Embrace Cozy Comfort Safely: 13 Tips for Fireplace Fire Safety

10/23/2023 (Permalink)

As the crisp autumn air sets in and winter's chill approaches, there's nothing quite like the warmth and ambiance of an indoor fireplace.

However, enjoying your fireplace responsibly is essential, ensuring comfort and safety. Here's your comprehensive guide to fireplace fire safety this fall and winter:

1. Chimney Inspection: Before using your fireplace for the season, have your chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional sweep. Creosote buildup in the chimney can pose a significant fire hazard.

2. Use a Spark Screen: Install a spark screen or glass doors to prevent sparks or embers from escaping the fireplace and potentially igniting flammable materials in your home.

3. Clear the Area: Keep flammable items, such as curtains, decorations, or furniture, safe from the fireplace. Maintain a clear zone of at least three feet around the hearth.

4. Burn Only Seasoned Wood: Use dry, seasoned firewood to minimize creosote buildup in the chimney. Avoid burning green wood, treated wood, or trash, as these can release harmful chemicals and create more creosote.

5. Inspect Your Fireplace Grate: Check the fireplace grate for any damage or wear and tear. A sturdy and functional grate helps contain burning logs and prevents rolling embers from escaping.

6. Properly Dispose of Ashes: Allow ashes to cool completely before disposing of them in a metal container with a lid. Place the container away from your home or any flammable materials.

7. Keep Children and Pets Safe: Supervise children and pets around the fireplace. Use a safety gate to create a barrier if necessary. Teach kids about the dangers of an open flame and the importance of staying away from the fireplace.

8. Practice Safe Ignition: Use proper ignition methods like kindling and fire starters. Avoid using flammable liquids to start a fire, leading to dangerous flare-ups.

9. Monitor the Fire: Never leave a fire unattended. Be sure to extinguish it thoroughly before leaving the room or going to bed.

10. Maintain Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Ensure that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors function correctly. Replace batteries as needed.

11. Have a Fire Extinguisher: Keep a fire extinguisher within easy reach of the fireplace. Familiarize yourself with how to use it.

12. Regular Maintenance: Periodically check your fireplace, hearth, and chimney for any signs of damage or deterioration. Address any issues promptly to maintain safety.

13. Professional Inspection: Consider an annual professional inspection of your fireplace and chimney to identify and address potential safety concerns.

By following these fireplace safety tips, you can fully enjoy the warmth and charm of your indoor fireplace this fall and winter while keeping your home and loved ones safe. Make safety a top priority to ensure a cozy and risk-free experience.

3 Things That Must Go After a Fire

9/15/2022 (Permalink)

After a fire, there are some items you may be able to salvage and restore. However, there are other items that you should throw away. If you’re not sure what is worth keeping and what you should get rid of, check out these three suggestions:

1. Makeup. After spending hundreds of dollars on the best foundations, concealers, and eyeshadow palettes, no one wants to trash some of their most valuable makeup. Unfortunately, the makeup you’d normally wear may no longer be in such good condition due to the high flame heat. Some of these products may have melted and are no longer usable.

2. Medication. If your medicine cabinet was slightly destroyed by the fire and smoke in the home, throw away the medication and talk to your physician about getting refills. Most physicians understand situations like this because it’s not safe to take medication that has been exposed to such heat in the first place.

3. Food. If food smells like smoke and soot is on it, toss it in the trash. You may not like wasting food you’ve purchased, but it’s simply not safe to eat any contaminated food due to the chemicals commonly used to put out fires. You never know if those chemicals are on certain products, such as your bread, crackers, and even your box of cereal, so don’t take any risks.

Advice from American Red Cross

10/26/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage? We can help!

Great Advice from American Red Cross!

Did you know:

• Every day 7 people die in the United States due to a home fire
• You have two minutes- that 120 seconds – to escape a home fire
• On an annual average, the Ohio Buckeye Region of the Red Cross responds to over 3 home fires per day in 45 counties!

The American Red Cross cares about your safety and encourages you to test your smoke alarms and replace your batteries as needed.  This is a lifesaving action of our Home Fire Preparedness Campaign, which rallies communities across the country to protest people from these every day disasters. Don't ignore the beeping sound of batteries going dead on a fire alarm, take a few minutes and go change the batteries right away! Your safety is in your own hands!

Understanding Fire Extinguishers

10/18/2021 (Permalink)

If a fire occurs in your home or business, give us a call!

