Managing water damage during fire damage cleanup

8/14/2024 (Permalink)

For professional fire and water damage restoration services, trust SERVPRO to get the job done right.

Fire damage is devastating, leaving behind charred remnants of a once-cozy space. However, what many people overlook is the accompanying water damage from firefighting efforts. At SERVPRO®, we understand that managing water damage during fire damage cleanup is crucial for restoring your home or business to its pre-fire condition. In this blog, we’ll discuss the key steps in handling water damage effectively during fire restoration.

Assessing the Extent of Water Damage

The first step in managing water damage during fire cleanup is a thorough assessment. This involves identifying the areas affected by water, evaluating the extent of the saturation, and determining the types of materials that need attention. Our team at SERVPRO uses advanced moisture detection tools to find hidden water damage in walls, floors, and ceilings, ensuring no damp area is left untreated.

Water Extraction and Drying

Prompt water extraction is vital to prevent further damage and mold growth. SERVPRO utilizes industrial-grade pumps and vacuums to remove standing water swiftly. Once the bulk of the water is extracted, the drying process begins. High-powered air movers and dehumidifiers are strategically placed to accelerate drying. This step is essential to avoid long-term structural damage and ensure the space is ready for subsequent restoration work.

Salvaging and Cleaning Contents

During the cleanup process, attention must also be given to the contents of your home or business. Furniture, electronics, documents, and personal items can often be salvaged with the right approach. SERVPRO specialists carefully assess each item to determine its salvageability. Items are cleaned, dried, and deodorized using specialized techniques and equipment. This not only preserves your valuable belongings but also helps in reducing the overall cost of restoration.

Mold Prevention

One of the critical concerns after water damage is the potential for mold growth. Mold can start developing within 24-48 hours in damp conditions. SERVPRO employs proactive measures to prevent mold infestation during the drying process. Our team uses antimicrobial treatments to disinfect and inhibit mold growth in the affected areas, ensuring a safe and clean environment.

Coordinating Fire and Water Damage Repairs

Effective restoration requires coordinating both fire and water damage repairs simultaneously. This integrated approach ensures that all aspects of the damage are addressed comprehensively. SERVPRO’s team of professionals works meticulously to repair structural damage, replace compromised materials, and restore the aesthetic appeal of your property. Our goal is to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Working with Insurance

Navigating insurance claims can be daunting, especially when dealing with both fire and water damage. SERVPRO assists you in documenting the damage, providing detailed reports, and working directly with your insurance company to expedite the claims process. Our experience in handling insurance claims ensures a smoother and less stressful experience for you.

Managing water damage during fire damage cleanup is a complex but essential task. At SERVPRO, we combine expertise, advanced equipment, and a dedicated team to handle every aspect of fire and water restoration. By addressing water damage promptly and thoroughly, we help you reclaim your space and peace of mind more efficiently. For professional fire and water damage restoration services, trust SERVPRO to get the job done right.

Remember, swift action is key. Contact SERVPRO today for expert assistance in managing fire and water damage.

Understanding the Fire Damage Assessment Process: What to Expect

4/17/2024 (Permalink)

Experiencing a fire in your home or business is a stressful event that can leave behind extensive damage. In the aftermath of a fire, it's crucial to conduct a thorough assessment of the damage to determine the necessary steps for restoration and recovery. In this blog post, we'll walk you through the fire damage assessment process and what to expect during this phase of restoration.

Initial Inspection

The fire damage assessment process typically begins with an initial inspection of the affected property. Our trained technicians will carefully assess the extent of the damage, taking note of visible signs of fire, smoke, and water damage. This initial assessment helps us understand the scope of the damage and develop a restoration plan.

Documentation and Documentation

Documentation is a critical aspect of the fire damage assessment process. Our team will document the damage thoroughly, including taking photographs, videos, and written notes. This documentation serves as a record of the damage for insurance purposes and helps ensure that nothing is overlooked during the restoration process.

Assessment of Structural Damage

Structural damage is common after a fire and can compromise the integrity of the building. During the assessment process, our technicians will inspect the structural components of the property, including walls, floors, ceilings, and support beams, to identify any damage that needs to be addressed.

Evaluation of Contents Damage

In addition to structural damage, fires can also cause damage to personal belongings and contents within the property. Our team will assess the extent of contents damage, including furniture, electronics, clothing, and other items, to determine what can be salvaged and restored.

