Archived Fire Damage Blog Posts
Tips and Tricks to help prevent a fire in your Webster Home.
4/1/2022 (Permalink)
A fire can be scary to imagine and can bring you lots of stress and worry. Although you can’t control everything, there are some easy things you can do to reduce the risk of a fire in your home.
- Check your smoke alarms regularly
If you don’t have smoke alarms, be sure to get them installed. If you have fire alarms check the batteries to make sure they are working.
- Inspect your heating sources
Whether that be cleaning your air filters, or unplugging your space headers after use. Not leaving your indoor fireplace unattended.
Be sure to always empty out the lint basket before putting a new load in.
Keep your wires/cords well kept, and clean. Make sure the hot cords are not touching anything that could cause a spark.
If you do suffer smoke, fire damage or soot damage call us 24/7 at 508-234-3399
We work along with insurance companies such as Metlife, Farmers, CHUBB, AMICA, Nationwide Mass Fair Plan, and many more.
*Our tips and tricks are not 100% preventative, fires could still occur*
What electric items can cause a fire to your Blackstone, MA home
1/21/2022 (Permalink)
We love our technology but having many electrical items may even cause a fire. Electrical fires involve electrical failures or malfunctions when least expected.
Many people have a space heater they use in their homes. Be conscious of where you place your space heater and watch its surroundings, also make sure the cord isn't plugged into a cord strip as well.
- Cords and Electrical circuit overloads
The most common one is cords and electrical circuit overloads. It is common to have many cord strips around the house and most of those cord strips have all 5-6 outlets with a cord plugged into them. This is why it is important to make the effort to never overload your outlets.
Another cause is lighting fixtures, both caused by the light bulb or by items near the light fixture. One thing that causes light bulb fires is when you install the wrong light bulb or watt size. The other cause is when putting materials such as fabrics or cloth near a lamp causing overheating.
If you need emergency service, Call us 24/7 - (508) 234-3399
- We are fast to any size disaster
We are available 24/7 just for you, and our team works faster and is always ready for fire damage or soot damage emergencies.
- We are fire damage restoration specialists
Our teams have advanced training and expertise.
Ways to prevent a fire in your Webster, MA home
11/10/2021 (Permalink)
Anyone knows that a fire can be scary to imagine your home stuffing from the disaster as fires can cause little or large damage. Although you can’t control everything, there are some easy things you can do to reduce the risk of a fire.
- Check your smoke alarms regularly
If you don’t have smoke alarms, be sure to get them installed. If you have fire alarms check the batteries to make sure they are working.
- Inspect your heating sources
Whether that be cleaning your air filters, unplugging your space headers after use. Not leaving your indoor fireplace unattended.
Be sure to always empty out the lint basket before putting a new load in.
Keep your wires/cords well kept, and clean. Make sure the hot cords are not touching anything that could cause a spark.
If you suffer a fire, smoke, soot disaster call us right away and we will help you.
Need Office fire restoration in Webster, MA
9/20/2021 (Permalink)
If your office, retail space, or other commercial property, unfortunately, suffers from a fire, you can count on SERVPRO of Southern Worcester County to be there to help!
After the fire
Immediately contact your insurance provider/ insurance agent and report the fire.
Shut off any utilities
Shutting off all the utilities can prevent any possible secondary damage. Gas and electricity can be shut off right at the meter, and you can shut the water off using the main shutoff valve.
If you have a SERVPRO ERP, it will outline every location of any important shutoff switches or valves, making it much easier for you!
Don't jump to make decisions
After a fire (or any disaster) give yourself some time and space to think about and make the right decisions when it comes to restoration, plan of action, etc...
Don't throw anything away until everything is documented and inventories. You could run into some problems if this happens.
While you want to get back in business right away, it's important that you contact professionals like SERVPRO of Southern Worcester County. We have the training, equipment, and experience to handle the commercial restoration, and handle it right!
Summer Season Puff backs | Brookfield, MA
7/29/2021 (Permalink)
While your furnace or boiler may not be on during the summer season, it is still working. As it will still heat your water, there are still chances of a puff back.
What is a Puffback?
A puff back is typically caused by the two electrodes that usually ignite the furnace or boiler. During the ignition process, the oil will form at the bottom of the chamber, and the next time it ignites, it will cause a puff back, sending smoke and soot throughout your property.
If you experience a puff back or smoke and soot damage has caused damage to your property, call SERVPRO of Southern Worcester County and we will be ready to help restore "Like it Never Even Happened."
If you need emergency service, Call us 24/7 - (508) 234-3399
- We are fast to any size disaster
We are available 24/7 just for you, and our team works faster and is always ready for fire damage emergencies.
- We are fire damage restoration specialists
Our teams have advanced training and expertise.
Preventing soot damage in your house | Brookfield, MA
5/28/2021 (Permalink)
Soot stains can be an eyesore for some people, and large amounts of soot can cause health effects. Soot comes from many things including; gas fireplaces, wood fireplaces/stoves, and candles.
How to Prevent Soot Stains:
- Get your chimney inspected.
- Provide proper airflow.
- Only burn seasonal wood.
