Effective Techniques for Removing Soot and Smoke Residue from Surfaces

8/14/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® provides essential tips and techniques for effectively removing soot and smoke residue from various surfaces.

Experiencing a fire in your home in Arlington, TX, is traumatic, and dealing with the aftermath can be overwhelming. One of the most challenging aspects of fire damage cleanup is removing soot and smoke residue from surfaces. These residues not only cause discoloration and odors but can also pose health risks. In this blog, SERVPRO® provides essential tips and techniques for effectively removing soot and smoke residue from various surfaces.

Understanding Soot and Smoke Residue

What is Soot?

Soot is a black, powdery substance that results from the incomplete combustion of materials during a fire. It can cling to surfaces and penetrate porous materials, making it difficult to remove.

Effects of Smoke Residue

Smoke residue consists of fine particles and gases that settle on surfaces. It can cause:

• Discoloration: Staining walls, ceilings, and furniture.
• Odor: Persistent, unpleasant smells.
• Health Risks: Respiratory issues and skin irritation.

Essential Cleaning Techniques

Dry Cleaning Methods

Dry Sponges

Dry cleaning sponges, also known as chemical sponges, are highly effective for removing soot from walls and other flat surfaces. They are designed to lift soot without smearing it further.

• Use in a dabbing motion: Gently press the sponge onto the soot-stained area and lift it off without rubbing.
• Replace as needed: Once the sponge becomes saturated with soot, use a fresh one to avoid spreading the residue.

Wet Cleaning Methods

Mild Detergent Solutions

For surfaces that can tolerate moisture, a mixture of mild detergent and water can help remove soot and smoke residue.

• Mix the solution: Combine warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap.
• Use a soft cloth: Dampen a soft cloth with the solution and gently wipe the affected area.
• Rinse and dry: Follow up with a rinse using clean water and dry the surface thoroughly.

Specialized Cleaning Products

Degreasers

Heavy soot deposits may require the use of degreasers, which are formulated to break down tough residues.

• Apply as directed: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and safety.
• Rinse well: Ensure the surface is thoroughly rinsed to remove any remaining cleaner.

Advanced Cleaning Techniques

HEPA Vacuuming

High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) vacuums are effective for removing loose soot particles from surfaces, especially carpets and upholstery.

• Vacuum gently: Use the vacuum with a soft brush attachment to avoid damaging delicate surfaces.
• Multiple passes: Make several passes over the affected area to ensure thorough removal.

Air Scrubbers

Air scrubbers help in removing airborne soot particles and improving indoor air quality. These devices filter out particulates, reducing the risk of recontamination.

Professional Help

Engage SERVPRO Experts

While some soot and smoke residue can be removed with DIY methods, professional help ensures a comprehensive cleanup. SERVPRO has the expertise and equipment to tackle even the most stubborn residues effectively.

Complete Restoration

Our team not only cleans but also restores surfaces to their pre-fire condition, addressing discoloration, odors, and any underlying damage.

Removing soot and smoke residue from surfaces is a critical step in fire damage restoration. Using the right techniques and products can make a significant difference in the outcome. Trust SERVPRO to provide professional, thorough cleaning and restoration services, ensuring your home is safe and clean. Contact us today for expert assistance in dealing with fire damage and its aftermath.

Tips for Restoring Fire-Damaged Clothing

4/17/2024 (Permalink)

Experiencing a fire in your home can be a devastating event, affecting not only your property but also your personal belongings, including clothing. Fire-damaged clothing may seem beyond repair, but with the right approach, many items can be salvaged and restored to their pre-damage condition. In this blog post, we'll discuss how to safely handle and restore fire-damaged clothing to help you recover your wardrobe after a fire.

Assessing the Damage

Before attempting to restore fire-damaged clothing, it's essential to assess the extent of the damage. Inspect each item carefully for signs of charring, melting, or discoloration caused by heat and smoke exposure. Items that have been severely damaged may be beyond repair and should be discarded to prevent further contamination.

