Archived Fire Damage Blog Posts
Be Prepared in the Event of a Fire Emergency
4/19/2023 (Permalink)
A fireman walks out of a home with fire and smoke damage.
Home fires can start quickly, and spread at an incredible rate. Studies have shown that once a smoke detector goes off in your home, you only have about 2 minutes to get out safely! When you have young children in the house, that thought can be overwhelming and frightening. While we cannot always prevent a fire from starting, there are things we can do to help our families get out safely if a fire occurs.
Working Smoke Detectors are of utmost importance! Although you only have about 2 minutes to escape once the alarm sounds, smoke detectors in the home have been shown to reduce fire-related deaths by 50%. Considering half of all home fires occur between 11PM – 7AM, when most folks are sleeping, a working smoke detector sounding the alarm can make all the difference.
With so many fires starting during the night time, it is a good idea to have working alarms in each bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home. For the best protection, install interconnected smoke alarms. This way, when one goes off, they all sound. Practice a few times with the alarm actually sounding, to ensure that your child is not afraid of the sound, and that they know what they should do when they hear the alarm.
Also, practice escaping out of every room of your home. Make a game of it, see how many different ways you can get out to your designated ‘safe space’ and meeting area. Even have your kids help draw a map of your different escape routes. They will have fun. Drawing a map also helps ingrain it into their minds, making them more likely to remember what to do in the event of an actually fire.
Fires can be devastating, and sadly we cannot completely fire-proof our world. But just a little bit of planning can make a big difference for your family. And if you ever do experience a fire, do not hesitate to call upon your Fire Restoration Specialists at SERVPRO of Warren County, We are always here to help!
Call us 24/7-
(270) 796-8080
Warren County Fire and Soot Cleanup
2/20/2023 (Permalink)
Smoke and Soot Damage Can Cause a Pervasive Odor in Your Warren County Home.
Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.
Smoke and soot facts:
- Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
- Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
- The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.
Different Types of Smoke
There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Warren County will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:
Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber
- Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.
Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood
- Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.
Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire
- Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.
Our Fire Damage Restoration Services
Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.
Blog Samples - Fire Damage
Title: [[City or County Name]] Smoke and Soot Cleanup
Category: Fire Damage
Photo Caption: Smoke and Soot Damage Can Cause a Pervasive Odor in Your [[City or County Name]] Home.
Body:
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 [[Franchise Name]] 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 – (270) 796-8080
SERVPRO Fire Mitigation Services
7/13/2022 (Permalink)
The fire damage mitigation and restoration services that we provide here at SERVPRO of Warren County include mitigating damage, providing smoke damage clean up and water restoration as quickly as possible after damage first occurs. Responding quickly can help save structure and contents from further damage in many occasions.
SERVPRO of Warren County fire mitigation and restoration services can include: emergency board up, demolition, soot removal, film application, thermal deodorization to mitigate smoke damage and complete restoration. You can count on SERVPRO of Warren County's fire mitigation services to answer your call when you need us.
We also work closely with our local fire departments to assist in boards ups and site containment services.
If you have more questions about what SERVPRO of Warren County offers after any type of disaster, fire or water, please don't hesitate to reach out. We are "Here to Help"
SERVPRO of Warren County
270-796-8080
www.SERVPROwarrencounty.com
#heretohelp #teammoody #fastertoanydisaster
Fires Happen Year Round
6/21/2022 (Permalink)
Many things can still cause a fire in your home or business during the summer months. At SERVPRO we want to make you aware of these things to help you avoid a disaster!
1. Grill Fires: In the summer months, many people grill outdoors holidays and gatherings making grilling the number one cause of fires in the home during the summer months. Make sure to keep the grill a safe distance from homes, buildings etc.
2. Air Conditioning fires: Air conditioners are the 2nd leading cause of fires in the summer. Make sure your unit is service and well maintained.
3. Arson is the 3rd leading cause of fire in the summer months causing not only property damage but injury or fatality.
4. Other things to be aware of in the summer months are smokers, smoking outdoors, fire pits and fireworks.
Protect you home and family while enjoying this beautiful summer! And as always, at SERVPRO, we are "Here to Help".
SERVPRO of Warren County
270-796-8080
#SERVPRO #fastertoanydisaster #teammoody
#heretohelp
Does Your Family Have a Plan?
6/6/2022 (Permalink)
Do you have an active plan in place for you and your family in case of fire? Do you have a designated meeting space? A little preparation now can lead to a safe family in an emergency.
Here are some tips to protect your family in case of fire.
*Purchase and know how to work a quality fire extinguisher
*Remember to GET OUT and STAY OUT!
*Call 911
*Practice staying low in case it is necessary to go through smoke.
*Close all doors behind you
*If fire blocks your path stay in the room with the doors closed. Place a wet towel under the door.
*Set a meeting place and practice it! Once you are outside go straight to the meeting area.
Just a few minutes now can make all the difference.
At SERVPRO we are Here to Help.
SERVPRO of Warren County
270-796-8080
#fastertoanydisaster #teammoody #SERVPRO
www.SERVPROwarrencounty.com
Love Candles?
4/4/2022 (Permalink)
Do you love candles in your home....the aroma, warmth and cozy feeling? We know you do and so do we.
Here are some great safety tips for burning candles in your home or business.