When a fire happens, SERVPRO of Southern Worcester County will arrive and are ready to start the process of any fire and soot damage emergency.
If you need emergency service, Call us 24/7 - (508) 234-3399
- We are fast to any size disaster
We are available 24/7 just for you, and our team works faster and is always ready for fire damage or soot damage emergencies.
- We are fire damage restoration specialists
Our teams have advanced training and expertise.
Tips and Tricks to help prevent a fire in your Webster Home.
4/1/2021 (Permalink)
A fire can be scary to imagine and can bring you lots of stress and worry. Although you can’t control everything, there are some easy things you can do to reduce the risk of a fire in your home.
- Check your smoke alarms regularly
If you don’t have smoke alarms, be sure to get them installed. If you have fire alarms check the batteries to make sure they are working.
- Inspect your heating sources
Whether that be cleaning your air filters, unplugging your space headers after use. Not leaving your indoor fireplace unattended.
Be sure to always empty out the lint basket before putting a new load in.
Keep your wires/cords well kept, and clean. Make sure the hot cords are not touching anything that could cause a spark.
If you do suffer a smoke, fire damage or soot damage call us 24/7 508-234-3399
We work along with insurance companies such as Metlife, Farmers, CHUBB, AMICA, Nationwide Mass Fair Plan, and many more.
*Our tips and tricks are not 100% preventative, fires could still occur*
What electric items can cause a fire to your Brookfield, MA home
1/21/2021 (Permalink)
We love our technology but having many electrical items may even cause a fire. Electrical fires involve electrical failures or malfunctions when least expected.
Many people have a space heater they use in their homes. Be conscious of where you place your space heater and watch its surroundings, also make sure the cord isn't plugged into a cord strip as well.
- Cords and Electrical circuit overloads
The most common one is cords and electrical circuit overloads. It is common to have many cord strips around the house and most of those cord strips have all 5-6 outlets with a cord plugged into them. This is why it is important to make the effort to never overload your outlets.
Another cause is lighting fixtures, both caused by the light bulb or by items near the light fixture. One thing that causes light bulb fires is when you install the wrong light bulb or watt size. The other cause is when putting materials such as fabrics or cloth near a lamp causing overheating.
If you suffer a disaster and need disaster clean up fast call us we will be your master of service and root out the problem fast. If you have any insurance company such as AMICA - Hanover - New London County - MAPFRE - Main Street America - Chubb - Travelers - Preferred Mutual - USAA - Liberty Mutual - Catholic Mutual and more call us 24/7 508-234-3399
Easy things to prevent a fire in your Barre, MA home.
11/12/2020 (Permalink)
Anyone knows that a fire can be scary to imagine your home stuffing from the disaster as fires can cause little or large damage. Although you can’t control everything, there are some easy things you can do to reduce the risk of a fire.
- Check your smoke alarms regularly
If you don’t have smoke alarms, be sure to get them installed. If you have fire alarms check the batteries to make sure they are working.
- Inspect your heating sources
Whether that be cleaning your air filters, unplugging your space headers after use. Not leaving your indoor fireplace unattended.
Be sure to always empty out the lint basket before putting a new load in.
Keep your wires/cords well kept, and clean. Make sure the hot cords are not touching anything that could cause a spark.
If you suffer a fire, smoke, soot disaster call us right away and we will help you.
We direct bill your insurance company such as:
- Chubb
- Preferred Mutual
- USAA
- Catholic Mutual
- AMICA
- Safety Insurance
- Arabella Insurance
- Bunker Hill Insurance Company
- Peerless Insurance Company
- Foremost Insurance Company
- Safeco
- New London Insurance
- Liberty Mutual
- Philadelphia Insurance
- Modern Home
- EMC Insurance Companies
- Narragansett Bay Insurance Company
- The Hartford
- Pure Insurance Company
Putnam Ct Norwich Ct Stonington Ct
Webster Mass Woodstock Ct
Call 24/7 508-234-3399
Preventing Fire Damage in Mendon, MA
9/20/2020 (Permalink)
You can prevent fire damage!
The first official day of Fall 2020 is September 22! So close!
We've already begun to feel some cool fall weather here in Massachusetts. As the temp gets colder outside, we tend to warm it up inside!
The American Red Cross reports that home fires increase during the fall and winter months.
To prevent a fire in your Mendon home this fall there are a few things you can do:
Change your fire and carbon monoxide detector batteries
A good rule of thumb is to change the batteries every time we change the clocks. Once in the spring and once in the fall. This is good to practice to ensure the batteries are always fresh and working.
Check your heating system early
Testing your heating system during the early fall can help prevent fires this winter. Turn on your heating system and ensure it's in proper working order. If you do run into any issues be sure to contact your service company ASAP!
Fireplace safety
With this chilly weather some of us might have already used the indoor fireplace this year! You must always practice proper fireplace safety!
- Be sure the chimney is clean
- Use a screen or guard
- Never leave a fire unattended
- Keep wood and other fire starting materials at least 5 feet from the fireplace
- Keep the fire small
Clean your dryer lint trap
Preventing dryer fires is a year round task, but we just needed to give you this friendly reminder. Dryer fires are almost always caused by built up lint. Be sure you clean the trap after each load and have a professional come and clean the vent at least once a year.