Fires most often erupt without warning, and double in size within seconds - knowing what to do and how to do it is critical when faced with this emergency situation. Understanding types of fires, fire extinguisher coding and proper usage is a cornerstone in life safety and property damage minimization. The type of combustible material determines the fire classification and fire extinguisher codes correspond to fire classifications.

Fire Classes and Corresponding Fire Extinguisher Codes

• Class (A) Fire is a fire with a combustible material of wood, paper, plastic or clothing. It is generally the easiest fire to put out.  A Class (A) fire can be extinguished with water or foam.  A Class (A) fire extinguisher will put out these fires
• Class (B) Fire has a combustible material of oil, grease, gas or alcohol. A Class (B) Fire cannot be extinguished with water.  The use of water will cause the fire to spread by causing the combustible material to splatter or lift above the water.  Many injuries have occurred to people improperly extinguishing a grease fire.  A Class (B) Fire extinguisher uses dry foam or carbon dioxide to suppress the fire.
• Class (C) Fire is an electrical fire. Electrical fires can be caused by a malfunctioning appliance, faulty wiring, or an overloaded outlet.  This type of fire cannot be extinguished with water.  Water will intensify the fire because it conducts electricity.  A Class (C) fire is suppressed with carbon dioxide or dry powder.
• Class D Fire has combustible metals as its material source. A Class (D) fire is extinguished with dry powder.  The dry powder removes the fuel from the oxygen and extinguishes the fire.  A Class (D) fire is not common in homes.

The best type of fire extinguisher to purchase for home use is an A, B, C extinguisher.  This multipurpose extinguisher can put out most common fires.  Once purchased, place your extinguishers in highly visible areas.  Check the gauge of the extinguisher monthly to make sure they are properly pressurized.  Replace them if not.

How to use a fire extinguisher – Use the acronym PASS:

• Pull the pin.
• Aim nozzle at the base of the flames
• Squeeze the nozzle
• Sweep back and forth until flames are extinguished

      (If flames reignite, repeat the process.)

Fire Safety Tips for Your Business

7/12/2021 (Permalink)

Fire Safety Tips for Your Business

Remove Clutter That Could Potentially Fuel a Fire

Keep your working areas clear of paper, trash and anything else that could act as kindling for a potential fire. You should make your garbage cans easily accessible, and be sure to empty them regularly. Similarly, you should make a conscious effort to ensure that there are no obstacles blocking access to emergency exits. Overall, you should perform a close inspection of your workspaces with an eye toward removing anything that could create sparks or fuel a fire.

Pay Special Attention to Extension Cords and Frayed Wiring

Extension cords are a common fire hazard because they're not intended for permanent use. The extension must be properly rated for the intended use, or it can cause frayed and exposed wires, thereby creating a fire hazard. Many local fire codes require extension cords to have surge protectors in case electrical circuits get overloaded. These surge protectors will automatically shut the power off if the electricity shorts out. To be on the safe side, you should always try to plug items directly into wall outlets, rather than relying on extension cords. And if you do have to use extension cords, you should inspect your wiring at least once a month to identify and fix any frayed wiring.

Escape Routes and Meeting Places: Determine and mark the fastest and safest paths to safety. Post maps (with “you are here” marks) in breakrooms and near exits — which should be clearly indicated with signs. Put up reminders that elevators cannot be used during most emergencies. Check emergency lighting in stairwells and make sure they aren’t used as storage areas. Create a procedure for evacuating employees and patrons with special needs, especially if the escape route includes stairs. Select a meeting place far enough away from the building to allow full access to the property by firefighters and other emergency personnel.

Emergency Procedures: Make sure employees know that the safety officer is in charge during emergencies. Identify by name and title (whenever possible) the people responsible for contacting the fire department, accounting for employees at the meeting place and assisting emergency personnel with information on equipment or chemicals housed in the building. Keep an up-to-date list of emergency contact information. Outline who notifies the next of kin of injured parties, and designate one person to notify emergency responders of people still in the office or unaccounted for.

Most “business and mercantile” fires occurred when the premises were less populated. One-third of the fires (31 percent) occurred between 7:00 pm and 7:00 am, but created two-thirds (67 percent) of the direct property damage. Nineteen percent occurred on weekends and created 31 percent of the damage. A lot of fires also broke out between noon and 2:00 pm.

Twenty-nine percent of commercial blazes were caused by cooking equipment and resulted in 6 percent of the direct property damage; 22 percent began in the kitchen or cooking area, causing just one percent of direct damage.

