Fire Damage Cleanup Done Correctly

7/11/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage, including smoke and soot, affects not only the structure of your house, but also your belongings. SERVPRO of Freeport, Roosevelt understands how your family’s furniture, clothing, keepsakes, and other belongings are what make your house a home.

Contents Restoration

SERVPRO specializes in restoring contents damaged by a variety of disasters such as water, fire, or storms. Our expertise allows us to have a “restore” versus “replace” mentality that can help save money, while also preserving your keepsakes that can’t be replaced. We test your belongings to determine what items can be restored to pre-fire condition. We'll use several methods to clean your contents, including:

• Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning.
• Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that can’t withstand wet cleaning.
• Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned.
• Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.
• Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned.

We take Care of the Pack-Outs

If your home requires extensive restoration or cleaning due to fire damage, we can conduct an organized and efficient move of the affected area into storage. A move-out has several benefits, including:

• A speedy remodeling process
• Safekeeping of items from potential damage

When restoration is complete, we'll work with you to coordinate the move-in according to your needs. The services offered upon move-in may depend on your insurance coverage.

Electronic Cleanup

Fire-damaged electronics can present a serious hazard. Do not attempt to turn on or operate any electrical device that you suspect has been damaged by fire. Smoke residues can contain acids that corrode metal surfaces. If the residues are not removed, corrosion causes electronic failure in the device. SERVPRO can coordinate the restoration of your electronics, including:

• Television sets
• DVD players
• Computers
• And more

The key to restoring electronics is taking prompt action to prevent further damage. Electronics will be cleaned and inspected by a qualified electronics technician.

Document / Photograph Drying

When your valuable documents, including photographs, are damaged by water or fire, extreme caution should be taken to help ensure the fire damage does not destroy the document. Although some documents may not be restored to pre-fire damage condition, SERVPRO can save a great deal and help minimize additional damage.

Depending on the type of documents, and the level of fire, smoke, or soot damage, there are a variety options for the restoration of documents. 

Staying Safe After a Fire or Smoke Damage

2/17/2022 (Permalink)

Cleaning up a fire loss

Taking the Right Precautions

When fire damage occurs, it's important to make sure that you and your loved ones are safe. First, evaluate if it is safe to stay in the home. If there is too much smoke, you should evacuate immediately and find temporary housing elsewhere. 

If you can stay in your home, take some precautions. Be sure to avoid any electrical items that might be volatile after fire damage. In addition, be careful of any possible debris on the ground as a result of the damage.

SERVPRO of Freeport, Roosevelt is equipped to help remove fire damage, resulting water damage, moving debris, and cleaning your home. Our job is to remove all signs that a disaster occurred. Below is some times of what to do next:

My Home Was On Fire: What Should I Do Now?

1. To prevent damage to your floors, avoid walking on any rugs or carpeting. Remember: more foot traffic = set in stains and spread debris.
2. Wash your hands and keep them clean with a degreasing soap. Soot is easily transferable, so be sure to keep away so as to not spread the mess further.
3. If your power is turned off, check your kitchen! Make sure you take all food from the fridge and freezer out. Either put in a cooler or promptly discard what you cannot immediately eat.
4. Locate and change your HVAC filter as the soot will have gotten into it.
5. Air vents should be covered with a breathable cloth to catch debris (i.e. cheesecloth, large handkerchief)

What to Avoid

1. Don't attempt to clean the damaged areas yourself. Improper cleaning may create damage if not done with the correct equipment.
2. If your electrical appliances are damaged or covered in soot, DO NOT attempt to clean. There is a risk of shock or ignition upon touch.
3. Throw out any and all food that was located near the fire. This includes pantry-safe foods that are canned or packaged as the heat and soot will have ruined them.
4. If the ceiling is wet from fire damage control, do not try to turn ceiling fans on. The electrical wiring needs to be checked by a professional.
5. Do not stay in the home if you have difficulty breathing.

SERVPRO of Freeport, Roosevelt is here to help you with any fire or smoke damage you might experience after any size disaster. We will be able to clear soot and ashes of all surfaces, check electrical units for repair, remediate water damage, and provide proper cleaning for carpets/upholstery. We will also be able to check HVAC and Air Ducts to make sure your home ventilation is working properly.

Experienced Fire or smoke damage? Call (516) 774-2200

Keeping Safe With Electricity

1/27/2022 (Permalink)

Why choosing the right extension cord is so important-

Extension cords are a common and convenient way to bring power to electrical devices when outlets are not nearby. However, when used without proper care and caution, they can become fire hazards and pose serious risks to your safety. With the weather becoming colder you may be tempted to set up space heaters or something similar connected with electrical cords, after reading this you may change your mind. 