Have a fire safety and escape plan
The National Fire Protection Agency has a great resource page, here, to help you create a fire safety plan for your home!
If your Mendon, MA home suffers from a fire this fall and needs cleanup and restoration, give us a call at 508-234-3399, we're here to help!
We work with your insurance company: AMICA Insurance - National Grange Insurance - Allstate Insurance - Chubb Insurance - Assurant Insurance - USAA Insurance - Foremost Insurance - Main Street America Group - Liberty Mutual - Mapfre Insurance - National General Insurance - Quincy Mutual - United Property & Casualty Insurance Co.
Summertime Puffbacks | Charlton, MA
7/30/2020 (Permalink)
Call us at 508-234-3399 if you experience any soot or smoke damage following a puffback, we'll make it "Like it never even happened."
While your furnace or boiler isn't running as much in the summer as it does in the winter, it still works its magic to heat up your water!
That being said, it means yes, you can still have a puffback during the summer months!
What is a puffback??
A puffback is typically caused by the two electrodes that usually ignite the furnace or boiler. Sometimes they will become caked with soot or other debris. During the ignition process (or lack of), oil will form at the bottom of the burner chamber, and the next time it tries to ignite, it will cause a puffback, sending soot and smoke throughout your home.
A puffback can also be classified by a clogged or cracked nozzle.
Maintenance
If you maintain your furnace or boiler well throughout the year, you don't have to worry about having a puffback.
All heating systems should be inspected once a year by a professional.
A puffback can also come from your chimney or flue being clogged. If the gasses can't get out, they'll stay inside the furnace and the next ignition will cause the explosion.
The aftermath
The aftermath of the puffback is usually the worst part. Your house and belongings will be covered with soot and smoke residue.
Cleanup after a puffback isn't something you should DIY. This requires the help of trained professionals and professional equipment.
Your carpets may have to be deep cleaned, as well as any upholstery and furniture.
Call SERVPRO of Southern Worcester County if you experienced a puffback and you need smoke and soot cleanup, we'll make it "Like it never even happened."
Open burning in Massachusetts
5/29/2020 (Permalink)
Contact your local fire department to determine if open burning is allowed in your city or town.
Open burning is prohibited in 22 cities and towns in Massachusetts. To best determine if open burning is allowed in your city or town, contact your local fire department!
If you are open burning, you need to obtain a permit from the fire chief or warden. They will determine when it is safe to burn on a day to day basis, and if anything changed throughout the day, they may change their decision as well. It will depend on weather among other factors.
Open burning must be
- A minimum of 75 feet away from any building
- Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- From January 15th to May 1st
- Be closest to the material burning
Materials that CAN be burned
- Forest debris
- Brush
- Driftwood
- Bush or tree prunings
Materials that can NOT be burned
- Any materials from commercial or industrial land clearing operations
- Hay
- Leaves
- Tires
- Tree stumps
- Construction material or debris
How to properly ignite a fire
- Use paper and/or kindling and slowly add the larger pieces of wood
- NEVER use gasoline, tiki torch oil, or other flammable liquids
By gradually adding kindling and smaller pieces of wood, you can gradually build up the fire without it getting too large or out of control.
ALWAYS keep fire extinguishing materials close by. This can include a fire extinguisher, and a source of water.
You may be thinking "what about a fire pit?" According to mass.gov, unless a fire put is being used for cooking, they are subject to the MassDEP open burn regulation. If you are using a fire pit for cooking, it must be
- A reasonable size
- Away from anything flammable
- Observed and tended to by someone 18 years or older
If you notice any change in weather conditions, it's in your best interest to put the fire out as soon as possible. You don't want to wait for the fire department to come to your home and tell you to extinguish the fire. If the fire does get out of control, call the fire department right away to prevent any damage. According to mass.gov "you could be held liable for firefighting costs, as well as face fines or jail time, if you burn illegally or allow a fire to get out of control".
It's important that you follow all rules, regulations, and precautions when it comes to burning a fire. You can prevent injury and damage.
For any fire damage restoration and cleanup needs, give us a call at (508) 234-3399, and visit us online at https://www.SERVPROsouthernworcestercounty.com/fire-smoke-damage-restoration for more information!
While April Fool's Day is fun, fire damage is no joke
4/1/2020 (Permalink)
Every fire sparks that uncertainty
Unfortunately, most fire related fatalities occur in home fires.
According to https://www.alarmnewengland.com/blog/fires-in-massachusetts 80% of structural fires occurred in residential buildings.
It is important that you test your smoke alarms once a month, and replace the batteries once a year to ensure they are in proper working order.
"The risk of dying in a home fire is cut in half in homes with working smoke alarms"1
To ensure the best protection for you and your family, smoke alarms should be placed:
- In or directly outside each bedroom
- On every level of the home
- In common areas such as laundry rooms, kitchens, and living room areas
If your home is larger, there should be more alarms, place them in stairways and hallways.
