A Few Helpful Fire Safety Tips

6/19/2024 (Permalink)

Fire Safety

There are numerous things and events that can take place that cause a residential or commercial fire. There are also several fire awareness steps that you can take to prevent fires from happening and safeguarding our property and you safe.

Here are just a few helpful fire safety tips that can help you avoid a fire:

- Ensure that appliances are turned off and/or unplugged after use and before leaving your home during an extended period of abscence as in a vacation scenario.

- When on vacation, have a trusted neighbor or family member look in on your property as a safeguard.

- Check smoke alarms on a regularly scheduled basis to ensure that they are in properly working condition and have working batteries in them.

-Ensure that heaters are not blocked and there is nothing flammable placed near them.

- If you have a chimney and/or wood burning fireplace in your home, inspect it annually before putting into use. Have this inspected by a professionally licensed service provider.

- Have an emergency plan and escape route in place for the entire family should an emergency occur.

At SERVPRO of St. Louis Central and SERVPRO of Bridgeton/Florissant, we want your home, your family and if you own a business, your employees to remain safe and worry free.

If an unforeseen catastrophe like a fire does occur, Call SERVPRO® immediately at 314-260-7177.  We are available 24/7, 365 Days a year.

When Dealing with Smoke & Soot Damage

6/7/2023 (Permalink)

Heavy Smoke & Soot Damage

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

Smoke and soot facts:

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

Different Types of Smoke

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

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

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

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

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

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

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

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today at: (314) 260-7177

SMOKE DAMAGED INSULATION? NO PROBLEM!

5/10/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke Damaged Insulation

SMOKE DAMAGED INSULATION? WE CAN REMEDY THAT!

SERVPRO of St. Louis Central and SERVPRO of Bridgeton/Florissant understands the need to remove all damaged materials from your home or business to make sure there is no lingering effects from a fire damage. One of those materials is your insulation. Insulation is very porous and absorbent which will trap odors like smoke in the material. SERVPRO has various ways of removing insulation based on what type (rolled or blown in) insulation it is. We make sure we remove all materials that could cause odor problems.

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 St. Louis Central and SERVPRO of Bridgeton/Florissant 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. 

Call the cleanup team that is Faster to any size disaster at (314) 260-7177.

Smoke & Soot Damage - What You Need To Know

12/30/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke/Soot Damaged Tile

Smoke & Soot After a Fire

After fire damages your home or business, smoke & soot will be present throughout the structure and affects everything from ceiling tiles to HVAC/Ventilation systems, etc., posing a threat to your health and to the contents within the structure. Learn more about the Fire Damage Restoration process.

Smoke & Soot from Fire, What Should You Know About It

Smoke/Soot damage is tiny carbon particles created by incomplete combustion of fossil fuels (wood, oil, coal, etc.). Smoke/Soot contains lots of acids, as well as chemicals, metals, soils, and dust. These particles leave a charred residue and a pungent foul smell on everything it comes in contact with.

During a fire, smoke and/or soot spreads to throughout the entire structure, attacking surfaces and you contents within the structure. This acidic film will cause secondary damage your home your contents and indoor air quality if it is not remediated by a professional immediately.

Soot can inhabit your home even if there wasn’t a fire such as the case with excessive candle burning. Excessive candle usage can lead to soot buildup especially on your ceilings, so make sure to use them carefully as they are a leading cvause of fires. Fireplaces can release soot as well if they’re not properly ventilated. Furnaces are also a source of soot contamination when a defective operating system is in operation.

The dangers of soot exposure:

Data shows that soot exposure leads to around 20,000 deaths in the U.S. each year. Soot-related diseases are the culprit of many of them. Moreover, soot exposure causes 300,000 asthma attacks and two million lost workdays annually due to respiratory problems.

Soot can enter your body through inhalation, ingestion or via the skin and eyes. These toxic particles can cause many breathing problems, including asthma, bronchitis, coronary heart disease, and even cancer. Infants, the elderly, and those who already have breathing problems are the most affected by these contaminates.

To avoid the health risks of soot exposure after a home fire, make sure that all soot-affected areas are properly cleaned and sanitized by a SERVPRO of St. Louis Central professional.

How to clean up soot

Your home or business likely holds many chemicals, such as plastics, foams, carpets, wood products, and synthetic fabrics. Soot derived from these materials leads to health hazards that make fire restoration a dangerous and difficult process to remedy. That's why it's always best to call professioinals like SERVPRO of St. Louis Central! We have the specialized training, PPE and resources to properly remediate Smoke and Soot from your property. Personal protective equipment (PPE) refers to protective clothing, helmets, gloves, face shields, goggles, facemasks and/or respirators or other equipment designed to protect the wearer from injury and/or hazardous materials.

