Expert Fire Damage Restoration for Residential and Commercial Properties in Fairfield

11/4/2024 (Permalink)

A fire can cause devastating damage to both homes and businesses, leaving behind smoke, soot, and structural issues that need immediate attention. SERVPRO of Fairfield specializes in fire damage restoration, offering professional services to restore your property quickly and thoroughly. Our experienced team is equipped with advanced techniques and equipment to handle everything from smoke and odor removal to full structural repairs, helping you return to normal as soon as possible.

Our comprehensive fire damage restoration process includes cleaning soot from surfaces, eliminating odors, and sanitizing affected areas. We also provide structural repair if necessary, ensuring a complete recovery. We understand the emotional and financial toll fire damage can bring, so we’re committed to compassionate, efficient service for both residential and commercial clients.

With 24/7 availability, SERVPRO of Fairfield is ready to respond to your fire damage emergency, helping you restore your property and peace of mind.

Contact: 707-2070122

Prevent Grease Fires

8/14/2019 (Permalink)

Grease fires most often occur when a pan is left on the fire for too long. Another way grease fires occur is when excess grease on the drip pan or stove top accidentally catches fire. A small mistake can lead to the need for fire damage repair services soon after the fire. Preventing grease fires is easy as long as you stay in the kitchen while cooking and take a few simple safety measures. Here’s a look at how to prevent and handle grease fires in your kitchen:

• When heating oil for deep-fat frying or pan-frying, stay in the kitchen at all times. Unattended cooking is the number one reason for kitchen fires.
• Before turning the heat on, ensure the burner or stovetop is cool. Also, clean any excess grease or oil spills from the drip pan and around the burner.
• Check the heat ratings of cooking oil. The ratings indicate the maximum temperature the oil can be cooked at before catching fire. The smoking point of most vegetable oils is around 450°F and of animal oils, around 375°F. Clip a thermometer to the side of the pot to gauge the temperature of the oil.
• When cooking oil is close to burning point, it will emit smoke and will ruin the taste of your food. If this happens, turn off the heat, carefully remove the pan from the burner and allow the pan to cool off.
• Don’t heat grease before dropping food into it. Otherwise, hot grease might splash out onto nearby objects, creating a fire hazard and causing injuries.
• Be extra cautious when putting food into hot oil. Use long utensils that allow you to gently put food into hot grease without dropping it and causing splashes.
• Use a lid or cover to prevent hot oil from splattering. If you need to stir the food, remove the lid carefully and put it back when you finish stirring.
• Clean oil and food spills immediately after they occur. First, turn off the stove and remove the food from the heat source. Then, wait for the stove to cool off and carefully wipe off the oil spills.
• If grease catches fire, don’t try to move the pan or pot. Put a metal lid on top of the pan to shut off the oxygen supply to the fire.
• A small fire that is contained within a pan can be extinguished by pouring baking soda on the fire until it outs. If you don’t feel safe controlling the fire yourself, immediately exit the house and call 911 for emergency help.
• Use a class K fire extinguisher to put out grease flames that are out of control.
• Lastly, NEVER use water to put out a grease fire! Pouring water may cause grease to splash and spreads the fire. Never move the pan or run while holding it either. You’ll risk splashing grease onto yourself and around the house.

However, even if you follow every one of these tips, accidents do happen. If fire damage strikes your home, be sure to contact SERVPRO of Fairfield to help you get your home cleaned up and looking like new quickly, with no stress to you!

After the Fire

8/9/2019 (Permalink)

A fire and the damage it causes can be nightmarish. In just a few moments, an entire room can be destroyed, and a fire restoration services team will need to be called in. Hopefully you’ll never have to face such a scenario, but if you do, there are some things that you should never do following a fire.

Don’t Try To Clean Up Yourself

Vacuuming, wiping down the walls, touching the drapes, and any other attempt at cleaning the place up yourself can put you at risk of inhaling the extremely dangerous chemicals that are in soot and ash. Besides this, you could cause further damage to your property. Ash and soot require specialized, professional cleaning from a fire restoration services team.

Don’t Walk Around On Uncovered Carpets

Put clean sheets or towels over your carpet before you walk around on it. Otherwise you may get ash and soot setting into your shoes, and this is bad for your health.

Don’t Turn Appliances On

This goes especially for fires that took place in the kitchen. Don’t turn any electrical appliances on that were inside the room during the fire. They’ll need to be checked and cleaned professionally before being turned on again. If you turn them on when ash or other debris may be trapped inside of them, you could ruin them. Also, do not turn on ceiling appliances such as a light fixture or fan if the ceiling is wet. The wiring could be damp and could cause electric shock.

Don’t Deodorize

If you use the wrong type of deodorizer, such as a store-bought or a commercial deodorizer, you might offset the better formulas that the fire restoration services cleaning team will use that break up smoke molecules and improve odors.

Don’t Try To Clean Your Carpet

If you attempt to remove ash, soot, or water from your carpet or shampoo it, you’re again putting yourself at risk of inhaling very dangerous chemicals from that ash and soot. And in most cases, your carpet will need to be replaced anyway.

Don’t Turn On Your HVAC System

Keep your cooling or heating system turned off until your home is cleaned. By turning on the HVAC system, you’re inviting smoke to travel through your ductwork, which can cause secondary damage to your home.

Don’t Try To Keep Furniture

If there was heavy smoke during the fire, don’t try to continue using your upholstered furniture or carpet. If you keep using them, you’re putting yourself at risk of respiratory health problems. Your upholstered furniture and carpet will need to be replaced. In fact, you shouldn’t even sit or lie down on upholstered furniture that has been in a fire, even for a few minutes.

Knowing what not to do after a fire can make a bad situation a little easier, and can help prevent further damage.

At SERVPRO of Fairfield, we’ve seen our share of fire and smoke damage, and we’ve also seen it made worse when homeowners attempt to clean up themselves. Trust us—don’t try it! Just wait for fire restoration service professionals to come take care of it. If you ever find yourself in need of the best fire restoration services in the Bay Area, SERVPRO of Fairfield is here for you.

You have had a house fire, now what?

8/7/2019 (Permalink)

The first 24 hours after a house fire is a critical time period. If the fire department knows anything, restoration companies have heard it on their radios and will send their “chasers” out trying to get you to sign a contract.  Whatever you do, do not make a decision while you are upset.  Fire clean up takes a long time and a fast decision could be a mistake.

1. Getting You Home Boarded Up.  Ask the fire department if they have a recommendation (some counties have a rotating list of restoration companies)  or you can pick one of the chasers in front of you. Be clear that you are only hiring them for the board-up. Take the cards of all the chasers at the fire, tell them you will make a decision in the next few days on the restoration.

2.  Find a Safe Place to Stay:  Smoke is a carcinogen.  If you can smell smoke, it is not safe.  Most insurance policies will put you up in a hotel,  family or friends can take you in or you can contact a  local disaster relief agency, such as the American Red Cross or Salvation Army.  

3.  Research Local Restoration Companies:  Your insurance company will send out their preferred vendor, that company does a lot of work for the insurance company and will do everything they can to keep the insurance company happy.  Not necessarily the company you want working for you. An independent company will be your advocate. Yelp and BBB will give you the basics.

3.  Contact your Insurance Company:  once you start a claim, they will cover living and other daily expenses and help you with the clean-up.  Whichever restoration company you choose will work with the insurance adjuster to help you decide on the best plan of actio.

.

4.  Recover your Possessions:  If you have enough insurance, the items destroyed in a house fire will be cleaned or replaced. The restoration company will make an inventory of your possessions. However, the best and easiest way to be reimbursed is to have your own inventory kept either on the internet or in a fireproof safe that includes the date of purchase, cost and description of each item whenever possible.

Fire damage restoration entails the total cleanup of your property and possessions to preloss condition. Trained and certified technicians use special equipment and cleaning products. Fire damage restoration also involves cleaning up the water damage caused by the fire department.

If you’re in need of fire damage recovery after a fire, give us a call at 707-2070122 today.

Making your home fire safe

7/17/2019 (Permalink)

The following article can be used as a fire safety checklist for your home. By employing all of these great tips you will actually be potentially saving your own life, as well as your families. Here are the best tips to stay fire safe this season.

If you have smokers in your household, make sure that they have a designating smoking area. This doesn't need to be an obvious looking smoking enclosure, it just needs to be somewhere outside that is free from flammable objects and contains clean ashtrays for cigarette butts.

You must eliminate clutter and allow plenty of room for flammable goods. If you have kids around, these places should be out of reach and possible locked. These storage areas must not be exposed to any electricity or heat sources. If flammable goods are kept in a shed outside make sure that there is plenty of ventilation and heat is not trapped.

Make sure that everyone in your household is up to date with the evacuation procedures should there be a need. An evacuation drill should be practiced at least every 6-12 months.

The evacuation process should be aimed at getting everybody out of the house is the fastest possible manner and leaving personal items behind. Following on from this, you should also have all emergency phone numbers clearly displayed next to every phone. The evacuation path must be kept clear and easy to navigate at all times. You must consider any locks, deadlocks, or other obstructions in the path of evacuation and these must be made as easy as possible to navigate.

Ensure that rubbish bins are emptied daily, all clutter is thrown away, and electrical items are put away safely after use. Identifying fire hazards is a skill and you should work on identifying and eliminating all hazards around the home. This is especially easy by removing all clutter in your home that could be considered a threat.

At least two fire extinguishers per average household is usually enough, but these should be clearly marked so that everyone knows exactly here to look. Fire alarms should be carefully placed in fire 'hotspots' around your home. Any fire sprinklers and other fire equipment is advised but not necessary.

You must ensure everything is done to prevent a fire from occurring in your home. A common cause of household fires is due to an electrical issue. Ensure that you have an adequate number of power points available and that you are not overloading them with adapters and multiple appliances if not needed.

Another point to make is that you should check that you have circuit breaker points installed and that they are all working correctly. These will shut off power to a certain section of your home if power is overloaded. They are a great fire prevention tool.

In conclusion, you must build up awareness to fire hazards and act accordingly to eliminate these hazards. If you can get a two in one fire alarm that also detects carbon monoxide in the air you will successfully eliminate two hazards in one.

How to restore a fire damage

7/9/2019 (Permalink)

1. Remove Fire Damaged Materials

First, remove all the burned and smoke damaged materials. The obvious items are the pieces of furniture and appliances that look like they’ve been through a fire. They will look melted and blackened and like they’re from the set of the most recent Marvel movie. The not so obviously damaged items that also need to be removed are the smoke-damaged items. All of the items in the adjoining rooms to where the fire occurred are unfortunately probably going to fall into this category. This also means that the paint and probably the drywall from some of the rooms, depending on their proximity to the fire.

2. Air Out The Smoke Damaged Space

Second and possibly the easiest step is airing out the smoke damaged space. This step requires the use of industrial air movers which are giant fans that rapidly circulate air throughout an enclosed space effectively filling the space with new fresh air and getting rid of the old smoke-stained air. All that needs to be done is to place the air movers in the space, turn them on and let those air movers do their work!

3. Rebuild and Restore

The third and hardest of all the steps is the rebuild, restoring the fire-damaged space to all of its original glory and maybe even then some! This means replacing the building materials you had to remove like paint and drywall and all the appliances and furniture and carpeting. Building something is always harder than destroying it, which is why this step ranks harder than the original demolition of the fire-damaged space. That being said many people will take this opportunity to rebuild spaces more to their liking if that’s not making lemonade out of lemons then I don’t know what is!

Common types of fire

7/8/2019 (Permalink)

While a fire can start anywhere at any time, below is a list of the top four most common causes of fires. This information may even help you to prevent starting a fire.

1. In the United States, the most common type of fire starts in the kitchen. Whether it is from burning food, grease, or an electrical problem, often times all three can cause a fire. Grease is the major cause of a fire it can grow and spread quickly, getting out of control and spreading to other rooms of your home, before the fire department arrives.

2. Electrical fires are the second most common type of house fire. When you have electricity and water it can be bad. Often times, if the wiring is old or not grounded a fire can start and someone can be electrocuted. Electrical fires can be caused by several different things, including old wiring, faulty wiring, broken or old breaker boxes, faulty appliances, and the improper use of outlets.

3. During the cold winter months’ portable heaters and electric blankets start their fair share of fires. If you have to use a portable heater make sure you one that has a timer and an automotive shut-off. In place of electric blankets try using a heavy quilt.

4. Smoking is the fourth leading cause of fires. If you can smoke outside and make sure you put your cigarette out before going back inside your home. People fall asleep smoking more often than most people can imagine there are nearly a thousand deaths a year in the United States, because of smoking not to mention the loss off property. It does not take much for an ember off the tip of a cigarette to catch a chair, couch, rug, or curtains on fire, so be extra cautious when smoking in your home.

You can’t always prevent a fire especially an electrical one due to poor or faulty wiring or appliances. So, when you have the option to use extreme caution such as smoking, or cooking please do so!

Minimize damage after a fire

7/6/2019 (Permalink)

A fire in your home is a devastating experience, both for your family and all your personal belongings. You may be wondering what you can do to further protect your home, or if you should only let a professional take care of the area. Smoke and fire damage is a tricky thing to deal with, so it is very important to have a professional restoration company handle that aspect of fire damage restoration.

Before the professionals start your fire damage restoration project, here are some things to do after a fire:

• Limit activity and foot traffic in your home. Staying off of carpet, furniture, and upholstery is key to preventing soot, dirt, and other particles from getting trapped all around your home.
• If you do need to get around your home quite a bit, put down clean towels or sheets on the floor and furniture.
• If possible, change filters in your home to keep dirt and soot from circulating.
• Don’t try to wash the walls or carpet — leave that for the professionals to avoid permanent damage.
• Don’t try to clean kitchen appliances yourself. After a fire, electrical connections and wiring may be damaged and could cause further problems if not cleaned carefully and correctly.
• Don’t eat any food that may have been exposed to the fire and smoke.

With these tips and professional fire damage restoration services, you can minimize fire damage to your home and make the restoration process easier. At SERVPRO of Fairfield, we are the ones you can trust to take care of your home after any disaster. Contact us today!

Restoring Fire Damage

7/5/2019 (Permalink)

1. Remove Fire Damaged Materials

First, remove all the burned and smoke damaged materials. The obvious items are the pieces of furniture and appliances that look like they’ve been through a fire. They will look melted and blackened and like they’re from the set of the most recent Marvel movie. The not so obviously damaged items that also need to be removed are the smoke-damaged items. All of the items in the adjoining rooms to where the fire occurred are unfortunately probably going to fall into this category. This also means that the paint and probably the drywall from some of the rooms, depending on their proximity to the fire.

2. Air Out The Smoke Damaged Space

Second and possibly the easiest step is airing out the smoke damaged space. This step requires the use of industrial air movers which are giant fans that rapidly circulate air throughout an enclosed space effectively filling the space with new fresh air and getting rid of the old smoke-stained air. All that needs to be done is to place the air movers in the space, turn them on and let those air movers do their work!

3. Rebuild and Restore

The third and hardest of all the steps is the rebuild, restoring the fire-damaged space to all of its original glory and maybe even then some! This means replacing the building materials you had to remove like paint and drywall and all the appliances and furniture and carpeting. Building something is always harder than destroying it, which is why this step ranks harder than the original demolition of the fire-damaged space. That being said many people will take this opportunity to rebuild spaces more to their liking if that’s not making lemonade out of lemons then I don’t know what is!

