Smoke Damage or Fire Damage – What’s Worse?

5/15/2023 (Permalink)

What is conclusive is that both smoke and fire damage will cause loss – both of life and financial loss.

Brutal Statistics of Smoke and Fire Damage

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), in the United States, a fire department responds to a fire every 23 seconds. Notably, 96% of all homes in the United States have been afflicted by some form of smoke-related or fire damage. In fact, over a five-year study, NFPA found house fires to cause 2,620 deaths and $6.9 billion in property damage. It is undeniable that fires have catastrophic consequences.

Fire damage can span the gamut, ranging from minor damage to complete destruction. Similarly, smoke damage can severely impact one’s health and one’s home. Fire safety reporting agencies list smoke inhalation as the leading cause of home fire deaths. All this research begs the question, which is worse smoke damage or fire damage?

Fire Damage

On average, seven people per day are killed by fires. In the event that a fire does not result in loss of life, burn injuries are among the most painful and damaging injuries a person can experience. Burn injuries due to fire damage often require long-term hospitalization. Further, burn injuries can affect nerves, muscles, bones, and blood vessels.

From an economic standpoint, every year over $10 billion in property damage is the result of fires. For example, a fire in a commercial kitchen can cost $23,000 in fire damages. Many items lost in fires are irreplaceable family heirlooms and memories.

Smoke Damage

Oftentimes, the smoke that accompanies a fire can cause more damage than the fire itself. Many fire detection, prevention, and containment tactics do nothing to dispel the smoke. During a fire, different chemicals are released into the air with the smoke. Inhaling smoke from a fire can cause grave respiratory and cardiac effects. Moreover, smoke decreases the quantity of oxygen in the lungs which can cause a person to suffocate.

In the instance of a fire, firefighters will cut holes in walls and roofs to quickly ventilate a building. Their goal is to get the smoke out as rapidly as possible. This may require multiple holes cut into buildings and roofs depending on the nature of the smoke. More ventilation holes will require more costly building repairs. Smoke can permeate behind walls, into HVAC vents, and in electrical outlets. Odors related to smoke can get trapped in closets and walls and take many years to dissipate. It leads to yellowing of walls. Additionally, it is very messy and difficult to fully clean.

Which is Worse?

What is conclusive is that both smoke and fire damage will cause loss – both of life and financial loss. While some fires are unavoidable, many fires can be prevented.

Some key fire prevention tips include, outfitting your home or building with fire alarms in every room and on every floor; installing carbon monoxide detectors on every floor; using proper space heater precautions, such as automatic shut offs and keeping space heaters at least three feet away from all flammable objects; extinguishing all candles and embers in a fireplace in the appropriate manner; practicing fire drills so everyone knows the proper fire procedures; and learning how to use a fire extinguishers.

As always, you can count on SERVPRO of South Palm Beach for any fire damage and smoke damage needs.

3 Types of Damage that Occur During a Fire

7/26/2022 (Permalink)

A fire in your home can be devastating.

Elements That May Affect Your Home

A fire in your West Boca Raton, FL, home can be devastating. Fire damage can affect your belongings as well as the structure of the building. On top of this, you may be dealing with secondary forms of damage as well. The following are some ways that various elements may affect your home and how you can address it.

1. Fire

The damage caused by flames is likely the first to cross your mind when you think of a fire in your home. Fire damage can be incredibly destructive, leading to missing sections of the building and ruined property. Luckily, a cleanup and restoration company can make repairs and rebuild your home. They can also salvage many damaged items.

2. Water

You may not usually consider water damage as a consequence of a fire, but depending on the size and severity of the blaze, firefighters will need to use a fire hose to put out the flames. This can result in flooding inside the building. It is important to have this water removed as soon as possible to prevent additional problems such as mold. A dehumidifier and open windows can help the building dry more quickly.

3. Smoke

Smoke travels further than flames, so it often affects a larger area of your house and can leave a film of soot on walls, floors and objects. This can be corrosive to certain materials and should be removed right away. For hard surfaces, soap and water are usually enough but fabrics may need to be dry cleaned or put in the wash. Using an air purifier can help remove smoke odors from the environment.

