Water Removal is an Important Part of Fire Damage Restoration Process

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO right after the fire fighters leave for best results. Dealing with both fire and water damage requires trained professionals.

Restoring Fire Damage Undoubtedly Includes Dealing With Water Damage As Well

When you visualize the effects of fire to your Columbus residence, you often think of things like charred belongings and extensive structural damages. While fires might not always cause this kind of devastation, they can often prove challenging to extinguish through traditional firefighting efforts. The result of this could be extensive water damages from the thousands of gallons pulled from a close hydrant to suppress the flames.
 
Professional restoration services like what we offer at SERVPRO go well beyond the basic fire damage restoration needs. From the moment that we arrive at your home, our assessment of the damage begins, meticulously looking over the entire affected area and putting together the most efficient restoration plan possible.
 
Our efforts will most likely begin with boarding up windows or sealing up any holes that your home might have experienced due to the fire itself or the extinguishing efforts. The sealing prevents any further damage during the restoration process from bad weather or the elements outside. If there is water damage present, our SERVPRO technicians get to work on fixing this problem next.
 
Water damage needs to be remedied most expediently because it can continue to damage your home if it is left unattended. Moreover, the presence of water mixed with some warmer temperatures can provide ideal conditions for mold growth, which would only compound on the restoration efforts that you already need. So, extraction and drying have to be among the first steps taken when water damage exists in the house.
 
The process of extracting water is contingent on the amount that is in your house. For extreme cases, pump trucks might be brought in to pull large volumes from the floor quickly. For more moderate messes, extraction can get accomplished using portable pumps and wet-vacs. Once the area dries with air movers, a full assessment of the remaining fire damage is possible, and work can resume on this front.
 
Dealing with a fire to your home undoubtedly comes with considerable stress. Our SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus team is available anytime you need us at (614) 888-5700.

The Long Term Impact A Fire Has On Your Home

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Is Ready to Restore Your Fire Damaged Property

It takes time for your family to recover from a fire. The emotional impact is severe. Children have nightmares; pets show signs of anxiety. It is equally hard on you, as you try to keep the family running along normal lines. At the same time, you are dealing with insurance companies, finding temporary accommodations, and attempting to come up with the money to replace lost clothing and furnishings.

 
The physical effect of fire damage is also long term. Fires can gut a home, leaving a charred mess in its wake. However, even a smaller fires can result in ongoing damage, often unseen, but major nonetheless. A smoky smell can linger for months if it is not treated promptly. Black soot can cover countertops and furniture. Appliances can break down.
 
Our technicians at SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus have the experience and training to handle the after effects of a fire, big or small. We are certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification, which sets the standards for the industry. We receive highly specialized training in how to clean up after a fire, deodorize, and clean upholstery and fabric. Our focus is always on cleaning and repair, restoring only when necessary.
 
We encounter fire damage on a daily basis, so we know what to look for when we conduct a comprehensive inspection and fire damage assessment. We can board up the house and install a roof tarp if needed. We are experts in water removal and drying.
 
When it comes to getting rid of smoke and soot residue, we combine multiple techniques to get the job done. For example, to remove bad odors, we might use a mix of chemical containment, vapor odor control, and thermal fogging. We have the cutting-edge equipment, tools and cleaning agents that get the soot and smell off all surfaces.
 
When you are faced with cleaning up after a blaze, we can help. SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus is available 24/7. Call us at (614) 888-5700!

Stages of a Fire

2/17/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus at 614-888-5700 if you experience an unexpected fire

A fire in your home or business never something you expect to experience. Which is why it is important to know the 4 stages of a fire to keep you safe.

Incipient: This first stage begins when heat, oxygen and a fuel source combine, having a chemical reaction resulting in a fire. It is also known as “ignition”. There is usually a small fire, which often goes out on its own, before the following stages are reached. During this stage, recognizing a fire so early is your best chance at suppression or escape.

Growth: This stage is where the structure’s fire load and oxygen are used as fuel for the fire. During the growth stage, there are multiple factors that affect the fire including where the fire started, what combustibles are nearby, ceiling height and the potential for “thermal layering”. This is stage is when a deadly “flashover” can occur’ potentially trapping, injuring, or killing firefighters.

Fully Developed: When the growth stage has reached its maximum and all nearby combustible materials have been ignited, the fire is considered fully developed. This is the hottest stage of a fire and the most dangerous for anyone trapped within.

Decay: The decay stage is the longest stage of a fire; it is characterized by a significant decrease in oxygen or fuel, putting an end to the fire. There are two common dangers during this stage. First, the existence of non-flaming combustibles that can potentially start a new fire if they are not fully extinguished. Second, there is a danger of a backdraft when oxygen is reintroduced to a volatile, confined space.

Specialized Fire Damage Services

12/16/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus boarded this home after a fire.

Along with providing structural cleaning, contents cleaning, and deodorization in the central Ohio area after a residential or commercial fire, SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus also offers additional specialized services to our customers:

Board-Up

One of the top priorities after a fire loss is to secure your property and belongings until work can begin. SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus offers board-up services for windows, doors, and other exposed structural areas to prevent intrusion by both water and unauthorized persons.

