Archived Fire Damage Blog Posts
Grilling Safety Tips to Prevent Fire Damage This Fall
8/6/2024 (Permalink)
Close-up of meat and sauces grilling outdoors at an event, emphasizing the importance of outdoor grilling safety.
As the weather cools down and fall approaches, many Fort Smith residents enjoy grilling outdoors. While grilling is a great way to enjoy the season, it’s important to follow safety guidelines to prevent fire damage. At SERVPRO of Fort Smith, we specialize in fire damage restoration and want to ensure your fall is safe and enjoyable. Here are some essential grilling safety tips.
Grilling Safety Tips:
Keep the Grill Clean:
- Regularly clean the grill to remove grease buildup, which can cause flare-ups.
Grill Outdoors:
- Always grill outside in a well-ventilated area, away from structures, trees, and flammable materials.
Stay Attentive:
- Never leave the grill unattended while in use. Keep children and pets away from the grilling area.
Check for Gas Leaks:
- For gas grills, check the hose and connections for leaks before lighting.
Use Proper Tools:
- Use long-handled utensils to avoid burns and keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – 479-452-8282
At SERVPRO of Fort Smith, we provide 24/7 emergency fire damage restoration services. Our team is equipped with the latest technology and expertise to handle any fire-related damage, ensuring your home is restored quickly and efficiently.
Why Choose SERVPRO®?
- We are a preferred vendor for many national insurance companies.
- We bill the insurance directly, so you have one less thing to worry about.
- Our technicians are highly trained in fire damage restoration techniques.
- We use advanced equipment and technology for efficient and effective restoration.
By following these grilling safety tips, you can enjoy your outdoor activities while minimizing the risk of fire. If a fire does occur, remember that SERVPRO of Fort Smith is here to help you recover and restore your property, making it "Like it never even happened."
For more tips and updates, visit our website or follow us on Facebook. Stay safe and enjoy your fall grilling!
Electrical Fires
7/21/2023 (Permalink)
Houses go up in flames in about three minutes, eight times faster than they would have 50 years ago. By the time you see the fire, it’s too late to do anything but evacuate.
Having an emergency plan in place is crucial for times like these. Most do not know that water is a huge no-no for electrical fires, can increase your risk of electrocution, and will do nothing to safely smother the fire.
You may not see signs of an electrical fire in your home or business, but the following problems put you at risk.
1. You Have Damaged or Old Wiring
2. Lights Dim for No Reason
3. Use a Lot of Power Bars and Extension Cords
Also, beware if your breakers keep tripping, or if there are charred, discolored outlets and switches, you may need to take precautions to assure your home or property is safe and properly wired.
SERVPRO of Fort Smith is a leading fire damage restoration company and we specialize in removing water after the firefighting efforts, especially following an electrical fire. Our professionals assess the damage and handle the cleanup and restoration process from to start to finish. We even perform smoke and odor removals to assure we make your business or residence "Like It Never Even Happened."
Call us today for a FREE Estimate!
3 Things To Include in Every Fire Escape Plan
7/7/2022 (Permalink)
Three Things To Include In a Fire Escape Plan
A fire can happen out of nowhere and devastate your life. While you likely hope that nothing bad ever happens to your home, you always want to err on the side of caution and prepare for the worst. That way, you and your family will know exactly what to do if disaster strikes. Here are three things to include in your fire escape plan.
1. Know the Exit Routes
Because you won't know where the fire is coming from when you put your fire preparation plan in place, you need to map out several routes out of your home. If you have windows on the second floor, make sure you plan for ways to get down to the ground. If necessary, purchase emergency ladders to keep in multiple rooms upstairs, so there is always one accessible.
2. Gather Home Fire Mitigation Items
No fire escape plan is complete without ways to alert you of a fire and help you try to control it. Install smoke detectors in each bedroom and the main living areas. Additionally, it's always helpful to have a fire extinguisher on hand. Depending on the size of the fire, it may not put it out completely, but it could give your family the time they need to get out safely.
3. Compile a List of Important Numbers
Fires can spread quickly, and you might not have time to grab your phone while escaping. Instead of only keeping all of your important numbers on your phone, write down a list of emergency contact numbers to use in case of a fire and keep the list near multiple emergency exit points. Include phone numbers of friends and family members and a fire damage restoration company that will address the fire's aftermath.
Putting together a fire escape plan might seem like an unnecessary step. However, if a fire hits your home, you'll be thankful you took the time to prepare.
Protecting Your Commercial Building After a Fire
7/7/2022 (Permalink)
Your business is your lifeline, so it is understandable that following a fire, your desire is to protect it from further destruction. Fire damage can also mean it is a safety hazard, so in the first place, you don’t want anyone getting inside and becoming hurt or looting your building – a common problem following damage to a business. Fire cleanup needs to wait until your insurance company is alerted, but there are some things that need to be done right away.
What To Do Immediately After the Fire
The first things you should do if a fire breaks out are to get everyone out of the building as quickly as possible and to call 911 to send firefighters. No attempts should be made to re-enter the building once the fire is out. Even though you may be tempted to go look around, you should notify your insurance company and call for local fire restoration professionals to come and board up and secure the building against the weather and looters. There are several methods that can be used to close openings.
The roof can be tarped to prevent wet weather from entering
Sheets of plywood may be fastened over doors and windows
Lay wooden studs in the tracks of windows and doors to prevent them from opening
Remove valuables to a secure location for storage
Fire damage can make your building more vulnerable to looting and weather damage as openings may be created by segments of the structure falling during a blaze, a firefighters battering ram through a wall or door to get water inside or even exploding chemicals. All of these openings are a potential threat to security and an invitation to a looter. Boarding up is critical to help maintain a secure building.
