Recent Fire Damage Posts
Helpful Safety Tips for the Holidays!
11/27/2024 (Permalink)
Safety Tips for the upcoming Holiday Season!
Having a Christmas tree and decorations can come with some risks for a fire possibly happening in your home. We wanted to offer some tips for you and your family to stay safe this holiday season!
The following are a few helpful tips for individuals to consider when putting up and maintaining their holiday decorations this December:
• Do not overload power outlets with holiday lights. Pay close attention to the
manufacturer's instructions on the number of lights you can string together.
• Consider using battery-operated flameless candles.
• Be careful not to splatter wax when extinguishing a candle.
• Use flashlights instead of candles for emergency lighting.
• Do not purchase a Christmas tree that is dry or dropping needles excessively.
Be sure to water your Christmas tree regularly.
• Do not use strings of lights that are worn, frayed, manually spliced, or broken.
• If you purchase an artificial tree, be sure it is labeled fire-retardant.
• Do not link more than three light strands unless the directions indicate it is safe.
Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet. Be sure to periodically check the wires; they should not be warm to the touch.
If a fire disaster does strike your home, SERVPRO of Bowling Green/W. Lucas County offers services to help people quickly recover and restore any damaged property. We are here to help @ 419-867-8678!
Fire Damage in West Lucas County
11/22/2023 (Permalink)
Fire Damage in our Local Area
When a fire hit a local home in West Lucas County and was extinguished, there was extensive fire, and smoke damage throughout the home. This before picture shows the extent of the damage that was caused.
SERVPRO of Bowling Green/West Lucas County was called in to clean up and dry out the structure. This was a massive undertaking that required a full team effort. But our services go far beyond just the clean up process. We strive to provide friendly and compassionate service to help our customers through a very difficult time. We will treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.
If you happen to find yourself in the unfortunate position of cleaning up your home or business after a fire, call SERVPRO of Bowling Green/West Lucas County at 419.867.8678. Our team is reading to help.
What should I do if I have an electrical fire in my home?
4/7/2023 (Permalink)
This electrical fire started in a wall and engulfed the entire house in a matter of minutes.
Electricity is an essential part of life. From lights to heating systems to TV’s, it provides the energy for most powered objects in a house. Electricity is important to have in every home, but it can also be extremely dangerous. According to the National Fire Protection Association, electrical failures or malfunctions are the second leading cause of home fire in the United States. Electrical failures and malfunctions also account for the highest share of civilian deaths and direct property damage.
If an electrical fire were to break out in your home, here are actions that you should do immediately:
- Cut off the Electricity – If the device that is causing the fire is found and you can safely reach the cord, unplug it.
- Add Sodium Bicarbonate – If the fire is small, you may put it out by pouring baking soda on it.
- Don’t Use Water – Using water to put out an electrical fire can put you at risk of being shocked or electrocuted because water is a natural conductor of electricity. Water also may cause the fire to spread by conducting electricity throughout the room and potentially igniting flammable materials.
- Remove the Oxygen Source – An electrical fire may also be put out by removing the oxygen source with a heavy blanket or clothing if the fire is small.
- Check Your Fire Extinguisher – Electrical fires are considered a Class C Fire, which means that you will need to have an extinguisher that is appropriate for this type of fire. Residential fire extinguishers are often multi-purpose and labeled as ABC, but it is very important to make sure that it is before using it on an electrical fire.
ALWAYS call 911 in the case of any fire (big or small) in your home to have the fire department inspect the damage to make sure the fire does not reignite and cause more damage to your home.
Call SERVPRO of Bowling Green/W. Lucas County to help with the clean up services and get your home back to normal again! We are always here to help you in your time of need.
There are 3 things that come with a fire
11/15/2022 (Permalink)
Kitchen house fire caused by pot of water getting over cooked and igniting grease sitting on counter nearby.
First, there is the Fire Damage
It can cause structural damage to your home or business. It can be small or large. It can melt materials causing toxins to be released into the air. It can also ignite other items and cause it to spread faster or even cause it to explode. Fires can cause lots of damage.
Second, comes the Water Damage
When you have a fire, you could have water damage with it because it must be extinguished somehow. This can either be done by the fire department or a sprinkler system. The water damage can sometimes be more significant than the fire itself.
Third, Smoke Damage always comes along with a Fire
This is called soot. Soot must be properly cleaned, or it can destroy your items if the item is even salvageable. Smoke damage can happen to all items such as clothing in drawers; books; furniture; paintings; and more in every room, even those not destroyed by the fire. A lot of the times people feel embarrassed by what looks to be cobwebs after a fire. However, this is actually something caused by the fire itself. We call these smoke or soot webs. The reason it is important to get a fire professionally cleaned up is because what you are breathing in contains carcinogens. We here at SERVPRO of Bowling Green/W. Lucas County have professional cleaning products and equipment that can clean your structure and take the smell out of the air.
ALWAYS KEEP AN EYE ON CANDLES BURNING!
10/29/2021 (Permalink)
Always watch candles burning in your home!
