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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Archived Fire Damage Blog Posts

Fireworks Are Here

6/30/2022 (Permalink)

It is that time of the year for the whole country – firework season! Picture this – you are driving through the ‘Dena and you notice flashing lights behind a row of trees. You turn the corner, and you see a firework show. Although beautiful to see, fireworks present an annual danger. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, from 2006 – 2021, firework-related injuries have risen by an estimated 25 percent. To help prevent injury, SERVPRO of Pasadena/Gibson Island/Lake Shore has some firework safety tips for you and your friends and family this year.  

  • Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks. Sadly, this does include sparklers. Sparklers are a hit for children, but they also burn at temperatures of about 2,00 degrees Fahrenheit, hot enough to burn some metals 
  • Keep a bucket of water or even a garden hose handy in case of a fire or burn injury.  
  • Light fireworks one at a time! We know you want to put on a professional display to impress your neighbors, however lighting several fireworks at one time makes it difficult to manage them in the case of an accident. 
  • Do not attempt to relight fireworks. Soak them in water and throw them away instead.  
  • Never place any part of your body directly over a firework when lighting the fuse. Instead, move a safe distance back and light from a distance.  
  • After fireworks complete their burning, douser them to prevent a trash fire.  
  • Do not use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs. We know the 4th of July is a massive social gathering for people in the Pasadena area, but safety comes first. 

We hope these firework safety tips come in handy during the next couple of social gatherings you attend! If you experience fire, soot, or smoke damage because of a firework mishap, call our experts over at SERVPRO of Pasadena/Lake Shore/Gibson Island 

Soot, Smoke, Fire

6/23/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Pasadena/Gibson Island/Lake Shore has the specialized fire restoration training needed to restore your home to pre-fire condition. Click here to review our complete fire damage restoration process. Every fire is different, and smoke and soot create a unique type of damage.

Smoke and soot damage is created after a fire has been extinguished in a home or a business, soot residue settles into the property. Soot is a very fine, black powder substance (0.25 µm in size) which binds to walls and fabric.

Like soot, smoke damage can be problematic. It will cause discoloration of walls and it will sink into all property contents, causing smoke odor to linger for long periods of time.

This is why it is extremely important to hire a professional fire mitigation company to restore the damage.

The type of smoke or soot damage will define how we clean and treat the affected areas, but our process has several steps. We are trained extensively on all types of soot or smoke damage and if you contact as quickly enough, we will be able to restore most items. We also use Personal Protective Equipment as per Health and Safety regulations.

Fires can happen at any time, day or night. The most important thing is quick response time that’s why SERVPRO of Pasadena/Gibson Island/Lake Shore is available 24 hours a day/7 days a week.

A Fire Occurs: What To Do vs What Not To Do

3/1/2022 (Permalink)

A fire can be devastating for home and business owners alike. From damaged contents to structural damage, a fire can be a major inconvenience for property owners. If you find yourself in this position, it’s always helpful to be aware of how to handle your situation. The most important thing to know is that the cleanup and restoration process should be handled by professionals. Here are some tips for you to take  

What To Do After a Fire 

Shut off heating/air conditioning – immediately shut off these units. Leaving them on will spread soot throughout the structure 

Avoid the scene of the fire – the more movement throughout the building, the more soot will spread 

Document the damages – it is important to document where major damages are for making an insurance claim 

What Not To do After a Fire 

Avoid using electronics – using electronics after a fire can have major consequences 

Don’t wash anything – a professional should inspect your home before you wash anything 

Wait for a fire damage restoration professional – it is crucial to have your home or business inspected by a professional quickly  

The Fire Restoration Process

1/27/2022 (Permalink)

Pretesting  

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals start the cleanup and restoration process after a fire by pretesting. Pretesting enables us to determine which process to utilize and allows our customer to preview the results.  

Content Claim Inventory Service  

Utilizing Contents Clam Inventory Service technology, SERVPRO of Pasadena/Gibson Island/Lake Shore can generate comprehensive room-by-room inventories. Contents are categorized as salvageable, non-salvageable and questionable – allowing for easier contents settlement. 

Cleaning and Restoration  

All restorable structure and contents will be professionally cleaned and deodorized, restoring them back to preloss condition. This service includes, but is not limited to walls, ceilings, floors, area rugs, furniture, draperies and upholstery, electronics, art, clothing and more. We even provide emergency cleaning of contents the customer will need immediately.  

Move Outs  

If relocation is necessary due to extensive damage, our professionals at SERVPRO of Pasadena/Gibson Island/Lake Shore are trained to properly move out and control the inventory of contents throughout the cleaning, restoration, and deodorization process.  