If you are dealing with fire damage in get the help you need to walk you through the process and stay by your side until the restoration is complete. Fire cleanup and rehabilitation of your commercial building can help make things as good as new.
3 Tips for Preventing a Cigarette Fire
2/2/2022 (Permalink)
Steps To Prevent A Cigarette Fire
Did you know that, according to the National Fire Prevention Association, a cigarette fire is still in the top five leading causes of home fires? There are several ways to reduce the chance of this happening in your home. If you have suffered a home fire already, it's best to contact a fire cleanup and restoration specialist.
1. Smoke Outdoors
The easiest way to prevent an ashtray fire is to smoke outdoors. Not only does this prevent smoke odor from soaking into your furniture and carpets, but it also ensures that a fire is much less likely. Ideally, if you're smoking outside, your surroundings are either concrete or gravel, not grass or brush. If a fire does start, it's easy to quickly stomp it out if the surroundings are fire-resistant. In the colder months, instead of moving back indoors, consider buying a small portable heater that plugs into a wall outlet or extension cord. This way, you stay warm and continue to keep your risk low.
2. Keep Flammable Objects Away
The main goal of fire prevention is to make sure that a fire has nothing to burn. Besides ensuring that you're not wearing extremely loose-fitting clothing, you should also not smoke near any rugs or other cloth. Additionally, when you extinguish your cigarette, be sure to do so either in an ashtray or thoroughly stop it out on the concrete. If you use an ashtray, be sure that it, too, is not around any flammable objects on the chance that your smoke wasn't put out all the way. This is one of the leading causes of a cigarette fire.
3. Ashtray Safety
In addition to ensuring that your ashtray is in an appropriate area, also be careful when you empty it. Check that it is cool and that all cigarettes are completely extinguished. Waste bin fires are extremely common, and you'd be surprised by how easily they start. There is a surprising amount of easily flammable or explosive materials in the trash: paper, leaves, batteries, and aerosol cans.
Be prepared. Take steps to prevent a cigarette fire.
What To Do When You Smell Natural Gas
2/2/2022 (Permalink)
A gas fire or gas explosion runs the risk of destroying property and poses a threat of serious injury. If you smell natural gas, there are five steps that you should take to promote your own safety and that of other people or pets in your home and the surrounding area.
1. Check stoves and gas appliances. If you smell gas, you should make sure that all of the burners on a gas stove and the oven are turned off. Listen for hissing noises around other gas appliances.
2. Keep the lights off. If a large amount of gas is present in your home, turning on a light or powering on an electrical appliance may cause a spark that starts a gas fire or explosion. You may use a battery-operated flashlight when inspecting appliances and potential sources for a leak.
3. Shut off the gas meter. If you cannot stop the source of a gas leak in your home, you can shut off your gas meter by turning the main valve from on to off.
4. Ventilate the interior. Open all of the doors and windows of your home and use fans, if you have them, to remove gases from the interior. This will reduce the risk of explosion, fire, or prolonged exposure.
5. Evacuate and call emergency numbers. Leave your home and call 911 and your gas company to report a leak from a safe distance away, at least across the street.
A leak can cause a gas explosion if a spark is created by electrical equipment in your residence. For this reason, you should have a plan for what to do in the event of a leak and proceed as cautiously as possible. If you do experience a gas fire, you should have residential damage restoration experts assess the damage and develop a remediation plan.
Ensuring Security: Steps To Take After a Fire
2/1/2022 (Permalink)
Ensure Your Building Is Secure After a Fire
A fire in your commercial building will likely leave you with a long task list. One of the first things on that list should be security. Fire damage can make your property vulnerable to inclement weather, vandalism and theft. There are three main steps to ensure your building is secure after a blaze.
1. Make Necessary Calls
One of the first contacts you should make after you call your insurance agent is to a fire restoration company. Not only does this get the fire cleanup process started quickly before secondary damage can occur, it also enlists experts who can advise you on how to best secure your building. While you may have thought to lock the doors and board up the windows, you may not be thinking about the damage a rainstorm could cause through the new hole in the roof. Certified specialists are trained to identify every step needed to protect your property well.
2. Enact Protection Plan
The safety plan for your building should include securing it after fire damage occurs. Know who is in charge of completing the walkthrough with emergency personnel and preparing the subsequent report. Delegate a specific person to make sure the structure is boarded up. It’s also a good idea to have a watch team that acts as a guard against would-be intruders until experts can secure the area properly.
3. Remove Valuables
Some people look at buildings in vulnerable states as targets for their next crime. Looting is a real possibility after a fire. Fortunately, there is an easy way to prevent this problem. The best way to protect your valuables is simply to remove them from the compromised structure. Thieves can’t steal something that isn’t there.
Fire damage is enough of a problem itself. You don’t need to add to your worries by leaving your building open to other issues. Securing your property while it is being restored may protect it from further risk.
Tips for Homeowners After a Fire
2/1/2022 (Permalink)
Actions Homeowners Should Take After A Fire
Many homeowners can easily relay tips to prevent fires. Most can communicate the actions to take when a house in on fire. But, how many know what to do after a fire? How do you file a fire insurance claim? What does fire restoration involve? What are you, the homeowner, expected to do? Take the following actions after a fire to begin the recovery process for your home and personal effects.
How Do I File a Fire Insurance Claim?
• Coverage and procedure depend on your specific policy, so call your insurance agent as soon as possible to discuss the details.
• The agent and adjuster walk you through the necessary steps and paperwork.
What Is Fire Restoration?
• Immediately contact a reputable fire and smoke cleaning company. The professionals communicate with you and your insurance adjustor throughout the process.
