Recent Fire Damage Posts
Fire and Smoke Cleanup Calls for Professionals in Fort Dodge
3/25/2022 (Permalink)
Smoke and odor removal is not an easy task. SERVPRO IICRC certified technicians have the equipment and training for every size disaster.
Fort Dodge Residents – Call SERVPRO’s Fire and Smoke Cleanup Team
When it comes to fire damaged homes, the event not only devastates your family but also creates a mess of fire and smoke fallout to your living space itself. SERVPRO takes the stress out of this emotional experience by employing our efficient, budget-friendly restoration techniques to local homeowners. We handle everything from the debris cleanup and drying to reconstruction and deodorizing to ensure your property is “Like it never even happened.”
We are not only committed to customer satisfaction when you call for fire and smoke cleanup in Fort Dodge, we continuously work on perfecting our processes. We use all the latest techniques and industrial equipment to get the results you expect and deserve with each project. Something that always makes a world of difference in any house fire cleanup will be the attention to stubborn smoke particles and residue.
SERVPRO Smoke Remediation
We offer lasting solutions to all smoke odor issues during house fire restoration calls. Our Odor Control Technicians know how to address different types of residues, and we have the best products at our disposal to eliminate odorous elements.
- Soot is similar to dust in that it travels throughout the air, so keeping airflow in check is crucial during restorations – this includes ensuring your HVAC system is off
- Wet wiping with a soft cloth works well on certain surfaces
- Air scrubbers with HEPA filtration help pull microscopic particulates from the air
- Thermal fogging equipment helps penetrate materials to bind with smoke molecules for easier removal
When you require fire and smoke cleanup assistance, never trust your property to anyone but the best in the area. Call (515) 955-4009 to mobilize a team from SERVPRO of Fort Dodge to your property. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster!
Trust The Pros in Fort Dodge When it Comes to Fire Damage Mitigation
3/25/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO Offers Skilled Fire Damage Mitigation – Call Us to Your Fort Dodge Property!
When beginning fire damage restoration, the number one priority is reducing losses and damages, translating into hopefully lower costs. SERVPRO has the equipment, manpower, and training to ensure your Helena property gets the attention it needs after a fire event. Once we get done, everything will be “Like it never even happened.”
Once a fire happens, you should never waste time with DIY methods or leaving it to chance with lesser fire and smoke damage repair companies. SERVPRO offers the best when it comes to fire damage mitigation in Fort Dodge that you get rapid results.
Our Emergency Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration and Cleanup Includes:
- Onsite arrival within hours to begin fire mitigation to help reduce secondary damages
- Detailed explanation from our highly-skilled professionals of each step of the plan for house fire clean up
- Pre-testing of surface areas and materials to determine restorability
- Careful cleaning, restoration, and deodorizing your property using state of the art equipment and techniques
- Final walkthrough after fire restoration gets completed to ensure your total satisfaction
Homeowners should know several important things to help prevent the need for house fire clean up, including:
- Inspecting all heating sources
- Checking on smoke alarms regularly
- Ensuring that your dryer lint basket gets cleaned before each use
- Maintaining all electrical cords
- Never leaving a candle or cigarette unattended
Because some fires are unavoidable, you need fire damage mitigation you can trust. Contact SERVPRO of Fort Dodge by calling (515) 955-4009
Specialized Fire Damage Services
3/23/2022 (Permalink)
Along with providing structural cleaning, contents cleaning, and deodorization in the central Ohio area after a residential or commercial fire, SERVPRO of Fort Dodge also offers additional specialized services to our customers:
Board-Up
One of the top priorities after a fire loss is to secure your property and belongings until work can begin. SERVPRO of Fort Dodge offers board-up services for windows, doors, and other exposed structural areas to prevent intrusion by both water and unauthorized persons.
Inventory, Pack-Out and Storage
As the clean up and restoration process begins, our SERVPRO of Fort Dodge technicians take inventory of the contents in your home or business. As the contents are sorted, they will be categorized as salvageable, and processed to be cleaned, or unsalvageable, and documented as such for insurance purposes. Our professional SERVPRO Team can pack-out and store any unaffected materials as needed as well. Our SERVPRO Professionals are trained to properly inventory, move out and control the contents from the structure during the cleaning, restoration, and deodorization process.