1. Trim the wick before lighting to 1/4 inch. This will keep the flame lower and also extend the life of your candle.
2. To light use a long match or lighter to avoid getting burned.
3. Dispose of match properly.
4. Keep the candle in sight. This avoids an accidental fire or forgetting the candle when you leave or go to bed.
5. Pick the perfect spot. Choose a stable, heat resistant surface.
6. Don't burn for more than 4 hours. This can cause wick to become unstable and flame to burn higher.
7. Extinguish properly. Suffocate the flame to avoid wax splatters.
These are just a few simple step to help you enjoy those beautiful, great smelling candles!
#SERVPRO #teammoody #fastertoanydisaster #SERVPRO life
Keep Your Home Safe During Cold Temperatures
2/1/2022 (Permalink)
Here at SERVPRO we are always concerned about our customers and their safety. We have recently seen a large increase in fires due to space heaters.
Following are some tips to help keep you and your family safe and warm this winter!
1. Keep your space heater away from water of any type.
2. Avoid keeping your space heater close to any flammable objects such as curtains, bedspreads, fabric etc.
3. Never leave your space heater alone.
4. Always plug into a wall outlet, not a surge protector, extension cord or timer.
5. Always place a space heater on the floor and make sure it is at least 3 feet from any other objects.
6. Make sure you check your smoke detectors as recommended.
7. In case of an issue make sure you have a Fire Safety Plan in place for your family.
SERVPRO cares!! Take the time to make sure you are following these simple tips.
We are here to help 24/7/365
Call us today!
270-796-8080
Following these simple steps can help prevent damage to your home and a hazard for your family.
4 Safe Candles Alternatives for your Home
10/5/2021 (Permalink)
4 Candle Alternatives That Are Safe To Use In Your Home
When darkness falls, or the air needs freshening, people often turn to candles. Despite the appeal of their various scents and simplicity, candles pose a fire risk to your home in Warren County KY. Instead of accepting the risk, you can consider any of these four candle alternatives.
1. LED String Lights
LED lights are not just for the holiday season. With their use inside your home, you can provide the same light a candle does. This can be done by stringing them across a table or filling a glass with a line of them to create a makeshift lamp. LED lights are a flameless alternative to creatively brighten your house in whatever color you wish.
2. Electric Candles
As a direct replacement for candles, tea lights use batteries instead of fire. They have the appearance of candles if you desire to preserve their aesthetic. The major advantage of electric candles compared to typical candles is the ability to leave them lit even when you can’t monitor them. With this substitution, there is no need to fear a candle fire while asleep or in another room.
3. Reed Diffusers
If the pleasant scent of a candle is what you are looking for in your candle alternatives, reed diffusers are a natural option. Using only reeds and scented oils, the aroma seeps into the air and fills a room. The scented oil comes in many varieties so you can find one to your liking without the worry of any dangerous heat.
4. Wax Warmers
While similar to a candle, wax warmers are flameless and safer. By using electricity or batteries, the dish containing wax heats up and carries the scent around like a candle but without the flame.
Candle alternatives are helpful for saving your residence from the risk of fire. Even if your best efforts of fire prevention fail, fire damage restoration is available for the aftermath of when a candle or other flame goes awry. Using flameless sources of scent and light will make your home less fire prone.
House Fires and the after effects
7/15/2021 (Permalink)
Dealing with the aftermath of fire damage can be extremely stressful especially when soot has made its way through your house and completely covered all of your belongings. SERVPRO of Warren County is trained and licensed to take the utmost care of your property and explain the potential issues you may experience. It should be known that soot restoration is one of the most difficult aspects of a house fire as it can be very damaging.
Soot can develop through three different methods:
- Wet soot residue—results from smoldering, low-heat fires. This residue is sticky, smeary, and has a very pungent odor.
- Dry soot residue—results from fast-burning fires with high temperatures. This residue is typically dry, powdery, and non-smeary.
- Protein residue—almost invisible but can discolor paints and varnishes in your home. This residue also has an extremely pungent odor.
Each type of soot is different and requires specific expertise to clean, call us at SERVPRO of Warren County for such needs or concerns. It is our duty to serve our customers and help make it “Like it never even happened.”
According to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), three of every five home fire deaths could have been prevented as they were the result of a lack of smoke alarms (38%) or broken smoke alarms (21%). Most fatal fires happen when families are asleep giving them less than adequate time to escape. A smoke alarm stands guard around the clock, and when it first senses smoke, it sounds a shrill alarm. Smoke alarms are crucial elements in the early detection of fires.
Make sure to revisit your smoke alarms and review documented statistics from the NFPA through their The Smoke Alarm Effect article.
Reach out to us at SERVPRO of Warren County for more information on fire damage restoration.
It's Candle Fire Season
6/22/2021 (Permalink)
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."
Air Fryer Clean Up
6/2/2021 (Permalink)
If you suffer fire damage call SERVPRO of Warren County 270-796-8080
SERVPRO of Warren County recently responded to a residential fire caused by an air fryer. The home suffered fire damage to the kitchen, and smoke damage throughout the reminder of the home.
Our expert mitigation crews begin work right away to make it "Like it never even happened." In the kitchen where the fire started, the ceiling, drywall and flooring were all removed to begin the rebuild process. Throughout the reminder of the home the floating floor was removed as well as the insulation. These items hold smoke odor and needed to be completely removed in order to get all the odor out of the home. From there our crews began to clean the walls and all areas of the home to get it to pre loss condition.
If your home suffers any fire or smoke damage, call the experts at SERVPRO of Warren County 270-796-8080 twenty four hours a day, seven days a week. Let us make it "Like it never even happened."
How can I safeguard my Warren County home against potential fire?