Everyone can get distracted by their work or home chores, but it is never a good thing when this distraction has the potential to lead to fire damage. There are plenty of reasons to use a candle in your home including aromatherapy to destress, but it is never a smart idea to leave the room that a candle is burning in for an extended period. A pet or a child could accidentally knock it over and even though the flame is small, it has the potential to create a fire and leave behind damage.
Your home can still suffer damage from small fires even if you put it out before it spreads to another room. Curtains, tablecloths, & napkins can still all burn up quickly when in contact with a fire of a small nature. As the fire spreads from object to object, it can grow in magnitude. The blaze can leave soot, ash and discoloration behind, but a professional restoration company can help remediate these problems.
SERVPRO strives to get to your home as quickly as possible after your call. The longer that greasy soot stains stay in contact with the wood of your table, or the paint of your walls, the higher the chance to discolor your belongings. The sooner a professional can begin remediating the damage, the easier it is to return your possessions to you in their preloss condition.
Reducing the risks of a House Fire
10/28/2021 (Permalink)
Kitchen damaged by a FIRE
What Can I Do to Reduce My Risks of a House Fire?
Fortunately, you can do several things to substantially lower your residential fire risks and limit your damages if one ever happens. SERVPRO of Bowling Green/W. Lucas County offers the following fire risk mitigation suggestions to homeowners:
• Make sure cooking oil never overheats and only use deep fryers controlled by a thermostat
• If an oil or grease fire starts, turn off the heat and do not attempt to extinguish it with water
• Keep clothing and other flammable materials away from the stove and burners
• Ensure that cooking appliances are turned off once you are finished cooking
• Avoid leaving cooking food or children unattended in the kitchen
• Properly maintain and routinely clean all appliances
• Keep a class A,B,C fire extinguisher in your kitchen
Call SERVPRO of Bowling Green/W. Lucas County @ 419-867-8678 in the event you have a fire and need our help!
How To Prevent a Kitchen Fire
10/26/2021 (Permalink)
KITCHEN FIRE
5 SIMPLE TIPS TO HELP PREVENT KITCHEN FIRES
1. Watch What You Wear - Loose clothing or clothing with long strings can be a danger when dealing with open flames.
2. Fire extinguisher - Always have a fire extinguisher handy & it is always a good idea to have them in the kitchen and garage but make sure you know how to operate it correctly.
3. Stay present- If you need to leave the room while cooking, turn off the burners or broiler and remove food from heat.
4. Pour grease into a safe container - Never pour hot grease in a garbage can.
5. Clear cooking area - Make sure to look around to see if there are any cords, papers, rags, etc. around that could catch fire.
SERVPRO of Bowling Green/West Lucas County hope these five simple tips will help prevent a kitchen fire.
How can you prevent common workplace fires?
10/24/2021 (Permalink)
Kitchen fires in the workplace are a leading cause of commercial fires. In fact, the average number of office, hotel and restaurant fires started in the kitchen is about 47%.
What can you do and encourage to keep your workplace kitchen from becoming part of that unfortunate statistic?
Know your risks. This can vary from one workplace to another, but you should always be aware of environmental factors or specific things about your building that could come into play. Older buildings almost always have things like older wiring or less reliable sprinkler systems, which may need updating or regulation.
Check appliance cords. Faulty power cables are an easy cause of kitchen fires. Cables can fray or break down over time, exposing wire that can instantly cause a fire if an electrical short occurs. Don’t bother with electrical tape—if wire is exposed or cables are bent at sharp angles, replace them and prevent disaster.
Pay attention in the kitchen. Food should never be left alone while it’s cooking. Stovetops, microwaves and even toasters carry inherent fire risks and should always be used with caution in the workplace. And with any sign at all of burning, enact emergency measures.
Ensure proper cleaning. This isn’t fun by anyone’s definition, but it’s vital in keeping fires under control. Bits of food left behind in the microwave or grease on the stove can start blazes that can quickly grow into something devastating. So put regular cleanings on the calendar, and make sure any spillovers in ovens, stovetops or microwaves are dealt with in between.
So if you are in need of our services in the event of fire at work please don't hesitate to call us here at SERVPRO of Bowling Green/W. Lucas County @ 419-867-8678.
HAVE YOU HAD A HOUSE FIRE?
10/15/2021 (Permalink)
HAVE YOU HAD A HOUSE FIRE?
"Devastating & shocked" is an understatement when experiencing the chaos of a fire in your home. Not only is it difficult to deal with the loss, but the clean-up can be too. If it is a small fire, getting the area cleaned and repaired should be a top priority! The first thing to consider is the ash and smoke damage. These can lead to corrosion, unpleasant odor, and discoloration. Getting ash and smoke cleaned up immediately will prevent any of these from leading to an even larger problem.
Take immediate action by following these steps if you find yourself handling the aftermath of a house fire:
- Contact your insurance company.
- Contact your local fire restoration company.
- Take photographs of the damage.
- Keep a record of all conversations with your insurance company.
- Make a list of everything you lost or that was destroyed.
- Find a place to stay while your restoration company cleans up your property.
While a house fire is a difficult experience, it helps to have a game plan in place. Remember these steps for the next time you or someone you know is handling the aftermath of a house fire, and call SERVPRO of Bowling Green/ W. Lucas County to help you in your time of need!
