2024 Fire Prevention Week - Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work For You!

10/6/2024 (Permalink)

Make sure your smoke alarms are in working order today!

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has sponsored the public observance of Fire Prevention Week since 1922. It is observed every year during the week of October 9th in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire which caused devastating damage over 100 years ago. During Fire Prevention Week, and the whole month of October, firefighters provide lifesaving education to children, adults, and teachers, in an effort to drastically decrease casualties caused by fires.

This year's campaign focuses on the importance of having working smoke alarms in your home. The following are key smoke alarm safety tips and guidelines:

• Installation - install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area (like a hallway), and on each level of the home, including the basement.
• Testing - test smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button.
• Replacement - replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old or stop responding when tested. 

In the unfortunate event of a fire in your home, call SERVPRO of Lapeer and SERVPRO of Grand Blanc at 810-664-1000. Our expert team is ready to take the necessary steps to safely restore your property to its pre-fire condition.

You Can Clean Your Home With The Same Products as SERVPRO Professionals

9/2/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technicians have been developing and cleaning with the most advance products around. For over 50 years SERVPRO has been at the forefront of extreme fire and water disaster clean ups and restoration. In addition to offering our Certified SERVPRO Cleaned program, where our franchises perform a professional pathogen cleaning on your site, we are now proud to offer SERVPRO's certified disinfectant, SERVPROXIDE. This single product kills most viruses and bacteria and has an extremely low EPA toxicity rating, making it safe for everyday use.

SERVPROXIDE vs COMPETITION

SERVPROXIDE

-kills 99.999% of bacteria

-Requires no dilution

-Non bleach formulated

-No harsh chemicals or fumes

-NSF certified (safe around food)

-Lowest toxicity rating by EPA. 

COMPETION

- Kills 99.999% of bacteria

The facts speak for themselves. Add this to your daily cleaning protocol today!

Fireplace Safety

1/4/2022 (Permalink)

Now that the cold weather seems to be hear to stay... We would like to ask.......

Are you using your fireplace safely and correctly?

-If possible, keep a window slightly cracked while the fire is burning.

-Is your damper/flue open? Keeping it open will drawl the smoke outside out of the house. You can easily check by looking into the chimney with a flashlight.

-Use dry, older wood. Wet or green wood causes allot of smoke and soot buildup in the chimney. Dry wood burns more evenly.

-Smaller pieces of wood gathered together burn faster, producing less smoke.

-Are you getting annual chimney inspections by a professional? This is not only for cleaning but to ensure there are no blockages that prevent smoke from escaping.

-The layer of ash in the bottom of your fireplace should never stand more than 1” tall. A thick layer restricts air supply.

-Safety screens are a must if you have small children. They prevent curious hands from being burnt on hot glass.

-Keep the area around your fireplace clear of anything flammable.

-Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and routinely check the battery.

-Always know where your fire extinguisher is located in case of emergency

-Frequently speak with your kids about fireplace safety

Routine Exhaust Fan Maintenance

12/30/2021 (Permalink)

Bathroom exhaust fan fires are commonly caused by four different things.

1. Faulty wiring
2. Running the fan for extended periods of time
3. Overheating the motor
4. Failure to clean the fan

An exhaust fan fire can cause devastating damage. In the attached picture, you can see what a SERVPRO customer was left with after their fan caught fire. The fire department had to completely drown the bathroom and surrounding areas with water to put a stop to the flames, leaving the homeowner with extensive FIRE AND WATER damage.

To prevent this from happening in your home, follow these simple routine maintenance steps.

Get in the habit of inspecting and cleaning your bathroom fans regularly. Every six months to a year is recommended.

Exhaust fans should not run for long periods of time and should always be turned off before leaving the house. The recommended time to run the fan is between 15 and 20 minutes.

What Can be Saved vs Replaced with Smoke Damage?

11/12/2021 (Permalink)

Fires can cause extensive damage to your home and personal effects. The heat radiating from the flames will radiate and cause items to melt or crack. After the flames have been delt with you are left with the devastating after math of smoke damage.

What Can Be Saved?

It all depends on the extent of the damage as well as the cost involved. Some items will cost more to salvage then to replace. A specially trained SERVPRO professional can assess and determine what items should be cleaned, discarded or replaced.

How Does Smoke Affect Your Home?

