Inspections and Estimates

Our Duct Cleaning Process

• First, we use patented equipment, such as the roto-scraper, which automatically adapts to the duct's shape and diameter while traveling through the duct, removing debris and filth before vacuuming begins.
  
  
• Next, a powerful push-pull air delivery and collection system transfers the debris from the ducting to a 16-gallon container.
  
  
• Air is filtered through a HEPA filtration system, removing 99.97 percent of particles in the airstream. HEPA filters capture debris and keep the environment clean.
  
  
• As an optional process, a sealant or coating product may be sprayed to address odor or microbial concerns.
  
  
• Filters will either be cleaned or replaced to remove odor and dirt.

If you have other cleaning needs, we provide various cleaning services. Call (682) 708-1004 today.

Smoke and Soot Dictate Cleanup Practices After Fire Damage

3/6/2022 (Permalink)

Contact a professional in the fire damage restoration industry, like SERVPRO of South Central Fort Worth / Edgecliff Village at (682) 708-1004.

Professionals Describe the Different Types of Smoke

Suppose you ever suffer from a structural blaze inside your Fort Worth home. In that case, it is always smart to consult a professional when going about cleanup and restoration. 

A professional will know to use different chemicals and techniques when removing residues left behind, based on the smoke type. In most situations, smoke and the soils it leaves behind can be classified into one of the following four categories of smoke and soot damage. Knowing what type of smoke was present helps the technician pick the best method to remove soot residues on the various surfaces of your building materials and contents. 

Category No. 1 - Dry Smoke

Most fires go through stages of creating both wet and dry smoke. However, usually fires will have more of one type than the other. Dry smoke is created by fast-burning, oxygen-rich burns. Dry smoke is also usually created when organic materials like wood, paper, or natural fabrics burn.

Category No. 2 - Wet Smoke

Whether a fire produces a majority of wet or dry smoke depends on the amount of oxygen present, the combustion rate, and the type of substance that is burning. When the fire is starved of oxygen and burns at a lower temperature, it produces wet smoke. Wet smoke is also created when synthetic materials such as rubber or plastic burn. Wet smoke usually adheres strongly to surfaces and is difficult to remove. 

Category No. 3 - Protein Residues

Protein residues can be found any time products such as meat, poultry, or fish burn. These residues leave behind a yellow or amber discoloration, but they can sometimes be clear and hard to see on a surface. Protein residues leave behind strong odors making deodorization the biggest issue when dealing with them.

Category No. 4 - Fuel Oil Soot

Furnace puff-backs can create fuel oil residues that consist of dust particles from the ventilation system and fuel oils that did not burn all the way. This type of soot usually has a gray or black color and can consist of large or small particles. Often, the electrically charged ions form formations in corners that resemble spiderwebs and can smear readily if not vacuumed and sponged off correctly.

If a fire ever ignites inside your home, it is wise to contact a professional in the fire damage restoration industry, like SERVPRO of South Central Fort Worth / Edgecliff Village at (682) 708-1004.

Space Heater Safety and Fire Prevention Tips

2/3/2022 (Permalink)

Stay safe when using a space heater and remember, all heaters need space.

Cold temperatures inevitably make us want to cozy up under a blanket and crank up the heat, but before you bring the space heater up from the basement to get extra toasty, consider these safety and fire prevention tips. According to the National Fire Protection Association, heating equipment is the leading cause of all house fires. 

Space Heater Safety First! 

SERVPRO of South Central Fort Worth/Edgecliff Village has compiled some space heater safety and fire prevention tips to help you stay warm, but most of all, to keep you and your home or office safe from fire damage. 

• Keep 3 feet of distance between your space heater and anything that can burn, including people!
• Never plug your space heater into a power strip; always plug it directly into the wall. 
• Turn off and unplug the heater whenever you leave the room, especially when leaving for the day or going to bed. 
• Always place your heater on a flat surface, away from foot traffic. 
• Educate your family and coworkers about the dangers of space heaters.
• Keep the heater away from wet areas. This includes bathrooms, basements, and even wet hands and materials. 

Buy the Right Heater 

• Check to see if your heater has a seal marking that it’s been tested by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory. 
• Purchase a space heater that is suitable for the size of the room you would like to heat. Use small heaters for small spaces, and large heaters only for big, open spaces. Using a small heater in a large space will cause the heater to overwork and reduce its lifespan.
• Know your heater’s wattage. Higher wattage = higher energy output. Low wattage = less energy. 
• Choose a heater with an automatic shut-off that engages if the heater is knocked over or overheats. 
• Know about the different types of space heaters: oil or water-filled radiator heaters, fan-forced heaters, ceramic heaters, and infrared heaters. 

Using these space heater safety and fire prevention tips will help prevent fire damage in the home and workplace. If you have any questions about fire prevention or if your property experiences smoke or fire damage to your home, call your local professionals at SERVPRO of South Central Fort Worth/Edgecliff Village for assistance. We’re available 24/7 at (682) 708-1004.