4/6/2021 (Permalink)
Call SERVPRO of Warren County 270-796-8080 if you experience a house fire
According to Warren County area fire damage Restorer SERVPRO, you can lower your fire risks by developing safer cooking habits and properly maintaining appliances
Residential fires are common occurrences in the Warren County area. These fires often originate from cooking mishaps, poorly maintained appliances and those that malfunction. Once ignited, blazes can quickly spread throughout the home.
What Can I Do to Reduce My Risks of a House Fire and Mitigate Damages if One Occurs?
Fortunately, you can do several things to substantially lower your residential fire risks and limit your damages if one ever happens. SERVPRO offers the following fire risk mitigation suggestions to homeowners:
• Make sure cooking oil never overheats and only use deep fryers controlled by a thermostat
• If an oil or grease fire starts, turn off the heat if possible and do not attempt to extinguish it with water
• Keep clothing and other flammable materials away from the stove and burners
• Ensure that cooking appliances are turned off once you are finished cooking
• Avoid leaving cooking food or children unattended in the kitchen
• Properly maintain and routinely clean all appliances
• Keep a Class A-B-C fire extinguisher in your kitchen
Although SERVPRO believes these measures effectively reduce your fire-related risks, they can never fully eliminate them.
If your home experiences a fire call SERVPRO of Warren County at 270-796-8080
Fire Cleanup in Bowling Green, KY
2/1/2021 (Permalink)
Check out our Facebook page for pictures of this garage completely restored by SERVPRO!
No matter the location of the fire, SERVPRO has you covered!
One of our latest fire restoration jobs was a garage fire in a house near WKU's campus. The fire is believed to be started by a malfunctioned mini refrigerator. Luckily, the residents of the home were unharmed and quickly knew they needed to call SERVPRO of Warren County.
The first step to this job was to remove the burnt contents that were in the garage. Our production technicians maintain a detailed inventory upon request that the client can submit to their insurance. We also set up our negative air machines, which purify the air to help remove the lingering smoke odor. Next, we removed the drywall and insulation that was unsalvageable to prepare for the reconstruction. Lastly, we treated the wood studs for odor removal, replaced the drywall, and got ready to paint and perform the final touches. Our technicians and Production Manager maintained constant communication with the homeowner to make sure they were satisfied with our performance!
SERVPRO of Warren County is the #1 preferred vendor for fire cleanup, so call on us whenever you experience a loss! (270) 796-8080
Fire Safety and Preparation
10/5/2020 (Permalink)
Many fires affect both the interior and exterior of a structure.
Home fires can start quickly, and spread at an incredible rate. Studies have shown that once a smoke detector goes off in your home, you only have about 2 minutes to get out safely! When you have young children in the house, that thought can be overwhelming and frightening. While we cannot always prevent a fire from starting, there are things we can do to help our families get out safely if a fire occurs.
Working Smoke Detectors are of utmost importance!! Although you only have about 2 minutes to escape once the alarm sounds, smoke detectors in the home have been shown to reduce fire-related deaths by 50%. Considering half of all home fires occur between 11PM – 7AM, when most folks are sleeping, a working smoke detector sounding the alarm can make all the difference.
With so many fires starting during the night time, it is a good idea to have working alarms in each bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home. For the best protection, install interconnected smoke alarms. This way, when one goes off, they all sound. Practice a few times with the alarm actually sounding, to ensure that your child is not afraid of the sound, and that they know what they should do when they hear the alarm.
Also, practice escaping out of every room of your home. Make a game of it, see how many different ways you can get out to your designated ‘safe space’ and meeting area. Even have your kids help draw a map of your different escape routes. They will have fun. Drawing a map also helps ingrain it into their minds, making them more likely to remember what to do in the event of an actually fire.
Teach kids to not play with matches and lighters. Make a habit of storing these items up and out of reach of young children. Teach children that if they happen to find a match or lighter, to take it to a trusted adult immediately!
Fires can be devastating, and sadly we cannot completely fire-proof our world. But just a little bit of planning can make a big difference for your family. And if you ever do experience a fire, do not hesitate to call upon your Fire Restoration Specialists at SERVPRO of Warren County, We are always here to help!
Call us 24/7-
(270) 796-8080
Smoke and Soot Damage in Bowling Green, KY
7/17/2020 (Permalink)
These SERVPRO technicians are starting to clean soot off of a ceiling after a fire loss
Did you know that SERVPRO of Warren County employees are trained for cleaning smoke and soot from any building? Smaller fires may seem like no big deal until you start to look at the walls, contents, and the ceiling around the affected area. When this happens, time is of the essence as the longer the soot remains, the more potential for corrosion of the contents from the chemicals. Here are a few important facts about smoke and soot damage that SERVPRO can help tackle.
- Smoke travels just like hot air. It migrates to the ceilings and cooler areas within the building.
- Opening a window is the best tactic to getting smoke out of the area.
- There are different types of smoke, including wet or dry, so knowing the cause of a fire will help your SERVPRO team know the best cleaning practices to use.
Call on the fire experts here at 270-796-8080 to make sure your home or business is up and running in no time.
Safety Tips for Burning a Candle
6/26/2020 (Permalink)
Keeping our community safe is our top priority!
In our industry of fire restoration, we have many customers who had a simple accident turn into a major loss. Space heaters, stove top grease, and smoking materials are the leading causes of fires, so it is critical to take every precaution to avoid a disaster. Here are a few tips on safely lighting and handling candles in your home or business.