• The course to restore your home and belongings starts with inspection and assessment of the damage.
• For your safety and to reduce the risk of further damage, do not touch or attempt to clean your home yourself. If the area is exposed, the restoration experts may cover your home with a roof tarp or board up windows.
• Firefighters use a lot of water to put out the flames. The professionals will remove the excess water and use specialized equipment to dry your space.
• After your home is dry, professional soot and smoke cleaning commences. The area is then cleaned and sanitized.
• Finally, the process of restoration begins. Depending on the amount of damage, this may include minor touchups such as painting or major construction such as replacing walls. The goal is to return your home to its pre-fire condition.
Do everything you can to prevent fires in your home. If your home catches fire in call the fire department to put out the blaze. After the initial shock of your house fire wears off, call your insurance agent and a fire restoration company to help you put your home and life back together again.
Helpful Puff Back Prevention Tips
2/1/2022 (Permalink)
Puff Back Prevention Tips
A puff back is a lot like a small explosion. It’s usually confined to the furnace or boiler you’re using to heat your home, but that doesn’t mean it’s not going to cause some serious problems for you inside the house. When a situation like this occurs, soot often spreads out throughout the home, causing an undeniably strong smell that makes it difficult for you to breathe. It’s not a good situation for anyone and you’re going to want to prevent it from happening. These are three steps you should follow as precautionary measures.
1. Always clean out your system. Don’t wait too long to clean out your furnace or boiler. One of the main reasons puff back occurs is because homeowners have neglected their systems, causing dust and debris to accumulate. Clean both the vents and filters. Schedule routine maintenance to keep your system in good working condition.
2. Pay attention to unusual odors. If you’re smelling oil or soot inside the home, you shouldn’t take any chances. Rather than trying to find what is causing such a smell in your home, contact heating professionals to inspect the equipment and check for any possible leaks.
3. Listen for strange noises coming from the boiler. Before the puff back happens, a boiler will often make some strange noises that sound a lot like thunder rumbling. If you’re hearing this, it’s not a good sign, and you should get help for the problem before something more serious occurs.
If you do end up with the soot in the home, a professional restoration company could assist you with eliminating the odor and properly cleaning out the place for you. However, the best way to prevent this type of problem from occurring is to follow these simple yet beneficial prevention tips and keep you from dealing with frustration caused by puff backs.
How a Post-fire Board Up Can Protect Your Home
1/6/2022 (Permalink)
How a Post-Fire Board Up Can Keep Your Home Safe
If your home has suffered a fire then you may be wondering if it’s necessary to board up the building. Many fire damage restoration professionals recommend using tarps or boards to cover the damaged areas of your home for several reasons.
1. Helps Prevent Further Damage
On its own fire damage may leave you with costly repairs, but it can also leave your home open to other elements that can cause further damage. Using tarps and boards to cover the damaged areas can help prevent flooding from rain or snow, wind damage, and even animal intrusion. Covering damaged areas may also make it easier to conduct repairs one section at a time.
2. Helps Maintain Your Insurance Coverage
When you board up your home after a fire you may also be following the requirements of your insurance provider. Protecting your home against additional damage can be considered part of your responsibilities as the homeowner. Failure to do so could cause problems with your claim. In many cases your insurance provider may have professionals they recommend for the job.
3. Helps Prevent Additional Loss
Using an emergency board up to protect your home can help prevent other kinds of loss as well. Boarding over the damaged areas may dissuade intruders from taking advantage of the opportunity to get inside via an unprotected opening. Boarding over damage is also one way to show that the home has not been abandoned, and will be receiving repairs.
Constructing a board up over the damaged areas of your home after a fire can help you in a number of ways. This practice can help protect your home against further damage, help dissuade intruders from taking advantage of damaged areas, and in some cases help maintain your insurance coverage. If you are unsure how to properly cover the damaged area, a professional may be able to help.
Protect Your Family and Home from a Fire
1/6/2022 (Permalink)
A home fire can happen in an instant. One occurs in the U.S. every 86 seconds, according to National Fire Protection Association data. Prevention is the best way to protect your family and your home.
What Are the Leading Causes of Home Fires?
Knowing the primary fire causes can help safeguard your treasures:
1. Did you leave cooking unattended? On the list of causes for home fires, cooking takes the lead. Be especially careful when you are frying; always stay nearby, as this type of cooking is the likeliest to start a fire.
2. Is that heater getting too hot? Portable and stationary heating units are the second most common causes for fires. Keep all heating units a safe distance away from other objects in a room and on stable surfaces (per the units’ instructions).
3. Should an electrician be doing that? You want to reconsider fixing something yourself when it comes to electrical issues. Fires caused by lighting equipment or electrical distribution are ranked third.
4. Is arson an issue? Help protect your family from home fire cause number four by checking your environment. Reduce hiding places around your home, keep your gardens watered and make sure no flammable liquids (e.g. a mower gas container) are left outside.
5. Are you sure you placed that cigarette on the nightstand? Keep ashtrays available in each room and point them out to your guests who smoke. Move nightstands and tables where cigarettes will be placed away from the couch, bed, curtains and other fabrics. Taking these precautions will help prevent your family becoming a part of the fifth cause for and number one reason for deaths by home fires: smoking.
Even when you take precautions, a home fire can still occur. Ensure that your family is equipped with a fire extinguisher, smoke detector and escape plan. Include in your plan what professional you should call to assess the fire damage and do the fire cleaning. Taking time for prevention and planning can go a long way, so if a fire does happen, you and those you value most will be ready.