Minimize damage after a fire

6/29/2019 (Permalink)

A fire in your home is a devastating experience, both for your family and all your personal belongings. You may be wondering what you can do to further protect your home, or if you should only let a professional take care of the area. Smoke and fire damage is a tricky thing to deal with, so it is very important to have a professional restoration company handle that aspect of fire damage restoration.

Before the professionals start your fire damage restoration project, here are some things to do after a fire:

• Limit activity and foot traffic in your home. Staying off of carpet, furniture, and upholstery is key to preventing soot, dirt, and other particles from getting trapped all around your home.
• If you do need to get around your home quite a bit, put down clean towels or sheets on the floor and furniture.
• If possible, change filters in your home to keep dirt and soot from circulating.
• Don’t try to wash the walls or carpet — leave that for the professionals to avoid permanent damage.
• Don’t try to clean kitchen appliances yourself. After a fire, electrical connections and wiring may be damaged and could cause further problems if not cleaned carefully and correctly.
• Don’t eat any food that may have been exposed to the fire and smoke.

With these tips and professional fire damage restoration services, you can minimize fire damage to your home and make the restoration process easier. At SERVPRO of Fairfield, we are the ones you can trust to take care of your home after any disaster. Contact us today!

Preventing Grease Fires

6/13/2019 (Permalink)

Grease fires most often occur when a pan is left on the fire for too long. Another way grease fires occur is when excess grease on the drip pan or stove top accidentally catches fire. A small mistake can lead to the need for fire damage repair services soon after the fire. Preventing grease fires is easy as long as you stay in the kitchen while cooking and take a few simple safety measures. Here’s a look at how to prevent and handle grease fires in your kitchen:

• When heating oil for deep-fat frying or pan-frying, stay in the kitchen at all times. Unattended cooking is the number one reason for kitchen fires.
• Before turning the heat on, ensure the burner or stovetop is cool. Also, clean any excess grease or oil spills from the drip pan and around the burner.
• Check the heat ratings of cooking oil. The ratings indicate the maximum temperature the oil can be cooked at before catching fire. The smoking point of most vegetable oils is around 450°F and of animal oils, around 375°F. Clip a thermometer to the side of the pot to gauge the temperature of the oil.
• When cooking oil is close to burning point, it will emit smoke and will ruin the taste of your food. If this happens, turn off the heat, carefully remove the pan from the burner and allow the pan to cool off.
• Don’t heat grease before dropping food into it. Otherwise, hot grease might splash out onto nearby objects, creating a fire hazard and causing injuries.
• Be extra cautious when putting food into hot oil. Use long utensils that allow you to gently put food into hot grease without dropping it and causing splashes.
• Use a lid or cover to prevent hot oil from splattering. If you need to stir the food, remove the lid carefully and put it back when you finish stirring.
• Clean oil and food spills immediately after they occur. First, turn off the stove and remove the food from the heat source. Then, wait for the stove to cool off and carefully wipe off the oil spills.
• If grease catches fire, don’t try to move the pan or pot. Put a metal lid on top of the pan to shut off the oxygen supply to the fire.
• A small fire that is contained within a pan can be extinguished by pouring baking soda on the fire until it outs. If you don’t feel safe controlling the fire yourself, immediately exit the house and call 911 for emergency help.
• Use a class K fire extinguisher to put out grease flames that are out of control.
• Lastly, NEVER use water to put out a grease fire! Pouring water may cause grease to splash and spreads the fire. Never move the pan or run while holding it either. You’ll risk splashing grease onto yourself and around the house.

However, even if you follow every one of these tips, accidents do happen. If fire damage strikes your home, be sure to contact SERVPRO of Fairfield to help you get your home cleaned up and looking like new quickly, with no stress to you!

7 things not to do if you have had a fire

6/8/2019 (Permalink)

A fire and the damage it causes can be nightmarish. In just a few moments, an entire room can be destroyed, and a fire restoration services team will need to be called in. Hopefully you’ll never have to face such a scenario, but if you do, there are some things that you should never do following a fire.

Don’t Try To Clean Up Yourself

Vacuuming, wiping down the walls, touching the drapes, and any other attempt at cleaning the place up yourself can put you at risk of inhaling the extremely dangerous chemicals that are in soot and ash. Besides this, you could cause further damage to your property. Ash and soot require specialized, professional cleaning from a fire restoration services team.

Don’t Walk Around On Uncovered Carpets

Put clean sheets or towels over your carpet before you walk around on it. Otherwise you may get ash and soot setting into your shoes, and this is bad for your health.

Don’t Turn Appliances On

This goes especially for fires that took place in the kitchen. Don’t turn any electrical appliances on that were inside the room during the fire. They’ll need to be checked and cleaned professionally before being turned on again. If you turn them on when ash or other debris may be trapped inside of them, you could ruin them. Also, do not turn on ceiling appliances such as a light fixture or fan if the ceiling is wet. The wiring could be damp and could cause electric shock.

Don’t Deodorize

If you use the wrong type of deodorizer, such as a store-bought or a commercial deodorizer, you might offset the better formulas that the fire restoration services cleaning team will use that break up smoke molecules and improve odors.

Don’t Try To Clean Your Carpet

If you attempt to remove ash, soot, or water from your carpet or shampoo it, you’re again putting yourself at risk of inhaling very dangerous chemicals from that ash and soot. And in most cases, your carpet will need to be replaced anyway.

Don’t Turn On Your HVAC System

Keep your cooling or heating system turned off until your home is cleaned. By turning on the HVAC system, you’re inviting smoke to travel through your ductwork, which can cause secondary damage to your home.

Don’t Try To Keep Furniture

If there was heavy smoke during the fire, don’t try to continue using your upholstered furniture or carpet. If you keep using them, you’re putting yourself at risk of respiratory health problems. Your upholstered furniture and carpet will need to be replaced. In fact, you shouldn’t even sit or lie down on upholstered furniture that has been in a fire, even for a few minutes.

Knowing what not to do after a fire can make a bad situation a little easier, and can help prevent further damage.

At SERVPRO of Fairfield, we’ve seen our share of fire and smoke damage, and we’ve also seen it made worse when homeowners attempt to clean up themselves. Trust us—don’t try it! Just wait for fire restoration service professionals to come take care of it. If you ever find yourself in need of the best fire restoration services in the Bay Area, SERVPRO of Fairfield is here for you.

What to do after a fire

6/3/2019 (Permalink)

The first 24 hours after a house fire is a critical time period. If the fire department knows anything, restoration companies have heard it on their radios and will send their “chasers” out trying to get you to sign a contract.  Whatever you do, do not make a decision while you are upset.  Fire clean up takes a long time and a fast decision could be a mistake.

1. Getting You Home Boarded Up.  Ask the fire department if they have a recommendation (some counties have a rotating list of restoration companies)  or you can pick one of the chasers in front of you. Be clear that you are only hiring them for the board-up. Take the cards of all the chasers at the fire, tell them you will make a decision in the next few days on the restoration.

2.  Find a Safe Place to Stay:  Smoke is a carcinogen.  If you can smell smoke, it is not safe.  Most insurance policies will put you up in a hotel,  family or friends can take you in or you can contact a  local disaster relief agency, such as the American Red Cross or Salvation Army.  

3.  Research Local Restoration Companies:  Your insurance company will send out their preferred vendor, that company does a lot of work for the insurance company and will do everything they can to keep the insurance company happy.  Not necessarily the company you want working for you. An independent company will be your advocate. Yelp and BBB will give you the basics.

3.  Contact your Insurance Company:  once you start a claim, they will cover living and other daily expenses and help you with the clean-up.  Whichever restoration company you choose will work with the insurance adjuster to help you decide on the best plan of actio.

.

4.  Recover your Possessions:  If you have enough insurance, the items destroyed in a house fire will be cleaned or replaced. The restoration company will make an inventory of your possessions. However, the best and easiest way to be reimbursed is to have your own inventory kept either on the internet or in a fireproof safe that includes the date of purchase, cost and description of each item whenever possible.

Fire damage restoration entails the total cleanup of your property and possessions to preloss condition. Trained and certified technicians use special equipment and cleaning products. Fire damage restoration also involves cleaning up the water damage caused by the fire department.

If you’re in need of fire damage recovery after a fire, give us a call at 707-2070122 today.

Kitchen Fires

5/28/2019 (Permalink)

According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking is the leading factor in household fires in the United States. From overheated stoves to unattended flames, the kitchen presents a variety of hazards for even the most astute home chef. While living room and bedroom fires account for a small percentage of annual household fires, staying safe in the kitchen will prevent significantly more fires from damaging your property and endangering your safety.

Everyone experiences an accident in the kitchen from time to time. You might forget to turn off the burner or allow a sudden blast from the oven to set off your smoke alarm. Tiny accidents can lead to big trouble down the road. Here are some ways to prevent kitchen fires:

Set timers and pay attention to them.

Cover up unused outlets with plastic covers to prevent sparks.

Wear protective clothing when you cook with hot oil.

Keep small children away from pot handles and other hot objects.

Common types of fire

5/15/2019 (Permalink)

While a fire can start anywhere at any time, below is a list of the top four most common causes of fires. This information may even help you to prevent starting a fire.

1. In the United States, the most common type of fire starts in the kitchen. Whether it is from burning food, grease, or an electrical problem, often times all three can cause a fire. Grease is the major cause of a fire it can grow and spread quickly, getting out of control and spreading to other rooms of your home, before the fire department arrives.

2. Electrical fires are the second most common type of house fire. When you have electricity and water it can be bad. Often times, if the wiring is old or not grounded a fire can start and someone can be electrocuted. Electrical fires can be caused by several different things, including old wiring, faulty wiring, broken or old breaker boxes, faulty appliances, and the improper use of outlets.

3. During the cold winter months’ portable heaters and electric blankets start their fair share of fires. If you have to use a portable heater make sure you one that has a timer and an automotive shut-off. In place of electric blankets try using a heavy quilt.

4. Smoking is the fourth leading cause of fires. If you can smoke outside and make sure you put your cigarette out before going back inside your home. People fall asleep smoking more often than most people can imagine there are nearly a thousand deaths a year in the United States, because of smoking not to mention the loss off property. It does not take much for an ember off the tip of a cigarette to catch a chair, couch, rug, or curtains on fire, so be extra cautious when smoking in your home.

You can’t always prevent a fire especially an electrical one due to poor or faulty wiring or appliances. So, when you have the option to use extreme caution such as smoking, or cooking please do so!

Why hire a Pro

5/5/2019 (Permalink)

One of the most important things that you can do after a fire is to act quickly. Because smoke and fire damage can become worse over time, it is paramount that you start the assessment and cleaning process as fast as possible. By doing so, you can avoid much long-term damage and loss of property.

A fire is one of the most catastrophic events that could happen to your home. It strikes when you least expect it, and make your home uninhabitable until you are able to repair and restore the damage that it has done. Fire can leave behind soot and smoke odor, which can do even more damage after the fact, if not properly dealt with. While you may be tempted to begin the restoration process yourself, there are a few things that you consider before making this decision. In most cases, it is more than worth it to employ a professional restoration company to clean up after your fire and smoke damage.

Whenever you are dealing with fire damage, speed is of the utmost importance. Not only do you want to minimize the long-lasting effects that soot and smoke can have on your property and belongings, but you also want to use your home as usual once again. Because of their extensive training and equipment, restoration specialists can return your home to its original state much quicker than you could yourself. To make this decision easier, the cost of restoration is covered by most insurance policies.

Another reason to work with a local restoration specialist is to make sure that you identify and remove all of the smoke and soot that remains in your home after a fire. Because smoke and soot can be very pervasive, the damage that is left behind is not always readily apparent. Restoration companies have the experience, knowledge and equipment to help you find and clean up all of the damage that has been done to your home. This can help recurring odors, and hidden damage from affecting you in the future.

One of the biggest reasons to use a professional company for your fire damage clean up is to save you time. Not only do fires cause total disarray to your home, they can also turn your life upside down. The resulting paperwork, and list of things to do can seem insurmountable. The last thing that you need to worry about is whether or not you are cleaning everything properly. By working with a trained professional, you can rest assured that your home will be cleaned quickly, thoroughly and with the utmost care.

Whether you are dealing with damage from a small fire, or something much larger, the benefits of working with a professional restoration company are numerous. Furthermore, many offer service 24/7, giving you the opportunity to start the process as quickly as you possibly can. The result is a home that is restored to its previous condition quickly, efficiently and as completely as possible.

Smoke Damage: Why Should You Use a Professional for Cleanup?

4/17/2019 (Permalink)

One of the most important things that you can do after a fire is to act quickly. Because smoke and fire damage can become worse over time, it is paramount that you start the assessment and cleaning process as fast as possible. By doing so, you can avoid much long-term damage and loss of property.

A fire is one of the most catastrophic events that could happen to your home. It strikes when you least expect it, and make your home uninhabitable until you are able to repair and restore the damage that it has done. Fire can leave behind soot and smoke odor, which can do even more damage after the fact, if not properly dealt with. While you may be tempted to begin the restoration process yourself, there are a few things that you consider before making this decision. In most cases, it is more than worth it to employ a professional restoration company to clean up after your fire and smoke damage.

Whenever you are dealing with fire damage, speed is of the utmost importance. Not only do you want to minimize the long-lasting effects that soot and smoke can have on your property and belongings, but you also want to use your home as usual once again. Because of their extensive training and equipment, restoration specialists can return your home to its original state much quicker than you could yourself. To make this decision easier, the cost of restoration is covered by most insurance policies.

Another reason to work with a local restoration specialist is to make sure that you identify and remove all of the smoke and soot that remains in your home after a fire. Because smoke and soot can be very pervasive, the damage that is left behind is not always readily apparent. Restoration companies have the experience, knowledge and equipment to help you find and clean up all of the damage that has been done to your home. This can help recurring odors, and hidden damage from affecting you in the future.

One of the biggest reasons to use a professional company for your fire damage clean up is to save you time. Not only do fires cause total disarray to your home, they can also turn your life upside down. The resulting paperwork, and list of things to do can seem insurmountable. The last thing that you need to worry about is whether or not you are cleaning everything properly. By working with a trained professional, you can rest assured that your home will be cleaned quickly, thoroughly and with the utmost care.

Whether you are dealing with damage from a small fire, or something much larger, the benefits of working with a professional restoration company are numerous. Furthermore, many offer service 24/7, giving you the opportunity to start the process as quickly as you possibly can. The result is a home that is restored to its previous condition quickly, efficiently and as completely as possible.
Jon Balke has worked as a general contractor and restoration specialist for over 15 years, specializing in cleaning and restoring smoke damage in Valencia CA. He has worked with companies such as American Craftsman, one of the top companies in this field.Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/expert/Jon_Balke/1351295 
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7153963

Smoke And Fire Damage In Your Home- Why You Should Use The Services Of A Fire Restoration Company

4/9/2019 (Permalink)

If you are reading this article, your home might have been the unfortunate victim of a fire in the area. When people suffer a fire in their home, they are often hard pressed when it comes to finances and avoid using the services of a professional fire restoration company. This approach can however prove to be a costly mistake as a professional fire damage and smoke damage company will be able to save you a lot of money although they might seem like a very large unwanted expense at the beginning.

To fully understand the importance of letting professionals do the job of smoke damage cleanup or fire damage cleanup, you must first understand the various intricacies related to a fire.