A dust mask and a household cleaner are not enough to clean up soot! Removing soot thoroughly requires professional tools, knowledge, and expertise. SERVPRO can properly clean soot and odors from your entire home or business to ensure its safe.

For professional smoke/soot remediation or fire damage repair, contact SERVPRO at (314) 260-7177.

SERVPRO of St. Louis Central is your commercial restoration experts!

11/15/2021 (Permalink)

Commmercial warehouse fire damage.

When it comes to St. Louis commercial fires, there can always be a risk of a fire from office buildings to restaurants to factory warehouses. Especially, with the cold weather season gearing up. These types of facilities and structures have not had their heating systems turned on all year long and we all know that the winter months tent to yeld more fire related catastrophes. A fire occurs in a structure at the rate of one every 64 seconds, and a home fire occurs every 89 seconds. This is according to the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA).

(NFPA) research has found that structure fires accounted for 20% of the fires, but 49% of related deaths, 80% injuries, and 67% of property damage.

A serious fire in a business is catastrophic and costly to the building, the business itself and the customers it serves. Even when the fire is rapidly controlled, there is still likely going to be significant and secondary fire damage. SERVPRO of St. Louis Central and SERVPRO of Bridgeton/Florissant has trained IICRC Certified technicians and resources to respond to your disaster.

There's never a convenient time for fire or water damage to strike. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue, productivity and potential customer loss. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services in addition to reconstruction capabilities, we have the expertise and the knowledge to get your property back in business.

SERVPRO of St. Louis Central and SERVPRO of Bridgeton/Florissant specializes in the cleanup, restoration and reconstruction of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event.

We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage to its preloss condition. Call us at (314) 260-7177.

When Fire Damage Strikes, Call SERVPRO of St. Louis Central

9/2/2021 (Permalink)

Fire Damage

Experiencing a fire in St. Louis is something that can disrupt your entire life. Not only do you have to deal with damage to your home or business, but there are also the lingering traumatization of the experience. That's why we are hear, to take all the agonizing decisions of putting your home or business back to it's original condition before the event. We build it back while you heal from what you just went through.

We understand just how difficult experiencing a house or business fire can be, which is why we have invested plenty of resources, equipment and training into making sure we are ready to handle any fire damage you experience. We can handle the damage quickly and comprehensively, so you can have a home and business that is restored to its pre-damage condition as quickly as possible.

You Can Trust SERVPRO of St. Louis Central

We Can Handle All Aspects of the Damage

Most folks in the St. Louis region don't understand how damage from fires in one area of a home or business can effect a completely different part of the building far from the point of origin. It's not about being just where the actual flames were, it's where the secondary damage travels to. Smoke and soot can spread through all areas of your home and business, impacting areas that were nowhere near the initial fire and causing smoke related damage to penetrate the structure and the contents. However, with our extensive cleaning techniques and procedures that SERVPRO utilizes, we can purify the air and remove odors from your contents non porous contents, keepsakes, etc.

We Have a Rapid Response 

When a catastrophic fire event strikes, the last thing you want is to wait on a restoration company’s business hours to respond to your needs. That is why we are here 24/7 and always dispatch a team to you as quickly as possible, so we can get the restoration started right away once we arrive.

We are a Full Service Restoration Provider

After a fire, cleaning up the damage is one thing, but restoring your home to its preloss condition is another. We can take care of all aspects of the restoration process including all phases of reconstruction. Whatever is needed we can provide it. One call to us and we handle all the required services to put your home or business back together.

Call us at (314) 260-7177 for all your restoration and reconstruction needs.

Fire Damage in St. Louis Missouri

7/6/2021 (Permalink)

Electrical Fire

It doesn't take much of a fire in your St. Louis home or business to cause extensive damage chaos in your life. That's why the cleanup professionals at SERVPRO St. Louis Central and SERVPRO of Bridgeton/Florissant are here to help minimize the chaos and the worry that comes from a fire damage that invades your life. Not only can we make your home or business like new again, we are here to help you through the whole process every step of the way. From emergency mitigation, building stabilization to the reconstruction process, SERVPRO is here to guide you through the whole process.

With over 54 years of industry experience and over 1700 locations nationwide, SERVPRO has the knowledge, equipment and employees to get the job done right. 

We are a full service Fire, Water, Smoke Restoration company, meaning we are able to handle everything from clean-up, deodorizing, reconstruction and even full scale laundry services.  