3 Steps To Take After a Fire
7/13/2021 (Permalink)
3 Steps To Take After a Fire
A fire can be devastating for any house. One of the first things you should do as a homeowner is to contact a fire restoration service to begin the remediation process. However, that is just the beginning. From calling your fire insurance provider to finding a good smoke cleaning service, you should carry out certain actions to get your house back to pristine condition soon.
1. Call Insurance Company
Your house should have a comprehensive insurance policy in place that covers fire damage. You can expect to receive phone calls from other agents offering you a great deal, but you should be wary of such calls. The only person you need to talk to is your insurance agent. It is also good to provide the fire restoration company you hire with your insurance information so that they can work directly with your provider.
2. Salvage Without Touching Anything Too Damaged
You want to leave things as they are for the most part or else your insurance provider may not cover as much. However, when it is safe to re-enter the building, you may be able to go inside and salvage equipment, photos and documents to prevent soot from damaging them. However, if something is clearly damaged, then let it be. Leave these items to professional restorers who may be able to salvage your property.
3. Board up the Building
Another way an insurance company can avoid paying out your fire insurance policy is if you fail to take certain actions to protect your building in North Naples, FL from additional damage. For example, if you do not board up the building and tarp certain areas, then your building may suffer from vandalism or theft. Your insurance company may pay for smoke cleaning but not those acts. It is also a good idea to shut off the main water valve and put up a safety fence to assist the fire restoration team.
5 Tips for Your Home Fire Escape Plan
2/1/2021 (Permalink)
Making a fire escape plan now can save lives later
Here Are Five Things To Consider In Your Plan
When did you last think about a fire escape plan for your home? In the rush of moving to a new home or keeping up with your kids' schedules, this may be the last thing on your mind. However, it's important for every home to have a plan in the case of an emergency.
1. Escape Routes for All
Each member of your household needs to have their own escape plan. Consider any barriers that may keep you from accessing your escape route. Do any of your windows or doors have bars? Are there any barricades or locks? What will you do if you need to escape from a higher-story window? Ensure that each person can complete their exit strategy independently.
2. Fire Safety Review
Talk to your family about how to safely crawl beneath smoke, how to check doors for danger before going through them, and what to do if they are trapped inside. You can also discuss the importance of getting out quickly and remind everyone, especially small children, that firefighters are there to help.
3. Family Meeting Spot
Where will your family meet to ensure that everyone is out safely? Identify this spot by actually going there. Emphasize the importance of staying at that spot until help arrives.
4. Exit Strategy Practice
While many people have a fire escape plan, fewer have practiced them. Practicing may seem silly, but you may make important discoveries during a run-through that you wouldn't want to make during a fire, such as finding a window that jams.
5. After Fire Preparation
The final part of your emergency escape plan should include what you will do after a fire. Where will you stay? Which fire mitigation professional will you call to restore your home? Thinking about these things now will lessen the burden during a crisis.
Making a fire escape plan now can save lives later, and you will have peace of mind knowing that you're helping to keep your family safe.
Regularly Inspect your Fire Sprinkler System
2/1/2021 (Permalink)
A fire sprinkler is an important safety component of any business
If your business has a fire sprinkler, you may have peace of mind that you are ready for the unexpected. While they are designed to last and work like a charm, that only happens if they are properly maintained. If regular inspections and testing aren’t complete, they may accidentally go off, which may require a water damage and restoration professional for the fire sprinkler cleanup. Even worse, they may not go off when they need to, which no business wants to happen.
Inspection Schedule
A fire suppression system needs regular visual inspections. The following schedule is recommended:
- Dry, pre-action and deluge sprinklers should be check weekly while wet pipe ones can be done monthly.
- Regardless of type, inspect flow alarm, valve supervisory alarm and supervisory signal devices every three months. Include a check of the control valves and hydraulic nameplates.
- Check bracing, pipes, fitting, signage and spare sprinklers every year.
- An internal inspection is recommended every five years.
Testing Schedule
Along with inspections, a fire sprinkler system should be regularly tested. These are in-depth checks to ensure all components are in working order.
The mechanical elements should be tested every three months.
Van and pressure switch devices should be thoroughly checked every six months.
More comprehensive testing should be completed annually. It is best to have a certified professional help. The process involves checking every facet of the system, including water flow, antifreeze concentration, alarms and trip tests.
If you have dry sprinklers, testing or replacement is recommended after 10 years. Fast response systems need a full test every 20 years while standard response sprinklers need it after 50 years in use. Both should have 10-years tests completed after that.
A fire sprinkler is an important safety component of any business. Be sure to stay on track with inspections and testing to ensure they work when they need to.
Avoid These Four Common Causes of House Fires
2/1/2021 (Permalink)
Four Common Causes of House Fires
Experiencing a home fire is the last thing any homeowner wants to experience, but the presence of so many fire hazards in most houses leaves little room for error. While some fire causes might seem unavoidable, many of the homes addressed by a fire cleaning and restoration company are affected by preventable reasons. It is essential you are proactive and intentional in preventing a fire from starting in your home. A great place to start is by avoiding these four common causes house fires.
1. Cooking Fires
Whether caused by leaving cooking unattended, cooking while fatigued, or broken appliances, the kitchen is a common place for fires to start. Cooking with lots of oil can also lead to problematic grease fires that can be difficult to put out. It is important to always read the instructions when heating food and to keep flammable objects far away from the stove or oven when turned on.
2. Smoking Indoors
Lighting a cigarette indoors, especially in a bedroom, is a quick way to cause a home fire. Many belongings and furniture are flammable, which can be dangerous if butts aren't put out correctly or not placed in an ashtray.
3. Heating Appliances
Both portable heaters and home furnaces are major fire causes that can be prevented with proper use and maintenance. Heaters should never be placed in close proximity to flammable objects or used around pets and children. Make sure to get your furnace inspected yearly and quickly address any issues.