Removing Soot and Smoke Odors

Fire-damaged clothing often accumulates soot and smoke odors, which can be challenging to remove. Begin by gently shaking out the clothing to dislodge loose soot particles, taking care not to spread the soot further. Next, launder the clothing using a heavy-duty detergent specially formulated to break down soot and smoke residues. Adding white vinegar to the wash cycle can also help neutralize lingering odors.

Professional Dry Cleaning

For delicate or heavily soiled items, professional dry cleaning may be necessary to ensure thorough cleaning and restoration. Dry cleaning uses specialized solvents and techniques to remove soot, smoke odors, and other contaminants from fabric without causing damage. Be sure to inform the dry cleaner about the nature of the fire damage so they can take appropriate precautions during the cleaning process.

Air Drying and Deodorizing

After laundering or dry cleaning, air drying the clothing outdoors can help remove any remaining odors and freshen the fabric. Hang the clothing on a clothesline or garment rack in a well-ventilated area, avoiding direct sunlight, which can cause fading. For stubborn odors, place a bowl of activated charcoal or baking soda near the clothing to absorb odors naturally.

Inspecting for Damage

Once the clothing has been cleaned and dried, carefully inspect each item for any lingering damage or odor. Pay close attention to seams, zippers, and other areas where soot and smoke residues may have accumulated. If any items still show signs of damage or odor after cleaning, consider seeking professional restoration services to ensure thorough restoration.

In conclusion, while fire damage to clothing can be distressing, many items can be salvaged and restored with the right approach. By following these tips for safe and effective restoration, you can recover your wardrobe and minimize the impact of fire damage on your personal belongings. If you need assistance with fire damage restoration, including cleaning and restoring clothing, don't hesitate to contact the experts at SERVPRO of East Arlington for professional assistance tailored to your specific needs.

Why is My Smoke Alarm Beeping?

3/27/2022 (Permalink)

In addition to potentially causing significant fire damage, flames and smoke can endanger the lives of everyone inside your home. A properly functioning fire alarm can alert you to danger and help save lives. For this reason, every household should have this lifesaving device.

Sometimes, however, a smoke detector may act sporadically, chirping loudly or going off despite the absence of smoke. Often, there is a simple explanation for this erratic and—let’s be real, annoying!—behavior.

Why Is My Smoke Alarm So Annoying?

Weak Battery

Batteries have a limited lifespan. A chirping alarm may indicate that your device needs a new battery.

Improperly Installed Battery

A loose battery or terminal obstruction may cause your fire alarm to chirp intermittently. Use the self-check button on your smoke alarm to ensure the battery works after installing.

Dirty Sensing Chamber

Dust and dirt can sometimes obstruct the sensing chamber, resulting in a false alert. To help prevent this problem, you should routinely wipe your detectors with a dusting cloth.

Interference From Steam

Steam can also interfere with your detector’s sensing capability. This may be a particularly challenging problem for units located near bathrooms. To help reduce the likelihood of an inadvertent alert, close the bathroom door while showering and turn on the fan.

Interrupted Power Supply

An interrupted power supply may also cause erroneous beeping. You should examine each detector’s wiring for loose connections. If you notice lights dimming spontaneously, especially when an appliance is in use, contact a licensed electrician to help you inspect your home’s wiring.

End of Lifespan

Did you know your smoke detector can essentially expire? The average lifespan for most smoke detectors is 8 – 10 years. After this period, the unit’s sensing capacity may diminish, reducing its effectiveness. If an older device is chirping, it may be time to replace it with a new one.

A fire alarm may not spare your home from a destructive fire or smoke damage, but this valuable safety device may one day save your life. To help safeguard your well-being, you should promptly investigate a chirping detector and replace batteries, or the entire unit, as needed.

Call SERVPRO of East Arlington if you have smoke or fire damage, (682) 708-1001.

Home Fires and Smoke Damage Aftermath

3/27/2022 (Permalink)

Fire Damage Consists of More Than Flames

The damages from flames after a fire are not the only damages incurred. Flames can move throughout the home quickly, burning and ruining every item in their path, but once the flames have been extinguished, the home is left with soot and smoke damages, too. Smoke damage can completely devastate a home if not properly and swiftly addressed. In fact, smoke damage can occur in rooms where the flames were not even present.