Inventory, Pack-Out and Storage

As the clean up and restoration process begins, our SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus technicians take inventory of the contents in your home or business. As the contents are sorted, they will be categorized as salvageable, and processed to be cleaned, or unsalvageable, and documented as such for insurance purposes. Our professional SERVPRO Team can pack-out and store any unaffected materials as needed as well. Our SERVPRO Professionals are trained to properly inventory, move out and control the contents from the structure during the cleaning, restoration, and deodorization process.

Document Drying and Restoration

The SERVPRO Document Restoration Team offers a range of services to restore your damaged documents, including drying, cleaning/disinfecting, re-jacketing, digitizing, and deodorization.  Depending on your specific needs, and utilizing industry leading techniques and state-of-the-art technology, SERVPRO’s restoration professionals will help you recover paper goods, no matter the size of the loss.

Serving Columbus and surrounding areas, SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus is Here to Help with all your fire damage needs. Our professional team will help make it “Like it never even happened.”

Don't Let Your Christmas Tree Cause A Fire!

12/16/2021 (Permalink)

U.S. firefighters respond to roughly 200 Christmas tree fires per year.

Don’t let a house fire disrupt your holidays. The most common sources of winter holiday fires are live Christmas trees and holiday decorations that are too close to a heat source, candles, and cooking fires. Although these fires are rare, they do occur, and they can be destructive and deadly.  The following are a few tips to help make your Holidays safe from fire.

When purchasing a live Christmas tree, safety starts before you even head to the tree lot.  If you live in a condo or apartment, there is likely a restriction against live Christmas trees.  Be sure to check with your HOA or management company for any rules or restrictions before choosing a tree. At the tree lot, look for a fresh, green tree!

Checking Your Tree

• Bend the needles.  If they break, the tree has probably already dried out.
• Grip a branch and slide your fist down it.  Most of the needles should stay on the tree.
• Check the trunk, especially at the bottom where it’s cut.  It should be covered in sap and sticky to the touch.
• Shake the tree.  If green needles fall everywhere, it’s too dry.

Before bringing the tree inside, shake it to dislodge loose needles or other debris.  Prior to placing it in the tree holder, make a fresh cut off the bottom of the trunk.  A freshly cut trunk will absorb water more effectively.  Use a tree holder that’s wide and strong enough to keep the tree stable.  

It is also very important to take care of your tree once it is inside. Fill the holder with water as soon as you set your tree up. Then, check it every day.  It needs to stay full!

Happy Holidays from our SERVPRO family to yours!

Preventing Grease Fires

9/28/2021 (Permalink)

Call our SERVPRO Team for your fire restoration needs!

Whether you are cooking in a restaurant or in your own home, a grease fire can quickly become a big disaster. Grease fires can present themselves as a difficult issue since they are notorious for being difficult to put out.

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!! Follow the correct steps below on putting out a grease fire.

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 Columbus Fire Department.
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 Northeast Columbus 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.

Our SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus Team has the knowledge and decades of experience to help you quickly and effectively repair damage from a grease fire.

Candles May Smell Good, But They Can Start Fires

6/3/2021 (Permalink)

Candles can be dangerous, consider the alternatives!

We all love candles. They are pretty to look at and get your home smelling wonderful. But unfortunately we need to remember that a candle is an open flame and can easily catch its surroundings on fire causing your beloved home to go up in flames.

First, lets take a look at the candle fire facts from the National Fire Protection Association to see just how common a candle fire is.

• There are 21 candle fires reported per day on average.
• Candles cause 2% of reported home fires, 3% of home deaths, 6% of home fire injuries, and 4% of the direct property damage in house fires.
• 37% of home candle fires start in the bedroom.
• 11% of the candle fires were a result of falling asleep while a candle was still burning.
• 60% of candle fires occurred when a flammable item was too close to the candle.

Fortunately, there are many great candle alternatives that make your home smell great or create a relaxing ambiance.

1. Battery-Powered Candles

While electric candles may not look or smell exactly like the real thing, they are a safe alternative to get the same ambiance. Plus, you don't need to worry about remembering to turn them off when you leave the room or house. You won't come home to an unexpected fire disaster.

2. Wax Warmers

These help spread the fantastic smell of melted wax through your home by using a wax warmer. These candle alternatives use battery power or electricity instead of an open flame to heat up the wax.

3. Fairy Lights

If your main goal is to add relaxed lighting to your home rather than release a scent into the air, fairy lights a great way to quickly light up a room or outdoor area. Fairy lights may be powered by battery or electricity, making them a much longer-lasting option than a candle.

4. Essential Oil Diffusers

Essential oils can help add a scent to the room and might benefit your health too. There are many different diffusers to choose from, so you can easily find one that matches your home.

Our SERVPRO Team Will Eliminate Smoke And Odors In Your Columbus Home After A Fire

6/3/2021 (Permalink)

We can examine the extent of the destruction and take the right steps to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Fires can happen at any time, and the most common culprits are cooking and heating equipment. Residual damage such as fire odor, smoke, soot, and ash always happens after a fire. Some water damage also commonly occurs while extinguishing fires. All homes contain different materials that burn and create unique cleaning and restoration challenges.