The Importance of Smoke Detectors

1/15/2021 (Permalink)

We learned fire safety throughout elementary and middle school and what to do when you hear a smoke detector. However, have you forgotten to change out the batteries? Or maybe you turned off your smoke detector because everything you cook sets off the alarm?

Individuals should think twice before taking out the batteries. Why? According to The National Fire Protection Association, 3 out of 5 homes without a smoke alarm experience deaths. Let smoke detectors help your family!

So, be sure to check your smoke detectors once a year, replace the batteries, and make sure each smoke detector is working in your home – they save lives, after all! For additional fire safety tips, visit The National Fire Protection Association.

If you experience fire damage in your property, call SERVPRO of South Central Fort Worth, Edgecliff Village!

Fire Hazards Your Business Should Avoid

1/15/2021 (Permalink)

To request assistance with your damaged building, contact us today.

Fire damage in your business is a serious concern. Moderate damage can result in your facility closing for repairs for weeks on end, which can be devastating. The unfortunate reality is that no business is immune to the risk of fire. Some facilities may be likely to endure damage from a fire, such as a restaurant that uses open flames throughout the day. However, many fire hazards are present in workplaces regardless of activities that take place in the building. When you know what these hazards are, you can take proper steps to address and mitigate those risks and prevent possible fire damage and smoke damage.

3 Things to Pay Attention to

1. Electrical Concerns

Damage to electrical wiring can result in sparks that lead to damaging fires. Electrical wiring damage may include frayed cords, such as those connecting desktop computers to the wall power outlets. It may include damage to internal wiring inside the walls, and these damage pests and other forces. Electrical fires may start when power sockets overload or when equipment gets hot. Periodically review your company's wiring to identify areas of concern that need to be addressed.

2. Poor Equipment Maintenance

Other hazards in workplaces relate to low equipment maintenance. For example, failing to service your furnace may result in accumulating dust and other flammable debris. A gas leak in the furnace could result in a fire or an explosion. Fire hazards related to poor maintenance may include dusty, dirty, or greasy components, such as air ducts and vents, kitchen exhaust vents, and many other features used throughout your facility. Scheduling necessary maintenance can decrease fire risk in these areas.

3. Flammable or Combustible Materials

Flammable and combustible materials are most commonly associated with industrial and warehouse environments, but restaurants, hotels, dry cleaners, and many other types of businesses may store combustible materials on-site. These materials should remain sealed according to the manufacturer's recommendations. 

As you can see, numerous fire hazards could result in severe damage to your business. If your company has already experienced fire damage, repairs are needed as soon as possible. SERVPRO of South Central Fort Worth, Edgecliff Village is your trusted source for quality repair services. We can quickly restore your building to its previous condition so that operations can resume in your place of business. To request assistance with your damaged building, contact us today.

Fire Restoration Services

1/15/2021 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of South Central Fort Worth, Edgecliff Village today if you have fire damage.

Fire damage, including smoke and soot, affects the structure of your house but your belongings. SERVPRO of South Central Fort Worth, Edgecliff Village understands your family's furniture, clothing, keepsakes, and other belongings make your house more than a structure; they make it home. Check some of SERVPRO's fire restoration services below:

Contents Restoration

SERVPRO of South Central Fort Worth, Edgecliff Village specializes in restoring contents damaged by water, fire, or mold. Our expertise and "restore" versus "replace" mentality can help you save money while preserving precious keepsakes that can't be replaced. We pretest your belongings to determine what items we can restore to pre-fire condition. We use several methods of cleaning your contents, including:

• Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean before wet cleaning.
• Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.
• Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that can't withstand wet cleaning.
• Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned.
• Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned.
• Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product.

Move-Outs/Pack-Outs

If your home requires extensive restoration or cleaning due to fire damage, SERVPRO of South Central Fort Worth, Edgecliff Village can conduct an organized, efficient move-out of the affected area. Move-out will provide several benefits, including:

• A quicker remodeling process
• Protecting items from potential damage
• Protecting contents from further on-site damage

When restoration is completed, we will work with you to coordinate the move-in according to your needs. The services offered upon move-in may depend on your insurance coverage.

Electronic Cleanup

Fire-damaged electronics can present a severe hazard. Don't attempt to turn on or operate any damaged electrical device. Smoke residues can contain acids that corrode metal surfaces. If not removed, the residues corrode, causing electronic failure in the device.

• Television sets
• DVD players
• Computers
• And more

The key to restoring electronics is taking prompt action to prevent further damage. Electronics will be cleaned and inspected by a qualified electronics technician.

Call SERVPRO of South Central Fort Worth, Edgecliff Village today.

Prevent Fires Caused by Clogged Dryer Vents

1/15/2021 (Permalink)

It's no surprise that having a fire damages anything in its path. Your household dryer is an excellent example of this since many homeowners deal with dryer related fires all the time, and the usual culprit would be a clogged dryer vent. In this particular case, the fire is preventable if you maintain your dryer throughout the year and ensure that its vent is clean and clear of buildup.