Smoke does not affect all materials the same. Also, just how hot the fire got and what it originated from will affect the outcome. The worst way smoke can cause damage is when it sneaks into small cracks. The particles are so fine so they often go undetected for a long period of time, leaving a smoke smell that can last for a very long time. You can remove the smell from your home only by removing or cleaning the affected items and clean your home with special formula cleaner.

How Do You Clean Smoke Damage?

First and foremost, the home needs to be properly ventilated. Next all debris needs to be removed and every surface area needs to be cleaned. The quicker this step is complete the more likely you are to reduce the possibility of cross-contamination.

Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors are porous so smoke particles are often impossible to get out. The floor may have to be refinished or completely replaced.

Clothing

Commercial cleaning detergents should be enough to remove most, if not all of the smoke smell.

Do you have an Escape Plan?

10/27/2021 (Permalink)

A fire escape plan could be the difference between the life and death of a loved one. 

Start by creating a fire safety file that can be kept in a designated area.

Information to be included in the file.....

-A copy of the floor plan for each family member. 

     All exits (windows and doors) should be clearly labeled.

-Record the last date you replaced the batteries in each smoke detector.

     smoke detectors should be in each room as well as one outside of the room. 

-Each person should have there escape plan mapped out on their copy of the floor plan. If there are infants in the house, be sure to label who is responsible for them and map out the retrieval process. 

     Choose a back up person incase someone is not home.

-A mutually agreed upon meeting place should also be written on each floor plan along with important phone #'s that may be needed later on. 

If you have a fire at your home, call SERVPRO of Lapeer to take care of the disaster.

810-664-1000

After The Fire Trucks Leave

10/9/2021 (Permalink)

After the fire trucks leave, your home likely suffers from fire and smoke damage and extensive water damage from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO of Lapeer has the specialized fire restoration training needed to restore your home to pre-fire condition.

What should you do after a fire? Call SERVPRO!

Have Questions About Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Today (810-664-1000)

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 SERVPRO of Lapeer, whose phones are answered 24 hours a day. Our representative will ask a series of questions regarding the fire damage event.

Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment

Our Professionals will 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, SERVPRO of Lapeer 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. They will 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

SERVPRO of Lapeer uses specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces.

Step 6: Cleaning and Sanitizing

They will clean all the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. They use a variety of cleaning techniques to restore your belongings to pre-fire condition. They’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

Fires in The Workplace

5/27/2021 (Permalink)

Fires in the workplace can be especially devastating to business owners. There is the damage to the facility, any inventory, and then there is the longer timeline before you can get back up and running which may lead to loss of employees. SERVPRO does not often receive calls for workplace fires, however the ones they do respond to, often have major damage with a loss of most or all their inventory. Take note of these 4 most common reasons for workplace fires.   

Faulty Electrical Equipment 

Loose wires, overloaded plugs and faulty connections can lead to dangerous electrical fires. This often happens because businesses put off replacing functional but unsafe or outdated equipment. It requires a slight investment to keep your staff safe and saves money in the end. 

*Note- it is a business owners' responsibility to care for electrical equipment. These types are especially dangerous because they cannot be put out by water. Make sure you have a fire extinguisher in site for all employees.  

Flammable and Combustible Materials 

Workshops and garages can be prone to these types of fires. If these items are not stored properly certain tools like a circular saw can cause a spark and light near bye flammable chemicals. 

Lack of Staff Training 

Unforeseen accidents are always a possibility even when you have followed all rules and regulations. For this reason, employee training is vital! Proper training can prevent innocent mistakes, like covering the vents of electrical equipment, that could lead to a major disaster. If a fire does still occur, it is extremely important that all staff members are aware of your evacuation plan.  

Lack of resources and equipment in place  

Smoke detectors and fire alarms need to be installed and checked! This should seem like a given, but unfortunately that is not always the case. Investing in the initial upfront cost of these safety procedures could save you thousands of dollars in the end and most importantly will KEEP YOUR STAFF SAFE! 

If disaster should occur call  

SERVPRO of Lapeer 24/7-365. 

Think Before you Light your Candles

12/2/2020 (Permalink)

Did you know that December is the peak time of year for home fires started by candles? Each year an average of 7,900 home candle fires are reported! 

Candles smell great and give you a nice cozy feeling, especially in the cold winter months, but it is important you pay attention to a few things.

     Never leave your home while         a candle is burning. Before           walking away, make sure that      the flame has completely              burned out. 

     Never place a lit candle                 underneath a low shelf or             cabinet. make sure the candle       is placed somewhere free and       clear of anything that is                potentially flammable. 