Every fire is different in the sense that every house uses a different design and a different mix of construction materials which can all burn very differently. To start with, you have to understand that smoke damage can be very high even if the fire was small and contained to a very small space. This is because smoke can be absorbed by various porous construction materials such as wood, carpets, walls, ceilings and so on. There are many different types of smokes that can result out of a fire. For example, there is wet smoke, dry smoke, protein smoke and fuel oil smoke. Each type will need to be cleaned in a very different way. Smoke damage will also go hand in hand with soot damage. Soot will need to be cleaned thoroughly and materials will have to be treated with special chemicals and ozone treatments to get rid of the smoke odor which can linger for months after a fire if they are not treated.

A professional fire restoration company will usually work around the clock which means that you can call them at any time of the day to get started with your restoration work. It is very important to start early as they will be able to treat your home for smoke damage. If not treated early, the smoke can be absorbed by various parts of your house and the cleanup process will become much more drawn out when the smoke has been left unchecked for a while. Fire damage experts will also quickly be able to give you an estimate about what materials in the house can be restored and what is beyond any form of repair. They will be able to treat certain damaged materials such as scorched furniture in such a way that it can be used without having to be discarded.

Often times, fire restoration companies will also take a considerable amount of effort in cleaning up the mess left by the extinguisher which was used to put out the fire. It might be water in some cases or it could be a foam extinguisher. Regardless of the type, it will have to be cleaned up as foam can damage materials such as carpets, walls, ceilings while water can also have a very damaging effect by allowing the growth of mold.

A professional fire restoration company will also be able to assist you with those complicated insurance forms that you will have to fill out with the insurance company.

Reasons It Is Important To Hire Fire Damage Services To Get Your Home Back To Normal

4/9/2019 (Permalink)

A fire in your home can happen at any time. Most people are unprepared for it, just like they are unprepared for dealing with the cleanup after the fire occurs. That is why it is vital for you to understand why it is a smart idea to hire fire damage services to help get it done correctly.

There are many reasons why it is imperative to call in the professionals. Knowing the reasons will help you see why you need help right away.

Below are the reasons that you have to be aware of.

One: Other unforeseen damages - Fire is only one of the things that can create damage to your home. Soot and smoke are also problems, along with damage from the water that put out the fire.

With the unforeseen damages in your home, it will no longer be safe for your family to live in.

Two: Smoke and soot - Soot can cover a lot of things in your home like your draperies and carpets. Getting rid of soot is not easy to do and without the right equipment and knowledge, it can be almost impossible.

Smoke has a bad tendency to linger for years if you don't realize it is there. There are many places that smoke can get into besides the obvious like your carpet and furniture. It can also be in your walls or air ducts. This makes the air in your home unsafe to breathe, especially for children.

Hiring a professional means that all of the soot and smoke will be safely removed from your home so you won't have to deal with other problems caused in the future by the fire and things left behind that you were not aware of.

Three: Right equipment - In order to cleanup correctly after a fire, you have to have the right equipment. Many people will not have this equipment handy. This means you would have to spend money to buy it or rent it is possible.

Hiring a cleanup service will allow you to save time and money in learning how to do it yourself. The professionals have all of the equipment needed to get the job done correctly from the start.

Four: Structural damage - There are many times that a fire or the water damage from putting it out can cause structural damage. This can lead to big problems in the future if it is not take care of immediately.

Knowing these reasons will let you see why you should hire fire damage services to help you get your home back to normal and why you need to do it immediately. Don't delay because the sooner the cleanup gets started, the less damage repair will need to be done.

Fire Damage and Odor Control for Your Home

4/3/2019 (Permalink)

When a fire happens in your home, the results can be devastating. Whether your kitchen blaze began due to a cooking mishap or because a candle overturned and devoured your living room in smoke and fire damage, the results left behind can be a true disaster. Learn how you can get the affected areas of your home back to original condition so you can return to living comfortably and productively.

Talk to Your Insurance Company

Your homeowners or rental insurance company should be able to help you find a specialist who can take care of the fire damage in your home. This specialist will likely want to enter your dwelling to take pictures of all the spaces that have been affected. You will want to take inventory of the items that have been burned, such as your curtains, stove, counters, furniture, and flooring. This way, your agent can reimburse you for the things that will need to be replaced. Contact your insurance company immediately so they can help you find reputable experts who can get your house back to its original level of comfort.

Professional Cleaning

When you hire a company to restore your residence after fire damage, they will want to assess how badly burned your living space is before they get to work. They need to know how many people will be required to complete the job and what tools they will need to get rid of odors and reconstruct your dwelling. These experts use special air-cleansing filters and chemical supplies to remove all odors in the air that affect your living space. They also take out all destroyed wood, cabinetry, and other construction and replace them with new parts so your home looks new again. When they are finished, your residence should look as if it had never been disturbed.

Preparing for Restoration

You and your family will need to find another location to live while the destroyed areas of your residence are being cleaned. Specialists may need a few days to repair any fire damage, especially if large areas have been consumed in flames. Prepare to evacuate your home by packing several bags of clothing, toiletries, and other necessities. Your homeowners or rental insurance company can help you find temporary lodging in a hotel so your family can live comfortably while you wait for your house to be cleaned. Be aware that there is no set time for when you will be able to move back in, so pack enough of your belongings to stay away for several weeks, as you likely won't be able to enter your premises until the specialists have finished in your home.

When you've been affected by fire damage in your residence, there are many professional companies that can help make things right again. Trust experts to help get rid of odors and put your place back in order so you can live comfortably again. With the right care, you should be back in your dwelling in just a few days or weeks.

Reasons It Is Important To Hire Fire Damage Services To Get Your Home Back To Normal

4/3/2019 (Permalink)

A fire in your home can happen at any time. Most people are unprepared for it, just like they are unprepared for dealing with the cleanup after the fire occurs. That is why it is vital for you to understand why it is a smart idea to hire fire damage services to help get it done correctly.

There are many reasons why it is imperative to call in the professionals. Knowing the reasons will help you see why you need help right away.

Below are the reasons that you have to be aware of.

One: Other unforeseen damages - Fire is only one of the things that can create damage to your home. Soot and smoke are also problems, along with damage from the water that put out the fire.

With the unforeseen damages in your home, it will no longer be safe for your family to live in.

Two: Smoke and soot - Soot can cover a lot of things in your home like your draperies and carpets. Getting rid of soot is not easy to do and without the right equipment and knowledge, it can be almost impossible.

Smoke has a bad tendency to linger for years if you don't realize it is there. There are many places that smoke can get into besides the obvious like your carpet and furniture. It can also be in your walls or air ducts. This makes the air in your home unsafe to breathe, especially for children.

Hiring a professional means that all of the soot and smoke will be safely removed from your home so you won't have to deal with other problems caused in the future by the fire and things left behind that you were not aware of.

Three: Right equipment - In order to cleanup correctly after a fire, you have to have the right equipment. Many people will not have this equipment handy. This means you would have to spend money to buy it or rent it is possible.

Hiring a cleanup service will allow you to save time and money in learning how to do it yourself. The professionals have all of the equipment needed to get the job done correctly from the start.

Four: Structural damage - There are many times that a fire or the water damage from putting it out can cause structural damage. This can lead to big problems in the future if it is not take care of immediately.

Knowing these reasons will let you see why you should hire fire damage services to help you get your home back to normal and why you need to do it immediately. Don't delay because the sooner the cleanup gets started, the less damage repair will need to be done.

Duct cleaning

4/1/2019 (Permalink)

While many homeowners are beginning to realize the importance of routine duct cleaning, you may still have questions about the process. That's why we've compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about who should clean your ducts, why it's necessary, and how it's done.

"Why do my air ducts need to be cleaned?"

Over the years, dust, allergens, dirt, and other debris can accumulate in your ducts. In fact, it can build up in layers as much as three inches deep! This filth can trap bacteria and foster mold growth, creating potential health threats for your family. And, to make matters worse, every time your HVAC system turns on, some of these contaminants are circulated throughout your house. Having your air ducts cleaned removes this accumulation of pollutants and greatly improves the air quality of your home. For safe, breathable air, you should have your ducts cleaned at least every four years.

"How exactly is my ductwork cleaned?"

Using specialized tools and a negative airflow system (essentially a huge vacuum), air duct cleaners scrape the dust, dirt, and debris from your ducts. The tools agitate the particles away from the sides of the ducts and the vacuum keeps them from escaping into your house. The cleaning should also include air washing furnace and air conditioner components, vacuuming registers, and applying mold inhibiting agents if necessary.

Hire a Professional Fire Damage Cleanup to Restore Your Home

3/25/2019 (Permalink)

After your house, or a part of it, has been razed and damaged by fire, cleaning and restoring it back to its former glory will be your main concern. However, most homeowners find the task extremely time-consuming, stressful, and dangerous that they would rather hire a professional fire damage cleanup expert to do the job instead.

Repairing and restoring your home back to a habitable state depends on the extent of the damage to your home. Some homes only need a few days of work while severe structural damages take several months to accomplish. With the help of a team of experienced professionals, repairing a fire damaged home is always easier.

Don't be Tempted to do it Yourself, Hire an Expert

You might be tempted by the idea of cleaning the fire damage in your home by yourself. However, doing so can worsen the fire and water damage and even threaten your health. When determining the best way to deal with cleaning fire damage in homes, it can be helpful to know some of the best options available to you.

Perhaps the best thing that you could do after a house fire is to enlist the service of a professional restoration company. Since they are expert in this kind of work, they could surely take good care of your home's cleanup, repair, and restoration in no time.

Choose expert cleanup professional

When hiring for fire cleanup damage, be sure to hire a team who holds impeccable reputation and shows pertinent license, experience, skills, and equipment that will help them perform their task and restore your home back to its former glory.

The SOP after fire damage is to conduct a fire damage assessment to find out the extent of the damage and to plan out the necessary steps to be taken for a successful cleanup. Most of the time fire cleanup professionals begin by taking away the excess moisture as soon as detected. Failure in this aspect will make your home susceptible to the growth of mold and mildew, which in turn makes it a breeding ground for diseases that could harm the health of your family.

Stop Fire Damage from Destroying your Home

Though you can't prevent fire from razing your home, the good thing is you could stop fire damage from further eating up your house with the help of a professional restoration company. Now, restoring your home from fire damage should no longer be a serious cause of concern since there's a team of professionals that are willingly offering their hands for your home's benefit. This does not only unburden you from the heavy responsibility of cleaning, disinfecting, and repairing your home. It also saves you time and money in the long run, especially if your homeowner's insurance is generous enough to cover the cost for you.

Smoke And Fire Damage In Your Home - Why You Should Use The Services Of A Fire Restoration Company

3/25/2019 (Permalink)

If you are reading this article, your home might have been the unfortunate victim of a fire in the area. When people suffer a fire in their home, they are often hard pressed when it comes to finances and avoid using the services of a professional fire restoration company. This approach can however prove to be a costly mistake as a professional fire damage and smoke damage company will be able to save you a lot of money although they might seem like a very large unwanted expense at the beginning.

To fully understand the importance of letting professionals do the job of smoke damage cleanup or fire damage cleanup, you must first understand the various intricacies related to a fire.

Every fire is different in the sense that every house uses a different design and a different mix of construction materials which can all burn very differently. To start with, you have to understand that smoke damage can be very high even if the fire was small and contained to a very small space. This is because smoke can be absorbed by various porous construction materials such as wood, carpets, walls, ceilings and so on. There are many different types of smokes that can result out of a fire. For example, there is wet smoke, dry smoke, protein smoke and fuel oil smoke. Each type will need to be cleaned in a very different way. Smoke damage will also go hand in hand with soot damage. Soot will need to be cleaned thoroughly and materials will have to be treated with special chemicals and ozone treatments to get rid of the smoke odor which can linger for months after a fire if they are not treated.

A professional fire restoration company will usually work around the clock which means that you can call them at any time of the day to get started with your restoration work. It is very important to start early as they will be able to treat your home for smoke damage. If not treated early, the smoke can be absorbed by various parts of your house and the cleanup process will become much more drawn out when the smoke has been left unchecked for a while. Fire damage experts will also quickly be able to give you an estimate about what materials in the house can be restored and what is beyond any form of repair. They will be able to treat certain damaged materials such as scorched furniture in such a way that it can be used without having to be discarded.

Often times, fire restoration companies will also take a considerable amount of effort in cleaning up the mess left by the extinguisher which was used to put out the fire. It might be water in some cases or it could be a foam extinguisher. Regardless of the type, it will have to be cleaned up as foam can damage materials such as carpets, walls, ceilings while water can also have a very damaging effect by allowing the growth of mold.

A professional fire restoration company will also be able to assist you with those complicated insurance forms that you will have to fill out with the insurance company.

Smoke And Fire Damage In Your Home - Why You Should Use The Services Of A Fire Restoration Company

3/21/2019 (Permalink)

If you are reading this article, your home might have been the unfortunate victim of a fire in the area. When people suffer a fire in their home, they are often hard pressed when it comes to finances and avoid using the services of a professional fire restoration company. This approach can however prove to be a costly mistake as a professional fire damage and smoke damage company will be able to save you a lot of money although they might seem like a very large unwanted expense at the beginning.

To fully understand the importance of letting professionals do the job of smoke damage cleanup or fire damage cleanup, you must first understand the various intricacies related to a fire.

Every fire is different in the sense that every house uses a different design and a different mix of construction materials which can all burn very differently. To start with, you have to understand that smoke damage can be very high even if the fire was small and contained to a very small space. This is because smoke can be absorbed by various porous construction materials such as wood, carpets, walls, ceilings and so on. There are many different types of smokes that can result out of a fire. For example, there is wet smoke, dry smoke, protein smoke and fuel oil smoke. Each type will need to be cleaned in a very different way. Smoke damage will also go hand in hand with soot damage. Soot will need to be cleaned thoroughly and materials will have to be treated with special chemicals and ozone treatments to get rid of the smoke odor which can linger for months after a fire if they are not treated.

A professional fire restoration company will usually work around the clock which means that you can call them at any time of the day to get started with your restoration work. It is very important to start early as they will be able to treat your home for smoke damage. If not treated early, the smoke can be absorbed by various parts of your house and the cleanup process will become much more drawn out when the smoke has been left unchecked for a while. Fire damage experts will also quickly be able to give you an estimate about what materials in the house can be restored and what is beyond any form of repair. They will be able to treat certain damaged materials such as scorched furniture in such a way that it can be used without having to be discarded.

Often times, fire restoration companies will also take a considerable amount of effort in cleaning up the mess left by the extinguisher which was used to put out the fire. It might be water in some cases or it could be a foam extinguisher. Regardless of the type, it will have to be cleaned up as foam can damage materials such as carpets, walls, ceilings while water can also have a very damaging effect by allowing the growth of mold.

A professional fire restoration company will also be able to assist you with those complicated insurance forms that you will have to fill out with the insurance company.