If you have experienced a fire in your home, it’s important to begin work on fire damage and any other issues as soon as possible. This will prevent the damage from worsening and will allow you to have your home back to normal more quickly. Any needed cleanup and repairs can be done by a professional service to ensure the building is safe.

What To Do If You Smell Natural Gas In Your Home

6/1/2022 (Permalink)

Ventilating your home may help release some of the gas buildup that could lead to a gas fire.

If You Smell Natural Gas in Your House, What Should You Do?

Have you ever smelled natural gas? That’s a bit of a trick question. In its raw state, natural gas is odorless, colorless, and nearly impossible to detect. It’s also highly flammable — a dangerous combination. To reduce this danger, gas companies add a non-toxic chemical called mercaptan into the gas before distribution. Mercaptan is the source of that distinctive, “rotten egg” smell that most people associate with gas. The scent is unpleasant, but it makes a gas leak much easier to detect. If you ever smell mercaptan in your home, follow these precautions to prevent a gas fire from breaking out.

1. Keep the House Dark

Depending on the severity of the leak, any electrical current could spark a gas explosion. Don’t turn on any lights or other electrical devices. This includes battery-operated devices such as cell phones and flashlights. Never ignite a lighter or match.

2. Check Your Stove Knobs

A gas stove is one of the most common culprits of a gas leak, since bumping a knob can accidentally turn on the gas. Check the knobs on your stove to ensure that they are all in the “off” position.

3. Open Windows and Doors

Ventilating your home may help release some of the gas buildup that could lead to a gas fire. Open doors and windows, but only if you can do so quickly.

4. Get Out of the House

Evacuate the house, including pets. Do not start your car, especially if the car is in an attached garage. Don’t turn on your phone until you are a safe distance from the house.

5. Contact Authorities

When you are your family are safely across the street or down the block, call 911 or other emergency response service for Highland Beach, FL, then call your gas company. Stay nearby and wait for help to arrive.

A home fire can be devastating, and fire damage cleanup is often long and arduous. Sticking to these tips will help minimize your risk of a gas fire.

Perfecting Your Home Fire Escape Plan

4/20/2022 (Permalink)

You don't want to be caught off guard if a fire breaks out in your West Boca Raton, FL, home. That is why you must devise a fire escape strategy.

Making Your Home Fire Escape Plan Perfect

If a fire ever occurs in your West Boca Raton, FL, house, you do not want to be caught unprepared. That is why you should create a fire escape plan. This will help everyone in your home stay calm and know what to do during an emergency. Here are some ways to perfect your strategy.

1. Remove Barriers to Doors or Windows
A basic escape strategy involves identifying two ways out of each room in your house. You need to make sure those exits remain clear at all times. Do not let toys or furniture block doors or windows. You should also avoid nailing or painting over windows of your home. Finally, if you have security bars on windows or doors, make sure they can be quickly released.

2. Consider Infants, Senior Citizens and Guests
As you make your fire escape plan, keep in mind any members of your household who have mobility issues. Assign one member of your home to assist babies or disabled adults during an emergency. You should also designate a backup person in case the primary individual given this task is not home during the fire.

Similarly, anytime you welcome guests into your home, make sure they know the details of your escape strategy. You should also find out the evacuation strategy for any other houses you or your kids visit.

3. Practice, Practice, Practice
While over 70 percent of Americans have a strategy for escaping a home fire, less than half of those people have practiced it. Emergency drills ensure that everyone understands the plan and help you identify potential faults in that plan. You should run an escape drill twice each year, with one of the tests occurring at night.

With a proper fire preparation strategy, you can keep your family safe during a major blaze. Make a fire escape plan and practice it regularly. In between your drills, keep all doors and windows clear of barriers. You never know when you will need to exit your home quickly.

What To Do If You Smell Natural Gas In Your Home

3/30/2022 (Permalink)

Ventilating your home may help release some of the gas buildup that could lead to a gas fire.

If You Smell Natural Gas in Your House, What Should You Do?

Have you ever smelled natural gas? That’s a bit of a trick question. In its raw state, natural gas is odorless, colorless, and nearly impossible to detect. It’s also highly flammable — a dangerous combination. To reduce this danger, gas companies add a non-toxic chemical called mercaptan into the gas before distribution. Mercaptan is the source of that distinctive, “rotten egg” smell that most people associate with gas. The scent is unpleasant, but it makes a gas leak much easier to detect. If you ever smell mercaptan in your home, follow these precautions to prevent a gas fire from breaking out.