Commercial Fire Damage Insurance Claims

12/1/2021 (Permalink)

According to the National Fire Prevention Association, NFPA, fires occurring in commercial, institutional, or public buildings account for 1 in every 4 fires, most commonly involving manufacturing and industrial operations. A fire occurring in your building can create serious long-term issues if not handled quickly and properly. Here is a concise list of the most common insurance claims we see involving fires:  

  • Interruption of business - first and foremost, business closures can cause you to lose more profits than the damage caused by a fire loss  
  • Structural damage - fires cause severe damage to your building’s structure by buckling walls and cracking masonry  
  • Smoke and soot - smoke and soot can cause health effects
  • Fire suppression losses - when firefighters extinguish flames with water, your floors, walls, contents and more can be further damaged 

Fire is not just the most common type of insurance loss for a small business but, it is also the costliest. While standard commercial insurance may cover damage caused by fire, not all policies provide the same amount of protection. At SERVPRO of Pasadena/Gibson Island/Lake Shore, we care for your Anne Arundel County business and want you to remain open. The damage fires cause can be both extensive and expensive. Luckily, with our trained SERVPRO professionals, it does not have to be. If your business experiences a fire, contact SERVPRO of Pasadena/Gibson Island/Lake Shore at 410-255-1110 and we will make it “Like it never even happened.”  

Protect Your Pets!

10/22/2021 (Permalink)

Does your family have a fire escape plan in case of emergency? According to the American Red Cross, fires are the most common type of disaster for homeowners and one of the most preventable. You and your family should develop a plan and a disaster supplies kit to be prepared for any emergency. In this plan, remember to include your pets. At SERVPRO of Glen Burnie, we care about the safety of our customers and their critters.  

The National Fire Prevention Association estimates that nearly 1,000 fires a year are accidentally started by homeowners’ pet. To prevent this from ever happening to you and your pet, here are some tips from SERVPRO of Glen Burnie:  

  • Always extinguish unattended, open flames – be sure that your pet is not left unattended by an open flame. Pets are generally curious and will investigate a bright burning light so extinguish any open flames completely.  
  • Remove/cover stove knobs – Remove or cover exposed stove knobs when leaving your pet alone. Stove tops are the number one appliance involved in starting house fires.  
  • Invest in flameless candles – Cats are especially notorious for starting fires with open flames burning on a candle. To prevent this, maybe invest in some candles that use a bulb instead of a wick.  
  • Protect your pets – In order to best protect your pets, especially young ones, keep them away from any fire hazard material. The best way to prevent a house fire is to make sure there are no risky or dangerous items near your pets.  

These simple, preventative measures are easy steps homeowners can take to protect their pets. 

Preventing Restaurant Fires

7/1/2021 (Permalink)

skillet on fire Restaurant Kitchen Skillet on Fire

As restaurants return to full operation after partial or full shutdowns it’s important to remember fire safety. Restaurant fires destroy more than property, many restaurants hold priceless memories of celebrations and firsts, backgrounds for special announcements or the reliable spot to pick up favorite weekday takeout meals. With a fire, this all goes up in smoke - literally. Restaurant fires can be devastating, not only to the owners and patrons, but to the employees as well. 

Thousands of restaurant fires occur each year resulting in millions of dollars in property damage. What’s the best way to protect your restaurant from a fire? Understand the dangers and prevention measures you can take to skirt disaster in your establishment. Below are a few tips to follow: 

  • Twice a year have the hood cleaned by a professional 
  • Clean grease traps regularly 
  • Perform daily equipment inspections and repair any concerns found timely 
  • Place fire extinguishers in easy to find and reach locations 
  • Train your staff on what to do if a fire does occur 

If despite following these tips you have a fire in your restaurant call SERVPRO of Pasadena/Gibson Island/Lake Shore 410-255-1110, we are #Here2Help. 

Always Be Prepared

6/24/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Pasadena/Gibson Island/Lake Shore can help you clean up after a fire affects your home but we would rather your never find yourself in a situation that requires our soot/smoke and fire clean up services.  

Review the following emergency tips to keep your family safe if you find yourself in a fire situation. 

  • Have working smoke detectors throughout your home. Check batteries every month 

  • Get out and stay out! - If you smell smoke, hear the smoke alarm or see flames get everyone out! Don’t investigate or wait for any reason. 

  • Crawl Low to Stay Under smoke - If you encounter smoke while you are escaping a fire, use another exit route. If you must escape through smoke, remember that heat and smoke rise so cleaner air is near the floor. Crawl on your hand and knees keeping your head 12 to 24 inches above the floor.  

