Reduce the Risk of Fire Around Your Property | SERVPRO® of East Central Cincinnati

5/19/2023 (Permalink)

Make sure your home is ready if disaster strikes. Call SERVPRO of East Central Cincinnati if you experience a house fire.

Spring is in full swing around the Cincinnati area, and we couldn’t be more grateful for the blooming trees and warmer weather.

As we jump into spring-cleaning projects around the home to freshen things up and welcome in a new season, it is important to take necessary steps to prevent or reduce your risk of experiencing a house fire during this time of year.

Get Your Equipment Ready

In the winter months, we certainly abandon certain outdoor equipment like our hedge trimmers and lawn mowers, and even our gas grills if we don’t like standing outside in the cold. As our equipment sits without much maintenance for a while, it can become vulnerable to leaks or malfunctions that increase your fire risk.

Before that first summer BBQ, check your gas lines and connections for leaks or dents to ensure you don’t have a gas leak anywhere near your grill. A gas leak is a huge fire risk!

Your lawn mowers and other power equipment outside should also be inspected. Dented gas tanks or missing gas caps should be fixed quickly to help reduce your risk of a malfunction or accident.

Get The Inside of Your Home Ready

Most house fires that start inside the home are preventable as long as you keep a clean space and are responsible with any flame. The first thing you should do this season is ensure that the vents leading to and from the house are not blocked or clogged with lint. This includes your HVAC vents and your dryer vents. If your air can’t safely escape, it could lead to malfunctions or even start a fire.

When it comes to house fires, the most common location for their origin is in the kitchen. When you are cooking, never leave the kitchen, even if only for a minute. All it takes is for a cotton towel to shift on the counter or a wooden spoon to fall onto the heat and you could be dealing with an out-of-control fire situation.

Remove Debris Buildup

Spring is one of the most important seasons when it comes to reducing your risk of a house or property fire. After a long winter, leaves and yard debris are often left to pile up under snow piles or frozen ground.

When everything has melted, you are typically left with big piles of leaves and other extremely combustible materials. A single spark from a large bonfire can ignite a pile of debris quickly.

As you clean up around your yard, be mindful about where you rake and dump your piles. Try to keep them far away from your structures and from any dry wood piles, and consider removing the debris completely and taking it to a local composting site.

Preventing a house fire is always the most reliable way to avoid fire damage, but if you do end up experiencing a house or property fire, SERVPRO of East Central Cincinnati is here for you. Call us as soon as the fire is out, and we will be there to help.

House fires can cause widespread damage. If you experience a fire this year, call us at SERVPRO of East Central Cincinnati.

The Role of Fire Alarms in Your Home

6/27/2022 (Permalink)

Map out the escape routes from each room in the house.

Fire Safety Strategies

Keeping your family safe is one of your top priorities. No matter how careful you are, though, your home in Cincinnati, OH, could still catch fire. Understanding both safety strategies such as fire alarms and the basics of the fire restoration process can help you protect your family in this situation.

Fire Safety Strategy
The appropriate number of smoke detectors for your home depends primarily on its size. There are several criteria for determining how many smoke detectors you need and where to place them:

• Central location on every level
  
• Outside each bedroom
  
• Out of the path of fans or vents
  
• Over 10 feet from heat sources
  
  

Fire Escape Plan
You don't have time to worry about smoke damage when the fire is raging. It's important to have a clear emergency plan. Everyone needs to know what to do when the smoke alarms go off. Map out the escape routes from each room in the house, and discuss and practice them with your family.

Fire Restoration Process
Many smart fire alarms are designed to contact emergency services as soon as they go off. This can aid in the restoration process by getting firefighters to your home more quickly, thus potentially reducing the amount of damage that occurs in the first place. After the fire is put out, the damage cleaning can begin.
Fire damage mitigation specialists start the process by assessing the extent of the problem. Then they remove ruined materials. They clean up smoke and soot and get rid of the odor these substances leave behind. Once everything is sanitized and dry, they rebuild the structure and restore your salvageable belongings.
Your fire safety strategy starts with having smoke alarms strategically placed for maximum effectiveness and extends to a clear escape plan. Even if a fire does happen to break out, the fire restoration team can start within a few hours of the event to get your home back to normal.

Techniques To Rid Your Home of Smoke Odors

5/25/2022 (Permalink)

Ozone treatment gets rid of odors that can't be washed or scrubbed out of materials.

Home Deodorization

Perhaps someone in your home in Amberley Village, OH, has just quit smoking for good. The only thing that remains of this habit is the smell that seems to cling to furniture, carpeting, clothing and curtains. You are interested in a total home deodorization, but you are not sure how to go about it most effectively.
This is a common problem, as getting rid of smoke odors requires specialized equipment and techniques that go beyond ordinary cleaning. Even after cleaning your home, you might find that the odor of cigarette smoke returns and lingers. Fortunately, there are solutions to this odor problem.

Ozone Treatment
This method gets rid of odors that can't be washed or scrubbed out of materials. It is an option for home deodorization, but the process is complicated. It should be used in combination with a thorough cleaning of the house, and any fragile items in the home should be removed before beginning the treatment. Safety precautions strongly recommend people not to stay in the home while the ozone process is underway.
The removal of odors works in this manner:

• Ozone, an unstable molecule containing three oxygen atoms, is released into the area.
  
• One oxygen atom detaches and bonds with other molecules.
  
• This turns smelly molecules into non-smelly ones.
  
  

For all practical purposes, this is not a DIY job. For safety and best results, professional smoke mitigation is necessary to manage this treatment.