To restore your Columbus home after fire damage, you need to take care of smoke, fire, and water damage. Our SERVPRO Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technicians (FSRTs) have experience in addressing these issues. Smoke and odors can emanate from burned wood or paper and melted plastics. Smoke damage typically falls into 4 categories:

    •    Dry smoke – Usually results from fast-burning and high-temperature fires.
    •    Wet smoke – Results from smoldering or low heat fires. The smoke from a wet fire has a smeary, sticky texture, and a pungent odor.
    •    Fuel oil soot smoke – It results from furnace smoke returns, which cause oily soot.
    •    Protein smoke – Fires that burn plants, food, or other organic matter emit this smoke. It discolors varnishes and paints and has a pungent scent.

Smoke can penetrate walls and other surfaces quickly and drift through air ducts. Smoke odor can remain in furniture and clothing if it not deodorized properly. Smoke also penetrates cabinets and drawers, meaning that if you do not clean up your house properly, the odor can continue to re-occur for long periods.

Smoke can also ruin delicate works of art such as sculptures and paintings. The same acid that damages wood and metals can discolor the paint on canvas and the stone that makes up sculptures. When this occurs, the beauty of an art piece diminishes, and its monetary value reduces. We can work with a curator to restore ruined artwork.

Our fire damage restoration process is proven and thorough. It includes finding the source of the fire to determine the type of smoke and odors present in a home. Our technicians also determine if any areas of a house are wet because of firefighting efforts. We extract the water using shop vacs and dry the affected areas using air moving and dehumidifying equipment. We also remove any charred contents that could seal in smoke and smells like burned wood and insulation.

We can clean affected surfaces to eradicate the soils or soot particles. We perform several cleaning actions based on the affected surface and type of smoke particles present. Our technicians often perform mechanical action before other cleaning actions. Mechanical action is useful for pre-cleaning excess, non-greasy residues from surfaces before applying solvent-based or water-based cleaning products. Our SERVPRO technicians also treat affected surfaces for smoke scents using dry solvent deodorizers and thermal fogging equipment.

To deal with the aftermath of a fire in your home, call SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus at (614) 888-5700 to assist you. We can examine the extent of the destruction and take the right steps to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Smoked Damaged Homes

2/5/2021 (Permalink)

Here is an example of soot buildup on the walls from a fire.

Not every fire results in an extensive amount of damage to homes. In fact many fires don’t require a large amount of demolition and rebuild; especially ones caused by cooking accidents. Grease fires, protein fires, contained fires or outdoor fires can all do a small amount of damage to homes but they can produce a lot more smoke and residue than homeowners realize.

That smoke, soot, and residue will go throughout your Columbus home covering all types of surfaces such as walls, counter-tops, cabinets, contents, and clothes. Smoke damage often leaves behind sticky residue, stains surfaces, odors, and can be toxic to breath long term especially for those with respiratory issues. The residue is not always visible either which is why the testing process is very important.

A home does not need to be severely damaged after a fire for you to call one of our experts for a free inspection of your home. The size and scope of damage after a small fire can be very surprising to many homeowners when our SERVPRO technicians do the inspection and show how far reaching smoke damage can be and what all is affected. In our inspection we use various cleaning tools and chemicals to determine the best way to restore your home to its before fire condition.

If you experience a fire in your Columbus home give our SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus experts a call today!

What To Expect After A Fire

12/29/2020 (Permalink)

Call our SERVPRO Team for assistance after a fire!

A fire damage event is difficult for the home or business owner on many levels, and the restoration process that follows can be intimidating. Each fire event is a little different, and each will require a unique solution, although the overall general process stays the same. The steps we are listing below will illustrate the SERVPRO process for the average fire damage emergency.

• Emergency Contact. Your restoration process begins the moment that you contact us. Our representative will ask you questions regarding the fire damage event that will help us to respond with the appropriate equipment and resources for your particular situation.
• Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment. Our team will carefully inspect and test all the adjoining rooms of your home or business to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is vital to us, allowing us to develop the perfect plan of action for your property.
• Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service. Fire damage will often compromise the condition of windows, walls, and roofing. To maintain security and to protect against further damage, we will board up missing windows and walls, and place tarps on damaged areas of the roof.
• Water Removal and Drying. If water damage is present, the water removal process will begin almost immediately, with the goal of removing the majority of the water. Our team will then employ dehumidifiers and air movers to remove any remaining water and complete the drying process.
• Removal of Smoke and Soot From All Surfaces. SERVPRO uses specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and all other surfaces.
• Cleaning and Sanitizing. We clean, sanitize, and disinfect all of the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. Our team uses a variety of cleaning techniques to restore your belongings to the condition they were in before the fire. We are also trained to remove lingering odors, using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.
• Restoration. This is the final step - getting your home or business back to its pre-fire condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, installing new carpet, or painting surfaces, or it may entail major repairs, such as the reconstruction of various rooms or areas.

Here at SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus, we are here to help if your Columbus home or business suffers from damage due to a fire. 

Our SERVPRO Team Is Here To Help After A Fire

12/17/2020 (Permalink)

Call our SERVPRO Team today!

Our SERVPRO Team knows that even the smallest of fires can create large amounts of smoke damage, and that damage isn’t just confined to the area of the fire. SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus understands that when your business or commercial property has been affected by a fire, you need help fast. When you call our SERVPRO Team, our highly trained professionals will be on site quickly to assess the damage and begin the process of getting your building up and running.

