Archived Fire Damage Blog Posts

Smoke Alarm Installation

5/20/2024 (Permalink)

Smoke Alarms

It’s important to install your smoke alarms correctly and make sure they are in working order. Fire research has indicated that with today’s modern furnishing, fires can spread much more rapidly than in the past when more natural materials were used. This is why having enough properly located smoke alarms is so important.

Installing smoke alarms:

Install smoke alarms inside each bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home.
Smoke alarms should be installed at least 10ft from a cooking appliance to minimize false alarms when cooking.
Smoke rises. It is important to mount smoke alarms high on walls or ceilings to ensure they are functioning properly.
Don’t install smoke alarms near windows, doors, or ducts where drafts may interfere with their operation.
Keep manufacturer’s instructions for reference.

Testing smoke alarms:

Smoke alarms should be maintained according to manufacturer's instructions.
Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button.
Smoke alarms with non-replaceable 10-year batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps, it is a warning that the battery is low and needing to be replaced.
Smoke alarms with disposable batteries should be replaced once a year. If the alarm chirps, it is a warning that the battery is low and needing to be replaced.

Fire Safety Facts

5/18/2023 (Permalink)

Smoke detectors can help keep you safe in the event of a fire.

Fire safety comes in many forms. Here are some facts that can provide some insight into fire safety.

A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire.
Smoke alarms should be installed inside every sleeping room, outside of each sleeping area, and on every level. Smoke alarms should be connected so when one sounds, they all sound.
Roughly, three out of five fire deaths happen in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.
Fires most often start in the kitchen. Almost 30 percent of fires start in the kitchen because this is primarily where open flames are used.
Cooking and heating cause the most fires.

If a fire occurs in your home, GET OUT, STAY OUT and CALL FOR HELP. Never go back inside for anything or anyone.

Responding to Fire Alarms in Your Home

6/21/2022 (Permalink)

You should change the batteries every six months to ensure that you’ll be alerted if there’s a fire.

Fire alarms are essential in every home, and they serve as a warning system in the event of a fire. When the alarm goes off, you need to know what to do. The damages can be costly, so take the necessary precautions to protect yourself, your family, and your belongings.

Know the Fire Alarm Types

Your home will have at least one of several different types of fire alarms. Here are some possibilities and how they work:

Smoke detectors alert you of a possible fire once the smoke concentration exceeds a threshold.
Heat detectors detect temperature changes associated with fires.
Carbon monoxide detectors will go off in the presence of carbon monoxide gas.

Take Precautionary Measures
Be aware of which kinds of fire alarms are in your home and test them regularly to ensure they work effectively. To do so, press the test button on the alarm or use a testing device. You should change the batteries every six months to ensure that you’ll be alerted if there’s a fire. This process is as simple as removing the cover of the fire alarm and replacing the batteries with new ones. You may also consider replacing the backup battery as well.

Protect Yourself
Your safety should be your number one priority. When the alarm goes off, stay calm. If possible, address the cause of the alarm going off. If you are in an apartment complex, follow the evacuation procedures. Don’t stop to gather belongings. If the fire department arrives, make sure to follow the given instructions.

Assess the Damage
If you suspect that there may be smoke damage, you should call a fire damage restoration service in Nassau Bay, TX, for a proper evaluation. These professionals will assess the situation and make necessary repairs to ensure that your home is safe from further damage. You may also consider filing an insurance claim to cover repairs and losses.
Knowing what to do when your fire alarm goes off will help you mitigate damage and understand the best way to protect yourself and your home.

Cleanup Considerations After a Fire

5/17/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage cleanup in Nassau Bay, TX.

Considerations for Fire Cleanup

After a fire, one of the biggest concerns of a property owner is a restoration back to pre-damage conditions. When you consider all the damage within your building in Nassau Bay, TX, you may be focused on figuring out how much it will cost to replace everything. Between the damage from fire, water, and smoke, you’d think your only course of action is to buy new items. According to professional damage restoration providers, this is not the case. A complete fire restoration process isn’t just about replacing damaged items. In many cases, items and surfaces can be spared through special techniques such as dry-cleaning and ultrasonic cleaning.

Content Cleaning Techniques and Approaches
Fire restoration professionals prioritize repair over replacement, which not only saves money but also helps to expedite returning your property to pre-fire conditions. You can expect the experts to examine affected items and employ the best methods for cleanup:

Ultrasonic: Used for nonporous items, as well as electronics
Dry-cleaning: Indicated for light dirt removal or pretreating items for wet cleaning
Wet cleaning: Reserved for medium to heavy dirt and buildup
Document restoration: Special methods for paper items that have sustained smoke, water, and mold
Odor removal: Eliminating post-fire odors, not masking them with fragrances
Carpet and upholstery: Tailored cleaning that is appropriate on an item-by-item basis

Professional restoration means having the knowledge, experience, equipment, and supplies to best clean affected items and surfaces.

The Big Picture
No two fire cleanup efforts will be the same. A more extensive fire to your property in Nassau Bay, TX, may require additional services such as a move out/pack out of items and offsite content storage during the restoration process. A professional approach considers all the details and factors needed to ensure that the process is complete and expedited.
When it comes to fire damage cleanup, a DIY approach is far from complete. Trust your restoration to experienced pros who can leverage their understanding of special cleanup techniques such as dry-cleaning and odor removal to return things back to a pre-damage state ASAP. This comprehensive approach emphasizes repair over replacement for your benefit.

Don't DIY Tarp Services After a Fire

3/25/2022 (Permalink)

Fire tarp services in Dickinson, TX.

Tarp Services After a Fire

Whether the wind has blown a swath of shingles from your roof or a fire has left a gaping hole all the way to the attic, one of the first steps in fire cleanup efforts should be installing a tarp on the roof. With the protection of roofing materials gone, your business may be exposed to rain, wind, and debris. Animals and other trespassers may gain access to the attic. Before you climb up to fix a tarp yourself, consider the following safety information:

Never get onto your roof during a lightning storm.
Steep roofing surfaces require specialized harness systems.
Falls from the roof accounts for 30 percent of construction accidents and up to 75 percent of fatalities.
Other risks of working on the roof include electrocution and tool-related injuries.

You could face trouble with your business insurance because of taking risks by going onto your roof.

Fortunately, you don't have to face those risks. Fire remediation and restoration professionals often offer tarp services within a very short time frame and can complete any following roof repair work quickly.

Turn Repairs Over to Professionals

When these fire cleanup professionals arrive, they may bring supplies such as polyethylene sheeting to use as a tarp, long lengths of wood to fasten edges of the tarp, duct tape, screws, tools, and safety equipment. However, the amount of training these professionals have is even more important than any of these tools. As they install the tarp, they'll take steps to ensure protection from water, dirt, and most animal intruders.

Complete Other Tasks

In addition to staying off your roof, protect your well-being and that of your employees and customers by staying out of the property until you have permission from the appropriate officials. Instead of trying to complete repairs, consider making phone calls to your insurance provider, business partners, and any public safety officials, as necessary.

Fire cleanup steps involve a lot of risks. When your Dickinson, TX, company faces fire-related damages, turn the repairs over to experienced crews and devote your attention to other necessary tasks.

What To Know About Fire Damage and Your Renters Insurance

2/7/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage in a home in Dickson, TX.

Fire Damage and Your Renters Insurance

When your rental suffers fire damage in Dickson, TX, you may be wondering if your renter's insurance will cover the damage. Your exact coverage will depend on your policy type, however, here are a few things you may be able to expect.

1. Parts of the Insurance Policy

There are many parts to an insurance policy you should be aware of. Personal property coverage is for the items you brought into the rental unit, while structural coverage is for the physical building. Liability coverage may be included in case you are found personally at fault for the fire. A loss of use clause may be included to provided funding in case the home or apartment is rendered uninhabitable.

2. What May Be Covered

Most renter's insurance policies commonly cover the costs needed to replace personal items. Depending on your policy they may even cover the cost to hire a fire restoration service that can help with cleaning and repairs. Some services may even help salvage personal items. Your renter's policy may also include liability and loss of use depending on the circumstances, and severity of the fire.

3. What May Not Be Covered

Many renter's policies are designed to cover only that which the renter is reasonably responsible for. This means that things such as structural damage may fall under the landlord’s insurance policy. Fortunately, many insurance companies will work together to help ensure the process goes smoothly. It is considered the renter’s responsibility to have an insurance policy in the first place as well as to keep it up-to-date.

It’s important to remember that your renter's insurance coverage will depend on your policy. However, in most cases, fire damage to personal property will be covered along with some repair and restorations costs. Your landlord’s policy should cover the damage to the structure itself. As the policyholder you are considered responsible for knowing what your policy contains.