- Keep a distance of 12 inches between candles and any material that can catch fire.
- Place the candle on a sturdy and uncluttered surface.
- Always blow out the candle before leaving the home or going to sleep.
- Never use a candle if someone in the home requires an oxygen machine.
- For a power outage, it is better to rely on a flashlight or battery-powered lighting rather than a candle to avoid a fire.
Duplex Fire in Bowling Green, KY
6/5/2020 (Permalink)
We removed the drywall, flooring, and insulation that was damaged in this duplex home fire
On April 14th, our office got a call from an insurance agent asking for help on a fire in the middle of a duplex home. The shed attached to the back of the building stuck fire and damaged both of the apartment homes. Our Marketing Manager, Brad, rushed to the home to evaluate the damage and create a plan for mitigation and total reconstruction.
The first step was to clean out the damaged contents and take a full inventory of each item. Creating this list helps our homeowners get coverage to replace the items that are non-salvageable. After that, our production technicians were able to cleanup the insulation, remove drywall, and take up the flooring to make sure the frame of the building was safe and secure. They also worked tirelessly on removing the appliances, cabinetry, and HVAC units that were damaged. Lastly, our Reconstruction Department will come in to rebuild the home and make it look "Like it never even happened."
Call on us ANY time, for ANY size, at ANY location. (270) 796-8080
Tips to Prevent a Dryer Fire
4/8/2020 (Permalink)
Keeping the lint filter cleaned can prevent a dryer fire.
Five Safety Tips to Prevent a Dryer Fire
A clothes dryer is a common and convenient household appliance, but it can be dangerous if not properly maintained. Not only can the dryer break and need replacing, but it can also cause a lint fire in your Bowling Green KY home. Follow these safety tips to help prevent any emergency situations.
1. Have Your Dryer Professionally Installed
Having your dryer installed by a qualified professional can put you on the right path to keeping your home safe. They can make sure that everything is installed correctly and working as it should, preventing any potential safety hazards.
2. Clean the Lint Filter and Dryer Vent Regularly
The most common cause of a dryer fire is not keeping the unit clean. You should remove lint from the filter before and after each use. Lint can also build up in the back of the dryer, so be sure to clean that area as well. The dryer vent should be cleaned at least every three months to prevent blockages.
3. Have the Dryer Serviced Regularly.
It is a good idea to have your dryer serviced on a regular basis. Hiring a professional to clean and inspect the appliance at least once a year can help minimize any problems and keep the unit safe to use.
4. Keep Flammable Items Away From the Dryer
A lint fire is not the only kind of fire that can occur when using your dryer. If a flammable liquid has been spilled on an item, you should never put it in the dryer. Be sure to keep any flammable materials away from the surrounding area as well.
5. Make Sure the Dryer is Off Before You Leave the House
If you are leaving your house or going to sleep, make sure that you turn the dryer off beforehand. If a fire were to start while the unit was unattended, it could spread and cause a lot of damage before you were aware of it.
You can hire fire remediation specialists to help in case of a lint fire, but keeping your dryer cleaned and properly maintained can help keep your unit safe.
Your Home Should Have at Least 2 Types of Smoke Alarms
2/26/2020 (Permalink)
Deep inside a photoelectric alarm is a tiny, pulsating light
Three Basics Types of Smoke Alarm
Smoke detectors are the single most effective life-saving device in most homes today. Studies show that occupants of homes without a smoke detector in Smiths, KY, more than double their risks of harm compared to properly protected structures. When considering the low price, nothing else you can do for fire safety costs so little.
There are three basic types of smoke alarm:
- Air sampling alarms
- Photoelectric alarm
- Ionization alarm
Some Smoke Alarms Take Constant Samples of the Air
The least common smoke detector is the air sampling one. They are usually found in highly sensitive spaces, such as scientific laboratories or certain businesses. However, they are expensive and are probably overkill for most homes.
Photoelectric Alarms
Deep inside a photoelectric alarm is a tiny, pulsating light. When smoke enters the chamber, it diffracts the light, triggering the alarm. This is ideal for detecting larger smoke particles, such as those from smoldering, electrical and furniture fires.
Ionization Alarms Are the Most Common
Hidden securely inside an ionization alarm chamber is an almost microscopic bit of americium 241, an artificial radioactive element. It creates a bridge for an electric current to pass through the alarm unit. When smoke particles interact with the americium, it interrupts the circuit, triggering the alarm.
This type of detector is most effective with small smoke particles, such as paper, wood and grease. It’s the cheapest method of detection, and if you disregard the experts and only have one fire detector, it should probably be one of these.
Some newer devices use both photoelectric and ionization to cover the widest range of fires. Either way, it’s strongly recommended to have both types of smoke alarm. Fires can experience something called a flashover, when an entire room hits a critical temperature and virtually everything erupts in flame. This may leave you with less than two minutes to evacuate safely, so seconds count.
If you have a home fire in Smiths, KY, call a restoration company as soon as possible. They can quickly tarp and cover damaged areas and start working with your insurance agent for a rapid, hassle-free recovery.
Smoke Odor Removal in Bowling Green, KY
2/4/2020 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Warren County will get your home smoke odor free after fire damage.
When you walk through your building in Bowling Green, KY after a fire, you may be overwhelmed by the smell of smoke. Fire does more than burn your structure and the things inside it. It also permeates the air with an intense smoke odor, and getting rid of this odor is part of the mitigation process. There are three main methods professional remediation experts use for smoke cleaning.