With so much attention placed on the flames, people often overlook the dangers linked to smoke damage. The following are some of the most common issues of smoke damage after a home fire:

• Toxic air
• Smoke odor in upholstered furniture, drapery, clothing, carpets, and in the air
• Charring
• Warped plastic
• Warped wood
• Yellow stains on walls and ceilings
• Household textiles covered in soot

Salvaging items that have smoke damage is a complicated issue. A smoke damage expert will need to assess the home and the impacted items to determine what can be saved. In addition, smoke damage experts will tackle lingering smoke in less obvious places like crevices and cracks where particles may linger, since the smell can last for months following a fire.

Smoke Damage is as Dangerous as Fire Damage

During a fire, the materials that burn produce toxic smoke filled with microscopic particles known as soot. These tiny particles become charged from the extreme heat and migrate to cooler air found in other parts of the house, forming soot webs. Because this smoke is often scorching, it can cause additional damage by melting plastics, scorching fabrics, and textiles and spreading toxic gasses that will kill any living thing in its path. That's why smoke alarms throughout your home are critical to saving lives.

Don’t Grab, Just Go.

The Department of Homeland Security says, "In less than 30 seconds, a small flame can [...] turn into a major fire…Most deadly fires occur in the home when people are asleep. If you wake up to a fire, you won't have time to grab valuables because the fire spreads too quickly, and the smoke is too thick. There is only time to escape."

Call Us Today for a FREE Fire Damage Estimate

Restoring smoke and fire-damaged items costs less than replacing them. We love when we can restore your belongings, especially items with sentimental value. Call SERVPRO of East Arlington at (682) 708-1001, for a free fire damage consultation. We have helped hundreds of families recover from house fire damages and our fire damage repair and restoration specialists have years of experience.

Rug Cleaning for Fire Damaged High-Quality Carpet and Upholstery

3/20/2022 (Permalink)

Protect your high-quality carpet and upholstery investment.

Rug Cleaning for High-Quality Carpet and Upholstery After a Fire

The highest-quality carpet and upholstery can show soiling over time, especially after experiencing fire damage. These pieces of functional decor can be priceless, timeless, and a large investment. Protect your investment by having your Persian rugs maintained by a professional service.

SERVPRO of East Arlington offers several cleaning options to match any type of carpet and upholstery:

• Bonnet Cleaning, a less aggressive method for short pile carpets
• Hot Water Extraction, a more in-depth cleaning method for all carpet types
• Deluxe Precondition and Rinse, to restore deeply soiled areas
• Showcase Premier Cleaning, the most thorough cleaning method in the industry
• Dry Cleaning, used when color-fastness is an issue

After a fire, more than carpets and upholstery are damaged. That is why, as cleaning professionals, we have equipment to clean varieties of surfaces and materials.

Cleaning vs. Replacing

Heat can burn flammable materials inside a structure, forcing removal and replacement of those materials, but the smoke coming from the blaze can also cause soils, soot residues, and intense aromas that are easier to restore. 

Our experienced and trained SERVPRO team knows that mitigating fire damage includes a variety of replacing, restoring, and cleaning techniques. Various fire residues adhere to each surface in your home differently, and we can help with it all.

Dry Smoke

Most fires go through stages of creating both wet and dry smoke. However, usually fires will have more of one type than the other. Dry smoke is created by fast-burning, oxygen-rich burns. Dry smoke is also usually created when organic materials like wood, paper, or natural fabrics burn.

Wet Smoke

Whether a fire produces a majority of wet or dry smoke depends on the amount of oxygen present, the combustion rate, and the type of substance that is burning. When the fire is starved of oxygen and burns at a lower temperature, it produces wet smoke. Wet smoke is also created when synthetic materials such as rubber or plastic burn. Wet smoke usually adheres strongly to surfaces and is difficult to remove. 

Cleaning Techniques

When our SERVPRO technicians work with hard surfaces, we can use water based-detergents and other wet cleaning methods. However, for porous surfaces, wet techniques could cause the soot to soak deeper into the material. Dry cleaning methods that use agitation can prove useful in these cases.

Dry Cleaning: Light Agitation

SERVPRO conducts the dry cleaning agitation technique with softer tools such as dusters or brushes. Special vacuums are also useful when removing some soot residues and using compressed air to blow off the soot.