Serving Fort Dodge and surrounding areas, SERVPRO of Fort Dodge is Here to Help with all your fire damage needs. Our professional team will help make it “Like it never even happened.”
Preventing Grease Fires
3/23/2022 (Permalink)
Whether you are cooking in a restaurant or in your own home, a grease fire can quickly become a big disaster. Grease fires can present themselves as a difficult issue since they are notorious for being difficult to put out.
The first reaction to a fire is to pour water on it, which for grease fires, can actually spread the fire and make it worse!! Follow the correct steps below on putting out a grease fire.
How do I put out a grease fire?
- Turn off the heat. Make sure to not pick up the pan. Picking up the pan can cause the fire to quickly spread to you or spill onto other surfaces in the kitchen.
- Put a lid on the pan to cut off oxygen to the fire. Once it has sufficiently cooled down, you will be to move and clean it.
- If the fire gets out of hand, make sure to call 911 to get assistance right away from the Fire Department.
- NEVER pour water on an active grease fire or fan the fire. Both of these actions will only spread the fire.
- Do NOT fan the fire with a dry or wet cloth, it can make it worse and spread the fire.
- If all else fails, use a fire extinguisher to put out the flame.
How to prevent a grease fire
- Never leave your cooking unattended, always keep an eye on any pots or pans.
- Make sure that you have a sufficiently sized lid for all of your cooking ware.
- Heat the oils in your pans slowly, don't put your stove on the highest setting right off the bat.
- Turn the heat off if you think your pans are getting too hot.
Due to the nature of a grease fire, it is highly recommended that you seek out the help of a professional like SERVPRO of Fort Dodge for fire restoration help. In addition to cleaning up any damage such as burned materials, soot, or grease, a professional can help your kitchen rid itself of the smoke scent.
Our SERVPRO of Fort Dodge has the knowledge to help you quickly and effectively repair damage from a grease fire.
SERVPRO of Fort Dodge 515-955-4009
Tips for Avoiding Fire Damage
3/22/2022 (Permalink)
- Be Careful With Candles
Candles can give the room a pleasant scent while providing an atmosphere that doesn't compare with light bulbs. However, you must be very careful with candles. Keep them on a sturdy surface and away from flammable materials (e.g., curtains, papers). Also, never leave them burning unattended and leave them out of reach of children and pets.
- Maintain Your Dryer
Remember to clean your lint trap every time you do a new load of laundry. Fire damage restoration experts will advise you to also clean behind the dryer to clear it of lint and clothing items. These materials can be highly flammable when exposed to the heat of the dryer.
- Keep Toaster, Stove, and Oven Clean
Keep your kitchen cooking appliances such as your toaster, stove, and oven clean. Crumbs, oil, and grease can flame up quickly when the surface gets hot.
- Have Working Fire Extinguishers on Hand
Always have an easily accessible fire extinguisher for every part of your home. Inspect them regularly to make sure they will work when you need them.
- Monitor Cooking Food
Avoid a kitchen fire by closely watching cooking food. Don't leave the kitchen area unattended while you're cooking. Teach everyone how to put out different types of kitchen fires safely.
- Maintain Smoke Detectors
It's vital to your family's well-being to have working smoke detectors in every part of your home and maintain them. Make sure you replace the battery in each detector at least twice a year and test the alarm. Also, keep them free of dust and debris that can build up. You can lightly vacuum, blow with canned air or wipe the casing off with a damp cloth.
- Safely Store Combustible Products
You may be surprised at how many products in your household can combust relatively easily. Keep these materials, such as hairspray, air fresheners, household cleaners, and shaving cream, away from heat sources like space heaters.
The key to avoiding a house fire is knowing what to do and not to do to be safe. Being cautious around heat sources and open flames is essential. Ensure everyone knows how to safely put out different types of fires and how to use a fire extinguisher.
SERVPRO of Fort Dodge 515-955-4009
Does Renters Insurance Cover Fire?
3/22/2022 (Permalink)
Because the property owner's insurance does not cover the personal property of tenants, it is important for renters to purchase their own coverage. The short answer to the question of whether renters insurance covers fire is that it does. However, different types of coverage apply to fire damage in different ways.