Follow these tips below to help keep your home safe when using extension cords:

Selecting extension cords

• Only purchase cords that have been approved by an independent testing laboratory.
• For outdoor projects, use only extension cords marked for outdoor use.
• Read instructions for information about the cord's correct use and the amount of power it draws.
• Select cords that are rated to handle the correct wattage of the devices with which they'll be used. 
• Consider the length you'll need, longer cords can't handle as much current as shorter cords of the same gauge.
• Choose cords with polarized or three-prong plugs.
• For use with larger appliances, choose thick, round, low-gauge extension cords. For smaller appliances and electronics, you can use thin or flat cords.

Using extension cords

• Never remove an extension cord's grounding pin in order to fit it into a two-prong outlet.
• Avoid powering multiple appliances with one cord.
• Never use indoor extension cords outdoors.
• Don't plug more than one cord together.
• Don't run extension cords under a rug or furniture.
• Don't bend or coil cords when they're in use.
• Cover cord receptacles with childproof covers when not in use.
• Never use extension cords that feel hot to the touch.

Caring for extension cords

• Always store cords inside where they can remain dry.
• Unplug extension cords that are not in use.
• Throw away damaged cords immediately.
• Pull the plug, not the cord, when disconnecting from the outlet.

Remember, extension cords are intended to be temporary wiring solutions. If you find you're using them on a permanent basis, this can create an unnecessary risk in your home and it is not worth it damage. 

Fire Restoration- Best Left to the Experts

12/20/2021 (Permalink)

Fire Damage

Fires are not only devastating but cause extensive damage as well. Fires can cause rapid and widespread smoke and soot damage, which can be hard to identify at times. Our experts at SERVPRO of Freeport Roosevelt will survey the site to determine exactly how severe the damage is from the fire and smoke, or a fire extinguisher in the case that one was used. We will use our state of the art cleaning and detection techniques to locate the areas of any residential or commercial areas that have been affected.

After a fire, there is soot left behind which is a black flaky substance. Soot may seem easy to wipe off or clean up but it’s a tedious process which no home owner wants to do after a devastating loss. Soot can also circulate through your home, affecting more contents than just what the fire actually damaged.  Our team then preforms specialized cleaning and restoration techniques to remedy the contents. It is important to know that water can have long lasting effects on your property or business, in which mold can grow or odors can stay dormant leaving a contaminated environment.

Should you fall victim to these damages, it is imperative that you contact SERVPRO of Freeport Roosevelt immediately. We can begin to fix the situation before more contents and even your homes structure is affected. SERVPRO of Freeport Roosevelt is certified to Service many surrounding areas, so don’t hesitate to call if you are located elsewhere. Our team is fully trained and equipped to handle every size loss! 

Preventing Tree Fires

12/18/2021 (Permalink)

Play it safe this Christmas season

It was found that between 2015 and 2019, United States fire departments responded to an average 160 home fires that started from Christmas trees per year. And from that these fires caused an average of two deaths, 12 injuries and $10 million in direct property damage annually. You definitely do not want to add to those numbers this year. 

Here are some tips we have below:

• Get a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched. 
• Cut 2" from the base of the trunk before placing it down. 
• Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators or lights. 
• Add water to the tree stand daily so it does not dry out. 
• Use lights that are listed by a qualified testing laboratory. Don't use anything that gets warm.
• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections.
• Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to sleep.

Preventing a Grease Fire in Your Kitchen

12/5/2021 (Permalink)

Preventing a Grease Fire at Home

Unfortunately, a common type of fire known as a Grease Fire can occur and create extensive fire damage that can plague restaurant owners and those cooking at home.

Often beginning in the kitchen, a grease fire can quickly become a big disaster. Notoriously difficult to put out, grease fires can present themselves as a difficult issue.

The first reaction to a fire is to pour water on it, which for grease fires, can actually spread the fire and make it worse.

How do I put out a Grease Fire?

1. Turn off the heat. Make sure to not pick up the pan. Picking up the pan can cause the fire to quickly spread to you or spill onto other surfaces in the kitchen.
2. Put a lid on the pan to cut off oxygen to the fire. Once it has sufficiently cooled down, you will be to move and clean it.
3. If the fire gets out of hand, make sure to call 911 to get assistance right away from the FDNY.
4. NEVER pour water on an active grease fire or fan the fire. Both of these actions will only spread the fire.
5. Do NOT fan the fire with a dry or wet cloth, it can make it worse and spread the fire.
6. If all else fails, use a fire extinguisher to put out the flame.

How to Prevent A Grease Fire

1. Never leave your cooking unattended, always keep an eye on any pots or pans.
2. Make sure that you have a sufficiently sized lid for all of your cooking ware.
3. Heat the oils in your pans slowly, don't put your stove on the highest setting right off the bat.
4. Turn the heat off if you think your pans are getting too hot.

