Archived Fire Damage Blog Posts
Emergency Fire Damage Restoration Process
2/21/2023 (Permalink)
Black soot from fire damage
1. A SERVPRO of Farmington and Farmington Hillsprofessional will contact you within one hour to arrange for service.
- We understand the importance of letting you know help is on the way, right away.
2. Within four hours, a trained professional will arrive on-site prepared to begin emergency mitigation services (if necessary).
- Timely response is key to preventing further damage.
- Timely mitigation can mean the difference between restoring property and replacing it.
3. The loss site will be reviewed with you, and your questions and concerns will be addressed. A SERVPRO of Farmington and Farmington Hills Professional will:
- Identify the source of loss.
- Identify the source of your concerns.
- Identify the types of residue present.
- Identify safety issues.
4. A SERVPRO professional will begin pretesting for restorability. By pretesting, four key questions are answered:
- What is unable to be restored?
- What is restorable and what methods of restoration will be most effective?
- What areas and items are unaffected?
- What areas need to be reviewed by the Adjuster or Property Owner?
5. The scope of the project will be communicated to you or your adjuster if a claim has been filed.
6. The structure and contents will be cleaned and restored by SERVPRO of Rochester Professionals.
7. After the work has been completed, a final work through will be conducted with you to help ensure your satisfaction.
SERVPRO of Farmington and Farmington Hills has trained and certified technicians to help you in the event of fire damage to your home or business.
Call us at (248) 427-1500!
Financially Planning for Emergency Disasters
9/21/2022 (Permalink)
September is National Preparedness Month
One of theme of National Preparedness Month in 2022 is the focus is on getting financially prepared for an emergency disaster. Ready.Gov highlights some ways that homeowners can get prepared at either no cost or a low cost. In addition to the resources listed on Ready.Gov, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers a plethora of resources that can be shipped directly to your home.
At SERVPRO of Farmington and Farmington Hills, we are able to work directly with your insurance company to ease the stress during emergency disasters. It’s important that homeowners make sure they are adequately covered for emergencies that the region is prone to. For example, if your home is in a flood zone, flood insurance should be a priority. Likewise, if your home is in an area where wildfires are prevalent, insurance for wildfires is a must. The Red Cross has an interactive map that shows common disasters across the United States by region and what you should be prepared for.
To get started, here are a few tips you should consider in order to get financially prepared for an emergency disaster:
- Gather financial, medical, personal, and household information and keep them in an accessible safe space.
- Keep small amounts of cash in your home for items such as food, gas, or other supplies in the event that you cannot get to an ATM. In addition, consider opening a savings account and saving up money for potential disasters.
- Keep on top of your homeowners or renters, health, and life insurance. Consider purchasing flood insurance from the national flood insurance program as well as reviewing your policy to make sure you’re adequately covered.
For more information, click on any of the links in this blog or contact us at (248) 427-1500.
The Importance of HVAC When Dealing With Fire, Smoke, and Soot
8/16/2022 (Permalink)
Air filter that caused a fire damage
Ventilation systems are often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality, however, the biggest culprit of fires is your furnace. In fact, according to FEMA, heating appliances were the second highest cause of residential building fires in 2014- specifically furnace flame rollout.
Flame rollout happens when flames escape and “roll” outside of the closed combustion area.
If those open flames come into contact with insulation or nearby flammable objects, you will be dealing with a dangerous house fire.
Flame rollout happens when there isn’t enough oxygen to “feed” your furnace. Your furnace needs a mixture of oxygen and fuel to create heat, but if there’s not enough ventilation to provide oxygen, the furnace flames will “roll out” in search of oxygen elsewhere.
Tips on how to keep your furnace safe from flame rollout include:
- Regularly check and change your air filter- A clogged air filter can cause a buildup of soot inside the flue (the tunnel where combustion gases exit outdoors). And when soot buildup blocks the flue, this also restricts your furnace’s oxygen supply.
- Check for obstructions in your furnace flue- Your furnace flue connects to the outside, so obstructions like a bird’s nest, leaves, or other debris are very likely and can prevent your furnace from getting oxygen.
- Install a rollout switch- These devices detect and shut off power to the furnace when the burner area exceeds normal and safe temperatures. This prevents rollout from happening in the first place.