Fire Damage and Odor Control for Your Home

3/21/2019 (Permalink)

When a fire happens in your home, the results can be devastating. Whether your kitchen blaze began due to a cooking mishap or because a candle overturned and devoured your living room in smoke and fire damage, the results left behind can be a true disaster. Learn how you can get the affected areas of your home back to original condition so you can return to living comfortably and productively. Talk to Your Insurance Company your homeowners or rental insurance company should be able to help you find a specialist who can take care of the fire damage in your home. This specialist will likely want to enter your dwelling to take pictures of all the spaces that have been affected. You will want to take inventory of the items that have been burned, such as your curtains, stove, counters, furniture, and flooring. This way, your agent can reimburse you for the things that will need to be replaced. Contact your insurance company immediately so they can help you find reputable experts who can get your house back to its original level of comfort. Professional Cleaning When you hire a company to restore your residence after fire damage, they will want to assess how badly burned your living space is before they get to work. They need to know how many people will be required to complete the job and what tools they will need to get rid of odors and reconstruct your dwelling. These experts use special air-cleansing filters and chemical supplies to remove all odors in the air that affect your living space. They also take out all destroyed wood, cabinetry, and other construction and replace them with new parts so your home looks new again. When they are finished, your residence should look as if it had never been disturbed. Preparing for Restoration you and your family will need to find another location to live while the destroyed areas of your residence are being cleaned. Specialists may need a few days to repair any fire damage, especially if large areas have been consumed in flames. Prepare to evacuate your home by packing several bags of clothing, toiletries, and other necessities. Your homeowners or rental insurance company can help you find temporary lodging in a hotel so your family can live comfortably while you wait for your house to be cleaned. Be aware that there is no set time for when you will be able to move back in, so pack enough of your belongings to stay away for several weeks, as you likely won't be able to enter your premises until the specialists have finished in your home. When you've been affected by fire damage in your residence, there are many professional companies that can help make things right again. Trust experts to help get rid of odors and put your place back in order so you can live comfortably again. With the right care, you should be back in your dwelling in just a few days or weeks.

Smoke And Fire Damage In Your Home - Why You Should Use The Services Of A Fire Restoration Company

3/8/2019 (Permalink)

If you are reading this article, your home might have been the unfortunate victim of a fire in the area. When people suffer a fire in their home, they are often hard pressed when it comes to finances and avoid using the services of a professional fire restoration company. This approach can however prove to be a costly mistake as a professional fire damage and smoke damage company will be able to save you a lot of money although they might seem like a very large unwanted expense at the beginning.

To fully understand the importance of letting professionals do the job of smoke damage cleanup or fire damage cleanup, you must first understand the various intricacies related to a fire.

Every fire is different in the sense that every house uses a different design and a different mix of construction materials which can all burn very differently. To start with, you have to understand that smoke damage can be very high even if the fire was small and contained to a very small space. This is because smoke can be absorbed by various porous construction materials such as wood, carpets, walls, ceilings and so on. There are many different types of smokes that can result out of a fire. For example, there is wet smoke, dry smoke, protein smoke and fuel oil smoke. Each type will need to be cleaned in a very different way. Smoke damage will also go hand in hand with soot damage. Soot will need to be cleaned thoroughly and materials will have to be treated with special chemicals and ozone treatments to get rid of the smoke odor which can linger for months after a fire if they are not treated.

A professional fire restoration company will usually work around the clock which means that you can call them at any time of the day to get started with your restoration work. It is very important to start early as they will be able to treat your home for smoke damage. If not treated early, the smoke can be absorbed by various parts of your house and the cleanup process will become much more drawn out when the smoke has been left unchecked for a while. Fire damage experts will also quickly be able to give you an estimate about what materials in the house can be restored and what is beyond any form of repair. They will be able to treat certain damaged materials such as scorched furniture in such a way that it can be used without having to be discarded.

Often times, fire restoration companies will also take a considerable amount of effort in cleaning up the mess left by the extinguisher which was used to put out the fire. It might be water in some cases or it could be a foam extinguisher. Regardless of the type, it will have to be cleaned up as foam can damage materials such as carpets, walls, ceilings while water can also have a very damaging effect by allowing the growth of mold.

A professional fire restoration company will also be able to assist you with those complicated insurance forms that you will have to fill out with the insurance company.

Reasons It Is Important To Hire Fire Damage Services To Get Your Home Back To Normal

3/8/2019 (Permalink)

A fire in your home can happen at any time. Most people are unprepared for it, just like they are unprepared for dealing with the cleanup after the fire occurs. That is why it is vital for you to understand why it is a smart idea to hire fire damage services to help get it done correctly.

There are many reasons why it is imperative to call in the professionals. Knowing the reasons will help you see why you need help right away.

Below are the reasons that you have to be aware of.

One: Other unforeseen damages - Fire is only one of the things that can create damage to your home. Soot and smoke are also problems, along with damage from the water that put out the fire.

With the unforeseen damages in your home, it will no longer be safe for your family to live in.

Two: Smoke and soot - Soot can cover a lot of things in your home like your draperies and carpets. Getting rid of soot is not easy to do and without the right equipment and knowledge, it can be almost impossible.

Smoke has a bad tendency to linger for years if you don't realize it is there. There are many places that smoke can get into besides the obvious like your carpet and furniture. It can also be in your walls or air ducts. This makes the air in your home unsafe to breathe, especially for children.

Hiring a professional means that all of the soot and smoke will be safely removed from your home so you won't have to deal with other problems caused in the future by the fire and things left behind that you were not aware of.

Three: Right equipment - In order to cleanup correctly after a fire, you have to have the right equipment. Many people will not have this equipment handy. This means you would have to spend money to buy it or rent it is possible.

Hiring a cleanup service will allow you to save time and money in learning how to do it yourself. The professionals have all of the equipment needed to get the job done correctly from the start.

Four: Structural damage - There are many times that a fire or the water damage from putting it out can cause structural damage. This can lead to big problems in the future if it is not take care of immediately.

Knowing these reasons will let you see why you should hire fire damage services to help you get your home back to normal and why you need to do it immediately. Don't delay because the sooner the cleanup gets started, the less damage repair will need to be done.

Fire Damage and Odor Control for Your Home

3/8/2019 (Permalink)

When a fire happens in your home, the results can be devastating. Whether your kitchen blaze began due to a cooking mishap or because a candle overturned and devoured your living room in smoke and fire damage, the results left behind can be a true disaster. Learn how you can get the affected areas of your home back to original condition so you can return to living comfortably and productively.

Talk to Your Insurance Company

Your homeowners or rental insurance company should be able to help you find a specialist who can take care of the fire damage in your home. This specialist will likely want to enter your dwelling to take pictures of all the spaces that have been affected. You will want to take inventory of the items that have been burned, such as your curtains, stove, counters, furniture, and flooring. This way, your agent can reimburse you for the things that will need to be replaced. Contact your insurance company immediately so they can help you find reputable experts who can get your house back to its original level of comfort.

Professional Cleaning

When you hire a company to restore your residence after fire damage, they will want to assess how badly burned your living space is before they get to work. They need to know how many people will be required to complete the job and what tools they will need to get rid of odors and reconstruct your dwelling. These experts use special air-cleansing filters and chemical supplies to remove all odors in the air that affect your living space. They also take out all destroyed wood, cabinetry, and other construction and replace them with new parts so your home looks new again. When they are finished, your residence should look as if it had never been disturbed.

Preparing for Restoration

You and your family will need to find another location to live while the destroyed areas of your residence are being cleaned. Specialists may need a few days to repair any fire damage, especially if large areas have been consumed in flames. Prepare to evacuate your home by packing several bags of clothing, toiletries, and other necessities. Your homeowners or rental insurance company can help you find temporary lodging in a hotel so your family can live comfortably while you wait for your house to be cleaned. Be aware that there is no set time for when you will be able to move back in, so pack enough of your belongings to stay away for several weeks, as you likely won't be able to enter your premises until the specialists have finished in your home.

When you've been affected by fire damage in your residence, there are many professional companies that can help make things right again. Trust experts to help get rid of odors and put your place back in order so you can live comfortably again. With the right care, you should be back in your dwelling in just a few days or weeks.

Kitchen Fires

2/28/2019 (Permalink)

According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking is the leading factor in household fires in the United States. From overheated stoves to unattended flames, the kitchen presents a variety of hazards for even the most astute home chef. While living room and bedroom fires account for a small percentage of annual household fires, staying safe in the kitchen will prevent significantly more fires from damaging your property and endangering your safety.

Everyone experiences an accident in the kitchen from time to time. You might forget to turn off the burner or allow a sudden blast from the oven to set off your smoke alarm. Tiny accidents can lead to big trouble down the road. Here are some ways to prevent kitchen fires:

Set timers and pay attention to them.

Cover up unused outlets with plastic covers to prevent sparks.

Wear protective clothing when you cook with hot oil.

Keep small children away from pot handles and other hot objects.

Duct Cleaning

2/26/2019 (Permalink)

While many homeowners are beginning to realize the importance of routine duct cleaning, you may still have questions about the process. That's why we've compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about who should clean your ducts, why it's necessary, and how it's done.

"Why do my air ducts need to be cleaned?"

Over the years, dust, allergens, dirt, and other debris can accumulate in your ducts. In fact, it can build up in layers as much as three inches deep! This filth can trap bacteria and foster mold growth, creating potential health threats for your family. And, to make matters worse, every time your HVAC system turns on, some of these contaminants are circulated throughout your house. Having your air ducts cleaned removes this accumulation of pollutants and greatly improves the air quality of your home. For safe, breathable air, you should have your ducts cleaned at least every four years.

"How exactly is my ductwork cleaned?"

Using specialized tools and a negative airflow system (essentially a huge vacuum), air duct cleaners scrape the dust, dirt, and debris from your ducts. The tools agitate the particles away from the sides of the ducts and the vacuum keeps them from escaping into your house. The cleaning should also include air washing furnace and air conditioner components, vacuuming registers, and applying mold inhibiting agents if necessary.

How to Avoid a Fire

2/1/2019 (Permalink)

The following article can be used as a fire safety checklist for your home. By employing all of these great tips you will actually be potentially saving your own life, as well as your families. Here are the best tips to stay fire safe this season.

If you have smokers in your household, make sure that they have a designating smoking area. This doesn't need to be an obvious looking smoking enclosure, it just needs to be somewhere outside that is free from flammable objects and contains clean ashtrays for cigarette butts.

You must eliminate clutter and allow plenty of room for flammable goods. If you have kids around, these places should be out of reach and possible locked. These storage areas must not be exposed to any electricity or heat sources. If flammable goods are kept in a shed outside make sure that there is plenty of ventilation and heat is not trapped.

Make sure that everyone in your household is up to date with the evacuation procedures should there be a need. An evacuation drill should be practiced at least every 6-12 months.

The evacuation process should be aimed at getting everybody out of the house is the fastest possible manner and leaving personal items behind. Following on from this, you should also have all emergency phone numbers clearly displayed next to every phone. The evacuation path must be kept clear and easy to navigate at all times. You must consider any locks, deadlocks, or other obstructions in the path of evacuation and these must be made as easy as possible to navigate.

Ensure that rubbish bins are emptied daily, all clutter is thrown away, and electrical items are put away safely after use. Identifying fire hazards is a skill and you should work on identifying and eliminating all hazards around the home. This is especially easy by removing all clutter in your home that could be considered a threat.

At least two fire extinguishers per average household is usually enough, but these should be clearly marked so that everyone knows exactly here to look. Fire alarms should be carefully placed in fire 'hotspots' around your home. Any fire sprinklers and other fire equipment is advised but not necessary.

You must ensure everything is done to prevent a fire from occurring in your home. A common cause of household fires is due to an electrical issue. Ensure that you have an adequate number of power points available and that you are not overloading them with adapters and multiple appliances if not needed.

Another point to make is that you should check that you have circuit breaker points installed and that they are all working correctly. These will shut off power to a certain section of your home if power is overloaded. They are a great fire prevention tool.

In conclusion, you must build up awareness to fire hazards and act accordingly to eliminate these hazards. If you can get a two in one fire alarm that also detects carbon monoxide in the air you will successfully eliminate two hazards in one

If you do experience a home fire call us we can help- 707-207-0122

After a Fire - Why You Should Hire a Professional

2/1/2019 (Permalink)

After your house, or a part of it, has been razed and damaged by fire, cleaning and restoring it back to its former glory will be your main concern. However, most homeowners find the task extremely time-consuming, stressful, and dangerous that they would rather hire a professional fire damage cleanup expert to do the job instead.

Repairing and restoring your home back to a habitable state depends on the extent of the damage to your home. Some homes only need a few days of work while severe structural damages take several months to accomplish. With the help of a team of experienced professionals, repairing a fire damaged home is always easier.

Don't be Tempted to do it Yourself, Hire an Expert

You might be tempted by the idea of cleaning the fire damage in your home by yourself. However, doing so can worsen the fire and water damage and even threaten your health. When determining the best way to deal with cleaning fire damage in homes, it can be helpful to know some of the best options available to you.

Perhaps the best thing that you could do after a house fire is to enlist the service of a professional restoration company. Since they are expert in this kind of work, they could surely take good care of your home's cleanup, repair, and restoration in no time.

Choose expert cleanup professional

When hiring for fire cleanup damage, be sure to hire a team who holds impeccable reputation and shows pertinent license, experience, skills, and equipment that will help them perform their task and restore your home back to its former glory.

The SOP after fire damage is to conduct a fire damage assessment to find out the extent of the damage and to plan out the necessary steps to be taken for a successful cleanup. Most of the time fire cleanup professionals begin by taking away the excess moisture as soon as detected. Failure in this aspect will make your home susceptible to the growth of mold and mildew, which in turn makes it a breeding ground for diseases that could harm the health of your family.

Stop Fire Damage from Destroying your Home

Though you can't prevent fire from razing your home, the good thing is you could stop fire damage from further eating up your house with the help of a professional restoration company. Now, restoring your home from fire damage should no longer be a serious cause of concern since there's a team of professionals that are willingly offering their hands for your home's benefit. This does not only unburden you from the heavy responsibility of cleaning, disinfecting, and repairing your home. It also saves you time and money in the long run, especially if your homeowner's insurance is generous enough to cover the cost for you.

SERVPRO - Fire Restoration

2/1/2019 (Permalink)

Fire damage can happen for a variety of reasons. It can be a simple grease fire that can cause damage or it can be something more serious such as fire caused by lightning. Unless the fire damage was negligible, it is generally recommended that property owners seek the professional help of a fire restoration contractor.

Here is a summary of the typical services that will be offered by SERVPRO.

Restoration services for damage caused by fire

• Smoke and soot removal - Smoke from a fire can linger for a very long time unless it is professionally removed. Fire and water restoration companies will use special deodorizers and ozone to completely remove smoke and its odor. Different materials in the house have different levels of smoke absorption and only an expert restoration company will know how to treat each material.
• Structural repair - Some homeowners will be surprised to know that a very large part of the building structure can be restored although it might look hopeless to the home owner. A professional fire and water restoration company will help you save a lot of money with restorations instead of destruction and rebuilding which can result in very high expenses.
• Damage to the floor - Often times, the floor is often the first to be damaged in a fire. A fire and water restoration contractor will be able to tell you if the floor in your house or property is salvageable with restoration work or if it will have to be replaced.

Fire Damage and Odor Control

2/1/2019 (Permalink)

When a fire happens in your home, the results can be devastating. Whether your kitchen blaze began due to a cooking mishap or because a candle overturned and devoured your living room in smoke and fire damage, the results left behind can be a true disaster. Learn how you can get the affected areas of your home back to original condition so you can return to living comfortably and productively.

Talk to Your Insurance Company

Your homeowners or rental insurance company should be able to help you find a specialist who can take care of the fire damage in your home. This specialist will likely want to enter your dwelling to take pictures of all the spaces that have been affected. You will want to take inventory of the items that have been burned, such as your curtains, stove, counters, furniture, and flooring. This way, your agent can reimburse you for the things that will need to be replaced. Contact your insurance company immediately so they can help you find reputable experts who can get your house back to its original level of comfort.

