Your Go-to Choice For Fire Restoration

10/8/2024 (Permalink)

Fire damaged bathroom

A fire can be one of the most devastating events for any home or business. Beyond the initial destruction, fires leave behind smoke damage, soot, and a strong odor that can linger for weeks—if not handled properly. This is where SERVPRO®’s fire damage restoration services come in. With years of experience, advanced equipment, and a commitment to restoring your property to pre-fire condition, SERVPRO is the trusted partner for fire recovery.

1. Fast Response, 24/7

When a fire occurs, time is of the essence. The longer smoke and soot are left untreated, the harder they are to remove and the more damage they cause. That’s why SERVPRO is available 24/7, ready to respond as soon as you need us. Our team arrives quickly to assess the situation and immediately begin the restoration process to prevent further damage.

2. Comprehensive Fire Damage Restoration

Fire damage isn’t just about burned materials. At SERVPRO, we offer comprehensive fire damage restoration that covers every aspect of recovery, including:

• Smoke and soot removal: We use specialized cleaning techniques and equipment to remove all traces of smoke and soot from walls, ceilings, and other surfaces.
• Odor removal: Fire odors can be persistent and invasive, but our advanced deodorization equipment neutralizes even the toughest smells.
• Structural cleaning: We ensure that any damage to the structure of your home or business is addressed, and we take care of cleaning and sanitizing all salvageable areas.
• Water damage from firefighting efforts: Often, there’s water damage left behind from extinguishing the fire. Our team handles water extraction, drying, and mold prevention to ensure that no further issues arise.

3. Contents Cleaning and Restoration

Beyond the structure itself, personal belongings and valuables can also suffer from fire damage. SERVPRO specializes in contents cleaning, where we carefully pack and transport salvageable items to clean them at our facility. Whether it’s furniture, clothing, or even electronics, our team uses advanced cleaning methods to restore your possessions whenever possible.

4. Rebuild and Reconstruction

In some cases, fire damage is so severe that parts of your property may need to be rebuilt. SERVPRO offers rebuild and reconstruction services to fully restore your home or business to its original condition. From minor repairs like replacing drywall to major reconstruction, we handle every step of the process so you don’t have to juggle multiple contractors.

5. Working with Insurance

Navigating the insurance claims process after a fire can be overwhelming. SERVPRO works directly with your insurance company to help ease the burden. We provide detailed documentation, estimates, and work closely with adjusters to make sure the process is as smooth as possible for you.

6. Highly Trained Fire Damage Experts

At SERVPRO, our technicians undergo rigorous training to ensure they’re equipped to handle even the most complex fire restoration projects. We stay up-to-date on the latest techniques and equipment, so we can deliver the best results for our clients. Plus, we use state-of-the-art equipment designed specifically for fire and smoke restoration.

7. Why Choose SERVPRO for Fire Damage?

SERVPRO has been a leader in fire damage restoration for over 50 years. We understand the emotional toll a fire can take, and we’re dedicated to not only restoring your property but also giving you peace of mind during the process. Our local teams are proud to serve the communities they live in, and we treat your property with the care and attention it deserves.

When the Unexpected Happens, Call SERVPRO

Fire damage is stressful and can turn your world upside down. Let SERVPRO take the burden off your shoulders. From the moment you call us to the final step of restoration, we’re with you every step of the way. When fire strikes, we’ll make it “Like it never even happened.”

Fire Pit Safety

10/3/2023 (Permalink)

These cooler evenings seem to be starting sooner and lasting longer here in the Columbus area. While they provide a cozy and inviting setting, they can also be dangerous. As with any open flame, safety should always be the top priority. Let’s explore essential tips and precautions to ensure you can enjoy your outdoor fire pit safely.