Dry Cleaning: Medium Agitation

Residues that adhere to some of your contents and building surface materials could work better in medium agitation cleaning techniques. Dry sponges are an example of a medium agitation method, and they can be useful when removing soot residues from drywall. Dusting cloths or crumbling cleaners that work like a pencil eraser are also useful.

SERVPRO has the necessary tools, techniques and knowledge to save your rugs after fire damage. Protect your high-quality carpet and upholstery investment. For professional assistance after a fire, call us at (682) 708-1001, 24/7.

Dry Techniques for Cleaning Fire Damaged Home

3/20/2022 (Permalink)

Our experienced and trained SERVPRO team knows that mitigating fire damage includes a variety of replacing, restoring, and cleaning techniques.

Fire Damage Cleanup Restored Using Dry Cleaning Methods

When our SERVPRO technicians work with hard surfaces, we can use water based-detergents and other wet cleaning methods. 

For porous surfaces, wet techniques could cause the soot to soak deeper into the material. Dry cleaning methods that use agitation can prove useful in these cases.

Heat can burn flammable materials inside a structure, forcing removal and replacement of those materials, but the smoke coming from the blaze can also cause soils, soot residues, and intense aromas. 

4 Types of Smoke and Soils

A professional will know to use different chemicals and techniques when removing residues left behind, based on the smoke type. In most situations, smoke and the soils it leaves behind can be classified into one of four categories of smoke and soot damage: wet, dry, protein residue, and fuel oil soot. Knowing what type of smoke was present helps the technician pick the best method to remove soot residues on the various surfaces of your building materials and contents. 

Dry Techniques for Cleaning Fire Damaged Home

Various fire residues adhere to each surface in your home differently, and we can help with it all. Some of the most effective techniques are dry techniques. Dry techniques are not suited to all material types, but they work well on materials that might otherwise be damaged from a more intense cleaning process. 

Light Agitation

SERVPRO of East Arlington conducts the dry cleaning agitation technique with softer tools such as dusters or brushes. Special vacuums are also useful when removing some soot residues and using compressed air to blow off the soot. Light agitation is used for delicate or lightly soiled items that don’t require further scrubbing.

Medium Agitation

Residues that adhere to some of your contents and building surface materials could work better in medium agitation cleaning techniques. Dry sponges are an example of a medium agitation method, and they can be useful when removing soot residues from drywall. Dusting cloths or crumbling cleaners that work like a pencil eraser are also useful.

It's What We Do

Our experienced and trained SERVPRO team knows that mitigating fire damage includes a variety of replacing, restoring, and cleaning techniques. When mitigating smoke-related problems inside your home, it is invaluable to have the necessary knowledge. For professional assistance after a fire, call SERVPRO of East Arlington at (682) 708-1001, 24/7. We're Faster to Any Size Disaster®.

Why You Should Clean Your HVAC System This Spring

3/13/2022 (Permalink)

Spring is on it’s way, so it's almost time to open the windows and let in the fresh air. As you embark on cleaning your home this spring, you may forget an important piece of machinery that needs cleaning and maintenance as much as the garage needs cleaning! Don't forget about your HVAC system.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), pollutant levels inside your home can be two to five times higher than outdoors pollutant levels, and the ventilation system is often the largest contributor to low indoor air quality! Many systems go a long time before being inspected and cleaned, so if your HVAC system is like most, your dirty vents might be circulating odors, mold, and irritating dust throughout your home, too.

The EPA reports contaminants or foreign objects such as rodents, insects, dust, dirt, debris, bacteria, mold, and pollen have the ability to enter and collect in your air ducts. So not only is your indoor air quality worsened, but these critters and allergens can cause long-term damages to your HVAC system.

So, Who Cleans Air Ducts?

Cleaning your HVAC system is no easy task without the right tools, but that’s where a professional in the industry like SERVPRO of East Arlington can help. We offer heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit (HVAC) inspections and cleaning. In most cases, air duct cleaning is not essential to a smoothly run home, but after a major air-quality-reducing event like a fire with smoke or suspected mold growth, duct cleaning is essential to limit the circulation of contaminants throughout the house.

