Area Smoke and Soot Cleanup

6/28/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke and Soot Damage Can Cause a Pervasive Odor in Your 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 St. Joseph, Maryville 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 –816/232-7711

If your is damaged by fire or any other reason, SERVPRO of St. Joseph is ready and able to repair any damage.

10/12/2021 (Permalink)

Breaking Down Defensible Space | SERVPRO® of St. Joseph

Wildfires are dangerous, unpredictable and hard to stop! They are a big cause of property damage, probably more so than most of us realize.

The reason they can spread at alarming rates is because of the combustible materials that we have in our world. It truly is a wonder that firefighters can get these things stopped at all.

Because wildfires are becoming more common, it’s important to take steps to limit their occurrence. This can be as simple as being more careful.

But there are also more complex steps you can implement, such as defensible space.

Protecting Your Home

“Defensible space” is a buffer area that you can create around your home. You can do this by removing anything that can feed a wildfire—for instance, dead trees or leaves.

You can also use elements such as flame-resistant gravel in your landscaping to help lower your chances of being affected.

Defensible space can be thought of as a barrier of protection that is designed to protect your home from wildfires, and it gives firefighters their best chance of stopping a wildfire before it takes over your home.

Defensible space is effective enough that many cities and states require its use. Even when it’s not required, though, it’s still a good idea.

Wildfires on the Rise

Wildfires can and do happen anywhere. There were over 59,000 wildfires across the United States in 2020.

And while California did account for 10,000+ of that number, the average number of wildfires per state in 2020 was right under 1,000. Last year, here in Missouri, we had 1,090 wildfires, burning 17,940 acres of land.

Because of that, it’s important to do everything we can to limit the risk. Defensible space is one way to do that.

If your home is damaged by fire of any sort, wild or not, SERVPRO is ready and able to repair the damage caused. Get in touch today to get the pros on your team.

Breaking Down Defensible Space

10/12/2021 (Permalink)

If your home is damaged by fire or any other reason, SERVPRO of St. Joseph is ready and able to repair any damage.

Breaking Down Defensible Space | SERVPRO® of St. Joseph

Wildfires are dangerous, unpredictable and hard to stop! They are a big cause of property damage, probably more so than most of us realize.

The reason they can spread at alarming rates is because of the combustible materials that we have in our world. It truly is a wonder that firefighters can get these things stopped at all.

Because wildfires are becoming more common, it’s important to take steps to limit their occurrence. This can be as simple as being more careful.

But there are also more complex steps you can implement, such as defensible space.

Protecting Your Home

“Defensible space” is a buffer area that you can create around your home. You can do this by removing anything that can feed a wildfire—for instance, dead trees or leaves.

You can also use elements such as flame-resistant gravel in your landscaping to help lower your chances of being affected.

Defensible space can be thought of as a barrier of protection that is designed to protect your home from wildfires, and it gives firefighters their best chance of stopping a wildfire before it takes over your home.

Defensible space is effective enough that many cities and states require its use. Even when it’s not required, though, it’s still a good idea.

Wildfires on the Rise

Wildfires can and do happen anywhere. There were over 59,000 wildfires across the United States in 2020.

And while California did account for 10,000+ of that number, the average number of wildfires per state in 2020 was right under 1,000. Last year, here in Missouri, we had 1,090 wildfires, burning 17,940 acres of land.

Because of that, it’s important to do everything we can to limit the risk. Defensible space is one way to do that.

If your home is damaged by fire of any sort, wild or not, SERVPRO is ready and able to repair the damage caused. Get in touch today to get the pros on your team.

Warmer Weather and Fire Safety Precautions | SERVPRO® of St. Joseph

7/14/2021 (Permalink)

Bonfire Crackle

Restoring fire and smoke damage is one of our specialties. Contact SERVPRO of St. Joseph to learn more.

It was a cold, cold winter this year, so many people have been looking forward to the warmer months for some time now. Warmer months typically bring people outdoors more, lounging around and enjoying that life has slowed down a little.

When you think of warmer days, you don’t typically think of fires, but believe it or not, spring sees more daily fires on average than any other time of year. While the risk is high, you can take precautions that will help.

What exactly should you pay attention to? These three areas are a good place to begin:

The grill. The grill tends to get lots of notice about being a fire risk and for good reason—it’s one of the most common ones. Grills create the perfect combination of flames, heat, grease and gas, which can make things escalate quickly. So what can you do to be proactive? Verify that the grill is in good working condition, have it placed at least three feet away from everything and clean it before each use. Cleaning the grill before each use is really important because almost 20% of grill fires are due to poor cleaning.

Fire pits. There’s nothing better than sitting around the fire pit, having conversations with friends and having the kids run and play! While it seems like a no-brainer, oftentimes things happen in a instant, so be sure to never leave your kids unattended around the fire. It’s also important to keep a bucket of water nearby or have a hose that’s handy. You should never add leaves or pine needles to the fire, and finally, put the fire out slowly to avoid scattering embers.

Chimneys and dryer vents. Yearly maintenance on your home is crucial, and the warmer months present a great time to get it done. Have your chimney inspected and cleaned out on a regular basis to help avoid a dangerous buildup of ashes. Another maintenance tip is to clean your dryer vent pipes for trapped lint, since it can build up even if you always clean out the lint trap.