Different Types of Renter Insurance Coverage for Fire Damage
Personal Property
The primary reason for renters to purchase fire coverage is to replace personal property damaged or destroyed in a fire. Examples of personal property include:
- Clothing
- Electronics
- Furniture
- Home decor
- Cash
Some types of property may be specifically excluded or have different limits, such as jewelry, cash, guns and musical instruments. Most policies cover personal property at replacement value, but some may cover it at actual cash value, which is the replacement value less depreciation. If you need a fire restoration service call SERVPRO of Fort Dodge to clean your smoke damaged property, this may be covered by your policy.
Liability
Another coverage provided by most renters insurance policies is liability. This means that if you accidentally cause a fire in your rental unit, your liability coverage may pay for any damages to the building or injuries to other tenants or guests that you are legally liable for.
Medical Payments to Others
Most renters policies provide a small amount of coverage for medical payments to others. This is no-fault coverage, so it applies, even if you didn't cause the fire. This coverage might apply if you had a guest in your apartment and that person needed medical attention due to smoke inhalation from a fire in your kitchen.
Loss of Use
If a fire makes your apartment uninhabitable, loss of use coverage may apply. This coverage may reimburse you for additional living expenses, such as paying for a hotel room.
Renters insurance provides a variety of coverages for various types of fire damage. If you are unsure what your policy covers, your insurance professional can review your policy with you and make adjustments as needed.
SERVPRO of Fort Dodge 515-955-4009
Smoke and Soot Cleanup After a House Fire
1/28/2021 (Permalink)
Even with a small house fire, 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 Dodge 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 – (515) 955-4009
House Fire? What You Can Do Until Restoration Help Arrives
1/26/2021 (Permalink)
A house fire can be devastating and leave you in a panic to put things back together. Many people start trying to clean up the mess right away but sometimes trying to clean it can cause more damage.
Here is what you can do until restoration help arrives
- Limit movement in your home to prevent soot particles from spreading and additional damage from occurring.
- Place clean towels or old linens on rugs and high traffic areas.
- coat chrome faucets, trim and appliances with petroleum jelly or oil.
- place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs or wet carpet.
- DO NOT wash any walls or painted surfaces.
- DO NOT shampoo carpets or upholstery.
- DO NOT clean any electrical equipment.
- DO NOT send clothing to a dry cleaner since improper cleaning may set smoke odor.
The first 48 hours after a fire can make the difference between restoring versus replacing your property and personal belongings. SERVPRO of Fort Dodge can help prevent fire damage from creating long-term problems, restore your contents and help you get your home cleaned up.
SERVPRO professionals provide timely response with mitigation services ranging from fire, smoke and soot removal to content claims inventory and document restoration. SERVPRO has state of the art equipment and highly trained technicians to restore property. These services help ensure your property, belongings and memories are restored to preloss condition when possible.
Call SERVPRO of Fort Dodge for a FREE estimate (515) 955-4009
Call SERVPRO to Board-up your Home or Business After a Fire
1/25/2021 (Permalink)
Fires often create new openings in buildings from damage to the roof, siding or windows breaking. Windows often break because of the fire itself, people needing an exit or get broken by the fire department in the course of putting the fire out. When the fire has been extinguished and the firefighters have left, you have to put the pieces back together and that is where we come in. We have been helping people come back from fires and others disasters in Fort Dodge since 2010. We can help guide you through the process including the first step: Boarding up your home.
Why should you board up?
After a fire if you have any windows broken, siding destroyed, holes in your roof or any other unsecured openings in your home they need to be secured. This is because:
- Prevents additional damage to your home and belongings from weather
- Protect your property and home from damage or burglary
- Stopping animals from getting into you home causing more damage
- Contributes to your insurance coverage by showing you are taking proactive steps to prevent more damage and address the damage
Once the board up is complete we can begin the rest or the restoration process to help you make it "Like it never even happened." Call our 24/7 emergency line at 515-955-4009 if you need an emergency board-up.
SERVPRO of Fort Dodge Cleans Smoked Damaged Homes in Webster and Surrounding Counties in Iowa.
1/25/2021 (Permalink)
Not every fire does an immense amount of damage to homes. In fact many fires don’t require a large amount of demolition and rebuild; especially ones caused by cooking accidents. Grease fires, protein fires, contained fires or outdoor fires can all do a small amount of damage to homes but they can produce a lot more smoke and residue than people realize.