Installing "interconnected" alarms can ensure your best protection because if one detects smoke and sounds, they all will.
Check the Date
Age is not just a number especially when it comes to smoke alarms! They should be replaced every 10 years
To check the date on your alarm:
- Remove the alarm from the ceiling
- Check the back for manufacturer date
- If it is less than 10 years, replace it on the ceiling
- If it it over 10 years old, it needs to be replaced immediately
If your smoke alarm sounds, and there is a fire
Get outside, stay outside
Call 911 from any available phone
What if my smoke alarm sounds while I'm cooking
Do NOT take batteries out of your smoke alarms. If it happens to sound off while you are cooking or showering:
- Open a window
- Wave a towel or piece of clothing to clear the air around the detector
- You can move the alarm further from the kitchen or the bathroom so it doesn't sound each time you cook that bacon
If you suffer from fire damage to your Whitinsville home or business, give us a call, we will make it "Like it never even happened."
(508) 234-3399, we're here to help!
1 https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/outreach/smoke_alarms.html#ans6
Preventing Dryer Fires in your Webster home
2/25/2020 (Permalink)
Be sure you clean the lint filter before and after each load of laundry goes in.
When you own a home, there are some things you just know you should take care of... gutters, changing air filters etc. But how much time do you think about cleaning your dryer vent?
According to the US Fire Administration, around 2,900 fires a year are caused by clothes dryers.
Signs you need to clean your vent:
- Clothes are taking longer to dry than usual.
- Clothes have an unpleasant kind of burnt smell.
- Laundry room feels more hot and stuffy than usual.
What can happen if you don't clean your dryer vent:
- Fires
- Excessive wear and tear on your dryer
- Higher than normal utility bills
Most of us assume that the lint filter catches ALL the lint from the load of laundry. This is not true. A large amount of lint gets built up inside the actual dryer vent/trap and duct.
Use a vacuum attachment to remove any excess lint built up in the vent (under the trap). And always clean the lint trap after/ before each load.
Cleaning dryer ducts:
Disconnect and clean the duct on a regular basis, or hire a professional to do so. This will drastically improve your dryers performance and reduce the risk of a fire.
Check out this video for a more in-depth tutorial on getting all that lint out of your ducts and trap!
PS life hack: take all that lint from the dryer, and make fire starters!
Puffbacks - Oakham, MA
1/23/2020 (Permalink)
Puffbacks - What are they?
Modern heating systems, although, up to date with technology, can still be faulty.
No matter how new or old your heating system is, when a puffback occurs, this is something that needs to be dealt with by professionals.
A puffback is an explosion inside the burner chamber of your furnace or boiler.
Furnace – hot air systems
Boiler – hot water systems
Puffbacks can send smoke and soot through your entire house.
Puffbacks usually occur in oil-powered systems, in a furnace of boiler fueled with gas, the explosion is usually larger and can cause more damage.
They’re usually caused by lack of maintenance. All heating systems should be inspected and cleaned at least annually by a professional.
Puffbacks can be caused by the two electrodes inside of the burner creating the spark and igniting the oil sprayed into the chamber, to heat the home. If these electrodes become coated with soot, the oil will fail to ignite.
The next time the burner tries to start, the excess fuel in the chamber will cause the puffback, and send smoke and soot throughout the house.
The walls, ceilings, carpets, and furniture will be coated with soot and smoke. Cleaning up this type of mess isn’t the type of job you can DIY. To get this type of mess cleaned up, you need to call professionals.
SERVPRO of Southern Worcester County will clean your home up after a puff back and make it “Like it never even happened”
(508) 234-3399
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How to Properly Handle a Fire Extinguisher
12/11/2019 (Permalink)
Classes A-K of fire extinguishers.
Using a fire extinguisher
Step 1: pull the fire alarm and call the fire department, if applicable
Step 2: Identify an evacuation path before approaching the fire. Never allow fire, heat, or smoke to come between you and the evacuation path.
Step 3: Use the extinguisher using the P.A.S.S. technique
P.A.S.S. Technique:
- Pull the pin – this breaks the tamper seal
- Aim low- point the nozzle or hose at the base of the fire. DO NOT touch the nozzle or discharge horn! This can damage your skin
- Squeeze – squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent.
- Sweep – from side to side at the base of the fire until it is extinguished. If it re-ignites, repeat steps 2-4
Step 4: Back away from the fire immediately in case of re-ignition.
Step 5: Evacuate IMMEDIATELY if the fire is not out and the extinguisher is empty.
If you have any doubts about your ability to fight a fire evacuate IMMEDIATELY
https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/evacuation/portable_use.html
Always be aware of any fire extinguisher recalls!
There are 5 primary classes of fire extinguishers, made specifically for different fires. To see each type here
- Class A: This type of fire extinguisher is used with materials such as: cloth, wood, paper
- Found in homes and businesses
- Class B: This type of fire extinguisher is used for grease, gasoline, or paints.
- Found in homes and businesses.
- Class C: This type of extinguisher is used for electrical equipment such as tools or other equipment that is plugged in.
- Found in homes and businesses.