1. Keep the House Dark

Depending on the severity of the leak, any electrical current could spark a gas explosion. Don’t turn on any lights or other electrical devices. This includes battery-operated devices such as cell phones and flashlights. Never ignite a lighter or match.

2. Check Your Stove Knobs

A gas stove is one of the most common culprits of a gas leak, since bumping a knob can accidentally turn on the gas. Check the knobs on your stove to ensure that they are all in the “off” position.

3. Open Windows and Doors

Ventilating your home may help release some of the gas buildup that could lead to a gas fire. Open doors and windows, but only if you can do so quickly.

4. Get Out of the House

Evacuate the house, including pets. Do not start your car, especially if the car is in an attached garage. Don’t turn on your phone until you are a safe distance from the house.

5. Contact Authorities

When you are your family are safely across the street or down the block, call 911 or other emergency response service for Highland Beach, FL, then call your gas company. Stay nearby and wait for help to arrive.

A home fire can be devastating, and fire damage cleanup is often long and arduous. Sticking to these tips will help minimize your risk of a gas fire.

Should You Clean Electronics After a Fire?

2/11/2022 (Permalink)

Fire cleanup professionals have specialized equipment for handling damaged electronics. Call SERVPRO if you need assistance.

Is It Necessary To Clean Electronics After A Fire?

Homeowners who have recently experienced a fire may be anxious to know whether electronics still work. Do not attempt to turn on any appliances or devices. Exposure to extreme heat and smoke can result in an elevated risk of overheating, short-circuiting and electrical fire. Here are a few fire cleanup recommendations for electronics.

Assess the Extent of Damage

A homeowner may be able to get a sense of the extent of damage without turning on or opening an appliance or device. Look for the following signs of smoke or fire damage:

• A soot coating
  
• Melting
  
• Warping

Electronics that have only suffered smoke damage are better suited for restoration or data recovery than items exposed to intense heat. Keep in mind that temperatures rise rapidly throughout a house during a fire. Even appliances or devices some distance away from a blaze may still sustain heat damage.

Rely on Trained Professionals

Fire cleanup professionals have specialized equipment for handling damaged electronics. These experts will remove these contents to an off-site location and check for several signs of damage:

• A black film over internal components
  
• Corrosion
  
• Exposure to excessive heat

The first two types of damage may be cleaned. If heat has distorted or destroyed circuits, chips or wiring, it may not be possible to restore an appliance or device.

Restore or Replace

Restoration experts can advise homeowners about the best options for electronics. Some items may be capable of being cleaned, while other may need to be replaced. In some cases, replacement may be more cost-effective than a cleaning attempt. Ask about data recovery for hard drives and storage mediums in mobile devices.

Homeowners should turn over damaged electronics to trained restoration professionals. It is important to attempt fire cleanup and testing in an environment with the proper equipment to reduce the risk of another fire at a residence in Boca Del Mar, FL.

Do’s and Dont’s of Preparing Your Business For a Fire

1/11/2022 (Permalink)

Along with fire insurance, every business should have a fire contingency plan.

Do's And Don'ts Of Fire Preparedness For Your Business

A business fire is nothing anyone wants to think about - but failing to prepare for the unthinkable can result in a longer recovery process. Along with fire insurance, every business should have a fire contingency plan. Here are a few do’s and dont’s of readying your Boca Del Mar, FL, business for a fire event.

Most business owners think of fire damage in basic terms of physical damage. But there are lots of other headaches a fire can create like:

• Loss of income
• Brand damage
• Loss of records

And so on. When thinking about fire preparation, you’ll want to spend time truly considering all the implications a fire can have for your unique business, and preparing accordingly.

DO prepare for storage

Fires often leave properties unable to be properly locked and secured from would-be thieves. This can leave expensive equipment open to loss. Prepare yourself by identifying a safe off-site place where your most valuable assets can be stashed in an emergency.

DO backup important data

Proprietary information, sensitive client data - all of these things can be destroyed in a fire, or your access to them restricted during cleanup. Make sure to back up your most important data, either on a thumb drive, in a secure cloud or by making old fashioned paper copies.