Prevent

• Follow manufacturers’ recommendations for maximum volt/wattage load for surge protectors, power strips and adapters, and ask your electrician to periodically inspect these items and outlets for potential overload
• Replace frayed power cords; never run them under rugs or carpeting, use cord protectors instead
• Unplug appliances (coffeemakers, microwaves) and other equipment not in use at the end of the day and over the weekend
• Replace appliances that feel warm or hot to touch
• Ask the fire marshal to inspect chemical and equipment storage areas periodically to ensure proper ventilation and stowage
• Store hazardous materials according to manufacturers’ instructions and OSHA regulations. Clearly mark these items to help emergency personnel identify and stabilize them
• Don’t prop fire doors open or block exits with furniture or boxes
• Don’t allow paper and other trash to accumulate outside of garbage or recycling receptacles, and never store this material near hot equipment, electrical outlets or the smoking areas
• Don’t permit employees to burn candles, scented oils, etc., even in their personal work areas
• Following the four P’s is the best way to protect your business and your employees.

Warm Weather and Fire Damage

7/9/2021 (Permalink)

Call us for all your fire damage needs!

Rainy, cold and dreary weather is finally gone, and the warmer months are here for a while! Thinking about warmer weather can be exciting, but it’s also a time to think about fire safety for your home or business.

Did you know that spring and summer sees more daily fires on average than any other time of year? It’s true, but there are steps you can take to lower your risk.

Here are some common fire threats and ways to protect yourself:

The grill. Almost 9,000 fires a year are related to grilling accidents. They create the perfect combination of flames, heat, grease, and gas, which can make things escalate quickly. Make sure you are taking care of the essentials to help prevent a fire. Verify that the grill is in good working condition, have it placed at least three feet away from everything and clean it before each use. Cleaning the grill before each use is critical because [almost 20% of grill fires are due to poor cleaning]. (https://hgi-fire.com/blog/spring-has-sprung-fires-safety-tips-for-the-warmer-months/).

Fire pits. Campfire accidents spike as soon as summer rolls around. Usually burns account for three out of four camping injuries in children younger than 16. So, never leave your children unattended near a fire pit. It’s also a good idea to keep a bucket of water or drag a water hose close to the pit. You should never add leaves or pine needles to the fire, and finally, put the fire out slowly to avoid scattering embers.

Chimneys and dryer vents. Warmer months are the perfect time to do your annual chimney inspection. Having your chimney inspected and cleaned helps avoid a potentially dangerous buildup of ashes. Another yearly maintenance service to consider is having your dryer vent pipe cleaned out. Lint, even if you clean the filter in the dryer every time, can build up quickly in the pipes.

At SERVPRO, we have technicians on hand 24/7! These technicians are ready and waiting, no matter the cause of fire, to help you have it cleaned up. Contact SERVPRO of Southern and Central Jefferson County today to talk with a specialist.

How to Select the Right Fire Damage Restoration Company

7/8/2021 (Permalink)

Fires can be incredibly destructive. Still, people underestimate what water and flame retardants to extinguish the blaze can do. These elements require a different approach when it comes to fire and smoke restoration and cleanup.

Because of the critical role a fire restoration company plays in ensuring your home or business recovers, it’s vital to find the right one. Knowing what to look for can make the choice easier in an already stressful time. 

Here are some of the primary elements to look for when choosing a fire damage restoration company:

Certifications

Certification is one of the essential factors to consider when choosing a fire restoration company. Make sure they have all the necessary state and local certifications that will legally allow them to provide restoration services and that they are valid. 

Look for an IICRC Certification in particular, but there may be additional certifications for other services provided by the same company. Examples of these services include commercial and structural drying and mold remediation.

Expertise

Besides having the proper certification, the company's employees should also be fully licensed and well-trained fire-damage experts, able to handle a wide range of scenarios.

While expertise is needed, hands-on experience is also very important. Every case of fire damage needs care since incorrect assumptions early on can prolong or derail the restoration process. With experienced professionals like the professionals at SERVPRO, such misconceptions are less likely to happen.

Make sure that the fire restoration company you choose has more than enough experience and has handled their fair share of restoration projects.

Reviews

You can get first-hand information from the company's reviews regarding their experiences working with each particular fire restoration company. You can also ask for recommendations from other sources, such as your insurance agent or adjuster.

Rather than fixating on a single negative or positive review, look for a pattern. Even the best companies have a few outliers in their feedback profiles.

Explore Specialties

Different fire restoration companies have different areas they specialize in. Every belonging to be restored is made of different materials and textiles so the company should handle and treat them accordingly. Determine your priorities, and ask the company about their strengths of restoring similar items. 

