Recent Fire Damage Posts
Content Restoration after a Fire
6/14/2022 (Permalink)
Before and After of a restored piece of furniture.
Experiencing a fire in your home or business can be one of the most devastating and stressful disasters you ever encounter. Even when the structure of a home or business is considered a total loss there’s still potential for saving some contents. In most cases items that have not been damaged directly by the fire or from excessive heat can be salvaged. However, cleaning of these items should be done by professional restoration company like SERVPRO of Central Auglaize/Hardin/Logan Counties.
Safety is our first priority when handling a fire loss for all occupants, our workers, and anyone else who enters the facility. After a fire the indoor air contains floating smoke and soot particles, these are carcinogens and can be toxic and dangerous, always wear a mask. Never handle items from a fire with your bare hands, gloves should be worn, preferably rubber or latex to protect yourself, and the contents from the oils on your skin that can set the soot. Assessing the items quickly helps to minimize soot damage that can be incurred in just a few hours or days after a fire.
SERVPRO of Central Auglaize/Hardin/Logan Counties has the knowledge and expertise to bring your smoke damaged contents back to pristine shape. Fire restoration service available for the following items:
- Furniture, shelving, and light fixtures
- Drying and document restoration
- Soft goods including garments, upholstery, bedding, and carpet
- Electronics and appliances
- Art restoration
- Children’s Toy
- Antiques
If you experience a fire in your home or business, don’t hesitate to call us at 937-354-3540.
Safety Tips for you Fire Pit
6/14/2022 (Permalink)
Nothing screams summer more then gathering with friends and family around a campfire. While this is a pastime enjoyed by many, safety precautions must be taken anytime you’re dealing with an open flame. Here are 10 tips to help keep you and your loved ones safe.
- Check the Wind Conditions
Never attempt to start a fire with unusually strong winds, kindling can blow to surrounding brush and structures creating the threat for a fire.
- Burn in an Open Area
Never start a fire under over hangings or near trees, always keep lawn furniture and flammable materials away from the fire.
- Don’t Burn Treated Lumber
While it may be tempting to burn any extra lumber you have from a project around the house, construction materials like MDF, pressure-treated boards, and plywood are treated with chemicals that admit toxic fumes.
- Be Prepared to Extinguish the Flames
Best practices include keep a fire extinguisher or fire blanket on hand. Other safety measures can be having a hose near by to quench the flames and a shovel to smother the flames with dirt.
- Keep Chairs Back
While it may be tempting, especially when roasting marshmallows, never put your chairs too close to the fire. It’s also best to keep sleeves rolled up and hair pulled back when cooking over an open flame.
- Keep Small Children and Pets at least 3ft back
Setting a boundary for how close kids and pets can come to an open flame greatly reduces the potential for them to accidentally injure themselves. Draw the line and stick to it.
- Never Leave a Fire Unattended
Even if it seems like the flames have died down never leave a fire unattended until it is completely extinguished. Pour water on live embers and turn logs to make sure all sides of wood have stopped burning.
- Please Drink Responsibly
Not only is alcohol flammable it can greatly impairs coordination, reflexes, and judgment which could be potentially dangerous to everyone around the fire.
- Check for No-Burn Alerts
When weather conditions and high emissions combine to increase pollution, some municipalities will issue no-burn alerts. These should be followed to keep yourself and your community safe. Failure to comply may result in fine.
- Store Firewood Safely
Keep firewood a safe distance from the fire pit. While it may be tempting to stack next to the pit when you’re feeding the fire, distance helps prevent the fire from jumping and feeding itself.
Wishing you all a fun and safe summer from your friends at SERVPRO of Central Auglaize/Hardin/Logan Counties!
Summer Barbeque Safety Tips
6/9/2022 (Permalink)
If you’re anything like us at SERVPRO of Central Auglaize/Hardin/Logan Counties summertime means grilling time. There’s nothing quite like the smell and taste of food fresh from the grill. While this is a great summer pastime it can also be very dangerous. There’s an average of 8,700 fires in the US every year caused by outdoor grills and barbeques. Here are some tips and tricks to keep you and your family safe this summer.