Other Methods
Experienced mitigation services have many other options for removing smells from your home, whether it is lingering cigarette smoke or the aftermath of a house fire. Trained technicians can use air filtration devices, fogging machines, and air scrubbers to remove odors associated with a fire.
As experts in home deodorization, smoke smell technicians recognize the science behind smells and in most cases can remove odors without leaving a trace. They use the best industry practices for making sure your home smells pleasant at all times.

Tips for Filing an Insurance Claim After a Business Fire

3/27/2022 (Permalink)

This factory suffered from smoke and soot stains after it experienced a large fire.

How To File An Insurance Claim

A commercial fire in Deer Park, OH, can put a dent in your company's bottom line. That is why you likely have insurance to cover any fire damage. You should file a fire claim as soon as possible so you can quickly get your business back up and running. Whether you call the insurer or fill out an online form, make sure you provide the location of the fire, your claim number, and both primary and secondary contact information.

Preparing for the Adjuster

Once you file the claim, an insurance adjuster will come to the property to check out the damage. Here are some ways you can get ready for the visit.

Keep Track of Any Necessary Records

You will need to show the adjuster how much you spent on each of the various destroyed items. You should thus keep the relevant receipts handy.

Take Plenty of Photos

When making a fire claim, you generally want to keep all damaged items on the property until the adjuster arrives to inspect them. If you have to discard debris ahead of time, take pictures to show the adjuster.

Make Temporary Repairs

Feel free to make temporary repairs to minimize any further damage to your property. This includes securing doors or windows.

Next Steps

Once the adjuster has assessed the value of the damage, you should call your insurance provider or go online to check on the status of your claim. You may even want to set up an online account to make the process go more smoothly.
In addition, make sure to record how much money you spend to repair or preserve your company after the adjuster leaves. This may include the cost of hiring a professional restoration company. If you are forced to temporarily relocate your business during the fire restoration process, you should write down the operating costs associated with this new location.
A fire does not have to destroy your company. By filing a fire claim, following the above steps and using commercial building restoration services, your office space should return to normal in no time.

3 Reasons You Need Fire Insurance Now

1/28/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial fire damage in Madeira, OH.

Three Important Reasons To Invest In Fire Insurance

Fire insurance isn’t often top of mind when running a thriving business, but it should be. Without it, a simple conflagration can spell the end of the Madeira, OH, business you’ve worked so hard to build. Still not quite convinced? Here are some reasons to invest in this important coverage without delay.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, firefighters respond to a blaze in the U.S. every 24 seconds, resulting in billions of dollars in damage. Fires can result in:

• Loss of income
  
• Brand damage
  
• Business closure
  
  

And those are just a few of the immediate threats. Here are a few more reasons why getting a fire insurance policy makes sense.

Because Your Business Is High Risk

Operating a food establishment? This is one of the most obvious places where a fire threat exists, but there are many more. Businesses that require welding or other open flame practices are at risk. Even a salon or religious building can be the victim of bad wiring, so take heed.

Because It Covers More Than Fire

One of the most devastating losses in a fire can be the loss of profits. Most fire coverage providers offer add-ons for business interruption that can help cover everything from staff expenses to temporary relocation. Insurance can also cover things like fire restoration and smoke cleanup to get your business back on track.

Because Fires Are Expensive

While the average cost of a home fire is estimated at $12,000, a single warehouse fire can exceed $100,000. While fire policies don’t typically cover everything, they will absorb the bulk of costs, enabling you to keep more money in your pocket just when you need it.

You’ve put too much work into your business to see it lost or irreparably harmed due to fire damage. Give it the protection it deserves. Contact a fire insurance company today!

How Can You Minimize the Risk of Space Heater Fires at Home?

12/10/2021 (Permalink)

A space heater can be your best friend on a cold day.

How Can Space Heaters Cause Fires

If you stop and consider the ways in which your Deer Park, OH, home may be at risk for fire, you could come up with a startling lengthy list. Near the top of the list of these potential causes is the dreaded space heater. A burned space heater can be a nasty culprit for disastrous fires. Understand how these heaters can cause fires and what you can do to eliminate the risks.

An Overview

While it’s true that space heaters are common causes for fires and need for smoke cleanup, reducing fire risks doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, with a few simple steps, you should be able to avoid a burned space heater in most circumstances.

• Turn off your space heater if you leave the area for an extended period.
  
• Clean the filters regularly.
  
• Leave plenty of space around the heater.
  
  

Turn it Off

A space heater can be your best friend on a cold day if your furnace isn’t working well or if you don’t have one. You may be thinking leaving it on all day will help warm up your home faster and more effectively. However, this will only increase the likelihood of it having problems or starting fires. When you leave your home, or if you don’t plan on being in a certain part of your house for a while, turn it off.

Clean the Filter

Don’t put off this important step. Keep extra filters handy and replace them as they become dirty. When in doubt, consult your owner’s manual. It’s better to change it out unnecessarily than to leave it in too long.

Situate it properly

Don’t put your space heater in a cramped space or near blankets. Also, don’t plug in multiple space heaters in a single outlet.

If your space heater does cause a fire, get in touch with a professional smoke cleanup crew right away. However, if you follow these guidelines, you shouldn’t have to worry about fire or smoke concerns from a burned space heater.

Safety Tips for a More Enjoyable BBQ

10/25/2021 (Permalink)

Follow general safety tips and enjoy grilling out.

Safety Tips To Prevent A Grill Fire

While many people in Indian Hill, OH, enjoy grilling out, a grill fire can make an afternoon cookout much less pleasant. By following some general safety tips, you can keep your family and your home safe from harm.

1. Keep the Grill Clean and Well-Maintained

Before using the grill, check that all stationary parts are secure and all moving parts, such as the lid or wheels, move freely. Remove any flammable material or excess grease that might have gotten near the burner. For propane grills, check for gas leaks and other flaws. To keep the grill properly maintained and functioning optimally, take it to be serviced by a professional.