1. Thermal Fogger
A thermal fogger uses a vaporized solution to neutralize odors in your building. By heating the solvent, the machine produces a fog that it releases into the room. The deodorizing particles find their way into carpet, walls, cracks, crevices and vents to trap smoke particles and absorb them, leaving behind a fresh scent without the use of water.
2. Ozone Machine
An ozone machine creates the same atmosphere that occurs in nature after a thunderstorm. It is effective in smoke cleaning because it purifies the air by traveling the same path that the smoke took through the building and oxidizing its fumes. Technicians seal off the affected area and set up the industrial ozone machines. They vacate the area, letting the machines work their magic, and return later to a room that no longer reeks of smoke.
3. Air Purifier
An air purifier pulls malodorous air into it and releases purified air. The best air purifier to use for the remediation of smoke damage is a HEPA purifier with an activated carbon filter. The HEPA filter can trap extremely small particles. The pores in the activated carbon filter hold smoke particles and neutralize them, ridding the area of odor.
There are many smoke cleaning devices and techniques. After assessing the damage to your building during the walk-through, experts can recommend the method they think would be the most effective in neutralizing the smoke odor in your building so that you can get back to business.
Safeguard Your Home with Smoke Detectors
10/7/2019 (Permalink)
An ionization smoke detector is ideal for detecting rapid-burning fires
Many people in Plano, KY, may love their open floor plan and the new furniture or curtains made with synthetic materials, but if a fire breaks out, these contemporary trends may mean a faster burning fire. The first line of defense for fire safety is a smoke alarm.
Alarm Placement
A smoke alarm should be installed on every floor of a house. It is recommended that there is one inside each bedroom, as well as outside each sleeping area. People who own larger homes should plan on having more to ensure optimal protection.
The Difference Between Detectors
Understanding how many you need is important. It also is good to understand that not every smoke detector is the same. There are different types that detect using different methods.
- Ionization – These feature two metal plates with electrodes that maintain a constant current. When smoke enters it, the electrical connection is broken, which sets off the alarm. These are ideal for detecting rapid-burning fires.
- Photoelectric – Instead of an electric current, these feature a light beam. If smoke enters its optical chamber and disrupts the light, the alarm goes off. This type has proven efficient with slow fires and has few false alarms.
- Dual – There are detectors on the mark that use both processes in one unit. Many of these often include carbon monoxide sensors.
Regardless of which is right for your home, ensure that any detector you buy has a UL label. This ensures that it has been tested and certified to meet safety and operational standards.
Detection Away from Home
For people who frequently travel or want peace of mind while away from home, smart detectors are becoming more popular. Available in the common types listed above, these send an alert to your phone if smoke is detected.
No matter your budget or size of home, a smoke alarm is a safety tool that shouldn’t be overlooked. Getting your family out of a burning home is the only priority. Once the fire subsides, count on the professionals to help deal with the aftermath.
How to Choose and Use a Fire Extinguisher
7/21/2019 (Permalink)
The best way to operate a fire extinguisher is to remember the word PASS
Grease is popping. Pots and pans are everywhere. You’re getting ready for a dinner party with family and friends. There’s chaos in the kitchen. Your attention is on a million different things. So not being aware a dish towel is too close to a stovetop flame may not catch your attention, until it’s too late. Your dinner and your kitchen go up in smoke because you didn’t have a fire extinguisher. It’s time to find the right extinguisher for the kitchen and the rest of your home. This article will help you choose and use the one best for you.
Types of Fire Extinguishers
There are several types of fire extinguishers you can use for the house and come in several classifications.
- Class A: Trash, wood and paper fires
- Class B: Liquids and grease fires
- Class C: Electrical fires
- Class D: Flammable metals
- Class K: Specifically used for a kitchen fire when grease and oil are involved. Restaurants and commercial kitchens keep these on hand.
An ABC type of extinguisher has chemicals combined for use against the different kinds of fires that can erupt in the home. Place several throughout in bedrooms, the kitchen, laundry room and the garage. Also, place anywhere there is a heat source.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, the best way to operate a fire extinguisher is to remember the word PASS.
P: Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you and release the locking mechanism.
A: Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
S: Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.
S: Sweep the nozzle from side to side.
When looking for the best fire extinguisher in Oakland, KY, keep in mind that although having the best type for your house and using it correctly may not completely put out a fire. Put your fire escape plan into action and get your family to safety. A fire damage restoration expert is an excellent source of information for any questions you have.
Does Your Business Have an Emergency Action Plan? If Not, it Should
6/28/2019 (Permalink)
Does your business have an emergency action plan?
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, your Rockfield, KY, business must have an emergency action plan if anyone will be evacuating your place of business in the event of a fire or emergency. The only exception to this rule is if everyone in your place of business is trained and equipped to fight fires, in which case evacuation is not necessary. Unless you employ a fire brigade, it is unlikely this exception applies to you. Here's what you need to know regarding your future contingency plan.
What Is an Emergency Action Plan?
An EAP is a plan that details what you, your employees and customers must do in the event of a workplace emergency. A well-developed evacuation plan and adequate training can help prevent severe injuries and even serve to lessen structural damage to your building during a fire or other emergency. A poorly-developed plan, on the other hand, may lead to a disorganized evacuation and result in the following:
- Injury and confusion
- Significant property damage
- Monetary loss
You can avoid the consequences of a disorganized evacuation by preparing a sound contingency plan.
What Should Your Plan Cover?