As small business owners, we understand that every hour you spend cleaning up after a fire means lost revenue and productivity. Our goal is to clean and restore your structure and contents quickly and efficiently so you can get back to doing what your business and building does best. 

If your business or commercial property has been impacted by fire or smoke damage, call SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus anytime, day or night at 614-888-5700. We are here to help you 24-7. Our SERVPRO Team makes your building "Like it never even happened."

Spider Webs or Soot Webs?

9/25/2020 (Permalink)

Here is an example of soot tags. You can see how closely they resemble spider webs.

As fire damage specialists, we see a lot of fire damaged residential homes and commercial properties. The damage can either be extensive or very minimal. One of the most common visible instances of fire damage are soot webs, the technical term for them are "Soot Tags". They look exactly like spider webs. Rest assured, you did not have magical "fire spiders" that created these cobwebs in your home.

Soot Tags form in areas of low circulation when petroleum/synthetic based sources burn. During a fire the heat of the fire moves into colder areas since the air seeks to create equilibrium. The soot then rides in the air with the heat particles that follow the air into those colder areas with low circulation and are able to concentrate. Since that soot is a product of combustion the particles themselves are charged which makes it quite easy for them to create long chains of soot or soot tags. So while it looks like a lot of soot got stuck on pre-existing spider webs it is actually a whole new structure. 

If you notice that you have soot tags in your home or business after a recent fire, do not try to clean it up yourself. Any time you try to clean soot without the proper chemicals, tools and experience, you’ll likely cause further damage in your home. That's why our SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus Team is here to help, we are the fire damage restoration specialists at your service 24-7!

Cleaning Soot In Your Home

6/3/2020 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus for your soot removal needs.

A fire produces soot, a black residue that is left behind when various materials are burnt such as plastics, synthetics, foam and wood. Soot can have damaging effects on your home. While it is advised to leave it to the professionals to clean up soot, you can make the cleanup process easier by following these safety guidelines.

• During the first inspection of a soot damaged room, refrain from touching anything. This prevents soot to from getting in areas that were unaffected.
• The best method for soot cleanup is by using dry-cleaning sponge or chemical dry sponge. If you attempt a wet method, the soot will smear, leaving behind a hideous stain.
• Always wear protective gear, such as masks, gloves, and long clothing that covers the skin.
• To minimize the inhalation of soot particles, keep the room properly ventilated.
• For easier cleanup, clear the room of unnecessary debris.
• Use proper cleaning methods when removing soot from the walls. Most homeowners think soap and water will do the trick but improper cleaning can cause the damage to spread or get worse.

Leave it to the professionals. Call our SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus team for fire damage cleaning and restoration.

We Are The Fire Damage Experts!

6/3/2020 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO team is ready to restore your Columbus fire damaged property.

When a fire breaks out, business owners and homeowners will require specialized equipment and experience. Also needed are skilled experts who know how to handle all types of fires and the end results. SERVPRO adheres to The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification--IICRC guidelines, following best methods for fire damage restoration. This means that we are highly trained with constant continuing education in this field. We are team members of the National Disaster Recovery Team, part of the national franchises to help others in our area, and out of state. Our knowledge and experience help Ohioans with all of their natural disaster or accidental restoration needs. Let our experience and strong customer satisfaction achievements help you.

 
Along with our expertise, we work with the best equipment that is available in the industry. Our fleet of vehicles contains truck-mounted water pumps, portable pumping systems, air movers, dehumidifiers, ozone machines, foggers, and portable generators. Our supply of industrial chemicals, cleaners, and products is always top shelf. With a careful plan of action, we guarantee your satisfaction with the fire damaged restoration to your home or business.

We are a trusted leader in the disaster restoration industry. We help with Ohio's residential and commercial fire damage mitigation and reconstruction problems. Please call our experts anytime with our 24 hours a day emergency services, seven days a week. Our quick response to your disaster can help you avoid any further secondary damages and to prepare your property for restoration.
 
As a member of the community, we at SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus are locally owned and operated. Contact us immediately when there is a fire or any other type of damage to your property. Call (614) 888-5700 and let us help you to restore your life and valuable property.

How To Avoid A Contact Burn

2/4/2020 (Permalink)

Beware of the hot stove!

This week is National Burn Awareness Week and SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus wants to make sure you and your family are safe when it comes to hot surfaces and objects. Follow the tips below!

DID YOU KNOW?

• According to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, in 2018 roughly 70,000 people went to the hospital emergency department because of contact burns.
• About one-third of the patients were children under the age of five

TIPS

• Supervise children around hot objects at all times.
• Stand at least 3 feet away from hot outdoor objects. Keep area clear of trip hazards. Limit alcohol consumption.
• Protect your feet from hot objects by wearing shoes when walking on hot pavement or sand. Keep pets off hot pavement too.
• Turn heating pads and blankets off before sleep.
• Have hot pads available whenever cooking. Long oven mitts are best when needing to reach in or over hot surfaces, such in an oven or over a grill. Assume all pots and pans are hot.
• Remember to treat items coming from the microwave as you would items from the oven. Limit microwave use by children.
• Unplug tools such as these when not in use, and always treat as if they are still hot. Keep out of reach of children.