We work with every insurance carrier and will be onsite immediately to help handle the claim process for you! SERVPRO is here to handle the entire claim and make sure you are completely satisfied. Want to learn more? Call us at (314) 260-7177.

SERVPRO handles all stages of the repair process

4/22/2021 (Permalink)

Working seamlessly to repair the damage

TEAM WOLFE is a "Full Service" Restoration and Reconstruction Company that handles all aspects of putting your home or business back to its preloss condition. Here we have our Restoration Division collaborating seamlessly with our Construction Division on a recent fire damage project. When faced with a serious disaster to your home or business, a full service restoration company is invaluable. Whether you’ve sustained damage as the result of a fire, flood, storm, or any other unexpected event, you need a Full Service Restoration company in your corner and we respond to your needs immediately. Our professionally trained, IICRC certified technicians will be on-site within one hour of your call, equipped and prepared to start the damage control, cleaning, and restoration process without delay. At TEAM WOLFE, one call takes care of it all from start to finish! Its what all customers should expect from a restoration company and we deliver!

It's Candle Fire Season!

11/2/2020 (Permalink)

A diffuser is a much safer alternative to burning candles.

Be Cautious When Using Candles

Yes, that soft light and aromatic fragrances that fill the room from a lit candle can be an easy way to create the atmosphere that you want in your home. However, candles can also become a safety hazard if they are not used properly. Candle fires are common, but the following tips can help you avoid them.

1. Don’t Leave Burning Candles Unattended:
It may seem like an annoyance to extinguish a candle every time you leave the room. However, leaving it burning could result in a candle fire if something gets too close to the flame or if it burns too low. It is best to blow out candles before going to bed at night, even if the candle is in the same room you sleep in..

2. Keep Them Away From Flammable Items:
When you are using a candle, you should be sure to have the area free of flammable objects. This can include papers as well as fabrics such as curtains and bedding. These types of items should be at least a foot away from any candles that are in use. Flammable liquids should be kept even further away.

3. Keep Them Out of Reach of Pets and Children:
Both children and pets often come with an excess of energy and curiosity. For this reason, it can be easy for them to inadvertently start a candle fire. Keep burning candles in an area that are not within reach of a child or pet, especially unsupervised!

4. Use an Alternative:
Perhaps the easiest way to prevent a is simply not to use candles at all. There are a variety of other ways that you can achieve a more relaxing home environment. If you are only interested in adding a nice scent to your home, a wax warmer is a great option. One great option is a diffuser. Diffusers are a great alternative to candles and make you house smell fantastic!

While these tips can help you prevent an emergency, accidents can still occur. Whether it is small or large, fires often require smoke cleanup and some repairs. If this happens, a fire damage restoration company like SERVPRO can help return your home to its preloss condition making it "Like it never even happened."

Cleaning Contents After a Fire

9/1/2020 (Permalink)

Fire Damaged Contents and building

•  Make Sure It's Safe To Start

Your first concern in every fire damage restoration disaster is safety.  SERVPRO of St. Louis Central takes steps to make sure all workers entering your home or business after a fire are safe. It is important that the structure is safe before the evaluation and restoration process begins.

Also, keep in mind that, after a fire, indoor air contains floating smoke and soot particles. Smoke/soot particles are Products of Incomplete Combustion (PIC). These are carcinogens and are dangerous. When cleaning up smoke/soot, it is important to wear a respirator, such as an N-95 or N-100. Using gloves and other protective clothing will also protect against soot exposure. Ventilation is key to letting the contaminants in the air outside.

• Evaluating Damaged Contents

The next step is to determine which items should be cleaned and where, as well as which items to discard. Cost and antique value are key consideration factors. SERVPRO inspects the affected items as quickly as possible, as soot can produce further damage or corrode contents and appliances in a matter of hours or days, depending on the material.

In many cases, contents that have been damaged directly by the fire or by excessive heat should not be discarded until inspected. SERVPRO knows how to clean smoke damage from salvageable items.

Most textile goods like draperies and bedding will be taken to our laundry division or dry-cleaning facility. Other contents that can be restored, such as furniture, may be cleaned within the home or sent to our facility.

Food items must be treated with caution. Any open items should be thrown away. Unopened items in original packaging that were away from the heat can be considered safe. If there is any doubt, throw the items away.

Keep in mind that melted or discolored plastic items can’t be restored, only cleaned.

•  Inventory Of Your Contents

If a “pack out” (removing contents out of the structure where damage occurred) is necessary, our SERVPRO technicians will keep careful records for items taken, location of the items, and condition of the items when removed. In other cases, we may determine that conditions allow for cleaning and storing the contents within the home, or perhaps a garage if property has one. An inventory of all discarded items is essential to receiving monetary reimbursement when filing an insurance claim.