Recovery time

Seconds can make the difference between being able to restore an item and having to replace it. Some items are sentimental and really can’t be duplicated or repurchased. Choose a company that offers quick response times. They should also provide sound advice on the actions to take when salvaging possessions from a fire. SERVPRO thoroughly documents non-salvageable items.

Detailed Schedule

A good fire restoration company should provide an in-depth, estimated completion date and a clear and defined schedule of the steps their team will take during the recovery process.

Storage Facilities

Some companies offer storage facilities. If they do, find out more information about those facilities such as storage space and other conditions like security and temperature control. Likewise, inquire whether the company provides packing services and how accurate they are at keeping records. This is something SERVPRO spends time doing right the first time, to avoid any issues for our customers later on!

Costs

Most fire restoration companies will provide a free initial consultation regarding the work to be done. While these costs typically vary based on the extent of damage, having an estimate allows you to pick the option that falls closer to the amount you are willing to spend.

With these few factors and considerations, you should be able to pick a fire restoration company that can meet your expectations. SERVPRO of Southern and Central Jefferson County is the industry leader.

Why SERVPRO?

Our services include mold removal, commercial cleaning services, building restoration services, and more, to ensure you can get your home or business back to normal with a single phone call.

SERVPRO of Southern and Central Jefferson County should be your first choice for any residential or commercial restoration needs. Our team of professionals is trained to assess the damage and potential threats, extract and contain the affected area, dry, and restore your property to preloss condition. 

SERVPRO of Southern and Central Jefferson County is available 24/7 by calling 636-467-5444.

4th of July

6/22/2021 (Permalink)

Have a safe 4th of July!

With the fourth of July right around the corner, we want to remind you of these fireworks safety tips from the National Council on Fireworks Safety. We hope you have a great, safe, fourth of July!

Recommended Safety Tips

• Obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks.
• Know your fireworks; read the cautionary labels and performance descriptions before igniting.
• A responsible adult SHOULD supervise all firework activities.  Never give fireworks to children.
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix.  Save your alcohol for after the show.
• Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks.
• Light one firework at a time and then quickly move away.
• Use fireworks OUTDOORS in a clear area; away from buildings and vehicles.
• Never relight a “dud” firework.  Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
• Always have a bucket of water and charged water hose nearby.
• Never carry fireworks in your POCKET or shoot them into METAL or GLASS containers.
• Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.
• Dispose of spent fireworks by wetting them down and place in a metal trash can away from any building or combustible materials until the next day.
• FAA regulations PROHIBIT the possession and transportation of fireworks in your checked baggage or carry-on luggage.
• Report illegal explosives, like M-80s and quarter sticks, to the fire or police department.

And let’s not forget the safety of our pets!

• Don’t bring your pets to a fireworks display, even a small one.
• If fireworks are being used near your home, put your pet in a safe, interior room to avoid exposure to the sound.
• Make sure your pet has an identification tag, in case it runs off during a fireworks display.
• Never shoot fireworks of any kind (consumer fireworks, sparklers, fountains, etc.) near pets.

Don't let a fire get you down!

10/14/2020 (Permalink)

Call us anytime at 636-467-5444 for all your fire damage needs.

At SERVPRO® our priority is returning damaged property and items to their preloss condition. Whether natural or man-made, a disaster at one of your client’s facilities needs to be handled by professionals who understand the importance of your tenants’ safety. At SERVPRO® our teams are trained in helping manage both commercial and multi-family properties during the recovery process while maintaining the security and safety of the facility and tenants. Our professionals work hard and fast to minimize the interruptions for your tenants’ daily operations.

Emergency Fire Damage Tips

• Keep hands clean.
• Limit movement in the home to prevent further damage.
• Place dry, colorfast towels or old linens on carpeted traffic areas to prevent more soiling.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
• Wipe soot from chrome on faucets and appliances then protect with a light coating of lubricant.
• Do not attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting a SERVPRO® professional.
• Do not attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture without first consulting a SERVPRO® professional.
• Do not attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire or water without consulting a repair service.

Call SERVPRO of Southern and Central Jefferson County at 636-467-5444.

Advice from American Red Cross

10/14/2020 (Permalink)

Fire damage? We can help!

Great Advice from American Red Cross!

Did you know:

• Every day 7 people die in the United States due to a home fire
• You have two minutes- that 120 seconds – to escape a home fire
• On an annual average, the Ohio Buckeye Region of the Red Cross responds to over 3 home fires per day in 45 counties!