  • Stop Drop and Roll - If your clothing catches fire - Stop, don’t run. Drop to the ground, cover your face with your hands and roll over and over until the fire goes out. 

Planning and Prevention are the key to fire safety, if you need our service know that we will do our best to return your home to normal as quickly as possible.

CHANGE THE BATTERY IN YOUR SMOKE DETECTOR WHEN SPRINGING FORWARD THIS MONTH

2/28/2021 (Permalink)

Fire can spread rapidly throughout your home, leaving you with as little as one or two minutes to escape safely once the smoke alarm sounds. It’s important to make sure the smoke detector in your home is operating properly.

It is recommended that smoke alarms be installed inside each bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. On levels without bedrooms, install alarms in the living room or family room and near the stairway to the upper level.

This month it’s time to spring forward and set your clocks ahead one hour to mark the beginning of daylight saving time. It’s also time to change the batteries in your smoke alarm.  Smoke alarms have saved many lives, but I think we have become so used to them we sort of take them for granted. Smoke alarms should be tested once a month. I know it’s not convenient, but if it saves a family member, is it that big of a chore? I think not. The smoke alarm itself should be replaced every 10 years.

Protect yourself and your family by replacing the battery in your smoke detector every six months.

Putting Out Fires in Pasadena

1/27/2021 (Permalink)

stove that suffered fire damage Pasadena Kitchen Fire

A backdraft of emotions often sweeps over homeowners after a fire ravages a home. SERVPRO of Pasadena/Gibson Island/Lake Shore is an IICRC certified firm and our technicians are trained in fire and smoke remediation.  

The first 48 hours after a fire damage can make the difference between restoring versus replacing your property and personal belongings. Here’s a list of things you can do until help arrives to reduce damage: 

  • Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from spreading and additional damage from occurring. 
  • Place clean towels or old linens on rugs and high traffic areas and upholstery. 
  • Do not wash any walls or painted surfaces. 
  • Do not shampoo carpet or upholstery. 
  • Do not clean any electrical equipment. 

Our SERVPRO of Pasadena/Gibson Island/Lake Shore IICRC certified technicians are familiar with Anne Arundel County properties. They are trained in rapid response, cutting-edge technology and open communication. They strive to restore not only the home, but your peace of mind. So, before you risk doing further damage by attempting to clean up the damage yourself, call the fire damage professionals at SERVPRO of Pasadena/Gibson Island/Lake Shore. 

Choose the Right Fire Extinguisher

12/1/2020 (Permalink)

black background with fire flames and a red fire extinguisher Fire Extinguisher

SERVPRO of Pasadena/Gibson Island/Lake Shore sees a lot of fires. Many fires start in the kitchen and might be easily extinguished if the property owner had a fire extinguisher. We’ve come up with the following list so you can select the best fire extinguisher for your property: 

  • Class A: This is the most common extinguisher and can be used to put out fires in ordinary combustibles such as cloth, wood, rubber, paper, and many plastics. 
  • Class B: Used on fires involving flammable liquids, such as grease, gasoline, and oil. 
  • Class C: Designed for fires involving appliances, tools, or other equipment electronically energized or plugged in. 
  • Class D: For use on flammable metals; often specific for the type of metal in question. These are typically found in factories. 
  • Class K: Intended for use on fires that involve vegetable oils, animal oils, or fats in cooking appliances. Generally found in commercial kitchens. 

Did you know cooking equipment is the leading cause of residential fires? As the holiday season begins and you find yourself in the kitchen more often while hosting friends and family, fire precautions should be top of mind. Plan this season to help ensure it is safe and fire-free. 

The Importance of an Office Fire Escape Plan

10/23/2020 (Permalink)

firefighter in stairwell extinguishing fire. Fire Damage

Fires can be destructive and deadly. The speed at which a fire spreads through a Pasadena facility varies based on the materials and causes of the blaze. Every emergency and fire restoration service likely understands and encourages every commercial property owner to create a fire escape plan. Unfortunately, too many businesses do not know what that entails. Escape plans need not be complicated and should require at least three of the following components:

Two Exit Minimum

The basic emergency escape plan requires a two exit minimum out of every room in your facility. While plans can have more options, two is the minimum because it improves the odds of survival. If a room only has one exit, then people may become trapped if the fire overtakes that exit. Most offices will have a window and a door, these can stand as your exit points, but make sure that there is a feasible way to get to safety from those points.

Clear Pathways

The key to an effective fire escape plan is clear pathways. Make sure that hallways are free of clutter and that exit points are not blocked by shelving. While warehouses and packaging facilities can become overwhelmed with boxes and random items, it is crucial to have processes in effect to maintain order and cleanliness.