Due to the nature of a grease fire, it is highly recommended that you seek out the help of a professional like SERVPRO of Freeport, Roosevelt for fire restoration help. In addition to cleaning up any damage such as burned materials, soot, or grease, a professional can help your kitchen rid itself of the smoke scent. SERVPRO of Freeport, Roosevelt  has the knowledge and decades of experience to help you quickly and effectively repair damage from a grease fire.We hope these tips will help you prevent grease fires from occurring and practice fire safety in the kitchen. In case of any emergency, it's important to have the phone number of a fire damage restoration company on hand. Please call us SERVPRO of Freeport, Roosevelt.

Grease Fire- Now what?

11/12/2021 (Permalink)

How Dangerous?

The answer is extremely… if you don’t know how to handle the situation. Over 160,000 house fires occur from cooking each year and this is largely due to grease being ignited. Grease fires cannot be put out with water and the addition of water will only cause a dangerous spread of the flames, a common mistake that leads to more damage. The misinformation or lack of precautions is what generally leads to grease fires. They are definitely something to take seriously and be prepared for. 

What to do-

1. First turn off the heat source to prevent further ignition
2. Attempt to smother the flame with a lid or baking sheet- do not touch until cool to touch 
1. Baking soda will work on small fires
3. Use a Class B fire extinguisher to extinguish the flames as a last resort
4. Know when to leave the area and call help if the fire cannot be extinguished 
1. Remove your family and pets and close the door 
2. Call 911

What not to do-

1. Try to extinguish with water, this will only cause the fire to spread
2. Move the pan outdoors or away from the area, this can lead to additional spreading
3. Use flour or baking powder to smother the flame, this can make the fire much worse
4. Use a rag to smother the flames, this can add fuel to the fire 

What next-

Once the fire has been extinguished, grease fires can leave a mess and damages behind to be cleaned up. However do not fear, SERVPRO of Freeport is ready to assist you 24/7 in the clean up with our experts. We will remove the odors and visible damage and have your home looking "Like it never even happened."

Preventing House Fires In Your Long Island Home

2/10/2021 (Permalink)

Stay Safe By Being Proactive! Steps You Can Take to Preventing Home Fires

Many Long Island house fires are preventable if you follow proper safety protocols. Our team has compiled a list of tips to take to better protect your home and your family.

What Should I Do to Prevent a Fire?

Fires can strike at any time, in any home. With a fire comes destruction and often loss of much of your home. But many fires can be prevented. According to Total Fire & Protection, the Fire Department of New York City (FDNY) gets calls for approximately 2,200 structural fires each month. They also state,

“This number is staggering, especially considering that many landowners ignore measures that could reduce the risk of fires in their homes.”

Fire prevention is not difficult. It requires very little of your time or money, but it can go a long way in saving you in both of those areas. Here are safety precautions SERVPRO recommends:
•    Smoke Alarms – Every home should have several smoke alarms. A monthly test should be performed to ensure the alarm is operating correctly. Replace batteries yearly and replace the smoke alarms every ten years.
•    Open Flames – Never leave open flames unattended. Candles, fireplaces, and gas kitchen stoves are all examples of things you should never walk away from.
•    Dryers – Maintain your dryer by cleaning it regularly. Clean the lint trap after each load. Dryer fires from built-up lint is a common source of house fires.
•    Household Chemicals – Keep combustible products away from sunlight and heat sources. Store them away from the main living area, if possible.
•    Wiring – Do a regular check of household wires and cables. If they become frayed, worn out, or otherwise damaged, they can become a fire hazard. Replace damaged wires immediately.

If you do experience a fire, don’t attempt to clean up the damage yourself. SERVPRO’s professional technicians understand fire damage cleanup and the mitigation required to return your home to preloss condition. Contact SERVPRO of Freeport, Roosevelt at (516) 774-2200. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

Winter Weather: Fire Safety Tips

1/29/2021 (Permalink)

Stay SAFE when heating your home, Long Islanders! Here are some fire safety tips to help you stay warm safely.

At SERVPRO of Freeport, Roosevelt we know how damaging and upsetting a fire can be to a home.

Between December to February, there is a significant amount of fires that occur more in those three days. More fires happen in the winter months than any other time of the year. Why? During the cold months, we spend more time indoors and use different methods to heat our homes.

Below, we will go over different indoor heating appliances and how to use them safely when you are heating your home.

Portable Heater

- Make sure the heater has an automatic shut-off so if it tips over, it shuts off.

- Keep anything that can burn such bedding, clothing and curtains at least 3 feet from the heater.

- Plug portable heaters directly into wall outlets. Never use an extension cord or power strip.

- Turn heaters off when you go to bed or leave the room.

Fireplace

- Keep a glass or metal screen in front of the fireplace to prevent embers or sparks from jumping out and starting a fire.