• Location and Placement: Choosing the right location for your fire pit is crucial. Ensure it's placed on a non-flammable surface and keep it at a safe distance from any flammable materials. Clear an area around the fire pit to prevent accidental sparks from igniting nearby objects.
• Keep a Fire Extinguisher and Water Source Nearby: Always have a fire extinguisher and a bucket of water or a hose nearby. These tools can be essential in quickly extinguishing small flames or sparks that may escape the fire pit. You can pick up a fire extinguisher from Home Depot, Kroger’s, Meijer or other local grocery stores near you.
• Mind the Wind: Be mindful of wind direction when using the fire pit. Wind can blow sparks and embers, potentially causing fires elsewhere in your yard. It is vital in the Downtown areas including Grandview, Franklinton, and German Village that there is No burning when an air pollution alert, warning, or emergency is in effect. Its also important for areas like Blacklick, Pickerington, or other rural areas that the smoke doesn’t obscure visibility on roadways.
• Properly Extinguish the Fire: Before leaving the fire pit unattended or going to bed, ensure the fire is entirely extinguished. Use water or sand to douse the flames and stir the ashes to cool them down.
• Be Mindful of Fire Regulations: Check with your local authorities for any specific fire regulations or bans in your area. During dry seasons or high-risk fire periods, there may be restrictions on open fires. Some local regulations in Bexley include keeping the fire pit at least 15 feet from a structure. In other areas like Westerville, Worthington, and Dublin it’s a law to keep fires more than 1,000 feet from neighbors.

An outdoor fire pit can be a source of warmth, comfort, and joy for your home. By following these safety tips and using common sense, you can enjoy your fire pit with peace of mind. Remember, safety should always be the priority.

What You Need To Know About Fires!

12/6/2022 (Permalink)

Timing is everything. In just two minutes, a fire can become life-threatening. In five minutes, a residence can be engulfed in flames.

• Fire is FAST! In less than 30 seconds a small flame can turn into a serious fire. It only takes minutes for thick black smoke to fill a house or for it to be engulfed in flames - impairing vision and breathing.
• Fire is HOT! Room temperatures in a fire can be 100 degrees at floor level and rise to 600 degrees at eye level. Inhaling this super-hot air will scorch your lungs and melt clothes on your skin. Always crawl on the floor!
• Fire is DARK! Fires start bright but quickly produce black smoke and complete darkness.
• Smoke is DEADLY! Smoke and toxic gases kill more people than flames do. Fire produces poisonous gases that disorient you. Asphyxiation (suffocation) is the leading cause of death from home-related fires.

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a bit different, each one requires a customized solution tailored to the specific conditions. Our SERVPRO Team has the necessary equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire or smoke-damaged property. Most importantly, we will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Preventing Grease Fires

6/24/2022 (Permalink)

Call our SERVPRO Team for your fire restoration needs!

Whether you are cooking in a restaurant or in your own home, a grease fire can quickly become a big disaster. Grease fires can present themselves as a difficult issue since they are notorious for being difficult to put out.

The first reaction to a fire is to pour water on it, which for grease fires, can actually spread the fire and make it worse!! Follow the correct steps below on putting out a grease fire.

How do I put out a Grease Fire?

1. Turn off the heat. Make sure to not pick up the pan. Picking up the pan can cause the fire to quickly spread to you or spill onto other surfaces in the kitchen.
2. Put a lid on the pan to cut off oxygen to the fire. Once it has sufficiently cooled down, you will be to move and clean it.
3. If the fire gets out of hand, make sure to call 911 to get assistance right away from the Cleveland Fire Department.
4. NEVER pour water on an active grease fire or fan the fire. Both of these actions will only spread the fire.
5. Do NOT fan the fire with a dry or wet cloth, it can make it worse and spread the fire.
6. If all else fails, use a fire extinguisher to put out the flame.

How to Prevent A Grease Fire

1. Never leave your cooking unattended, always keep an eye on any pots or pans.
2. Make sure that you have a sufficiently sized lid for all of your cooking ware.
3. Heat the oils in your pans slowly, don't put your stove on the highest setting right off the bat.
4. Turn the heat off if you think your pans are getting too hot.

Due to the nature of a grease fire, it is highly recommended that you seek out the help of a professional like SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County for fire restoration help. In addition to cleaning up any damage such as burned materials, soot, or grease, a professional can help your kitchen rid itself of the smoke scent.