The American Red Cross cares about your safety and encourages you to test your smoke alarms and replace your batteries as needed.  This is a lifesaving action of our Home Fire Preparedness Campaign, which rallies communities across the country to protest people from these every day disasters. Don't ignore the beeping sound of batteries going dead on a fire alarm, take a few minutes and go change the batteries right away! Your safety is in your own hands!

Kitchen Safety Tips to Prevent a Kitchen Fire

7/13/2020 (Permalink)

Fire damage from an industrial meat smoker.

We all look forward to cooking a wonderful meal with our loved ones, especially recently when we are spending a lot of time together. You should always practice fire safety in the kitchen so that you can prevent a fire from occurring. Kitchen fires are sadly quite common, and fire damage can be costly; a single fire may cause hundreds if not thousands of dollars in fire damage and can put those you love at risk. Here are some fire prevention tips from SERVPRO of Southern and Central Jefferson County for your kitchen:

Keep Your Kitchen Clean

Before you even begin to prep for the meal, ensure that the entire kitchen is clean by clearing all grime from the oven, washing the microwave, and making sure the floors are swept. Also make sure that there’s nothing flammable near your stove or oven. Leftover food particles and grease can start a fire before you know it. Towels and potholders too near a flame can catch fire and spread quickly. A clean, uncluttered kitchen is a safe kitchen.

Protect Yourself While Cooking

When cooking, make sure to wear the right clothing. Don’t wear anything with dangling loose sleeves that could catch fire. Oven mitts are a must when you bring things out of the stove, too. Hot pots, pans, and utensils can catch other items on fire, so prepare a place to put them after you bring them out. Clear an area for hot items, and make sure the surface is clean and dry. 

Be Careful with Children in the Kitchen

Mealtime brings the kids into the kitchen, and they will enjoy help you by performing simple tasks, such as helping to get things out of the fridge. You can use this time to teach them fire safety and to ensure that they know to keep away from stoves and any other place where there might be live flames. Knowledge is one of the best fire prevention tools out there.

Properly Store Kitchen Items and Cleaners

One of the best ways to help prevent fires in your kitchen is to store all chemicals like solvents away from any heat source. Many people keep cleaning supplies under the sink which is fine (protected from little ones, of course). Or you can keep cleaning fluids on shelving that is protected far away from the stove and range, and make sure that any pots you are using have all handles away from everyone in the kitchen. Knocking a burning pot or pan onto the floor or a person can cause serious injuries and start a fire quickly. 

Kitchen fires can happen fast, even when you’re using all the right precautions. If you experience a kitchen fire, contact SERVPRO of Southern and Central Jefferson County to help restore your kitchen back to normal. We’re here 24/7 to serve you! Call us at 636-467-5444.

Dealing with Smoke Damage After a Fire

7/10/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke damage? No problem.

When a fire happens to your commercial property, there is a lot to handle. One aspect that is not immediately obvious is the task of smoke cleaning. This is an important step that should not be skipped, so be sure to add it to your to-do list.

What It Harms

Smoke damage doesn't just mean seeing some dark smudges on the ceiling. Smoke and soot spread quickly and can manifest on almost everything in your building. It will affect different items and surfaces in different ways. Some common problem areas can include:

• electronics
• documents
• furniture
• fabric materials
  

How It's Cleaned

Depending on what needs cleaning, there can be a method for every scenario. Specific items, such as those listed above, each require their own customized type of smoke cleaning, that should be conducted by a qualified remediation specialist. Surfaces such as walls and solid furniture can handle a process of dry to wet cleaning. For upholstery and fabric than will shrink if exposed to wet cleaning, there is an option called foam cleaning. Immersive cleaning is a form of wet cleaning in which smaller objects can be totally sunk into a cleaning solution. The list goes on for many more categories.

How It's Reported

If you've hired a smoke odor and cleaning service, they most likely can help you with your insurance claim, as well. You will probably need to inventory all your content that has been damaged by fire or smoke, and gather all you can to verify each item's value. Then you can contact your insurance to determine your coverage. If you don't already have coverage, this moment would also be a good time to consider adding it.

Fire damage is a dynamic problem that needs to be approached from multiple angles. One of these angles that shouldn't be dismissed is that of smoke cleaning. Smoke damage can hinder functionality and cause a strong odor. Give it proper attention for a complete rehabilitation of your commercial property.

Dryer Fires

7/6/2020 (Permalink)

Lint build up? Call us 636-467-5444.

According to FEMA, failure to clean home dryers causes 34% of home dryer fires.  Home dryer fires cause $35 million in property loss and can also lead to injury or death.

To reduce the risk of these fires happening in you or your insured's home or business, SERVPRO of Southern and Central Jefferson County can help clean dryer vents and ducts that may have lint build up.