DON’T forget to make sure your insurance covers business interruption

Some of the most devastating fallout from a business fire can involve loss of a profits. Your business may be closed for some time, creating a profit loss that can have a domino effect. Contact your fire insurance provider in advance to add on business interruption coverage. This can cover everything loss of profits to costs for temporary relocation.

Few business owners think about recovering from a business fire until they’re a victim. Don’t get caught with your pants down. Make these and other preparations against a fire catastrophe and ensure you’ll be ready when it matters.

Helpful Hints to Minimize Fire Risks While Cooking

12/2/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage cleanup and restoration is not an easy task. If your home or business in Boca Raton, FL is damaged by a fire, call SERVPRO.

Tips For Reducing The Risk Of A Fire When Cooking.

Of all the rooms in your home where you gather and spend time, the kitchen may be the most popular. Not only do you prepare and eat meals here, but it’s a common place to visit with one another and with visitors. It shouldn’t surprise anyone to know that fires occur here often. Many of these mishaps start due to poor cooking techniques or simply not paying attention while at the stove or oven. Here are some tips to help avoid fires from starting in your Boca Raton, FL, kitchen.

Make Sure Your Appliances Are in Tip-Top Shape.

You no doubt use your stove, oven and other kitchen appliances frequently. Over time, like anything else, they’ll begin to falter. Faulty appliances are a big cause for fire damage. Make sure they are working properly and efficiently:

• Have a trained professional service your oven and stove if you detect any issues.
• Service your appliances if they are more than 10 years old.
• Clean your appliances, including the toaster, regularly.

Be Careful With Grease.

If you enjoy frying foods, you probably use some type of cooking oil. While this can help concoct some delicious meals, it can also lead to a grease fire. Don’t overfill your pans with oil when you cook on the stove. Also, make sure you promptly clean up any cooking oil spills.

Don’t Walk Away.

It’s easy to let ringing phones, television shows, knocks on the door or needy children distract you. However, don’t ever leave your food unattended on the stove. Heat can build up quickly and can ignite and catch fire nearby. Of all the tips to help prevent fires

Watch out for Towels.

People typically hang towels near the oven or stove. If you do this, make sure they are far enough away that they don’t pose a hazard.

If you have to call in an expert to clean up after a fire, there are trained professionals who can help. However, if you are aware of these tips, you can keep your kitchen and home free of fire concerns.

3 Reasons To Throw Away Food and Cosmetics After a Fire

10/27/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage cleanup and restoration isn't an easy task. If your home in Boca Raton, FL is damaged by a fire, give SERVPRO a call.

After A Fire, There Are Three Reasons To Throw Away Food And Cosmetics.

There are a number of household items that can be damaged beyond repair or even made unsafe by exposure to the high heat of a house fire. You may want to throw away all the food, medication and cosmetics that were in the house at the time of the fire for these reasons to keep yourself and your family safe.

1. Food May Be Burned or Covered With Soot or Extinguishing Chemicals

Regardless of the packaging, if food items have been subjected to heat, smoke, water or chemicals used to smother a fire, they should be discarded. This includes food that was stored outside the refrigerator or freezer. Food packaging may be permeable to these contaminants, and high heat can cause jars and cans to split or crack, allowing contaminants in.

2. The Refrigerator and Freezer Are Not Fireproof Safes

Refrigerator seals are not necessarily airtight, and smoke or soot may have penetrated the interior of the appliance. Also, fires can lead to loss of power. If frozen food has thawed or if refrigerated food has reached 40 degrees or above for more than 2 hours, it may be spoiled. Get rid of this potentially unsafe food without tasting it. Throw away the food if there is any doubt about whether it has been ruined or tainted.

3. Medication and Cosmetics May Be Rendered Unsafe by Fire Damage

Look closely in your medicine cabinet or wherever you have medicines and cosmetics stored. Dispose of items that have any soot or firefighting chemicals on them. If a container has been heat damaged, discard it. Fire creates toxic fumes, and because you cannot clean your makeup, you run the risk of putting hazardous chemicals on your skin if you keep it and use it.

Dealing with a home fire in Boca Raton, FL, can be emotionally draining. Despite the instinct to salvage items after so much has been destroyed, it may be safer to throw away food, medicine and cosmetics that have been exposed to fire damage.