4. Candles
Candles might look and smell nice, but they can lead to a fire if not used correctly. Keep candles away from cats and young children, never leave lit candles unattended, and keep candles far away from curtains, carpet, and other flammable materials.
Being vigilant in removing potential fire hazards from your home and always being aware of your surroundings is the first step in keeping your house and family safe from a home fire. Start with these four common house fire causes.
4 Steps for Handling a Fire Claim
12/2/2020 (Permalink)
Here Are Four Steps For Handling A Claim
A fire can cause damage and destruction to your home or business, and it is imperative to take the necessary recovery steps and file a fire claim to maintain your operations. Acting quickly and staying organized helps prevent your business from experiencing any major downtime or interruptions.
1. Contact Your Insurance Provider
Contact your insurer as quickly as possible to report the fire and schedule a meeting with the adjuster. Be sure to have your policy number and the address of your business ready, and provide your contact information so your insurance company knows how to reach you.
2. Start Repair and Cleanup
Do not wait for the adjuster to arrive before beginning cleanup. If you can handle any temporary repairs and secure your property, you should do so to avoid any additional damage or loss. Calling a professional fire restoration and cleanup service is recommended to make sure the process is done properly with the right equipment.
3. Document and Record the Damage
Take photographs of any fire damage before discarding debris or damaged items, and keep records of any costs incurred to repair and restore the property for your fire claim. If the damage is severe enough to temporarily close your business, keep track of any ongoing expenses that you cannot suspend while your business is shut down. If you conduct business at a temporary location, document those expenses as well to submit them with your claim.
4. Provide Financial Statements
For any items that require replacement or repair, provide records to verify the value of the items before they were damaged. You need documents that support any lost business income due to the fire. Be prepared to show bank statements, tax returns and contracts to your insurer.
Filing a fire claim can seem like a lot of work, but staying organized and knowing how to proceed can substantially minimize financial losses. If you are prepared, you can have your business back up and running in no time.
3 Tips for Preventing Cigarette Fires in Your Home
12/2/2020 (Permalink)
Preventing a Cigarette Fire In Your Home
There are several ways a fire might break out in your home, but one dangerous circumstance is the risk of those caused by cigarettes. A cigarette fire can spread quickly and cause untold damage to several rooms in your home, including scorch marks and smoke damage. You can prevent these types of fires by practicing a few safety measures each time you or your visitors use cigarettes.
1. Smoke Outside
You can reduce the risk of fire completely by asking that family members and guests smoke outside. Place weighted ashtrays on your porch or patio, and ensure that cigarette butts are completely extinguished before you go inside for the evening. Empty the ashtrays completely on windy days to prevent smoldering butts from igniting a cigarette fire near trees or dry grass.
2. Do Not Smoke in Bed
Many cigarette fires start when people fall asleep in bed while smoking, as blankets and mattresses can catch fire quickly. If you feel sleepy, avoid lighting a cigarette, and do not keep ashtrays in your room so you are less tempted to light up in your bedroom. If you take medications at night that make you drowsy, leave your cigarettes in another room. This can also help prevent an ashtray fire from a pile of cigarette butts that could ignite if left unattended.
3. Use Sand To Extinguish Butts
Adding sand to your home’s ashtrays can help you prevent fires and the need for a fire cleanup damage and restoration company. Snuffing butts out in an inch or so of sand can extinguish them completely and prevent them from causing bedding or curtain fires. You might be able to find small bags of clean, chemical-free sand at your local home hardware store.
Preventing a cigarette fire at your Shenandoah, TX, home can be simple. Remain vigilant about snuffing out butts completely and keeping smoldering cigarettes away from flammable surfaces.
Home Fire Tips!
12/1/2020 (Permalink)
Each year more than 2,500 people die and 12,600 are injured in home fires in the United States. But unlike other disasters, home fires can be prevented! It’s important to know this: Fire is fast! There is no time to gather anything or make a phone call. In just two minutes, a fire could kill you. In five minutes, a house could be swallowed in flames. Fire is hot! Heat and smoke could be even more dangerous than the flames. Fire is dark! It can be hard to find your way out of your house in a fire.
BEFORE:
-Create a fire escape plan and practice it twice a year.
-Have smoke alarms in every bedroom and every floor of the house.
-Remind your parents to test the smoke alarms in your house every month.
-Find two ways to get out of each room. A window might be a second way if the door is blocked by fire or smoke.
-Practice feeling your way out of the house in the dark or with your eyes closed.
-Sleep with your door closed. It helps prevent fires from spreading quickly.
DURING:
-Get low and go! Crawl under the smoke to an exit. Heavy smoke and deadly gases collect along the ceiling.
- If you hear a smoke alarm, get out fast! You may only have a few seconds to escape.
-If smoke is blocking the door, use your second way out of the room or house.
-Feel the doorknob and door before opening it. If either is hot, leave the door closed and use the second way out. If you see smoke coming around the door, use the second way out.
-If you do open a door, open it slowly and be ready to shut it quickly if there’s smoke.
-Don’t hide from firefighters! They may look scary with all of their equipment, but they are there to help you.
- Tell firefighters if there are any pets trapped in the house. Don’t try to get them yourself!
-If your clothes catch on fire, stop-drop-roll! Stop, drop to the ground, and cover your face with your hands. Then roll over and over or back and forth until the fire is out.
AFTER:
-Don’t go back into any building unless a firefighter or your parents say it is safe.
Call SERVPRO of Fort Smith to restore your home after a fire. We can make it "Like it never even happened."
Your Belongings and Fire Damage
7/29/2020 (Permalink)
Fire damage, including smoke and soot, affects not only the structure of your house but also your belongings. SERVPRO of Fort Smith understand your family’s furniture, clothing, keepsakes, and other belongings are the very things that make a house a home.