If your HVAC has been operating for some time without attention, it could be circulating the following:

• Dust
• Pollen
• Odors
• Dirt and debris
• Other contaminants

How Does SERVPRO Clean HVAC Systems?

Unlike most duct cleaning services, we use a Portable Ventilation & Air Duct Cleaning System to examine ductwork and sweep clean years of dust and grime.

This system allows us to:

• Remediate Bacteria, Fungi, and Mold
  
  
• Reduce Potential for Mold Growth
  
  
• Restore Peak Energy Efficiency
  
  
• Eliminate Offensive Odors
  
  
• Provide Free Written Inspections and Estimates

Our Duct Cleaning Process

• First, we use patented equipment, such as the roto-scraper, which automatically adapts to the duct's shape and diameter while traveling through the duct, removing debris and filth before vacuuming begins.
  
  
• Next, a powerful push-pull air delivery and collection system transfers the debris from the ducting to a 16-gallon container.
  
  
• Air is filtered through a HEPA filtration system, removing 99.97 percent of particles in the airstream. HEPA filters capture debris and keep the environment clean.
  
  
• As an optional process, a sealant or coating product may be sprayed to address odor or microbial concerns.
  
  
• Filters will either be cleaned or replaced to remove odor and dirt.

If you have other cleaning needs, we provide various cleaning services. Call us today at (682) 708-1001.

Smoke and Soot Dictate Cleanup Practices After Fire Damage

3/6/2022 (Permalink)

Professionals Describe the Different Types of Smoke

Suppose you ever suffer from a structural blaze inside your Arlington home. In that case, it is always smart to consult a professional when going about cleanup and restoration. 

A professional will know to use different chemicals and techniques when removing residues left behind, based on the smoke type. In most situations, smoke and the soils it leaves behind can be classified into one of the following four categories of smoke and soot damage. Knowing what type of smoke was present helps the technician pick the best method to remove soot residues on the various surfaces of your building materials and contents. 

Category No. 1 - Dry Smoke

Most fires go through stages of creating both wet and dry smoke. However, usually fires will have more of one type than the other. Dry smoke is created by fast-burning, oxygen-rich burns. Dry smoke is also usually created when organic materials like wood, paper, or natural fabrics burn.

Category No. 2 - Wet Smoke

Whether a fire produces a majority of wet or dry smoke depends on the amount of oxygen present, the combustion rate, and the type of substance that is burning. When the fire is starved of oxygen and burns at a lower temperature, it produces wet smoke. Wet smoke is also created when synthetic materials such as rubber or plastic burn. Wet smoke usually adheres strongly to surfaces and is difficult to remove. 

Category No. 3 - Protein Residues

Protein residues can be found any time products such as meat, poultry, or fish burn. These residues leave behind a yellow or amber discoloration, but they can sometimes be clear and hard to see on a surface. Protein residues leave behind strong odors making deodorization the biggest issue when dealing with them.

Category No. 4 - Fuel Oil Soot

Furnace puff-backs can create fuel oil residues that consist of dust particles from the ventilation system and fuel oils that did not burn all the way. This type of soot usually has a gray or black color and can consist of large or small particles. Often, the electrically charged ions form formations in corners that resemble spiderwebs and can smear readily if not vacuumed and sponged off correctly.

If a fire ever ignites inside your home, it is wise to contact a professional in the fire damage restoration industry, like SERVPRO of East Arlington at (682) 708-1001.

Space Heater Safety and Fire Prevention Tips

2/3/2022 (Permalink)

Stay safe when using a space heater and remember, all heaters need space.

Cold temperatures inevitably make us want to cozy up under a blanket and crank up the heat, but before you bring the space heater up from the basement to get extra toasty, consider these safety and fire prevention tips. According to the National Fire Protection Association, heating equipment is the leading cause of all house fires. 

Space Heater Safety First! 

SERVPRO of East Arlington has compiled some space heater safety and fire prevention tips to help you stay warm, but most of all, to keep you and your home or office safe from fire damage. 