Other tips for keeping your dryer vents clean from the National Fire Protection Agency include cleaning the lint filter before and after each load, and making sure the outdoor vent flap will open, and is not restricted by snow, a bird's nest, or any other potential obstacles.

If you have a need for your dryer vents to be cleaned, contact the cleaning professionals at your local SERVPRO. We can be reached 24/7 at 636-467-5444.

Fire Extinguishers

6/30/2020 (Permalink)

Fire damage? Call us!

Having a fire extinguisher in your home can help you increase your chances of escaping from a fire. With so many products on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. Use this guide and talk with a residential fire cleanup expert to figure out which extinguisher you should stock.

Size

This fire preparedness tool comes in a variety of sizes. The size you want to get depends on where in the house you want to keep it.

• 2-pound: This small extinguisher is perfect for on the go. You can keep it in the trunk of your car to help prepare you for any situation. Some small models come with mounting hardware, so you can keep it in one place.
• 5-pound: This rechargeable model works well in fire-hazard areas in the home. Consider keeping it near your kitchen or laundry room, so it's easily accessible.
• 10-pound: This larger fire extinguisher is ideal for parts of the home that are left unattended for periods of time. The size means there's more fire suppressant chemicals, which can help dampen a fire that went unnoticed for a bit. Keep this size in a garage, shed or workshop.

As you consider the size of your extinguisher, you also need to think about your personal capabilities. If you would struggle to lift and use a 10-pound extinguisher, it might not be the right option for you.

Classification

You also have to think about the classification of the extinguisher. Residential products come in three classes: A, B and C. The A classification means the suppressant will work well on trash, wood and paper. B means the extinguisher can help put out a home fire caused by grease or liquids. C usually means it's suited for electrical fires.

Read the label of your fire extinguisher closely to make sure you have a unit that can work well in your home. Consider both size and classification before you buy your next fire dampening tool.

Effective Ways to Combat Odors After Fire Damage

7/15/2019 (Permalink)

Disasters in your Festus home can be challenging to overcome, even with the most dedicated of work on your part or those that offer to help. Many situations leave their primary effects which can prove overwhelming enough to overcome, but also have secondary effects that can be equally concerning to resolve. In a situation like a fire in your house, you not only have the immediate structural concerns to contend with, but you also have secondary effects like smoke and soot damages. 

Fire damages rarely become the responsibility of the homeowner to resolve. From the moment that the first responders leave the scene, you speak to the insurance provider covering your home and find out the details you need to get in order to file a claim that funds the restoration. Professionals like our SERVPRO of Southern and Central Jefferson County team can arrive quickly to begin assessing the damage and determining what needs to occur to make the situation “Like it never even happened.” 

While you might be the most concerned about the pressing structural concerns that occur from the widespread fire that had recently gotten extinguished, several secondary effects could pose a threat to those within the house such as smoke damages. This often presents itself as an odor that spreads well beyond the immediately affected areas of your house and contents, thus requiring specialized equipment from our SERVPRO professionals to overcome.  

Addressing this effect is one of the last steps in the restoration process, and it involves setting up equipment like thermal foggers to break up the odor on a molecular level. The odorless chemical solution removes the harsh scent from the atmosphere, and can also get safely used on embedded odors within fabrics, furniture, and drapery. 

While smoke damages might not top the list of your primary concerns when it comes to dealing with the effects of a fire in your home, this is an essential part of the complete restoration process for our technicians. Our SERVPRO Southern and Central Jefferson County team is ready to help overcome all of the effects of the disaster as quickly as possible. 

Our highly trained technicians are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week to assist in any fire emergency you may have. Call us today! (636)467-5444

SERVPRO Candle Safety Tips

7/15/2019 (Permalink)

There is something calming about candles. They look pretty and enhance the ambiance in a room, they give off a fragrant smell that can be luring, but they can also be the cause to a house fire. 

According to the National Fire Protection Association, 3 out of every 5 candle fires started when they were placed next to something that can burn, such as furniture, bedding, or decorations. Review the tips below to prevent any house fires caused by a nice smelling candle:

• Blow out candles before leaving a room or going to bed
• Keep candles one foot away from anything that can burn
• Use a sturdy candle holder, that will not tip over easily
• Put candle holders on a sturdy and uncluttered surface
• Light candles carefully, keep your hair and any loose clothing away from the flame
• Do not let the candle burn all the way to the bottom; put it out before it gets too close to the container or holder
• You should not light a candle if oxygen is used in the home
• During a power outage, use a flashlight or battery-operated lighting instead of a candle

Although candles can add to the décor in the room, they can also add danger. Remember candles are an open flame which means they can easily ignite. Create an environment that is safe for your home, use alternatives to prevent any candle fires in homes like using flameless candles. As always, remember SERVPRO of Southern and Central Jefferson County is here to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! (636) 467-5444. 