If you employ more than 10 individuals, your plan should be written out and distributed to each team member. However, if you operate a small business, you can communicate your plan orally. Regardless of how you communicate your evacuation plan, its overreaching goal should be to organize employer and employee actions in the event of an emergency. There are certain elements of an EAP that can help you achieve an organized evacuation:
- Evacuation processes and escape routes
- Means of reporting the emergency
- Processes to account for all employees post-evacuation
- Procedures key employees should follow if they must stay in the building to perform critical plant operations
- Medical and rescue responsibilities for employees who are equipped to perform them
Ideally, you should work with a professional fire damage restoration professional to develop a solid contingency plan. Your proactive approach could prevent injuries, save your building and reduce the cost of an emergency.
Will Insurance Cover a Home Fire?
6/6/2019 (Permalink)
Fire damage in a Smiths, KY home
If a fire ever occurs in your home in Smiths, KY, you’ll be relieved to learn that almost all house fires are covered by a homeowners insurance plan. However, there are two specific circumstances that your plan will not cover. Here is come useful information on how homeowners insurance can help you cover the costs of fire damage and what home fire situations are not covered.
What Insurance Covers
In most cases, your homeowners insurance will pay for many of the costs associated with a house fire including:
- The actual structure of your home
- Detached structures such as sheds, fences, etc.
- Landscaping elements including trees, shrubs, and grass
- The replacement cost of personal belongings
- The cost of fire restoration services
- Additional living expenses if you cannot stay in your home
It is important to note that if you lose personal belongings such as furniture, clothing, or anything else that is considered your property, insurance often pays the replacement cost of the lost property. Replacement cost is the amount of money it would cost to replace something, opposed to its actual cash value. You will need to check with your insurance to find out what your policy pays.
What Insurance Doesn’t Cover
Whether the home fire was caused by something outside of your control, such as lightening striking your home or a wildfire in your area, or an accidental cause, for instance, leaving the stove on or forgetting to blow out a candle, your insurance will provide coverage. The only cases your insurance won’t cover is arson committed purposely by the homeowner or a vacant home fire. Vacancy is often defined as a home that hasn’t been occupied for 30 days or more.
You should always check with your insurance company to find out the specifics on what your policy covers in a home fire. Unless the fire was caused by attempted arson insurance fraud or vacancy, you can typically expect insurance to cover you.
Grease Fire in Bowling Green, KY
4/8/2019 (Permalink)
Kitchen Fire in Bowling Green, KY
This Bowling Green, KY kitchen was damaged when a pan caught fire and ignited the stove and cabinetry above. Smoke and soot affected most of the home and the resident had to move out until work could be completed. We heard about the fire on Twitter and arrived on the scene while it was still smoldering.
SERVPRO of Warren County was there to help
It takes several days of scrubbing down walls and ceilings as well as setting negative air machines to help with the odor in the home. SERVPRO of Warren County uses special chemicals in order to cut through the grime caused by a grease fire. Our crew works dilligently to get this work done in order to get the resident back in their own bed where they belong.
Our customer was very happy that we were there in a timely manner to get the process started as smoothly as possible.
4 Tips To Teach Your Kids on How To Escape a House Fire
2/5/2019 (Permalink)
Have your fire escape plan ready!
4 Tips To Teach Your Kids on How To Escape a House Fire
While everyone hopes that a fire never happens in their house in Richardsville, KY, it is important that everyone in your home is well prepared. An essential step in ensuring your kid’s safety in a home fire is to teach them how to keep themselves safe and escape if possible. Make sure they know the following four tips!
1. Fire Crawl
Explain to your children that breathing in a lot of smoke can hurt their lungs, and that smoke rises up into the air. Show them how to travel low to the ground and keep their head down when smoke or fire is nearby. They can either crawl on all fours with their forearms on the ground or with their legs flat on the ground.
2. Checking Doors
Your kid’s safety depends greatly on whether or not they know not to immediately open doors when they suspect a fire might be near. It is important that you teach your child that opening a door without checking can cause an explosion. Demonstrate how to check the doors’ temperature with the back side of your hand.
3. Stop, Drop, and Roll
If your child’s clothing catches on fire, it is important they know how to quickly extinguish the fire to prevent the fire from spreading. Encourage your kids to remember the phrase “stop, drop, and roll” so they know to immediately stop moving, drop to the ground, and roll around until the fire is out.
4. Go Outside and Stay There
Come up with a fire escape plan that your child can use to escape outdoors. Tell them that once they get outside that they can’t go back inside to retrieve any of their items and that a fire restoration service will be able to help retrieve them later.
While you will certainly worry about your kid’s safety if a fire starts in your home, teaching them these tips will give you some peace of mind that they will make it out safely!
Does Lightning Cause House Fires?
12/23/2018 (Permalink)
Wiring caught fire in a Smiths, KY home
Lightning strikes regularly cause more than 22,000 reported fires per year in the United States. These fires result in upwards of $450 million in damages. Find out more about the various types of flashes that pose a lightning fire risk and how strikes travel toward the ground and ignite.
Types of Flashes
Flashes may involve one or more leaders, return strokes, and continuing current. Depending on the type of current, a flash may be considered:
- A hot flash with continuing current
- A cold flash with return strokes that may flicker
- A combined flash with returned strokes and continuing current
A hot flash with continuing current is the most common lightning fire cause. This type of flash illuminates with varying levels of brightness. If a hot flash hits an object, it may heat and ignite. These fires may be visible or hidden, and can result in extensive damage. Fire restoration experts work on many house fires that result from hot flashes.