2. Keep the Grill Away From Flammable Surfaces

Always use the grill outside to avoid BBQ smoke damage on the inside of buildings. Choose a level place for the grill at least 10 feet away from buildings where it won’t tip or roll. Make sure it is not leaning against anything such as chairs or deck railings. Avoid overhanging branches and keep flammable liquids away from hot surfaces.

3. Supervise the Grill at All Times

Do not leave the grill unattended while it is still hot or has hot coals in it. Be especially mindful of children and pets who might unwittingly start a BBQ fire or might try to play with potentially hazardous supplies, such as hot tools or lighter fuel. Don’t forget that the grill might still be hot long after you’ve stopped cooking, especially a charcoal grill.

4. Be Prepared and Use Recommended Equipment

Always use the recommended fuel in propane grills and the correct starter for charcoal grills. Keep a fire extinguisher on hand whenever the grill is in use. If a grill fire starts, you may be able to limit the damage by lowering the grill cover or turning off the fuel if it is safe to approach. Immediately contact emergency services if the fire gets out of hand.

By following general safety tips to prevent a grill fire, outdoor cooking will be a much more relaxing activity.

Understanding Home Fires and Insurance

7/22/2021 (Permalink)

When a fire damages your home SERVPRO of can help you.

A home fire at your dwelling in Terrace Park, OH is devastating. There is soot damage, smoke damage and water damage from the firefighters putting out the flames. Many of your personal belongings are lost or in need of proper cleaning. Most residential fires are covered by insurance, but some are not. The cause is crucial to determining coverage. Read below to know what is typically covered and what is not. Each individual policy is different, so be sure to confirm with your agent.

What Causes Are Usually Covered?

For most homeowner’s insurance, almost all fire types are covered under the policy, including, but not limited to the following

• Kitchen fires are one of the main causes of residential fires. This type of fire spreads quickly and leads to significant damage.
• Failing electrical systems or appliances, especially those that are old or poorly maintained, pose a fire risk.
• The HVAC system, space heater or wood stove may ignite a house fire.
• Even though smoking rates have decreased over the past few decades, it remains a common reason for residential fires.
  • External causes, such as lightning strikes and wildfires, are rare but can be a fire hazard.

When Is a Home Fire Not Covered?

There are two main causes of house fires not covered by homeowner’s insurance: 

• Arson is never covered if the fire is set by the homeowner or someone acting on the homeowner’s behalf. If investigators find evidence of a fire set by the owner to collect insurance money, no damage is covered and criminal charges may be filed.
• A vacant home fire is not typically covered if it is unoccupied at the time of the fire. However, this is covered if the homeowner has an added endorsement to the policy.

When you have a home fire in Terrace Park, OH insurance coverage for fire and water damage is key to an affordable recovery. Work with your insurance adjustor and a fire restoration specialist to rebuild, replace and restore your home to pre-fire condition.

Situations When Your Insurance Won’t Cover a House Fire

7/6/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage in Indian Hill, OH.

Do you ever get frustrated making that monthly insurance premium payment? You may spend a fair amount of money on homeowner’s insurance, but if the time comes when you need to use it, you’re grateful for the coverage it provides. Insurance can give you peace of mind and save you from financial ruin. Take a home fire, for example. Your homeowner’s insurance will cover the cost of loss in a fire in most cases. There are only a few situations in which you’ll be out of luck.

Unusual Circumstances

Let’s get the most uncommon issues out of the way first. There are a few events where your policy wouldn’t cover a fire at your Indian Hill, OH, home, but the chances of these are extremely small. Still, it’s helpful to know that you are on the rare and unfortunate end of these situations that you’ll have to seek help in some other way.

• Nuclear Blast. If this happens at our near your home, there are more widespread things to worry about. But your policy won’t cover it.
• Act of war. If a home fire starts as a result of an invading army, you can’t rely on your insurance for help.

Intentional Fires

Under no conditions will any insurance company ever cover a fire that started from arson. People sometimes try this method to get money from their insurance. This act won’t just leave you with damage or potentially no home, but it’s punishable with prison time.

Vacant Building

Your homeowner’s policy won’t cover fire damage if it occurs when your home was vacant. Usually, this means you haven’t occupied it for more than 30 consecutive days. You can purchase additional insurance in these cases in the event a vacant home fire causes damage or destroys the structure.

If you need further information about cleaning up after a fire, contact an expert restoration specialist. You should also become familiar with your insurance policy and understand to what extent it will cover a home fire.

4 Hidden Causes of a Cigarette Fire

3/22/2021 (Permalink)

Make sure you put out your cigarette well.

4 Hidden Causes of a Cigarette Fire

Although everyone knows a cigarette fire can cause considerable damage to a home, exactly how this type of fire happens may be less obvious. Cigarette fires start for many reasons. Here are four lesser-known — but no less dangerous — causes.

1. Ashtray Fires
When smokers extinguish their cigarettes in ashtrays, they expect those cigarettes to go out. This isn't always the case. A pile of spent ashes from another smoker can start a fire if those earlier ashes haven't been put out completely. A smoker in a hurry may think he or she has fully extinguished a cigarette when, in reality, that butt is still burning. Ashtrays in public spaces can also be filled with trash and other materials that are essentially tinder for an ashtray fire.

2. Careless Outside Smoking
People smoke outside their homes for many reasons, including the belief that smoking outdoors will eliminate any chance of a fire occurring inside the home. This is false.
Although smoking outside is listed on many fire prevention checklists, smoking in the driveway or other outdoor areas can still cause a cigarette fire. Leaving a lit cigarette on a porch or a deck can cause a fire, for example. Tossing a cigarette into the grass can also create the need for fire cleanup.