WE ARE ALWAYS HERE TO HELP!
Halloween Tips to keep you safe
10/15/2021 (Permalink)
Halloween Tips to keep you safe
Halloween decorations are the first thing to ignite in over 1,000 reported home fires each year. Whether you are trick or treating, throwing a party, or staying inside, decorations can be a lurking fire risk and it is important to be aware. If you plan ahead you can help make this Halloween a fire-safe one. Taking simple fire safety precautions like keeping decorations far away from open flames and using battery-operated candles or glow-sticks in jack-o-lanterns can help ensure your holiday remains festive and fun.
From the National Fire Protection Association, here are five Halloween fire safety tips:
- Use a battery-operated candle or glow stick in jack-o-lanterns.
- When choosing costumes, stay away from the long trailing fabric.
- Teach young children to stay away from open flames, including jack-o-lanterns with candles in them.
- Keep all decorations away from open flames, especially cornstalks, dried flowers, and crepe paper.
- Provide young children with glow sticks or flashlights to carry with their costumes.
- Remember to keep all exits clear of decorations so escape routes are not blocked. Also, make sure all smoke alarms are working properly.
Everyone at SERVPRO of Bowling Green/ W. Lucas County wants to make sure your Halloween is safe and fun so please follow the steps above to have a wonderful and spooky October 31st!
In case of an emergency, give our team a call us at 419-867-8678!
Fire Damages located in Bowling Green, Ohio
10/29/2020 (Permalink)
Fire Damages located in Bowling Green, Ohio
Fire Damage in Bowling Green, Ohio
A recent fire caused extensive damage to this home.
When a fire in a home in Bowling Green was extinguished, there was extensive fire, water and smoke damage throughout the home. This before picture shows the extent of the damage that was caused.
SERVPRO of Bowling Green/West Lucas County was called in to clean up and dry out the structure. This was a massive undertaking that required a full team effort. But our services go far beyond just the clean up process. We strive to provide friendly and compassionate service to help our customers through a very difficult time. We will treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.
If you happen to find yourself in the unfortunate position of cleaning up your home after a fire, call SERVPRO of Bowling Green/West Lucas County at 419.867.8678
Different Types of Smoke!
10/28/2020 (Permalink)
Kitchen Fire in the Bowling Green / West Lucas County Area!
KITCHEN FIRE - IF YOU HAVE A FIRE AND HAVE SMOKE DAMAGE, CALL SERVPRO TO HELP!
SERVPRO of Bowling Green and West Lucas County professionals know smoke can penetrate various cavities within the structure, causing hidden damage and odor. Their knowledge of building systems helps them investigate how far smoke damage may have spread.
The following are additional facts you may not know about smoke:
*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.
TYPES of SMOKE:
*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.
*Fuel Oil Soot (Furnace Puff Backs) - While "puff backs" can create havoc, in most cases, SERVPRO of Bowling Green and West Lucas County can restore the contents and structure quickly.
*Other types (Tear gas, fingerprint powder, and fire extinguisher residue) - Special loss situations require special care.
CALL OUR SERVPRO OFFICE AT 419-867-8678 !!
Why Use a Professional for Fire Damage? What is the difference?
10/23/2020 (Permalink)
Why Use a Professional for Fire Damage? Have you compared the cost of doing it yourself versus hiring a professional ?
Comparing the Cost of a DIY Cleanup vs. Hiring a Professional...
Things to note when considering whether to clean and repair on your own should include the following:
- If attempting to clean or repair items yourself, safety should be your top priority. Mold from water damage, soot, and other contaminants are toxic and may cause long-term health problems if you don’t protect yourself from exposure. There can also be structural damage or exposed building materials such as asbestos after a fire that present hazards.
- Consider the health risks carefully. While it may seem efficient to clean some items yourself (and you sometimes can take extreme precautions), you should know that asthma and other respiratory conditions can be exacerbated by exposure to toxins.
- Consider the costs of DIY cleaning. If you fail to clean water damage properly, mold can return. If you fail to clean soot thoroughly from air ducts or vents, it can spread throughout your home, re-infecting rooms. If this happens, you will have to pay for a professional to do the job correctly.
Estimating Costs for Types of Fire Damage
The cost of fire damage repair depends on several factors, including whether the affected area is a commercial or residential location, whether there’s both water and fire damage, and the size of the affected area.
Water damage repair can cost between $3 to $4 per square foot to repair. This can include extracting water, removing damaged carpet, and dehumidifying the area. If you have mold from the water damage, repair costs could significantly increase.
Soot damage cleanup often costs an estimated $2,000 to $6,000+. Soot is the residue left from the organic matter that burned. There are two types of smoke-dry and oily. You may be able to launder items affected by dry soot yourself, but a professional must clean oily smoke. *It’s best to have an expert review the damage and type of smoke before completing any DIY laundering, mainly to prevent clogging washing and drying machines with soot.
Smoke damage cleanup can range from $800 to $5,000+ depending on the treatment you select and the extent of the damage. You will likely need a professional to complete a thermal fogging or ozone treatment to remove the smell of smoke from your home, furniture, and fabric materials.