Implementation and Practice

It is not enough to create exit strategies. The only way to test the effectiveness of a plan is to implement it and put it into action. Routine practices should take place throughout the year to ensure that every employee makes it safely outside without incident. These scheduled run-throughs will help you tweak the escape strategy if you find there are hiccups.

A fire escape plan is not necessarily complicated to create, but the practice is vital to avoid complacency. If you need help creating a plan for your building, then contact the fire department or a restoration expert for help.

Summer Fire Pit Safety

6/30/2020 (Permalink)

fire pit near pile of leaves Fire Pit

According to The Spruce, the second most requested outdoor feature in landscape design is a fire pit. Fire pits are functional and fun, but can be dangerous if not used properly.

Did you know you should alert your insurance provider about your fire pit?

If you need ideas on firepits, SERVPRO of Pasadena/Gibson Island/Lake Shore, check out these ideas from Diamond Decks.

Need a fire pit party idea? Click here for some fun ideas.

Unfortunately, fire pits can also be very dangerous. Here are 5 quick tips to keep you, your property, and your family safe:

  1. Make sure the fire pit is, at minimum, 10 feet away from any structure or neighboring yard—25 feet is preferable.
  2. Make sure the ground or surface is even to reduce the risk of fire escaping beyond your fire pit.
  3. Avoid using your fire pit on windy days, since flames or embers can spread to your home, yard and nearby trees.
  4. Make sure guests maintain a proper distance and don’t exhibit risky behavior. Keep close tabs on children and pets.
  5. Once you extinguish your fire with water, gently stir and spread the ashes to cool. Leave only when they’re cool to the touch.

Click here to read some additional tips on fire pit safety.

SERVPRO of Pasadena/Gibson Island/Lake Shore hopes you have a safe and enjoyable time around your fire pit!

Can Outdoor Grills Cause Fire Damage?

6/24/2020 (Permalink)

Technician cleaning soot on carpet Grill Damage

Recently, SERVPRO of Pasadena/Gibson Island/Lake Shore provided fire mitigation services to an Annapolis homeowner after a grill caught fire in their screened in porch. The fire was quickly extinguished by the homeowner, but the flames, smoke, and extinguisher already caused damage. 

Outdoor grills should be at least 10 feet away from your home whether it’s a charcoal or gas grill. It’s a common mistake to think you can grill using a small grill in a garage or screened-in porch.

Did you know that grills release carbon monoxide (a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly)?

As Summer is now if full swing, stay safe. Keep the grill outdoors and a safe distance from your home.

If your home gets fire or soot damage from your grill, call the fire mitigation specialists at  SERVPRO of Pasadena/Gibson Island/Lake Shore. We can help make it “Like it never even happened.”

Fire Damage and Concrete

2/25/2020 (Permalink)

Concrete Concrete

SERVPRO of Pasadena/Gibson Island/Lake Shore works with a variety of different types of fire damage. One type is fire damage to concrete.

A fire pit can cause fire damage to concrete. Wood burning fire pits typically have a wrought-iron, aluminum, or copper bottom meant to conduct heat well. This is great when you have folks crowded around it for warmth. It’s not so good when it’s sitting a mere six inches above your concrete patio. In fact, the heat from an unmitigated fire pit can cause your concrete patio to literally explode. Click here to read more about the dangers of fire pits.

Concrete has good fire resistance. However, the visual appearance of concrete after a fire can be quite shocking with extensive blackening often accompanied by spalling and cracking. Concrete is a porous material that can absorb odors and soot. When constructing anything with concrete or concrete materials, make sure you seal the concrete. Click here to view different types of concrete sealants.

SERVPRO of Pasadena/Gibson Island/Lake Shore sees a lot of fire damage and recommends you educate yourself on concrete when it comes to fire pits as well as other structures so that everyone is safe.

How Does Candle Smoke Cause Damage?

1/29/2020 (Permalink)

candles Candles

Did you know that smoke from candles is toxic? The cheapest and most widely used candle is made of paraffin—which is derived from petroleum. When burned, it releases a toxin called toluene, which has been found to cause DNA strand breakdown, affecting the nervous system.

Smoke from candles is actually soot. Smoke is just soot and other particulates carried on the hot air rising off the flame. When you put the top on a jarred candle and trap the smoke, it cools. And, the particulates in the candle settle onto the candle and the inside walls of the jar.

Fireplaces, cigarettes and the burning of candles can all result in soot stains on walls. Though soot collects on other surfaces in the home, soot stains are easy to spot on light-colored walls. Aside from being unattractive, soot can create a health hazard.