Dryer Vents Can Be A Fire Hazard

12/31/2019 (Permalink)

If you experience a fire caused by a dryer, call SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, there are nearly 17,000 reported home clothes dryer fires every year. The fires caused by dryers results in around 51 deaths, 380 injuries and $236 million in property loss. The leading cause of these fires is failure to clean dryer vents. Follow these tips below to prevent a potential dryer fire in your home.

Signs Of A Clogged Dryer

• A musty odor on the clothes following the drying cycle.
• Clothes unusually seeming too hot to touch.
• Excessive heat in the room where the washer and dryer are located.
• The dryer vent flap doesn't open properly when using the dryer.
• Debris on the outside dryer vent opening.
• Large amount of lint build up in the lint trap after each cycle.
• Odor from dryer sheets used in each cycle.

How To Prevent A Dryer Fire

• Read the manufacturers' instructions and warning before installing. Have your dryer installed by a knowledgeable professional and ensure that the correct electrical plugs an outlets are used.
• Clean out the dryer lint filter before and after each load of laundry.
• Clean the filter with a nylon brush at least once every 6 months or more if it becomes clogged.
• Clean the lint out of the vent pipe every 3 months.
• Occasionally check the venting system behind the dryer to make sure it is not damaged.
• Put a cover on outside wall dampers.
• Make sure the outdoor vent cover is open when the dryer is on.

Christmas Tree Safety

12/16/2019 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus if you experience a fire during this holiday season.

This is the time of the year that people wait all year for. The time of the year where they can finally start decorating for the Christmas holiday. A live Christmas tree is a common choice for most homeowners. But did you know that Christmas trees alone result in 13 million dollars, annually, in property damage? When putting up a live tree in your home, the combination of the tree's dryness, electrical malfunction with lights and poorly located heating sources can make for a deadly combination. Follow these tips below to prevent a potential fire this holiday season.

• When shopping for a tree, look for a fresh tree with vibrant green needles that are hard to pluck off and don't break off easily from its branches. Fresh trees are less likely to catch fire. 
• Always place your tree away from any heating sources like fireplaces, candles, radiators, heat vents or lights.
• Keep the base of the tree filled with water to avoid it drying out.
• Make sure your indoor and outdoor lights have been tested by the UL or ETL/ITSNA for safety. Throw away any damaged lights you may uncover.
• Make sure the lights your are using on the exterior of your house are labeled suitable for exterior placement. Plug exterior lighting into a ground-fault circuit interrupter protected receptacle.
• Keep all of your candles away from the tree, furniture and decor.
• Don't forget to turn all the lights off on the Christmas tree.

Reducing The Risk Of House Fires

9/16/2019 (Permalink)

This house fire was caused by a candle getting knocked off of a table by a family pet.

Your home is your sanctuary. A place where your family spends time together and makes memories. That’s why it is so scary imagining your home getting damaged by an unfortunate fire. Although you can’t control everything that happens in your home, there are some necessary tips you can follow to prevent a possible house fire. Follow these tips below.

1. Regularly test your smoke alarms. Test your smoke alarms by pressing the button located on the smoke alarm, if it produces a weak beeping noise, it is time to replace the batteries.

2. Check your heating sources. Heating sources that aren’t working properly could potentially trigger a fire. Have them checked annually.

3. Maintain a clean oven and stove. Food particles left behind can get to hot on the burner or in the oven causing a potential fire. Make sure nothing is left too close to the stove that could catch fire.

4. Never leave your kitchen. Don’t leave your kitchen while cooking. It only takes a few seconds for a fire to break out. If you have to step out of the room, turn the burners off.

5. Check your dryer. Make sure to clean out your lint trap after every load of laundry. The build up of lint can cause a fire. Have your dryer inspected by a professional yearly.

6. Inspect your cords. Before plugging something in, inspect the cord to make sure it is not frayed or been chewed. Replace the cords as soon as possible if you notice that the wires have been damaged. Avoid running cords under a rug or between the wall and your furniture, it can get too hot causing a fire.

7. Store flammable products properly. Store common household cleaners and cosmetic items in a cool area. If they are exposed to high heat, they can combust.

8. Use caution with candles. Put candles out before you leave the room or go to sleep and make sure to keep them far away from blankets or any other objects that could catch fire. Place candles on an even surface to prevent them from being knocked over. Also keep them away from pets.

9. Use caution with your fireplace. Make sure there is a door between the flames and your flooring, you don’t want any sparks to escape. Allow enough time for the ashes to cool down before throwing them away.

10. Always have a fire extinguisher handy. When a fire breaks out, your best line of defense is a fire extinguisher. Make sure every family member knows how to use it properly in case of a fire.

Fire - Smoke & Soot

5/31/2019 (Permalink)

Soot & Smoke Damage

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

Smoke and soot facts:

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

• Different Types of Smoke
• There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus 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 – 614-888-5700

Fire Damage: What To Do Until Help Arrives

5/21/2019 (Permalink)

Cooking Mishap

Experiencing a fire, whether at your home or place of business, can be very scary and stressful. Once the fire is out, you may not know what to do to move forward.

After any fire damage situation, your first priority should be your safety. Is it safe to stay inside your house? If you do stay in the home, be sure to only do activities that are safe for you to perform.