     Never leave a child alone in a       room with a lit candle and             make sure that the candle is         up high enough so a child             cannot reach it and knock it           over.

SERVPRO of Lapeer is wishing you and your family a very safe and Merry Christmas this year. 

Overloaded Electrical Outlets

11/23/2020 (Permalink)

An overloaded outlet can get hot enough to burn through wires and start an electrical fire. 

Signs of Overloaded Circuits

• Humming or buzzing sounds
• Smoke coming for the outlets
• Dimming Lights
• Burning Smells 
• Frequently flipped circuit breakers
• Warm or discolored wall plates 

Immediate Fixes

You will simply want to disconnect some of the plugs, find a different outlet to use and flip the breakers back on. 

Long-Term Fix

Older homes are often not equipped with enough outlets to power all of your devices. You may want to add more outlets which is a great idea but it may overload your circuit breaker. You may have to install a new circuit controlled by a new breaker.  

SERVPRO of Lapeer is equipped to handle any size fire at your residential or commercial residence. 

if disaster should ever strike, let the experts at SERVPRO of Lapeer handle it.

810-664-1000

Thanksgiving Fire Safety

11/16/2020 (Permalink)

Thanksgiving is a time to relax and celebrate with family, but we wanted to take a moment to remind everyone to exercise caution while preparing Thanksgiving dinner. Statistically, fire departments respond to more residential fire calls on Thanksgiving day than any other day of the year.

Every year, 2,100 residential structures catch fire on Thanksgiving, resulting in 10 deaths, 50 serious injuries, and $28 million dollars in damage. Here are some simple steps that you can take to avoid disaster on your day of relaxation and celebration:

• Don’t leave food unattended while cooking
• Check all smoke detectors before beginning Thanksgiving dinner preparation
• Keep children and pets away from the kitchen
• Keep the kitchen floors unobstructed to avoid tripping
• Don’t use any electrical appliances that have damaged or severed cords (use this as an opportunity to treat yourself to some new kitchen toys!)
• Avoid using deep fryers (even in the back yard, the NFPA discourages ALL use of fryers)

As always, our crews are on call 24/7 365 days of the year, should disaster strike. Please take note of the steps above to protect your home and your family! Relax, kick back, enjoy some football, and give thanks!

On this Thanksgiving, we feel especially thankful for all of YOU, our loyal clients! 

Fall Fire Safety

10/19/2020 (Permalink)

The cooler weather has arrived and with that comes warm cozy sweaters, the burning of all fall scented candles and the constant baking of every dessert that includes pumpkins or apples. 

In the middle of all the warm fuzzy feelings, let's take a second to talk fall fire safety.

-Candles look and smell great but they are not always practical for families with younger children. Keeping them high up on a shelf or counter does not always guarantee safety. Kids love to climb, especially when they see that pretty orange flickering light. Battery operated candles are just as beautiful, last a lot longer and are a lot safer. 

- Baking is a fall must and it is also a great skill to teach your kids. Just be sure to use proper kitchen safety. Keep the stove top clean from any grease or dust. Keep towels away from the stove top and make sure everything is completely turned off when you are finished. 

Our Answer to Fire Damage

8/10/2020 (Permalink)

Fires can be devastating in so many ways. After the fire is put out, you are left with water damage from a sprinkler system or fire hose, and even worse is the lingering smell of smoke. You need a team of professionals who have certified training in all areas of restoration to help you rid that awful smell and take care of all the damage while you take care of the most important thing, your family.

As fire restoration pros, SERVPRO of Lapeer use 2 primary methods to eliminate odor 

1. Dry fogging- Dispenses solvent based deodorants as very small particles 

2. Ozone- Activated oxygen quickly dissipates with no residue, fragrances, or chemicals that some can be sensitive to.   

Call SERVPRO of Lapeer today for any of your restoration needs.

810-664-1000

Christmas Tree Hazards

12/4/2019 (Permalink)

Every year more and more families are moving away from the fake pre-lit Christmas trees and gravitating back towards the real thing. 

Real trees are beautiful, but as with most beautiful things in life, they can be dangerous. Take a look at these guid lines to keep your family and home safe.

-When shopping for that perfect tree, look for vibrant green needles that do not break easily. If a tree is already easily shedding its needles than it is likely not a freshly cut tree and more susceptible to catch fire.

- Make sure that there is always water in the tree base to prevent the tree from drying out and make sure the tree is placed far away from any heat sources like candles or fire places. 