Our SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County Team has the knowledge and decades of experience to help you quickly and effectively repair damage from a grease fire.

Fires in Condominiums

6/24/2022 (Permalink)

After you and your family are safe and the fire fighters leave, contact our SERVPRO Team for fire damage remediation and restoration services.

It is never a pleasant experience when a fire starts inside your Cleveland condominium. Fires not only threaten the safety of you and your family but are costly to repair as well. The heat, flames, and smoke produced by fire many times cause extensive damage to your building.
 
Whether the fire is small or large, it is a smart move to let the professionals come in and assess the situation. SERVPRO's fire damage experts are IICRC certified and have experience with different types of scenarios.
 
Both the heat and smoke created by a blaze cause different types of damage to your condo. Flames burn contents and building materials inside the building. Smoke spreads throughout the structure leaving behind soot and foul odors. Our professional crews at SERVPRO get taught how to mitigate fire damage by putting each case into a category based on the severity of the damage.
 
In fire damage situations, there are three main types of severity. Putting each damage scenario into a certain level of severity helps our specialists know what types of methods to use when mitigating the problem. The three levels are minor, medium and major fire damage.
 
In minor fire damage situations, smoke residues only affect individual rooms of the building that are near the source. The amount of soot left behind from the smoke is minimal. Very few areas get re-painted, and only some minor items get replaced. Most of the mitigation process involves wet and dry cleaning of the ceiling, walls, and other surfaces.
 
In medium fire damage cases, the amount of smoke residues is moderate and more areas need wet cleaning. The areas that need to be re-painted and items that require replacement increase. Most of the time with medium fire damage contents inside the home get cleaned on site, but there is heat damage to building materials.
 
In major fire damage scenarios, there is a lot of heat and flame damage at the fire's source, and structural charring is even possible. In these cases, emergency procedures such as boarding up the exterior of the building and detailed cleaning of the structure possibly takes place. The building gets filled with smoke damage and foul odors, and usually, our crews must pack out the house and clean the contents offsite.
 
No matter how severe the damage in your condo is, hiring professionals like SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County always gets you the best results. Our Team can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (440) 324-2620!

Small Fires Can Cause Larger Damages

6/21/2022 (Permalink)

Even though the fire in this office building was small, it caused a thick layer of soot throughout the building.

Fire accidents in the home happen quite frequently. There are many things that cause house fires including cooking accidents, which is the most common, lightning strikes, candles, smoking mishaps, heaters, fireplaces, electrical issues, dryer vents, and other household appliances.

Did you know? In less than 30 seconds a small flame can turn into a major fire. Within minutes it creates thick black smoke engulfing the house in flames. That is why it is important to have a fire extinguisher on hand and if possible extinguish the flames. Every second counts.

In most cases, you can put out the flames quickly and the damages are minimal. But even a small fire can causes larger amounts of damage to the rest of your home. Often times, it is only one room that is completely charred but the damages go beyond that room. Smoke from a fire can fill your whole house and circulate throughout several rooms. Smoke damage occurs when the acidic ash or chemicals react with metal, plastic, or wood. Smoke can permeate carpet and other soft surfaces such as fabrics, drapes, and clothing. Our team always tries to restore your belongings before replacing them becomes an option.

SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County is your go to company that is well equipped to handle any size fire damage. Our SERVPRO Team follows IICRC Standards when restoring your home. Our trained professional state of the art equipment to return your home to it's pre-fire damage condition "Like it never even happened."

Candles Can Start Fires

6/21/2022 (Permalink)

Call our SERVPRO Team today if you experience an unexpected candle fire!

We all love candles. They are pretty to look at and get your home smelling wonderful. But unfortunately we need to remember that a candle is an open flame and can easily catch its surroundings on fire causing your beloved home to go up in flames.

First, lets take a look at the candle fire facts from the National Fire Protection Association to see just how common a candle fire is.

• There are 21 candle fires reported per day on average.
• Candles cause 2% of reported home fires, 3% of home deaths, 6% of home fire injuries, and 4% of the direct property damage in house fires.
• 37% of home candle fires start in the bedroom.
• 11% of the candle fires were a result of falling asleep while a candle was still burning.
• 60% of candle fires occurred when a flammable item was too close to the candle.