Fire and Smoke Restoration in Boca Raton, FL

8/9/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage in West Boca Raton, FL.

3 Methods for Removing Soot and Smoke from Contents

 Many contents with soot or smoke damage can be cleaned and restored. Homeowners should contact a damage mitigation and restoration company that will take these three steps to determine whether an item is a good candidate for content cleaning. Professionals may use specialized cleaning procedures such as dry-cleaning, foam, or immersion.

1. Remove the Contents

It is necessary to remove items from the location of a fire in order to provide proper treatment. A restoration company will take all of the items that are likely to benefit from cleaning to an off-site facility. There, the condition of these items will be inspected and trained experts will attempt the most effective cleaning treatments.

2. Assess the Condition

Items covered in soot or with smoke residues can usually be cleaned. Contents that are burned or charred are usually not recommended for cleaning. Fire causes chemical changes to take place in most materials that may cause these items to re-contaminate a structure in which damage has been restored. Items that have been exposed to intense heat may be restored on a case-by-case basis. In some situations, heat alone may ruin delicate materials or electronic components and replacement may be necessary.

3. Treat the Contents

A variety of cleaning treatments are available for contents, from restoration-grade dry-cleaning to immersion in a cleaning solution. Depending on the delicacy and porosity of an item, other approaches such as foam cleaning, spraying and wiping or even abrasive blasting may be the best option. Content restoration professionals have access to all of the equipment and solutions necessary to achieve the best results.

Items that have been treated with dry-cleaning or any other restoration method can be held in content storage until restoration work is complete at a residence in West Boca Raton, FL. Homeowners may prefer to work with a company that provides mitigation, restoration, and content cleaning services.

Tips for Protecting Your Pets From Fire

7/27/2021 (Permalink)

If you ever have a fire emergency, you should choose a trustworthy friend or business to look after your dogs.

Your pets are family, so their safety during a fire emergency is a strong concern. Pets can be protected by preventing them from causing a fire and establishing procedures to protect them if a fire happens. With your adequate planning, your pets can continue living a happy and safe life in Boca Raton, FL.

Protect Your Pets From Fire by Keeping Fire Away From Your Pets

Pets can easily cause a house fire. As the first step of pet preparation for fire safety, you should establish your house as a secure place for pets to roam when you are away. There are several situations that can be mitigated by taking preventative measures:

• Turning off or blowing out open flames that pets may investigate when left alone
• Blocking off or removing stove knobs or buttons a curious pet could turn
• Replacing candles with alternatives such as flameless varieties
• Stopping younger pets from being left to roam altogether while you are gone
• Elevating or covering cords that pets may chew to expose the wiring

Plan With Your Pets in Mind

Pet safety during a fire emergency is accomplished by having an escape plan that considers your pets. An emergency supply box should contain vaccination records, ownership certificates and veterinary supplies.

When doing routine fire drills at your house, you should include your pet and establish an easy way to bring them to you such as a verbal call or food trigger. With more skittish pets, a pet carrier should be readily available to prevent the animal from running away due to the stress.

Properly Handle Pets for Your Property’s Restoration

Pets need to often remain relocated while an expert fire damage restoration crew works to restore your home. While temporarily displaced from your residence, you may be put into a hotel where pets are not allowed. You should decide on a trustworthy friend or business to watch over your pets if a fire emergency ever affects you. With your pets’ safety out of mind, you can focus on your home’s restoration.

Recovering from Fire and Water Damage

6/29/2021 (Permalink)

A home fire can be incredibly devastating.

A home fire can be incredibly devastating. Even the fire is controlled early, the resulting damage can be extensive. Fire damage may be the result of actual flames, smoke, heat, or water. Firefighters use a lot of water to douse the flames. A fire hose puts out a powerful stream of water that can cause warping, structural damage, and mold growth. Water can even cause permanent damage to many material possessions. Soot and ashes can also set into furniture, drywall, and clothing if not handled carefully.

What To Do Immediately After a Fire

There are some things you can do on your own:

• Get clearance to enter your home
  
• Change the filter in your air conditioner
  
• Cover furniture to protect from further damage
  
• Document damage to send to your insurance company
  
• Get rid of any canned goods or food exposed to heat or smoke
  
• Wash all your pots, pans and flatware in hot, soapy water.
  