- Keep your grill at least 10 feet away from side of house and deck railings. Never place it under an overhanging, near trees, or any other lawn furniture that could potentially catch fire.
- Never grill indoors. While it may be tempting, especially in the cooler months of the year, this poses risk for a fire and carbon dioxide in the home.
- Keep grill clean of grease and build up, they can cause flare-ups and add fuel to fires.
- Check for gas leaks using soapy water and if it is leaking it is time to replace.
- Be ready to put fire out. Having a fire extinguisher on hand is best practice. Baking soda is also a good option for a grease fire. Never put water on grease fire. If you are unable to extinguish the fire do not hesitate to call 911.
- When cooking with charcoal keep lighter fluid use to a minimum and never apply it to an open flame.
- Never turn the gas on your grill with the lid closed. This can cause the gas to build up and when lit create a fireball.
- Never leave the grill unattended.
- Always remember to turn the grill off when complete.
- Let coals cool completely before you dispose of them.
If you do experience a fire don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO of Central Auglaize/Hardin/Logan Counties for emergency services 24/7 at 937-354-3540.
HVAC Tune-ups a Must for Hardin County
5/9/2022 (Permalink)
This family room was affected by a blocked orifice tube in a propane fire place.
How often should you tune up your HVAC system?
You should schedule HVAC tune-ups one to two times per year depending on the age of your system. If your system is five years old or older, schedule two tune-ups per year. If you have a newer system, an annual tune-up should be sufficient.
Why regular HVAC maintenance is important?
You depend on your HVAC system to keep you comfortable year-round. Regular maintenance helps your system produce and distribute the warm or cool air more evenly and steadily. It also reduces the odds that you'll come home from work one winter's day to find frigid air blasting through your vents.
Affects of an un-serviced HVAC system.
If orifice tubes are clogged or blocked it could produce an oil discharge into your home. This discharge is like smoke produced by an oil fire. It could be so faint that you won’t notice it until you start to see the outlines of wood framing. If you find yourself in this situation using correct cleaning methods is extremely important and if done improperly could make cleaning much more difficult.
SERVPRO of Central Auglaize/Hardin/Logan Counties is a Certified Firm with a Master Fire and Smoke Restorer designation. You have questions, we have answers! Call us today at 937-354-3540.
Don't Have A Christmas Fire!
12/10/2021 (Permalink)
Every year we see an increase in fires around Christmas time. This is because many people don't realize the fire safety hazards that come along with certain Christmas traditions such as cooking a turkey or putting up a Christmas tree. Here are some things to keep in mind about fire safety during this holiday season:
- Make sure to replace old lights and use lights correctly, don't overuse your extension cords
- Don't make your tree a fire hazard, water your live tree daily and don't let it dry out or it could start a fire
- Be mindful of how close your tree and other items are to the fireplace
- Don't burn wrapping paper in the fireplace
- Use candles with care and caution, don't leave them burn at night or when you're away
- Use space heaters with care, these often cause fires
- Keep an eye on your delicious Christmas foods, stove fires are a huge hazard this time of year
Hope you have a Merry Christmas and Stay Safe. Remember, if you ever need any help with a fire clean up give SERVPRO of Central Auglaize, Hardin, Logan County a call!
Fire Clean Up In Your Bellefontaine Home
12/2/2021 (Permalink)
Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.
Smoke and soot facts:
- Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
- Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
- The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.
Different Types of Smoke
There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Central Auglaize, Hardin & Logan counties 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 – (937)354-3540
Cleaning up Fire and Soot in Kenton
6/25/2021 (Permalink)
Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.
Smoke and soot facts:
- Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
- Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
- The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.
Different Types of Smoke
There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Central Auglaize, Hardin, and Logan Counties 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 – (937) 354-3540
Prepare for fire emergencies in Logan County
6/25/2021 (Permalink)
After the fire trucks leave, your home likely suffers from fire and smoke damage and extensive water damage from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO of Central Auglaize / Hardin / Logan Counties have the specialized fire restoration training needed to restore your home to pre-fire condition.
Have Questions About Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Today – (937) 354-3540
Every fire damage event is a little different, and requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate our process for the “typical” fire damage emergency.
