MOST FIRES ARE PREVENTABLE

11/12/2018 (Permalink)

Did you know that more than 360,000 home structure fires each year?

The cold weather often means a higher risk of house fires, this is because people are spending more time at home and indoors from the wintry weather!

Common Fire Hazards at Home

• Candles
• Cigarettes
• Electrical & Lighting
• Dryers & Washing Machines

These fire hazards can be "preventable" with some forethought and care! The most preventable are are unattended candles and cooking! Be aware of when you light candles or leave the stove on before you leave your home or go to bed. 

The most recent fire damage SERVPRO of Lawrenceville, Mt. Carmel, Olney did was "quick and a job well done" stated from a happy customer. She explained a fire had started in the middle of the night and SERVPRO was there that morning removing the damage and making everything smell and look nice!

Although most fires are preventable, if you ever experience an unfortunate fire damage call SERVPRO of Lawrenceville, Mt. Carmel, Olney at (6180 783-8677!

Avoid Candle Fires - 5 TIPS

5/11/2018 (Permalink)

Many homeowners light candles to freshen up a room or to have lighting during a power outage. However, candles still have the potential to create a fire that spreads throughout the building. Avoid a candle fire at all costs, and follow these helpful tips to stay safe. 

1. Do Not Leave Candles Unattended

If you are leaving a room with a candle in it, first extinguish the flame. After all, you can always relight a candle if you desire. 

2. Keep the Area Around Candles Clean

The shelf or stand where you place the candle should not have anything flammable on it. Additionally, you should avoid placing a candle on a nightstand near your bed. The bedding may catch fire if you are not careful. 

3. Toss It Once It Is Less Than Two Inches Tall

You do not want to risk a candle fire by allowing the flame to get too close to the base of the candle. It is better to simply throw away a candle once it is less than two inches high. They are relatively inexpensive to replace.

4. Keep Candles Away From Pets and Children

Candles should be placed high enough that kids and animals cannot get them. It is dangerous for children to play with anything lit. If the candle is left on a coffee table, then a dog’s tail may accidentally hit it and cause it to fall onto the floor. 

5. Do Not Put Out a Candle With Water

It is preferable to put out a flame by blowing on it rather than pouring water. The reason is that water can cause the wax to spill all over the place. The hot wax may still catch fire, causing flames to spread throughout a home in Lawrenceville, Mt. Carmel or Olney Illinois.

Candles are meant to be enjoyed, so always follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions to avoid a nasty candle fire and the impending smoke cleanup. 

Residential Smoke and Soot Cleanup in South Central Illinois

5/11/2018 (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 Lawrenceville, Mt. Carmel, Olney 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 – (618) 783-8677

SOOT AND SMOKE DAMAGE INSULATION REMOVAL

5/11/2018 (Permalink)

We Know How To Remove Smoke Damaged Insulation

SERVPRO of Lawrenceville, Mt. Carmel, Olney thinks outside the box when it comes to creative ways to get the job done. Here, we engineered a way to continually extract all the insulation out of the attic with minimal manipulation and manpower of an assisted living center. 

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 Lawrenceville, Mt. Carmel, Olney 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. 

Call us at (618) 533-5400 for all your Cleanup and Restoration Needs.