• Keep 3 feet of distance between your space heater and anything that can burn, including people!
• Never plug your space heater into a power strip; always plug it directly into the wall. 
• Turn off and unplug the heater whenever you leave the room, especially when leaving for the day or going to bed. 
• Always place your heater on a flat surface, away from foot traffic. 
• Educate your family and coworkers about the dangers of space heaters.
• Keep the heater away from wet areas. This includes bathrooms, basements, and even wet hands and materials. 

Buy the Right Heater 

• Check to see if your heater has a seal marking that it’s been tested by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory. 
• Purchase a space heater that is suitable for the size of the room you would like to heat. Use small heaters for small spaces, and large heaters only for big, open spaces. Using a small heater in a large space will cause the heater to overwork and reduce its lifespan.
• Know your heater’s wattage. Higher wattage = higher energy output. Low wattage = less energy. 
• Choose a heater with an automatic shut-off that engages if the heater is knocked over or overheats. 
• Know about the different types of space heaters: oil or water-filled radiator heaters, fan-forced heaters, ceramic heaters, and infrared heaters. 

Using these space heater safety and fire prevention tips will help prevent fire damage in the home and workplace. If you have any questions about fire prevention or if your property experiences smoke or fire damage to your home, call your local professionals at SERVPRO of East Arlington for assistance. We’re available 24/7 at (682) 708-1001.

Smoke Residue Can Accumulate after Fire Damage to Your Texas Home

1/15/2021 (Permalink)

Rely on SERVPRO for Professional Fire Damage Restoration

An incidence of fire damage can cost you a ton of money and time to restore. The ability to restore after such damage depends on the extent of damage caused by the flames as well as the smoke and soot residue as well.

Smoke and soot particles are one of the most significant contributors when it comes to fire damage to your Texas home. Not all fires produce identical residue and the time and effort required to clean these different types of residue determines the success of the restoration process. IICRC certified SERVPRO technicians use their extensive knowledge about different types of residue during the restoration process. While some residues have a minor impact, some others can cause deeper damage.

The Dry and Wet Residue

Wet and dry residues are most frequently encountered after a fire incident. All fires produce both these residues, but their relative proportion can vary greatly. For instance, a rapid burning fire that has an abundant supply of oxygen usually produces dry residues. On the other hand, if the fire was slow-burning with less than optimal oxygen supply, the majority of residue formed is wet residue.  

Another thing affecting the type of residue generated is the type of material burning. While natural materials such as wood and cotton result in drier smoke residue, synthetic materials such as rubber and plastic produce wetter smoke.

As it turns out, drier residues are easier to clean compared to wetter residues. SERVPRO technicians can use less harsh techniques such as cleaning with a sponge to clean the damage due to drier smoke, but wet residues often require more intense cleaning processes.

Protein Residue

Protein residue is quite common if a fire breaks out in the kitchen. The burning of meat, poultry, or fish usually generates this type of residue. It is pale yellow and can stain surfaces quite easily. It is also accompanied by the characteristic odor that can linger on for a long time. The odor cannot be eliminated without a thorough cleaning process followed by an efficient deodorization. Protein residue can be quite difficult to eliminate, and the restoration process may require additional time.

5 Easy Ways to Prevent Fires This Holiday Season

1/15/2021 (Permalink)

The holiday season is a time for friends, family, and traditions. With those traditions comes decorating, and with decorating comes some common hazards which cause disasters that can be avoided with a little know-how and a few preventative measures.

December is the peak time for household fires, and the top 3 days for home candle fires are Christmas, New Year’s Day, and New Year’s Eve. Candles, lighting, fireworks, and Christmas trees are some of the main culprits when it comes to property damage from fires. Here are 5 easy ways to avoid tragedy this holiday season:

1. Use flameless candles

These are a safe alternative to traditional candles, and with the many different varieties now available on the market, your options are limitless. They often look and smell like real candles, but don’t have to risk factor their more-traditional counterparts.

2. Be cautious using traditional candles

Put traditional candles in stable holders and keep them at least 12 inches from anything flammable. Also, don’t fall asleep with candles lit and when you leave the room, blow them out.

3. Take care when celebrating with fireworks

When it comes to celebrations involving explosives, extreme care should be exercised. 10 percent of fireworks fires occur from December 30th through January 3rd, with the peak of these fires occurring on New Year's Day.