Everyone knows the Red Cross helps people during emergencies. But you may not know that it’s also part of our mission to help you help yourself! Becoming “Red Cross Ready” for an emergency means following our simple steps in advance to ensure you can weather a crisis safely and comfortably.
Tips to Prevent a Cooking Fire In Logan County
5/17/2021 (Permalink)
*Keep an eye on your cooking and stay in the kitchen. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of cooking fires.
*Wear short or close-fitting sleeves. Loose clothing can catch fire.
*Watch children closely. When old enough, teach children to cook safely.
*Clean cooking surfaces to prevent food and grease build-up.
*Keep curtains, towels and pot holders away from hot surfaces and store solvents and flammable cleaners away from heat sources. Never keep gasoline in the house.
*Turn pan handles inward to prevent food spills.
*If you have to leave the kitchen, even for a second, turn off the stove.
*Use a timer so you’ll remember that the stove or oven is on.
*Keep the kids away from the cooking area. Enforce a “kid-free zone” and make them stay at least three feet away from the stove.
*Consider purchasing a fire extinguisher to keep in your kitchen. Contact your local fire department to take training on the proper use of extinguishers.
Fire Escape Planning Tips
5/13/2021 (Permalink)
After any fire damage situation, your primary focus should be safety first:
- Is it safe to stay in the house?
- Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
- Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
- Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!
Have Smoke or Fire Damage? Call (937) 354-3540
The following are several tips that could potentially save your life, or the life of a loved one should a fire break out in your home.
*Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home.
*Test smoke alarm batteries every month and change them at least once a year.
*Consider installing a ten-year lithium battery-powered smoke alarm.
*Practice finding your way out of the building with your eyes closed, crawling or staying low and feeling your way out.
*Remember to escape first, then notify the fire department.
*Pull together everyone in your household and make a plan. Walk through your home and inspect all possible exits and escape routes. Households with children should consider drawing a floor plan of your home, marking two ways out of each room, including windows and doors.
Key Things to Remember About Smoke Damage
5/10/2021 (Permalink)
Time is of the Essence: The sooner you start the restoration process, the lower the level of damage to the property will be. Here’s what the IICRC says for a timeline of a fire:
a. Within Minutes: Acid soot residues cause plastics to yellow; small appliances located close to the source of combustion discolor; highly porous materials (marble, alabaster) discolor permanently.
b. Within Hours: Acid residues stain grout in bathrooms; fiberglass bath fixtures may yellow; uncoated metals tarnish; counter tops may yellow; finishes on appliances, particularly refrigerators, may yellow; furniture finishes may discolor.
c. Within Days: In time, acid residues cause painted walls to yellow permanently; metal corrodes, pits and rusts; wood furniture requires refinishing; vinyl flooring requires refinishing or replacement; clothing becomes soot-stained; upholstery stains permanently.
d. Within Weeks: Restoration costs escalate tremendously. Synthetic carpet fibers may yellow or discolor permanently; silver plate is corroded permanently; glass, crystal, china may require replacement due to severe etching and pitting caused by prolonged exposure to acid soot residues.”
Understanding this, we are always prepared to begin cleanup immediately upon being called out to a new smoke damaged property.
Give SERVPRO of Central Auglaize, Hardin & Logan counties a call if you need help at (937) 354-3540.
Providing Fire Restoration Services for Kenton, OH
4/19/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Central Auglaize, Hardin & Logan counties is the leading cleaning and restoration company in Kenton, Ohio and it's surrounding counties. We specialize in fire, wind, water, mold remediation, storm and vandalism restoration. It is our goal to treat every situation with the utmost care and restore your home or business to its preloss condition as quickly as possible. We want to help you rebuild your dreams and restore your confidence.
We service the Kenton area 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.
SERVPRO follows nationally recognized 1-4-8 Response Guidelines. What does that mean?
1 Hour: Within one hour from notice of loss, a SERVPRO Franchise Professional will contact you to arrange for service.
4 Hours: Within four hours of loss notification, a SERVPRO Franchise Professional will be on-site to start mitigation services, EVEN AFTER HOURS!