- Schedule annual furnace maintenance- Annual maintenance allows our techs to spot any issues early on that could lead to flame rollout. We’ll make sure everything is working properly to avoid the abnormal situations that lead to flame rollout.
SERVPRO of Farmington and Farmington Hills will make recommendations about the best way to address any indoor air quality concerns. This can save you money and provide peace of mind on the health of your system.
Fire Clean Up in a Garage
7/18/2022 (Permalink)
The fire above was started after a waterproofing contractor used an aerosol can to the foundation wall in the furnace room
Aerosol cans of house cleaners, spray paints and other chemicals are filled with butane or propane as a propellant. If that can is heated up it can explode with deadly force. SERVPRO responds to Fire Damage Cleanup in West Bloomfield after a Water Proofing Contractor used an Aerosol Spray to the foundation wall in the Furnace Room. Fortunately, no one was injured and SERVPRO Technicians were able to Restore and Repair their Condominium.
Dangers associated with Water Heaters
According to Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors “vapors from the liquid, when mixed with the right combination of air, that ignite and burn. These vapors are (1) heavier-than-air and will stay low to the ground, (2) are invisible, (3) can migrate significant distances (10, 20, 30 or more feet), and (4) ignite and a flashback from a wide variety of ignition sources (pilot lights, open flames, sparks, etc.). Because many water heaters are floor-mounted, with their constantly burning pilot lights behind the cover plate, the pilot light serves as a ready ignition source for the low-to-the-ground vapors”
Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. When various materials burn, the soot and residue they create differ greatly and require a specific cleaning procedure. The steps listed below illustrate our process for the “typical” fire damage restoration. Learn more about our fire damage restoration process.
- Emergency Contact
- Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment
- Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service (if needed)
- Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)
- Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces
- Cleaning and Repair
- Restoration
Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today - SERVPRO of Farmington & Farmington Hills
(248) 427-1500
Taking care of Fire, Soot, and Smoke
6/9/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO technicians responding to a fire loss
When you have fire damage in your home or business let SERVPRO of Farmington and Farmington Hills come to your rescue. We use three key elements to eliminate damages made by fire, smoke, and soot.
-Structural Cleaning- After a smoke or fire damage, ceilings, walls, woodwork, carpeting, and floors will often need a thorough cleaning. We will pretest to determine the extent of the damage, and then use the specific equipment and cleaning products required to clean and protect the different types of surfaces found in your facility. Depending on the amount of soot, we may even be able to reduce the cost of recovery by cleaning lighter soot deposits on some surfaces, eliminating the expense incurred with repainting or refinishing.
-Contents Cleaning- All of the restorable contents in affected areas will be professionally cleaned and deodorized. This includes area rugs, furniture, draperies, and upholstery. We begin by carefully inspecting and testing all fabrics in the structure to determine which cleaning methods are most appropriate. We can provide wet or dry cleaning services. Additionally, all the other restorable contents will be cleaned and deodorized to preloss condition. Finally, we can provide an inventory list of all "to be claimed" items if requested.
-Deodorization- We provide specialized services that rid your place of business of offensive odors left by fire or smoke damage. We do not merely cover up lingering odors with a fragrance, we seek out the sources of the odor and remove them.
If you have any questions about our processes do not hesitate to call our office, someone is available 24/7 to take your call! (248) 427-1500
Restoring Vs. Replacing after a Fire
6/1/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO technicians boxing up a customers items to be cleaned
National fire statistics indicate that a residential fire occurs approximately every 90 seconds somewhere in the United States. However, when a customer suffers a fire, only one fire matters. Customers' belongings are important to them. Personal belongings are a treasure of life and reflect hard work and achievements. Photographs, books, and other personal items have value that cannot be put into words. SERVPRO Professionals have the ability to help restore your belongings.
SERVPRO technicians at SERVPRO of Farmington and Farmington Hills are skilled in Inventory Services when it comes to customers' belongings. These include:
-Emergency Inventory
-Pre-Loss Inventory
-Restoration and Replacement Cost Data
-Schedule of Loss-Adjusting Software
-Industry-Exclusive Access
-Complete Inventory
-Total Loss Items, Questionable Items, Restorable Items
-Electronic Reporting
-Customizable Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet Reports Increase Flexibility
The value in restoration vs. replacement is that it reduces claims payout for insurance companies and saves you money. In most cases, SERVPRO returns belongings to preloss condition and treasured items and keepsakes can be saved.