What Should You Throw Away After a Fire?

12/15/2021 (Permalink)

If your cosmetics have been exposed to fire you should replace them.

Five Items To Throw Away After a Fire

Exposure to heat and smoke can ruin delicate or perishable contents. While some items can be cleaned and restored, others should be disposed of and replaced. Here are five items to throw away after a house fire in La Marque, TX.

1. Food

Open food packages may become contaminated by smoke, ash, soot, or fire suppressants. It is important to get rid of:

Open packages or containers
Open pet food
Cans exposed to extreme heat

Canned or packaged food that was not exposed to high heat may be safe to consume. Remove the label, clean the can, and write the contents and expiration date on the can in permanent marker.

2. Porous Kitchen Contents

Not only do food items pose a re-contamination risk. It is also important to dispose of:

Plastic cutting boards
Plastic dishes, cups, or utensils
Baby bottle nipples

Plastic is porous and may absorb toxins. Throw away and replace these items after a fire.

3. Medicine

High heat and smoke can ruin medicine. Examine each product and consider:

The safe temperature range
Whether the packaging is open
Any visible damage

It is safer to dispose of and replace medicine after a fire. Extremely high temperatures may make any formula less effective.

4. Cosmetics

Heat can also destabilize beauty and personal care products. Continued use can result in:

Absorption of toxins through skin
Discoloration
Irritation

You should dispose of and replace products exposed to smoke or high temperatures. Throwing these items out is safer than risking re-contamination.

5. Burned Clothing

Clothing damaged by smoke or soot may be restored. Burned clothing should be thrown away. This is particularly the case for:

Charred or singed items
Babies' or children's clothing
Burnt linens

If you are not sure whether clothing can be cleaned, consult with a restoration professional. You should dispose of items with extensive damage.

All of these contents may pose re-contamination risks. If you are not sure whether to throw away or attempt to clean an item, ask fire damage restoration experts in La Marque, TX.

Reasons and Tips To Keep Your Dryer Vent Clean

10/25/2021 (Permalink)

The best way to avoid a lint fire is by simply cleaning the lint after every load.

Many people may not realize the importance of keeping a dryer vent clean. However, keeping your dryer vent clear of debris is the first step in preventing a lint fire from occurring in your home. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, January is the peak month for dryer fire incidents, so be particularly mindful to remove lint during the fall and winter time.

Preventing Losses

• The best way to avoid a lint fire is by simply cleaning the lint which has collected in your dryer’s lint trap after every load.
• Cleaning your lint trap ensures that debris does not accumulate over time in your dryer vent and restrict airflow through the unit’s exhaust.
• If the airway becomes restricted, there may be excess heat during operation of your dryer, which can cause flammable materials such as lint to ignite and cause damage to your property.
• Annually, there are 2,900 dryer fires reported, and every year, an estimated $35 million in property loss results from these fires. The leading cause of residential fires results from a failure to keep the ventilation free of debris.

Keep It Clean

A great way to keep your dryer’s exhaust ventilation clean is by using a rotary vent auger, or dryer snake, which is a bristled and flexible tool used to clear hard-to-reach areas of ductwork, such as your dryer exhaust. You should clear the vent anywhere from one to three times per year, depending on the number of people in your household, as lint and debris may begin to accumulate over a shorter amount of time if more loads of laundry are being done on average. You should be able to clean the vent on your own, but it is also possible to hire professionals to clean it for you.

Remembering these guidelines may help prevent a lint fire in your home. For more information for residential fire prevention, you can also check the local fire codes in Dickinson, TX.

A Quick Guide to Smoke Detector Features

7/29/2021 (Permalink)

A smoke alarm is the best fire protection equipment you can get for your house.

A Quick Overview Of Smoke Detector Functions

When it comes to fire safety, the best device you can buy for your home in Dickson,TX is a smoke alarm. The current recommendation is that you replace your alarm every ten years. Check out this quick list of smoke detector features to guide you in your replacement decision.

* Hard-wired or battery. Devices may be wired directly into your home's electrical system or use batteries. Batteries should be replaced yearly, but there are also devices that come with 10-year lithium ion batteries now.

* Interconnected. When one alarm is triggered, all alarms will sound. This has only been available with hard-wired alarms, but battery-powered smart alarms now offer this feature as well.

* Combination alarm. One alarm to sound off for smoke or high carbon monoxide levels.

* Ionizing detection. Fast burning fires are best detected with this type of alarm. These are also triggered easily in error by steamy showers or smoke from caramelized onions. If you are into either of these, you want to look for devices with a hush function so you never deactivate the alarm.

* Photoelectric detection. Smoldering fires are best detected with this kind of smoke alarm.

* Smart alarm. This works with your home's wireless internet to send you a push notification whenever the alarm sounds off.

* Room specific alarms. Some manufacturers are offering features, like no low-battery chirp as well as verbal alarms, to for in-bedroom alarms. Kitchen specific alarms feature sensors to detect true fires with less false alarms.

Firefighters recommend that you have both ionizing and photoelectric detection styles in your home. If your home is a little older, you may find that you have too few alarms. The current minimum recommendation is for one smoke alarm on every floor, including the basement, and one outside of each bedroom. This placement is critical to getting your family out of a burning house quickly. With your family safe, you know you can count on restoration professionals to help with any fire damage to your home.

Simple Steps of Using a Fire Extinguisher

7/2/2021 (Permalink)

PASS method.

Even the largest fires start out small. If you use a fire extinguisher, you can help prevent a blaze in your office from getting out of control. If you and your employees have never used one of these tools, learn how today. A few seconds could help avert a devastating disaster in your Dickinson, TX, workplace.

An Overview

If you have the opportunity to use a fire extinguisher, you don’t want to falter. Using it correctly could save your life and could prevent excessive fire damage to your office. This process doesn’t have to intimidate you. When using this took, employ the PASS method:

Pull the pin.
Aim the hose.
Squeeze the lever.
Sweep the hose.

Pull the Pin

First, make sure you are standing a safe distance away from the fire. You should be able to reach the flames from 8 to 12 feet away. If you need to move closer, do so with caution. Grab the extinguisher and locate the pin, which is inserted in the handle. Pull the pinout and hold the extinguisher and nozzle away from you.

Aim the Hose

Take the extinguisher handle with one hand and the hose with the other. Next, aim the hose at the base of the flames, not in the middle or at the top. If you don’t aim for the base, you may not have much or any success extinguishing the fire.

Squeeze the Lever

Once you’re in position, squeeze the two levers together with one hand. Make sure you have a firm grasp of the hose with your other hand. Apply even, slow pressure while squeezing the lever.

Sweep the hose

For the most effective results, move the hose from side to side, still aiming at the base of the flames. As the flames get smaller, move closer and continue spraying.

Whether in a kitchen fire or in any other part of your office, a fire extinguisher can be a lifesaver. Follow these steps, and you can avoid costly cleanup and mitigation.

How To Handle Water Damage After a Fire

4/8/2021 (Permalink)

Water and fire damage in La Marque, TX.

How To Handle Water Damage After a Fire

You do not just have to worry about fire damage after a blaze. The water and other materials used to suppress the flames can be just as harmful to your property. This is especially true if first responders had to use a fire hose. Hoses spray water with more pressure and power than home sprinkler systems use.
You cannot just ignore this water, either. The water could encourage the growth of mold spores in your home within just 24 hours. This mold may then destroy:

Wood
Drywall
Floorboards

You thus need to address the water problem as soon as possible. However, you should not utilize any vacuums or wet appliances. You should also stay out of any rooms that show signs of structural issues. Here are some other steps you should take when you experience water damage following a fire.

1. Make Sure the House Is Safe
Talk to the fire damage professionals who responded to your home. Only enter the house when they say it is safe to do so. In the meantime, check to see if water has harmed the outside of your property.

2. Call the Pros
Next, contact your insurance provider and find out the details of your coverage. You should ask if there are any limits to your policy. You should also find out if your insurer will pay for temporary living expenses until you can move back into your house.
Be sure to call your local fire cleanup professionals, as well. They should know how to handle any harm caused by flames, smoke or water.

3. Document the Damage
After you are given permission to enter your house, take videos and photos of the affected areas. This should expedite the insurance claims process.
Both water and fire damage may affect your La Marque, TX, home after a blaze. Once it is safe to enter the property, document the damage and call your insurance provider. Then have restoration professionals repair your house as soon as possible.

Professional Fire Cleanup - 3 Strategies a Company May Use To Restore Your Home

2/9/2021 (Permalink)

Fire restoration may use tarps or boards to secure your home.