  

Other steps require a professional to be done correctly. For instance, don’t try to handle soot damage on your own. Soot is very hard to handle and should be left to a professional.

When To Bring in the Professionals

There are very specific methods and materials for properly handling fire damage. If you try to take care of the damage before getting a fire restoration professional involved, you risk complicating the process. Technicians are able to survey your home and identify all the damaged areas. Ventilation systems, drywall and furniture may be more damaged than you realize. Professionals have special equipment and chemicals to remove smoke, soot and muck.

They are also prepared to deal with water damage. It is imperative that water is removed immediately and the area affected dried out. If moisture is not managed appropriately, it can lead to mold growth.

If you are dealing with fire damage, take precautionary steps immediately upon reentry, but leave the heavy cleaning up to the professionals in Hamptons At Boca Raton, FL.

How To Keep Your Pets Safe During a Fire Emergency

5/23/2021 (Permalink)

We have extensive fire damage cleanup and restoration training to get your property back to pre-fire condition.

Pet Safety Tips In Case of a Fire

A fire emergency can occur unexpectedly, endangering your loved ones without warning. While it is important to plan for the safety of you and the inhabitants, it is just as crucial to consider the wellbeing of your pets. Whether you own a dog, cat or another animal companion, they have different needs compared to humans, so you must prepare accordingly. Keep in mind the following pet safety tips in case of a fire.

Create a Separate Disaster Kit

Just as humans need disaster kits to get through a fire, you will need to prepare one for pets. Some components are the same as a regular kit, while others are specific to pets.

• Bottled water
• Pet food
• Important documents (ownership, vaccination history, vet info)
• Animal first-aid supplies 
• Collar, harness and leash
  

The supplies may be different depending on the pets you own. However, these are some basic elements to include in the emergency box. 

Practice Evacuation Drills 

A proper evacuation procedure is important for a safe escape from a fire emergency. Keep your pets alive by involving them in the family's evacuation drills. Start by taking the pets with you during practice so they become familiar to the procedure. Later, train them to follow your directions when a fire emerges at home. Pet preparation helps reduce potential injuries and casualties in your Boca Raton, FL household, but never risk others' evacuation or safety to protect your pets. 

Help Firefighters Save Your Pets

There are situations where you will be unable to evacuate your pets. Instead, firefighters can safely step inside to rescue them. Make their job easier by taking preparations when leaving pets alone at home. Write down information like the number of pets, types and possible locations on window cling and attach them to a front window. Keep the pets by entrances where they are visible.
Creating a fire emergency plan for pets is just as important as preparing evacuation routes and contacting 911 and damage remediation specialists. These loyal creatures are vulnerable to fires and need your assistance.

Tips To Reduce Space Heater Fires

12/10/2020 (Permalink)

A space heater can still be a useful addition to your home

Types Of Heaters To Buy And How To Use Them

If your home caught fire in Boca Raton, FL, how do you think it might happen? There is a good chance a burned space heater would start it. According to the NFPA, every year, space heaters cause around 25,000 house fires. That number might make you reconsider that cozy little heat blaster you use to warm up the bathroom in the mornings. As convenient as they may be, space heaters account for approximately 43% of all home-heating fires and 53% of all home-heating deaths. For this reason, it is important to put thought into the type of heaters you buy and how you use them.

What Kind of Space Heater Should I Buy?
If you want to avoid having a burned space heater, there are certain safety features you should consider. Make sure the heater you choose has:

• Official safety certification
• An automatic shutoff option
• Ground fault circuit interrupter plug
• Durable cord

What Should I Do (or Not Do)?
After you buy a heater with ideal safety features, how should you use it? For starters, make sure you place it flat on the floor. Do not put it on top of furniture. Next, look around. How close is the nearest water source? This is especially important if you like heating your bathroom. Always keep your heater away from water and at least 3 feet away from flammable goods such as curtains or your cloth sofa.
Additionally, it is never a good idea to leave a space heater unattended. Make sure to turn it off when you leave the house or go to sleep. If one does cause a fire in your home, seek out the help of fire damage restoration experts to assist with fire and smoke cleanup.
To reduce the risk of a burned space heater, take care with all these points. Although space heaters can be dangerous, they have much better safety features today than in the past. If you consider your options carefully and follow some simple safety guidelines, a space heater can still be a useful addition to your home.