- Class D: This type of fire extinguisher is used for flammable metals
- Class K: This type of extinguisher is used for vegetable oils, animal oils, and cooking fats.
- Found in restaurants, cafeterias, catering.
Sometimes extinguishers are multi-purpose and labeled as “A-B-C” meaning it covers Class A – Class C materials.
Always be sure nothing is ever in the way of a fire extinguisher. Also be sure the hoses, nozzles, and can are not dented or damages, and that they are clean!
For more info, click -> here
Turkey Frying Safety - Massachusetts
11/26/2019 (Permalink)
As Thanksgiving approaches, we're all thinking about that yummy turkey dinner, but when thinking about cooking, everyone's safety must be a priority.
If you do choose to fry your turkey, here are some safety tips you should take into consideration.
- Keep the fryer away from the house and any trees
- Thaw turkey before frying - the oil mixed with water could cause a fire
- Make sure the fryer is level, and avoid moving it after it is in use
- If you're using a propane powered fryer, place the tank at least 2 feet from the burner
- NEVER leave a fryer unattended
- Turn off the burner before placing the turkey in the oil.
- If the oil makes contact with the burner it can cause a fire
- When removing the turkey
- Wear goggles and oven mitts or gloves.
- Always keep children and pets away from the fryer
At SERVPRO of Southern Worcester County, we're here 24/7 to help you. Call us at (508) 234-3399 if you need us for fire, water or storm restoration. "Like it never even happened."
What Should Be Cleaned After a Fire - Webster, MA
9/6/2019 (Permalink)
Call SERVPRO of Southern Worcester County
After a fire occurs, safety is a must. You need to get to safety when a fire is happening and let EMS and firefighters do their thing. When the fire trucks leave, your home and possessions are likely to be damaged from fire, smoke, soot, and water from the firefighters.
Smoke and soot damage can be hard to detect in carpets and walls, but depending on the severity of the fire, it could be everywhere. That's why you probably will need additional cleaning services for your home or commercial property. At SERVPRO of Southern Worcester County, our certified team is fully trained to arrive on scene and take the necessary steps to locate any and all affected areas of smoke, water, or soot damage.
Carpets trap dust, soot, dirt, gases, animal hair, and other soils and debris. It is a good idea to have your carpet professionally cleaned regularly. If you experience a fire damage, be aware that dirt and soot and other particles are hiding in your carpet or rug.
If the carpet is beyond restoration, we will happily dispose of the debris for you in our trucks. We'll haul all the debris present after a fire loss.
SERVPRO of Southern Worcester County has the training, technology, and knowledge to get the job done right. With over 40 years of experience and Professionals trained to the highest standard, call us today for YOUR home or commercial fire restoration @ 508-234-3399.
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Cleaning Smoke & Soot in Your Northbridge Commercial Property
7/8/2019 (Permalink)
Our crew cleaning and restoring a garage after a fire damage in Northbridge, MA.
Fire damage can wreak havoc on your Northbridge commercial property. it can halt your hours of operation, which negatively effect your business and livelihood. Here are some steps to cleaning Smoke damage in your business.
Cleaning Smoke Residue in Your Business:
The first step is to find the smoke residue or soot. Next, you must identify the type of residues and the surfaces they're on, because that will make all the difference when trying to get the smoke residue off. The next steps are to remove the residues and properly dispose of them.
Finding Residue
First, the estimator must inspect the property and test for smoke to determine exactly what services are necessary for your Northbridge home or business. Restoration technicians should pretest particular items to determine the best restoration procedure for that item (it all depends on the type of fabric/wall/surface you're restoring).
Removing Residues
Residues must be captured before they can be removed. Restorers use air and fluids to release and carry soils away. Vacuuming and dissolving are two ways to contact soils and carry them off to be disposed of.
Vacuuming
Smoke particles are usually dry, so these particles that are attached to surfaces can be removed with substantial vacuum. Moisture contacting the particles can cause them to be absorbed by the surface and be difficult to remove. Always try to vacuum dry smoke residues from a surface before applying wet cleaning products.
Dissolving
Some residues and soils that are not loose particles are strongly attached to their surfaces, so using products to dissolved the residue will make removal a breeze.
Soil-type and surface are two main factors in dissolving soils. Some soils are water-soluble while others are not and require a solvent-based cleaning product.
Dissolving 3-Steps
Wash - Apply a cleaning agent to the surface and agitate it to penetrate and loosen soils. Once the soils are dissolved and held in suspension by the cleaning agent, they can be removed.
Rinse - Remove soils with a cleaning solution. This step depends on pressure, absorption, agitation, and airflow of the surfaces and environment.
Dry - Remove the remaining water or moisture and leftover soils from the material. Air movement, heat, and low humidity will allow drying to occur quickly. Use air movers or natural air movement by opening doors and windows, using ceiling fans, or turning on a smoke-free HVAC system.
After the initial steps, our team will come to the exact area where the fire took place and begin careful and efficient mitigation. Our highly-trained crew here at SERVPRO of Southern Worcester County will also look at specifics such as a fire sprinkler system to see where water damage may have taken place in the aftermath of fire damage. We will make sure your business is habitable and safe for employees and customers. We can help with a specific plan to address the commercial fire damage to all the spaces in the business. Then they can help develop a smoke cleaning plan.