Professional Fire Cleanup

The results of a fire at Clear Lake, TX, can be devastating. From smoke damage to items ruined by flames and the water from the firemen’s hoses, there is much to clean up. A fire cleanup and restoration company can help return your home to normal, and there are several steps they may take when it comes to restoring building materials, cleaning carpeting, and assisting you with the salvaging and restoration of your valued belongings.

1. Inspection

Once professional fire remediation technicians arrive at your home, they may tour the rooms and note how many were damaged by the blaze and whether adjoining rooms took any secondary hits from smoke damage or flames. Performing a careful inspection can let your techs know how much smoke and soot damage is present and allow them to create an ongoing plan of action.

2. Safety Tarps and Boards

If your home’s doors, windows, or ceiling were compromised by the fire, fire restoration may use tarps or boards to secure them before they move on with any other cleanup efforts. Not only can this make your damaged home safer by reinforcing building materials weakened by the fire, but tarps and boards can also prevent would-be looters from entering your home during the overnight hours, when it may be the most vulnerable to criminal activity.

3. Deep Cleaning Services

Your fire restoration technicians may give you several options for smoke cleaning your belongings and advise you about what can be salvaged. They might employ a variety of industrial cleaning machines, including air scrubbers and foggers, which can remove smoky smells and soot from walls and carpeting. The techs may explain these techniques to you before they put them into effect.

A fire in your Clear Lake, TX, home can cause a great deal of smoke damage, soot, and other issues. Calling in a professional fire cleanup and restoration company can assist you with the first steps toward the cleanup process and give you confidence that your home can be restored to its former state.

3 Ways To Prepare for a Business Fire

12/17/2020 (Permalink)

Your building should have a sprinkler system

Fire Preparation Tips

According to the US Fire Administration, there were more than 100,000 nonresidential fires in 2018, totaling over $2.5 million in costs. While you may not want to think about a disaster, such as a business fire, preparing for one can help you reduce damage and losses.
Here are three fire preparation tips to get you started safeguarding your Dickson, TX, business.

1. Get the Proper Equipment
Check that you have an adequate number of fire extinguishers and that they’re up to date. They last between five and 10 years, even if there’s no expiration date on the unit. Replace your extinguisher if it has any visible damage or you can’t find the inspection sticker or servicing information.
Your building should also have smoke detectors or a sprinkler system. Smoke detectors last between eight and 10 years.

2. Fix Potential Risks
Prevention is the best protection against fires. Go through your building to see if you have any areas that are likely hazards. There are many ways a business fire can start, including:

Combustible and flammable items near furnaces or space heaters
Broken equipment cords
Multiple extension cords in one outlet
Machines and appliances that aren’t regularly maintained or cleaned

Tell your employees how important it is to keep halls, doorways and stairs clear from boxes and other items that may block them from leaving the building quickly.
You can also ask a fire marshal or the building’s property manager to inspect your building to ensure you’re meeting safety codes.

3. Prepare Your Employees
Communicate your fire preparation plan to your staff. Tell them about evacuation and communication procedures. Run drills and demonstrate how to use a fire extinguisher using the PASS method: pull, aim, squeeze and sweep.
If you do have a business fire, call a fire damage repair company to restore your property. A team fire cleanup specialists can come and assess the extent of the fire charring, put up boards or tarp for immediate coverage, remove any smoke or soot and repair your building.

The Benefits of Business Interruption Coverage

10/26/2020 (Permalink)

Purchase business interruption insurance for your business

Here Are Some Reasons To Talk To Your Agent About This Policy

If you are a new business owner in Nassau Bay, TX, it may seem overly cautious to purchase business interruption insurance. Most people don't realize how useful this coverage is until something devastating happens.

Expenses
The losses from a fire in your building can be substantial. You may think that you are completely protected by your property insurance. After all, it covers the fire restoration services needed to repair and rebuild the structure. There are, however, other expenses to consider:

Payroll
Utility bills
Loan payments
Insurance premiums

Your business may not be fully operational while repairs are being made, which means it is unlikely that you are bringing in the revenue you need to cover these expenses. Interruption insurance provides the cushion you need so that you don't get behind in your payments and can continue to support your staff.

Income
Most business owners want to do more than break even. You are in business to make a profit, and when a fire causes a business interruption, earning money may be put on hold. Well-established businesses may have multiple streams of income, but if your business is new, it can be hard to survive without help. Interruption coverage can keep your company afloat by compensating you for the income you lose while your building is out of commission. Your coverage may even extend through the few days it takes to move back in and get everything up and running again. Your agent can provide details on how to make sure that income loss coverage is part of your policy.
There are several benefits to looking beyond the basics of property and liability coverage. Your BOP may cover major losses, but interruption insurance helps by covering part of the financial hit that your business may take while restoration is in process.

Fire Evacuation Planning for Your Pet: 3 Tips

9/16/2020 (Permalink)

The more you work at emergency pet preparation, the safer your animal might be

Tips To Ensure The Safety Of Your Pet

Having a fire evacuation plan in place for your Nassau Bay, TX, home can increase the chances of all your family members escaping a sudden blaze. However, does the plan include your beloved pets? Dogs, cats, and small mammals might perish in a fire emergency if they are not accounted for during an evacuation, but there are a few tips you can use to ensure their safety.

1. Use a Pet Population Window Decal
In the event of a fire, you can alert emergency services to the presence of pets by using a window cling or decal near the entrance of your home. This decal allows you to list the number and type of pets in the home, including dogs, cats and birds. Be sure to update the decal as you acquire new pets or if others pass away.

2. Keep Leashes Near Exits
One aspect of pet safety during a fire is the ability to keep your pets at your side once you evacuate, so having leashes on hand at designated fire exits can ensure your dog or cat does not run off in fear once you leave the house. Use leashes that are simple to slip on and provide one for each pet to reduce confusion during an evacuation and keep harnesses available there for small mammals as well.

3. Practice Evacuation
A fire emergency can be frightening for everyone, but including your pet in evacuation plans can reduce fear and anxiety, from the time fire services arrive to the appearance of a fire damage cleanup service once the fire is out. Work on teaching your pet an alert word so it knows to come to you at the nearest exit. The more you work at emergency pet preparation, the safer your animal might be.
When a fire emergency occurs at your Nassau Bay,TX, home, including your precious pets in a fire safety plan can help ensure their well-being so they can remain at your side for years to come.

Is Your Business Prepared for a Fire?

7/2/2020 (Permalink)

Developing a contingency plan is a key first step

You certainly hope your business property in La Marque, TX never experiences a fire. You still need to be ready for the possibility, however. The more prepared you are ahead of time, the more efficient you will be in getting all your employees to safety and minimizing the damages. Developing a contingency plan is a key first step.

What To Include in the Plan

A well-developed plan takes time. Establish a team of experts in your organization and meet with them regularly. Addressing each of the steps below will keep you on track.

Identify the potential risks in each area of the business. Focus on the highest threats first.
Decide on the best course of action to mitigate the risks. The contingency plan for each threat must include the steps needed to get operations back to normal. It must also address who should contact the fire department and the fire restoration service.
Determine who is responsible for implementing the plan for each threat. Depending on the size of your business, this may involve several employees.
Update the list as new risks are identified.

How To Implement the Plan

After the plan is finished and approved by top management, training each employee on the plan is critical to its success. The evacuation plan must be made clear to everyone. This includes understanding the alert system, knowing where to safely exit the building and knowing where to meet outside. Each employee must let their designated person know they are safe. Don’t forget any visitors or vendors in the building.
Conduct fire drills periodically so that everyone feels comfortable in case a true emergency hits. Drills may be frequent at first until all employees understand their roles. Evaluate and address any issues with implementation, and continue to test the system.
A comprehensive contingency plan can help to protect your employees and your business in the event of a real disaster.

The Fire Restoration Process

6/8/2020 (Permalink)

Cleaning of smoke and soot in Nassau Bay, TX

The Fire Restoration Process

A fire can do serious damage to your Nassau Bay, TX, home. The following steps outline the fire restoration process:

1. Assess the situation. After all family members are safe, it is time to take stock of the damage done. File a claim with your fire insurance, and ask if they have any specific instructions for you. Ask the fire department if it is safe to go back inside your home.

2. Secure the property. The fire itself or the fire-fighting efforts may have left holes in the roof, broken windows, or created other openings in the structure. Tarp over or board up these openings to keep out wildlife, trespassers, and inclement weather.