If You Have Questions or Need Help,
Call Us Today 479-452-8282
Contents Restoration
SERVPRO of Fort Smith specialize in restoring contents damaged by water, fire, or mold. Their expertise and “restore” versus “replace” mentality can help you save money while preserving precious keepsakes that can’t be replaced. They pretest your belongings to determine what items they can restore to pre-fire condition. They use several methods of cleaning your contents, including:
- Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning.
- Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.
- Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that can’t withstand wet cleaning.
- Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned.
- Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned.
- Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product.
Move-Outs/Pack-Outs
If your home requires extensive restoration or cleaning due to fire damage, SERVPRO of Fort Smith can conduct an organized, efficient move-out of the affected area. A move-out has several benefits, including:
- A quicker remodeling process
- Protecting items from potential damage
- Protecting contents from further on-site damage
When restoration is completed, they will work with you to coordinate the move-in according to your needs. The services offered upon move-in may depend on your insurance coverage.
Electronic Cleanup
Fire-damaged electronics can present a serious hazard. Do not attempt to turn on or operate any electrical device that you suspect has been damaged by fire. Smoke residues can contain acids that corrode metal surfaces. If the residues are not removed, corrosion causes electronic failure in the device. A SERVPRO of Fort Smith will coordinate the restoration of your electronics, including:
- Television sets
- DVD players
- Computers
- And more
The key to restoring electronics is taking prompt action to prevent further damage. Electronics will be cleaned and inspected by a qualified electronics technician.
Document / Photograph Drying
When your valuable documents, including photographs, are damaged by water or fire, extreme caution should be taken to help ensure the fire damage does not destroy the document. Although some documents may not be restored to pre-fire damage condition, SERVPRO of Fort Smith can save a great deal and help minimize additional damage. Learn more about our document restoration services.
Depending on the type of documents and the level of fire, smoke, or soot damage, they have five options for the restoration of documents:
- Air Drying
- Dehumidification
- Freezer Drying
- Vacuum Freeze Drying
- Vacuum Thermal Drying
Contents Claim Inventory Service
When a fire emergency strikes, the damage can often feel overwhelming. SERVPRO of Fort Smith can help ease the worry and confusion during the recovery process by offering our Contents Claim Inventory Service (CCIS), which provides a detailed and accurate list of your belongings. They take a room-by-room inventory of your contents, including digital photos, and in some instances, bar coding. Learn more about the Contents Claim Inventory Service.
Our Contents Claim Inventory Service:
- Preloss list and value of contents
- Detailed and accurate report
- Better information to settle claims quicker
- Assistance with burden of proof for claims
- Peace of mind when you need it most!
SERVPRO of Fort Smith is Here For Your Fire Restoration Needs
2/5/2020 (Permalink)
When the firefighters leave, it may seem like the danger has passed and the home is safe from further destruction, but without professionals to help clean the smoke damage, the building may never return to normal. While the principles behind fire restoration are fairly simple, it requires a lot of experience and manpower to perform adequately, and this means that it shouldn’t be attempted by a homeowner on his or her own. The trained professionals at SERVPRO of Fort Smith should be called on-site immediately. We can clean smoke damage and restore items affected by a fire, but we must be brought to the site as soon as possible to halt the ongoing issues that ash residue can cause.
The only way to properly clean smoke and fire damage is to be extremely thorough. Ash residue is easily disturbed and can spread through the building with ease, causing nearly everything to need restoration. The experts at SERVPRO of Fort Smith will identify what can and cannot be salvaged, and will remove any built-up ash residue that is coating surfaces. Over time, ash builds up in layers, and may eventually form into a lacquer-like consistency. Once this is done, the restorers will locate the source of the odor, and treat it with specialized detergents that are formulated for neutralizing this kind of odor. Once materials are treated, they may be sealed off to prevent any further odor from permeating the air in the future.
Fire Restoration Process
2/5/2020 (Permalink)
Fire damage is probably the last thing on your mind, but you may want to move it up on your list of priorities; preparation is the key. The first 48 hours after a fire often makes the difference between ‘restoring’ vs. ‘replacing’ your property and personal belongings. SERVPRO of Fort Smith provides a timely response with mitigation services ranging from fire, smoke and soot removal, to content claims inventory and document restoration. Here is a timeline to help ease your mind of what should be done before and after SERVPRO of Fort Smith arrives:
- One Hour: Within one hour from notice of loss, a SERVPRO of Fort Smith professional will contact you to arrange for service.
- Four Hours: Within four hours of loss notification, a SERVPRO of Fort Smith technician will be onsite to start mitigation services.
- Detailed Explanation: A trained and uniformed Fort Smith employee will walk you through the job process step-by-step, explaining what to expect and the anticipated outcome.
- Pretesting: A SERVPRO of Fort Smith employee will begin pretesting for restoration, working from the source of the damage outward.
- Eight Hours: Within eight business hours of on-site arrival, a verbal briefing of the scope is communicated to the appropriate person.
- Cleaning, Restoration, & Deodorization: SERVPRO of Fort Smith will work neatly and efficiently to help you regain control of your property. We then use state-of-the-art restoration techniques to make it “Like it never even happened.”
- Final Walk-through: After the work has been completed, a final walk-through will be conducted with you to help ensure your satisfaction.
SERVPRO of Fort Smith responds quickly, offering a full line of fire cleanup and restoration services to help you return home as soon as possible. Before risking further damage by attempting to clean up the damage on your own, call the fire damage clean up and restoration professionals at (479) 452-8282.