-We all get tired at the end of the day and forget to do things but be sure to make unplugging your Christmas tree a part of your nightly routine. 

-Lastly, pay attention to what Christmas lights you purchase. Any lights you use outdoors need to be labeled suitable for outdoor use.

Before Turning on your Furnace

10/28/2019 (Permalink)

The ups and downs in temperature seem to be at an end, leaving us with only the cold days. Many families are thinking about or already have turned there furnace on. Below are a few things you should check for when you do. 

Smell

You should consider having your duct system cleaned before turning the furnace on because dust will settle in your ducts during the warm months and inevitably burn off when the furnace is turned on, causing an odor. If the smell persists for more than a few days or if any smoke is coming from the ducts you should turn it off right away and call for assistance.  

Carbon Monoxide Detector

Carbon Monoxide is an odorless gas that can cause severe health issues and even lead to death. Be sure to have a carbon monoxide detector installed if you do not already have one. Pay close attention to it when turning on the furnace and if the alarm goes off or you get a reading that is over 30, turn the furnace off right away and call a technician. Some professionals suggest leaving your home until it is assessed if the alarm goes off or at the very least open any and all windows to air out the space.

Noises

Your furnace can tell you allot by how it sounds. Does it seem like it is working to hard to run by making new and intense noises? Is the furnace not blowing warm air? The first thing you should do is check your breaker to make sure the furnace is receiving power. 

SERVPRO of Lapeer is dedicated to helping your family have a safe and happy fall season. 

If you need help finding a technician or someone to clean your ducts give us a call anytime. If a more serious matter should arrive and you need a restoration team, we are ready for your call 7 days a week and 24 hours a day.

SERVPRO of Lapeer

810-664-1000

House Fire Causes and Prevention

10/3/2019 (Permalink)

The most common cause of a house fire is cooking equipment. You should never leave your stove unattended while cooking.

Did you know that smoking in a bedroom is the leading cause for fire related fatalities? Smoking outside of the home is the best way to insure your safety and the safety of your loved ones.

Children are naturally curious about everything and if given the opportunity they may light something on fire just to see what happens. It is important to keep lighters and matches out of reach. Dont leave fire education up to your children. Teach them the importance of fire safety, create a fire escape plan and always remember "stop, drop and roll."

Faulty wiring can cause electrical fires and lamp shades can easily over heat if they are tipped over or too close to the light bulb 

BBQ's are a summer time favorite but make sure that your grill is never used inside the garage or too close to the outside of your home.

Fires can travel incredibly fast and are extremely dangerous.

how Can you Prepare your Children for A House Fire?

9/25/2019 (Permalink)

Many children like sleeping with their doors open in fear of the boogeyman hiding under there bed. However this picture shows why it is so important for bedroom doors to stay shut at night time. A shut door can keep out smoke and eventually fire and save a life. 

- Routine at home fire drills are a great way to keep your kids ready and aware. Kids practice them at school, why wouldn't you teach them at home?
Stop, Drop, and Roll is universal.  Also teach them to stay low, and how to check with the back of their hand to see if a door is warm.  Pick an easy place outside like the swing set for everyone to meet.

-Smoke alarms should be in every bedroom and properly maintained.

As always, our crews are on call 24/7 365 days of the year, should disaster strike. 

Thank you for helping to make SERVPRO of Lapeer your source for all your Genesee County restoration needs!

Fire Prevention in the Laundry Room

9/16/2019 (Permalink)

While kitchen fires are still the leading cause of house fires in the United States, an average of 42 families are affected by laundry room fires per day.

The most frustrating thing about these fires is that they could have easily been prevented with just a few simples rules to follow.

Always make sure that both your washer and dryer and plugged into an outlet with the correct amount of voltage and never use an extension cord to run your machines. 

Your lint screen needs to be cleared out after every use and once a month it should be cleaned with warm soapy water (make sure it dries completely before putting it back into the dryer). 

Be sure to keep the floor free and clear of any cleaning chemicals or other flammable items.

Installing a fire alarm in the laundry room or in the hallway outside of the laundry room can help keep your family safe incase anything was to happen. 

A Fire Occurs Every 18 Seconds

9/10/2019 (Permalink)

Only one matters to you!

What does SERVPRO of Lapeer do for you when your home and family are affected?

1. Within one hour a SERVPRO Franchise Professional will call to arrange for service.

2. Within 4 short hours a professional will arrive on-site prepared to begin emergency mitigation services, if so needed.