The Insurance Industry Chooses SERVPRO

7/11/2019 (Permalink)

Why Many Insurance Carriers And Adjusters Use SERVPRO

SERVPRO of Southern and Central Jefferson County has worked with many insurance agents and claim adjusters. We understand your situation. As an agent or adjuster, you have a responsibility to keep claim costs down while providing the best services possible for your clients. Here are a few reasons why so many insurance agents and adjusters trust us:

Fast Emergency Response
Restoring commercial or residential property is the first priority at SERVPRO of Southern and Central Jefferson County. Your insurance client will appreciate our immediate response and you will know we’re doing everything we can to limit the damage and the costs.

Pretesting Reduces Claims Expense
Like insurance agents and claim adjusters, we know restoring property is less expensive than replacing property. Our goal is always to restore whenever possible and replace only when necessary. That’s why SERVPRO of Southern and Central Jefferson County performs pretesting on every loss so we can determine if it can be restored.

Claims Inventory Service
SERVPRO of Southern and Central Jefferson County can provide insurance agents and claim adjusters with an itemized loss inventory. We give you a report and pictures of important items. Your work is made simpler and clearer because we provide you with a complete and accurate picture of the incident.

Serving Adjusters and Your Clients
A SERVPRO of Southern and Central Jefferson County professional's job is to reassure your clients, perform quality service, and report to you quickly. We know your job is to interpret the policy and adjust the claim. We don’t want you to have to deal with problems from vendors. Working with you, we strive to save you time so you can focus on priority files, while having complete control of every loss you’re assigned. We offer you 24-hour emergency response, damage mitigation, loss assessment, and an electronic file within hours. SERVPRO of Southern and Central Jefferson County's documented, measured performance increases value for you, your agency, your managers, and your clients.

Here To Help 
The job of SERVPRO of Southern and Central Jefferson County is to reassure the customer, provide excellent service and communicate with the insurance agents and adjusters quickly. We work together with the agents to provide quick and effective property restoration and make it “Like it never even happened.” We are a one-stop shop for all of your needs!

Call SERVPRO of Southern and Central Jefferson County at (636) 467-5444.

Ways to Prevent a Fire Disaster

6/13/2019 (Permalink)

Every business may have some level of fire risk. This risk may be higher or lower depending on whether the buildings only have electrical devices and heating equipment or specialized machinery. There are a few fire preparation measures that property owners, employers, and staff can take to prevent fire damage. SERVPRO of Southern and Central Jefferson County suggest taking these four disaster preparation measures today to lower your risk.

Keep the Workplace Clean

Clutter can close off evacuation routes and feed a fire. Try to reduce the number of boxes, papers, or other materials that are left lying around a workplace. It is also a good idea to properly dispose of all waste, especially flammable materials.

Maintain Fire Safety Equipment

Regular maintenance can prevent malfunction and reduce fire risks whether a business only has standard office machines or additional machinery. Employees should be made aware of potential overheating dangers and monitor the status of equipment. Have a licensed electrician fix any problems that arise to reduce the risk posed by faulty wiring. Property owners can also regularly test fire suppression systems and ensure that fire extinguishers are frequently inspected and ready for use. 

Post Emergency Information

One of the most critical fire preparation steps is to ensure that emergency numbers are posted in convenient locations. Managers and employees should be familiar with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines for fire safety in the workplace. Property owners may also want to schedule fire drill and tutorials on using extinguishers.

Provide Smoking Areas

Provide designated outdoor smoking areas and make sure that there are safe receptacles for smoldering cigarettes in these areas. Consider a self-extinguishing design that will hide unsightly cigarette butts and reduce the risk of fire.

Taking these fire preparation steps can prevent a workplace disaster. If a structure sustains fire damage, rely on the areas best commercial fire restoration and reconstruction company. SERVPRO of Southern and Central Jefferson County (636) 467-5444

Teaching Children About Fire Safety

7/12/2018 (Permalink)

Fire Prevention Week was established to remember the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which began on October 8. Use these worksheets, activities, and lessons to teach your students/child(ren) about fire safety and prevention. Prepare your students/child(ren) for emergency situations with worksheets and literature on fire readiness. October is Fire Prevention Month, but any time of the year is appropriate to enjoy these resources.