How Strikes Travel
Flashes can travel through the air without the need for conductors. Any conductive materials on or near the ground are capable of attracting a strike. Some of the most common conductors include:
- Downspouts
- Gutters
- Gas lines
- Water pipes
- Window frames
- Wiring
Flashes may jump through the air from one conductor to another with better grounding. This rerouting is called a side flash, and poses the greatest risk of a house fire.
Lightning can cause visible fires or dangerous hidden fires on a roof, in an attic, or behind walls. If a direct strike occurs at or near a residence in Smiths, KY, the homeowner should call the fire department. It may not be immediately obvious that a lightning fire has started until significant damage has been sustained. These fires also pose a major safety risk. Firefighters can confirm that no fire is present or extinguish hidden fires.
5 Steps to Fire Safety
10/24/2018 (Permalink)
A fire escape plan is a vital part of your family's safety
Protecting your home in Plano, KY, from fire damage is an essential safety precaution. It's important to have a fire escape plan, however, just in case your home does catch fire. The American Red Cross gives several tips on how you can prepare for a fire emergency in your home.
5 Steps to Fire Safety
1. Make a list of emergency contact numbers. The emergency number 9-1-1 is pretty easy to remember, but you will also need to contact your insurance company and fire restoration specialists pretty soon after you vacate your home. Having these numbers stored on your phone or in your backup files online ahead of time can significantly minimize the amount of time it takes to process the damage.
2. Have an emergency escape plan. Everyone in the family should be able to name two ways to get out of every room in your home. That way, if one path is blocked, you can still get to safety. Talk about the plan with family members to ensure everyone understands it.
3. Install and maintain smoke detectors. Your fire escape plan will likely be put into action by the sound of a smoke alarm. Install a detector in a common area on every level of the home and one outside each sleeping area. Test them monthly to make sure they're operational.
4. Establish a meeting point. Decide as a family where you will meet if you get separated after the fire. It could be a neighbor's house or a well-lit convenience store down the block. Everyone should be able to get there quickly on foot.
5. Practice the plan. At least twice a year, have a family fire drill. Go through the motions of evacuating your home as if it were actually on fire so that everyone can get a feel for what the process may be like if it ever becomes necessary.
A fire escape plan is a vital part of your family's safety. While you may never need it, but you'll be glad to have it if you do.
Natural Gas Safety and Fire Prevention Tips
7/24/2018 (Permalink)
It is always important to remember that the smallest spark can ignite a gas fire
Natural gas is a simple carbon-hydrogen, an air-like compound that has no unpleasant odor. In order to keep people safe, a rotten egg smell is added by the businesses that distribute the gas to home suppliers. The sulfuric odor is meant to alert homeowners to a dangerous situation because as the smell becomes noticeable, the presence of the highly combustible gas can pose a great threat to homes, animals, and human life. A natural type gas fire is one of the most explosive situations a property owner can experience, and one of the most devastating as well.
Safety Tips
Because of the explosive nature of natural gas, there are some expert-backed safety tips regarding steps to take the moment you notice the unpleasant odor of rotten egg-infused gas. So, if you notice the tell-tale smell, take care to do the following:
Extinguish all open flames including cigarettes and candles.
Turn off any flames powering appliances such as water heaters or gas stoves.
Refrain from flipping any electrical switches on or off.
Leave the area and contact authorities as soon as possible – but not from a phone inside your home.
Furthermore, it is important to take all pets out of the house to prevent potential harm or injury.
Prevention Tips
Natural gas is a huge part of many people’s lives in Bowling Green, KY. From ovens to barbeques, there are many ways people heat and cook with the explosive gas in daily life. To keep homeowners safe from a gas explosion, fire recovery and restoration experts recommend proactive maintenance on every gas appliances at least once a year. The same maintenance should also be done on gas lines into the house and all appliance supply gas joints. Installing a carbon monoxide detector and refusing to sleep in a room heated by gas can also prevent serious injury from a gas fire.
Security Tips
If you do happen to smell a leak, don’t attempt to locate the source of the natural gas. It is always important to remember that the smallest spark can ignite a gas fire. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROwarrencounty.com/.
Grease fire
5/24/2018 (Permalink)
We arrived onsite within an hour of the call of a commercial fire damage.
IF A GREASE FIRE STARTS:
- Cover the flames with a metal lid or cookie sheet. Leave the cover on until it has cooled.
- Turn off the heat source.
- If it’s small and manageable, pour baking soda or salt on it to smother the fire.
- As a last resort, spray the fire with a Class B dry chemical fire extinguisher.
- Do not try to extinguish the fire with water.
- Do not attempt to move the pot or pan outside.
Do not use flour, baking powder or other cooking powders that resemble baking soda or salt – they have a different chemical makeup and will not react similarly. They will make the fire worse.
5 Ways to Prevent Space Heater Fires
5/7/2018 (Permalink)
Approximately 25,000 house fires every year are attributed to space heaters. User error is the primary cause, although heaters without essential safety features may malfunction and pose a fire risk. Here are five ways that you can prevent a burned space heater from starting a fire in your home.
1. Keep a minimum of three feet between space heaters and combustibles. Combustibles include bedding, curtains, and upholstered furniture. You should also only operate a space heater on a hard, level, non-flammable surface.
2. Don't operate heaters unattended around pets or kids. Children, cats, and dogs don't understand the principles of fire safety.