3. Trashcan Ash
When placed into the trash with other garbage, the tiniest of embers can start a fire. Cigarette ashes must be completely extinguished before disposal to prevent the chance of a fire.

4. E-Cigarettes
Many assume that e-cigarettes cannot cause a fire because they are flameless. This is false. Although rare, the battery in an e-cig can overheat, causing a potentially fiery explosion.
Even with preventative measures, a cigarette fire can still happen in Amberly Village, OH. In the event that it does, contact your local fire damage restoration company to return your home to its original condition.

How To Prepare Your Home for a Fire: 3 Quick Tips

1/28/2021 (Permalink)

Preparing for a fire at your Cincinnati, OH, home can give you peace of mind

3 Quick Tips

It can be difficult to know when a fire might strike your Cincinnati, OH, home, as risk factors vary from family to family. However, there are a few ways you can prepare for an emergency like this to ensure everyone in your home escapes if a fire breaks out. Fire preparation can be as simple as making a checklist and keeping a few tips in mind for practicing fire safety around the home.

1. Prepare an Evacuation Plan

One of the most effective ways to prepare for a residential fire is to have a plan of action in place. This includes creating an escape route with at least two exits, having an established safe meeting place outside the home and teaching your children the dos and don’ts of escaping a fire. Having this plan prepared beforehand can help you feel confident in the face of a house fire.

2. Make a Safety Checklist

Being ready to act during a fire can mean the difference between escape and injury. This includes being proactive about fire safety and having the tools you might need to fight or flee from a fire. As you create your checklist, include gear such as working smoke detectors in every room, rope ladders for escaping from the second floor, fire extinguishers in the kitchen and the utility room and a well-stocked first aid kit out in the garage. Ask a fire damage and restoration service to assess your home’s risk for fire and what advice the company’s technicians might have to help you create your fire preparation list.

3. Perform Fire Drills

You can test the viability of your evacuation plan by performing a fire drill every few months. Simulate a home fire and time your family’s escape. If you find that it takes too long, you can edit and tweak your evacuation plan to make it more efficient.

Preparing for a fire at your Cincinnati, OH, home can give you peace of mind. From preparing safety checklists to assessing risk, fire preparation can help you protect the lives of your loved ones.

Five Tips for Avoiding a Gas Explosion

12/14/2020 (Permalink)

A gas leak detector can help you in this type of situation

Tips To Avoid A Gas Explosion

For many homeowners, natural gas is used for hot water, the stove and oven as well as home heating. While many people prefer this type of energy use in this home, it’s important to be alert regarding a potential leak of gas in the home. If you ever smell gas or hear a hissing sound in your home in Cincinnati, OH, a gas fire or explosion may be imminent. Here are some tips to avoid a gas explosion which can lead to major fire damage.

Detecting a Gas Leak
The two most common indicators of a gas leak are the smell of gas and hearing a hissing sound of gas escaping. Your next steps are critical in preventing a gas fire or explosion:

• Turn off the stove or oven. Check to see if any burners are on if it’s safe to do so.
• Keep all lights off. The electric spark from turning on a light may ignite. Use a flashlight if you need to see.
• Open doors and windows. This ventilates your home and provides a way for gases to escape.
• Know where your gas meter is and how to turn it off. Don’t wait until an emergency to learn how to turn the meter on or off.
• Exit the premises. In any situation, exit the home with household members, including pets. When you’re a safe distance away, notify the authorities by calling 9-1-1.
• Using a cell phone inside your home may also spark a flame.

If safe, warn other neighbors of the leak. You should have an emergency plan in place for dealing with a gas leak ahead of time.

Following Up
You should not return to your home until it’s declared safe to do so by the proper authorities. Because a gas fire may occur, it’s important to make sure you know how to contact your insurance company. There will be damage from fire, smoke and water used to extinguish the blaze that a professional fire restoration provider can clean and repair.

Handling Smoke Damaged Electronics

10/26/2020 (Permalink)

Electronic damaged by smoke

When an electrical fire engulfs your commercial building in Deer Park, OH, almost none of your possessions are safe. Vital electronic devices, such as computers, appliances, hard drives and other items are no exception. In most cases, you do have to either contact professional assistance, or replace the devices altogether. However, you might still be able to save your possessions if you use the following steps.

Types of Smoke Damage

There are several different ways that smoke damage can affect your electronic devices:

Corrosion from Smoke Acidity: Soot is acidic in nature, which can easily corrode your devices. Ultimately, this drastically reduces your devices' lifespans.
Magnetization: Many people don't realize that smoke actually carries a magnetic charge. The unfortunate truth is that this charge can easily short circuit your electronics.
Black Film on Insulation: When smoke seeps into your computers, hard drives or other devices, it leaves behind a black film. This affects the devices' insulation abilities, ultimately causing them to overheat. In some cases, this event can release toxic fumes, or even lead to another electrical fire.

Cleaning Smoke Damaged Electronics
Calling professional help is your best chance at success when it comes to computer cleanup. However, if you still wish to tackle the issue yourself, you can follow these steps:

• Cut the power to your electronic devices. This may involve removing the batteries or disconnecting the power outlets. Leave them completely shut off until the cleaning process is complete.
  
• Use a soft rag to gently wipe off any soot you discover on the exterior of the device.
  
• Use an air compressor to gently blow smoke out of the device's outlets, air vents and ports.
  