Our Restore vs. Replace Mentality
We clean and restore your property using specialized equipment and cleaning techniques. Our “restore first” mentality reduces interruption and gets you back to your life.
Remember that SERVPRO of Farmington and Farmington Hills can help you return to everyday life and home after having a loss.
Can a Water Heater Start a Fire?
2/22/2022 (Permalink)
Hot water heater causes damage to apartment in Westland
Hot Water Tank causes fire in an Apartment in Westland. The SERVPRO Team was there to help. Fortunately, no one was injured. The unit suffered moderate damage. SERVPRO of Farmington & Farmington Hills understands the devastation from a fire damage. SERVPRO was able to bring the apartment back to a preloss condition.
SERVPRO of Farmington & Farmington Hills can respond immediately to your commercial fire damage emergency regardless of the size or scope of the damage. We are part of a national network of over 1,700 Franchises with special Disaster Recovery Teams placed strategically throughout the country to respond to large scale events and disasters.
SERVPRO of Farmington & Farmington Hills proudly serves Farmington Hills, Northville, Farmington, and surrounding areas. Our Professional Technicians are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – (248) 427-1500
Financially Planning for Emergency Disasters
9/17/2021 (Permalink)
Make sure your family is ready by getting financially prepared
For the third theme of National Preparedness Month in 2021, the focus is on getting financially prepared for an emergency disaster. Ready.Gov highlights some ways that homeowners can get prepared at either no cost or a low cost. In addition to the resources listed on Ready.Gov, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers a plethora of resources that can be shipped directly to your home.
At SERVPRO of Farmington and Farmington Hills, we are able to work directly with your insurance company to ease the stress during emergency disasters. It’s important that homeowners make sure they are adequately covered for emergencies that the region is prone to. For example, if your home is in a flood zone, flood insurance should be a priority. Likewise, if your home is in an area where wildfires are prevalent, insurance for wildfires is a must. The Red Cross has an interactive map that shows common disasters across the United States by region and what you should be prepared for.
To get started, here are a few tips you should consider in order to get financially prepared for an emergency disaster:
- Gather financial, medical, personal, and household information and keep them in an accessible safe space.
- Keep small amounts of cash in your home for items such as food, gas, or other supplies in the event that you cannot get to an ATM. In addition, consider opening a savings account and saving up money for potential disasters.
- Keep on top of your homeowners or renters, health, and life insurance. Consider purchasing flood insurance from the national flood insurance program as well as reviewing your policy to make sure you’re adequately covered.
For more information, click on any of the links in this blog or contact us at (248) 427-1500.
Accidents Happen - Fire Damage Repair and Restoration
8/17/2021 (Permalink)
Homeowner in Livonia is in need of professional cleaning after shop vacuum spreads soot throughout the home.
SERVPRO of Farmington & Farmington Hills takes on the challenge of removing Soot from all surfaces in a Livonia home.
The homeowner was using a shop vacuum to clean up the soot in the fireplace not realizing that the filter for the shop vacuum was not attached. With the amount of soot spread throughout the home, she knew she would not be able to clean up the home on her own. She knew that hiring a Professional soot damage restoration company that has experience is the best approach.
We use specialized equipment, chemicals, and techniques to remove soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces. In areas of the home with severe damage, we use multiple techniques to restore the home. Crews hepa vacuum all surfaces to remove soot, dry sponges to wipe surfaces that could not be wet washed, and the carpeting was steam cleaned.
Our Restore vs. Replace Mentality
We clean and restore your property using specialized equipment and cleaning techniques. Our “restore first” mentality reduces interruption and gets you back to your life.
If you need Fire Damage Repair and Restoration your call us at (248) 427-1500
What to do After a Fire Destroys Your Home
7/19/2021 (Permalink)
After Fire Destroys a home in Grosse Pointe, crews clean up the mess
SERVPRO of Farmington & Farmington Hills responds to a home in Grosse Pointe after a dryer catches on fire in a finished basement. The fire was so intense, it destroyed the entire home. Crews tarped the roof and backside of the house to prevent further damage, installed temporary lighting, and then began the process of restoration.