That smoke, soot, and residue will go throughout your home covering all kinds of surfaces like walls, counter-tops, cabinets, contents, and clothes. The smoke damage leaves behind sticky residue, stains surfaces, odors, and can be toxic to breath long term especially for people with respiratory issues. The residue is not always visible either so the testing process is very important.
A home does not need to be severely damaged after a fire for you to call one of our experts for a free inspection of your home. The size and scope of damage after a small fire can be very surprising to many people when we do our inspection and show how far reaching smoke damage can be and what all is affected. In our inspection we can determine the best way to restore your home to its previous condition.
What goes into a Fire Cleaning and Restoration Project?
Projects vary based on a variety of factors such as:
- Size and scope of the damage
- Source of the fire
- Odor level
- Type of materials affected
To get a good idea of what is necessary for your particular situation it is best to give us a call and schedule a free inspection and estimate to determine what processes are best suited to restore your home. Typically many of our fire restoration projects include:
- Board Up
- Dry cleaning with a sponge or HEPA vacuum
- Wet cleaning with solutions or enzymes
- Ozone treatment for odor
- Thermal for odor
- Content pack-out for off site cleaning (more severe fire damage situation)
- Duct cleaning
We deal with fires all year around and we are ready to help you take back your home after fire. Make sure you review these fire damage tips and give us a call today for an inspection today at (515) 955-4009.
Fire Damage FAQ
1/21/2021 (Permalink)
- How long will the fire restoration process take?
Because there are many variables and many services involved in fire and smoke restoration, it is difficult to predict exactly how long the complete restoration will take. Consult with your SERVPRO Technician on the estimated dates and phases of your restoration project.
- Can I clean the fire damage myself?
We suggest that you do not attempt any “do-it-yourself” cleaning methods without consulting your SERVPRO Technician. Professional cleaning systems and products used by experienced, trained SERVPRO Technicians give you the best chance for complete restoration of your belongings. Pre-testing, using the right cleaning agent for the particular item, mixing deodorizing agents with cleaning solutions, and using correct dilution rates are just some of the ways a fire restoration technician expertly controls the results.
- What are some safety concerns?
At SERVPRO, occupant and worker safety is a top priority. During the initial inspection, safety hazards are identified and addressed, including debris removal, air quality, electrical hazards, slip and trip hazards, etc. Burnt electrical cords and appliances are separate out for disposal, and questionable electrical appliances are unplugged and tagged for evaluation of the safe operation. Electrical power may be turned off and kept off until evaluation by a licensed electrician.
- Can I turn on my heating and air conditioning unit?
We recommend that you not turn on your furnace or air conditioning unit without clearance from the HVAC contractor.
- What items do I keep in my possession?
Cash, Medications, Valuable Jewelry, Checkbooks, Personal Documents, Valuable Paintings, Flammables, Pet, Weapons/Ammunition, Gasoline, Cans, Stamp/Coin Collections, etc. - How do I keep track of non-restorable items?
We recommend you make a list of items (including food items) deemed non-restorable. Use a format like a sample below, or obtain a similar form from your insurance company. Make a copy for your insurance company and keep one for yourself.
- Do I need to move out of my property during the fire restoration process?
This is ultimately your decision. Some things you may want to consider are safety concerns, odors, electricity, noise from equipment, etc. If vacating your premises for any length of time, consider the following: forward your mail to your temporary residence; stop newspaper and other deliveries; notify utility company, Cable Company, etc. of temporary suspension of services.
- Do I need general contractors?
There are some items that may require general contractors, such as drywall/painting, electrical, plumbing, roofing, framing/finish carpentry, flooring/carpet, installation of doors, windows, cabinets, post-construction cleanup, etc. Please talk with a SERVPRO representative as we have the ability to provide these services to you through our own in-house facility. - Do my belongings need to be moved away from the premises?
Depending on the source, nature, and extent of the fire, it may be best to remove all belongings to a secure facility for cleaning, storage and to make room for restoration or construction. SERVPRO will work with you and your insurance claim representative to manage this process. - Will I have access to my belongings while they are in storage?
Yes, with advance notice we can schedule a time for you to access your requested items.
- What about special items? Artwork, china, heirlooms, etc.
Some high-value items require restoration by specialists. Working with your insurance claim representative, we can help you identify these and locate a qualified restorer.
- Who is responsible for payment for the service?