Professional Cleaning

When you hire a company to restore your residence after fire damage, they will want to assess how badly burned your living space is before they get to work. They need to know how many people will be required to complete the job and what tools they will need to get rid of odors and reconstruct your dwelling. These experts use special air-cleansing filters and chemical supplies to remove all odors in the air that affect your living space. They also take out all destroyed wood, cabinetry, and other construction and replace them with new parts so your home looks new again. When they are finished, your residence should look as if it had never been disturbed.

Preparing for Restoration

You and your family will need to find another location to live while the destroyed areas of your residence are being cleaned. Specialists may need a few days to repair any fire damage, especially if large areas have been consumed in flames. Prepare to evacuate your home by packing several bags of clothing, toiletries, and other necessities. Your homeowners or rental insurance company can help you find temporary lodging in a hotel so your family can live comfortably while you wait for your house to be cleaned. Be aware that there is no set time for when you will be able to move back in, so pack enough of your belongings to stay away for several weeks, as you likely won't be able to enter your premises until the specialists have finished in your home.

When you've been affected by fire damage in your residence, there are many professional companies that can help make things right again. Trust experts to help get rid of odors and put your place back in order so you can live comfortably again. With the right care, you should be back in your dwelling in just a few days or weeks.

6 Steps to Follow After Fire Damage

2/1/2019 (Permalink)

Safety is a primary concern when dealing with fire damage. Returning to normal may seem impossible, but thankfully it isn’t. After calling the fire department, home and business owners should be aware that the building may be dangerous. Entering the building should be avoided since the environment could be toxic. No one should enter the house or office until the emergency responders approve that it is safe. Roofs and floors could be unsafe and could possibly cave in without notice. Smoke, soot and water are problems that need to be dealt with as soon as possible. Home and business owners should take the following steps following a fire: 

• Contact local disaster relief. In some cases, relatives will open their home for their families or friends in an emergency. If that is not an option, local services can help families find shelter, food and medication
• Contact the insurance company. The insurance company can help home and business owners understand what they must do in order to file a claim and receive compensation.
• Utilities should not be turned on if the emergency responders have shut them off. They could be extremely hazardous and should only be used if a professional says it is safe.
• Call the landlord or mortgage company and inform them about the situation
• Call the police and inform them that the office or home will be vacant until the building is restored.
• Receipts should be saved to provide information to the insurance company and to claim losses on income tax forms.

Fire damage can be severe, but restoration is possible. It is important to proceed with caution to prevent any further damage. With experienced restoration professionals and some time, a house or office can often be restored to its original condition.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of a fire and the aftermath. Give SERVPRO of Fairfield a call.

707-207-0122

Time is of the Essence

2/1/2019 (Permalink)

Time Is Of The Essence

Fire damage restoration is a time-sensitive process. The passage of time will increase the impact in terms of the harm to property and belongings and the cost to return them to their former state. The initial impact of the flames is obvious; charred items show the results of the event. Water and chemical agents that were used to tamp down and contain the event also leave behind traces of how they were applied. However, there are other elements, less apparent but no less critical, that can dramatically increase the level of harm that has occurred.

The residual effects following a combustible event begin within minutes of the flames being doused and the smoke being cleared. Soot, ash, and odors can combine to discolor surfaces; corrode metallic objects, such as appliances and plumbing fixtures; and permanently stain fabrics, such as clothing and upholstery. As time passes, the long-term impact can be felt both in financial and emotional terms. Beginning the recovery process as soon as possible will help reduce the cost and the time required to begin a return to normalcy.

What Is Involved?

A professional fire damage restoration team follows a number of steps in achieving the goal of returning the affected property to its former state.

Below are highlights of this process.

• Securing The Site
• Initial Removal Of Flame Retardant Items
• Removing And Cleaning
• Restoration And Replacement

Fire Restoration - Fix Your Smoke and Fire Damage

2/1/2019 (Permalink)

Fire damage and smoke damage can leave a home and its occupants feeling pretty hopeless and depressed. Though fire accidents are unfortunate, one will need to think positively and begin rebuilding their home in the quickest way possible in order to move on with their life. If you happened to experience a fire hiring a fire restoration company will be the best course of action.

A professional fire restoration company will use their expertise and modern equipment to go about the restoration process in your house in the most efficient manner. Here are the broad steps that a fire restoration company will follow in assessing and carrying out the work related to fire damage and smoke damage.

The restoration company will first analyze the type of smoke and soot that has been left by the fire. Smoke and soot will prevail well after the fire has been put out and it will help the experts determine the nature of fire. This will in turn allow them to assess the seriousness of the damage and will also allow them to make a decision on what can be restored and what will have to be discarded. This can be a tricky thing to do on your own if you are a home owner as not everything that looks OK will necessarily be salvageable. In the same way, not everything that looks burnt or scorched will have to be discarded. Some of the materials in your home, even if damaged, can be restored by a professional fire restoration company.

Smoke damage often goes hand in hand with fire damage in the sense that smoke can be absorbed by various materials in your house if they are porous in nature. For example, drywalls, carpets, and certain types of furniture are made out of porous material that will contain the odor of smoke. A smoke damage removal company will use EPA approved deodorizer products and ozone to restore the materials in such a way that they are free of smoke odor.

There are many different types of smoke damage that can occur and it mostly depends on the type of smoke that was released during the fire. For example, wet smoke will result from a low heat fire and will leave a very pungent odor and very thick soot in the affected area. There are also other types of smoke such as dry smoke, fuel oil smoke and protein smoke that will have to be treated in an appropriate manner.

Fire damage needs to be approached by professionals as certain materials can have a very adverse reaction to fire. For example, asbestos and lead are hazardous materials that can have very adverse effects when exposed to fire or smoke.

Fire damage also presents the added problem of having to clean up the extinguisher used to put out the fire. If you used a commercial foam extinguisher, it will need a certain type of treatment. If you used water to put out the fire, it will need a different fire restoration approach that will involve the use of dehumidifiers and blowers to dry out traces of water.

How to Prevent Fire Damages in Your Home by Following Some Simple Tips

2/1/2019 (Permalink)

It is very difficult to recover fire damage issues. Both emotional and financial damages occur due to fire. Though you can recover a lot of furniture and other properties by restoration professionals, it is better avoid any chances for fire in your home. We can avoid any kind of unnecessary fire damage in our home by following some simple steps. The steps are provided below.

1. Never accumulate fire vulnerable goods in our home
2. Do not allow children to play with match box, lighters etc
3. Do not smoke in your home
4. Insure your house against fire damages
5. Keep fire control instruments in your home
6. Avoid the chances of short circuit issues

As I said we should never keep any kind of fire vulnerable goods like paper, plastic etc in our home especially in kitchen. If we keep these kind of goods in kitchen the chances of fire damage is high. So we should not keep any goods vulnerable to fire in kitchen as it can increase the total damages by fire. Another important point is about our children. We should not let our children to play with lighters, match box etc. Any careless action with these things can cause a fire in your house. So we should keep match box and lighter away from children in your home.

Now let us come to the adults in a house. Smoking is one of the major reason which cause fire in a house. Any carelessly dropped cigarette buds can set fire in your house. So always do not smock in your house to prevent fire in your house. One better precaution you can take against fire damage issues is to insure your house and properties. Though insuring your house cannot avoid the mental tension fire caused, you can have a relief from financial issues. So it is advised to take an insurance against fire damages to save any unexpected financial problems caused by fire.

You should always keep safety instruments in your house. Better ask advice from experts to know more about appropriate fire extinguisher you should buy. There should be a proper fire exit in your house to avoid life damages. It is advised to check your electrical wiring in every year to avoid possible electric short circuit issues. If you are ready to follow the points described above in ninety percent you can avoid fire damages.

Fires Can Be Devastating, SERVPRO of Fairfield Can Help

1/10/2019 (Permalink)

Kitchen Fire Damage

Fires can be devastating, and we here at SERVPRO of Fairfield, CA can help you with your home or business if you have suffered fire damage. After the fire trucks leave, your property will likely suffer from not only fire and smoke damage, but also widespread water damage and flooding from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have specialized fire and water damage restoration training and experience to quickly clean up and restore your home to pre-fire condition. They also can remove the pervasive smoke odor and deep-clean soot from upholstery and carpet.  Call SERVPRO of Fairfield and we will come out to give you professional and courteous service. 

Fires Can Be Devastating, SERVPRO of Fairfield Can Help

1/9/2019 (Permalink)

Fires can be devastating, and we here at SERVPRO of Fairfield, CA can help you with your home or business if you have suffered fire damage. After the fire trucks leave, your property will likely suffer from not only fire and smoke damage, but also widespread water damage and flooding from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have specialized fire and water damage restoration training and experience to quickly clean up and restore your home to pre-fire condition. They also can remove the pervasive smoke odor and deep-clean soot from upholstery and carpet.  Call SERVPRO of Fairfield and we will come out to give you professional and courteous service. 

SERVPRO-Fire Damage

1/2/2019 (Permalink)

This fire damage was caused by a stove top fire.

Fire damage can happen for a variety of reasons. It can be a simple grease fire that can cause damage or it can be something more serious such as fire caused by lightning. Unless the fire damage was negligible, it is generally recommended that property owners seek the professional help of a fire restoration contractor.

Here is a summary of the typical services that will be offered by SERVPRO.

Restoration services for damage caused by fire

• Smoke and soot removal - Smoke from a fire can linger for a very long time unless it is professionally removed. Fire and water restoration companies will use special deodorizers and ozone to completely remove smoke and its odor. Different materials in the house have different levels of smoke absorption and only an expert restoration company will know how to treat each material.
• Structural repair - Some homeowners will be surprised to know that a very large part of the building structure can be restored although it might look hopeless to the home owner. A professional fire and water restoration company will help you save a lot of money with restorations instead of destruction and rebuilding which can result in very high expenses.
• Damage to the floor - Often times, the floor is often the first to be damaged in a fire. A fire and water restoration contractor will be able to tell you if the floor in your house or property is salvageable with restoration work or if it will have to be replaced.

Smoke Damage: Why Should You Use a Professional for Cleanup?

11/29/2018 (Permalink)

One of the most important things that you can do after a fire is to act quickly. Because smoke and fire damage can become worse over time, it is paramount that you start the assessment and cleaning process as fast as possible. By doing so, you can avoid much long-term damage and loss of property.

A fire is one of the most catastrophic events that could happen to your home. It strikes when you least expect it, and make your home uninhabitable until you are able to repair and restore the damage that it has done. Fire can leave behind soot and smoke odor, which can do even more damage after the fact, if not properly dealt with. While you may be tempted to begin the restoration process yourself, there are a few things that you consider before making this decision. In most cases, it is more than worth it to employ a professional restoration company to clean up after your fire and smoke damage.

Whenever you are dealing with fire damage, speed is of the utmost importance. Not only do you want to minimize the long-lasting effects that soot and smoke can have on your property and belongings, but you also want to use your home as usual once again. Because of their extensive training and equipment, restoration specialists can return your home to its original state much quicker than you could yourself. To make this decision easier, the cost of restoration is covered by most insurance policies.

Another reason to work with a local restoration specialist is to make sure that you identify and remove all of the smoke and soot that remains in your home after a fire. Because smoke and soot can be very pervasive, the damage that is left behind is not always readily apparent. Restoration companies have the experience, knowledge and equipment to help you find and clean up all of the damage that has been done to your home. This can help recurring odors, and hidden damage from affecting you in the future.

One of the biggest reasons to use a professional company for your fire damage clean up is to save you time. Not only do fires cause total disarray to your home, they can also turn your life upside down. The resulting paperwork, and list of things to do can seem insurmountable. The last thing that you need to worry about is whether or not you are cleaning everything properly. By working with a trained professional, you can rest assured that your home will be cleaned quickly, thoroughly and with the utmost care.

Whether you are dealing with damage from a small fire, or something much larger, the benefits of working with a professional restoration company are numerous. Furthermore, many offer service 24/7, giving you the opportunity to start the process as quickly as you possibly can. The result is a home that is restored to its previous condition quickly, efficiently and as completely as possible.
Jon Balke has worked as a general contractor and restoration specialist for over 15 years, specializing in cleaning and restoring smoke damage in Valencia CA. He has worked with companies such as American Craftsman, one of the top companies in this field.Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/expert/Jon_Balke/1351295
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7153963

Fire-Water Restoration Companies: Why it is Important to Hire One?

11/27/2018 (Permalink)

Fire-water restoration companies offer highly specialized services to bring your residential or commercial property back to preloss condition. Taking care of fire and water damage is a skilled as well as a dangerous job. Don't risk personal safety or the value of your building with a DIY effort or inexperienced services.

Why you need an experienced fire-water damage restoration company? 

• Gets the repairs done properly: Fire and water damage threatens the structural integrity and the safety of the building. A professional service knows what to look out for and has the necessary training to get the job done correctly. This is crucial to restoring the look, safety and value of your property.
• Helps avoid future remediation expenses: You might think your fire or water damage is minimal and doesn't warrant professional restoration-only to discover hidden problems and be faced with huge remediation expenses in the future. It will cost you even more to have everything redone. Getting an expert service provides peace of mind and protects your investment.
• Has the right training, experience and safety equipment:This is absolutely essential to the fire or water restoration process. One of the more important chemicals used in cleaning smoke damage is trisodium phosphate - TSP, an extremely powerful and harsh compound that can irritate the skin and eyes severely. Professionals have the training and equipment to get the work done without compromising the health and safety of their customers or staff. In the case of water damage, there is always a risk of mold, another health hazard. Unnecessary exposure can make you seriously ill while inexperienced handling will only cause it to spread. Can you really afford to take that chance?
• Can deal with your insurance company directly: Fire and water damage is often covered by your insurance. The insurance providers, however, require that you work with approved fire-water restoration companies in order to process your claims. The benefits of working with such a service far outweigh the costs. Being experienced in insurance procedures also means they can save you the stress of navigating the complex claim process as well as help expedite your claims. Industry recognition also offers some assurance of work quality and money well spent.

Look for certified fire and/or water restoration companies in the event of a disaster. It means they have the necessary credentials to do the work. Recognized companies are also less likely to risk their reputation with bad service. They will use the right techniques and equipment to restore a clean home or office. Most also offer a free written estimate. It is important to document the scope and cost of your project. This will avoid any hidden charges and nasty surprises when the bill arrives. Try and select a contractor one that offers 100% satisfaction on every job for total peace of mind.

Fire or water damage repair doesn't have to be a traumatic experience. An established fire and water restoration company has the expertise to get it done quickly, smoothly and to your absolute satisfaction. Don't settle for anything less.

Fire damage and odor control for your home

11/19/2018 (Permalink)

When a fire happens in your home, the results can be devastating. Whether your kitchen blaze began due to a cooking mishap or because a candle overturned and devoured your living room in smoke and fire damage, the results left behind can be a true disaster. Learn how you can get the affected areas of your home back to original condition so you can return to living comfortably and productively.

Talk to Your Insurance Company

Your homeowners or rental insurance company should be able to help you find a specialist who can take care of the fire damage in your home. This specialist will likely want to enter your dwelling to take pictures of all the spaces that have been affected. You will want to take inventory of the items that have been burned, such as your curtains, stove, counters, furniture, and flooring. This way, your agent can reimburse you for the things that will need to be replaced. Contact your insurance company immediately so they can help you find reputable experts who can get your house back to its original level of comfort.