Who can you trust to provide dependable services and information? Trust SERVPRO of Farmington & Farmington Hills to help you make it "Like it never even happened."
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.
Step 1: Emergency Contact
The restoration process begins when you call us. Our representative will ask questions regarding the fire damage event that will help us respond immediately with the appropriate equipment and resources.
Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment
We carefully inspect and test adjoining rooms of your property to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is crucial to developing a plan of action.
Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service
Fire damage can often compromise windows, walls, and roofs. To maintain security and to protect against further damage, we can board up missing windows and walls and place tarps on damaged roofs.
Step 4: Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)
The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. We then use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process.
Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces
We use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces.
Step 6: Cleaning and Sanitizing
We clean, sanitize, and disinfect all of the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to restore your belongings to pre-fire condition. We’re also trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.
Step 7: Restoration
Restoration is the final step—getting your home or business to its pre-fire condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.
Our technicians respond quickly, providing a full line of cleaning and mitigation services to help ensure a faster recovery. We utilize technology designed specifically to provide you and your insurance company with quick. dependable information necessary to make more informed decisions faster, saving both time and money.
Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today (248) 427-1500
Fire Clean Up in Detroit MI Retail Store
6/21/2021 (Permalink)
Air Scrubbers placed in the storage room after a fire in a retail store in Detroit
Whether you operate a single facility or hundreds of commercial properties nationwide, fire damage requires prompt action to reduce losses and costly downtime. Who can you trust to provide dependable services and information?
At this retail store in Detroit MI, the first thing our crew did was place air scrubbers in the storage room where the fire occurred. Air Scrubbers remove particles, gasses, and/or chemicals from the air.
Our technicians respond quickly, providing a full line of cleaning and mitigation services to help ensure a faster recovery. We utilize technology designed specifically to provide you and your insurance company with quick dependable information necessary to make more informed decisions faster, saving both time and money.
At SERVPRO of Farmington & Farmington Hills, we make your fire damage "Like it never even happened."
Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – (248) 427-1500
Hot Water Tank causes fire in an Apartment in Westland
6/9/2021 (Permalink)
Hot water heater tank that caught on fire in an apartment in Westland, MI
The SERVPRO Team was there to help. Fortunately, no one was injured. The unit suffered moderate damage. SERVPRO of Farmington & Farmington Hills specialized in fire damages and understand the devastation a fire can cause for a homeowner or tenant. Our crew was able to bring the apartment back to a preloss condition like "It never even happened".
SERVPRO of Farmington & Farmington Hills can respond immediately to your commercial fire damage emergency regardless of the size or scope of the damage. We are part of a national network of over 1,700 Franchises with special Disaster Recovery Teams placed strategically throughout the country to respond to large scale events and disasters.
SERVPRO of Farmington & Farmington Hills proudly serves Farmington Hills, Northville, Farmington, and surrounding areas. Our Professional Technicians are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – (248) 427-1500
When Fire Destroys Your Home
2/23/2021 (Permalink)
After Fire Destroys a home in Grosse Pointe, crews clean up the mess
After Fire Destroys a home in Grosse Pointe, crews clean up the mess
5/4/2018
SERVPRO of Farmington & Farmington Hills responds to a home in Grosse Pointe after a dryer catches on fire in a finished basement. The fire was so intense, it destroyed the entire home. Crews tarped the roof and back side of the house to prevent further damage, installed temporary lighting and then began the process of restoration.
Who can you trust to provide dependable services and information? Trust SERVPRO of Farmington & Farmington Hills to help you make it "Like it never even happened."
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.
Step 1: Emergency Contact
The restoration process begins when you call us. Our representative will ask questions regarding the fire damage event that will help us respond immediately with the appropriate equipment and resources.
Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment
We carefully inspect and test adjoining rooms of your property to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is crucial to developing a plan of action.
Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service
Fire damage can often compromise windows, walls, and roofs. To maintain security and to protect against further damage, we can board up missing windows and walls and place tarps on damaged roofs.