•  Contents Cleaning

SERVPRO will perform testing to determine the appropriate product to clean your contents. Today’s restoration professionals will use environmentally friendly products for all cleaning and restoration processes. This is an important consideration when choosing a restoration company.

SERVPRO begins to remove soot from each restorable item — either in the home or at our facility. The cleaning method depends on the item, such as furniture, kitchen utensils, dishes, toys, clothing, bedding, draperies, and more.

• Removing Odors

Pungent odors come with smoke/soot damage. After the cleaning process, most of the smoke odor will be eliminated. Yet, if there is still a small odor, we may add an additional step to the restoration process. This could include ozone or hydroxyl deodorizing. Learn more about processes: Odor Removal

• For Fire Damage Cleanup and Restoration, Call SERVPRO of St. Louis Central at (314) 260-7177

When the contents of a home or business are damaged by smoke/soot, mitigating the fire damage, cleaning, and restoring the contents to its preloss condition is a job for restoration professionals. SERVPRO of St. Louis Central technicians know how to clean smoke damage from contents quickly, ethically and professionally. When you call us, we’ll mitigate the loss and restore your property using state-of-the-art equipment and techniques.

Lightning Strikes Can Impact Your Home or Business

8/27/2020 (Permalink)

Lightning striking a rooftop during a thunderstorm

The Dangers of Lightning

During a St. Louis thunderstorm, lightning is a serious concern that can affect your home or business; a thunderstorm can easily create worry about a potential lightning strike that can seriously damage your roof, structure and appliances. Along with strong winds and fallen branches damaging the structure, there is also a risk of a lightning fire. Lightning is not a top reason for a structure fire, a lightning strike can affect your home and business causing hidden fires to start.

Risks Concerning a Lightning Strike

If lightning strikes your home or business, you could be faced with the following scenarios:

Fire: Along with a potential lightning strike hitting the roof or attic area, it could lead to decking, attic insulation or other hidden flammable items being caught on fire.

Power Surges: Bolts prefer to travel the fastest route from the sky to the ground. That often means crossing paths with the wiring and plumbing systems in a home. If a power line in the area was hit, it can also result in a surge that may damage appliances. Electronics, including any smart devices associated with the building, can also be severely damaged.

Shock Wave: The thunder boom in the sky can become very destructive as it gets closer. The explosive shock lightning emits can be powerful enough to break windows, crack foundations, or damage bricks and stones.

After a Strike:
If your home or business is hit by lightning, immediately call 911. A lighting fire isn’t always visible at first glance, so it’s best to have the experts verify your home is safe. Once your St. Louis home or business is deemed safe to enter, you can assess the damage and file an insurance claim. Along with getting the wiring in your home inspected by a certified electrician, it is a good idea to have the structural integrity of the home checked. If there was a fire, contact a SERVPRO specialist at (314) 260-7177 to get your house or business back to “Like it never even happened.”
Although a lightning fire may not be common, lightning strikes are. Staying aware and taking swift action can help limit secondary damage to your home or business.

We Are Here For You When Fire Damage Strikes

8/27/2020 (Permalink)

House Fire

The damage caused by a fire doesn’t end when the flames have been extinguished.  When dealing with fire damage, homeowners often see their possessions that they spent their lives working for along with the roof over their heads destroyed, leaving them searching for a safe place to stay while they figure out what's next. Meanwhile, businesses can find themselves in financial struggles and unable to deliver their goods and services leaving them exposed to potential loss of clients, marketing share and potentially not re-opening. Rapid fire damage restoration can hold the key to limiting the emotional and financial struggles caused by a fire. SERVPRO understands this and knows how important it is to get your lives back to normal and businesses back open.

EVERY 65 SECONDS!

According to the latest numbers from the National Fire Protection Association, a structure fire is reported every 65 seconds. When a fire alarm sounds, emergency responders and fire departments answer the call for help with rapid response and deployment to the scene of the fire. When the fire is out and the smoke clears, SERVPRO team members respond, ready to help with the same rapid response and quick deployment to your damage home or business – 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU ALWAYS

At SERVPRO, we never take a day off because we know fires happen anytime, all the time and we are to serve you!

What is Ozone?

6/12/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of St. Louis Central is your local fire damage expert

If you have ever had a fire on your property and had SERVPRO come out to restore, you will know what an ozone generator is. For those who have not, an ozone generator is a machine that charges the air around it creating O3 out of the O2 molecules we breathe.