What You’ll Need to Compete a DIY Cleanup
If you decide to clean up fire damage yourself, first read our cleanup tips for fire damage.
Wall Cleanup
If the soot isn’t oily, you may be able to clean walls with a disinfectant. If the residue is oily, it will need to be professionally cleaned.
Floor Cleanup
If you have tile flooring, you can likely clean it yourself with a general cleaner. Laminate floors, carpet, and carpet padding will probably need to be replaced. Hardwood floors may need professional refinishing.
Vent and Duct Cleanup
You or a professional will also need to clean air ducts, furnace, and air-conditioning filters to prevent the further spread of soot.
Belongings Cleanup
If the soot isn’t oily, you may be able to launder drapes, pillows, and fabric as you would frequently, but you should first consult a professional to avoid damaging laundry appliances. If it’s oily soot, you must utilize professional fabric restoration services.
For items that were only exposed to smoke, such as books, you may be able to remove the smell by enclosing them in a plastic bag with charcoal for a few days. The charcoal will absorb the scent.
The Benefits of Hiring a Professional
Soot and mold are toxic. When a fire ravages a home or office, it can leave behind the smoke, which can harm your health if you don’t handle it properly. We know how to clean residue and mold effectively, which can help ensure you can get back into your home or office as safely and quickly.
Insurance can be challenging. Our experienced staff members will work alongside you to ensure the insurance process is equitable. We have decades of experience navigating the nuances of insurance claims – plus, we’re an approved smoke and fire damage contractor for many insurance companies.
After a fire, make sure you hire a company you can count on to help restore your office or home. You can rely on SERVPRO to help you restore, repair, and rebuild any residential or commercial property.
If you have a fire, water, or smoke damage, call our experienced professionals at 419-867-8678 to schedule a free estimate.
Keeping your Halloween spooky and fun! And Safe as Can be!
10/21/2020 (Permalink)
Importance of Safety precautions and how to avoid a Fire during Halloween season!
Unfortunately, symbols of Halloween and activities while fun can also present fire risks that have the potential to become truly scary. Halloween decorations are the first thing to ignite in over 1,000 reported home fires each year. Whether you are trick or treating, throwing a party, or staying inside, decorations can be a lurking fire risk and it is important to be aware. Planning ahead, you can help make this Halloween a fire-safe one. Taking simple fire safety precautions like keeping decorations far away from open flames and using battery-operated candles or glow-sticks in jack-o-lanterns can help ensure your holiday remains festive and fun. From the National Fire Protection Association, here are five Halloween fire safety tips:
- Use a battery-operated candle or glow stick in jack-o-lanterns.
- When choosing costumes, stay away from the long trailing fabric.
- Teach young children to stay away from open flames, including jack-o-lanterns with candles in them.
- Keep all decorations away from open flames, especially cornstalks, dried flowers, and crepe paper.
- Provide young children with glow sticks or flashlights to carry with their costumes.
- Remember to keep all exits clear of decorations so escape routes are not blocked. Also, make sure all smoke alarms are working properly.
Everyone here at SERVPRO of Bowling Green and West Lucas County wants to ensure your Halloween is safe and fun! Follow these steps to enjoy your Halloween season. In the case of an emergency, know that the team at SERVPRO is going to work around the clock to help keep your Halloween season a good one! Give our team a call at 419-867-8678.
Why choose SERVPRO?
10/20/2020 (Permalink)
Fire Damage at its worst... SERVPRO to the rescue !!
When a fire in a home in Bowling Green was extinguished, there was extensive fire, water and smoke damage throughout the home. This before picture shows the extent of the damage that was caused.
SERVPRO of Bowling Green/West Lucas County was called in to clean up and dry out the structure. This was a massive undertaking that required a full team effort. But our services go far beyond just the clean up process. We strive to provide friendly and compassionate service to help our customers through a very difficult time. We will treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.
If you happen to find yourself in the unfortunate position of cleaning up your home after a fire, call SERVPRO of Bowling Green/West Lucas County at 419.867.8678
COMPASSIONATE SERVICE IS OUR SPECIALTY, CALL NOW.
10/20/2020 (Permalink)
TRAGIC FIRE FROM BOWLING GREEN OHIO
When a fire in a home in Bowling Green was extinguished, there was extensive fire, water and smoke damage throughout the home. This before picture shows the extent of the damage that was caused.
SERVPRO of Bowling Green/West Lucas County was called in to clean up and dry out the structure. This was a massive undertaking that required a full team effort. But our services go far beyond just the clean up process. We strive to provide friendly and compassionate service to help our customers through a very difficult time. We will treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.
If you happen to find yourself in the unfortunate position of cleaning up your home after a fire, call SERVPRO of Bowling Green/West Lucas County at 419.867.8678
SERVPRO of Bowling Green/W. Lucas County is Here For Your Fire Restoration Needs
10/18/2019 (Permalink)
Restaurant kitchen fire
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 Bowling Green/W. Lucas County 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 Bowling Green/W. Lucas County 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.