Ultimately you, the property owner, are responsible for payment and will need to sign a form authorizing repairs and payment for the restoration services. If this is an insurance claim, SERVPRO generally collects the deductible (co-payment) amount from you and bills the balance to your insurance provider as a service to you. If you have a large loss, your mortgage company may be included as a payee on the payment from your insurance company, and you may need to obtain a signature from them as well. If your claim is not covered by the insurance or you decide not to file a claim, you will be expected to pay in full.
On-site Restoration Safety
1/21/2021 (Permalink)
For every fire restoration professional, understanding the nature of fire is crucial to performing quality restoration work. Fire Restoration Technicians at SERVPRO of Fort Dodge go through an IICRC approved training program to learn the effects of fire before working with fire damaged contents or materials.
The first step in their fire restoration training is safety, both precautions and preparations. Here is an insight into the safety knowledge our technicians use every day in the field.
On a fire restoration work site – or any restoration work site – safety is the responsibility of everyone present. Our SERVPRO of Fort Dodge technicians train regularly and work as a team to identify hazards and set up engineering controls that protect workers and occupants.
Before any work can be done or any damaged materials can be disturbed, it’s important that restoration professionals coordinate lead and asbestos testing to see if abatement is needed on the property.
Smoke, soot, and char damage to the structure or contents within the structure can sometimes require strong restoration chemicals that, if not stored or used properly, can be hazardous to humans. This is why restoration professionals take care to secure, label, and organize our cleaning chemicals at the warehouse as well as during transit and onsite.
When working with these chemicals, it’s important that restoration technicians are informed about what they are made of and the instructions for use. This knowledge comes from training and experience, but restorers are also able to verify information about chemical makeup, safety instructions, and more from data sheets kept on file and in vehicles, labels on the products themselves, and through regular training.
Safety is always our top priority. If you ever experience fire, smoke or soot damage to your home or business, you can count on SERVPRO of Fort Dodge to handle the restoration with care. Call our office at 515-955-4009.
Fire Damage in Fort Dodge
11/16/2019 (Permalink)
Fire damage, including smoke and soot, affects not only the structure of your house but also your belongings. SERVPRO of Fort Dodge understands 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 1-515-955-4009
Contents Restoration
SERVPRO of Fort Dodge specializes 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 Dodge 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.
Fire Damage Repair and Restoration in Fort Dodge
11/16/2019 (Permalink)
Fires can be especially devastating to your home or business. After the fire trucks leave, your property will likely suffer from not only fire and smoke damage, but also widespread water damage and flooding from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have specialized fire and water damage restoration training and experience to quickly clean up and restore your home to pre-fire condition. They also can remove the pervasive smoke odor and deep-clean soot from upholstery and carpet.
SERVPRO of Fort Dodge
Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Today 1-515-955-4009
Fire Clean Up in Fort Dodge
11/5/2019 (Permalink)
The first 48 hours after a fire damage can make the difference between restoring versus replacing your property and personal belongings. SERVPRO of Fort Dodge can help prevent fire damage from creating long-term problems. SERVPRO of Fort Dodge provides timely response with mitigation services ranging from fire, smoke and soot removal to contents claims inventory and document restoration. These services help ensure your property, belongings and memories are restored to preloss condition when possible.
Cleaning up soot residue must be done as quickly as possible. During combustion, soot residue and volatile vapors are carried by rising and expanding air to surfaces throughout a structure, and are deposited. This process occurs repeatedly until combustion ends, with soot residue building up on surfaces layer by layer. By the time restoration technicians arrive, lacquer-like soot residue may be quite difficult to dissolve and remove.
SERVPRO of Fort Dodge is available 24-hours a day, 365 days a year to help you regain control quickly.
SERVPRO of Fort Dodge 515-955-4009
Fire and Smoke Restoration Services in Fort Dodge
10/24/2019 (Permalink)
- Structural Cleaning – After a smoke or fire damage, ceilings, walls, woodwork, carpeting and floors will often need a thorough cleaning. SERVPRO of Fort Dodge will pretest to determine the extent of damage, and then use the specific equipment and cleaning products to clean and protect the different types of surfaces found in your structure.
- Contents Cleaning – All of the restorable contents in affected areas will be professionally cleaned and deodorized. This includes rugs furniture and upholstery. SERVPRO of Fort Dodge begins by inspecting and testing all fabrics in the structure to determine which cleaning methods are most appropriate. All of the restorable contents will be cleaned and deodorized to preloss condition.