Identification of Safety Hazards

Safety is crucial during the fire damage assessment process. Our technicians will identify any safety hazards, such as unstable structures, electrical hazards, or contaminated materials, and take steps to mitigate these risks to ensure a safe working environment for restoration efforts.

Development of Restoration Plan

Based on the findings of the assessment, our team will develop a comprehensive restoration plan tailored to the specific needs of your property. This plan outlines the steps and timeline for restoration, including cleaning, repairs, and reconstruction, to return your property to its pre-fire condition.

In conclusion, the fire damage assessment process is a crucial step in the restoration and recovery journey after a fire incident. By conducting a thorough assessment of the damage and developing a comprehensive restoration plan, SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth can help you navigate the restoration process with confidence and peace of mind. If you've experienced a fire, don't hesitate to contact us for expert assistance and support.

Space Heater Safety and Fire Prevention Tips

2/3/2022 (Permalink)

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

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

Space Heater Safety First! 

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

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

Buy the Right Heater 

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

Using these space heater safety and fire prevention tips will help prevent fire damage in the home and workplace. If you have any questions about fire prevention or if your property experiences smoke or fire damage to your home, call your local professionals at SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth for assistance. We’re available 24/7 at (817) 557-6895.

Fire Prevention, Protect your Home and Family

1/24/2022 (Permalink)

You protect your family by locking doors at night, monitoring who they spend time with and where they are going. It’s important to add fire preparation to your safety regimen. As a homeowner, the thought of a fire breaking out in your house is a nightmare scenario. Your family’s safety is at risk, and you could lose precious possessions and your home itself. The preparation steps below will reduce the risk of fire and potentially save a life. 

Maintain Smoke Alarms

All homes should have smoke alarms to alert you to fire danger. One or two devices are not enough. Your home should have one in every bedroom and an additional alarm per floor. Maintain your smoke alarms to ensure they are effective.

• Test your smoke alarm once a month.
• Change the batteries in your smoke alarm at least once a year.
• Never disconnect your smoke alarm.

Keep an Eye on the Dryer

Of all your appliances, your dryer is perhaps the most significant potential culprit for starting a fire. Check the filter and remove lint buildup after every load. We also recommend inspecting the outside vent and the hose leading from the dryer to the vent for proper ventilation.

Watch the Outlets

Being aware of electrical problems is an important fire precaution. Never overload your outlets with cords. Also, be mindful when you use power strips, especially with computers and TVs.

Be Careful When You Cook

Fire prevention starts in the kitchen, where there are many different heat sources. Make sure your oven is clean and functioning correctly. Also, never leave food on the stove unattended.

You can have peace of mind when you follow these fire prevention guidelines. If you need further direction, contact SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth at (817) 557-6895.

Preventing Electrical Fires in Your Ft. Worth Home

1/24/2022 (Permalink)

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 47,700 home fires in the U.S. are caused by electrical failures or malfunctions each year. These fires result in 418 deaths, 1,570 injuries, and $1.4 billion in property damage. Overloaded electrical circuits are a major cause of residential fires. Help lower your risk of electrical fires by not overloading your electrical system.

Overloaded Circuit Warning Signs

• Flickering, blinking, or dimming lights
• Frequently tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses
• Warm or discolored wall plates
• Cracking, sizzling, or buzzing from receptacles
• Burning odor coming from receptacles or wall switches
• Mild shock or tingle from appliances, receptacles, or switches

When choosing to light for your home, it is essential to understand that some light switches have more functions than merely turning on lights. These added features such as timers and dimmers can make your home more convenient and efficient. If you are thinking of making a switch, contact a qualified electrician to ensure that the lighting you choose is compatible with your home. And remember, all light switches should be installed by a professional.

Don't Take These Warning Signs Lightly

• The wall plate is hot to the touch.
• There is discoloration of or around the switch plate.
• Lights dim and/or flicker without cause.
• You hear crackling, popping, or buzzing from your outlet.
• Often Breakers trip or fuses blow when the switch is turned on.
• You detect an odor when a switch is used.
• The switch leans to one side or feels loose when operating.
• You often experience a shock when operating the switch.
• Lights get brighter or dimmer when other appliances turn on or off.
• The home is over 40 years old and has aluminum wiring but has not recently undergone a safety inspection by an electrician. 

If any of the above characterizes your lighting control points, have your home's electrical system inspected by a qualified electrician as soon as possible.