Wow, those facts are chilling! Now that we know how common candle fires are, let's take a look at how we can prevent candle fires in our homes.

• Blow out all candles before leaving the room or going to bed. Avoid having candles in the bedroom or other area where family members may fall asleep.
• Keep candles at least 1 foot away from flammable items in the home.
• Use candle holders that are sturdy and won't tip over easily.
• Make sure the surface your candles are on is sturdy and uncluttered.
• Be careful when lighting candles. Be sure to keep your hair and loose clothing away from the open flame.
• Never burn a candle all of the way down. Be sure to put it out before too close to the bottom of the container.
• Never use a candle in the home if there is oxygen being used.
• Never leave your children alone in the room with a burning candle.

Don't wait to call a professional when a candle unexpectedly causes a fire in your home. SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County is here to help with your fire restoration needs.

Specialized Fire Damage Services

6/9/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County boarded this home after a fire.

Along with providing structural cleaning, contents cleaning, and deodorization in the Northern Ohio area after a residential or commercial fire, SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County also offers additional specialized services to our customers:

Board-Up

One of the top priorities after a fire loss is to secure your property and belongings until work can begin. SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County offers board-up services for windows, doors, and other exposed structural areas to prevent intrusion by both water and unauthorized persons.

Inventory, Pack-Out and Storage

As the clean up and restoration process begins, our SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County technicians take inventory of the contents in your home or business. As the contents are sorted, they will be categorized as salvageable, and processed to be cleaned, or unsalvageable, and documented as such for insurance purposes. Our professional SERVPRO Team can pack-out and store any unaffected materials as needed as well. Our SERVPRO Professionals are trained to properly inventory, move out and control the contents from the structure during the cleaning, restoration, and deodorization process.

Document Drying and Restoration

The SERVPRO Document Restoration Team offers a range of services to restore your damaged documents, including drying, cleaning/disinfecting, re-jacketing, digitizing, and deodorization.  Depending on your specific needs, and utilizing industry leading techniques and state-of-the-art technology, SERVPRO’s restoration professionals will help you recover paper goods, no matter the size of the loss.

Serving Cleveland and surrounding areas, SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County is Here to Help with all your fire damage needs. Our professional team will help make it “Like it never even happened.”

What Are Soot Tags?

2/17/2022 (Permalink)

Here is an example of soot tags. You can see how closely they resemble spider webs.

As fire damage specialists, we see a lot of fire damaged residential homes and commercial properties. The damage can either be extensive or very minimal. One of the most common visible instances of fire damage are soot webs, the technical term for them are "Soot Tags". They look exactly like spider webs. Rest assured, you did not have magical "fire spiders" that created these cobwebs in your home.

Soot Tags form in areas of low circulation when petroleum/synthetic based sources burn. During a fire the heat of the fire moves into colder areas since the air seeks to create equilibrium. The soot then rides in the air with the heat particles that follow the air into those colder areas with low circulation and are able to concentrate. Since that soot is a product of combustion the particles themselves are charged which makes it quite easy for them to create long chains of soot or soot tags. So while it looks like a lot of soot got stuck on pre-existing spider webs it is actually a whole new structure. 

If you notice that you have soot tags in your home or business after a recent fire, do not try to clean it up yourself. Any time you try to clean soot without the proper chemicals, tools and experience, you’ll likely cause further damage in your home. That's why our SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County Team is here to help, we are the fire damage restoration specialists at your service 24-7!

Homes Affected By Smoke Damage

2/5/2021 (Permalink)

Here is an example of a local Elyria home affected by smoke damage from a fire.

Not every fire results in an extensive amount of damage to homes. In fact many fires don’t require a large amount of demolition and rebuild; especially ones caused by cooking accidents. Grease fires, protein fires, contained fires or outdoor fires can all do a small amount of damage to homes but they can produce a lot more smoke and residue than homeowners realize.