Do:

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpet.

• Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls, and woodwork.

• Place dry, colorfast towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.

• If the electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator completely and prop doors open to help prevent odor.

• Wipe soot from chrome on kitchen and bathroom faucets, trim and appliances, then protect these surfaces with a light coating of lubricant.

• If the heat is off during winter, pour RV antifreeze in the sinks, toilet bowls, holding tanks and tubs to avoid freezing pipes and fixtures.

• Wash both sides of leaves on houseplants.

• Change HVAC filter, but leave system off until a trained professional can check the system.

• Tape double layers of cheesecloths over air registers to stop particles of soot from getting in and out of the HVAC system.

Don’t:

• Don’t attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting your SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus Professionals.
• Don’t attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture without first consulting your SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus Professionals.
• Don’t attempt to clean any electrical appliances (TV sets, radios, etc.) that may have been close to fire, heat or water without first consulting an authorized repair service.
• Don’t consumer any food or beverages that may have been stored close to fire, heat or water. They have be contaminated.
• Don’t turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. Wiring may be wet or damaged and cause electrical shock, and air movement may create secondary damage.
• Don’t send garments to the dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set in smoke odor.

Dealing With Fire

4/2/2019 (Permalink)

These Walls Need Some Attention!

Why Hire SERVPRO?

When you hire SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus, you will get trained and certified technicians to handle any loss to your commercial or residential property. We are here to help you through one of your worst days and make it #likeitneverevenhappened

We Create New Memories

On this commercial fire, there were over 30 separate tenant units that were affected and dozens of misplaced tenants. SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus was called in to immediately begin remediation on the space and to help reverse the effects of the fire. The smoke and terror this caused, left several of the tenants with some bad memories. Our team was there quickly to help remove any of the bad memories and replace it with new memories!

Need some help?

If you need some help, please call us at: (614) 888-5700

We Provide Results

4/2/2019 (Permalink)

Burnt Apartment Unit

Who Will Rebuild?

After the devastation a fire can cause, in most cases, there will be some element of rebuilding that will need to take place.  This fire was in a residential unit that will need completely gutted. After the fire department extinguishes the blaze, they must often poke holes to check for hot spots in the walls to make sure the fire is completely out with no chance or risk of flare up. This causes total devastation to the space and hiring a contractor is often needed.

We Are Your Solution!

SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus is a fully licensed and proven General Contractor that can help you fully restore your space. We can assign a project manager to your claim to walk you through a scene like this to completion to make sure that your space is brought back to life.

Call Today for A Free Estimate

Reach Us At: (614) 888-5700

Turkey Fryer Safety

11/14/2018 (Permalink)

Thanksgiving is known for having the most cooking mishap than any other day. In recent years it has become a Thanksgiving tradition to deep fry turkeys. Instead of taking hours to cook your turkey, deep frying turkey only takes around an hour. Thanksgiving is a special time for family and friends and a few precautions can insure a fun and safe holiday.

1. Always use your turkey fryer outdoors away from anything that is flammable.
2. Never use your turkey fryer on deck or in your garage.
3. Do not leave your turkey fryer unattended.
4. Your turkey will need to be completely thawed and dry to prevent the hot oil from flaring up.
5. Children and pets should be kept away from the area where you are cooking.
6. Do not over fill your turkey fryer.
7. Monitor the temperature of the oil often to avoid overheating.
8. Protective gear is recommended, such as goggles and oven mitts.
9. Let oil cool completely before storing.

Enjoy a safe Thanksgiving with your family and friends!

Have Fun and Be Safe This Fourth of July

6/19/2018 (Permalink)

Happy Fourth of July!

With the Fourth of July approaching next week, young and old are excited for their local fireworks displays around Ohio. NFPA reports that an average of 18,500 fires per year are caused by fireworks, these include 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires, and 16,900 outside and other fires.   Property damage, injury and even death are caused by these fires each year.  Many of the injuries are children and teens under the age of 15 years old.  Keep your family safe by enjoying fireworks presented by your local communities. 

Studies show that there is more property damage on the Fourth of July than any other day of the year. Check with your home owner’s insurance company on your coverage relating to fireworks. If you are involved in illegal fireworks you may not be covered. This could be a costly celebration!

If you do have a fire property loss, SERVPRO has professionally trained production teams that can quickly respond to your fire loss. We will send an estimator to your home to evaluate the loss and supply you with an itemized estimate for fire restoration and repairs needed in your home. If your damage is severe, SERVPRO can pack up your contents and store them until your home repairs are completed. SERVPRO will clean all cleanable structure and remove any structure that is not salvageable. Our trained construction department can replace any damaged structure.

Be safe and have fun this Fourth of July!

 Call SERVPRO at 614-888-5700 if you experience a fire loss.

Grilling Safety

5/4/2018 (Permalink)

Grilling Safety

Spring is finally here! It’s time to get outside and dig out those grills that have been collecting dust in your garage. Barbeques are fun but it is important to keep your home, family, and guests safe. Every year, about 5,700 grill fires take place due to malfunctioning gas grills, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. These grill fires equal up to an annual average of $37 million in damage, along with 100 injuries and 10 deaths. Don’t let one little mistake ruin your barbeque fun! Follow these tips provided by the National Fire Protection Association to make sure you are safe when grilling.