Step 4: Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)
The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. We then use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process.
Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces
We use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces.
Step 6: Cleaning and Sanitizing
We clean, sanitize, and disinfect all of the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to restore your belongings to pre-fire condition. We’re also trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.
Step 7: Restoration
Restoration is the final step—getting your home or business to its pre-fire condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.
Our technicians respond quickly, providing a full line of cleaning and mitigation services to help ensure faster recovery. We utilize technology designed specifically to provide you and your insurance company with quick. dependable information necessary to make more informed decisions faster, saving both time and money.
Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today (248) 427-1500
Don't Wait - Check the Date!
7/8/2020 (Permalink)
Substantial fire damage to a home in Farmington Hills
Fire damage can be extremely devastating to your home or business, how prepared are you?
SERVPRO of Farmington and Farmington Hills is here to make sure that you have the information you need to prevent a fire and to help you during the aftermath of a fire. Our SERVPRO technicians are highly qualified and certified in Fire & Water Restoration. Our crews work around the clock to come to the rescue and return your home or business back to pre-fire condition. Not only can we clean the structure, but we can also remove stubborn odor and soot from upholstery and carpeting.
DID YOU KNOW?
Different types of fires require different types of extinguishers. For example, a grease fire and an electrical fire require the use of different extinguishing agents to effectively and safely put the fire out.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has used the slogan, "Don't Wait - Check the Date! - Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years" in one of their past campaigns and we're here to make sure it stays at the top of your mind! The NFPA strives to educate the public about the basic and necessary elements for fire prevention. The public has many misconceptions about smoke alarms, including how to check the date, when to replace them, and how many you should have in your home. Check out the NFPA's website for Smoke Alarm Tips!
NFPA Smoke Alarm Tips
We would like you to be as knowledgeable as possible on fire safety, so here are a few tips:
- Always watch your cooking - do not leave anything on the stove or in the oven unattended.
- Test Smoke Alarms - Test your alarms once a month and replace batteries as needed.
- Be careful when using candles - Keep candles far away from flammable substances and surfaces.
- Have a fire escape plan - make an escape plan and practice it frequently.
- Smoke outside - If you are a smoker, have a deep ashtray and remember to NEVER smoke in bed.
How to Avoid a Kitchen Fire
6/16/2020 (Permalink)
Fire causes Soot and Smoke Damage to this Farmington Hills Apartment
SERVPRO of Farmington & Farmington Hills provides clean up services to an apartment complex near us. After our Technicians assessed the damage, we were able to get a crew in immediately to pack out and clean the contents of the Apartment unit. The tenant was able to move back into his unit within 2 weeks.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, “fire departments responded to an average of 166,100 home fires that involved cooking equipment per year”
According to an article from The American Red Cross "10 Ways to Avoid a Kitchen Fire"
- Never leave cooking food unattended – stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you have to leave the kitchen, even for a second, turn off the stove.
- Check your food regularly while cooking and remain in the home while cooking.
- Use a timer so you’ll remember that the stove or oven is on.
- Don’t wear loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking.
- 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.
- Keep anything that can catch fire - pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains—away from your stove, oven or any other appliance in the kitchen that generates heat.
- Clean cooking surfaces on a regular basis to prevent grease buildup.
- Consider purchasing a fire extinguisher to keep in your kitchen. Contact your local fire department to take training on the proper use of extinguishers.]
- Always check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving the home to make sure all stoves, ovens, and small appliances are turned off.
- Install a smoke alarm near your kitchen, on each level of your home, near sleeping areas, and inside and outside bedrooms if you sleep with doors closed. Use the test button to check it each month. Replace all batteries at least once a year.
Have Questions? Call Us Today – (248) 427-1500
Accidents Happen - Fire Damage Repair and Restoration
6/10/2020 (Permalink)
Homeowner in Livonia is in need of Professional Cleaning after Shop Vacuum spreads soot throughout the home.
SERVPRO of Farmington & Farmington Hills takes on the challenge of removing Soot from all Surfaces in a Livonia home.
The homeowner was using a shop vacuum to clean up the soot in the fireplace not realizing that the filter for the shop vacuum was not attached. With the amount of soot spread throughout the home, she knew she would not be able to clean up the home on her own. She knew that Hiring a Professional soot damage restoration company that has experience is the best approach.