For more information on the services that SERVPRO of Bowling Green/W. Lucas County provides regarding water and fire damage cleanup for your commercial or residential structure, please visit us at:
https://www.https://www.SERVPRObowlinggreenwestlucascounty.com/.com/fire-smoke-damage-restoration
or call us today at (419) 867-8678
DRYER DUCT CLEANING TIPS
9/4/2019 (Permalink)
Melted dryer duct from a fire caused by back up dryer lint
When most people think about duct cleaning, they often don’t think about the exhaust vent for their dryer. It’s just as important to make sure those get cleaned out. In some ways, the dryer vent is even more important than the HVAC system. Here are 5 reasons why your dryer vents should be cleaned.
- Safety
Dryers run hot, and lint is highly flammable. This can be a dangerous combination. According to the US Fire Administration, clothes dryers are responsible for more than 15,000 structure fires each year, and 80% of those are due to clogged dryer vents.
- Low-Efficiency
A clogged dryer vent could mean your clothes will need multiple cycles before drying correctly, or will need to run longer. This means that the proper amount of hot air is not reaching your dryer. Multiple cycles and extended drying times mean additional energy spent and could lead to an increase in your electrical bill.
- Mold
The purpose of the dryer vent is to release moisture and hot air outside. The moisture can sometimes create wet spots inside the tube. Built-up lint can get caught in these wet spots and create mold.
- Less Maintenance
Like any other appliance or machine your dryer will last longer and work better if it’s properly cared for. Cleaning the vent regularly will help ensure that your clothes are being dried in a timely manner and you aren’t unnecessarily wasting energy. Extended drying times can even cause strain on your fabrics. A dryer that continues to run with clogged vent can cause internal problems and require repairs. This means more money out of your pocket, and your household budget.
Your dryer vent should be cleaned once a year. If you’re unsure of how to clean your vents or want professional assistance, contact SERVPRO of Bowling Green/West Lucas County today!
FIRE SAFETY FOR PETS
9/4/2019 (Permalink)
PET SAFETY
The best way to protect your pets from the effects of a fire is to include them in your family plan. This includes having their own disaster supplies kit as well as arranging in advance for a safe place for them to stay if you need to leave your home. When you practice your escape plan, practice taking your pets with you. Train them to come to you when you call. In the event of a disaster, if you must evacuate, the most important thing you can do to protect your pets is to evacuate them, too. But remember: never delay escape or endanger yourself or family to rescue a family pet.
Prevent Your Pets from Starting Fires
The National Fire Protection Association estimates that nearly 1,000 homes fires each year are accidentally started by the homeowner’s pets.
The American Kennel Club and ADT Security Services have joined forces to provide the following tips:
Extinguish Open Flames – Pets are generally curious and will investigate cooking appliances, candles, or even a fire in your fireplace. Ensure your pet is not left unattended around an open flame and make sure to thoroughly extinguish any open flame before leaving your home.
Remove Stove Knobs – Be sure to remove stove knobs or protect them with covers before leaving the house – a stove or cook top is the most common piece of equipment involved in a pet starting a fire.
Invest in Flameless Candles – These candles contain a light bulb rather than an open flame, and take the danger out of your pet knocking over a candle. Cats are notorious for starting fires when their tails turn over lit candles.
Secure Young Pets – Keep them confined away from potential fire-starting hazards when you are away from home such as in crates or behind baby gates in a secure area.
HELP FIREFIGHTERS HELP YOUR PETS
Keep pets near entrances when away from home. Keep collars on pets and leashes at the ready in case firefighters need to rescue your pet. When leaving pets home alone, keep them in areas or rooms near entrances where firefighters can easily find them.
Utilize a pet alert window cling. Write down the number of pets inside your house and attach the static cling to a front window. This critical information saves rescuers time when locating your pets. Make sure to keep the number of pets listed on them updated.
Source: American Red Cross
EXTENSION CORD SAFETY
9/4/2019 (Permalink)
EXTENSION CORD SAFETY
Using extension cords properly is critical to your safety. With continuous use over time, an extension cord can deteriorate, creating a potentially dangerous electric shock or fire hazard. The Electrical Safety Foundation International offers the following tips for staying safe from electric shock and electrical fires.
- Do not overload extension cords or allow them to run through water or snow on the ground
- Do not substitute extension cords for permanent wiring
- Do not run through walls, doorways, ceilings or floors. If cord is covered, heat cannot escape, which may result in a fire hazard.
- Do not use an extension cord for more than one appliance
- A heavy reliance on extension cords is an indication that you have too few outlets to address your needs. Have additional outlets installed by an electrician where you need them.
- Multiple-plug outlets must be plugged directly into mounted electrical receptacles; they cannot be chained together.
- Make sure the extension cord or temporary power strip you use is rated for the products to be plugged in, and is marked for either indoor or outdoor use.
- The appliance or tool that you are using the cord with will have a wattage rating on it. Match this up with your extension cord, and do not use a cord that has a lower rating.
- Never use a cord that feels hot or is damaged in any way. Touching even a single exposed strand can give you an electric shock or burn.
- Never use three-prong plugs with outlets that only have two slots for the plug. Do not cut off the ground pin to force a fit. This defeats the purpose of a three-prong plug and could lead to an electrical shock. Never force a plug into an outlet if it doesn’t fit.
- Use extension cords with polarized and/or three-prong plugs.