8 Hours: Within eight business hours of on-site arrival, a verbal briefing of the restoration plan will be communicated to the appropriate person (this may be the customer, the person responsible for billing, or the insurance adjuster).
* Service Response Guidelines—Exceptions may apply under certain conditions, such as a local catastrophic event or storm situation.
Give us a call now at (937)354-3540 to schedule an appointment.
Locally living and serving with Fast and Professional Service in the Kenton Area since 1998.
Fire Safety: Christmas Edition
12/15/2020 (Permalink)
While we love decorating for Christmas, fires related to either Christmas trees or lights is a huge problem each year. Use these tips to help prevent the Christmas Fire.
- Connect no more than 3 strands of mini light sets together, plugged into the same power outlet.
- Make certain no more than 50 bulbs are used simultaneously in screw-in light bulb sets.
- Make sure your Christmas tree is at least 3 feet away from any heat source, including space heaters, radiators, fireplaces, candles and even heat vents.
- Keep candles at least 12 feet away from anything that is flammable.
- Consider using electrical candles instead of flame-producing candles.
- Keep your tree well-watered. Dry trees account for the vast majority of Christmas tree fires.
- Get rid of your Christmas tree after Christmas or when it is dry.
- Use the right type of extension cord. Two-wire extension cords are usually fine for indoor lights, but be certain to use a three-wire, grounded extension cord for any outdoor light display.
- Do not overload outlets by using mutiple-plug adapters.
- Check for damage or deterioration to any extension cords and discard if any damage or deterioration is evident.
- Do not connect extension cords together for longer runs. It is safer to use a single cord of the correct length.
- Always turn off festive decorations, both indoor and outdoor, when you leave the house or go to bed.
- As always, instruct your family on appropriate fire safety rules and procedures. Make sure you have fire escape routes planned throughout the home and that all family members are properly instructed in their use. Test your fire alarms weekly.
We hope these helped. If you do need us for any smoke or fire damage clean up, please call anytime at 937-354-3540.
Unsafe Circuit Breaker Systems (FEDERAL PACIFIC)
4/27/2020 (Permalink)
If your home was built between 1950 and 1990 and is equipped with a Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) circuit breaker panel with Stab-Lok circuit breakers, you run a significant risk of breaker malfunction and fire.
The breakers inside the panel are designed to guard your home against serious electrical problems by preventing circuit overload, short circuits and outside power surges coming into the panel. When an overload occurs, a breaker protects you by tripping, thus shutting down the power to the circuit. However, if a breaker is defective or not operating properly, the risk of fire to the panel and consequently to your home becomes imminent.
Why are Federal Pacific breaker boxes dangerous?
Multiple tests done on the breakers since the 1980s have proven that one in four Stab-Lok breakers are defective and will not properly trip off. Unfortunately, when the testing began in the early 1980s, a New Jersey court later ruled that FPE committed testing fraud and a cover-up, labeling the breakers as meeting the standards set by the UL when in reality, they were defective.
In 1983, the Consumer Product Safety Commission closed its two-year investigation and felt it impossible to create a product recall at the time because of budget issues, even as Federal Pacific panels and breakers continued to be installed in millions of homes that to this day still run the risk of an electrical fire. An estimated 2,800 fires each year directly result from Federal Pacific panel breaker malfunction. Federal Pacific Electric has been out of business for many years, but the danger and damage caused by their negligence continues.
Do you have a Federal Pacific panel?
If you own a home between 25 and 65 years old, check your breaker box. A Federal Pacific panel will usually have its name or logo on the front cover. Inside, you will find the name Stab-Lok printed near the center or side of the panel. The intact breakers will have the signature red strip that runs across the front.
If you find you a Federal Pacific panel or Stab-Lok breakers, call a licensed electrician in your area for further information about replacing your circuit breaker panel.
For Immediate Service in Kenton, Bellefontaine, or Ada areas Call SERVPRO
3/8/2018 (Permalink)
Hardin and Logan county Residents: We provide immediate service day or night!
SERVPRO of Central Auglaize, Hardin & Logan counties provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in Kenton, Bellefontaine and/or Ada areas. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.