If you encounter fire damage, no matter the cause, we have technicians on hand ²⁴⁄₇! Our trained technicians will be there fast and have it cleaned up soon. Contact SERVPRO of St. Joseph today to experience the SERVPRO difference.

Smoke and Soot Cleanup

4/14/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke and Soot Damage Can Cause a Pervasive Odor in your 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, SERVPROof St. Joseph can have the soot tested 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 – 816/232-7711

You Can Take Steps to Prevent Winter Fires at Your Home | SERVPRO® of St. Joseph

2/16/2021 (Permalink)

House fires tend to peak during the winter. SERVPRO of St. Joseph are available 24/7 in the event of an emergency.

Did you know that more house fires happen during the cold winter months than at any point during the year? It’s true! There are many reasons for this, ranging from winter holidays and the extra time spent in the kitchen to the pitfalls of home heating malfunctions.

Not only do house fires cause property damage and cost families priceless heirlooms, but they can also cause injuries and deaths. According to industry experts, as many as 890 people die from house fires every year.

Of course, even homeowners who take necessary prevention steps aren’t always immune to the dangers fires can pose. But the good news is you can take small steps over the next few months that together make your fire risk much lower.

Making Fire Prevention Simple

We’ve pulled together some expert tips to help you stay safer at home during the winter months. Here’s some great news: Most of these tips can be implemented with very little time or money during your daily routine.

Get your furnace checked. Even if your furnace seems to be working fine, it’s a good idea to have a professional check it for maintenance issues. For example, if your blades or vents are dirty and clogged, it can be a fire hazard.

Carefully place your candles. If candles are left burning when you leave home or placed in a location where they can easily topple, then they can become a fire hazard. Please don’t leave your candles burning; blow them out instead. Never place them somewhere a child or pet can knock them over.

Make space heater safety a priority. Always plug your space heater directly into your wall. If you need to rearrange your furniture a little, it’s a smart move and makes your home safer. Also, make sure your space heater is clear on all sides.

If your home is damaged due to a fire or any other cause, you can always count on us for restoration assistance. We have teams who are available ²⁴⁄₇ in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about our restoration services and how we can help your family.

Charging Your Phone In Bed May Cause A Fire

8/27/2019 (Permalink)

Where do you charge your phone at night?

With more kids home over break - pay attention.  

Make sure that your phone charging location is a safe, hard surfaced, non-hazardous location to avoid burns and possible fires. Charging cords become damaged after being worn down, and with the right material in contact, could cause a fire. Many young adults and teenagers charge their phone under their pillow! International Business Times discusses the risky habit here! Take these steps to avoid possible fire damage or injuries:

• Make sure to discuss the proper charging locations.
• Do not use chargers if the cord has been damaged.
• Do not charge phones under or in between pillows.
• Invest in safe charging stands for your children and household.

If a fire does happen, big or small, SERVPRO of St. Joseph can help restore your property! Give us a call at 816-232-7711! 

Fire Escape Planning

8/12/2019 (Permalink)

Does your home or business office have a plan to escape the building safely if a fire occurs?

According to Missouri Department of Public Safety 

Here are some tips to think about when preparing your escape plans:

• Draw a map of each level of your home and show all doors and windows. Find two ways to get out of each room. Make sure all doors and windows that lead outside open easily.
• Teach children how to escape on their own in case you cannot help them.
• Have a plan for everyone in your home who has a disability.
• Practice your fire escape plan at night and during the daytime.
• Close bedroom doors before going to sleep.
• Designate a meeting spot outside of your home a safe distance away to ensure that all family members are safe.
• Remind family members that once they are out, it is important to stay out. You should never go back into a burning building for any reason. If someone is trapped in the home, allow firefighters who are equipped to enter the home to rescue them.
• Only purchase collapsible escape ladders evaluated by a recognized testing laboratory. Use the ladder only in a real emergency.

https://dfs.dps.mo.gov/safetytips/fire-escaping.php

SERVPRO wants everyone to stay safe and be prepared for emergencies. If you do have a fire and need damaged property restored, we are here to help! Just give us a call at 816-232-7711! 

Prepare For Your Memorial Day Outdoor Grilling With These 9 Safety Tips

5/15/2019 (Permalink)

On average 8,900 home fires are started by grills each year!

As grilling season approaches, be sure to take proper safety precautions to prevent any damages! According to NFPA, "In 2013-2017, grills, hibachis or barbecues were involved in an average of 10,200 home fires per year, including an average of 4,500 structure fires and 5,700 outside or unclassified fires..."

Nationwide has 9 tips for a safe grilling season and here they are:

1. Grill outside and away from any structures.

2. Make sure your grill is stable.

3. Keep your grill clean.

4. Check for propane leaks on your gas grill.

5. If the flame goes out, wait to re-light.

6. Take care around the grill.

7. Be careful with charcoal starter fluid.

8. Wear the right clothing.

9. Be ready to put out the fire.

https://blog.nationwide.com/grill-safety/

Keep your home, family, and yourself safe by following proper procedures to prevent fire damage! We are here to help 24/7 if things do go wrong; just give us a call at (816) 232-7711!

Fire Restoration

1/18/2019 (Permalink)

Kitchen Fire

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. Joseph 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 – 816/232-7711