In general, candles won’t set off your smoke alarm. However, they can cause a fire. SERVPRO of Pasadena/Gibson Island/Lake Shore has provided fire damage remediation and reconstruction to several properties where candles were the cause of the fires.

How Does Fire Damage my Property?

11/21/2019 (Permalink)

family room after a fire Fire Damage

SERVPRO of Pasadena/Gibson Island/Lake Shore has the specialized fire restoration training needed to restore your home to pre-fire condition. Click here to review our complete fire damage restoration process. Every fire is different, and smoke and soot create a unique type of damage.

Smoke and soot damage is created after a fire has been extinguished in a home or a business, soot residue settles into the property. Soot is a very fine, black powder substance (0.25 µm in size) which binds to walls and fabric.

Like soot, smoke damage can be problematic, and it can cause serious health damage. It will cause discoloration of walls and it will sink into all property contents, causing smoke odor to linger for long periods of time.

This is why it is extremely important to hire a professional fire mitigation company to restore the damage.

The type of smoke or soot damage will define how we clean and treat the affected areas, but our process has several steps. We are trained extensively on all types of soot or smoke damage and if you contact as quickly enough, we will be able to restore most items. We also use Personal Protective Equipment as per Health and Safety regulations.

Fires can happen at any time, day or night. The most important thing is quick response time that’s why SERVPRO of Pasadena/Gibson Island/Lake Shore is available 24 hours a day/7 days a week.

Fire Prevention

10/15/2019 (Permalink)

fire truck Fire Truck

October is National Fire Prevention Month.

In a fire, mere seconds can mean the difference between a safe escape and a tragedy. Fire safety education isn’t just for children. Teenagers, adults, and the elderly are also at risk in fires, making it important for every member of the community to take some time during Fire Prevention Month to make sure they understand how to stay safe in case of a fire.

A wide variety of emergencies both man-made and natural, may require a workplace to be evacuated. These emergencies include - fires, explosions, floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, toxic material releases, radiological and biological accidents, civil disturbances and workplace violence. 

To ensure the fastest emergency action plan, consider the following:

  • Similar to a home fire drill, start your fire evacuation plan with a map. These maps should include locations of exits, assembly points, and equipment (such as fire extinguishers, first aid kits, spill kits) that may be needed in an emergency.
  • Many employers designate individuals as evacuation wardens to help move employees from danger to safe areas during an emergency. Generally, one warden for every 20 employees should be adequate, and the appropriate number of wardens should be available at all times during working hours.
  • Certain equipment and processes must be shut down in stages or over time. Establish a method for accounting for non-employees such as suppliers and customers.

For more information on workplace evacuation plans and procedures, visit www.osha.gov.

Emergency situations are an unfortunate reality in workplaces and homes. If your prepared for these events, your employees and families are more likely to be protected.

SERVPRO of Pasadena/Gibson Island/Lake Shore is a woman-owned independent franchise. For more information, call (410) 255-1100.

Why are Space Heaters so Dangerous?

2/21/2019 (Permalink)

Prevent Space Heater Fires

When the cold winter weather hits, many people turn on space heaters. Generally speaking, space heaters are safe to use.  Fires occur mostly when space heaters are used improperly.  According to the National Fire Protection Association, space heaters account for 43% of home heating fires.  Here are some tips to ensure you use your space heater properly:

Use an electric space heater.  Iowa State University Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering warns that space heaters that use kerosene, propane, and natural gas pose an additional risk of releasing carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and nitrogen dioxide into the air if they aren't properly vented, which can lead to serious health problems and even death.  Electric space heaters (when used properly) are always a safer device for indoor heating.

Plug your space heater directly into the wall outlet.  Never plug your electric space heater into an extension cord or power strip.  Space heaters are often the cause of electrical fires because they overload a circuit. 

Move your space heater away from clutter.  Always keep your space heater at least 3 feet away from any furniture or combustible items (including bedding and curtains). Remember to instruct children to remain 3 feet away from the heater too.

Turn your space heater off.  Whenever you leave the room or go to sleep, it is important to turn your space heater off.  Unplug the heater when it’s not in use by pulling the plug straight from the outlet. Check the cord for damage periodically, and don’t use it if it’s frayed or worn.

Space heaters are not dangerous if they are properly used.  Keep these safety tips in mind to prevent fire in your property.

Pasadena Fire

1/29/2019 (Permalink)

Chimney Fire

SERVPRO of Pasadena/Gibson Island/Lake Shore recently worked with a customer who had a chimney fire in their home. Smoke and soot are 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 Pasadena/Gibson Island/Lake Shore 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 (410) 647-8181