Professional Cleaning

When you hire a company to restore your residence after fire damage, they will want to assess how badly burned your living space is before they get to work. They need to know how many people will be required to complete the job and what tools they will need to get rid of odors and reconstruct your dwelling. These experts use special air-cleansing filters and chemical supplies to remove all odors in the air that affect your living space. They also take out all destroyed wood, cabinetry, and other construction and replace them with new parts so your home looks new again. When they are finished, your residence should look as if it had never been disturbed.

Preparing for Restoration

You and your family will need to find another location to live while the destroyed areas of your residence are being cleaned. Specialists may need a few days to repair any fire damage, especially if large areas have been consumed in flames. Prepare to evacuate your home by packing several bags of clothing, toiletries, and other necessities. Your homeowners or rental insurance company can help you find temporary lodging in a hotel so your family can live comfortably while you wait for your house to be cleaned. Be aware that there is no set time for when you will be able to move back in, so pack enough of your belongings to stay away for several weeks, as you likely won't be able to enter your premises until the specialists have finished in your home.

When you've been affected by fire damage in your residence, there are many professional companies that can help make things right again. Trust experts to help get rid of odors and put your place back in order so you can live comfortably again. With the right care, you should be back in your dwelling in just a few days or weeks.

Reasons it is important to hire fire damage services to get your home back to normal

11/16/2018 (Permalink)

A fire in your home can happen at any time. Most people are unprepared for it, just like they are unprepared for dealing with the cleanup after the fire occurs. That is why it is vital for you to understand why it is a smart idea to hire fire damage services to help get it done correctly.

There are many reasons why it is imperative to call in the professionals. Knowing the reasons will help you see why you need help right away.

Below are the reasons that you have to be aware of.

One: Other unforeseen damages - Fire is only one of the things that can create damage to your home. Soot and smoke are also problems, along with damage from the water that put out the fire.

With the unforeseen damages in your home, it will no longer be safe for your family to live in.

Two: Smoke and soot - Soot can cover a lot of things in your home like your draperies and carpets. Getting rid of soot is not easy to do and without the right equipment and knowledge, it can be almost impossible.

Smoke has a bad tendency to linger for years if you don't realize it is there. There are many places that smoke can get into besides the obvious like your carpet and furniture. It can also be in your walls or air ducts. This makes the air in your home unsafe to breathe, especially for children.

Hiring a professional means that all of the soot and smoke will be safely removed from your home so you won't have to deal with other problems caused in the future by the fire and things left behind that you were not aware of.

Three: Right equipment - In order to cleanup correctly after a fire, you have to have the right equipment. Many people will not have this equipment handy. This means you would have to spend money to buy it or rent it is possible.

Hiring a cleanup service will allow you to save time and money in learning how to do it yourself. The professionals have all of the equipment needed to get the job done correctly from the start.

Four: Structural damage - There are many times that a fire or the water damage from putting it out can cause structural damage. This can lead to big problems in the future if it is not take care of immediately.

Knowing these reasons will let you see why you should hire fire damage services to help you get your home back to normal and why you need to do it immediately. Don't delay because the sooner the cleanup gets started, the less damage repair will need to be done.

Smoke and fire damage in your home-Why you should use the services of a fire restoration company

11/9/2018 (Permalink)

If you are reading this article, your home might have been the unfortunate victim of a fire in the area. When people suffer a fire in their home, they are often hard pressed when it comes to finances and avoid using the services of a professional fire restoration company. This approach can however prove to be a costly mistake as a professional fire damage and smoke damage company will be able to save you a lot of money although they might seem like a very large unwanted expense at the beginning.

To fully understand the importance of letting professionals do the job of smoke damage cleanup or fire damage cleanup, you must first understand the various intricacies related to a fire.

Every fire is different in the sense that every house uses a different design and a different mix of construction materials which can all burn very differently. To start with, you have to understand that smoke damage can be very high even if the fire was small and contained to a very small space. This is because smoke can be absorbed by various porous construction materials such as wood, carpets, walls, ceilings and so on. There are many different types of smokes that can result out of a fire. For example, there is wet smoke, dry smoke, protein smoke and fuel oil smoke. Each type will need to be cleaned in a very different way. Smoke damage will also go hand in hand with soot damage. Soot will need to be cleaned thoroughly and materials will have to be treated with special chemicals and ozone treatments to get rid of the smoke odor which can linger for months after a fire if they are not treated.

A professional fire restoration company will usually work around the clock which means that you can call them at any time of the day to get started with your restoration work. It is very important to start early as they will be able to treat your home for smoke damage. If not treated early, the smoke can be absorbed by various parts of your house and the cleanup process will become much more drawn out when the smoke has been left unchecked for a while. Fire damage experts will also quickly be able to give you an estimate about what materials in the house can be restored and what is beyond any form of repair. They will be able to treat certain damaged materials such as scorched furniture in such a way that it can be used without having to be discarded.

Often times, fire restoration companies will also take a considerable amount of effort in cleaning up the mess left by the extinguisher which was used to put out the fire. It might be water in some cases or it could be a foam extinguisher. Regardless of the type, it will have to be cleaned up as foam can damage materials such as carpets, walls, ceilings while water can also have a very damaging effect by allowing the growth of mold.

A professional fire restoration company will also be able to assist you with those complicated insurance forms that you will have to fill out with the insurance company.

Types of Fires

11/2/2018 (Permalink)

Fires can occur in any room of your home and depending on what burns, can produce different types of smoke and soot.

Types of Fire - Smoke - Soot

Wet Smoke – Plastics and Synthetics; Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood; Fast burning, high temperatures, dry, powdery, non-smeary residues.

Protein – Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.

Fuel Oil Soot – Furnace Puff Backs. Other Types – Tear gas, fingerprint powder and fire extinguisher residue.

What to do after a fire:

• 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.

What NOT to do after a fire:

• Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting SERVPRO of Fairfield
• 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

Fire remediation service, call SERVPRO of Fairfield 24/7/365 at 707-207-0122

SERVPRO- Fire Damage

11/2/2018 (Permalink)

Fire damage can happen for a variety of reasons. It can be a simple grease fire that can cause damage or it can be something more serious such as fire caused by lightning. Unless the fire damage was negligible, it is generally recommended that property owners seek the professional help of a fire restoration contractor.

Here is a summary of the typical services that will be offered by SERVPRO.

Restoration services for damage caused by fire

• Smoke and soot removal - Smoke from a fire can linger for a very long time unless it is professionally removed. Fire and water restoration companies will use special deodorizers and ozone to completely remove smoke and its odor. Different materials in the house have different levels of smoke absorption and only an expert restoration company will know how to treat each material.
• Structural repair - Some homeowners will be surprised to know that a very large part of the building structure can be restored although it might look hopeless to the home owner. A professional fire and water restoration company will help you save a lot of money with restorations instead of destruction and rebuilding which can result in very high expenses.
• Damage to the floor - Often times, the floor is often the first to be damaged in a fire. A fire and water restoration contractor will be able to tell you if the floor in your house or property is salvageable with restoration work or if it will have to be replaced.

Don't Let Fire Haunt Your Halloween

10/31/2018 (Permalink)

With all the fun and excitement Halloween brings like dressing up, decorating, and, of course, CANDY! We want to make sure that we are keeping our little monsters and ourselves safe. Did you know that decorations are the first thing to ignite in 900 reported home fires each year? Also, 2 out of 5 of these fires were started by a candle. Here are some safety tips from NFPA to help you avoid these fires:

1. Use battery operated candle or glow stick in Jack-O-Lantern instead of a candle.
2. Dried flowers, cornstalk, fake webs, and crepe paper catch fire easily. Keep all decorations away from open flames and other heat sources like light bulbs and heaters.
3. Teach children to stay away from open flames including Jack-O-Lanterns with candles in them.
4. When choosing costumes, stay away from long trailing fabric.
5. Remember to keep exits clear of decorations so nothing blocks escape routes.
6. Make sure all smoke alarms in the home are working.

We hope you find these tips helpful! Happy Halloween from all of us here at SERVPRO of Fairfield. And remember, a Safe Halloween is a Happy Halloween.

Preventing Grease Fires

8/27/2018 (Permalink)

Grease fires most often occur when a pan is left on the fire for too long. Another way grease fires occur is when excess grease on the drip pan or stove top accidentally catches fire. A small mistake can lead to the need for fire damage repair services soon after the fire. Preventing grease fires is easy as long as you stay in the kitchen while cooking and take a few simple safety measures. Here’s a look at how to prevent and handle grease fires in your kitchen:

• When heating oil for deep-fat frying or pan-frying, stay in the kitchen at all times. Unattended cooking is the number one reason for kitchen fires.
• Before turning the heat on, ensure the burner or stovetop is cool. Also, clean any excess grease or oil spills from the drip pan and around the burner.
• Check the heat ratings of cooking oil. The ratings indicate the maximum temperature the oil can be cooked at before catching fire. The smoking point of most vegetable oils is around 450°F and of animal oils, around 375°F. Clip a thermometer to the side of the pot to gauge the temperature of the oil.
• When cooking oil is close to burning point, it will emit smoke and will ruin the taste of your food. If this happens, turn off the heat, carefully remove the pan from the burner and allow the pan to cool off.
• Don’t heat grease before dropping food into it. Otherwise, hot grease might splash out onto nearby objects, creating a fire hazard and causing injuries.
• Be extra cautious when putting food into hot oil. Use long utensils that allow you to gently put food into hot grease without dropping it and causing splashes.
• Use a lid or cover to prevent hot oil from splattering. If you need to stir the food, remove the lid carefully and put it back when you finish stirring.
• Clean oil and food spills immediately after they occur. First, turn off the stove and remove the food from the heat source. Then, wait for the stove to cool off and carefully wipe off the oil spills.
• If grease catches fire, don’t try to move the pan or pot. Put a metal lid on top of the pan to shut off the oxygen supply to the fire.
• A small fire that is contained within a pan can be extinguished by pouring baking soda on the fire until it outs. If you don’t feel safe controlling the fire yourself, immediately exit the house and call 911 for emergency help.
• Use a class K fire extinguisher to put out grease flames that are out of control.
• Lastly, NEVER use water to put out a grease fire! Pouring water may cause grease to splash and spreads the fire. Never move the pan or run while holding it either. You’ll risk splashing grease onto yourself and around the house.

However, even if you follow every one of these tips, accidents do happen. If fire damage strikes your home, be sure to contact SERVPRO of Fairfield to help you get your home cleaned up and looking like new quickly, with no stress to you!

7 Things Not To Do Following Fire Damage

8/21/2018 (Permalink)

A fire and the damage it causes can be nightmarish. In just a few moments, an entire room can be destroyed, and a fire restoration services team will need to be called in. Hopefully you’ll never have to face such a scenario, but if you do, there are some things that you should never do following a fire.

Don’t Try To Clean Up Yourself

Vacuuming, wiping down the walls, touching the drapes, and any other attempt at cleaning the place up yourself can put you at risk of inhaling the extremely dangerous chemicals that are in soot and ash. Besides this, you could cause further damage to your property. Ash and soot require specialized, professional cleaning from a fire restoration services team.

Don’t Walk Around On Uncovered Carpets

Put clean sheets or towels over your carpet before you walk around on it. Otherwise you may get ash and soot setting into your shoes, and this is bad for your health.

Don’t Turn Appliances On

This goes especially for fires that took place in the kitchen. Don’t turn any electrical appliances on that were inside the room during the fire. They’ll need to be checked and cleaned professionally before being turned on again. If you turn them on when ash or other debris may be trapped inside of them, you could ruin them. Also, do not turn on ceiling appliances such as a light fixture or fan if the ceiling is wet. The wiring could be damp and could cause electric shock.

Don’t Deodorize

If you use the wrong type of deodorizer, such as a store-bought or a commercial deodorizer, you might offset the better formulas that the fire restoration services cleaning team will use that break up smoke molecules and improve odors.

Don’t Try To Clean Your Carpet

If you attempt to remove ash, soot, or water from your carpet or shampoo it, you’re again putting yourself at risk of inhaling very dangerous chemicals from that ash and soot. And in most cases, your carpet will need to be replaced anyway.

Don’t Turn On Your HVAC System

Keep your cooling or heating system turned off until your home is cleaned. By turning on the HVAC system, you’re inviting smoke to travel through your ductwork, which can cause secondary damage to your home.

Don’t Try To Keep Furniture

If there was heavy smoke during the fire, don’t try to continue using your upholstered furniture or carpet. If you keep using them, you’re putting yourself at risk of respiratory health problems. Your upholstered furniture and carpet will need to be replaced. In fact, you shouldn’t even sit or lie down on upholstered furniture that has been in a fire, even for a few minutes.

Knowing what not to do after a fire can make a bad situation a little easier, and can help prevent further damage.

At SERVPRO of Fairfield, we’ve seen our share of fire and smoke damage, and we’ve also seen it made worse when homeowners attempt to clean up themselves. Trust us—don’t try it! Just wait for fire restoration service professionals to come take care of it. If you ever find yourself in need of the best fire restoration services in the Bay Area, SERVPRO of Fairfield is here for you.

What to do After a House Fire

8/8/2018 (Permalink)

The first 24 hours after a house fire is a critical time period. If the fire department knows anything, restoration companies have heard it on their radios and will send their “chasers” out trying to get you to sign a contract.  Whatever you do, do not make a decision while you are upset.  Fire clean up takes a long time and a fast decision could be a mistake.

1. Getting You Home Boarded Up.  Ask the fire department if they have a recommendation (some counties have a rotating list of restoration companies)  or you can pick one of the chasers in front of you. Be clear that you are only hiring them for the board-up. Take the cards of all the chasers at the fire, tell them you will make a decision in the next few days on the restoration.

2.  Find a Safe Place to Stay:  Smoke is a carcinogen.  If you can smell smoke, it is not safe.  Most insurance policies will put you up in a hotel,  family or friends can take you in or you can contact a  local disaster relief agency, such as the American Red Cross or Salvation Army.  

3.  Research Local Restoration Companies:  Your insurance company will send out their preferred vendor, that company does a lot of work for the insurance company and will do everything they can to keep the insurance company happy.  Not necessarily the company you want working for you. An independent company will be your advocate. Yelp and BBB will give you the basics.

3.  Contact your Insurance Company:  once you start a claim, they will cover living and other daily expenses and help you with the clean-up.  Whichever restoration company you choose will work with the insurance adjuster to help you decide on the best plan of actio.

.

4.  Recover your Possessions:  If you have enough insurance, the items destroyed in a house fire will be cleaned or replaced. The restoration company will make an inventory of your possessions. However, the best and easiest way to be reimbursed is to have your own inventory kept either on the internet or in a fireproof safe that includes the date of purchase, cost and description of each item whenever possible.

Fire damage restoration entails the total cleanup of your property and possessions to preloss condition. Trained and certified technicians use special equipment and cleaning products. Fire damage restoration also involves cleaning up the water damage caused by the fire department.

If you’re in need of fire damage recovery after a fire, give us a call at 707-2070122 today.

How to Restore Fire Damage

7/30/2018 (Permalink)

1. Remove Fire Damaged Materials

First, remove all the burned and smoke damaged materials. The obvious items are the pieces of furniture and appliances that look like they’ve been through a fire. They will look melted and blackened and like they’re from the set of the most recent Marvel movie. The not so obviously damaged items that also need to be removed are the smoke-damaged items. All of the items in the adjoining rooms to where the fire occurred are unfortunately probably going to fall into this category. This also means that the paint and probably the drywall from some of the rooms, depending on their proximity to the fire.