That smoke, soot, and residue will go throughout your Cleveland home covering all types of surfaces such as walls, counter-tops, cabinets, contents, and clothes. Smoke damage often leaves behind sticky residue, stains surfaces, odors, and can be toxic to breath long term especially for those with respiratory issues. The residue is not always visible either which is why the testing process is very important.

A home does not need to be severely damaged after a fire for you to call one of our experts for a free inspection of your home. The size and scope of damage after a small fire can be very surprising to many homeowners when our SERVPRO technicians do the inspection and show how far reaching smoke damage can be and what all is affected. In our inspection we use various cleaning tools and chemicals to determine the best way to restore your home to its before fire condition.

If you experience a fire in your Cleveland home give our SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County experts a call today!

What To Expect From Our SERVPRO Team After A Fire

1/27/2021 (Permalink)

Call our SERVPRO Team for assistance after a fire!

A fire damage event is difficult for the home or business owner on many levels, and the restoration process that follows can be intimidating. Each fire event is a little different, and each will require a unique solution, although the overall general process stays the same. The steps we are listing below will illustrate the SERVPRO process for the average fire damage emergency.

• Emergency Contact. Your restoration process begins the moment that you contact us. Our representative will ask you questions regarding the fire damage event that will help us to respond with the appropriate equipment and resources for your particular situation.
• Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment. Our team will carefully inspect and test all the adjoining rooms of your home or business to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is vital to us, allowing us to develop the perfect plan of action for your property.
• Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service. Fire damage will often compromise the condition of windows, walls, and roofing. To maintain security and to protect against further damage, we will board up missing windows and walls, and place tarps on damaged areas of the roof.
• Water Removal and Drying. If water damage is present, the water removal process will begin almost immediately, with the goal of removing the majority of the water. Our team will then employ dehumidifiers and air movers to remove any remaining water and complete the drying process.
• Removal of Smoke and Soot From All Surfaces. SERVPRO uses specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and all other surfaces.
• Cleaning and Sanitizing. We clean, sanitize, and disinfect all of the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. Our team uses a variety of cleaning techniques to restore your belongings to the condition they were in before the fire. We are also trained to remove lingering odors, using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.
• Restoration. This is the final step - getting your home or business back to its pre-fire condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, installing new carpet, or painting surfaces, or it may entail major repairs, such as the reconstruction of various rooms or areas.

Here at SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County, we are here to help if your Cleveland home or business suffers from damage due to a fire. 

Reducing The Risk Of Fires In Your Home

1/27/2021 (Permalink)

Call our SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County Team for all of your fire damage needs.

Your home is your sanctuary. A place where your family spends time together and makes memories. That’s why it is so scary imagining your home getting damaged by an unfortunate fire. Although you can’t control everything that happens in your home, there are some necessary tips you can follow to prevent a possible house fire. Follow these tips below.

1. Regularly test your smoke alarms. Test your smoke alarms by pressing the button located on the smoke alarm, if it produces a weak beeping noise, it is time to replace the batteries.

2. Check your heating sources. Heating sources that aren’t working properly could potentially trigger a fire. Have them checked annually.

3. Maintain a clean oven and stove. Food particles left behind can get to hot on the burner or in the oven causing a potential fire. Make sure nothing is left too close to the stove that could catch fire.

4. Never leave your kitchen. Don’t leave your kitchen while cooking. It only takes a few seconds for a fire to break out. If you have to step out of the room, turn the burners off.

5. Check your dryer. Make sure to clean out your lint trap after every load of laundry. The build up of lint can cause a fire. Have your dryer inspected by a professional yearly.

6. Inspect your cords. Before plugging something in, inspect the cord to make sure it is not frayed or been chewed. Replace the cords as soon as possible if you notice that the wires have been damaged. Avoid running cords under a rug or between the wall and your furniture, it can get too hot causing a fire.

7. Store flammable products properly. Store common household cleaners and cosmetic items in a cool area. If they are exposed to high heat, they can combust.

8. Use caution with candles. Put candles out before you leave the room or go to sleep and make sure to keep them far away from blankets or any other objects that could catch fire. Place candles on an even surface to prevent them from being knocked over. Also keep them away from pets.