Fire Damage?? Large or Small, Give SERVPRO of Fort Smith a call
2/5/2020 (Permalink)
When a fire starts inside your home, it is never a pleasant experience. Fires not only threaten the safety of you and your family, but can also be costly to repair. The heat, flames, and smoke produced by a fire can cause extensive damage to your home.
Whether the fire is small or large, the best choice would be to have the professionals come in and assess the situation. SERVPRO of Fort Smith is IICRC certified and have experience with different types of fire scenarios.
Both the heat and smoke created by a blaze causes several types of damage to your home. Flames can burn content and building materials inside the home. Smoke spreads throughout the structure leaving behind soot and foul odors. Our professional technicians at SERVPRO of Fort Smith are 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.
No matter how severe the damage is in your home after a fire, hiring professionals can always get you the best results. SERVPRO of Fort Smith can be reached at (479) 452-8282, available 24 hours a day and seven days a week to help you.
Stop, Drop & Clean the Lent Out From Inside Your Dryer Vent!
12/10/2019 (Permalink)
We all know to clean out the lint screen of our dryers, right? Did you know if you aren’t cleaning the lint out of the INSIDE and VENT of your dryer you are putting your family in danger of a house fire? Over time lint will build up and settle in the bottom of your dryer and in your dryer vent. If you don’t clean this out the heat from the dryer can ignite a fire inside your dryer. You know what the boy scouts say, “lint is the great to start a fire”.
Here is an experience from someone who recently had a fire in her dryer and was lucky enough it didn’t start her house on fire.
Counting our blessings today… Last night we smelled something "burning" right as we were going to bed. We thought it was our renters burning food or something in their oven. We had windows open and fans going but didn't really think much of it. Well this afternoon I went to get clothes out of the dryer, they smelled horrible!!! Like a cross between camp fire smoke and cigarette smoke. So, I threw them back in the washer and told my husband. When he got home, we pulled the bottom portion of the dryer off just to check things out. To our amazement (we haven't had this dryer THAT long - but bought it from someone else) there was burnt/singed lint everywhere. There had been a lint fire inside the bottom of our dryer last night. Our house seriously could have caught on fire. I'm so glad it didn't. Hence - we are counting our blessings today and I am spreading the word to all that you should go clean out under your lint catcher thing so your house doesn't start on fire!
Here are a few tips from The Family Handy Man on how to clean the lint out of your dryer.
https://www.familyhandyman.com/appliance-repair/washer-and-dryer-repair/dryer-lint-cleaning-tips/view-all
If you so experience and fire caused by your dyer or any other appliances in your home call SERVPRO of Fort Smith today! SERVPRO of Fort Smith will come and mitigate the damage, clean up & restore the affected area, and make it “Like it never even happened."
479-452-8282
How to Make a Fire Safety Escape Plan for Your Family
12/10/2019 (Permalink)
In 2016 there were an estimated 364,300 reported residential fire and 2,000 fire related fatalities. In the event of fire, TIME is the BIGGEST ENEMY and EVERY SECOND COUNTS! In less than 30 seconds a small flame can turn into a major fire. The most important thing you can do to prepare is have a Safety Escape Plan.
At Home Fire Safety Plan Tips
First and foremost, make sure you have one working smoke alarm on every level of the home, as well as inside and outside each sleeping area.
Have two ways out of each room, and the proper equipment to get out any upper story windows. Walk through each room in your home with your family and point out possible exits. Also, provide alternatives for anyone with a disability.
Once you have established the exits, practice and show children how to get out of the house and check the door for heat before opening it.
Know to crawl low to the floor when escaping to avoid toxic smoke. Practice dropping to your stomach and shimmying out under the smoke with your children.
Make a plan to help pets evacuate safely as well if possible.
Once you are out of the house, STAY OUT. DO NOT go back in the house. There could be unseen damage and danger. Call 911 immediately.
Know where to meet after the escape. Your meeting place should be near the front of your home so firefighters know you are out.
Practice, Practice, Practice your escape plan. It is recommended you practice at least twice a year. If you have young children it may require more than twice. Practicing can save the lives of you and your family.
If you do have a fire in your home call SERVPRO of Fort Smith.. 479-452-8282!
Why Board Up After a Commercial Fire?
12/5/2019 (Permalink)
If your Commercial property has experienced a fire, there are several reasons why you might want to board up structural damage or windows. In addition to keeping the external elements out of your home with fire damage, boarding up can also prevent additional losses due to looting and make the fire cleanup process easier.
Boarding Up
Most full-service restoration specialists offer boarding-up services. Here are four reasons to board-up after a fire.
1. The premises still have sustainable inventory. If the building still contains products that appear viable, you should consider boarding. These products may involve evaluation and cleaning and may not be suitable for sale, but it may be useful for insurance reasons to have them correctly processed rather than stolen.
2. You want electronics and other valuables to be protected. You may be able to restore certain electronics or other precious assets to working condition depending on the extent of the fire damage. Loss can be much more costly than repairing or replacing covered.
3. You need to keep out the elements. If the structure of your property has sustained extensive damage, you should try to keep the elements out. Exposure to additional water, wind, or sunlight can compound the damage caused by smoke residue and soot.
4. You want to limit soot damage. It is generally a good idea to reduce foot traffic on the scene of a recent fire. When soot gets embedded into carpeting or upholstery, it can be much more difficult to restore these materials to a pre-fire condition.
Talk to restoration experts at SERVPRO of Fort Smith, about whether boarding-up is a good strategy for preventing loss and limiting the damage after a fire. Your major concern is likely to be how to recover from fire damage as quickly and completely as possible. Preventing looting and exposure to the elements can make fire cleanup more successful.