What We Use Ozone For

The primary function that we use an ozone generator for is the eliminate odors, especially odors caused by fires. We can use this technique of odor removal in many different cases such as, clothing, furniture, and entire rooms no matter the size. While the odor removal works great, there is a downside to using ozone in excess.

Precautions to Ozone

As stated earlier, ozone is different from the air we breathe. This reaction makes O3 poisonous if it is ingested in excess. This is why we close off the area that is being deodorized during the process. You can trust that we take every precaution necessary to keep our customers and employees safe.

If you experience a fire loss, give SERVPRO of St. Louis Central today!

314-260-7177

Electrical Fires

4/13/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of St. Louis Central is Here To Help if you have an electrical fire in your home or business

All over the U.S., electrical fires are one of the most common causes of house fires. Electrical fires are not exclusive to old buildings, and they are also not exclusive to home appliances. In fact, 50% of electrical fires start with electrical distribution and lighting equipment. This is due to a compromised wire insulation, an overloaded conduit, or the equipment becoming hot and being close to combustible material.

How To Protect Yourself From Electrical Fires

• Have your home or business thoroughly inspected by a qualified electrician to ensure that electrical work is up to code.
• Install smoke detectors on every level of your home or business
• Test smoke detectors every month
• Establish an emergency escape plan
• Do not overload electrical outlets
• Use light bulbs that meet the recommended power of light fixture
• Inspect your appliances, extension cords, and plug-ins often to make sure they have not become compromised
• Look and listen for telltale signs of problems; sizzling or buzzing, flickering lights, and frequently tripped breakers

Following these tips can help prevent and make sure you are as ready as possible for a fire disaster, but no one is really ready for a home disaster. In those times of need, SERVPRO of St. Louis Central is Here To Help. We offer board-ups, free estimates, and reconstruction services. That means that when you call SERVPRO of St. Louis Central, we will make it “Like it never even happened.”

Call Today: 314-260-7177

SERVPRO of St. Louis Central can help you get back to normal after a kitchen fire.

2/13/2020 (Permalink)

A local kitchen fire scorched a customers ceiling above the stove. They called SERVPRO of St. Louis Central to come and restore their home.

Cooking is something that most every person does on a daily basis. It is an activity that is so normal, that it can be easily forgotten how dangerous it can be. The temperatures required to cook are easily hot enough to start a fire if left unattended.

According to the NFPA, in 2018 the “United States fire departments responded to an estimated average of 172,100 home structure fires per year started by cooking activities in 2012-2016, or an average of 471 home cooking fires per day. These fires caused an average of 530 civilian deaths, 5,270 reported civilian fire injuries, and $1.1 billion in direct property damage per year.”

As you can see, fire damages not only happen often, they are expensive as well. This is because when a fire occurs it damages much more than just the structure of your home or business. The heat from the fire can change the chemical makeup of food items, textiles, furniture, and much more.

Another variable to consider is the amount of soot that the fire spreads across your home. Even a small fire in a small corner of your home or business can spread soot over the entire property. The soot gets into the duct systems and is then cycled through the property by the HVAC system. This is why you should trust our highly trained professionals come in and clean the property properly. At SERVPRO, we have a restore first mindset and will do our best to restore any items affected by fire.

What should be disposed of after a kitchen fire:

• Nonperishable food items - even though these food items are sealed, the heat from the fire can activate bacteria in the cans or jars causing the food to go bad.
• Room temperature perishable food items - a sealed refrigerator can keep food safe to eat for up to two hours without power as long as it is left shut. However, if when the refrigerator is opened, even within that two-hour zone, and a strange odor is present, it would be a good idea to dispose of the items inside.
• Burnt clothing - all clothing burned by the fire should be disposed of even if it is just barely burned.
• Cosmetics and medications - carefully sort through and examine cosmetics and medicine. If there are any signs that the container has been compromised, dispose the item.

A reliable rule of thumb after a kitchen fire is to get rid of items stored in cardboard, thin plastic bags, or cloth.

SERVPRO of St. Louis Central is a team you can count on to be Faster to Any Size Disaster. Call (314) 260-7177 today for a fast disaster cleanup service from an experienced team.

Tree Safety

12/2/2019 (Permalink)

Christmas Trees can start a huge fire that can completely damage your home.