- 24-Hour Emergency Service
- Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
- Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
- A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
- Locally Owned and Operated
- Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment
Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 – (937)354-3540
Residential Services
Whether your Hardin or Logan county home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us. Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services:
- Water Damage Restoration
- Fire Damage Restoration
- Mold Remediation
- Storm Damage Restoration
- Cleaning Services
- Building/Reconstruction Services
Commercial Services
There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your Hardin or Logan county commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business. Learn more about our commercial services: http://www.SERVPROcentralauglaizehardinlogancounties.com/commercial-restoration-cleaning
- Commercial Water Damage Restoration
- Commercial Fire Damage Restoration
Fire Prevention Week
10/13/2016 (Permalink)
fire fighter
Today kicks off #FirePreventionWeek! Take some time to go over safety tips with your family and be sure to thank the men & women who sacrifice their lives to protect us from the flames.
SERVPRO supports the American Red Cross by asking every household in America to join us in taking two simple steps that can save lives; checking or installing smoke alarms and practicing fire drills at home.
A home is more than a supportive structure. It shelters you, your family, and all of your treasured keepsakes. What if you had the power to prevent the loss of your home? Well, the American Red Cross can give you some of that power by learning proper home fire prevention and safety.
Extension Cord Safety Tips
5/12/2016 (Permalink)
Extension cord safety
Not enough cord for your lamp or radio to reach the nearest outlet? Just plowing through the junk drawer for an extension cord? This may not be a good idea. Extension cords can be very helpful in delivering power right where we need it. However, regardless of the gauge or rating of the cord, an extension cord is a temporary solution, and is not meant to be used as a long-term extension of your household’s electrical system.
Using extension cords properly is critical to your safety. With continuous use over time, an extension cord can rapidly deteriorate, creating a potentially dangerous electric shock or fire hazard. The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) offers the following tips for staying safe from electric shock and electrical fires:
- Do not overload extension cords or allow them to run through water or snow on the ground.
- Do not substitute extension cords for permanent wiring.
- Do not run through walls, doorways, ceilings or floors. If cord is covered, heat cannot escape, which may result in a fire hazard.
- Do not use an extension cord for more than one appliance.
- A heavy reliance on extension cords is an indication that you have too few outlets to address your needs. Have additional outlets installed where you need them.
- Multiple plug outlets must be plugged directly into mounted electrical receptacles; they cannot be chained together.
- Make sure the extension cord or temporary power strip you use is rated for the products to be plugged in, and is marked for either indoor or outdoor use.
- The appliance or tool that you are using the cord with will have a wattage rating on it. Match this up with your extension cord, and do not use a cord that has a lower rating.
- Never use a cord that feels hot or is damaged in any way. Touching even a single exposed strand can give you an electric shock or burn.
- Never use three-prong plugs with outlets that only have two slots for the plug. Do not cut off the ground pin to force a fit. This defeats the purpose of a three-prong plug and could lead to an electrical shock. Never force a plug into an outlet if it doesn’t fit.
- Use extension cords with polarized and/or three-prong plugs.
- Buy only cords approved by an independent testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL), ETL-SEMKO (ETL) or Canadian Standards Association (CSA).
- Do not substitute extension cords for permanent wiring.
SOURCE LINK
Tips to Prevent a Cooking Fire
4/1/2016 (Permalink)
Kitchen Fire
*Keep an eye on your cooking and stay in the kitchen. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of cooking fires.
*Wear short or close-fitting sleeves. Loose clothing can catch fire.
*Watch children closely. When old enough, teach children to cook safely.
*Clean cooking surfaces to prevent food and grease build-up.
*Keep curtains, towels and pot holders away from hot surfaces and store solvents and flammable cleaners away from heat sources. Never keep gasoline in the house.
*Turn pan handles inward to prevent food spills.
*If you have to leave the kitchen, even for a second, turn off the stove.
*Use a timer so you’ll remember that the stove or oven is on.
*Keep the kids away from the cooking area. Enforce a “kid-free zone” and make them stay at least three feet away from the stove.
*Consider purchasing a fire extinguisher to keep in your kitchen. Contact your local fire department to take training on the proper use of extinguishers.
24/7 Emergency Service