3. Purchase a space heater with safety features. One of the best ways to prevent a burned space heater is to purchase a model that automatically shuts off when it overheats. Check the model you are considering for a safety certification label, ground fault circuit interrupter plug, and a sturdy cord that is at least six feet long. Make sure the heater has all of the features you need to stay warm while running a very low risk of fire.
4. Turn off or unplug heaters when not in use. This can reduce the risk of a fire starting when you are elsewhere in your home or away from home.
5. Avoid plugging other electronics into the same outlet as a space heater. You should also never use an extension cord, as this equipment heightens the overheating risk.
Your heater can only work as designed if it is kept in working condition. You may need to regularly clean the filter on your space heater to prevent it from overheating. In addition to following these steps, you should also test the smoke alarms in your home and replace batteries or damaged units. If a burned space heater does cause a fire, contact a smoke cleanup service in Bowling Green, KY.
For more information, please visit us athttp://www.SERVPROwarrencounty.com.
SERVPRO To the rescue!
5/1/2018 (Permalink)
Commercial Building that suffered a fire damage.
We were on the seen within 1 hour and began working right away.
A small electrical fire caused a big mess at a local business here in Warren County.
Our team started the job by extracting the water from the fire sprinklers and fire department. Removing the water is the primary step after a fire to make sure mold will not begin to grow. Once the water was removed our cleaning crew could get to work cleaning up soot and smoke damage.
There is no job too small or too big for SERVPRO of Warren County. This building was quite large with water and fire damage. The property owners were impressed with our work and very thankful that they were able to get into their building so quickly after the fire.
Fire in classroom
5/1/2018 (Permalink)
Burned school from HVAC fire.
It was a Sunday afternoon when SERVPRO of Warren County the call that a classroom in one of our local county schools had a small fire from their HVAC unit. It was very important for them to be able to conduct school the next day so that the entire Warren County school system didn't have to shut down.
That sounded reasonable to us so we called our entire crew in, including our marketing people, to start the work. We spent about 6 hours scrubbing walls and floors, throwing contents away and setting equipment including ozone machines to help to alleviate the smell.
The officials at the school were very grateful that they could re-locate the damaged classroom upstairs but even more excited that they were able to resume classes as usual.
House Fire in Bowling Green, KY
5/1/2018 (Permalink)
Coffee maker catches fire in Bowling Green, KY
A Coffee Maker caused the fire in this Bowling Green KY home.
The homeowner requested that her Insurance Company call us after seeing our van in the area. We were on location within a couple of hours to begin the cleanup of this severely damaged home.
When we looked in the attic we were able to locate the customers wedding dress still in tact as well as the candle from their wedding day. We were also able to recover and restore several of their vintage heirlooms that had been in the family for years.
After several months of long work and diligence we were able to get the home repaired and some very happy customers back to a place they had called home for years. "Like it never even happened."
Electrical Fire in Bowling Green
5/24/2017 (Permalink)
This home in Bowling Green, Kentucky was damaged when the wiring caught fire. Luckily nobody was injured, but the homeowners lost most of their contents as well as sustaining significant structural damage before it was extinguished.
As soon as the scene was released, our SERVPRO of Warren County crew was on the scene to help begin the clean up process. We helped to document all of the unsalvageable contents as well as packing up anything that could be cleaned and stored until the home is repaired and ready to be moved back in to.
It is a very sad experience for anyone to have to go through, but our goal is to make it as easy and worry free as possible so that the customer can concentrate on other things.
When in crisis we are always here to help!
Lightening causes major damage to home
5/5/2017 (Permalink)
Lightening causes home to catch fire
This home sustained severe damage when lightening hit the roof and caught it on fire. The Fire Department had to put it out with water which caused even more damage. SERVPRO of Warren County was on the scene within an hour of receiving the call. There was a lot of structural damage as well as the contents being damaged and destroyed. Our crew spent hours sifting through the items with the customer to pack up what was salvageable and bring it back to our office to be cleaned and stored until repairs are complete. The homeowner will have to move out until all the work can be done, however, they feel safe in the knowledge that we are going to make things "Like it never even happened."
Vandalism fire in local school
4/27/2017 (Permalink)
Fire in local school shuts down bathroom temporarily.
The bathroom in this Warren County School suffered minor damage when a student decided to set the toilet paper dispenser on fire. Luckily it was contained to one room and only caused minimal damage. SERVPRO of Warren County was on the scene shortly after receiving the call and was able to begin the cleaning process. Our crew set some Negative Air equipment in order to help with the odor in the air. They spent several hours cleaning up debris and wiping down surfaces in order to get this bathroom operational in the shortest amount of time. At the end of the day we had another happy customer and a bathroom that looked like "It never even happened"
Nobody likes vandalism, but if you are in need of clean up give us a call 24/7.
Grease Fire in Warren County home
4/20/2017 (Permalink)
Grease Fire in Bowling Green, Kentucky
This kitchen had severe smoke damage from a grease fire. The resident stepped away for just a moment and the fire erupted causing soot and grease to splatter all over the kitchen cabinets, ceiling and floor. Fortunately they were able to get it put out very quickly to prevent more extensive damage. You can see the soot and grease on all of the contents and counter top.
Our Warren County SERVPRO team was called to clean up the mess and was able to get a crew on site within an hour. Using our special SERVPRO cleaning products and a little bit of elbow grease we were able to get the cabinets and countertops looking like brand new. We were able to get the soot off of the walls and floors and left with another satisfied customer.
24/7 Emergency Service