3. Address water damage. If you are cleared to go back inside your house, it is important to begin the fire restoration process as soon as possible to prevent further damage. If there is water left over from the fire extinguishing efforts, dry it up as soon as possible. Mold can begin to grow within 24 hours. There are specialized pumps and vacuums available for standing water. If porous surfaces have been soaked, you may need a dehumidifier to finish the drying process. Opening windows and doors can also help.

4. Clean smoke and soot. When soot accumulates on surfaces, it can lead to corrosion. Different types of fire and smoke lead to different types of soot. A professional can determine the appropriate cleaner to use for the soot present in your home. Smoke and its residual odor can linger long after the fire has been extinguished. Fortunately, there are different smoke cleaning methods available today. A professional can determine the best approach for your home.

5. Repair and replace damaged items. Some items may only need a new coat of paint, but other items may have to be fully replaced or rebuilt. A professional can help you determine what is and is not salvageable.
Restoring fire damage can be an overwhelming task. Fortunately, a qualified restoration company can help you with every step of the fire restoration process.

3 Alternatives to Candles

2/24/2020 (Permalink)

If you love the scent of candles but do not want the hazard of a burning flame, try stick diffusers

Candle Alternatives

Although candles bring a sense of ambiance and warmth to your home, candle fire can be dangerous and is a leading cause of house fires in Nassau Bay, TX, and they can cause a lot of damage that will require the help of a fire cleanup service. Left unattended, lit candles can wreak havoc on your home and the fire can spread rapidly if the candle is left near flammable materials such as

Curtains
Wood tables and furnishings
Bedding
Sofas
Sheets
Paper

Fortunately, there are safe candle alternatives that you can use to give a similar look or feel to your place without the dangers of a fire.

Stick Diffusers

If you love the scent of candles but do not want the hazard of a burning flame, try stick diffusers. You can use a variety of fragrance or essential oils to get the smell that you want. Diffusers work by adding an oil into a glass container and then placing reeds or bamboo sticks in it. The oil seeps through the sticks and releases the scent into the air.

Battery-Operated Candles

If you are searching for candle alternatives that mimic the look of candles, flameless candles are a good choice. They flicker just like candles, usually use battery power and can be left in a room without supervision. Some of these devices have timers, so they shut off after a few hours.

LED String Lights

For an energy-efficient option that provides optimal luminosity, consider using solar-powered LED string lights. These can be strung from your ceiling or even placed in a bowl or vase to concentrate light just like a candle. Since these items use sun power, you do not have to worry about them causing a candle fire.
Candles can be a pretty sight, adding light and comfort, but they can also cause a fire in your home. Candle alternatives like stick diffusers, battery-operated candles, and LED string lights can give you the look and feel of candles without the danger of them.

An Overview of Fire Extinguisher Usage

12/31/2019 (Permalink)

If you have the opportunity to use a fire extinguisher, you don’t want to falter.

An Overview

Using it correctly could save your life and could prevent excessive fire damage to your office. This process doesn’t have to intimidate you. When using this took, employ the PASS method:

Pull the pin.
Aim the hose.
Squeeze the lever.
Sweep the hose.

Pull the Pin

First, make sure you are standing a safe distance away from the fire. You should be able to reach the flames from 8 to 12 feet away. If you need to move closer, do so with caution. Grab the extinguisher and locate the pin, which is inserted in the handle. Pull the pin out and hold the extinguisher and nozzle away from you.

Aim the Hose

Take the extinguisher handle with one hand and the hose with the other. Next, aim the hose at the base of the flames, not in the middle or at the top. If you don’t aim for the base, you may not have much or any success extinguishing the fire.

Squeeze the Lever

Once you’re in position, squeeze the two levers together with one hand. Make sure you have a firm grasp of the hose with your other hand. Apply even, slow pressure while squeezing the lever.

Sweep the hose

For the most effective results, move the hose from side to side, still aiming at the base of the flames. As the flames get smaller, move closer and continue spraying.

Whether in a kitchen fire or in any other part of your office, a fire extinguisher can be a lifesaver. Follow these steps, and you can avoid costly cleanup and mitigation.

Fire Safety During the Holidays

12/26/2019 (Permalink)

Our team works 24 hours a day, even through the holidays.

Houston Home Safety: Put Fire Safety First During the Holidays

Houston fire damage affects thousands of homes and businesses throughout our community each year. As we transition into the holiday season, the SERVPRO of Clear Lake team wants to take this opportunity to detail the best safety practices for families in our area. During the holiday season, there is a general uptick in home fires nationwide, often due to decorations, candles, turkey fryers, and space heaters. Please be mindful of potential hazards, follow manufacturer directions for all equipment exactly, and follow these fire safety tips.

Before a Fire: Create & Practice A Fire Escape Plan. Many holiday fires begin during the evening hours, often when those in the home are resting, or asleep. It is imperative that everyone in the house recognize the sound of the smoke detector, and now the best escape route for where they are in the home. For homes with 2 or more levels, escape ladders are recommended as the stairs may not be passable during a fire. If you live in a home with security bars on the windows, make sure they can be easily disabled from the inside.

In addition to practicing multiple egress plans, be sure everyone in the home know the designated “safe space” to meet. This can be a next-door neighbor’s front porch, the mailbox, or another easily identified area a safe distance from your home.

During a Fire: Exit the Home Immediately. It is vital for the safety of everyone in your home that the escape plan is executed immediately when the smoke detector alerts. It is recommended that you select the exit with the least smoke activity to get out of the home quickly. When you and your family meet up at your designated safe space, call 911 immediately. Be prepared to give details including location of the home, where you and your family currently are, and if any people or pets are unaccounted for.

Remember, no matter how tempting, never reenter a burning building. This can cause significant delays for the fire department and put more lives in danger.

This holiday season, your locally owned and operated SERVPRO in Houston sincerely hopes everyone in our community remains safe and that homes and businesses are not affected by fire, water damage or another disaster. However, if your home is damaged, give us a call immediately. We can begin the cleaning and restoration work immediately to limit the amount of time you and your family are displaced and inconvenienced.

About SERVPRO of Clear Lake

SERVPRO of Clear Lake is Faster to Any Size Disaster, helping residential and commercial property owners when natural disasters, water damage, sewage backups, floods, fires, mold infestations, and other events happen.

Breathe Freely: Tips to Eliminating Awful Cigarette Smoke Odor

12/23/2019 (Permalink)

Eliminating Awful Smoke Odor by calling SERVPRO

Breathe Freely: Tips to Eliminating Awful Cigarette Smoke Odor

Have you ever moved into a home that seemed perfect for your needs, but there was one major problem: the smell of cigarette smoke? This can be a deal-breaker for some people, especially if you’ve never lived in such an environment. But you don’t have to sell the house or back out on the purchase. There are some effective ways to virtually make the smell go away for good.

What Can You Do?

Whether you’re moving into a smoke-filled home, or whether you’ve had smokers in the home, but they’re trying to quit, you can employ some home deodorization techniques to improve the smell. In some cases, you will want to contact a professional that specializes in cigarette odor cleanup.

• Using a solution of vinegar and water, clean wood, metal and plastic surfaces.
• Use the baking soda method.
• Call a professional cleanup company to use an ozone machine.

Vinegar and Water

With either bleach or vinegar, combine 2 cups of this liquid with a gallon of water. Go throughout your La Marque, TX, home and vigorously wash affected areas such as counters, cupboards and furniture. Repeat these actions if necessary. You may also try boiling the solution for more effectiveness. As for clothes, some people add a little vinegar to the laundry detergent when putting them through a cycle.

Baking Soda

Cigarette odors can be difficult to bear, but some people don’t like the smell of vinegar much better. If you fall in this category, baking soda is another option. Simply sprinkle baking soda on your floor and furniture and let it sit overnight. Then, vacuum up the baking soda; it should have absorbed much of the odors.

Ozone

In heavy doses, ozone is extremely harmful. However, it can be a potent home deodorization combatant as well. Only a professional should operate an ozone machine. This material will neutralize the particles in cigarette smoke and render them odorless.

When you want the best home deodorization processes, start with some things you can do on your own. If necessary, work your way up to ozone techniques and let the pros take over.

Avoiding Fire Damage Problems

12/23/2019 (Permalink)

Avoiding Fire Damage Problems

If you have carpeted floors, please limit the foot traffic in those areas. In some cases, carpets may be able to be professionally cleaned rather than completely replaced. However, the more traffic on the carpet, the greater the chance the carpet will have to be replaced. In hallways and areas you need to access, place white towels down to walk on. Refrain from using colored towels as the dyes could transfer, causing greater damage.