  

If these steps are unsuccessful, you might want to check your devices' warranties to see whether smoke damage is covered.
An electrical fire can wreck havoc on your commercial building, damaging your devices and halting business endeavors. Business cannot continue until your computers, hard drives and appliances are back in working condition. While the steps above can help, your best course of action is to contact fire remediation experts.

How to Protect Yourself From Kitchen Fires

9/15/2020 (Permalink)

Learn what type of fire extinguisher you need and how to use it

You already know the kitchen is one of the most likely places in your home to experience a fire. Still, it may not have occurred to you that it’s the perfect spot for a fire extinguisher. Before dashing out to purchase one, learn what type you need and how to use it most effectively.

Choosing Fire Protection

These are the four unique categories of extinguishers:

Class A, used to put out fires involving paper and wood.
Class B, used to douse flammable liquids such as oil and grease.
Class C, used to stop electrical troubles.
Class D, used to halt metal blazes.

Because we aim to provide protection from a kitchen fire overtaking your residence in Indian Hill, OH, the appropriate choice is Class B. Before opening your wallet, confirm the fire extinguisher you are considering purchasing is comfortable to use and easy to handle. After arriving home, position your protective gear in an unobstructed, easily accessible spot.

Using Fire Protection
When flames break out, first call the fire department and then check to see that you have a clear escape route. Close any open windows that could cause a breeze to blow smoke and obstruct your vision, vastly complicating matters should a fast exit become required.
Use the P.A.S.S. technique to properly discharge your device. Pull: Break the tamper-proof seal and remove the pin. Aim: Always point at the base of the blaze. Squeeze: Depress the handle. Sweep: Using slow, deliberate motions, move from left to right and back again until the inferno has been completely vanquished.
Remember that structural fire damage is never worth risking your life over. Leave immediately if the danger grows out of control and allow the fire department to do its job. Later, a fire restoration service can work to repair any damage your house sustains.
When cooking incidents occur, having a fire extinguisher readily available gives you a distinct advantage. Therefore, always have one on standby just in case an emergency strikes.

Soot and Smoke Cleaning

7/1/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial Fire in Madeira, OH

Soot and smoke damage to your Madeira, OH, business can be a major hassle. Fortunately, there are a variety of options for cleaning smoke and soot.

Smoke Cleaning

Smoke can linger for long periods of time. Fortunately, there are several ways to address smoke odor, including the following:

• Air purification
  
• Ozone treatment
  
  
  

Thermal Fogging

It is important to actually eliminate the smoke odor particles, rather than simply covering the smell with candles or air fresheners. Purifiers with HEPA filters are especially good for trapping smoke particles. If the air purifier does not fully eliminate the odor, it may be time to try an ozone treatment or thermal fogging. Ozone treatments work by releasing ozone into the air. Due to the chemical makeup of ozone, it can attach to smoke particles and create new particles that do not emit a smoky odor. Thermal foggers heat up surfaces, causing them to expand. This allows the deodorizer to reach into crevices and other areas that normally would have been sealed off.

Soot Cleaning
In addition to smoke damage, you may also have soot damage. There are several types of soot. The following are three of the most common:

• Wet soot
  
• Dry soot
  
• Protein residue
  
  

Wet soot is caused by slow-burning fires, often fueled by rubber and plastics. Dry soot is the result of fast-burning fires. When organic matter (such as food) evaporates due to high heat from a fire, the residue is known as protein residue. If not dealt with quickly and properly, soot can lead to further damage by corroding surfaces. There are different cleaners and methods for every type of soot. It is important to use the proper technique for the type of soot damage you are dealing with so as not to make the problem worse. Due to the complex nature of soot cleanup, it may be necessary to hire professional help.
Dealing with soot and smoke damage may feel overwhelming. Fortunately, a certified restoration service can help you get your business back to normal quickly and safely.

Fire-Readiness Measures That Can Save Your Home

6/8/2020 (Permalink)

Home fire drills are the most effective way to practice your fire escape plan

Fire-Readiness Measures That Can Save Your Home

It’s no fun to think about the possibility of having a fire break out in your home. Fire-safety experts know that good preparation and a fire escape plan are essential elements in reducing your home fire risk and protecting your structure. This discussion may help you round out your existing plan or design a new one.

Planning

Involving your household in an emergency escape plan will help you all work together to respond quickly and safely in the event of a fire. It is helpful to create household fire drills to practice the elements necessary to extinguish the fire or evacuate and contact emergency services. Consider these practices:

• Walking every room with your household members to identify the viable exits you can use for your fire escape plan
• Posting a map of your home showing the agreed-upon evacuation routes
• Confirming that your house number can be easily identified from the road
• Locating an escape ladder in each upper-story room
• Finding a meeting place near your home so you can account for everyone after an evacuation

It can be helpful to keep the tone light and stay focused on your goal. If you would like some help designing your plan, your local fire department or fire remediation expert will generally visit your home and offer site-specific advice.

Testing Your Plan

Home fire drills are the most effective way to practice your fire escape plan and identify the weak links. Having quarterly drills allows each household member to become familiar with their assigned tasks and the escape routes. It’s a good idea to start with daytime drills, so you can learn the process in the light. The true test is a surprise night-time practice session. You can initiate the drill by pressing the test button on your smoke alarm.
Fire safety is a risky home-maintenance practice to neglect. An adequate emergency escape plan will help you act quickly and safely to protect your Cincinnati, OH, home and loved ones from the impact of a house fire. Practicing your plan regularly may mean the difference between a little smoke damage and serious property destruction.

Everything You Need To Know About Smoke Detectors

2/24/2020 (Permalink)

You may think that having one or two smoke detectors in your home is sufficient

Everything You Need To Know About Smoke Detectors

You probably know how important smoke detectors are in your home. A fire alarm can tell you when there is a blaze before you even see it. If the flames are small, you can then put out the fire before it causes major smoke damage. A detector can also alert your loved ones that they need to get out of the house.
Yet there are many facts people don’t know about smoke alarms. Below is more information that will help you protect your home and family.