9. Use caution with your fireplace. Make sure there is a door between the flames and your flooring, you don’t want any sparks to escape. Allow enough time for the ashes to cool down before throwing them away.

10. Always have a fire extinguisher handy. When a fire breaks out, your best line of defense is a fire extinguisher. Make sure every family member knows how to use it properly in case of a fire.

Clogged Dryer Vents Can Cause Fires

1/22/2021 (Permalink)

Have Your Dryer Checked To Prevent A Fire

Most of us don’t think about maintenance on our clothes dryers, but we should! The U.S. Fire Administration reports that every year there are thousands of home fires started by clothes dryers. Lint and debris can build up in your dryer vent, reducing air flow to the dryer, backing up dryer exhaust gases, which can result in a fire hazard. It is recommended you have your dryer exhaust system cleaned at least twice a year.

How to tell if you dryer vent is clogged

• Normal drying cycle is not drying clothes
• If it takes more than 40 minutes to dry a load of clothes
• Clothes smell musty after normal cycle
• Clothes are hotter at the end of the cycle
• Large amount of lint accumulates in the lint trap
• Your laundry area is more humid
• Burnt smell in your laundry room
• Outside dryer vent cover is not lifting

What you can do to reduce the risk

• Clean your lint filter after each load of clothes
• Use dryer sheet and fabric softener sparingly
• Remove the back of the dryer to vacuum out lint that is trapped
• Keep area around dryer free of dust and debris
• The duct line that vents outside should be as short as possible

There are tips online on how to clean you dryer vent system, but it is recommended you hire a professional. The cost is $100 - $150 depending on the length and location of the vent. In addition to the reduced threat of fire, a cleaning can pay for itself in less than a year through the improved efficiency with less drying time required.

SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County is here for you should you do have a loss from a dryer vent fire. Please call 440-324-2620 for help.

Using A Fire Extinguisher

1/22/2021 (Permalink)

Fire extinguishers are required to be in every home, building and business to ensure our safety.

Fire Extinguishers are everywhere, but do we actually know how to use them. The majority of Americans admit to not knowing how to use a fire extinguisher even if they have one in their home. That is scary to think about considering a fire doubles every 60 seconds. You don’t want to be fumbling around reading instructions while your home is going up in flames. Follow the steps below to properly extinguish a fire.

Use the P.A.S.S. Technique

1. PULL → Pull the pin, breaking the tamper seal.
2. AIM → Aim low, point the nozzle of the fire extinguisher at the base of the fire.
3. SQUEEZE → Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent.
4. SWEEP → Sweep from side to side at the base of the fire until the fire appears to be out. Carefully watch the area. If the fire reignites itself, repeat steps 2 through 4.

We Are Here To Help After A Fire

1/13/2021 (Permalink)

Call our SERVPRO Team today!

Our SERVPRO Team knows that even the smallest of fires can create large amounts of smoke damage, and that damage isn’t just confined to the area of the fire. SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County understands that when your business or commercial property has been affected by a fire, you need help fast. When you call our SERVPRO Team, our highly trained professionals will be on site quickly to assess the damage and begin the process of getting your building up and running.

As small business owners, we understand that every hour you spend cleaning up after a fire means lost revenue and productivity. Our goal is to clean and restore your structure and contents quickly and efficiently so you can get back to doing what your business and building does best. 

If your business or commercial property has been impacted by fire or smoke damage, call SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County anytime, day or night at 440-324-2620. We are here to help you 24-7. Our SERVPRO Team makes your building "Like it never even happened."

How To Avoid A Contact Burn

2/4/2020 (Permalink)

Be careful around the stove when cooking!

This week is National Burn Awareness Week and SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County wants to make sure you and your family are safe when it comes to hot surfaces and objects. Follow the tips below!

DID YOU KNOW?