Over 15,000 calls are to the local fire departments every single year for home-related fires and smoke issues. The unfortunate part is that most fires are due to clogged dryer vents within the home. Some of these fires are minimal, but others have been damaging when not caught in time.

Some homeowners are new to appliances, and home maintenance doesn't know that their dryer needs maintenance. Dryers work by creating hot air in the drum itself, and this is the hot air going to dry up your clothing. You might know the small lint trap on your dryer when you open its door, but excess lint passes through this filter and goes through the dryer vent. The dryer vent is located on the outside of your home so that the hot air goes outside. From dryers being so hot, a lot of heat attracts lint build up in that area and causes a fire. Fires related to clogged dryer vents can generate tons of damage to a person's home.

The best way to prevent fires, in this case, is to clean the lint hose. Special tools and services exist that can help to get this particular vent cleaned for you.

Warning Signs Your Dryer is Clogged and May Result in a Fire

1. If it takes longer than 45 minutes to dry your clothing, it could be a sign that the dryer vent is clogged.
2. Your clothes are roasting hot to the touch after they have gone through a dry cycle.
3. The flapper on the dryer's vent may not open when the appliance is on.

Preventing a Fire with Your Dryer

1. You should clean the vent of your dryer at least twice each year.
2. Make sure to clean the lint trap inside the dryer before each cycle.
3. For those individuals who are noticing any of the warnings mentioned above, make sure to contact a professional company to repair and clean the appliance.

For those homeowners who aren't lucky to catch the warning signs in time, fire damage can be a daunting thing to clean up on your own. Professionals of SERVPRO come in handy, and they can work on your home's fire restoration when it is most convenient for you. Make sure to contact SERVPRO at the first sign of fire damage so that issues are resolved immediately.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

SERVPRO of South Central Fort Worth, Edgecliff Village is locally owned and operated—so we are part of the Fort Worth community. We are part of a national network of over 1,650 SERVPRO Franchises and special Disaster Recovery Teams strategically located throughout the country. We're able to respond to large-scale disasters quickly. Give us a call today.

Kitchen Fire Prevention Tips

1/15/2021 (Permalink)

Between 2012-2016, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) found that cooking was the leading cause of fires within the United States. It's important to remember your safety when cooking in our homes.

Easy Fire Prevention Tips

1. Don't leave stove tops or ovens unattended.
   
   
2. If you leave the kitchen, be sure to take an oven mitt with you to remind you that something is cooking on the stove or in the oven.
   
   
3. Don't pour water on a grease fire!

Panicking about a fire in your kitchen can make you do silly things sometimes. Instead, cover the fire with a cookie sheet to suffocate it. Or if it's a small fire, you can use salt to put it out as well. Make sure to always have a fire extinguisher on hand just if a fire breaks out in your kitchen.

If you experience fire damage, call SERVPRO of South Central Fort Worth, Edgecliff Village today.

Smoke Residue Can Accumulate after Fire Damage to Your Fort Worth Home

1/15/2021 (Permalink)

Rely on SERVPRO for Professional Fire Damage Restoration

An incidence of fire damage can cost you a ton of money and time to restore. The ability to restore depends on the extent of damage caused by the flames and the smoke and soot residue. Smoke and soot particles are one of the most significant contributors when it comes to fire damage to your Edgewood home. Not all fires produce identical residue, and the time and effort required to clean these different residue types determine the success of the restoration process. IICRC certified SERVPRO technicians use their extensive knowledge about different types of residue during the restoration process. While some residues have a minor impact, some others can cause more profound damage.

Dry and Wet Residue

Frequently encountered residue after a fire incident includes wet and dry residues. All fires produce both these residues, but their relative proportion can vary greatly. For instance, a rapid burning fire that has an abundant supply of oxygen usually produces dry residues. On the other hand, if the fire was slow-burning with less than optimal oxygen supply, the wet residue is formed mostly.

Another thing affecting residue generated is material burning. While natural materials such as wood and cotton result in drier smoke residue, synthetic materials such as rubber and plastic produce wetter smoke. As it turns out, drier residues are easier to clean compared to the wetter residues. SERVPRO technicians can use less harsh techniques such as cleaning with a sponge to clean the damage due to drier smoke, but wet residues often require more intense cleaning processes.

Protein Residue

Protein residue is quite common if a fire breaks out in the kitchen. Burning of meat, poultry, or fish usually generates this type of residue. It's pale yellow and can stain surfaces quite easily. It's also accompanied by the characteristic odor that can linger on for a long time. Odor removal cannot occur without a thorough cleaning process followed by an efficient deodorization. Protein residue can be quite challenging to stop, and the restoration process may require additional time.

Call SERVPRO of South Central Fort Worth, Edgecliff Village today to schedule a free consultation with one of our restoration experts.