- Buy only cords approved by an independent testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL), ETL-SEMKO(ETL) or Canadian Standards Association (CSA).
Restoring Fire Damage
10/26/2018 (Permalink)
Household fire disasters have challenged humans for thousands of years, but fortunately for fire victims in Delta, the strategies used to recover have evolved. There are many reasons to rely on professional assistance when recovering from a fire. The up to date equipment and continuously refined techniques our technicians have at their disposal are excellent rationales to hire our fire damage specialists.
After a fire damages your Delta home, the need for cleanup and restoration can be significant. The first task is often water removal and structural drying because of firefighting efforts. Our technicians receive certification from the IICRC to respond to both water and fire damage, streamlining the process. Commercial grade pumps, water extractors, air movers, heaters, and dehumidifiers are standard equipment on our service vehicles, allowing our crew to begin work immediately after the project manager assesses the damage.
Clean up of smoke and soot damage involves working with toxic residues. SERVPRO of Bowling Green and West Lucas County crew members complete training guiding them on how to complete the cleaning tasks safely, including the use of containment equipment in severe scenarios. We can protect areas of your home unaffected or only slightly damaged through the use of negative pressure air scrubbers that seal off the spaces as we clean them, filtering the air and preventing debris from spreading further.
Because smoke and soot are airborne and have a head start during the chaos of the fire, they frequently make their way far from the burned area. The damage can be invisible to the untrained eye, but SERVPRO employees know what to seek and where the harm often occurs. If this “invisible” damage is ignored, the result is progressive deterioration and increased costs to the homeowner. Our crews use appropriate products and tools to clear away the hidden fire damage, following industry protocols that avoid worsening the scenario.
The SERVPRO of Bowling Green and West Lucas County production facility has specially trained technicians and a range of cutting-edge equipment and resources to restore various items of personal property, furnishings, window coverings, and documents. We create and maintain a detailed inventory when we transport items to our base and work closely with your insurance as we complete all fire damage recovery tasks.
Different Types of Smoke
9/4/2018 (Permalink)
Bedroom fire
SERVPRO of Bowling Green and West Lucas County professionals know smoke can penetrate various cavities within the structure, causing hidden damage and odor. Their knowledge of building systems helps them investigate how far smoke damage may have spread. The following are additional facts you may not know about smoke:
*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.
TYPES of SMOKE:
*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.
*Fuel Oil Soot (Furnace Puff Backs) - While "puff backs" can create havoc, in most cases, SERVPRO of Bowling Green and West Lucas County can restore the contents and structure quickly.
*Other types (Tear gas, fingerprint powder, and fire extinguisher residue) - Special loss situations require special care.
Don't forget about the oven
9/4/2018 (Permalink)
Don’t forget to turn off that oven!
According to the NFPA (National Fire Protection Agency), between the years of 2011-2015, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 170,200 house fires each year involving cooking equipment.
In the study, the NFPA outlined that “Cooking equipment was the leading cause of home structure fires and civilian fire injuries and the second leading cause of home fire deaths,” and accounts for over 47% of all reported home fires.
Timewise, most cooking fires occur during the holiday season between November and December, however, the risk is always there. Be cautious, and aware of all cooking equipment.
Here are some tips:
- If there is a fire in the oven, shut it off, and do not open the door. By opening the door oxygen is now free to feed the fire, which does not solve the problem. Keep the door shut, and the lack of oxygen will eventually cause the fire to die out.
- Do not leave dirty pans on the stove, anyone, especially children, can walk by and accidentally bump the knob and thus turning on the oven.
- Do not pour water on a grease fire! The water will sink to the bottom, and steam will make the flames rise higher. Use a fire extinguisher. In addition, 55% of non-fatal home cooking fire injuries occurs when the victim tries to fight the fire themselves!
Enjoy your meal, but please be careful of the dangers of cooking equipment. But if the unthinkable happens, don’t be afraid to call SERVPRO of Bowling Green and West Lucas County we will make it “Like it never even happened.”
Tips for Smoke Detectors
9/4/2018 (Permalink)
Since they came onto the market in the early 70’s, smoke detectors have reduced fire fatalities roughly in half. Most fire fatalities are from smoke inhalation, a working smoke detector can get you responding sooner!
Here are some Smoke Detector tips to help keep your family safe:
- A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home. Install alarms in the basement. Smoke alarms should be interconnected. When one sounds, they all sound.
- Large homes may need extra smoke alarms.
- It is best to use interconnected smoke alarms. When one smoke alarm sounds they all sound.
- Test all smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
- Today’s smoke alarms will be more technologically advanced to respond to a multitude of fire conditions, yet mitigate false alarms.
- A smoke alarm should be on the ceiling or high on a wall. Keep smoke alarms away from the kitchen to reduce false alarms. They should be at least 10 feet (3 meters) from the stove.
- People who are hard-of-hearing or deaf can use special alarms. These alarms have strobe lights and bed shakers.
- Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.
- Smoke alarms are an important part of a home fire escape plan.