2. Air Out The Smoke Damaged Space

Second and possibly the easiest step is airing out the smoke damaged space. This step requires the use of industrial air movers which are giant fans that rapidly circulate air throughout an enclosed space effectively filling the space with new fresh air and getting rid of the old smoke-stained air. All that needs to be done is to place the air movers in the space, turn them on and let those air movers do their work!

3. Rebuild and Restore

The third and hardest of all the steps is the rebuild, restoring the fire-damaged space to all of its original glory and maybe even then some! This means replacing the building materials you had to remove like paint and drywall and all the appliances and furniture and carpeting. Building something is always harder than destroying it, which is why this step ranks harder than the original demolition of the fire-damaged space. That being said many people will take this opportunity to rebuild spaces more to their liking if that’s not making lemonade out of lemons then I don’t know what is!

Fire Damage Restoration: Minimize Fire Damage to Your Home with These Tips

7/9/2018 (Permalink)

A fire in your home is a devastating experience, both for your family and all your personal belongings. You may be wondering what you can do to further protect your home, or if you should only let a professional take care of the area. Smoke and fire damage is a tricky thing to deal with, so it is very important to have a professional restoration company handle that aspect of fire damage restoration.

Before the professionals start your fire damage restoration project, here are some things to do after a fire:

• Limit activity and foot traffic in your home. Staying off of carpet, furniture, and upholstery is key to preventing soot, dirt, and other particles from getting trapped all around your home.
• If you do need to get around your home quite a bit, put down clean towels or sheets on the floor and furniture.
• If possible, change filters in your home to keep dirt and soot from circulating.
• Don’t try to wash the walls or carpet — leave that for the professionals to avoid permanent damage.
• Don’t try to clean kitchen appliances yourself. After a fire, electrical connections and wiring may be damaged and could cause further problems if not cleaned carefully and correctly.
• Don’t eat any food that may have been exposed to the fire and smoke.

With these tips and professional fire damage restoration services, you can minimize fire damage to your home and make the restoration process easier. At SERVPRO of Fairfield, we are the ones you can trust to take care of your home after any disaster. Contact us today!

Northern California Wildfires

6/5/2018 (Permalink)

Just a few months ago Sonoma, Napa, and Solano Counties experienced devastating wildfires. These wildfires exceeded $3 billion and over 14,000 homes were destroyed or damaged and smoke blanketed the San Francisco Bay Area. While some people barely notice the smoke, others struggled to breathe.

To be prepared (or at least reduce your risk) from fire and smoke, you should consider:
Installing and testing smoke alarms
Have fire extinguishers (your local fire department can advise you)
Have and escape plan (including: an evacuation route and a family meeting place).
Get to know your neighbors
Be aware of what is going on outside your home
Follow all instructions from emergency officials

Things to consider:
Emergency clothes (packed in a suitcase)
Water (for drinking and sanitation)
Food - at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
Flashlight
First aid kit
Extra batteries
Whistle to signal for help
Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
Manual can opener for food
Local maps
Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

And when you need help cleaning up (BIG or small) be sure to call SERVPRO of Fairfield. We are always here to help.

Kitchen Fires

5/29/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Fairfield is always here to help.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking is the leading factor in household fires in the United States. From overheated stoves to unattended flames, the kitchen presents a variety of hazards for even the most astute home chef. While living room and bedroom fires account for a small percentage of annual household fires, staying safe in the kitchen will prevent significantly more fires from damaging your property and endangering your safety.

Everyone experiences an accident in the kitchen from time to time. You might forget to turn off the burner or allow a sudden blast from the oven to set off your smoke alarm. Tiny accidents can lead to big trouble down the road. Here are some ways to prevent kitchen fires:

Set timers and pay attention to them.

Cover up unused outlets with plastic covers to prevent sparks.

Wear protective clothing when you cook with hot oil.

Keep small children away from pot handles and other hot objects.

Duct Cleaning

4/2/2018 (Permalink)

While many homeowners are beginning to realize the importance of routine duct cleaning, you may still have questions about the process. That's why we've compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about who should clean your ducts, why it's necessary, and how it's done.

"Why do my air ducts need to be cleaned?"

Over the years, dust, allergens, dirt, and other debris can accumulate in your ducts. In fact, it can build up in layers as much as three inches deep! This filth can trap bacteria and foster mold growth, creating potential health threats for your family. And, to make matters worse, every time your HVAC system turns on, some of these contaminants are circulated throughout your house. Having your air ducts cleaned removes this accumulation of pollutants and greatly improves the air quality of your home. For safe, breathable air, you should have your ducts cleaned at least every four years.

"How exactly is my ductwork cleaned?"

Using specialized tools and a negative airflow system (essentially a huge vacuum), air duct cleaners scrape the dust, dirt, and debris from your ducts. The tools agitate the particles away from the sides of the ducts and the vacuum keeps them from escaping into your house. The cleaning should also include air washing furnace and air conditioner components, vacuuming registers, and applying mold inhibiting agents if necessary.

Fire Restoration - Fix Your Smoke And Fire Damage

2/26/2018 (Permalink)

Fire damage and smoke damage can leave a home and its occupants feeling pretty hopeless and depressed. Though fire accidents are unfortunate, one will need to think positively and begin rebuilding their home in the quickest way possible in order to move on with their life. If you happened to experience a fire hiring a fire restoration company will be the best course of action.

A professional fire restoration company will use their expertise and modern equipment to go about the restoration process in your house in the most efficient manner. Here are the broad steps that a fire restoration company will follow in assessing and carrying out the work related to fire damage and smoke damage.

The restoration company will first analyze the type of smoke and soot that has been left by the fire. Smoke and soot will prevail well after the fire has been put out and it will help the experts determine the nature of fire. This will in turn allow them to assess the seriousness of the damage and will also allow them to make a decision on what can be restored and what will have to be discarded. This can be a tricky thing to do on your own if you are a home owner as not everything that looks OK will necessarily be salvageable. In the same way, not everything that looks burnt or scorched will have to be discarded. Some of the materials in your home, even if damaged, can be restored by a professional fire restoration company.

Smoke damage often goes hand in hand with fire damage in the sense that smoke can be absorbed by various materials in your house if they are porous in nature. For example, drywalls, carpets, and certain types of furniture are made out of porous material that will contain the odor of smoke. A smoke damage removal company will use EPA approved deodorizer products and ozone to restore the materials in such a way that they are free of smoke odor.

There are many different types of smoke damage that can occur and it mostly depends on the type of smoke that was released during the fire. For example, wet smoke will result from a low heat fire and will leave a very pungent odor and very thick soot in the affected area. There are also other types of smoke such as dry smoke, fuel oil smoke and protein smoke that will have to be treated in an appropriate manner.

Fire damage needs to be approached by professionals as certain materials can have a very adverse reaction to fire. For example, asbestos and lead are hazardous materials that can have very adverse effects when exposed to fire or smoke.

Fire damage also presents the added problem of having to clean up the extinguisher used to put out the fire. If you used a commercial foam extinguisher, it will need a certain type of treatment. If you used water to put out the fire, it will need a different fire restoration approach that will involve the use of dehumidifiers and blowers to dry out traces of water.

How to Prevent Fire Damages in Your Home by Following Some Simple Tips

2/26/2018 (Permalink)

It is very difficult to recover fire damage issues. Both emotional and financial damages occur due to fire. Though you can recover a lot of furniture and other properties by restoration professionals, it is better avoid any chances for fire in your home. We can avoid any kind of unnecessary fire damage in our home by following some simple steps. The steps are provided below.

1. Never accumulate fire vulnerable goods in our home
2. Do not allow children to play with match box, lighters etc
3. Do not smoke in your home
4. Insure your house against fire damages
5. Keep fire control instruments in your home
6. Avoid the chances of short circuit issues

As I said we should never keep any kind of fire vulnerable goods like paper, plastic etc in our home especially in kitchen. If we keep these kind of goods in kitchen the chances of fire damage is high. So we should not keep any goods vulnerable to fire in kitchen as it can increase the total damages by fire. Another important point is about our children. We should not let our children to play with lighters, match box etc. Any careless action with these things can cause a fire in your house. So we should keep match box and lighter away from children in your home.

Now let us come to the adults in a house. Smoking is one of the major reason which cause fire in a house. Any carelessly dropped cigarette buds can set fire in your house. So always do not smock in your house to prevent fire in your house. One better precaution you can take against fire damage issues is to insure your house and properties. Though insuring your house cannot avoid the mental tension fire caused, you can have a relief from financial issues. So it is advised to take an insurance against fire damages to save any unexpected financial problems caused by fire.

You should always keep safety instruments in your house. Better ask advice from experts to know more about appropriate fire extinguisher you should buy. There should be a proper fire exit in your house to avoid life damages. It is advised to check your electrical wiring in every year to avoid possible electric short circuit issues. If you are ready to follow the points described above in ninety percent you can avoid fire damages.

6 Steps To Follow After Fire Damage

2/12/2018 (Permalink)

Safety is a primary concern when dealing with fire damage. Returning to normal may seem impossible, but thankfully it isn’t. After calling the fire department, home and business owners should be aware that the building may be dangerous. Entering the building should be avoided since the environment could be toxic. No one should enter the house or office until the emergency responders approve that it is safe. Roofs and floors could be unsafe and could possibly cave in without notice. Smoke, soot and water are problems that need to be dealt with as soon as possible. Home and business owners should take the following steps following a fire: 

• Contact local disaster relief. In some cases, relatives will open their home for their families or friends in an emergency. If that is not an option, local services can help families find shelter, food and medication
• Contact the insurance company. The insurance company can help home and business owners understand what they must do in order to file a claim and receive compensation.
• Utilities should not be turned on if the emergency responders have shut them off. They could be extremely hazardous and should only be used if a professional says it is safe.
• Call the landlord or mortgage company and inform them about the situation
• Call the police and inform them that the office or home will be vacant until the building is restored.
• Receipts should be saved to provide information to the insurance company and to claim losses on income tax forms.

Fire damage can be severe, but restoration is possible. It is important to proceed with caution to prevent any further damage. With experienced restoration professionals and some time, a house or office can often be restored to its original condition.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of a fire and the aftermath. Give SERVPRO of Fairfield a call.

707-207-0122

Time Is Of The Essence

2/12/2018 (Permalink)

Time Is Of The Essence

Fire damage restoration is a time-sensitive process. The passage of time will increase the impact in terms of the harm to property and belongings and the cost to return them to their former state. The initial impact of the flames is obvious; charred items show the results of the event. Water and chemical agents that were used to tamp down and contain the event also leave behind traces of how they were applied. However, there are other elements, less apparent but no less critical, that can dramatically increase the level of harm that has occurred.

The residual effects following a combustible event begin within minutes of the flames being doused and the smoke being cleared. Soot, ash, and odors can combine to discolor surfaces; corrode metallic objects, such as appliances and plumbing fixtures; and permanently stain fabrics, such as clothing and upholstery. As time passes, the long-term impact can be felt both in financial and emotional terms. Beginning the recovery process as soon as possible will help reduce the cost and the time required to begin a return to normalcy.

What Is Involved?

A professional fire damage restoration team follows a number of steps in achieving the goal of returning the affected property to its former state.

Below are highlights of this process.

• Securing The Site
• Initial Removal Of Flame Retardant Items
• Removing And Cleaning
• Restoration And Replacement

How to avoid a fire

2/9/2018 (Permalink)

The following article can be used as a fire safety checklist for your home. By employing all of these great tips you will actually be potentially saving your own life, as well as your families. Here are the best tips to stay fire safe this season.

If you have smokers in your household, make sure that they have a designating smoking area. This doesn't need to be an obvious looking smoking enclosure, it just needs to be somewhere outside that is free from flammable objects and contains clean ashtrays for cigarette butts.

You must eliminate clutter and allow plenty of room for flammable goods. If you have kids around, these places should be out of reach and possible locked. These storage areas must not be exposed to any electricity or heat sources. If flammable goods are kept in a shed outside make sure that there is plenty of ventilation and heat is not trapped.

Make sure that everyone in your household is up to date with the evacuation procedures should there be a need. An evacuation drill should be practiced at least every 6-12 months.

The evacuation process should be aimed at getting everybody out of the house is the fastest possible manner and leaving personal items behind. Following on from this, you should also have all emergency phone numbers clearly displayed next to every phone. The evacuation path must be kept clear and easy to navigate at all times. You must consider any locks, deadlocks, or other obstructions in the path of evacuation and these must be made as easy as possible to navigate.

Ensure that rubbish bins are emptied daily, all clutter is thrown away, and electrical items are put away safely after use. Identifying fire hazards is a skill and you should work on identifying and eliminating all hazards around the home. This is especially easy by removing all clutter in your home that could be considered a threat.

At least two fire extinguishers per average household is usually enough, but these should be clearly marked so that everyone knows exactly here to look. Fire alarms should be carefully placed in fire 'hotspots' around your home. Any fire sprinklers and other fire equipment is advised but not necessary.

You must ensure everything is done to prevent a fire from occurring in your home. A common cause of household fires is due to an electrical issue. Ensure that you have an adequate number of power points available and that you are not overloading them with adapters and multiple appliances if not needed.

Another point to make is that you should check that you have circuit breaker points installed and that they are all working correctly. These will shut off power to a certain section of your home if power is overloaded. They are a great fire prevention tool.

In conclusion, you must build up awareness to fire hazards and act accordingly to eliminate these hazards. If you can get a two in one fire alarm that also detects carbon monoxide in the air you will successfully eliminate two hazards in one

If you do experience a home fire call us we can help- 707-207-0122

After a fire - Why you should hire a professional

2/9/2018 (Permalink)

After your house, or a part of it, has been razed and damaged by fire, cleaning and restoring it back to its former glory will be your main concern. However, most homeowners find the task extremely time-consuming, stressful, and dangerous that they would rather hire a professional fire damage cleanup expert to do the job instead.

Repairing and restoring your home back to a habitable state depends on the extent of the damage to your home. Some homes only need a few days of work while severe structural damages take several months to accomplish. With the help of a team of experienced professionals, repairing a fire damaged home is always easier.

Don't be Tempted to do it Yourself, Hire an Expert

You might be tempted by the idea of cleaning the fire damage in your home by yourself. However, doing so can worsen the fire and water damage and even threaten your health. When determining the best way to deal with cleaning fire damage in homes, it can be helpful to know some of the best options available to you.

Perhaps the best thing that you could do after a house fire is to enlist the service of a professional restoration company. Since they are expert in this kind of work, they could surely take good care of your home's cleanup, repair, and restoration in no time.

Choose expert cleanup professional

When hiring for fire cleanup damage, be sure to hire a team who holds impeccable reputation and shows pertinent license, experience, skills, and equipment that will help them perform their task and restore your home back to its former glory.

The SOP after fire damage is to conduct a fire damage assessment to find out the extent of the damage and to plan out the necessary steps to be taken for a successful cleanup. Most of the time fire cleanup professionals begin by taking away the excess moisture as soon as detected. Failure in this aspect will make your home susceptible to the growth of mold and mildew, which in turn makes it a breeding ground for diseases that could harm the health of your family.

Stop Fire Damage from Destroying your Home

Though you can't prevent fire from razing your home, the good thing is you could stop fire damage from further eating up your house with the help of a professional restoration company. Now, restoring your home from fire damage should no longer be a serious cause of concern since there's a team of professionals that are willingly offering their hands for your home's benefit. This does not only unburden you from the heavy responsibility of cleaning, disinfecting, and repairing your home. It also saves you time and money in the long run, especially if your homeowner's insurance is generous enough to cover the cost for you.