The Christmas season is in full swing. During this time each year, the traditional Christmas tree fills the family room surrounded by presents. BE CAREFUL - Christmas tree fires are infrequent, but they can happen. Listed below are a few good measures that will help ensure your home’s safety:

• Make sure you pick a healthy tree; trees with brown needles indicate dryness.
• Make sure your tree is placed in a sturdy stand to prevent it from falling over.
• Make sure your stand has an adequate basin for water.
• Make sure to check and water your tree daily.
• Check your lights to make sure they are fire resistant and supported by a national testing organization.
• Keep your trees a safe distance from any heat source.
• Make sure that the lights and any extension cords used are in good working condition; look for and replace damaged wires.
• Check all the bulbs to make sure they are working properly.
• Make sure you have adequate smoke alarms in the area and they are working properly.

The SERVPRO of St.Louis Central team wants to ensure that everyone has a safe and joyous season. In the unlikely event that a fire were to occur, know that the SERVPRO team has your back! 

Fire Safety During Thanksgiving

11/6/2019 (Permalink)

Thanksgiving is the busiest holiday of the year, make sure you stay safe during this busy time!

Did you know that Thanksgiving is the busiest day of the year for fire departments when it comes to home fires involving cooking equipment? With more home cooks cooking larger meals than they are probably used to, the number of home fires involving cooking equipment spikes to nearly 4 times the daily average on Thanksgiving! Whether you plan to be in charge of the kitchen or are just helping out, be sure to follow these important safety tips when preparing this year's Thanksgiving feast!

• Start your Thanksgiving with a clean stove and oven! The weekend before Thanksgiving, remove any food or grease buildup from burners, stovetops, and the oven. 
• Always stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop. While items in the oven may not require as attentive an eye, food on the stovetop should have constant monitoring in case of spillage or splatter. 
• Stay in the home while cooking the turkey. You don't need to set up camp and keep a constant eye on the turkey once it's in the oven, but you should stay inside and check on it frequently. The last thing you want is a burnt turkey that sets your kitchen on fire!
• Keep a flame-resistant oven mitt, potholder, or lid near your cooking space so that you can smother any flames before they get out of control.
• Should an oven fire occur, turn off the heat and keep the door closed. This should allow the fire to burn out on its own. Once the fire has gone out, open your windows before carefully opening the oven door to release the smoke.  
• Make sure your home has working smoke alarms and that your family knows the fire escape route in the event of a fire. Remember to always plan TWO WAYS OUT of every room. 
• Avoid using turkey fryers, but if you must, make sure to follow the fryer's instructions. Also be sure to completely thaw the turkey before frying and always fry outside at a safe distance from the home. 

Stay safe this holiday season! Should your home experience any fire damage, be sure to call SERVPRO of St. Louis Central to make that fire "like it never happened." 

Ways to Avoid A Fire

10/1/2019 (Permalink)

A recent fire that caused significant damage to a St. Louis home.

Unfortunately fires can happen.. We hope you never have to experience a fire, incase you do here are some ways to avoid a fire. 

Fires devastate homes and businesses and cause damage in numerous ways. Not only is fire destructive, but it also leaves behind lingering and pervasive odors.. Also not to mention extensive water damage that results from the firefighter’s efforts to extinguish the flames. The professionals at SERVPRO of St. Louis Central have the specialized training, equipment and experience that will restore your home or place of work back to the way it looked before or even better!

To increase the odds that you’ll stay safe, consider these Top 10 causes of fire. This information will help you plan how to make your home or business a safer place to be at!

1. Cooking: Avoid splattering grease, never leave kitchens unattended and keep flammable materials away from heat sources.
2. Heating Equipment: Have your furnace checked regularly and keep portable heaters away from combustibles.
3. Smoking: If you smoke in or near the house, always make sure the cigarette butt is fully put out and make the bedroom off-limits to smoking.
4. Electricity: Look out for frayed cords, the overuse of extension cords and overloaded outlets, and don’t run electrical wires under rugs or heavy furniture.
5. Candles: Never leave them unattended and keep them out of the reach of children or pets.
6. Children: Keep them away from matches and lighters to suppress any curiosity they may have about what happens when different items burn.
7. Inadequate wiring: It’s often found in older homes and apartments. Have a professional electrician check yours.
8. Flammable Liquids: Keep fuels, solvents, cleaning agents, thinners, adhesives, and paints away from heat sources.
9. Holiday Decor: Keep your Christmas tree well-watered and away from heat sources. Check decorative lights for damage and never place candles on or near Christmas trees.
10. Grills: Keep them away from your home, deck rails, tablecloths and tree limbs. And never use them indoors, including your garage.

SERVPRO of St. Louis Central has the knowledge, professional equipment and ability to eliminate all traces of a fire. Besides the easily accessible areas, we also examine wall cavities, duct work, crawl spaces and plumbing chases to establish whether they also suffered any smoke or fire damage. We will make sure that all fire damage is cleaned, repaired, or removed and leave your home or business as if it never even happened. Because that is the SERVPRO way! 