Give us a call 479-452-8282
Space Heater Safety Tips
11/12/2019 (Permalink)
As night-time temperatures dip this time of year, the usage of space heaters can go up. Although helpful machines, they can pose a threat to your safety if not properly used.
Space heaters cause 25,000 home fires a year, and 6,000 emergency room visits, according to the Harvard University Environmental Health and Safety group.
Here are a few tips for using space heaters that will reduce the risk of fire in your home.
-Before purchasing a space heater, check out the specifications and make sure that it's UL approved.
-Check for safety features such as an automatic shut off when the unit is tipped over and heat element guards.
-Read the owner's manual and be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions on proper usage.
-Keep other objects at least 3ft. away from the heater.
-Never leave space heaters unattended.
-Be sure to turn off your space heater before going to bed.
-Leaving a space heater unattended is never advisable.
Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. SERVPRO of Fort Smith has the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke 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 SERVPRO of Fort Smith (479) 452-8282
Wildfire Damage Event
3/4/2019 (Permalink)
Wildfire Damage Event
The active wildfires here in Southern California are increasing their impact as growing Santa Ana winds add fuel to these devastating blazes that are encroaching in our area. According to the New York Times, new fires broke out in Malibu on December 7, with at least 96,000 acres already burned in the Ventura area and 116,000 acres in Los Angeles County. Evacuations have closed hundreds of schools and forced 200,000 of our neighbors to seek safety. The “Thomas Fire” in the Ventura area continues to burn with the aid of strong winds. This fire has caused the closure of the 101 freeway and a boil-water advisory was issued for Ventura County. Santa Ana winds The Santa Ana winds that are enabling the fires to rapidly increase their reach can have speeds in excess of 60 miles per hour. They are not expected to diminish until Friday into Saturday at the earliest. The National Weather Service has warned of “very rapid fire growth” in this area. SERVPRO Meteorologist Lela Davis said that the Santa Ana winds were already very dry when they reached the Southern California valley, allowing them to quickly pull moisture out of vegetation, increasing the risk for wildfires. For the first time ever, a purple wind warning was issued for today under the color-coded system used to advise about high winds. This purple warning pushed wind expectations from the “high” category to “extreme”. Ready to help Here at SERVPRO of Fort Smith we are monitoring this wildfire situation closely. Our thoughts are with those neighbors who may be put in harms’ way during this event. In many cases, a wildfire can result in a total loss for a home or business, but in others it may be a partial loss, or can result in mild smoke damage. If your home or business is affected by a wildfire, SERVPRO of Fort Smith is Here to Help®.
About SERVPRO of Fort Smith
SERVPRO of Fort Smith specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.
Smoke and Soot Cleanup
3/1/2019 (Permalink)
Smoke and Soot Cleanup
Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.
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 may 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 Fort Smith 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 smoke 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
Our Highly Trained Staff
2/26/2019 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Fort Smith is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.
IICRC Certified Firms must
• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.
• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.
• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.
• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.
• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.
The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry
The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.
Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.
About SERVPRO of Fort Smith
SERVPRO of Fort Smith specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: from initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.
Mobile Home Combustion
12/18/2018 (Permalink)
In Oklahoma our communities have vast amounts of mobile homes.
When it comes to mobile homes, they require a different kind of understanding that the traditional property structure. Due to how mobile homes are made and manufactured, they require a different understanding for property care and maintenance.
Under extreme pressures such as tornadoes as experienced here in Oklahoma this combination can be deadly.
Pre-screen your mobile home for potential safety hazards such as but not limited too air tight doors for furnaces. Make sure your heating system is working properly and that the air flow exchange is not blocked in any way. Also check for leaks stains and debris.
Last but not least, during storms with extremely strong winds such as that that accompanies most tornadoes can affect the air exchanges within a mobile home. Please be sure to take all proper precautions for your region when face with storm warnings.
"SERVPRO Rocks!!"
12/18/2018 (Permalink)
A retired firefighter, David Comingdeer was used to putting out fires and saving lives. Until he experienced his own fire, he never knew the violation such a turbulent experience provided.
The day before Christmas Eve David and his son Spencer had plans of hosting the family’s Christmas Dinner. An electrical malfunction and fire changed everything.
“With a house fire during Christmas, it’s been a real kick in the teeth,” David said.
Fortunately for David, he was insured, and allowed SERVPRO to help him mitigate his losses. Working with the insurance and adjuster directly, SERVPRO had David’s interests in mind 100% of the time and every step of the way. With SERVPRO, David maintained 100% of control when life seemed and felt out of control.
“They’re cleaning everything I’ve asked them to. I’ve been closely involved in the process, and I’m confident in the work,” David said. “I’m very impressed with the tedious job they’re doing.”
"I pray my friends and family never suffer a house fire...but if you do, I hope you have good insurance and help from these folks. SERVPRO Rocks!!!”
Secondhand Smoke
12/6/2018 (Permalink)
Residence affect by smoke damage from a neighboring house fire one block away. Insurance covered loss and restoration services due neighbor’s fire.
Fire Damage
Did you know fewer deaths are caused by the actual fire itself?
Did you know more deaths are caused by the smoke from a fire rather than the actual fire?
Smoke, much like water, moves to fill spaces. Just as a rock in a spring can break the flow of water in that specific place so does any content or material act as a filter blocking smoke’s pathway leaving a trail of affected content to be cleaned and restored. Smoke is made up of soot, carbon monoxide, and various other chemicals that may have been consumed by its fire.
For these reasons it is extremely important to mitigate the damage caused by smoke even if the property itself wasn’t affect by the fire directly. The property can still decompose and deteriorate because of lingering smoke damage which is not only hazardous to the property but also to your health.
24/7 Emergency Service