- Deodorization – SERVPRO of Fort Dodge provides specialized services that rid your home or place of business of offensive odors left by fire or smoke damage. SERVPRO does not merely cover up lingering odors with a fragrance, they seek out the sources of the odor and remove them.
Fort Dodge Fire Cleanup
10/24/2019 (Permalink)
A backdraft of emotions often sweeps over the homeowners after a fire ravages a home. Fear, uncertainty, stress and doubt about the future of the property can overwhelm the homeowner long after the flames have been extinguished and the smoke has cleared.
So after the first wave of heroes have rescued the property, let SERVPRO of Fort Dodge help you restore it. With the industry approved training to employ rapid response, the utmost professionalism, cutting-edge technology and open communication, we strive to restore not only the home, but the customers peace of mind, as well.
So before you risk doing further damage by attempting to clean up the damage yourself, call the fire damage professionals of SERVPRO of Fort Dodge at 515-955-4009
SERVPRO of Fort Dodge is a available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to help you regain control quickly.
SERVPRO of Fort Dodge Emergency Fire Damage Process
10/24/2019 (Permalink)
- One hour: Within one hour from notice of loss, a SERVPRO of Fort Dodge representative will contact you to arrange for service. You’ll know help is on the way!
- Four hours: Within four hours of loss notification, SERVPRO will be on-site to start mitigation services. The key to reducing damage and saving money is responding quickly to your damage.
- Detailed Explanation: A trained, uniformed and equipped SERVPRO Franchise professional will walk you through the job process step-by-step explaining what to expect and the anticipated outcome.
- Pretesting: SERVPRO will begin pretesting for restorability, working from the source of the damage outward.
- Eight Hours: Within eight business hours of on-site arrival, a verbal scope will be communicated to the appropriate person, normally your adjuster or property manager.
- Cleaning, Restoration, & Deodorization: SERVPRO will work neatly and efficiently to help you regain control of your property when a damaging event has taken over.
- Final Walk-Through: After the work has been completed, a final walk-through will be conducted with you to ensure your satisfaction.
Tips for Kitchen Fires
11/2/2018 (Permalink)
Scary Stove Fire
Did you know...
A majority of fires that take place in homes begin in the kitchen.
The holiday season is approaching, which means that many of us will be spending a lot more time in the kitchen. This also means that, with every pumpkin pie and each batch of Christmas cookies you make, there is a greater risk of a fire emergency.
Aside from calling 9-1-1, which should be one of your first moves, here are some quick tips for dealing with a fire emergency in your kitchen.
- Always watch your cooking; don't leave anything unattended.
- Set a timer so that you don't accidentally burn something or forget that an appliance is being used.
- If something on the stove catches on fire and it is small, cover it with a lid and turn off the burner.
- Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen near your cooking area where it is easily accessible.
- Add baking soda to a grease fire, not water.
- Clean your appliances regularly so that grease does not accumulate and start a fire.
- Clean and dust around and behind appliances, as dust accumulation can cause fires if it is close to electrical wiring.
- Keep flammable objects away from cooking appliances, especially those things like tea towels and potholders.
- Install a smoke alarm in your kitchen.
- Test your smoke alarms and make sure they will work when you most need them!
Keep these quick tips in mind, and prevent a major fire damage emergency from taking place in your home this season!
Six Common Types of Fire Damage to Homes
8/30/2018 (Permalink)
- Class A Fire Damage: Fire damage from a Class A fire is the result of a fire involving flammable solids, including, various plastics, paper, rubber, wood, and cloth.
- Class B Fire Damage: Class B fire damage consists of damage as a result of flammable liquids or solids that can become liquefied. This includes gasoline and various forms of petrol, oil, various waxes and plastics, and paint. However, fires caused by cooking oils and fats don’t count as Class B.
- Class C Fire Damage: A Class C fire damage is one involving flammable gasses, including hydrogen, propane, butane, and natural gas.
- Class D Fire Damage: Class D fire damage consists of fires caused by combustible metals. This may include magnesium, potassium, and sodium.
- Class E Fire Damage: Class E is fire damage that results from the factors in both Class A and Class B. The difference being, Class involves the introduction of electrical elements, which makes fighting the fire and the resulting damage very different from Class A and Class B.