- Do not burn paper in your fireplace.

- Before you go to sleep or leave your home put the fire out completely.

- Put ashes in a metal container with a lid. Store the container outside at least 3 feet from your home.

If you are using a wood stove:

- Have your chimney inspected and cleaned each year by a professional.

- Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet from the stove.

- Do not burn paper in your wood stove.

- Before you go to sleep or leave your home, put the fire out completely.

Be Wary of Carbon Monoxide

When heating your home, you need to be aware of carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide, also known as CO, is called the “invisible killer” because it’s a colorless, odorless, and poisonous gas. More than 150 people in the U.S. die every year from accidental CO poisoning from generators or fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, stoves, water heaters and fire places.

Breathing CO at high levels can kill you. Put CO alarms inside your home to provide an early warning of increasing CO levels. These alarms should be placed in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of your home.

Smoke Alarms

As always, make sure you have a smoke alarm on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. Test your alarms every month. Have a home fire escape plan and practice your plan at least twice a year. Make sure everyone knows how to escape your home if there is a fire. 

Contact Us

SERVPRO of Freeport, Roosevelt is here to help you with any fire safety or fire damage restoration you might need. Call our office at 516-774-2200

Preventing Christmas Tree Fires

12/11/2020 (Permalink)

Take care of your Christmas tree to be sure that you don't experience any fire damage!

Did you that one of every four home Christmas tree fires is caused by electrical problems?

Christmas tree fires are not common, but that does not mean that they are not to be taken seriously. On average, one of every 32 reported home Christmas tree fires results in a death compared to an average of one death per 143 total reported home fires.

Common Causes For Fires:

1) A heat source too close to the tree causes one in every four Christmas tree fires.

2) Electrical issues can cause a fire. Be sure to inspect your holiday lights each year before you put them up. Throw away light strands with frayed or pinched wires.

3) A dry Christmas tree is a major fire hazard. A dry tree is dangerous because it can catch on fire easily. Be sure to water your tree to keep it from being too dry.

4) Candles are a fire hazard, with a risk of the flame catching to upholstery or other flammable materials. Consider using battery-operated flameless candles, which can look, smell and feel like real candles. 

Those are our top tips for Christmas tree safety! If you do experience any fire loss, be sure to call our team at SERVPRO of Freeport Roosevelt for quick assistance.

Fire Damage: What You Need to Know!

10/13/2020 (Permalink)

Fire damage can be stressful! Be sure to follow these tips to know how to react once a fire occurs.

Safety First

When fire damage occurs, it's important to make sure that you and your loved ones are safe. First, evaluate if it is safe to stay in the home. If there is too much smoke, you should evacuate immediately and find lodging elsewhere. 

If you can stay in your home, take some precautions. Be sure to avoid any electrical items that might be volatile after fire damage. In addition, be careful of any possible debris on the ground as a result from the damage.

SERVPRO of Freeport, Roosevelt is equipped to help remove fire damage, resulting water damage, moving debris, and cleaning your home. Our job is to remove all signs that a disaster occurred.

Experiencing Fire or Smoke Damage? Call (516) 774-2200

My Home Was On Fire: What Should I Do Now?

1. To prevent damage to your floors, avoid walking on any rugs or carpeting. Remember: more foot traffic = set in stains.
2. Wash your hands and keep them clean. Soot is easily transferable, so be sure to keep away as to not spread the mess further.
3. Place old sheets or towels on the walkthrough areas of the home.
4. If your power is turned off, check your kitchen! Make sure you take all food from the fridge and freezer out. Either put in a cooler or promptly discard what you cannot immediately eat.
5. Locate and change your HVAC filter.
6. Air registers should be covered with a breathable cloth (i.e. cheesecloth, large handkerchief)

What to Avoid

1. Don't attempt to clean the damaged areas yourself. Improper cleaning may set in damage if not done with the correct equipment.
2. If your electrical appliances are damaged or covered in soot, DO NOT attempt to clean. There is a risk of shock or burning upon touch.
3. Throw out any and all food that was located near the fire. This includes pantry-safe foods that are canned or packaged.
4. If the ceiling is wet from fire damage control, do not attempt to turn ceiling fans on. The electrical wiring needs to be checked by a professional.
5. Do not stay in the home if you have difficult with breathing.

SERVPRO of Freeport, Roosevelt is here to service you with any fire or smoke damage you might experience after a disaster. We will be able to help clear soot and ashes of all surfaces, check electrical units for repair, remediate water damage, and provide proper cleaning for carpets/upholstery. We will also be able to check HVAC and Air Ducts to make sure your home ventilation is working properly.

Fires, no matter how small, can be traumatizing and extremely stressful. Don't go it alone! Once you're safe, be sure to call SERVPRO of Freeport, Roosevelt for your fire restoration needs at (516) 774-2200