How to Prevent Electrical Overloads

• Never use extension cords or multi-outlet converters for appliances
• All major appliances should be plugged directly into a wall receptacle outlet. Only plug one heat-producing appliance into a receptacle outlet at a time
• Heavy reliance on extension cords is an indication that you have too few outlets to address your needs. Have a qualified electrician inspect your home and add new outlets
• Power strips only add additional outlets; they do not change the amount of power being received from the outlet
  
  

Hopefully, these tips can help keep your home safe and protected from fires caused by an electrical malfunction, though accidents do occur. Our crews here at SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth see a handful of electrical fires each year, especially during the summer when extra fans and a/c units are plugged in and in winter when plug-in heaters are in use as well as holiday lights. 

If your home or business is affected by an electrical fire. SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth is ready 24/7, 365 to help deal with the smoke and fire damage that can occur and get your house back to pre-fire condition.

Dealing with Smoke Damage After a Fire

1/24/2022 (Permalink)

If you’re dealing with fire damage, it’s time to call the professionals at SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth. Several little-known facts are crucial to smoke damage restoration procedures. Put your health and property first by learning more about the recovery period.

Ventilation is the First Step

Immediately following a fire, focus on ventilation for the home. The professionals may not be on-site yet, but you can improve the situation right now. Open the doors and windows. Use any fans within the home to move air out of the structure. Our Technicians will bring in industrial fans for this purpose, but get the process started yourself.

Consider your health when it comes to ventilation too. Wear dust masks if you must be inside the home. Remove children, pets, and older residents from the premises. The particles in the air can be irritating to some people.

Odors Don’t Dissipate on Their Own

There’s a misconception about fire damage cleanup and ventilation. You might believe that fire odors will dissipate with enough fans blowing in the house. Soot and other fire byproducts are chemically based substances. Unless they’re physically removed, they’ll continue to react with the drywall, wood, and other materials.

Our smoke damage restoration professionals will clean, remove and service the structure as necessary. They’ll deodorize rooms with careful attention to humidity and corrosion issues. There shouldn’t be any remaining odors after a professional cleanup job. Subtle odors equate to dirty conditions that will only grow stronger over time.

Soot Moves into Every Crevice

Cleaning off the walls and ceilings is only the beginning of the fire damage cleanup process. Most people don’t realize that soot is an excellent article. It floats and lands on nearly every surface. If you have light fixtures near the damaged area, be sure to remove the bulbs and clean them. Soot finds its way into the threaded base. Hazards arise if you turn the fixture on without cleaning it first. Soot can be a fire hazard if it’s not cleaned away in its entirety.

Smoke Damage Restoration Applies to Electronics and Antiques

If soot can find its way into light fixtures, your electronics might fall prey to it too. Discuss fire damage cleanup about your televisions, audio receivers, and other devices. It may take time to restore these items, but it’s worth the effort when it’s done right.

Think about any antiques that you might have as well. SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth restoration experts can bring these items back to life. When an antique has either sentimental or monetary value, restoring it should be part of your recovery process.

Call us anytime at (817) 557-6895. We are available 24/7 for any size fire damage emergency. Our team is trained to work with your insurance to ensure a smooth claims process. We’re committed to making your fire-damaged home look “Like it never even happened.”

Pets & Fire Safety, Prevention & Planning

1/24/2022 (Permalink)

No one wants to consider the possibility of facing a fire emergency in their own home, but it could happen at any time. Coming up with a fire plan is key to getting yourself and your family out safely. But what about your pets? Including pet preparation in your fire safety plan is crucial to get your furry friends out in time. Keep your furry companions safe by following these steps to create a fire evacuation plan for your pets. 

• The best way to protect your pets from the effects of a fire is to include them in your family plan. This includes having their disaster supplies kit and arranging in advance for a safe place for them to stay if you need to leave your home.
  
  
• When you practice your escape plan, practice taking your pets with you. Train them to come to you when you call.
  
  
• If you must evacuate in the event of a disaster, the most important thing you can do to protect your pets is to evacuate them, too. But remember: never delay escape or endanger yourself or your family to rescue a family pet.

Prevent Your Pets from Starting Fires

The National Fire Protection Association estimates that nearly 1,000 home fires each year are accidentally started by the homeowners' pets.

• Extinguish Open Flames: Pets are generally curious and will investigate cooking appliances, candles, or even a fire in your fireplace. Ensure your pet is not left unattended around an open flame, and make sure to extinguish any open flame before leaving your home thoroughly.
  
  
• Remove Stove Knobs: Be sure to remove stove knobs or protect them with covers before leaving the house - a stove or cooktop is the number one piece of equipment involved in your pet starting a fire.
  