SERVPRO - Fire restoration

2/9/2018 (Permalink)

Fire damage can happen for a variety of reasons. It can be a simple grease fire that can cause damage or it can be something more serious such as fire caused by lightning. Unless the fire damage was negligible, it is generally recommended that property owners seek the professional help of a fire restoration contractor.

Here is a summary of the typical services that will be offered by SERVPRO.

Restoration services for damage caused by fire

• Smoke and soot removal - Smoke from a fire can linger for a very long time unless it is professionally removed. Fire and water restoration companies will use special deodorizers and ozone to completely remove smoke and its odor. Different materials in the house have different levels of smoke absorption and only an expert restoration company will know how to treat each material.
• Structural repair - Some homeowners will be surprised to know that a very large part of the building structure can be restored although it might look hopeless to the home owner. A professional fire and water restoration company will help you save a lot of money with restorations instead of destruction and rebuilding which can result in very high expenses.
• Damage to the floor - Often times, the floor is often the first to be damaged in a fire. A fire and water restoration contractor will be able to tell you if the floor in your house or property is salvageable with restoration work or if it will have to be replaced.

Fire damage and odor control

2/9/2018 (Permalink)

When a fire happens in your home, the results can be devastating. Whether your kitchen blaze began due to a cooking mishap or because a candle overturned and devoured your living room in smoke and fire damage, the results left behind can be a true disaster. Learn how you can get the affected areas of your home back to original condition so you can return to living comfortably and productively.

Talk to Your Insurance Company

Your homeowners or rental insurance company should be able to help you find a specialist who can take care of the fire damage in your home. This specialist will likely want to enter your dwelling to take pictures of all the spaces that have been affected. You will want to take inventory of the items that have been burned, such as your curtains, stove, counters, furniture, and flooring. This way, your agent can reimburse you for the things that will need to be replaced. Contact your insurance company immediately so they can help you find reputable experts who can get your house back to its original level of comfort.

Professional Cleaning

When you hire a company to restore your residence after fire damage, they will want to assess how badly burned your living space is before they get to work. They need to know how many people will be required to complete the job and what tools they will need to get rid of odors and reconstruct your dwelling. These experts use special air-cleansing filters and chemical supplies to remove all odors in the air that affect your living space. They also take out all destroyed wood, cabinetry, and other construction and replace them with new parts so your home looks new again. When they are finished, your residence should look as if it had never been disturbed.

Preparing for Restoration

You and your family will need to find another location to live while the destroyed areas of your residence are being cleaned. Specialists may need a few days to repair any fire damage, especially if large areas have been consumed in flames. Prepare to evacuate your home by packing several bags of clothing, toiletries, and other necessities. Your homeowners or rental insurance company can help you find temporary lodging in a hotel so your family can live comfortably while you wait for your house to be cleaned. Be aware that there is no set time for when you will be able to move back in, so pack enough of your belongings to stay away for several weeks, as you likely won't be able to enter your premises until the specialists have finished in your home.

When you've been affected by fire damage in your residence, there are many professional companies that can help make things right again. Trust experts to help get rid of odors and put your place back in order so you can live comfortably again. With the right care, you should be back in your dwelling in just a few days or weeks.

SERVPRO - Fire Damage

1/8/2018 (Permalink)

This fire damage was caused by a stove top fire.

Fire damage can happen for a variety of reasons. It can be a simple grease fire that can cause damage or it can be something more serious such as fire caused by lightning. Unless the fire damage was negligible, it is generally recommended that property owners seek the professional help of a fire restoration contractor.

Here is a summary of the typical services that will be offered by SERVPRO.

Restoration services for damage caused by fire

• Smoke and soot removal - Smoke from a fire can linger for a very long time unless it is professionally removed. Fire and water restoration companies will use special deodorizers and ozone to completely remove smoke and its odor. Different materials in the house have different levels of smoke absorption and only an expert restoration company will know how to treat each material.
• Structural repair - Some homeowners will be surprised to know that a very large part of the building structure can be restored although it might look hopeless to the home owner. A professional fire and water restoration company will help you save a lot of money with restorations instead of destruction and rebuilding which can result in very high expenses.
• Damage to the floor - Often times, the floor is often the first to be damaged in a fire. A fire and water restoration contractor will be able to tell you if the floor in your house or property is salvageable with restoration work or if it will have to be replaced.

Calling in the Fire Damage Restoration Experts

6/1/2017 (Permalink)

This kitchen fire started with chicken in the oven

A house fire, large or small, is a traumatic event and even if the fire was a relatively minor one there are some important steps to take to return to normal. One of the most important factors is to try to keep a level head so that your thinking is clear. Panic or rushed decisions might simply result in more damage on top of the initial fire damage.

A fire does more than simply burn the house and the items inside the house. A fire leaves behind smoke damage, soot and structural damage that must all be dealt with correctly. The most sensible course of action is to call in a fire damage restoration expert to deal with the restoration process properly.

Fire and smoke damage is a very particular problem and requires more work than simply washing down surfaces. Smoke gets deeply into hard surfaces such as walls and floors and if it's not treated quickly, will linger for many years no matter how often you clean them.

Soot can coat surfaces and belongings and must be carefully cleaned using the correct specialist equipment. Soot covered fabric such as lounge chairs, bedroom furnishings and clothes can all be restored if treated properly. But equally, taking the wrong approach can result in permanently damage being done.

Finally, structural damage must be assessed to determine how much repair work will be required and whether it is safe to stay in the house until repairs can be made.

A good fire damage restoration specialist will be capable of performing all of these important tasks, not to mention others such as organizing and carryout packing and storage of belongings and general damage assessment. The sooner a fire damage restoration expert is called in the more chance you can be sure you will save your belongings.

There are many tasks that can be performed while waiting for a fire and water damage restoration professional to arrive. Leaving it to the experts is the ultimate aim but taking matters into your own hands can also mitigate the damage with a lot to consider to get the most out of a fire damage cleanup.

Duct Cleaning

4/10/2017 (Permalink)

While many homeowners are beginning to realize the importance of routine duct cleaning, you may still have questions about the process. That's why we've compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about who should clean your ducts, why it's necessary, and how it's done.

"Why do my air ducts need to be cleaned?"

Over the years, dust, allergens, dirt, and other debris can accumulate in your ducts. In fact, it can build up in layers as much as three inches deep! This filth can trap bacteria and foster mold growth, creating potential health threats for your family. And, to make matters worse, every time your HVAC system turns on, some of these contaminants are circulated throughout your house. Having your air ducts cleaned removes this accumulation of pollutants and greatly improves the air quality of your home. For safe, breathable air, you should have your ducts cleaned at least every four years.

"How exactly is my ductwork cleaned?"

Using specialized tools and a negative airflow system (essentially a huge vacuum), air duct cleaners scrape the dust, dirt, and debris from your ducts. The tools agitate the particles away from the sides of the ducts and the vacuum keeps them from escaping into your house. The cleaning should also include air washing furnace and air conditioner components, vacuuming registers, and applying mold inhibiting agents if necessary

Hire an expert

2/23/2017 (Permalink)

After your house, or a part of it, has been damaged by fire, cleaning and restoring it back to its former glory will be your main concern. However, most homeowners find the task extremely time-consuming, stressful, and dangerous that they would rather hire a professional fire damage cleanup expert to do the job instead.

Repairing and restoring your home back to a habitable state depends on the extent of the damage to your home. Some homes only need a few days of work while severe structural damages take several months to accomplish. With the help of a team of experienced professionals, repairing a fire damaged home is always easier.

Don't be Tempted to do it Yourself, Hire an Expert

SERVPRO of Fairfield has the experts

Call us today 707-207-0122

What to expect

2/20/2017 (Permalink)

Fire and water damage can happen for a variety of reasons. It can be a simple grease fire or an overflowing sink that can cause damage or it can be something more serious such as fire caused by lightning or water damage caused by flooding. Unless the fire or water damage was negligible, it is generally recommended that property owners seek the professional help of a fire and water restoration contractor.

Here is a summary of the typical services that will be offered by a fire and water restoration contractor.

Restoration services for damage caused by fire

• Smoke and soot removal - Smoke from a fire can linger for a very long time unless it is professionally removed. Fire and water restoration companies will use special deodorizers and ozone to completely remove smoke and its odor. Different materials in the house have different levels of smoke absorption and only an expert restoration company will know how to treat each material.
• Structural repair - Some homeowners will be surprised to know that a very large part of the building structure can be restored although it might look hopeless to the home owner. A professional fire and water restoration company will help you save a lot of money with restorations instead of destruction and rebuilding which can result in very high expenses.
• Damage to the floor - Often times, the floor is often the first to be damaged in a fire. A fire and water restoration contractor will be able to tell you if the floor in your house or property is salvageable with restoration work or if it will have to be replaced.
• Call us today 707-207-0122

What you need to know

2/8/2017 (Permalink)

Getting adequate professional fire damage repair and water damage repair services can be costly. Fortunately, depending on the source of your damage and what types of homeowners insurance you have, you can file an insurance claim for these types of incidents and have many, if not all, of the costs paid for.

From the outset a good emergency restoration service will pay strict heed to health and safety, conducting an in-depth risk assessment of the home to be sure that all structural concerns and health risks are identified before they call the job complete. Following this and before beginning any serious work on the job, an emergency restoration service should immediately implement any stabilization procedure that might be necessary. Fire and water damage both can rot walls, ceilings, and floors, any of which may need immediate reinforcing. And by using dehumidifiers and such to regulate the ambient environment, the possibility of mold is significantly reduced.

To give yourself the opportunity to file an insurance claim to pay for emergency restoration services and reduce further damage and losses, make sure you have the right types of insurance. Read your current homeowners insurance policy to see if it has any provisions for fire damage repair and water damage repair. If not, take action to supplement that insurance for those purposes before you may need them, and then it would be too late.

When experiencing fire or water damage there is no time to waste, and suffering an emergency like a flood or a fire in your home is traumatic enough without having to suffer further damage after the incident. The quickest way to cause yourself further grief is to try to handle all the emergency repair and restoration yourself. The quickest way to relief and getting your life back is with the aid of the right expert professionals At 707-207-0122

SERVPRO Of Fairfield knows what to do

2/8/2017 (Permalink)

Fire and water damage can happen for a variety of reasons. It can be a simple grease fire or an overflowing sink that can cause damage or it can be something more serious such as fire caused by lightning or water damage caused by flooding. Unless the fire or water damage was negligible, it is generally recommended that property owners seek the professional help of a fire and water restoration contractor.

Here is a summary of the typical services that will be offered by a fire and water restoration contractor.

Restoration services for damage caused by fire

• Smoke and soot removal - Smoke from a fire can linger for a very long time unless it is professionally removed. Fire and water restoration companies will use special deodorizers and ozone to completely remove smoke and its odor. Different materials in the house have different levels of smoke absorption and only an expert restoration company will know how to treat each material.
• Structural repair - Some homeowners will be surprised to know that a very large part of the building structure can be restored although it might look hopeless to the home owner. A professional fire and water restoration company will help you save a lot of money with restorations instead of destruction and rebuilding which can result in very high expenses.
• Damage to the floor - Often times, the floor is often the first to be damaged in a fire. A fire and water restoration contractor will be able to tell you if the floor in your house or property is salvageable with restoration work or if it will have to be replaced.

Fire can be devastating

2/8/2017 (Permalink)

Fire and water damage can happen for a variety of reasons. It can be a simple grease fire or an overflowing sink that can cause damage or it can be something more serious such as fire caused by lightning or water damage caused by flooding. Unless the fire or water damage was negligible, it is generally recommended that property owners seek the professional help of a fire and water restoration contractor.

Here is a summary of the typical services that will be offered by a fire and water restoration contractor.

Restoration services for damage caused by fire

• Smoke and soot removal - Smoke from a fire can linger for a very long time unless it is professionally removed. Fire and water restoration companies will use special deodorizers and ozone to completely remove smoke and its odor. Different materials in the house have different levels of smoke absorption and only an expert restoration company will know how to treat each material.
• Structural repair - Some homeowners will be surprised to know that a very large part of the building structure can be restored although it might look hopeless to the home owner. A professional fire and water restoration company will help you save a lot of money with restorations instead of destruction and rebuilding which can result in very high expenses.
• Damage to the floor - Often times, the floor is often the first to be damaged in a fire. A fire and water restoration contractor will be able to tell you if the floor in your house or property is salvageable with restoration work or if it will have to be replaced.

SERVPRO of Fairfield can help. Call us at 707-207-0122

How to avoid a fire

2/8/2017 (Permalink)

The following article can be used as a fire safety checklist for your home. By employing all of these great tips you will actually be potentially saving your own life, as well as your families. Here are the best tips to stay fire safe this season.

If you have smokers in your household, make sure that they have a designating smoking area. This doesn't need to be an obvious looking smoking enclosure, it just needs to be somewhere outside that is free from flammable objects and contains clean ashtrays for cigarette butts.

You must eliminate clutter and allow plenty of room for flammable goods. If you have kids around, these places should be out of reach and possible locked. These storage areas must not be exposed to any electricity or heat sources. If flammable goods are kept in a shed outside make sure that there is plenty of ventilation and heat is not trapped.

Make sure that everyone in your household is up to date with the evacuation procedures should there be a need. An evacuation drill should be practiced at least every 6-12 months.

The evacuation process should be aimed at getting everybody out of the house is the fastest possible manner and leaving personal items behind. Following on from this, you should also have all emergency phone numbers clearly displayed next to every phone. The evacuation path must be kept clear and easy to navigate at all times. You must consider any locks, deadlocks, or other obstructions in the path of evacuation and these must be made as easy as possible to navigate.

Ensure that rubbish bins are emptied daily, all clutter is thrown away, and electrical items are put away safely after use. Identifying fire hazards is a skill and you should work on identifying and eliminating all hazards around the home. This is especially easy by removing all clutter in your home that could be considered a threat.

At least two fire extinguishers per average household is usually enough, but these should be clearly marked so that everyone knows exactly here to look. Fire alarms should be carefully placed in fire 'hotspots' around your home. Any fire sprinklers and other fire equipment is advised but not necessary.

You must ensure everything is done to prevent a fire from occurring in your home. A common cause of household fires is due to an electrical issue. Ensure that you have an adequate number of power points available and that you are not overloading them with adapters and multiple appliances if not needed.

Another point to make is that you should check that you have circuit breaker points installed and that they are all working correctly. These will shut off power to a certain section of your home if power is overloaded. They are a great fire prevention tool.

In conclusion, you must build up awareness to fire hazards and act accordingly to eliminate these hazards. If you can get a two in one fire alarm that also detects carbon monoxide in the air you will successfully eliminate two hazards in one

If you do experience a home fire call us we can help- 707-207-0122

Fires can be devastating, SERVPRO of Fairfield can Help

9/15/2016 (Permalink)

Kitchen Fire Damage

Fires can be devastating, and we here at SERVPRO of Fairfield, CA can help you with your home or business if you have suffered fire damage. After the fire trucks leave, your property will likely suffer from not only fire and smoke damage, but also widespread water damage and flooding from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have specialized fire and water damage restoration training and experience to quickly clean up and restore your home to pre-fire condition. They also can remove the pervasive smoke odor and deep-clean soot from upholstery and carpet.  Call SERVPRO of Fairfield and we will come out to give you professional and courteous service.