1. You Need More Smoke Detectors Than You Think

You may think that having one or two smoke detectors in your home is sufficient. Yet the National Fire Protection Association says that there should be fire alarms inside every bedroom or sleeping area. There should be detectors on each floor, as well, including the basement.

2. You Need To Replace Smoke Detectors

You likely know that you should change a fire alarm battery once every 12 months. Yet the detectors themselves need replacing, too. They typically have a lifespan of eight to 10 years. You should label each alarm with its date of purchase so you know when it is time to get a new one.

3. You Need Both Types of Smoke Detectors

Photoelectric alarms help detect smoky fires. Ionization alarms, meanwhile, go off when a fast, flaming fire occurs. Make sure you have both types of detectors in your home.

4. You Don’t Need To Spend a Lot of Money on Detectors

Buying numerous different fire alarms sounds expensive. Yet that is not the case. Detectors typically cost between six and 20 dollars. Many fire departments even give alarms away for free.
Once you have installed the right smoke detectors in your Mariemount, OH, home, make sure everyone in the house knows what to do if a fire alarm goes off. Tell your loved ones that they should get out of the home immediately if a detector goes off. After the smoke has cleared, you can contact professionals for a fire damage assessment.

3 Reasons To Board Up After a Fire

2/4/2020 (Permalink)

Board up your home after a fire disaster

Secure Your Home After A Fire

If your home in Indian Hill, OH, catches fire, your first thought is likely to be your family’s safety. Closely following that thought, however, is how you’re going to restore your home so that you can return to it. How do you protect your home between the time you call fire restoration specialists and the time they begin repairs? Board up services can protect your home from more damage and protect you from liability and insurance coverage loss. Here are three reasons it’s important to secure your home after a fire.

1. Protect Property

A fire can be devastating to your home. Emergency board up services help you keep any further damage from occurring. By covering broken windows, holes in your roof or walls and compromised doorways, you can protect the inside of your home from wind or rain before and during the repair process. Securing your home can also keep out animals and would-be vandals and thieves. It’s wise to minimize your worry in any way you can.

2. Protect People

Some people consider an opening to a home an invitation. If you board up your home after a fire, however, you can prevent them from entering. Your home is not likely to be structurally sound, so anyone who enters it is in danger of injury. If people are injured on your property, particularly if they can prove you did not indicate that it was unsafe to enter, they can sue you. Protecting people from injury also protect you from liability.

3. Protect Coverage

If your home has fire damage and you fail to secure it, your insurance company could discontinue your coverage. Because protecting your home from further damage saves your provider money, the company may consider it negligence if you don’t place boards or tarps over the open areas of your home and thus may refuse to accept your claim.

Professional restoration technicians are Here to Help in any way they can. They can board up your home as part of their repair process.

Prevent Kitchen Fires with These Tips

2/4/2020 (Permalink)

It's important to be prepared with a fire extinguisher on hand.

Many house fires are preventable with basic fire preparation measures and safety precautions. Any open flames or heating elements can pose a fire risk. Here are four simple ways to avoid starting a fire.

1. Don't Smoke Inside

Cigarettes remain one of the most common home fire causes. This is particularly the case when a smoker lights up in bed or after taking medicine that causes fatigue. Avoid smoking around medical oxygen. Completely extinguish cigarettes in a stable ashtray or a container filled with sand, and keep an extinguisher on the premises for fire preparation.

2. Don't Light Candles

Unattended candles are another common cause of house fires. These fires often start in the bedroom, after someone lights an open flame and falls asleep. Children or pets may also knock over a lit candle or put combustible materials close to the flame. Try a flameless alternative such as an electrical candle or wax warmer to provide mood lighting or fragrance.

3. Use Space Heaters Safely

Maintain three feet of space between a space heater and bedding, curtains, or upholstered furniture. Operate heaters on a level, non-flammable surface and don't leave them running unattended. Choose a heater with an automatic safety shut-off, ground fault circuit interrupter plug, and a sturdy cord that is at least six feet long.

3. Clean Out Dryer Lint

Empty the lint filter after every load and use a firm-bristled brush to remove impacted lint every six months. Check for buildup behind the dryer every two weeks, and snake out the vent pipe every three months. Schedule a professional cleaning if clothes start taking longer to dry.

These fire preparation and prevention methods can increase the level of fire safety in your home. If a fire does break out and your house sustains damage, contact a home fire and smoke damage restoration service located in Madeira, OH.

Using a Fire Extinguisher

12/23/2019 (Permalink)

Knowing how to use a fire extinguisher can help minimize the potential damage from a fire

Using a Fire Extinguisher

There are many scenarios people in Cincinnati, OH, can find themselves in where there is a need for a fire extinguisher in the house. No matter what the source of a fire in a home is, knowing how to use this device is an essential part of understanding and implementing fire safety and preventing fire damage. 

How To Remember the Directions

The first thing to remember before trying to put out a fire in the home is to call the fire department. Once the fire department is made aware, a fire extinguisher can be used to attempt to control and eliminate a fire. An easy way to remember how to use an extinguisher is the acronym PASS.

• P – P is for Pull. Pull the pin at the top of the extinguisher. This allows the handle to be squeezed, and also breaks the seal so the extinguisher can work. 
• A – A stands for Aim. It is important to remember to aim low toward the bottom of the fire. 
• S – The first S in the acronym is for Squeeze. Squeeze the handle, or the trigger.
• S – The second S is for Sweep. Sweep the nozzle from side to side across the bottom of the fire until it is extinguished. If the fire does not go out, or if it starts back up again, then repeat step two through step four. 