If you and your family do experience a fire, call upon your Fire Restoration Experts at SERVPRO of Bowling Green and West Lucas county at 419-353-2300
Returning Home
9/4/2018 (Permalink)
When returning to a home after a fire, there’s a lot to consider. Many homeowners will begin by assessing the damage caused by heat and soot. However, water damage comes hand in hand with fire damage. Before determining if it’s safe to return to your home, make sure you know how the water used to put out the fire may have affected your house. SERVPRO of Bowling Green and West Lucas County can help you determine the extent of the damage and repair fire and water damage. Here are some things to watch out for when you return to your home for the first time after a fire.
Structural damage
If water has collected in your ceilings or walls, it could create a dangerous situation. Many homes have plywood subflooring, which will separate when exposed to extreme moisture. This could result in unsightly floor buckling or a dangerous weakening of your floor’s structural integrity.
Mold
As your house dries out from the water used to put out the fire, mold can begin growing. In fact, it happens fairly quickly: Mold spores can start developing in as little as 24 to 48 hours after the fire occurs. You can remove saturated carpets and furniture, but mold will grow in any areas of excess moisture – including places you can’t see, such as inside walls, ceilings or air ducts.
Poor roof drainage
If firefighters needed to direct water to the roof of your house, make sure it drained off properly. If that water poured into the yard too close to the house it could cause shifting, cracks and eventual leaks in the foundation. Inadequate roof drainage can also send water spilling into the ceilings and crawl spaces of the home.
Before returning to your home, call the experts at SERVPRO of Bowling Green and West Lucas County for an inspection. We can deal with all the different kinds of damage that is associated with fire and water. We look forward to working with you to restore your home and make sure it is safe for your whole family.
Problems With Wall Studs
9/4/2018 (Permalink)
If a fire ever starts inside your home the damage caused by the burn can be devastating. Once a blaze ignites, it can spread quickly using anything inside the house as fuel to keep burning. The longer a fire stays burning, the more things inside your home it can ruin. In many situations, after a burn takes place, the homeowner finds that many items got damaged including contents and building materials such as flooring, drywall, and other structural components.
Drywall is made to withstand heat and to protect the studs inside the wall cavities. However, during extreme fire damage cases, both the drywall and wooden studs can get burned. The drywall usually works as a barrier and does block some of the heat. In some scenarios, the drywall gets completely burnt, while the wood only gets slightly charred. Other times both the drywall and parts of the wall's structure must be removed and replaced.
Any time drywall gets affected by an indoor fire, the drywall gets removed, and the wooden structure inside the wall is checked. Our SERVPRO of Bowling Green and West Lucas County technicians then inspect how severely the wooden studs got charred. We test burnt wood by measuring how deep the charring goes into the substance. If the burning is only present on the surface and less than a quarter inch deep, then the studs may not have to be removed.
In these cases where only the surface of the wood is charred, our SERVPRO crew can save the studs by treating them. First, we remove all of the affected drywall so that the burnt studs are exposed. Next, we sand all of the black material off of the wood until fresh, unaffected wood can be seen. Lastly, we coat the affected wood with a specialized sealant paint.
If the wood inside your wall shows charring that is deeper than a quarter inch, then we remove the burnt pieces from the structure. Afterward, the missing studs get reinstalled during the reconstruction phase. If charring is present on the inside of the exterior walls they too can get sanded down and painted with a sealant.
Removing burnt material is essential so that the structural components keep their strength. If you ever need help with charred materials or contents inside your home, call SERVPRO of Bowling Green and West Lucas County 419-353-2300 any day of the week.
Cooking safety tips
8/3/2018 (Permalink)
Here are a few reminders the help prevent a kitchen fire from SERVPRO of Bowling Green and West Lucas County
1. Watch What You Wear - Loose clothing or clothing with long strings can be a danger when dealing with open flames.
2. Fire extinguisher - Always have a fire extinguisher near by. It is a good idea to have them in the kitchen and garage. But make sure you know how to operate it correctly.
3. Stay present- . If you need to leave the room while cooking, turn off the burners or broiler and remove food from heat.
4. Pour grease into a safe container - Never pour hot grease in a garbage can.
5. Clear cooking area - Make sure to look around to see if there are any cords, papers, rags, etc. around that could catch fire.
SERVPRO of Bowling Green and West Lucas County hope these five simple tips will help prevent a kitchen fire.
Outlet, Cord and Plug Safe
9/19/2017 (Permalink)
Electrical outlet
Most electrical outlets are designed to handle a specific amperage. It’s best not to try to push them to their capacity by using too many multi-plug devices. If you are in school, your school may also have policies restricting the use/plug-in of certain appliances. These limitations are meant to limit the number of potential electrical and fire hazards in your school/home. If you ever notice any scorched marks or burning odors around an electrical outlet, stop using that outlet and inform someone of the problem right away. Electric currents carried by wiring, switches, plugs and appliances generate heat. Excessive or uncontrolled heat can start fires. To help prevent electrical fires, know how to use and store plugs and electrical cords and take these precautions:
- Don’t run cords under carpeting, bedding, or other combustible materials; also avoid placing cords across doorways or frequently traveled areas
- Discard frayed or broken cords and never splice two cords together.
- Don’t overload outlets or use extension cords in place of outlets. Call an electrician to install additional outlets as necessary.