4. Be careful with holiday trees

Pick out a tree with fresh green needles when not using a flame retardant artificial tree. Make sure you keep the tree watered daily and dispose of it properly at the end of the season by finding a local tree recycling program. According to the National Fire Protection Agency, from 2011-2015 there was an average of 200 home fires that started with Christmas trees per year, and this cost $14.8 million in property damage annually.

5. Don’t overload electrical outlets

When using adapters/splitters or extension cords and power strips, don’t overdo it. Use common sense and only plugin items if there is an available outlet.

Keep Safe During This Festive Time of the Year

1/15/2021 (Permalink)

Only YOU Can Prevent Winter Home Fires

While it may seem counter-intuitive, the winter season is high time for home fires in the community. According to the US Fire Administration, home fires occur most often in the winter, which means we all need to be more aware of how we are heating our houses, decorating, and cooking our wintertime meals. As a matter of fact, cooking is the leading cause of all winter home fires.

Winter storms also contribute to the increased home fire risks during this season. As stated by the Texas fire department, prolonged outages often increase the risk of residential fires, and these outages often occur as a result of a heavy buildup of snow and ice on powerlines and trees. When the power is out, alternative methods of lighting and heating come into play, and these can be hazardous. Candles, generators, and propane heaters are just a few examples of some potentially dangerous workarounds that people employ during outages.

And fires aren’t the only hazard that is increased by winter weather. Beware of the “silent killer”, carbon monoxide. It’s an odorless, colorless gas that’s created when fuels like gasoline, wood, coal, propane, and others do not burn completely. Heating and cooking equipment that burn fuel can cause carbon monoxide, so always keep this in mind and exercise caution.

Practicing safety is especially important during these winter months, so here are a few quick tips to reduce the risk of home fires and carbon monoxide poisoning this winter:

• Always use a metal or heat-tempered glass screen when using your fireplace
• Keep all combustible materials at least 3 feet from any heat source
• Make sure your space heater has an automatic shut off in case it tips over, and never leave it unsupervised
• Always use charcoal grills outside in a well-ventilated area
• Never bring your generator indoors. Keep it outside in a dry area, away from home air intakes
• Professionally clean your chimney each year before using
• Plug only one heating appliance in an outlet at any given time

Stay safe, Texas! And remember: we’re here 24/7 and “ready for whatever happens”!

What Steps to Take During A Fire

1/15/2021 (Permalink)

United States fire departments respond to roughly 360,000 house fires per year which results in injuries and destruction. Using the steps from our previous fire damage blogs will help prepare and prevent you and your family from a house fire. The American Red Cross recommends that you teach your family two ways of escape, along with a predetermined meeting point outside the home. Once set in place, you should review the routes as well as a backup plan at least once a year. But when one occurs, take immediate action with these steps from SERVPRO of East Arlington shared below:

1. Use a fire extinguisher. If the fire is small and you know how to use a fire extinguisher, put your skills to use. Extinguishing the fire reduces structural damages and the risk of injuries. DO NOT pour water on a grease fire! Since water and oil don’t mix, when you dump water on a grease fire it sinks to the bottom of the pan and evaporates instantly, increasing the intensity of the heat.
2. Leave the home. If you don’t know how to use a fire extinguisher or have no way of getting to it, leave your home immediately. There is always less time than you think to get out of a burning structure safely.
3. Protect your hands and lungs. If a closed-door or its doorknob feels warm, leave it closed. And, if smoke fills the home, get low to the ground, and stay low until you are safely out of the building. Inhaling the smoke can cause people to become disoriented and render a person unconscious. Placing a shirt or rag over your nose and mouth will help to filter out combustion particles while you escape.
4. Stay out. Once you escape your home, do not attempt to re-enter. Going back inside only puts yourself and others in danger.
5. Call for help. When you get outside your home, immediately call 911. The fire department has the necessary gear and training to enter your home and rescue people or pets that may be stuck inside within minutes.

Have smoke or fire damage? Call SERVPRO of East Arlington today!

East Arlington Smoke & Soot Cleanup

1/15/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot are very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allow us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of East Arlington will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today!