- Class F Fire Damage: Class F is a fire that results from cooking oils and fats. This type of fire differs from Class B because these fires are significantly hotter and the damage more severe.
Call SERVPRO of Fort Dodge Immediately at 515-955-4009
What To Do After a Fire
8/29/2018 (Permalink)
House fires can be terrifying experiences, and recovering from them can take a long time. Depending on the size and scope of the fire, fire restoration in Fort Dodge, Iowa, can take several weeks, even a few months, to fully complete. Following these steps can help you recover successfully from this difficult experience:
1. Assess family member safety.
2. Contact insurance agency.
3. Contact board up services.
Check Everyone’s Safety
If you have a fire safety plan, all family members probably followed it to safely exit the house; everyone then should have met at a pre-determined location. After exiting the house, begin by assessing the safety of each family member and pet. Pursue medical care promptly for all concerns.
Contact Insurance Company
Fire restoration should be started as soon as possible, and your fire insurance coverage can help address these and other concerns. Once your family’s immediate care needs have been seen to, you can begin contacting your insurance company. It probably needs lots of information, some of which you may not have at this time. Simply beginning the conversation can be important since your insurance company can provide you with some helpful support following a City, State, house fire.
Arrange for Board Up Services
Your insurance company can probably help you contact board up services and disaster management companies. These service providers may help secure the scene so that no one can enter the property while it is still unsafe. Often, insurance agents must inspect the scene to help assess the degree of damage; this board up service helps agents do their jobs effectively. Your insurance agent may be a point person that you can contact for questions regarding any stage of fire restoration.
Cleaning is likely going to take a bit of time, depending on the degree of the fire and to what extent it damaged your home. Arranging for smoke cleaning can help you get back to your normal routine that much faster.
For more information visit us at http://www.SERVPROfortdodge.com for more fire tips.
Fire Classifications and Extinguishers
7/17/2018 (Permalink)
Every family should have a fire escape plan, working smoke alarms, and at least one fire extinguisher on each level of their home. A fire with a stable supply of fuel, oxygen, and heat can double in size within 60 seconds; therefore, quick action is the key to preventing catastrophic damage. Fires, and their extinguishers, are categorized into 5 different classes based on fuel types. An ABC fire extinguisher is typically what most people stock within their homes as it is versatile – it can extinguish 3 out of the 5 fire groups; however, many household fires result from Class K type situations, which require their own specific extinguisher. Read the following information to learn more about these fire groups and the methods to extinguish them.
Fire Classes
Class A - Typical sources of these fires include trash, fabric, paper, wood, and plastics. Class A fires are the most common, and they will burn as long as heat, oxygen, and fuel are available. Water is a good extinguisher for these fires because it reduces heat. Water based and foam extinguishers can also be used.
Class B - Fires with fuel bases of flammable gases or liquids, not including those used/produced in the kitchen (see Class K). Some examples of Class B fuels include gasoline, propane, butane, kerosene, alcohol, solvents, and paints. These fires are typically difficult to extinguish, and they produce thick smoke. Water can spread a liquid fuel source, so it is best to extinguish these fires by smothering the flames with a foam extinguisher.
Class C - Fires that originate from electrical equipment. More common in industries that use large electrically sourced machinery, but can occur in homes with faulty wiring, overloaded outlets, etc. The first step to extinguishing these types is to turn off the electricity source. Water should not be used to control electrical fires, neither should foam extinguishers, instead use carbon dioxide and dry powder extinguishers (ABC).
Class D – Fuels for combustible metal fires include titanium, aluminum, magnesium, and potassium. They typically occur in laboratory settings, but can sometimes happen in various business industries. The intensity of a metal fire may be increased using water or foam; so many times fire fighters will allow these fires to burn themselves out.
Class K – Two out of five household fires begin in the kitchen. Their fuel types include vegetable and animal fats, grease, and cooking oil. They can be extremely difficult to extinguish because of the high temperatures in which they burn at. Water will not extinguish these fires, it may even increase their severity by spreading the flames. Class K fires require their own personal extinguisher (K) that contains a wet chemical formula to cool off high temperatures and prevent re-ignition.