- Ensure plugs fit snugly in outlets to prevent shock and excess heat.
By following these simple tips you can save your self the trouble of a blow electronic or worse an electrical fire.
More then one fire type.
9/19/2017 (Permalink)
If a Fire Starts:
- Know how to safely operate a fire extinguisher
- Remember to GET OUT, stay out and call 9-1-1 or your local emergency phone number.
- Yell "Fire!" several times and go outside right away. If you live in a building with elevators, use the stairs. Leave all your things where they are and save yourself.
- If closed doors or handles are warm or smoke blocks your primary escape route, use your second way out. Never open doors that are warm to the touch.
- If you must escape through smoke, get low and go under the smoke to your exit. Close doors behind you.
- If smoke, heat or flames block your exit routes, stay in the room with doors closed. Place a wet towel under the door and call the fire department or 9-1-1. Open a window and wave a brightly colored cloth or flashlight to signal for help.
- Once you are outside, go to your meeting place and then send one person to call the fire department. If you cannot get to your meeting place, follow your family emergency communication plan.
If your clothes catch on Fire:
- Stop what you're doing.
- Drop to the ground and cover your face if you can.
- Roll over and over or back and forth until the flames go out. Running will only make the fire burn faster.
For this and more information please visit www.redcross.org
Heater Safety
9/7/2017 (Permalink)
Tis the season, stay safe this winter by plugging space heaters into outlets, never into extension cords or power strips.When using a heater that requires a secondary fuel source such as kerosene take extra care when filling the heater and always store your extra fuel in an approved container in a different location.
SERVPRO of Bowling Green and West Lucas County was called out at 2:30am to a home that fire fighters just got done battling a blaze that started from a kerosene space heater. It was estimated that the fire started around 11:30pm. The only occupant was able to safely leave her residence without issue. Once the fire was extinguished, SERVPRO arrived to secure the property and begin the cleanup process. Fire investigators determined the cause of the blaze was started when a stack of newspapers fell against the space heater. A situation such as this is completely avoidable by following the manufacturer's operating instructions regarding safe distances to near objects.
Kitchen Fire
9/7/2017 (Permalink)
Leaving the kitchen unattended while cooking is the number one cause of house fires. The following is a photo of a kitchen fire that was caused by an electric skillet being left on while the homeowner was away at work. It was assumed that the remaining food became so hot and dry that it in turn ignited. As the flames grew the adjacent cabinetry became engulfed by the fire.in a short time the majority of the kitchen was consumed by the fire. We at SERVPRO take safety very seriously so we perform a safety audit to verify that the affected structure is indeed safe to work in. The clean up efforts on this project are not limited to the fire damage, the water used to extinguish the blaze left the residence saturated with a very dirty smokey water. So before we can start to remove the fire damaged materials we a tasked with a proper water mitigation. The wet items that were destroyed by the fire are removed in the beginning stages. We don't need to dry unsalvageable materials. Fire mitigation can be a long process to put the home back "Like it never even happened".
Don't let your holiday season go up in flames.
9/7/2017 (Permalink)
For most, the kitchen is the heart of the home, especially during the holidays. From testing family recipes to decorating cakes and cookies, everyone enjoys being part of the preparations. So keeping fire safety on the mind in the kitchen during this joyous but hectic time is important. Especially when there’s a lot of activity and people at home. As you start preparing your holiday schedule and organizing that large feast, remember, by following a few simple safety tips you can enjoy time with your loved ones and keep yourself and your family safer from fire.
Thanksgiving is a peak holiday for cooking fires, and the fire department responds to four times the amount of fires compared to every other day. One of the main contributors to this fire increase is leaving the kitchen while food is still cooking. Therefore, leaving the food unattended and able to cause more damage faster. The second leading factor is cooking equipment, so please be sure to make sure you are using the correct cooking utensils.
Soot is kaput
8/11/2017 (Permalink)
Luckey, Ohio Smoke and Soot Cleanup
Fire Damage
Smoke and Soot Damage Can Cause a Pervasive Odor in Your Luckey 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 Bowling Green 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 – 419.867.8678
Whitehouse Smoke and Soot Cleanup
8/19/2016 (Permalink)
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 Bowling Green/West Lucas County will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:
Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber
- Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.
Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood
- Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.
Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire
- Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.
Our Fire Damage Restoration Services
Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and 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 – 419.867.8678
Walbridge Smoke and Soot Cleanup
8/12/2016 (Permalink)
Soot Damage from recent 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 Bowling Green/West Lucas Countywill 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 – 419.867.8678
Fire and Water Damage in Bowling Green
7/22/2016 (Permalink)
A recent fire caused extensive damage to this home.
When a fire in a home in Bowling Green was extinguished, there was extensive fire, water and smoke damage throughout the home. This before picture shows the extent of the damage that was caused.
SERVPRO of Bowling Green/West Lucas County was called in to clean up and dry out the structure. This was a massive undertaking that required a full team effort. But our services go far beyond just the clean up process. We strive to provide friendly and compassionate service to help our customers through a very difficult time. We will treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.
If you happen to find yourself in the unfortunate position of cleaning up your home after a fire, call SERVPRO of Bowling Green/West Lucas County at 419.867.8678
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