Please visit: https://www.teachervision.com/emergency/teacher-resources/47554.html

1. Go to a firefighter in an emergency. Young children may be scared the first time they see a firefighter in full gear. Explain to children

• What firefighters wear and why.
• How a firefighter can help if there is a fire.

Contact your local fire station to arrange a tour. The children can learn about equipment and become familiar with what firefighters look like and what they do. Or invite firefighters to your classroom so they can put on their gear in front of the children, explain their jobs, and answer children’s questions.

2. Crawl low under smoke.

• Tell children that some fires make lots of smoke, which is dangerous to breathe.
• Show them the safe way to respond when a room fills with smoke: get down on your hands and knees, keep your head up, and crawl outside.
• Ask children to practice with you.  Lead them in crawling across the room with their heads up. Repeat frequently to help children remember this important safety strategy.

3. Stop, drop, and roll. When children’s clothes catch fire, their first reaction may be to run. This can make the fire spread faster. Show children the safest way to respond:  

• Stop, cover your face, get down on the ground, and roll from side to side until you smother the fire.
• Ask children to practice with you a few times and then split them into pairs. Children can take turns demonstrating to their partners. Repeat frequently to help children learn to stop, drop, and roll automatically.

4. Tell a grown-up. Emphasize to children that matches and lighters are tools that only adults use.

• Tell children that they should not play with or even touch these materials.
• Explain that if they find a match or lighter, they should tell a grown-up immediately.
• Role-play with children in small groups about what to do when they find these types of materials.

Visit www.playsafebesafe.com to learn about the play safe! be safe! program workshops, access free activities for children, and order a low-cost multimedia kit that includes a teacher manual and a DVD with fire-safety lessons.

Mapping Out Your Escape Plan: Multi- Family Dwelling

7/12/2018 (Permalink)

Did you know that if a fire starts in your home, you'll have just two minutes to escape? That's why it's important to have working smoke alarms in your home, develop an escape plan and practice that plan. Practice your plan until everyone in the household can evacuate in less than two minutes. Test smoke alarms every month and replace the batteries as needed. Consider placing escape ladders in rooms on upper floors. Identify two exits from every room. Install smoke alarms on every level of the home, including inside and outside each bedroom and in the basement.

Tips for creating and practicing your escape plan:

• Everyone in your household should know two ways to escape from each room in your home.
• Decide where to meet once you get outside.
• If a fire starts, you may have just two minutes to get to safety. So time your fire drills and find out: what’s your escape time?
• Smoke is dangerous. Practice low crawling.
• Teach household members what to do if their clothes catch fire: stop, drop and roll.

Fire Tips

7/12/2018 (Permalink)

Most people think that they can clean up the mess after a fire occurs. In fact cleaning yourself without the proper tools can actually make matter worse. SERVPRO of Southern and Central Jefferson County has all the tools to help you get your home or business "Like it never even happened." Down below are the do's and don't's after a fire. Following these do's and don't's will help restore your valuables as best as possible

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 us.

• Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.

• Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.

• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.

Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor. Our crews at SERVPRO of Southern and Central Jefferson County have the right knowledge and equipment to clean all of your valuables the right way with out causing damage.

Great Ball of Fire

7/12/2018 (Permalink)

On August 21, 2017, our region will experienced a total solar eclipse. This type of eclipse is when the sun, moon, and earth align so that the moon casts a shadow on the earth. We are in its direct path and will have a prime viewing opportunity.

The Great Ball of Fire

According to NinePlanets.org, the temperature of the sun’s surface is about 5800 Kelvin—or 9980 degrees Fahrenheit. That is roughly nine times hotter than the average house fire, which burns at 1100 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the National Institute of Fire and Safety Training. A lot of damage can occur at that temperature.

Here to Help

SERVPRO of Southern and Central Jefferson County is your local professional fire restoration team. When the fire trucks are gone and you find yourself stressed and confused, know that SERVPRO® is here to help. More so than even help cleaning up the fire damage, you need someone who cares for your needs during this time of crisis.  We provide 24-hour emergency service so that we are there when you need us the most.

We primarily serve southern and central Jefferson County.

When the 2017 Solar Eclipse made its way through town, the power of the sun was only a fraction of the heat in order to damage a home. When fire restoration is needed, call SERVPRO of Southern and Central Jefferson County and we will help make it “Like it never even happened.”

Fire Damage

6/29/2018 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke many greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke- wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Southern and Central Jefferson County will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke- Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean. 

Dry Smoke- Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue- Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and soot damage. We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?

Call Us Today- 636-467-5444