• According to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, in 2018 roughly 70,000 people went to the hospital emergency department because of contact burns.
• About one-third of the patients were children under the age of five

TIPS

• Supervise children around hot objects at all times.
• Stand at least 3 feet away from hot outdoor objects. Keep area clear of trip hazards. Limit alcohol consumption.
• Protect your feet from hot objects by wearing shoes when walking on hot pavement or sand. Keep pets off hot pavement too.
• Turn heating pads and blankets off before sleep.
• Have hot pads available whenever cooking. Long oven mitts are best when needing to reach in or over hot surfaces, such in an oven or over a grill. Assume all pots and pans are hot.
• Remember to treat items coming from the microwave as you would items from the oven. Limit microwave use by children.
• Unplug tools such as these when not in use, and always treat as if they are still hot. Keep out of reach of children.

The Do's And Don'ts Of Using Power Strips

1/22/2020 (Permalink)

If you experience an electrical fire caused by a power strip, call SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County for help.

With the endless amount of accessories, appliances, and tools that are becoming more and more common in your household, it can sure be a hassle figuring out where to plug all of them in at. Many homeowners find themselves always swapping plugs or using devices such as a power strip. While a power strip can help you out in many situations, it is the mistake of relying on them too much that causes problems. Follow these tips below to ensure your safety when using a power strip in your home.

• Use only light load appliances on power strips. That includes computers, lamps, clock, etc.
• Ensure that the power strip you purchase has an internal circuit breaker. This is a very important safety measure that is designed to prevent property loss and risks of fire.
• Use power strips sparingly. They aren't designed to maintain a load for an extended period of time, and can easily overheat quickly if used to often.
• DON'T plug a power strip into another power strip (term is called "daisy chaining"). Doing this will short out appliances and highly increase the risk of an electrical mishap.
• DON'T use power strips in moist or potentially moist areas. DON'T put them in kitchens, utility rooms or basements.
• DON'T continue to use a power strip if it feels hot.
• NEVER cover, staple, tack or nail a power strip to anything. Covering can smother the strip, and provide ample flammable material in the event of a power strip failure. Puncturing can harm the cords, making room for dangerous situations.

Cleaning Soot In Your Home

1/22/2020 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County for your soot removal needs.

As the temperature continues to drop, we often looks for ways to keep warm inside our homes. Whether that be to light candles, have a fire in the fireplace, or use a space heater. Unfortunately these heath sources can cause a fire if not monitored correctly. A fire then produces soot, a black residue that is left behind when various materials are burnt such as plastics, synthetics, foam and wood. Soot can have damaging effects on your home. While it is advised to leave it to the professionals to clean up soot, you can make the cleanup process easier by following these safety guidelines.

• During the first inspection of a soot damaged room, refrain from touching anything. This prevents soot to from getting in areas that were unaffected.
• The best method for soot cleanup is by using dry-cleaning sponge or chemical dry sponge. If you attempt a wet method, the soot will smear, leaving behind a hideous stain.
• Always wear protective gear, such as masks, gloves, and long clothing that covers the skin.
• To minimize the inhalation of soot particles, keep the room properly ventilated.
• For easier cleanup, clear the room of unnecessary debris.
• Use proper cleaning methods when removing soot from the walls. Most homeowners think soap and water will do the trick but improper cleaning can cause the damage to spread or get worse.

Leave it to the professionals. Call our SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County team for fire damage cleaning and restoration.

Stages Of A Fire

1/14/2020 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County if you experience an unexpected fire

A fire in your home or business never something you expect to experience. Which is why it is important to know the 4 stages of a fire to keep you safe.

Incipient: This first stage begins when heat, oxygen and a fuel source combine, having a chemical reaction resulting in a fire. It is also known as “ignition”. There is usually a small fire, which often goes out on its own, before the following stages are reached. During this stage, recognizing a fire so early is your best chance at suppression or escape.

Growth: This stage is where the structure’s fire load and oxygen are used as fuel for the fire. During the growth stage, there are multiple factors that affect the fire including where the fire started, what combustibles are nearby, ceiling height and the potential for “thermal layering”. This is stage is when a deadly “flashover” can occur’ potentially trapping, injuring, or killing firefighters.