If you really feel you must get started cleaning right away, start with the refrigerator. After a fire devastates the home, the heat from the flames and the steam from the water will damage the food in the kitchen. All food and beverages must be destroyed and not consumed. You can empty the refrigerator and freezer, as well as your pantry, to get a jump start on the fire damage rebuilding process.

Leave the rest of the cleaning and restoration process to us. We stand at the ready to help you bring your home back to its pre-fire condition. Whenever disaster strikes, call on SERVPRO, and be sure to review What to Do Until Help Arrives brochure before entering your home.

About SERVPRO of Clear Lake

Lightning Strikes and House Fires

12/23/2019 (Permalink)

Thunderstorms can cause damage in many ways, but one of the most violent ones is via lightning

Lightning Strikes and House Fires

A lightning fire does not discriminate, making it a relatively rare but nonetheless potential fire hazard for homes not only in Clear Lake, TX but also all over the country. However, fires started by nature’s electrical discharge are, statistically speaking, more likely to burn wildlands than homes, and it is reassuring to know that restoration experts can set things right after property losses from a home fire.

Facts Regarding Lightning Strikes on Homes

Although lightning is an unpredictable force of nature, statistics and anecdotal evidence offer suggestions about its patterns that can be helpful information.

• Strikes are more likely to happen during the months of June, July and August.
• More strikes occur in the afternoon and evening hours between 3 and 9 p.m.
• Strikes on homes often, but not always, travel along conductive lines like pipes, electrical lines, gutters, and metal framing around windows and doors.
• The attic is the location where a lightning fire is most likely to begin.
• Shock waves from thunderbolts have been known to damage materials like cinder block, stone, concrete and brick, and they can also shatter glass.
• Unplugging electronics during a storm is a prudent move because surge protectors cannot protect them from a direct strike.
• It is best to stay out of bathrooms and kitchens during an electrical storm to reduce the risk of injury from electricity traveling along pipework. Avoid using corded telephones and computers as well, as they can conduct electricity.
• Some zones, such as Florida’s gulf coast, have more frequent storm activity than other areas.
• Lightning protection systems are available for areas where there is more activity.

The phenomenon of atmospheric electricity is exciting for some people and frightening for others. The fact is, a lightning fire is statistically less likely to threaten your home than another type of house fire no matter where you live. Visit http://www.SERVPROclearlake.com/ for more information on fire damage.

How To Choose a Fire Extinguisher for Your Home

11/24/2019 (Permalink)

Having a fire extinguisher within reach of every area of your home can help you manage small flames

You know you need smoke detectors throughout your home in Dickson,TX, but what is your plan if a small fire breaks out? Having a fire extinguisher handy can help you protect your home from a larger fire and extended damage. There are many choices of extinguishers.

How Do You Know Which One to Choose?

Type of Fire
Each extinguisher is coded with the type of home fire it works on:

A is for ordinary items such as cloth or wood
B is for liquids such as oil or gasoline
C is for electrical fires

Since you don't really know what kind of fire you're going to have, it's probably best to get an extinguisher that works on all three types.

Strength of Extinguisher

There are different sizes of fire extinguishers, and some are better at putting out certain fires than others. Before the letter that tells you what kind of flame your fire extinguisher will work on, you will likely see a number. Higher numbers generally mean better effectiveness. When choosing an extinguisher, weigh the effectiveness with the cost to make a reasonable decision.

Choice of Location

According to fire restoration specialists, unless you live in a one-room apartment, you probably want more than one extinguisher. A good fire preparedness plan includes thinking through possible scenarios. If you can imagine a fire breaking out in a room, you need an extinguisher nearby.

Ease of Use

Knowing how to use the extinguisher is also crucial to your plan. If it is too heavy for you, or you use it incorrectly, it doesn't do you much good. Remember to aim the nozzle at the base of the fire as you sweep it along and release the extinguishing agent. Always call 911 if the agent is not enough to put out the flames.
You can prevent extensive damage if you can put out a fire in a hurry. Having a fire extinguisher within reach of every area of your home can help you manage small flames.

3 Essential Items To Reduce Home Fire Risk

10/12/2019 (Permalink)

Smoke detectors require regular attention to remain effective

Most people have never had to use a fire extinguisher or evacuate a burning building. Many homes are not adequately prepared for even a small home fire. If you want to reduce your risk of serious property damage, this discussion may help your family effectively address a fire in your home.

Smoke Detectors

When properly functioning, smoke alarms are your first-line ally for early detection of a fire. Smoke detectors do require regular attention to remain effective. Consider performing the following maintenance items every six months:

Replacing the alarm batteries
Pressing the test button to ensure proper functioning
Removing dust and lint from the exterior using a vacuum attachment
Replacing units that are 10 or more years old

Devoting a few minutes twice a year to maintaining your smoke detectors can reduce your fire damage risk considerably.

Fire Sprinklers

Fire professionals have been known to say that fire sprinklers are putting them out of business. That is a good thing for the homeowner. Sprinklers are designed to activate automatically with high heat, so if you are not home, your property is still protected. Sprinklers can also help manage a fire until emergency responders arrive. Your local fire remediation specialist can usually recommend a proper system for your home.

Fire Extinguishers

A home fire extinguisher has a specific but important use. For example, it can be effective for a small kitchen fire that is detected early. If a grease fire starts while you are cooking, you will be grateful if you have fast access to a well-placed extinguisher. If your home is large, it is helpful to locate several units near likely fire sources, such as the kitchen. It is a good idea for family members to pre-read the instructions so they are prepared to use the extinguisher if necessary.

Your Dickson,TX, home is at a lower risk of significant fire damage if you have prepared and maintained the three essential elements of home fire readiness. If your fire extinguishers, smoke detectors and fire sprinklers are in working order, it can mean the difference between a little mess from fire extinguisher foam and a life-altering disaster.

New Technology Makes High Rise Living Safer Than Ever

7/22/2019 (Permalink)

New Technology Makes High Rise Living Safer Than Ever

Houston has seen a boom in multi-family living especially in the luxury high-rise living sector. Many Boomers who flocked to the suburbs to raise their families are not yerning to live closer to the city, shorten their commute and live a more holistic lifestyle and be able to walk to high end shops, restaurants and entertainment.

Along with the increase in building of these high-rise condominiums buyers are also asking for more luxurious, enhanced lifestyle features and more built in technology.

Beyond smart refrigerators and doorbell cameras some building owners are opting for fully functioning safety programs that can assist firefighters in putting out high-rise fires.

Due to the explosive growth and easy access to internet connections and faster bandwidth internet is the catalos that allows for these new technologies to take root.

These iOT technologies combine the power of four key technologies: sensors, actuators, cameras and fire panels.

Sensors: include smart smoke detectors, LPG, motion sensors, tank level sensors and carbon dioxide and dioxide detectors. These sensors can be integrated into smart technology that gives real time information to fire fighters on site. They can pin point the greatest need and where home owners may still be inside the building in areas of high toxins.

Actuators: 1 relay node, pump control panel and ventilation control panel, these pieces of technology allow for the wireless connection of the data received by the sensors to the real time monitoring body out of harms way.

Cameras: allow for verification and true "eyes on the scene" that firefighters can tap into to see live what is happening in the building. This is vitally important not only for the first responders but also for command to navigate the fire and be the eyes of fighters inside the burning building.

These smart technologies can also send automatic communication to tenants and owners within the building via email and text messages. This way real time communication can be sent to all concerned parties to let them know of situational changes, mandatory evacuations and all clear signals when it is safe to return to the building.

Over all technology is helping to make our buildings safer and more reactive when disaster strikes.

What to Do Until Help Arrives After a Fire

12/26/2018 (Permalink)

?Be sure to secure your loved ones as well as your personal belongings post a home fire.?

When a fire ravages a Houston area home or business, your Houston SERVPRO team stands at the ready to help. Whether the damage is from a small kitchen fire, mid-sized garage fire, or whole-house blaze, recovery requires comprehensive fire damage restoration. This process includes water extraction; removal and disposal of burned household items, walls, carpets, and floors; and clean-up of soot and smoke damage throughout the property.

Families are always anxious to get back into their homes in order to start locating personal items that can be salvaged. This is natural, but Houston SERVPRO wants to counsel property owners on how best to handle the situation until the emergency response team arrives. After a fire, there may be considerable damage to the structure of your home, and as a result floors, walls, and ceilings may be compromised. It is essential you follow the advice and directives of the fire department, and if your home is deemed too dangerous to enter, please remain outside.