Where smoke alarms are Installed!

8/29/2019 (Permalink)

Smoke alarms are a key part of a home fire escape plan. When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast. Working smoke alarms give you early warning so you can get outside quickly.

• A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home. Install alarms in the basement. Smoke alarms should be interconnected. When one sounds, they all sound.
• Large homes may need extra smoke alarms.
• It is best to use interconnected smoke alarms. When one smoke alarm sounds they all sound.
• Test all smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
• Today’s smoke alarms will be more technologically advanced to respond to a multitude of fire conditions, yet mitigate false alarms.
• A smoke alarm should be on the ceiling or high on a wall. Keep smoke alarms away from the kitchen to reduce false alarms. They should be at least 10 feet (3 meters) from the stove.
• People who are hard of hearing or deaf can use special alarms. These alarms have strobe lights and bed shakers.
• Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.
• Smoke alarms are an important part of a home fire escape plan! 

Fire Escape Plan

8/27/2019 (Permalink)

Have a Fire Escape Plan

Fire can spread rapidly through your home, leaving you as little as one or two minutes to escape safely once the smoke alarm sounds. A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire. Make sure to install smoke alarms in every sleeping room, level and outside each separate sleeping area. Bring everyone in your household together and make a plan. Walk through your home and inspect all possible exits and escape routes.

Consider drawing a floor plan of your home if you have children. This will help them visually see the exits. Make sure to mark two ways out of each room, including windows and doors.

Escape planning tips:

• Check to make sure the escape routes are clear and doors and windows can be opened easily.
• Choose an outside meeting place (i.e. neighbor's house, a light post, mailbox, or stop sign) a safe distance in front of your home where everyone can meet after they've escaped. Make sure to mark the location of the meeting place on your escape plan.
• Go outside to see if your street number is clearly visible from the road. If not, paint it on the curb or install house numbers to ensure that responding emergency personnel can find your home.
• Have everyone memorize the emergency phone number of the fire department. That way any member of the household can call from a neighbor's home or a cellular phone once safely outside.
• Once you're out, stay out! Under no circumstances should you ever go back into a burning building. If someone is missing, inform the fire department dispatcher when you call. Firefighters have the skills and equipment to perform rescues.

Fires are dangerous and we want to make sure you and your family are prepared! 

Back-to-School Safety!

8/27/2019 (Permalink)

Person charging phone

Be Safe When Charing Electronic Devices

Technology is such an important part of our lives today. We often make it a priority to keep them as close to us as possible, and also to ensure that they are charged and ready to use for the day. Because of our need to stay connected, we often forget about the potential dangers of keeping them so close to us, especially at night when we typically plug them in to charge.

Things to keep in mind when charging you phone or tablet: 

1. Electronic devices should not be charged on flammable surfaces. So, don't tuck your phone under your pillow, on your bed, or on your couch while it is charging. 

2. Use the charger and cord that is specific to your device. 

3. Ensure that the charging cord does not have any exposed wires and is working properly. 

4. If possible, charge your device during the day and turn it off at night. 

Keep yourself and loved ones safe by following these fire-safe phone charging practices! 

Accidents do happen, so if you ever need assistance with home restorations after a fire make sure to contact SERVPRO St. Louis Central today! 

Deodorizing After A Fire Damage

3/22/2019 (Permalink)

Ozone Machine

Things You Should Know

One of the biggest problem after an incidence of fire is the lingering, foul, burnt odor. If the odor is not remedied professionally, it can stay on your property for a long time making it almost impossible to stay there.

Thankfully, professionals can help you get rid of this odor after fire damage to your Lenexa home. The odor after an incidence of fire is a mix of chemical and natural odors due to the burning of wood, plastic, and other building material. Here at SERVPRO, we employ a multi-step process to eliminate odor and get your home smelling like home again- removing, and cleaning. Let's take a closer look at every step.

Removing 
One of the first things that SERVPRO technicians do while tackling an odor problem after a fire is removing the source of the odor. The source of odor after a fire damage can be burnt wood or other building materials. Our IICRC certified technicians dispose of the source in a safely and efficiently.

Cleaning  
The second step during the deodorizing process is cleaning. Smoke and soot residues can deposit on and even penetrate the various surfaces such as walls and ceilings. SERVPRO technicians clean different surfaces depending on the type of the surface and residue deposited on it.

Sealing 
Sealing is not required in most cases, but if the damage is extensive and the removal of the source is too expensive or impractical, it is the best option. Painting walls to seal in the odors is one such case.

We are here to help you in your hour of need. Call SERVPRO of St. Louis Central today! 