If you're in need of fire damage restoration in your home or business in the Southern Worcester County, Massachusetts area, please give us a call at (508) 234-3399.
Important Fire Damage Tips - The Do's & Do Not's
5/10/2019 (Permalink)
Made with Canva Photo Editor
Fire damage can be especially hazardous, stressful, and damaging to your residential or commercial property. We suggest these tips if you are experiencing fire and soot damage.
DO:
- Limit movement/touching objects to prevent soot from getting into furniture & carpets - keep your hands clean if touching areas
- Use clean towels or old linens on areas where people might be walking
- Wash houseplants thoroughly but carefully so you don't kill them
- Change HVAC (Heating & air-conditioning) filter
Do Not:
- Wash or clean any areas affected by fire
- Ingest canned or packaged food/drinks that are near or in the affected area
- Take clothing to the laundromat or dry cleaners - they will get more damaged and the odor will set
Information was retrieved from our website. SERVPRO of Southern Worcester County is dedicated to providing exceptional support during your stressful time. Call us now at 508-234-3399 now. More information is available here.
Milford Massachusetts Fire Damage Clean Up
5/2/2019 (Permalink)
Milford Massachusetts Fire Damage Clean Up
If a fire breaks out and you need hlerp..we are here for you to help. Apartments, condos, homes, commercial buildings, and office buildings...
"we can help."
SERVPRO is well known in all sectors and known by all insurance companies.
SERVPRO of Southern Worcester County has years of experience dealing with disasters and disaster restoration. Let us be your cleanup restoration and clean-up team. Dealing with fire and smoke clean up requires experience and the resources needed to return the property to a pre-disaster condition. Our goal is to clean with care and try to brighten your day as a single source resource team.
Let us get the mess and odor cleaned up !!
We are here 24 hours a day to respond to your needs
SERVPRO of Southern Worcester County 508-234-3399
visit: www.SERVPROsouthernworcestercounty.com/fire-smoke-damage-restoration
The Fire Restoration Process
2/11/2019 (Permalink)
After the fire trucks leave the scene of a fire, your home is likely to suffer from extensive smoke or water damage. Here at SERVPRO of Southern Worcester County, we have a seven-step plan that will help get you and your family back on track to your everyday lives.
1) Emergency Contact – The restoration process starts when you pick up the phone and contact SERVPRO of Southern Worcester County. Here, we will ask a series of basic questions pertaining to the damage to ensure that our staff is properly equipped upon arrival.
2) Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment – Here, our professionals will inspect your home, as well as assess the damage done. This step is crucial.
3) Immediate Board-Up & Roof-Tarp Services – When a fire compromises your windows and even roof-top, our professionals will take the necessary steps in ensuring no further damage by covering openings.
4) Water Removal & Drying – The water removal process beings immediately and after removal, dehumidifiers and air movers are placed strategically to ensure 100% dryness.
5) Removal of Smoke and Soot – Our professionals will use our specialized equipment and techniques to remove all soot and smoke remnants from all objects and surfaces.
6) Cleaning and Sanitizing – We clean, sanitize, and disinfect all of the restorable items and surfaces to get you and your belongings back to preloss condition.
7) Restoration – The final touches of repairs, painting, and installing of new carpets will be done to make the disaster, “Like it never even happened.”
Here at SERVPRO of Southern Worcester County, we understand just how devastating a home fire can be. Your safety is our number one concern and we will not stop working until we get the job done right!
If you have any questions, please call us at (508) 234-3399 or visit our website!
Fire Damage in Southern Worcester County
1/28/2019 (Permalink)
After the fire department has left your home, we are YOUR next step in cleaning your home and getting your life back on track. In addition to the fire, smoke, soot, and water damage, we offer a bevy of services that can quickly and effectively help restore your home to pre-fire condition.
These services include:
- Board-ups: In some situations, this may be necessary in securing openings to the structure. We use sturdy and durable materials designed to protect it from both weather intrusion and human/animal intrusion.
- Inventory Analysis: Using our Contents Claim Inventory Service (CCIS), we can take a comprehensive inventory of each room. During this type of analysis, we can determine which contents are salvageable and non-salvageable. This service can optimize both time and accuracy.
- Move-Outs: If your contractor requests that your goods and contents must be moved to a different location, we offer move-out services where we do the work for you. Our workers are professionally trained to properly inventory and control the contents from the structure during any cleaning, restoration, or deodorization process.
- Electronics Cleaning: Some smoke residues are known to contain certain types of acids that, when in contact with metal surfaces and water, have the ability to cause corrosion. This can eat away at any metal casing and cause electronic failure within the device. Here at SERVPRO, we are trained to clean the outside correctly and refer your equipment to a qualified vendor.
- Artwork Cleaning: We understand how costly some works of art are to restore post-fire. Restoration and cleaning of valuable artworks require the use of a trained art conservator. At SERVPRO, we usually will subcontract any fine art pieces to a conservator. However, if desired, our cleaning professionals may attempt to remove any residues or odors, only after given permission by the customer.