It is extremely important to remember that evacuation is the number one priority if the fire doesn’t seem to be affected by an extinguisher!

Potential Fire Damages 

There are many possible sources for fires in a residential area, including kitchen utilities, outlets, candles, wiring, and many others. Preventing fire damage is key during a residential fire, whether it is from a kitchen fire or from any other source in the house. 

Knowing how to use a fire extinguisher can help minimize the potential damage from a fire. In situations where damage does occur, a local restoration company can be contacted to help with cleanup and fixing any damage left behind. 

3 Fire Alarm Installation Recommendations

11/23/2019 (Permalink)

It is also recommended to include a smoke detectors in areas at high risk for fire damage

3 Fire Alarm Installation Recommendations

When installing a fire alarm in your Deer Park, OH, home, you may be wondering how many units you need and where they should be located. Fortunately, many fire safety experts and fire damage restoration professionals have recommendations for the best locations for these alarms.

1. Inside Bedrooms

As many professionals recommend sleeping with the bedroom door closed help prevent fire and smoke damage, it's best to install a smoke detector inside the bedroom to help ensure that anyone sleeping will be woken in the event of an emergency. Most professional suggest that this detector should be located just inside the bedroom door.

2. Outside Bedrooms

Another common location for a fire alarm insulation is outside the bedrooms as well. Doing so will help ensure that any alarms sound before smoke reaches the sleeping area. If you have a common hallway outside multiple bedrooms a single alarm here may suffice. For bedrooms located in different areas of the home you may want one alarm outside each room.

3. High Risk Areas

It is also recommended to include a smoke detectors in areas at high risk for fire damage. These include rooms such as the kitchen where cooking may occur, or areas such as the garage where a work room may be located. You may want to check each alarm regularly to ensure that the batteries have not worn down, and use the test button to check that the unit remains functional. Many experts recommend doing so yearly at minimum.

When installing a fire alarm in you home it’s recommended to include one inside each bedroom, and one outside the bedrooms as well. You may also want an alarm in high risk areas such as the kitchen or garage. After installation you may wish to test each alarm to ensure functionality. If you have any questions a professional may be able to make further recommendations.

3 Stages of Fire Damage Remediation

10/10/2019 (Permalink)

Fire damage in Indian Hill, OH

Three Important Stages of Fire Restoration

If your Indian Hill, OH, home has been damaged in a fire, then you will likely need to have fire restoration done. What this entails can vary depending on the severity of the damage, but the general process remains the same. While your house is being worked on, you can expect the restoration company to carry out three important stages.

1. Inspection

Before fire restoration can begin, the house will need to be inspected. The workers will look at each area of your home to determine the extent of the damage. This allows them to determine the best way to move forward with their work and create a plan for repairs.

2. Mitigation

Once the inspection has been completed, the workers will move on to mitigation. This step is essential to preventing the damage from getting worse. If there are missing areas of walls and roofing or broken windows, these will need to be boarded up or covered with a tarp. Soot and smoke damage will be removed. If the fire department needed to put out the flames with a hose, this stage will also include removing excess water and drying the building. Unpleasant smoke odors will be removed as well.

3. Restoration

After damage cleaning, the final stage can begin. During restoration, workers will begin to return your home to its previous condition. In the case of severe damage, this can include rebuilding walls, roofing, or even whole rooms. Smaller tasks, such as replacing carpets and repainting walls, will be done as well. Once this has been finished, your house should look as good as it did before the fire occurred.
Whether the fire in your home was large or small, fire restoration is a necessary part of returning your home to normal. A fire damage remediation company has the equipment and training necessary to do this quickly and thoroughly. They will be able to repair your home and can salvage many of your damaged belongings as well.

What Property Owners Need to Know About Mold Growth Lawsuits

7/22/2019 (Permalink)

Frozen pipes in your building may be covered by your insurance

Many property owners recognize the structural hazards posed by mold growth, but not everyone is aware that tenants can sue property managers over mold damage. In order to avoid potential lawsuits, the best course of action is to be proactive. Know your insurer’s policy on mold insurance claims, understand your responsibility as a property owner and take steps to prevent mold growth before it becomes an issue.

Insurance Coverage

It is a good idea to ask your insurance providers about their policy on mold insurance claims. Some types of property insurance may only cover mold damage if it was caused by a specific event. Covered events might include:

• Snow or ice damage
  
• Frozen pipes
  
• Building fires
  
• Accidental leakage from appliances or air conditioning
  
  

Furthermore, every landlord should also carry liability insurance. Liability insurance can be a lifesaver if a tenant decides to sue because his or her personal property is ruined by mold. You may also encourage your tenants to carry renter’s insurance with a mold claim policy so they are not left without a method of recourse should they incur any damages.

Warranty of Habitability

According to the law, a landlord must agree to keep the rental premises fit for human habitation at all times. While there are no laws specifically pertaining to keeping a building mold-free, tenants may sue for mold-related damages under the warrant of habitability, so long as they can prove that the mold has led to unsafe living conditions.

Mold Cleanup and Prevention

Mold insurance claims and lawsuits can quickly become a headache for everyone involved, so the best option is to pursue mold remediation when necessary and take preventative measures to deter future mold growth. Good maintenance is key. Keep humidity low, and regularly inspect for leaks, condensation or signs of water damage. Ask your tenants to promptly report any problems or concerns, and address them immediately.

Despite your best efforts, mold and water damage can occasionally happen. If your rental home ever requires water damage repair or mold remediation, rental property restoration specialists in Madeira, OH, are available 24/7 and Here to Help.