After the fire, call your locally owned and operated SERVPRO of Clear Lake immediately. We can be on scene within an hour to assist you throughout the fire damage restoration process. If the fire department has indicated it is safe to re-enter the home before we arrive, be sure to wear appropriate protective footwear, clothing, and gloves. Remember, a fire leaves behind toxic residue and gases that may affect your health and safety. For their safety, we recommend that children, teens, individuals with respiratory issues, and the elderly be prevented from entering fire damaged and Houston water damaged properties.

While you wait for us to arrive, here are a few things you can do to help expedite the rebuilding and restoration process. First, call your insurance agent and schedule for an adjuster to come to your property. Second, when you do enter your home, take photos or videos as you walk through as this will be helpful in the insurance claims process. We will assist you with the room-by-room inventory, but these initial photos taken before things are further disturbed, are extremely helpful. Next, while it is tempting to grab clothing, photo albums, antiques, fine art, and other keepsakes and start cleaning them off, this is not a recommended practice. Any cleaning you do at this point could cause soot stains or damage to the items, and result in the smell of smoke being set into fabrics. Please wait for our team to arrive prior cleaning household or personal items.

Clear Lake Home Safety: What to Do Until Help Arrives After a Fire

12/7/2018 (Permalink)

Fire damage in a Houston,TX residence

What to Do Until Help Arrives After a Fire

After a fire, there may be considerable damage to the structure of your home, and as a result floors, walls, and ceilings may be compromised. It is essential you follow the advice and directives of the fire department, and if your home is deemed too dangerous to enter, please remain outside.

While you wait for us to arrive, here are a few things you can do to help expedite the rebuilding and restoration process.

First, call your insurance agent and schedule for an adjuster to come to your property. Second, when you do enter your home, take photos or videos as you walk through as this will be helpful in the insurance claims process. We will assist you with the room-by-room inventory, but these initial photos taken before things are further disturbed, are extremely helpful. Next, while it is tempting to grab clothing, photo albums, antiques, fine art, and other keepsakes and start cleaning them off, this is not a recommended practice. Any cleaning you do at this point could cause soot stains or damage to the items, and result in the smell of smoke being set into fabrics. Please wait for our team to arrive prior cleaning household or personal items.

If you really feel you must get started cleaning right away, start with the refrigerator. After a fire devastates the home, the heat from the flames and the steam from the water will damage the food in kitchen. All food and beverages must be destroyed and not consumed. You can empty the refrigerator and freezer, as well as your pantry, to get a jumpstart on the fire damage rebuilding process.

Teaching Your Kids How To Escape a Fire: 3 Tips

11/7/2018 (Permalink)

Teaching your kids fire escape techniques can help them escape to a safe location

Teaching Your Kids How To Escape a Fire

Educating your children about fire prevention and what they should do in the event of a blaze at your La Marque,TX, home can protect their lives during such an emergency. However, you may be unsure of how to give this kids safety lesson without frightening them. As a parent, there are a few strategies you can use that might help you talk about this important issue.

1. Create an Escape Route Map Together

If you have young children, combining fire safety lessons with a fun and creative activity can help them absorb the message without fearing it. For example, as you discuss the scenario of a home fire, have your kids draw and color a map of your home and highlight all the possible exits they could use. Afterward, talk about which routes are the safest and why. Have them pin these maps on the fridge or corkboard so they can be reminded about your family’s planned safety route each time they see it.

2. Shop for Fire Safety Tools as a Family

Involving your children in kids safety can make them more aware of its importance. When you shop for fire escape tools such as smoke detectors, fire extinguishers and window ladders, take your kids along so you can educate them about the importance of each item and its role in helping them leave the home safely during a blaze. Encourage every child to ask questions, no matter their ages.

3. Turn Lessons Into Games

Teaching your kids fire escape techniques can be fun as well as informative. For example, you can play follow the leader or Simon Says during fire crawl lessons. If you have your home’s safety inspected by a fire damage and remediation service, have your kids imagine they are fire technicians and which exits they believe are the safest to use during a fire.

Your La Marque,TX, home is likely a beacon of safety and security for your children. However, teaching them kids safety tactics in case of a fire can help them escape to a safe location until the blaze is put out.

Tis the Season for Fires in the Fireplace…But Are They Safe?

2/6/2018 (Permalink)

If you have a fireplace, you know how cozy and relaxing a fire burning in the hearth can be, but are you aware of just how dangerous it can be as well? Chimney fires are an all too common occurrence, yet most people don’t think about them when they’re relaxing in an armchair, reading a favorite novel by firelight. But they should. Why? Because a dirty chimney can cause a chimney fire.

If you have never experienced a chimney catching fire before, fire cleaning experts in Clear Lake, TX, have a few signs for you to look out for. Some indications that an inferno may be growing in your chimney include

• Loud popping or cracking noises
• A lot of black smoke
• A strong burning smell

Once a fire has begun, chances are it will end in an explosion. You may know that your chimney has erupted when you hear a loud roaring sound coming from directly above your home. Some people describe the explosion as sounding like a plane is flying low overhead. Neighbors may see plumes of smoke shoot from the top of your chimney.

The Consequences of a Chimney Fire

Though chimney fires rarely result in harm to the homeowners, they can do damage to the home itself. Some common results of a chimney inferno are

• Large missing chunks of flue tiles
• Heat-damaged TV antenna
• Damaged roofing material
• Discolored or warmed rain cap
• Warmed damper
• Cracks in the chimney’s masonry
• Smoke escaping through the mortar joints of your home’s masonry

The Importance of Proper Maintenance

Chimney fires can be avoided with a few simple maintenance techniques. For one, have your chimney cleaned regularly by professional chimney sweeps. While they’re there, they should inspect your fuel venting system and make repairs as necessary. Depending on how you use your fireplace or stove, the sweep may provide other recommendations for how you can avoid a chimney fire.

For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROclearlake.com.

3 Ways to Restore Your Home to Pre-Fire Condition

12/18/2017 (Permalink)

3 Ways to Restore Your Home to Pre-Fire Condition

If your home suffered a large fire, you probably had to call the fire department to put it out. To save your property, firefighters most likely battled the flames with a heavy stream of water from a hose. While necessary to eliminate the hazard, the consequences to your home's foundation, walls and floors might not be so good. After a blaze, your home might suffer fire damage such as soot stains and unpleasant odors as well as excessive moisture problems. Here are three ways to repair both types of damage.

1.Surface Cleaning

The goal of any professional fire damage restoration team in Clear Lake, Texas is to remove all debris and smoke stains from every room of your home. To do this, experts use aggressive cleaning chemicals and advanced equipment. Often, they might repaint your walls or take out your flooring. Professionals even understand how to treat delicate fabric or upholstery so you won't have to replace your possessions.

2.Water Extraction

Water damage can cause mold and impurities to blossom and affect the structural foundation of your home. To extract moisture, professionals use fans and heat. Sometimes, it's necessary to puncture your walls to get behind the surface, or even remove your drywall altogether. A restoration team can accurately assess your property to determine the most effective method to use to make your living space comfortable again as quickly as possible.

3.Ventilation

After dousing your home with a water hose to fight flames, the interior can become choked with dangerous fumes. Good ventilation is crucial during repairs to remove lingering smoke and smells. Make sure your windows stay open for as long as possible to let fresh air circulate.

Fire damage and moisture problems after a disaster can cause unsightly and dangerous problems to your property. However, there are many methods to get your residential property back to pre-fire condition in Clear Lake, Texas. Surface cleaning, water extraction and ventilation techniques can be quite effective in treating damage.
Visit http://www.SERVPROclearlake.com for more information on fire damage.

Fire damage restoration

11/29/2017 (Permalink)

Devastating fires strike thousands of families in the greater Houston metropolitan area each year. No one wants to face such a disaster, but if a fire does damage your home, it is important you quickly take proper steps to prevent further loss.

While first thoughts tend to focus on the damage caused by the flames, smoke and water damage must also be addressed quickly. The longer the smoke, soot, and water remain in your home, the greater the damage and cost for cleaning and restoration. Additionally , soot has corrosive elements in it, and the water and chemicals used to knock down a fire can lead to serious mold infestations if the home is not properly cleaned and dehumidified quickly.

Locally owned and operated SERVPRO of Clear Lake offers the following tips for coping with home fire damage:

1. Do not enter your home until deemed safe by the fire department. Depending on the level of structural damage caused by the fire and the fire fighting efforts, it may be a few days before your home is safe to enter. Follow all first responder guidelines carefully. It is critical that all utilities, including electricity and gas, are shuttered prior to entry. Additionally, be sure to wear proper clothing, eye protection, and footwear.