General grilling tips

• Propane and charcoal grills should only be used outdoors.

• Grills should be located well away from the home (at least 10 feet), deck railings, and out from carports and overhanging branches.

• Keep children and pets away from the grilling area.

• Keep your grill clean by getting rid of any grease of fat buildup in the trays below the grill.

• Never leave your grill unattended.

Before using your grill

• Check the major connection points between the gas tank hose and the regulator and cylinder, along with where the hose connects to the burners. If any are loose, tighten them.
• Check the propane tank hose for any potential gas leaks. To do that:
  • Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose using a brush or spray bottle.
  • Turn on the propane tank. If there is a gas leak, the propane will start to release bubbles around the hose.
  • If you don’t see any bubbles, your grill is safe to use.
• If there are bubbles being released around the hose, turn off the tank and check the connections. You then should have your grill serviced by a professional before using it again.
• If the leak doesn’t seem to be stopping, call the fire department immediately!

When your grill is on

• If you are cooking and start to smell gas, turn off the gas tank and burners.
• If the leak immediately stops, make sure to get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again.
• If the smell doesn’t seem to be going away, move away from the grill and call the fire department immediately. Do not move the grill.

Fire Damaged Home Restoration

4/30/2018 (Permalink)

Kitchen Fire

A fire in your home can be devastating causing severe damage to your structure and contents. The restoration process is complex and requires expertise in fire restoration to restore your home to preloss condition. SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus specializes in fire and water damage restoration and have highly trained professional fire restoration technicians and a full construction department to restore your home.

The restoration process will begin when you call SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus for your fire damage:

• Contact SERVPRO 24 Hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Our professional office personnel will schedule an estimator to your home to evaluate your loss and provide you with a detailed estimate.
• If any structure is compromised, we will schedule a crew to board-up or tarp your windows, roof or walls to protect against further damage and protect your home.
• When there is minimal or no structure damage, we will schedule a fire restoration technician to clean the soot from the structure and contents. Some items such as electronics and clothes will be removed and cleaned off site.
• When your fire loss is extensive and involves structure damage, you will not be able to stay in your home during the repairs and restoration. SERVPRO will pack, tag and inventory your contents and store them in our warehouse until your home is restored. Our professionally trained contents specialist will clean and re-box the contents in our warehouse.
• SERVPRO has a variety of cleaning techniques and equipment to restore your belongings to pre-fire loss condition.
• Once the soot is removed, and the demolition of affected structure is completed we will schedule our professional construction team to repair or rebuild the damaged structure.
• Your cleaned contents will be moved back to your home once the construction department has completed the rebuild.

Call SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus at 614-888-5700 with your fire restoration needs.

Common Causes of Home Fire

3/30/2018 (Permalink)

Fire Damaged Garage

Understanding the leading causes of home fires and what you can do to prevent them will keep your family safer. There is research by the National Safety Council that home fires have decreased over the years and most fires are preventable with some knowledge and care to minimize the risks.

According to the National Fire Protection Association these are the leading causes of home fires and preventable measures:

• Cooking is the leading cause of home fires                Keep combustibles away from heat source                Keep pot handles inward

•                 Keep children and pets away from the cooking area
•                Do not leave the kitchen while cooking on the stove top

• Heating equipmentFlammable materials should be kept at a distanceWatch portable heaters and never go to bed leaving them on

• Keep children three feet away from heating equipment or fireplace
• Keep equipment clean

• Electrical distribution and lighting equipmentElectrical cords should be in good condition, check for frayed wiresCheck your light fixtures for the correct wattage and do not use bulbs that exceed the recommended wattage.

• Do not run cords under carpet
• Always have electrical work done by a professional

• Smoking is the leading cause of fire deathsSmoking materials should be keep out of the reach the children

• Always us an ashtray and don’t discard butts or ashes where they could encounter materials that can burn
• Do not smoke indoors. Death results from fires starting in family room, and bedrooms

Following these simple recommendations can help reduce the chance of a fire in your home. If you do experience a fire in your home, call your local fire department immediately.

SERVPRO is here to help, call us at – 614-888-5700.

How SERVPRO Can Help with Your Fire Damage Loss

3/13/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Can Help With Your Fire Loss

We never think it can happen to us, the trauma of having all our personal contents and our security threatened is too hard to even imagine. If you do experience a fire in your home, call for help immediately because time is important in minimizing your loss. Once the fire department has addressed the immediate threat, the fire marshal will determine the cause of the fire loss and will authorize the safe re-entry into your home.

The next phone calls you will want to make is to your insurance company and a professional restoration company such as SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus. Our trained office staff will ask you important questions regarding your loss and will schedule a professional Production Manager to your home to evaluate your loss.

The Production Manager will inspect your home and to determine the extent of the fire damage. This will include your structure’s interior and exterior and all your possessions. They are trained in determining what can be cleaned and what will need replaced.

SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus has a full-service construction division that can remove fire damaged structure and replace with new.

When the fire damage is severe enough that your home is not livable, it is often necessary to move your salvageable contents into our warehouse. Your contents will be inventoried, cleaned and returned once your home’s construction is complete.