3. A Project Manager of SERVPRO will review your home with you and address any questions or concerns.

4. The SERVPRO Project Manager will then go through your home starting from the fire and working his way outward to see what is restorable or salvageable. 

5. Next SERVPRO will present to you and your insurance adjuster a plan of action, also known as a "Scope of Work".

6. Your home will be cleaned and restored by SERVPRO Franchise Professionals.

7. After all of the work is completed, a final walk-through will be conducted with you to help ensure your satisfaction

Fire and Smoke damage restoration

8/4/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lapeer provides 24-hour fire and smoke damage restoration service in Oxford.

Fire damage repair must begin quickly to maximize effectiveness. We answer the call and immediately move action 24/7. Recognizing the trauma and emotional upset that occupants suffer, we work quickly and considerately to mitigate damage on salvageable property, such as household items, furniture, metals and other contents.

Fire and smoke damage restoration requires knowledge and skill; SERVPRO of Lapeer have the expertise to do the job right.

Our certified professionals determine the full extent of fire damage, including the impact of smoke, heat, and residues from fire and smoke. We keep home and business owners informed, helping to overcome their loss and restoring hope by explaining what can be saved and how, in a way, they can understand what is happening, what to expect, and what they can do.  Emergency fire damage repair services are then employed.

Emergency fire damage repair services in Oxford can reverse much of the effects of fire and smoke damage. Restoration and fire damage repairs with SERVPRO of Lapeer can make a very trying time much less unpleasant.

Our state-of-the-science techniques and cleaning solutions can dramatically increase the likelihood of saving property without needing to replace it.

SERVPRO of Lapeer offers the following fire mitigation services:

• Smoke and Odor Removal
• Complete Cleaning & Sanitation
• Professional Deodorization
• Temporary Protection

With 24-hour emergency response service, SERVPRO of Lapeer in Oxford saves your time and money.

Fire Damage Restoration

7/25/2017 (Permalink)

If you’ve just experienced a fire or smoke damage at your home or business, then you need professional help. That’s why we’re here at all hours, every day of the year to help you recover.

SERVPRO of Lapeer provides 24-hour fire damage restoration services in Oxford.

For emergency service, call (810) 664-1000right now!

As certified fire remediation experts, SERVPRO of Lapeer uses the most advanced processes and equipment in the industry. We put the highest value on open communication and customer service and document the entire fire damage restoration process.

 We get homes back to the condition they were in before the fire, with minimal loss of property. And we get businesses repaired, up to code and back in operation in as little time as possible.

SERVPRO of Lapeer is your expert fire damage restoration contractors!

Get 24 Hour Emergency Fire Damage Service In Flint

7/21/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lapeer provides 24-hour storm and fire damage restoration service in Flint.

Fire can cause large amount of damage on your property. However, there are other damages that can seriously affect the building as well. The Best Fire Damage Restoration in Flint homeowners and commercial property owners need to choose from many Fire Damage Restoration Contractors in Flint.

Fires are inevitable, and when they occur, you'll want someone who can repair any structural damage, as well as remove any smoke damage stains, soot coatings and odors to get the property back to preloss condition. If your home is damaged by fire, it is critical to contact a company that specializes in the fire and smoke restoration process as soon as possible to prevent additional damage.

SERVPRO of Lapeer is your expert fire damage restoration contractors!

Our fire restoration process includes:

• Prompt damage assessment, pretesting and estimates
• Emergency board-up and structural stabilization
• Environment friendly methods for cleaning soot and other residue from fire damage
• Smoke odor removal, sanitation and air purification
• Expert certified fire damage restoration professional
• Fully licensed & insured fire damage restoration contractor
• Commercial, Residential & Municipal Fire Damage Restoration

Fire Damage Restoration in Flint is widely accepted as the best alternative to keeping your system working efficiently. This type of repair is the modern alternative to Fire Damage Restoration, SERVPRO of Lapeer in Flint are licensed and insured contractors that are available 24 hours a day. These experienced, licensed and knowledgeable contractors are available for any Fire Damage Restoration in Flint and the surrounding areas.

Facts of Smoke and soot:

• 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.

Hit with fire or smoke damage? Call SERVPRO (810) 664-1000

Lapeer County Smoke and Soot Cleanup

12/19/2016 (Permalink)

Smoke and Soot Damage Can Cause a Pervasive Odor in Your Home.

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 Lapeer and Grand Blanc 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 – 810-664-1000