Fully Developed: When the growth stage has reached its maximum and all nearby combustible materials have been ignited, the fire is considered fully developed. This is the hottest stage of a fire and the most dangerous for anyone trapped within.

Decay: The decay stage is the longest stage of a fire; it is characterized by a significant decrease in oxygen or fuel, putting an end to the fire. There are two common dangers during this stage. First, the existence of non-flaming combustibles that can potentially start a new fire if they are not fully extinguished. Second, there is a danger of a backdraft when oxygen is reintroduced to a volatile, confined space.

Fireplace Safety

1/14/2020 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County if you experience a fire caused by a fireplace in your home.

As the weather starts to get colder outside, you and your family often look for ways to stay warm inside, such as gathering around the fireplace. Unfortunately, fireplaces can be dangerous. Follow these tips to keep your family and home safe.

1. Keep a nearby window cracked open while the fire is burning, if possible.

2. Make sure the damper or flue is open before starting a fire. This allows the smoke to be drawn out of the house. You can check the damper by looking up the chimney with a flashlight. Do not close the damper until the embers have stopped burning completely.

3. In the fire, use dry and well-aged wood. Wet wood produces more smoke and contributes to soot buildup in the chimney. When the wood is dry it burns more evenly and produces less smoke.

4. Before starting a fire, clean out the ashes from any previous fires. The level of ash at the base of the fireplace should be 1 inch or less. Thicker layers of ash restrict the air supply to the logs, resulting in more smoke.

5. The chimney should be checked by a professional annually.

6. Even if your chimney is not due for cleaning, it is important to check for any blockages that could prevent smoke escaping.

7. Clear the area around the fireplace of anything that is potentially flammable. If these items get too close to the fireplace, they could catch fire.

8. If you have a switch on the wall that turns on your fireplace, consider covering the switch to prevent children from turning the gas or fireplace on.

9. Never leave an active fire in the fireplace unattended. Before going to bed or leaving the house, make sure the fire is completely out. Never leave children unattended around a fire.

10. Place fireplace tools and accessories out of reach of children.

12. Always have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors located throughout your home. Test them monthly and change the batteries at least once a year.
13. Always keep a fire extinguisher on hand.

Contents Overlook In A Fire

1/7/2020 (Permalink)

All contents in this home had to be cleaned by our team from the amount of soot build up on each item.

Contents are often easily overlooked in a fire. Most homeowners or tenants, are worried about the damage and devastation that a fire calls to the property. They’re worried about their couch, they are worried about their vehicle and their wallet, but it’s easy to forget many of the little things that can add up and cost a lot of money to a customer. Here at SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County, we make every effort possible to restore every item an article in your home or property that has been damaged or effected by a fire. This includes all of your electronics, DVD collections, clothes, shoes and all other personal items and keepsakes that can be restored. We know that our customers are in an uncomfortable situation with any type of loss, so that’s where SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County comes in to deal help you deal with the devastation of your loss. We are #HereToHelp 

Holiday Lights Safety

1/3/2020 (Permalink)

If you experience a fire due to holiday lights, call SERVPRO of Southern Lorain County.

Putting up holiday lights on the outside of your home can be pretty to look at but there are safety tips you should follow to ensure the pretty lights don't end up damaging your home.

• Inspect the light strings. Throw away any strings of light if they are damaged. Frayed or cracked electrical cords or broken sockets are big fire hazards.
• Replace burned out bulbs. Empty sockets can cause the entire string to overheat causing a potential fire.
• Outdoor lighting is UL-Rated for external use. Exterior and interior lights are not the same. Exterior lights should be weather resistant. The same follows with extensions cords being used outdoors.
• Don't nail or staple light strings. Attaching light strings by nailing or stapling them can cut through the wire insulation, creating a fire hazard. Use only UL approved hangers.
• Take down exterior lights within 90 days. The longer you have your lights up, the more likely they are to suffer damage from weather or critters chewing on them.
• Safely store lights during off season. Tangled lights can lead to damaged cords and broken sockets. When you are putting your lights away, coil each string loosely around a stiff piece of cardboard, wrap them in paper, and store them in a sturdy container to protect the bulbs.