Important Things To Consider for Fire Damage Restoration

11/8/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial building fire in Hamptons At Boca Raton, FL

A fire at your commercial property will not only result in fire damage, but also destruction due to smoke and water from quenching the blaze. As a property owner in Hamptons At Boca Raton, FL, your tenants depend on you to attend to the needs of your building(s) and the various systems within. It’s important that you hire a professional fire restoration services provider to help assess the full damage and execute a cleanup plan that includes dry-cleaning and other types of content cleaning to get you back to pre-fire conditions. This interruption to operations can have a negative impact on your bottom line as well as that of your tenants, so you’ll want to clean up all damage as soon as possible.

Restoring Your Property

A professional provider of fire restoration services is best equipped to not only handle content cleaning, but to expedite cleanup. Reach out to such a provider to get started on the process:

Verify the degree of fire, water and smoke damage through complete inspection and testing.
Restrict further damage by sealing off and boarding up affected areas.
Use equipment to remove water and aid in drying out of rooms and surfaces.
Clean smoke and soot from items and surfaces using industry best practices.
Sanitize and disinfect items through dry-cleaning and other cleaning techniques.
Complete major and minor repairs or reconstruction to bring the property back to a pre-damage scenario.

The cleanup plan should also include content storage for items until the restoration is complete.

Hiring Experienced Professionals
You might be tempted to attempt cleanup and restoration yourself. This is not advisable as restoration often requires specialized methods such as dry-cleaning and major facility repairs that are best left to licensed professionals. It’s critical that all damage from fire, smoke and water be addressed fully by trained persons who not only have the necessary equipment but the knowledge and experience as well. You owe it to yourself and your tenants to have a safe and fully restored property.

4 Ways To Prepare Your Home for a Fire

9/22/2020 (Permalink)

Install the correct number of smoke alarms for your home

Start With These Four Simple Steps

In the event of a fire, seconds matter. It is crucial that each household takes preventative measures, including a fire escape plan. There are a number of ways to develop a fire preparation plan for your household, but you can start with these four simple steps.

1. Inspect Your Kitchen
This is where most fires start. Keep your stove and oven clean, as forgotten food particles can spark fire. Similarly, make sure linens such as kitchen towels and curtains are far enough away from burners. It is also wise to never leave cooking food unattended.

2. Check Sources of Heat and Electricity
Second to kitchens, overlooked sources of heat and electricity pose the greatest threats of fire. Examples of potential fire-starters include:

• Damaged cords/wires
  
• Uncleaned air and dryer filters
  
• Unattended space heaters
  
• Improperly stored flammable materials
  
  

Additionally, be mindful of open flames such as candles and fireplaces. It is never a good idea to leave fires unattended. Make sure that all fires have burned out completely before retiring for the evening.

3. Install Smoke Alarms
One of the smartest steps in fire preparation is to install the correct number of smoke alarms for your home. In Mizner Park, FL, it is considered best practice to have at least one smoke alarm per house level. For additional fire safety, be sure to include smoke alarms in problematic or removed locations, such as the kitchen and the garage.

4. Prepare for Escape
Review exit plans for each room of your home on a regular basis, and make sure all members of the house know what to expect. You may also want to remind household members to “stop, drop and roll” and to meet at a designated location outside of the home in the event of a fire.
You can take steps toward fire preparation by being mindful of the risks around your home, but it’s always smart to have an escape plan. Should you ever find yourself the victim of a home fire, proceed with caution and consider bringing in help from fire restoration professionals to clean up and get your home back to normal as quickly as possible.

Why You Should Secure Your Property During Fire Restoration

8/10/2020 (Permalink)

Board up services after fire damage in Highland Beach, FL

If a fire occurs at your commercial property in Highland Beach, FL, you may wonder how soon it will be before it's back to normal. After you arrange for a fire damage assessment, the next step is to install a security fence. Even if the building’s walls are still secure, there may be holes in the roof or windows that leave the property vulnerable to theft, animal intruders or weather. Here are a few tips to help you navigate this process and save yourself further headaches.