Space Heater Safety

10/3/2018 (Permalink)

Think Safety with Space Heaters

Stay safe this winter by plugging space heaters into outlets, never into extension cords or power strips. When using a heater that requires a secondary fuel source such as kerosene take extra care when filling the heater and always store your extra fuel in an approved container in a different location.

SERVPRO of West Hamilton was called out at 4:30am to a home that fire fighters battled a blaze that started from a kerosene space heater. It was estimated that the fire started around 1:00am. The only occupent was able to safely leave her residence without issue. Once the fire was extinguished  SERVPRO arrived to secure the property and begin the clean up process. Fire investigators determined the cause of the blaze was started when a stack of news papers fell against the  space heater. A situation such as this is completely avoidable by following the manufactures operating instructions regarding safe distances to near objects.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Kitchen Fire in Cincinnati

9/21/2018 (Permalink)

A home in Cincinnati that needed our services after a fire broke out in the kitchen.

Leaving the kitchen unattended while cooking is the number one cause of house fires. The following is a photo of a kitchen fire that was caused by an electric skillet being left on while the homeowner was away at work. It was assumed that the remaining food became so hot and dry that it ignited, as the flames grew the adjacent cabinetry became engulfed by the fire.

In a short time the majority of the kitchen was consumed by the fire. We at SERVPRO of East Central Cincinnati take safety very seriously so we preform a safety audit to verify that the affected structure is indeed safe to be worked. The clean up efforts on this project are not limited to the fire damage, the water used to extinguish the blaze left the residence saturated with a very dirty smokey water.

Before we can start to remove the fire damaged matrials we are tasked with a proper water mitigation. The wet items that were destroyed by the fire are removed in the beginning stages, we dont need to dry unsalvageable materials. Fire mitigation can be a long process to put the home back to a "Like it never even happened."

Smoke and Soot Cleaning After a Fire

8/28/2018 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot stains on walls after a fire damage in Amberly Village, OH

In the event of a fire in Amberly Village, OH, you are relieved when everyone has safely left your building. In the minutes to follow, however, the relief is quickly followed by the sharp fears of property damage and loss. Learning that the fire damage was minimal but smoke played a larger role, you wonder if you will be able to salvage anything from inside? Surprisingly, much of the smoke-damaged building content may be cleaned. Using dry-cleaning and other special methods, here are some common items businesses may be able to recover after smoke damage:

• Documents
• Computers
• Printers
• Industrial equipment
• Personal items and furnishings

Methods of Cleaning

Many methods can be employed for content cleaning depending on the type of damage and materials involved. These include:

• Wet cleaning methods including immersion baths and abrasive scrubs are best for highly soiled, non-porous items.
• Wipe clean methods using foam cleaners or other spray for items that can’t be submerged.
• Dry-cleaning is good for clothing and upholstery.
• Ultrasonic cleaning is great for jewelry, some computer components or appliances, and other non-porous items.

Special Cleaning Needs

Working with a restoration company that focuses efforts on recovery instead of replacement can help you save important items. If anything was water damaged, the first step is drying. Items, like computers or appliances, may even be taken apart to ensure thorough drying. Smoke residue is acidic and should be cleaned immediately after contents are dry to prevent corrosion of electrical. Special dry-cleaning techniques may be employed for items that cannot withstand traditional wet cleaning methods and ultrasonic cleaning is great for components with crevices and hard-to-reach places.

Using a proper inventory tracking system, which may include photos or barcoding, will ensure your piece of mind for content storage and cleaning. The number of items to be recovered may seem overwhelming, but the right remediation company will help remove the hassle, as well as the mess.

Fire safety in your Cincinnati residence

12/28/2017 (Permalink)

Be prepared to stop fires and save lives

Today I want to discuss fire safety and bring up a few basic thoughts about this topic. We as a country are becoming more accustomed to tragedy and traumatic events thus lending us less phased by these occurrences. In my opinion it would be good practice to take the time toeducate your family and or co-workers on basic fire safety. I understand that to most this is common sense however the more we prepare for something the better we react in a time of crisis. This is especially true today with the change inthe materials used to make furnitureand otherhousehold items. Studies show the nearly forty years ago if a fire were to break out a person had about seventeen minutes to safely exit the structure. Now days the time toexithas drastically dropped causing the needto be preparedmore critical than ever. Please take the time to share this with your loved ones.It only take an ounce of preparation. 513-561-7378

Wildlife & pets during an Ohio catastrophe

12/27/2017 (Permalink)

Rescued dog

We as a country have been faced with an alarming number of natural disasters of the last several years. These disasters range from the California wild fires to the Polar Vortex in the mid west as well as the hurricanes and tornadoes that we face ever year. Human life is always the number one priority as it should be however let us not forget the wild life and pets affected by these events as well. Society has created the pet industry and as result it is our obligation to care for and protect these creatures. Many of which are trapped in cages and can not fend for themselves others need to be lead to safety. So please if you have pets lets not forget about them. SERVPRO East Central Cincinnati.

Fire destruction in a Delhi home

12/10/2017 (Permalink)

Fire damage destruction and debris

Fire damage can be one of the most traumatic events a family can go through. We at SERVPRO of East Central Cincinnati strive to manage the cleanup and reconstruction for the home owner from start to finish. Our mitigation crews are highly trained to inspect and remove all damaged materials following he devastation caused by fire. This picture show the charred remains in a local Delhi home. Our staff sifted through the debris to find any personal property that might be able to be cleaned and returned to the customer. We take special care in what might have sentimental value to our customer and take pride in salvaging what we can. Call SERVPRO of East Central Cincinnati for all your cleanup and restoration needs. 513-561-7378