What to do in a Case of a Kitchen Fire

2/27/2019 (Permalink)

Do you know what to do when a kitchen fire flares?

Electrical fires? Grease fires? What do you need to do?

Here are some tips to follow to prepare you if you ever have a fire in your kitchen!

Electrical

Fires can happen anywhere in the kitchen- near an electrical outlet, in the microwave, or even in the stove. Here are some tips to go by.

• Electrical: If a fire starts, use a fire extinguisher, never douse it with water. Always call the fire department for an electrical fire, even if you have already put it out with the fire extinguisher.
• Oven: Immediately close the oven door and turn it off. If the fire doesn’t go out right away, call the fire department.
• Microwave: Close the microwave door and keep it closed. Turn the microwave off and unplug it if you can do so safely.

Grease

Grease fires should not be handled like any other kitchen fire. Rule number #1 never pour water on a grease fire. The best way to handle a grease fire it to smother it, if possible, and then let it die out.

• If grease catches on fire in your cooking pan, quickly put on the oven mitt, then place the lid over the pan to smother the fire. Next try sliding the lid over the flames as opposed to dropping the lid down from above.
• Turn off the burner and leave the pan where it is at so the pan can cool down.

You should never hesitate to call the fire department. But if it is a small, contained fire, you should follow the above steps to try to extinguish it while waiting for help to arrive. Also remember safety first to keep yourself and your family protected and call for help.

For kitchen cleaning up and fixing make sure to contact SERVPRO of St. Louis Central!

Ice Blasting for Fire Restoration

1/18/2019 (Permalink)

Dry Ice

Dry ice blasting is one of the best ways to restore properties that have smoke or fire damage.  Dry Ice blasting is ideal for the restoration of wood, concrete, brick and building materials because it’s fast, dries instantly and leaves little or no residue.  It is very efficient with the removal of smoke, mildew, smell, mold and other damages without causing deterioration of the surface. 

Here is why you should get it done! 

• It is safe for electrical components 
• Cleans without surface erosion 
• No water damage
• No need for acid
• Cleans wood, brick, concrete and other things to get rid of the smell 

Ice blasting has many benefits such as faster, cleaners, safer but more important it is very efficient! 

Call SERVPRO of St. Louis Central today! 

Emergency Tips

11/26/2018 (Permalink)

What To Do After A Fire

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
• Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
• Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
• Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
• Change HVAC filter.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

What NOT To Do After A Fire

• Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting us.
• Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
• Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
• Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

Have Smoke or Fire Damage? Call SERVPRO of St. Louis Central today! 

(314) 260-7177

Holiday Safety

11/13/2018 (Permalink)

Even during the holidays SERVPRO will be there!

It is the holidays, so everyone wants to add fun warmth and sparkle to the wonderful season. It is very important to remember that some of our favorite holiday decorations carry a big risk of electrical or a fire if these aren’t used carefully.

Chestnuts are roasting on an open fire, but let’s sure hope your Christmas tree isn’t burning. Every year there has been estimated that 200 homes that have had Christmas tree fires. Most of these fires are caused by electrical malfunctions as well as heating equipment.

Safety Tips

• Always keep candles, heaters and fireplaces away from your tree.
• Did you know metal stands cause trees to dry out and become flammable? Always remember to check the water level daily or nightly.
• Inspect lights before plugging them in or putting them up.
• Never overload a circuit.
• Before leaving your house or going to bed make sure to turn off all of the lights.

Always remember that SERVPRO St. Louis Central is open 24/7/365! So if you are in a burning situation during the holidays, SERVPRO will be there to help!

Common Fire Hazards at Home

11/8/2018 (Permalink)

Did you know that more than 360,000 home structure fires each year?

The cold weather often means a higher risk of house fires, this is because people are spending more time at home and indoors from the wintry weather!

Common Fire Hazards at Home

• Candles
• Cigarettes
• Electrical & Lighting
• Dryers & Washing Machines

These fire hazards can be preventable with some forethought and care! The most preventable are are unattended candles and cooking! Be aware of when you light candles or leave the stove on before you leave your home or go to bed. 

The most recent fire damage SERVPRO did was "quick and a job well done" stated from a happy customer. She explained a fire had started in the middle of the night and SERVPRO was there that morning removing the damage and making everything smell and look nice!

If you have fire damage call SERVPRO St. Louis Central!

Commercial and Residential Smoke and Soot Cleanup in St. Louis area

2/20/2018 (Permalink)

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

Smoke and soot facts:

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

Different Types of Smoke

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

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

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

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

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

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

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

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – (314) 260 - 7177