Responsibilities of Each Party

Your emergency restoration specialist will board up windows or place a tarp on the roof (if needed). But that may not be enough to deter vandalism or break-ins. It’s your responsibility to call your insurance company. Here are some helpful things to talk about:

• The specifics of the event
  
• How to send over documentation
  
• What else you should do before leaving the scene
  
• Whether your coverage includes a security fence
  
  

It’s important to note that your insurance company may not reimburse expenses for services hired without prior approval. Many companies may also deny coverage of damage occurring on an unsecured site after the initial event. By taking your insurance agent’s advice, you will prevent any surprises on your bill.

Protection From Further Loss
Another reason to secure the building is to protect any items left inside. For instance, if the fire officer deems the property unsafe, you won’t be able to retrieve important things like your identification, cash from a till, or other valuable inventory. In this case, you must protect the building until it’s safe to enter. Installing a solid perimeter is necessary to avoid additional loss and destruction.
Restoring a commercial property after a fire takes a bit more than you may have realized. With the proper help, you'll have a smoother experience. Now that you know the benefits of installing a security fence, you can rest assured that your building will be safe until you’re back to business as usual.

Make a Family Fire Escape Plan

6/2/2020 (Permalink)

Your emergency escape plan must include two escape routes from each room of the home

Fire spreads quickly through homes, moving faster than ever because of the materials used to build and furnish homes. Your safety and that of your family depends on three things:

1. A straightforward fire escape plan
   
2. Advance warning from alarms
   
3. Regular practices
   
   

Remember that according to the Red Cross and other experts, you have as little as one or two minutes to get everyone out of the home, so preparation is crucial.

Fire Evacuation Plan

Your fire escape plan should include installing the right number of smoke alarms. There should be one in each bedroom, one in the hall outside of bedrooms, and at least one on each level of the home. Next, you need to teach your children what the alarms mean and how to respond when they hear the alarms. Your emergency escape plan must include two escape routes from each room of the home. Finally, establish a meeting spot across the street or at a similar location and make sure that family members know how to contact each other just in case you become separated.

Fire and Smoke Alarms
There are a few different types of alarms, some that sense rapid temperature changes and some that respond to smoke. For the best results, install both types of alarms. (Some hybrid devices are available as well.) Did you know that many people don't wake up to the piercing shrieks? Because of this, you should do some practice runs at night as well as during the day.

Practice Evacuation Routes
At least twice a year, you should practice escaping in the event of a fire, and you may need to practice more often at first. Press the button on your alarm for at least one of your tests. Teach family members to yell "fire," and include the pets in your practice efforts. Members of the family should know the "stop, drop, and roll" method of putting out fires on their clothing.
Never let family members re-enter you Boca Del Mar, FL, home during a fire. Wait for firefighters and fire and smoke damage professionals to complete their work and declare that the home is safe for re-entry.

Securing Your Building Post-Fire

5/22/2020 (Permalink)

Is your Boca Raton commercial property suffering after a fire? If you are planning on seeking help from a local fire damage restoration company, you are already on the right track. But you also need to keep your building safe in the meantime. Follow these three steps to make sure looting does not affect your business in the aftermath of a commercial fire.

1. Identify and Secure Open Spaces

Survey your building very carefully when beginning your fire cleanup efforts. Ensure that all windows, doors and other open spaces are securely locked. Next, make sure that you purchase some sturdy boards that will be sufficiently protective for the type of opening that you are securing. The length of time you expect the boards to be in place should also influence what type of covering you buy.

2. Research Further Options

While waiting to repair fire damage to your building, you may want to invest in some fencing for added security. This really depends on whether or not you feel that your building is in an area prone to heavy looting, as well as the amount of time you expect your business to be shut down for.

3. Consider Advanced Security Options

If you feel that your company’s geographical area is highly unsafe or expect you will be closed for a very long time, security services or a high-tech alarm may be the way to go. These options allow your building to be secured when you are not physically available to keep a close watch.

Don’t Get Intimidated

Fire damage is stressful enough without worrying about highly customizable security options. You need to focus on fixing any destruction first and foremost, so if you think complicated security measures are out of the question logistically or financially, stick with basic, reliable boards that will keep your Boca Raton business protected not only from criminal activity, but also the unpredictable natural elements.