Use Caution with Extinguishers
During a fire the immediate concern should be for yourself and your family members. Before you attempt to extinguish a fire make sure the fire department is being called and that everyone in your home is aware of the situation. Only use an extinguisher while a fire is small and manageable. Never try to extinguish a fire if you are unsure on how to use an extinguisher correctly, there will be no time for reading instructions. If you have any amount of doubt regarding extinguishing a fire, don’t do it. Leave it to the fire fighters and get yourself to safety.
If you experience a fire in your home, SERVPRO of Fort Dodge is here to help. Our professionals will quickly assess the impact of the flames, smoke, and moisture to create a personalized restoration plan for your home. If you have fire damage, don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO of Fort Dodge for 24-hour emergency services at (515) 955-4009.
Smoke Webs
7/10/2018 (Permalink)
Did you know?
Residues (such as burning plastics or the soot from furnace disorders) form long chains of ionized smoke particles that assemble in corners or at junctions of walls and ceilings which are called smoke webs!
Does your business have a plan? Check out these tips:
Protect your people: Your employees are your most important business asset. These tips can help prevent them from being injured in a fire.
- Fire Plans: Make sure your employees know what to do if there's a fire, including calling 911 immediately. Conduct a fire drill at least once a year to keep employees aware of your workplace fire safety protocol.
- Evacuation Plan: In larger buildings, post a fire evacuation plan in several spots around the workplace. Never include elevators in an evacuation plan; always use the stairs.
- First Aid: In case of fire injuries, your employees should be familiar with the location of the first-aid kit, which should be kept where possible hazards can occur most-such as in the kitchen.
Visit www.SERVPROfortdodge.com for more information on fire damage.
Smoke And Soot Can Damage Your Home
3/27/2018 (Permalink)
Smoke and Soot Damage
SERVPRO restoration technicians know that damage increases and restoration costs escalate the longer neutralization, corrosion control and cleaning is delayed. When homeowners prolong the restoration of their home, they extend the effects brought on by the smoke exposure. The following is a timeline of the effects of fire and smoke on a home.
Within Minutes: Acid soot residues cause plastics to yellow; small appliances located close to the source of combustion discolor; highly porous materials (marble, alabaster) discolor permanently.
Within Hours: Acid residues stain grout in bathrooms; fiberglass bath fixtures may yellow; uncoated metals tarnish, counter tops may yellow; finishes on appliances, particularly refrigerators, may yellow; furniture finishes may discolor.
Within Days: In time, acid residues cause painted walls to yellow permanently; metal corrodes, pits and rusts; wood furniture requires refinishing; vinyl flooring requires refinishing or replacement; clothing becomes soot stained; upholstery stains permanently.
Within Weeks: Restoration costs escalate tremendously. Synthetic carpet fibers may yellow or discolor permanently; silver plate is corroded permanently; glass, crystal, china may require replacement due to severe etching and pitting caused by prolonged exposure to acid soot residues.
Cleaning up soot residue must be done as quickly as possible. During combustion, soot residue and volatile vapors are carried by rising and expanding air to surfaces throughout a structure, and are deposited. This process occurs repeatedly until combustion ends, with soot residue building up on surfaces layer by layer. By the time restoration technicians arrive, lacquer-like soot residue may be quite difficult to dissolve and remove.
In addition to removing residue, ridding your home of its smoky odor is necessary. SERVPRO professionals use this four-step process to remove odors:
- Remove the source of the odor, as possible, including unsalvageable debris that contributes to odor generation and recontamination of cleaned and deodorized areas.
- Clean salvageable surfaces and items to physically remove odor-causing residue.
- Chase remaining odor with an odor counteractant. In the case of smoke, create a deodorizing fog or gas that seeks out and combines with odor-causing substances.
- Seal salvageable surfaces that are inaccessible or slightly scorched, not only for aesthetic purposes, but primarily to encapsulate odor and prevent progressive recontamination.
Understanding the effects of a fire can help homeowners evaluate the damage to their home. By learning more about residue clean-up and deodorization after a fire, you can minimize the need for costly repair. The fire and smoke restoration experts at SERVPRO of Fort Dodge can help you return your home and furnishings to a “preloss” condition. Call SERVPRO of Fort Dodge Today! 515-955 4009
Smoke And Soot Cleanup
11/15/2017 (Permalink)
Smoke And Soot Damage Can Cause A Pervasive Odor In Your Home
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 Dodge 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 treat your property with care.
Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today - SERVPRO of Fort Dodge 515-955-4009
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