  
• Invest in Flameless Candles: These candles contain a light bulb rather than an open flame and take the danger out of your pet knocking over a candle. Cats are notorious for starting fires when their tails turn over lit candles.
  
  
• Secure Young Pets: Keep them confined away from potential fire-starting hazards when you are away from home, such as in crates or behind baby gates in secure areas.

Help Firefighters Help Your Pets

• Keep pets near entrances when away from home. Keep collars on pets and leashes at the ready in case firefighters need to rescue your pet. When leaving pets home alone, keep them in areas or rooms near entrances where firefighters can easily find them.
  
  
• Affix a pet alert window cling and write down the number of pets inside your house and attach the static cling to a front window. This critical information saves rescuers time when locating their pets. Make sure to keep the number of pets listed on them updated.

Be Prepared. Have a Plan.

• Know their hiding places! During a fire, your pets will be terrified, and they'll most likely run to the places they feel most safe. If you don't know their common hiding places, you could run out of time to save your furry, scaly, or feathered friend.
  
  
• Map it out! Find their hidey-hole and niches. Map these out on a piece of paper, and include the map in your fire escape plan.
  
  
• Always evacuate your pets on a leash or in a pet carrier. Pets will panic at the smell of smoke and may bolt when outside, making them impossible to find.
  
  
• Prepare an emergency kit for each of your animals. The kit should contain your pet's food, veterinary paperwork, prescription medications, and an updated photo and description of each animal. You may have to board your pet at a kennel or other facility until you get settled after a fire, and they will require proof that your pet has current vaccinations.
  
  
• Have an evacuation plan. If you have to evacuate your home, and you cannot return for a while, have a plan of action!

SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth Has an Ozone Room

1/24/2022 (Permalink)

If you have contents that need cleaning after a fire, call SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth today at (817) 557-6895.

SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth is proud to announce we have our very own, on-site Ozone Room! 

Ozone treatment is a powerful way to eliminate odors without the use of chemicals or masking deodorizers. The ozone room can be used after a fire to get soot smells off of contents. We set the contents in the room, set the timer, and let it work its magic!

The ozone room works by utilizing an electrical current and breaks down odors. The ozone room is an essential tool that SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth utilizes when cleaning contents and deodorizing because it kills the source's odors without using harsh chemicals.

Here is the science behind the ozone room: Normal oxygen is mixed with an electrical current such as lightning, transforming normal oxygen into activated oxygen. The activated oxygen is what cleans the air, contents, etc. This is why it always smells so fresh outside after a thunderstorm! The activated oxygen from the electrical currents is cleaning the air naturally! Electricity is nature's way of cleaning the air.  

If you have contents that need cleaning and odor removal after a fire, call SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth today at (817) 557-6895.

Fire Extinguisher Ready

1/22/2022 (Permalink)

Fire extinguishers are staples in disaster-ready homes and provide billions of people with a quick, effective way to respond to sudden blazes. With proper training and education, fire extinguishers can save your life and your property. For hands-on training, contact your local fire station. Generally, all fire extinguishers are alike, as they follow the same usage procedure known as PASS:

• Pull the pin to break the tamper seal.
• Aim the nozzle at the bottom of the fire.
• Squeeze the handle and release extinguisher chemicals.
• Sweep the nozzle back and forth at the base of the fire until it’s extinguished.

Choosing Your Extinguisher

Not every fire extinguisher is suitable for every job. Research different types of extinguishers before deciding where to place them around your home. The National Fire Protection Association recommends keeping multipurpose fire extinguishers in your home close to an exit. Class B extinguishers should be located in the kitchen and garage, as they are effective for putting out small grease and gasoline fires. 

Emergency Services

If a fire sparks, call 911 first, then use a fire extinguisher if the situation allows. This ensures you will be able to get the assistance you need if your attempts are unsuccessful. Furthermore, know when to leave the house. The first priority is a safe escape. If the blaze becomes large or your extinguisher runs out of fumes, it’s time to get out of the house. Let firefighters and emergency responders take care of the fire. Work with SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth afterward to get your home back to normal. We specialize in fire restoration services such as smoke and soot cleanup, water removal, repairs, and more.

Being knowledgeable of fire extinguisher handling tips can save your home and your family. Discuss the above tips with every member of your family and create a fire escape plan. Call SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth at (817) 557-6895 for additional information regarding fire damage cleanup.