Your Production Manager and Construction Project manager will work closely with you to restore your home to preloss condition.

SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus is trained and prepared to handle any size fire loss. Call us at 614-888-5700.

National Burn Awareness Week: Children and Fire

2/2/2018 (Permalink)

Let's Keep Our Children Safe from All Burns!

According to the American Burn Association, children are the most susceptible to burn injuries. 24% of all burn injuries happen to children under the age of 15. At some point in time, children are going to be curious about fire but it can be dangerous and costly.

Here are some tips to follow to keep your family safe according to the National Protection Association:

• Be sure to keep all matches and lighters out of the reach of children, preferably somewhere up high or in a locked cabinet.
• Closely supervise your children, making sure that they are away from any fire sources, including lit candles, cigarettes, fire pits, and stoves.
• Take advantage of any opportunity to teach your children about fire safety.
• Explain that fires are something to be taken seriously as they move very fast and can hurt you with contact.
• Teach young children to not touch matches or lighters, and to notify an adult immediately if found.
• Establish a clear set of rules and consequences about unsupervised and unapproved uses of fire.
• Remember, children are always watching. Make sure you set a good example by handling fire in a safe manner.
• Show your children appreciation for displaying respect and age-appropriate responsibility when it comes to fire.

If your children happen to burn themselves, cool the burn by running it under cold water for 10 to 15 minutes. If it is a more serious burn, CALL 9-1-1.

SERVPRO OF NE Columbus is here for you should you experience a fire in your home. Please call 614-888-5700 for help.

National Burn Awareness Week; February 4th - 10th

2/1/2018 (Permalink)

Beware!

The first full week in February of every year is dedicated to Burn Awareness. According to the American Burn Association, National Burn Awareness Week gives burn, fire, and safety educators an opportunity to unite in sharing a common burn awareness and preventative message to the community.

Facts About Burn Injuries According To The American Burn Association:

• Burn injuries are continuing to be the top leading cause of accidental death and injury in the United States.
• Between the years 2011 and 2015, roughly 486,000 fire and burn injuries were examined at Emergency Departments across the US.
• Just in 2016, there were 3,390 civilian casualties from fires. Residential fires account for 2,800 deaths, non- residential fires account for 150 deaths, vehicle fires account for 355 deaths, and the remaining 85 deaths were due to outside and unrelated fires.
• One civilian death from a fire occurs every 2 hours and 35 minutes.
• 1 in 1,498 are the odds of a U.S. resident dying from exposure to fire, flames or smoke.
• Fire flames, scalds, contact with hot objects, electrical and chemicals are all leading causes of burn injuries.
• In 2011 through 2015, nine out of ten people with fire and burn injuries were treated and released by emergency departments.
• Men are more likely to be burned and injured than women.
• Most of the burn injuries happen in the house (73%).
• Children and the disabled are the most susceptible to burn injuries. 24% of all burn injuries happen to children under the age of 15.
• In 2015, for children age 1 through 4, fire or burn injuries was the 5th leading cause of death; 3rd leading cause for children ages 5 through 9; and 8th leading cause of death for those over age 65.
• In 2011 through 2015, children under the age of 5 are 2.4 times as likely to experience burn injuries; for young adults between the ages of 20 to 29 it is 1.5 times.
• Luckily with today’s advanced treatment, 96.7% of those treated will survive, but many unfortunately will have serious scarring, life long physical disabilities, and adjustment difficulties.

After looking at all these facts and statistics, it is clear to see why it is so important for the community to understand the dangers that come from fires and burns. When it comes to fire prevention, it is important to take the necessary steps in order to prevent possible disasters and injuries.

If you experience a fire in your home or business, please don’t hesitate to call us at 614-888-5700.

Beware of Fire Damage from Your Clogged Dryer Exhaust Duct

1/11/2018 (Permalink)

Remember to Have Your Dryer Check to Prevent a Fire

Most of us don’t think about maintenance on our clothes dryers, but we should! The U.S. Fire Administration reports that every year there are thousands of home fires started by clothes dryers. Lint and debris can build up in your dryer vent, reducing air flow to the dryer, backing up dryer exhaust gases, which can result in a fire hazard. It is recommended you have your dryer exhaust system cleaned at least twice a year.

How to tell if you dryer vent is clogged

• Normal drying cycle is not drying clothes
• If it takes more than 40 minutes to dry a load of clothes
• Clothes smell musty after normal cycle
• Clothes are hotter at the end of the cycle
• Large amount of lint accumulates in the lint trap
• Your laundry area is more humid
• Burnt smell in your laundry room
• Outside dryer vent cover is not lifting

What you can do to reduce the risk

• Clean your lint filter after each load of clothes
• Use dryer sheet and fabric softener sparingly
• Remove the back of the dryer to vacuum out lint that is trapped
• Keep area around dryer free of dust and debris
• The duct line that vents outside should be as short as possible

There are tips online on how to clean you dryer vent system, but it is recommended you hire a professional. The cost is $100 - $150 depending on the length and location of the vent. In addition to the reduced threat of fire, a cleaning can pay for itself in less than a year through the improved efficiency with less drying time required.

SERVPRO of NE Columbus is here for you should you do have a loss from a dryer vent fire. Please call 614-888-5700 for help.