2. Contact your insurance company immediately. Most insurance companies can and will dispatch an emergency claims adjuster to help you begin your claim. Throughout the process, be sure to keep all receipts for any expenses you incur, including living expenses, car rental, food receipts, etc..

3. Contact your local Red Cross if your home is not habitable. They can help to secure temporary housing and provide clothing and toiletries as needed.

4. Hire a fire damage restoration team to begin the assessment process. Photos of your home, structural damage, and damage to personal items are needed to help with the claims process. SERVPRO uses “CCIS” or Contents Claim Inventory Service to generate room-by-room inventories. They facilitate quick claims by categorizing items as salvageable, non-salvageable, and questionable. For many of our customers, this is an invaluable part of the fire damage restoration process.

5. Review and approve the work authorization for restoration. Before your SERVPRO team gets started on the cleaning, deodorizing, and rebuilding of your home, the work authorization form must be reviewed and approved. We can then start work virtually immediately. If you have any questions about the scope of our services or what we will do in each room, please feel free to ask the team lead. We will make sure everyone is on the same page prior to beginning work.

Our fire restoration services are comprehensive and can include any or all of the following:

· Move outs/ins

· Document drying and restoration

· Art and antiquities evaluation and restoration

· Appliances and electronics tested and cleaned

· Photo restoration

· Water extraction

· Smoke damage remediation

· Cleaning, disinfecting, and deodorizing

· Air duct and HVAC cleaning

· Cleaning/restoration of carpet and floors

· Removal and disposal of unsalvageable items

· Rebuilding, including new drywall, paint, floors, windows, roofs, and other structural elements

· Other customized services as needed

Your locally owned and operated SERVPRO is available to respond when disaster strikes your home. Our team has the expertise, training, and tools necessary to help you quickly restore your home after fire, soot, smoke or water damage, to help prevent additional damage and future mold infestations. Contact us today and allow us to help you through this challenging time.

Moving Back Into Your Home After a Fire

11/2/2017 (Permalink)

Moving Back Into Your Home After a Fire

Any time that there is a fire in a home or a fire in a business, there is going to be fire cleanup to deal with. The goal is to focus on fire damage restoration as soon as possible. This will make it easier to move back into the home or business.

Board Up the Building

Choosing to board up is an important process after there has been a fire in a business or a fire in a home. This is for security purposes so that people don’t enter the building. There might be broken windows. Doors may be off the hinges. As a result, the board up process needs to be done.

This is not something that an owner needs to go through on their own. It’s possible to call professionals to come out and board up at the same time that they assess the fire damage.

Use Fire Cleanup Strategies

Various fire cleanup strategies need to be used. By calling in a restoration company, they will have the tools to deal with smoke damage, soot damage, and address the smoke smell inside the building. Often, when there is sit damage and smoke damage, various techniques will be used in order to focus on the fire damage effectively.

How the fire was put out will also impact what kind of cleanup needs to be done. If there was a fire in a home or a fire in business and an extinguisher was used, there may be a lot of foam cleanup. There might also be excessive amounts of water, which will be taken care of as part of the overall fire damage restoration.

Explore Structural Integrity

A restoration company will be able to come out and floor the structural integrity. Often, fire damage restoration involves doing a lot of rebuilding. Depending upon the amount of soot damage, various structures may have experienced a lot of weight sitting on them. This can weaken the structures and add to the total amount of residential or commercial fire damage present.

Any rebuilding will get added to the plan that is created by the restoration company.

Assess All Damages

The restoration company will also be involved in identifying all of the fire damage. Whether it’s residential or commercial fire damage, there will be photos taken. A list of how to deal with everything will be created.

Some damage will be minimal and easy to fix while some of the residential or commercial fire damage may be excessive. This could involve more time to rebuild and replace items so that it will look as though a fire in a home or a fire in a business never took place.

Start on Fire Damage Restoration

The restoration plan for fire damage is going to vary from building to building. None of it can take place until after the fire cleanup. Once everything is out, it will be easier to identify how strong the smoke smell is and then determine what else needs to be done. Some of the smoke smell will be eliminated as damaged items are pulled from the building.

Smoke damage and soot damage will be addressed during the restoration. Multiple contractors will likely be going into the building in order to take care of the different issues that were impacted by the fire. For example, smoke damage may have affected the HVAC system. Soot damage may have affected plumbing or electrical components.

By bringing in a professional company to help with residential or commercial fire damage, they will be able to help with all aspects of the fire cleanup, the smoke smell, and all fire damages. It will take time, but they will have the expertise to get it done properly.
Visit http://www.SERVPROclearlake.com for more information on fire damage.

How to use a Fire Extinguisher

9/12/2017 (Permalink)

How to use a Fire Extinguisher

Fire extinguishers are required in all commercial buildings. With many of the extinguishers available there are not enough training on how to use them. Many people are afraid that they will use it incorrectly and make the problem worse.

Taking the time to practice is always the best method to help employees feel comfortable with using a fire extinguisher in the case of a fire. However, remember that OSHA standards that an employer cannot task an employee to use the extinguisher during a fire.

A simple fire extinguisher training technique to use with employees is the PASS method:

Pull the pin on the extinguisher.
Aim the hose nozzle low toward the base of the fire.
Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent.
Sweep the nozzle from side to side at the base of the flames until extinguished.

Fire Damage Restoration Safety Tips

7/20/2017 (Permalink)

Fire Damage Restoration Safety Tips

If fire cleanup cannot wait, ensure that you do not put yourself at risk to re-enter the building. While it is tempting to rush back in to remedy the situation and begin fire cleanup after a fire in home or a fire in business, doing so may only cause added worry and concern to residential or commercial fire damage situations. The smoke smell alone can be detrimental to your health!

A call to a fire damage restoration company is the first call you should make after fire damage occurs. Professionals know how to renovate your building after a fire, preventing loss as they work. With the professionals at a restoration company assisting in the fire cleanup, your home or business will be back to its old-self in no time, with the smoke smell and other signs of damage removed quickly. However, if you choose to re-enter the building before the restoration company arrives on the scene, do so with precautions in mind. The tips below are a handful that can help you prevent additional damage or injury when re-entering a facility after a fire.

Be Safe & Cautious at all Times

Okay to enter isn't the same as safe to enter. Unless given the okay by a firefighter or building official, re-entering a building after a fire in business or fire in home isn't recommended. Your safety is at risk because the smoke smell and fire damage, the smoke smell, soot damage, and smoke damage all have potential consequences to your life. A fire can easily restart at any time, needing only seconds to spread into an uncontrollable blaze. Unstable walls and ceilings, damaged floors, and other structural damage is also a potential risk after fire damage. Wait until you feel safe, after being given the okay by an official, to re-enter the building. When you do go back inside, wear protective clothing, and take someone with you.

Wear Masks & Gloves Inside the Building

When re-entering a building after a fire in home or fire in business, do so wearing a mask that covers your nose and mouth, and a pair of gloves. Soot damage and smoke damage can be deadly if ingested and may cause a plethora of additional health consequences. Soot damage is toxic to your health! If you are going inside the house, ensure that you are prepared with these items to avoid the soot damage and smoke damage potential consequences. The restoration company wears these items when fire cleanup takes place and so should you.

Leave Things Alone

Board up of the windows and doors is something that fire department officials may do after a fire in home or fire in business. If board up has occurred, do not remove anything on your own. The board up is done to keep intruder and looters out of the property and to minimize additional fire damage, soot damage, and even smoke damage. If a board up is in place, leave it alone!

Keep Employees/Customers Out

Commercial fire damage is risky to the property owner and employees and customers. Do not re-open your facility to others until fire damage restoration is complete. Commercial fire damage restoration ensures that the health and safety of everyone coming in and out of your facility is protected and that isn't something you should be willing to overlook. Additionally, do not allow children into the building after a fire in home or a fire in business.

Electrical Concerns

If electricity has not been disconnected after a fire, electrocution worries are present at the building, adding more danger to the situation. Since electricity is conducted through wet walls, floors, and appliances, the hazard is extensive after a fire. Until the restoration company provides fire damage restoration, including water removal, do not go inside a home with live electric!

Final Thoughts

When you've experienced commercial fire damage or a fire at your home, leave the restoration to the professionals. When you do go inside, use the precautions and tips listed above to help maintain your safety. Residential and commercial fire damage are both scary, even when the flames are extinguished.
Visit http://www.SERVPROclearlake.com for more information on fire damage.

Restoration of Your Home or Business after A Devastating Fire

6/19/2017 (Permalink)

Restoration of Your Home or Business after A Devastating Fire

Among all possible disasters that can befall property owners, fires are among the most devastating. In addition to physical fire damage, property owners are also left emotionally distressed.