We use specialized equipment, chemicals and techniques to remove soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces. In areas of the home with severe damage, we use multiple techniques to restore the home. Crews HEPA vacuum all surfaces to remove soot, dry sponges to wipe surfaces that could not be wet washed, and the carpeting was steam cleaned.
Our Restore vs. Replace Mentality
We clean and restore your property using specialized equipment and cleaning techniques. Our “restore first” mentality reduces interruption and gets you back to your life.
If you need Fire Damage Repair and Restoration your call us at (248) 427-1500
How to Properly Remove Soot
6/3/2020 (Permalink)
Technicians removing soot off the ceiling with a dry sponge in a home after a fire
Whether you operate a single facility or hundreds of commercial properties nationwide, fire damage requires prompt action to reduce losses and costly downtime. Who can you trust to provide dependable services and information?
Soot Removal. Our technicians are highly trained and certified in smoke and soot removal. Pictured is our Fire Damage Supervisor using a special sponge designed to pull smoke and soot off surfaces. This is the dry cleaning portion of removal. Next, depending on the surface (paint/wood/fabric type) we would wet clean the surface using SERVPRO grade chemicals. For the rest of the space odor removal and air purification systems would be put in place.
Our technicians respond quickly, providing a full line of cleaning and mitigation services to help ensure a faster recovery. We utilize technology designed specifically to provide you and your insurance company with quick. dependable information necessary to make more informed decisions faster, saving both time and money.
We make your fire damage "Like it never even happened."
SERVPRO cleans up after an aerosol can starts fire in West Bloomfield
5/28/2020 (Permalink)
The fire above was started after a waterproofing contractor used an aerosol can to the foundation wall in the furnace room
Aerosol cans of house cleaners, spray paints and other chemicals are filled with butane or propane as a propellant. If that can is heated up it can explode with deadly force. SERVPRO responds to Fire Damage Cleanup in West Bloomfield after a Water Proofing Contractor used an Aerosol Spray to the foundation wall in the Furnace Room. Fortunately, no one was injured and SERVPRO Technicians were able to Restore and Repair their Condominium.
Dangers associated with Water Heaters
According to Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors “vapors from the liquid, when mixed with the right combination of air, that ignite and burn. These vapors are (1) heavier-than-air and will stay low to the ground, (2) are invisible, (3) can migrate significant distances (10, 20, 30 or more feet), and (4) ignite and a flashback from a wide variety of ignition sources (pilot lights, open flames, sparks, etc.). Because many water heaters are floor-mounted, with their constantly burning pilot lights behind the cover plate, the pilot light serves as a ready ignition source for the low-to-the-ground vapors”
Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. When various materials burn, the soot and residue they create differ greatly and require a specific cleaning procedure. The steps listed below illustrate our process for the “typical” fire damage restoration. Learn more about our fire damage restoration process.
- Emergency Contact
- Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment
- Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service (if needed)
- Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)
- Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces
- Cleaning and Repair
- Restoration
Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today - SERVPRO of Farmington & Farmington Hills
(248) 427-1500
National Battery Day 2020
2/18/2020 (Permalink)
According to the US Fire Administration, smoke detectors should be tested at least once a month and batteries should be replaced at least once a year.
National battery day is observed every year on February 18th and it's a great way to remind homeowners as well as business owners to practice safe battery practices.
Batteries die, and other parts of the smoke detector can wear out over time. Testing them regularly and replacing batteries is one way to help ensure your family stays safe should there be a fire in your home.
Battery recycling is another important practice that consumers can participate in to help protect the environment and prevent fires. According to HOBI.com- a company dedicated to secure sustainable solutions, by recycling batteries, you can reduce the number of hazardous materials being put into the landfill which helps conserve our natural resources.