If you have any questions regarding our services, please gives us a call at (508)-234-3399 or visit our website.
Preventing Fire Damage to Your Milford Home
9/12/2018 (Permalink)
After a fire damages your Milford home, you may be extremely anxious to get your home cleaned, but before you start, it is important to get advice from a professional cleaning company such as SERVPRO of Southern Worcester County. Here are some tips you can do before SERVPRO arrives to professionally clean your home.
Prevent Further Damage
- Get the air circulating- Open the windows and install a fan to circulate areas and create ventilation. In cold weather, the cold air along with your heating system will usually help to remove the moisture if there has also been water damage.
- Dry wet items as soon as possible- Fans and dehumidifiers can be used to dry carpets and draperies. Draperies and carpets can become quickly damaged beyond repair by mold and mildew.
- Remove items that are brass or copper and clean them using brass or copper cleaner. Smoke can permanently damage these items within 24 hours.
- Place plastic wrap or aluminum foil under furniture legs and remove oriental rugs or other wall-to-wall carpeting that is wet.
Remove Soot from Household Textiles
- Remove soot from carpets and draperies prior to cleaning or deodorizing these items. Soot is oily and easily stains these household textiles. Professional assistance from SERVPRO is recommended when using chemicals or additives to break up the smoke molecules to eliminate odors.
Remove Smoke Odor from your Home
- Smoke can become trapped in walls and household ducts where it becomes trapped during a fire. Not having smoke properly removed will cause smoke odors to emerge from time to time. Consult SERVPRO for smoke removal from ducts. We understand the behavior of smoke and we will investigate how far the fire and smoke damage may have spread.
If you experience damage from fire or smoke, contact SERVPRO of Southern Worcester County immediately. Visit our website or contact us at (508) 234-3399.
#FireDamage
Principles of Fire Cleaning
7/10/2018 (Permalink)
The procedures for cleaning smoke residues follow basic principles.
- Find residues.
- Identity the type of residues.
- Identity the type of surface the residue is on.
- Capture residues in dry particulate form or in solution.
- Remove the residues.
- Properly dispose of residues.
Finding and Identifying Residues
The estimator inspects and tests for smoke residues to evaluate the extent of damages and determine what cleaning services are needed for restoration. Besides the estimator's inspection, the restoration technician should pretest particular items to determine the best restoration procedure. By inspecting and pretesting, the estimator and technician locate residues, identify the type of residues, and determine the types of surfaces to be cleaned.
Capturing and Removing Residues
Residues must be captured before they can be removed. Restorers use air and fluids to release and carry soils away. Air and fluids carry suspended particles with the on contact. Vacuuming and dissolving are two ways to contact soils and carry them off to be disposed of.
Vacuuming
Smoke residues contain solid particles consisting mostly of carbon. Dry particles that are attached loosely to surfaces may be removed by vacuuming. Moisture contacting the particles can cause them to be absorbed by the surface and be difficult to remove. Always try to vacuum dry smoke residues from a surface before applying wet cleaning products.
Dissolving
Residues and soils that are not loose particles must be dissolved before they can be removed. Dissolving the residues and loosening their bond with the surface allows them to be suspended in a cleaning product and flushed away as the cleaning product is rinsed or extracted from the surface.
The type of soil and the type of surface are town main factors in dissolving soils. Some soils are water-soluble while others are not and require use of a solvent-based cleaning product. The type of surface must be considered to preserve the material being cleaned. Some surfaces can be damaged by water, while others are damaged by solvents.
The three steps of dissolving are wash, rinse, and dry.
Wash - Apply a cleaning agent to the surface and agitate it to penetrate and loosen soils. Once the soils are dissolved and held in suspension by the cleaning agent, they can be removed.
Rinse - Remove soils with the cleaning solution. This step depends on pressure, absorption, agitation, airflow, or water lift to penetrate the material and extract the cleaning solution.
Dry - Remove the remaining water or moisture and leftover soils from the material. Air movement, heat, and low humidity will allow drying to occur quickly. Use air movers or natural air movement by opening doors and windows, using ceiling fans, or turning on the HVAC system (if free of smoke).
Webster, MA Fire Damage Cleaning
4/30/2018 (Permalink)
After the initial steps, the process of fire restoration can begin, SERVPRO of Southern Worcester County staff will come to the spaces where the electrical fire or utility room fire took place. They will also look at specifics such as a fire sprinkler system to see where water damage may have taken place in the aftermath of fire damage. They will also look closely at any prior fire suppression methods that have been used in the space and not worked before.
A professional can help with a specific plan to address the commercial fire damage to all the spaces in the area. Then they can help develop a smoke cleaning plan. This plan will include a complete cleaning of all areas that have been touched by the fire. The fire may have caused other problems such as areas that still contain traces of smoke and soot. These spaces need to completely clean in order to make sure it's easy for the business owner to open again.
If you require any of our services related to fire damage, please give us a call at (508) 234-3399.
Fire Damage Clean Up Tips - Mendon, MA
4/24/2018 (Permalink)
What To Do Before Help Arrives
After any fire damage situation, your primary focus should be safety:
- Is it safe to stay in the commercial building or house?
- Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
- Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
- Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!
What To Do After A Fire
- Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
- Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
- Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
- If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
- Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
- Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
- Change HVAC filter.
- Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.
What NOT To Do After A Fire
- Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting your SERVPRO Franchise Professional.
- 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 the ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
- Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.
Fire & Smoke Damage Odors
As experts in deodorization, SERVPRO of Southern Worcester County Professionals are trained to identify and eliminate offensive odors. These odors can come from a number of sources both inside and outside a structure.
SERVPRO teaches IICRC technical classes in the proper removal of odors. Masking and other short cuts don't work when your odor problem is serious or persistent.
Your local SERVPRO of Southern Worcester County Franchise has the training and equipment to identify and eliminate these offensive odors. By identifying the cause of the odor and determining the conditions in which it contacts any surfaces, the odor can often be removed over time without a trace.
The science of identifying and eliminating odors can be a tricky thing, so give SERVPRO of Southern Worcester County a call at (508) 234-3399, and leave the restoration to us!
The Do's & Don'ts of Fire Damage
3/27/2018 (Permalink)
Do's
- Limit movement of people in the structure to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
- Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls, and woodwork.
- Place dry, colorfast towels on rugs, upholstery, and carpet traffic areas.
- If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator completely and prop doors open to help prevent odors.
- Wipe soot from chrome on kitchen and bathroom faucets, trim, and appliances. Then protect with a light coating of lubricant.
- Pour RV antifreeze into sinks, toilet bowls, holding tanks, and tubs if heat is off during the freezing season.
- Gently wash both sides of leaves on indoor plants.
- Change HVAC filter, but leave system off until checked by a trained professional.
- Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers to stop particles of soot from getting in or out of the HVAC system.
Dont's
- Attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting SERVPRO of Southern Worcester County.
- Attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture without first consulting SERVPRO of Southern Worcester County.
- Attempt to clean any electrical appliances (TV sets, radios, etc.) that may have been close to fire, heat or water without first consulting an authorized repair service person.
- Consume any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored close to fire, heat, or water. (They may be contaminated.)
- Turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet. Wiring may be wet or damage and cause electrical shock.
- Send garments to the dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.
Milford, MA Fire Damage
2/20/2018 (Permalink)
What is smoke? As burning materials decompose, they release solid particles, gases, and aerosols that become suspended into the air. Suspended particles, gases, and aerosols are smoke.
Gases are the invisible components of smoke. Oxides of nitrogen are produced by burning organic compounds, and sulfur dioxide is produced by burning inorganic compounds. Some of the gaseous by-products generated in a fire, such as carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide, are extremely dangerous if people are exposed to the smoke while the fire is in progress. After the fire has been extinguished and the smoke evacuated or dispersed, gases are no longer a significant factor.
In addition to fire gases, smoke also consists of fine particles of matter and aerosols. The solid particles of unburned material are usually small particles of carbon. The aerosols are extremely fine solid or liquid particles suspended into gases. These particles - while they are suspended into the air - are what makes smoke visible to our sight. The particles are also odor-absorbing, which makes soot smell.
Smoke particles can be very small. The approximate size of a smoke particulate is .1 to 4 microns (1 micron = 1 twenty-five thousdanth of an inch), and these extremely small particles are potentially harmful to a human's respiratory tract. If you are near a fire in progress, keep down low to avoid breathing smoke-filled air. Technicians working long periods wear heavy, loose smoke residues are present should wear a respirator. Smoke particles from incomplete combustion can contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), which may be cancer-causing (carcinogenic).
Once smoke settles on surfaces as residues, it is often referred to as "soot." Soot residues can contain different types of acids since chlorides and sulfides in smoke mix with the humidity in the air or with moisture to form acids. Acidic soot residues will cause discoloration and corrosion if they remain on materials over time.
Does your Milford, MA property require fire restoration service(s)? Call SERVPRO of Southern Worcester County at (508) 234-3399!
Fire Damage Carpet Cleaning
5/31/2016 (Permalink)
After a fire occurs, your first reaction should be safety. When the fire trucks leave, your home and possessions are likely to suffer from fire, smoke, and extensive water damage (from firefighting efforts). Although invisible to the naked eye, your floors, carpets, and walls, may all require cleaning services to ensure a safe environment for you and your family. At SERVPRO of Southern Worcester County, our professionals are fully trained to arrive on scene and take the necessary steps to locate any and all affected areas. Next, we will then walk you through the restoration process to let you know that your home and property are in good hands.
Carpets, act as a filter, trapping dust, soot, dirt, gases, animal hair, and other soils. A good rule of thumb would be to professionally clean your carpet every 12 months. If you experience a fire damage, be aware that dirt and soot are hiding below the surface down near the base of the pile, causing damage to the carpet. These contaminants can cause damage to the material if left unattended to.
SERVPRO of Southern Worcester County has the training, technology, and knowledge to get the job done right. For a cleaning backed by state-of-the-art equipment, over 40 years of experience and Professionals trained to the highest standards, call us today @ 508-234-3399.
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