Fire damage restoration and fire cleanup takes considerably less time when a property owner works with qualified and experienced contractors than it takes working on the home on their own. Important to note is that it takes proper planning to hire the right contractors to repair commercial fire damage or fire in home damage. A typical case that requires fire damage restoration is a massive fire in business. In such a case, smoke typically spreads throughout the building leaving drywall stained and saturated. Depending on the extent of the fire damage, the drywall will require thorough, rigorous cleaning or removal and replacement.

The structural integrity of the building may also need to be assessed. In cases such as these, property owners are advised to hire experienced fire damage restoration contractors with a team of well-trained professionals to evaluate the fire in home or fire in business and determine what needs repair. Where property owners choose to undertake the fire cleanup on their own, they are still advised to seek the advice from professional commercial fire damage cleanup companies to ensure repairs are done the right way.

Sealing breaches

As soon as fire officials allow property owners back into their property after a commercial fire damage, the first step of fire cleanup is checking for breaches. Examples of breaches include missing wall or roof sections that leave the interior of the property exposed to the elements. Immediate action needs to be taken to seal the breaches after a fire in business.

Failure to seal breaches immediately can lead to two problems. First, secondary fires can occur when the wind causes a flare up of embers. Firefighters work hard to extinguish the fire in business, but may at times they cannot save everything. Second, rain and humidity can find their way into the structure resulting in decay, mold, and further damage to electronics.

Breaches caused by an in home fire damage are effectively sealed, and the elements kept out by placing a tarp over them. The tarp needs to be attached and made of sturdy material to ensure effective sealing. Additionally, it needs to be adequately supported to prevent rainwater from pooling and to weigh it down.

Repair of soot damage and elimination of smoke smell
Property owners need to repair soot damage to allow accurate assessment of commercial fire damage to items during fire cleanup. That way, they can determine what items to restore and the things to throw away if they are unnecessary. Soot damage can be particularly challenging to clean because it usually has a greasy base that is formed when plastic is burned. Instead of using regular cleaning agents, property owners are advised to use trisodium phosphate cleaner, which is effective at cleaning soot damage.

Even if trisodium phosphate is effective in clearing soot, it won’t remove all the smoke smell and repair smoke damage. Vinegar is known for killing odors and using it to wipe down areas affected by smoke damage helps to eliminate the smell of the smoke. It is advisable to wipe down the ceiling, walls, and floor to permanently eliminate the smoke smell.

It is likely that all the filters in the HVAC systems of the property have considerable smoke damage, so they need to be replaced after a fire in home damage. Depending on the extent of the smoke damage, property owners have to undertake rigorous cleaning of all the ducts or replace them altogether. Property owners who fail to replace filters and clean or replace air ducts run the risk of having smoke smell reintroduced into the property when the HVAC system is operating.

Visit http://www.SERVPROclearlake.com for more information on fire damage.

Recovering After Dealing with Fire Damage

5/22/2017 (Permalink)

Recovering After Dealing with Fire Damage

No one likes to think about their home being overcome by fire and flames. Unfortunately, millions of homes and businesses across America deal with some type of fire damage. Large fires can literally destroy everything that you hold dear, and even the smallest of house fires can cause soot damage and smoke damage that is difficult to recover from on your own. Understanding what fire damage does and how to hire the expert fire damage restoration pros will help you to recover your home after this devastation.

What Does Fire Damage Do?

Fire damage can be a lot more problematic than you think. For one, you're dealing with the actual fire in your home or fire in the business office that needs to be put out. Most fire stations will use water to extinguish a fire, so not only are you dealing with the soot damage and smoke damage from a fire, but you're also going to deal with substantial water damage from having the fire put out. The smoke smell left behind can linger for years if expert fire damage restoration isn't done correctly. This is why it is often a good idea to have the experts deal with the smoke damage, soot damage and smoke smell that is left behind after a fire.

Why It's Important to Have Fire Damage Restoration Done

The reason it is so important to have fire damage restoration done by a professional fire cleanup crew is because it brings your home back to its former state. If left to fester, fire damage, soot damage and smoke damage can all create a lingering smoke smell that never truly goes away. It can also be problematic for the wood and beams in your home, which were all effected by the fire when it occurred. Commercial fire damage is also just as important as home repair because you dealt with a fire in the business and need to get things cleaned up quickly to get the company running again.

Hiring the Expert Fire Cleanup Professionals

A fire cleanup crew will take care of the aftermath if you've dealt with a fire in the home or a fire in your business office. They use all of their own expert tools and products to get that stagnant smoke smell out of your house or office setting. Commercial fire damage is treated the same as home damage would be, so this is not something that you should have to pay extra for. You might also want to know that a fire cleanup company will charge according to the size of the project at hand. If you dealt with a larger fire in your home or a big fire in the business office, you should expect to pay a little more to have it professionally cleaned.

Preventing a Future Fire

Dealing with a fire in the home or having extensive commercial fire damage can be problematic and exhausting. If you don't have some type of insurance on the property, it can also be incredibly costly, especially if the commercial fire damage is allowed to get out of hand. Even if a fire starts out small, it doesn't mean that it won't spread quickly and overtake an entire house or office. This is why it's crucial that you prevent a future fire before it is even allowed to start. This might mean training your employees and doing routine fire drills to prepare people for an actual fire and what they need to do. Installing an alarm that automatically goes to the local fire department is another great idea as this will prevent the delay from when a fire starts to when you actually call for help. There are many ways to cleanup after a fire ravishes your home or office, but the most important thing you can and should do is prevent it altogether.
Visit http://www.SERVPROclearlake.com for more information on fire damage.

Houston Home Safety: Fire Escape Plan Essentials

10/24/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO wants to remind our neighbors and friends with Houston fire safety tips to prevent fire damage now, and throughout the year.

Throughout the greater Houston area, later this month kids and adults alike will don their scariest or funniest costumes and enjoy Halloween parties and trick or treating. Once the costumes are stored, the rest of the celebratory season comes roaring in. The holidays are filled with parties, decorations, cooking, and cooler weather, all which make this time of year more prone to home fires. SERVPRO of Clear Lake, your SERVPRO in Houston wants to take this opportunity to remind our neighbors and friends with Houston fire safety tips to prevent fire damage now, and throughout the year.

If a fire does break out in your Houston home, do you and your family know the fastest and safest way to escape? If you have not yet devised a fire escape plan for your home, please follow the following directives to create one now, before holiday parties start and decorations are up.

Map Your Home. Sketch the layout of your home, including all doors and windows. Be sure to include any exterior landscaping or architectural features that are outside of doors and windows.
Walk Your Home. With your sketch in hand, walk through and identify all exits and escape routes in the event a fire starts in your Houston home. Please note that it is highly recommended that each room has 2 exit points. This is typically a combination of an interior door and a window.
Determine if All Exits Are Passable. While evaluating your home, make sure that all doors and windows open easily to allow for quick evacuation in the event of a fire in your Houston home. In addition, make special note if any furniture should be rearranged to allow for quicker egress in an emergency.
Draw Potential Escape Routes on Map. If a fire breaks out in a common area, what is the quickest and safest exit? Run several scenarios, and determine the best paths for exit depending on where the fire is, and where your family is in the home. This is particularly important when a fire breaks out during the night – be sure that everyone has a safe exit from their bedrooms.
Select A Designated Safe Meeting Space. During an evacuation, chances are several points of exit will be used by your family. It is imperative that you select a safe space to meet up with one another. This may be by the mailbox, in the front yard of a trusted neighbor, or on the curb. Wherever you choose, select one that is generally free of debris and well lit.
Complete Sketch of Evacuation Plans. You will have several plans that can be executed, depending on where the fire damage in your Houston area home begins. Give each member of your family copies of the plans so they see the best escape options in the event of an emergency.
Practice Fire Escape Plans. Hold a practice fire drill for each scenario. Make special note of any challenges that occur and make whatever changes are necessary to ensure a speedy escape from the home. Once your plans are finalized, practice twice a year, to make sure everyone knows that safest way to exit your home during a fire.

Special Note. During the holidays furniture often gets rearranged and decorations drape windows and doors, make sure that they don’t impede a safe exit in the event of a fire. Your locally owned and operated Houston SERVPRO wants you and your family to remain safe throughout the year. The faster you can exit the property and call 911 for help, the less fire damage, and Houston water damage will affect your home. If your home is damaged by a fire, we stand at the ready to help our community throughout the fire repair process. Call us anytime disaster strikes; our team is available 24 hours a day.

About The Clear Lake SERVPRO

If you have a fire or water emergency, please call us now at (281) 486-4716

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