SERVPRO of Farmington and Farmington Hills is dedicated to enhancing sustainability practices alongside our community in an effort to reduce environmental harm. Here is a link Oakland County residents can visit to find out how to dispose of or recycle batteries: http://rrrasoc.org/about-us/event-schedule/#HHW
#NationalBatteryDay
Aerosol Paint Explodes in Furnace Room
4/15/2019 (Permalink)
Damage to furnace room after aerosol paint can causes damage
SERVPRO OF Farmington & Farmington Hills helps a Farmington Hills resident clean up their home after an aerosol paint explodes in the Furnace Room. Fortunately, only a minor injury resulted from the fire. Our technicians have the specialized fire and water damage restoration training, personnel, and equipment to handle fire and soot damage and can quickly restore your home to pre-fire condition.
Aerosol Paints are highly flammable. Aerosol paints use propellants, such as propane and butane gases, that are highly flammable. If the can is punctured or damaged and comes into contact with high heat or flame, the gases can ignite and cause an explosion or a fire. Oil-based paints and stains often contain flammable components, such as methanol, ketone, and toluene.
Aerosol paint should be stored separately from other storage materials as well as from any fixtures that feature high temperatures or flames. Never store flammable aerosol cans in a basement or similar area that features hot water heaters, gas heaters, fireplaces, boilers or any other type of intense heat.
When Fire Destroys your home
5/4/2018 (Permalink)
After Fire Destroys a home in Grosse Pointe, crews clean up the mess
SERVPRO of Farmington & Farmington Hills responds to a home in Grosse Pointe after a dryer catches on fire in a finished basement. The fire was so intense, it destroyed the entire home. Crews tarped the roof and back side of the house to prevent further damage, installed temporary lighting and then began the process of restoration.
Who can you trust to provide dependable services and information? Trust SERVPRO of Farmington & Farmington Hills to help you make it like it never happened!
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.
Step 1: Emergency Contact
The restoration process begins when you call us. Our representative will ask questions regarding the fire damage event that will help us respond immediately with the appropriate equipment and resources.
Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment
We carefully inspect and test adjoining rooms of your property to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is crucial to developing a plan of action.
Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service
Fire damage can often compromise windows, walls, and roofs. To maintain security and to protect against further damage, we can board up missing windows and walls and place tarps on damaged roofs.
Step 4: Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)
The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. We then use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process.
Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces
We use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces.
Step 6: Cleaning and Sanitizing
We clean, sanitize, and disinfect all of the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to restore your belongings to pre-fire condition. We’re also trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.
Step 7: Restoration
Restoration is the final step—getting your home or business to its pre-fire condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.
Our technicians respond quickly, providing a full line of cleaning and mitigation services to help ensure faster recovery. We utilize technology designed specifically to provide you and your insurance company with quick. dependable information necessary to make more informed decisions faster, saving both time and money.
Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today (248) 427-1500
Fire in Retail Store in Detroit Michigan
5/4/2018 (Permalink)
Air Scrubbers placed in storage room after a fire in a retail store in Detroit
Whether you operate a single facility or hundreds of commercial properties nationwide, a fire damage requires prompt action to reduce losses and costly down time. Who can you trust to provide dependable services and information?
Air Scrubbers were placed in the storage room of the retail store. Air Scrubbers removes particles, gasses, and/or chemicals from the air.
Our technicians respond quickly, providing a full line of cleaning and mitigation services to help ensure faster recovery. We utilize technology designed specifically to provide you and your insurance company with quick. dependable information necessary to make more informed decisions faster, saving both time and money.
At SERVPRO of Farmington & Farmington Hills we make your fire damage "Like it never even happened."
Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – (248) 427-1500
Can a Hot Water Heater start a Fire?
5/3/2018 (Permalink)
Hot Water Heater causes damage to Apartment in Westland
Hot Water Tank causes fire in an Apartment in Westland. The SERVPRO Team was there to help. Fortunately, no one was injured. The unit suffered moderate damage. SERVPRO of Farmington & Farmington Hills understands the devastation from a fire damage. SERVPRO was able to bring the apartment back to a preloss condition.
SERVPRO of Farmington & Farmington Hills can respond immediately to your commercial fire damage emergency regardless of the size or scope of the damage. We are part of a national network of over 1,700 Franchises with special Disaster Recovery Teams placed strategically throughout the country to respond to large scale events and disasters.
SERVPRO of Farmington & Farmington Hills proudly serves Farmington Hills, Northville, Farmington, and surrounding areas. Our Professional Technicians are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – (248) 427-1500
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