The Dangers of Smoking in the Home and How to Prevent Fires

12/15/2024 (Permalink)

Smoking inside the house can be more dangerous than many people realize. Not only does it increase the risk of a fire, but it's also damaging.

Smoking inside the house can be more dangerous than many people realize. Not only does it increase the risk of a fire, but it can also lead to expensive property damage. 

Why Smoking Indoors is a Fire Risk

Smoking is one of the top causes of home fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), smoking materials, like cigarettes and cigars, were responsible for about 5% of all home fires between 2016 and 2020. While that number may seem small, these fires are often deadly. In fact, in that same report, the NFPA mentions that the majority of fire-related deaths during this period were caused by smoking materials. 

Many of these fires happen when someone falls asleep with a lit cigarette, or when a cigarette isn’t fully put out and gets into contact with flammable materials. Items like bedding, furniture, or even paper can catch fire easily if a burning cigarette comes near.

Tips to Prevent Smoking-Related Fires

If you or someone in your home smokes, you can take a few steps to prevent a fire from starting. Here are some simple but effective tips:

1. Smoke outside – The safest option is always to smoke outside. This keeps the risk of starting a fire inside the house lower.
2. Use ashtrays – If you do smoke indoors, make sure to use a deep, sturdy ashtray that won’t tip over. Place it on a stable surface to prevent accidents.
3. Keep flammable items away – Keep things like paper, curtains, bedding, and furniture far away from where you’re smoking.
4. Put out cigarettes completely – Before throwing away cigarette butts, soak them in water or sand to make sure they are fully extinguished.
5. Don’t smoke when sleepy – A lot of smoking fires happen when people fall asleep with a lit cigarette. Don’t smoke in bed, and avoid smoking when you’re feeling tired.
6. Never leave cigarettes unattended – Always make sure cigarettes are completely out before you leave the room or go to bed.

What to Do if a Fire Happens

Even if you’re careful, accidents can happen. If you have a fire in your home, follow these steps right away:

• Call 911 and get everyone out of the house.
• Use a fire extinguisher if the fire is small and you can safely put it out.
• Close doors behind you as you leave to slow down the fire’s spread.

Once the fire is out, you might be left with smoke damage, odors, and other issues in your home. That’s where SERVPRO of Southeast Memphis can help. We have the tools and expertise to clean up the damage, remove smoke odors, and restore your home to its original condition.

Removing Smoke Odors

Even if a fire didn’t happen, smoking indoors can leave behind strong, unpleasant odors that are hard to get rid of. The smell of smoke can soak into your furniture, carpets, walls, and clothing. Regular cleaning often isn’t enough to eliminate the odor.

At SERVPRO®, we use advanced equipment to get rid of lingering smoke smells. Whether you’ve had a fire or just need help with odor removal, we can help freshen up your home.

Smoking indoors can be a serious fire risk. By following a few simple safety tips, you can help prevent a smoking-related fire from happening in your home. If a fire does occur, or if you need help with smoke and odor cleanup, SERVPRO of Southeast Memphis is Here to Help®.

Common Water Damage Repairs to Expect After a Fire

6/5/2024 (Permalink)

When disaster strikes, don't hesitate to call SERVPRO of Southeast Memphis.

Experiencing a fire in your home or building is devastating. Not only do you have to deal with fire and smoke damage, but water damage from firefighting efforts can also cause a ton of issues. Understanding the water damage repairs required after a fire can help you prepare for the restoration process. In this blog, we'll cover the essential water damage repairs to expect and how our SERVPRO® team in Memphis, TN, can help you get your property back to its pre-fire condition.

Common Water Damage Repairs After a Fire

When a fire is extinguished, the water used can leave behind significant damage. Addressing this water damage is crucial to preventing further issues like mold growth and structural instability. Here's what you can expect in terms of water damage repairs after a fire.

1. Water Extraction and Drying

After the fire is extinguished, the first step is to remove any standing water left behind by firefighting efforts. Our highly trained team uses powerful pumps and industrial-grade wet/dry vacuums to extract water quickly. Once the water is removed, dehumidifiers and air movers are used to thoroughly dry out the affected areas. This step is crucial to prevent mold growth and further structural damage.

2. Mold Remediation

Water from firefighting can create the perfect environment for mold growth. If mold is detected, our technicians will perform mold remediation to eliminate the mold and prevent its spread. This involves cleaning and disinfecting affected areas and materials, ensuring a safe and healthy environment.

3. Structural Repairs

Water can weaken structural components of your building, such as walls, floors, and ceilings. After a thorough assessment, our SERVPRO team will repair or replace damaged structural elements to restore the integrity of your property. This may include replacing drywall, reinforcing beams, and repairing flooring.

4. Flooring Replacement

Water damage can ruin carpets, hardwood, and other types of flooring. Trained professionals will assess the extent of the damage and determine whether the flooring can be restored or needs to be replaced. They will remove damaged flooring, dry the subfloor, and install new flooring as needed.

5. Electrical System Check and Repairs

Water can severely affect electrical systems, posing a risk of short circuits or electrical fires. A certified electrician will inspect the electrical wiring, outlets, and fixtures for damage. Any compromised components will be repaired or replaced to ensure the safety of your property.

6. HVAC System Cleaning and Repair

Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system may also be affected by water damage. Our team will inspect and clean the HVAC system to remove water, debris, and potential mold. This ensures the system functions efficiently and safely.

7. Furniture and Personal Belongings Restoration

Water can damage furniture and personal belongings. SERVPRO of Southeast Memphis offers content cleaning and restoration services to salvage as many items as possible. This includes drying, cleaning, and deodorizing furniture, textiles, and other possessions.

Why Choose SERVPRO for Water Damage Repairs?

Here are some key reasons why choosing SERVPRO of Southeast Memphis for water damage repairs after a fire is a smart decision.

24/7 Response Time

Disasters don't wait for business hours, and neither does our team. We are available 24/7 to respond to emergencies, minimizing further damage and beginning the restoration process promptly.

Highly Trained and Certified Team

Our technicians are highly trained and certified in water damage restoration and mold remediation. Their expertise ensures that your property is restored to the highest standards of safety and quality.

Comprehensive Services

From water extraction to structural repairs, we offer a full range of restoration services. This means you can rely on one trusted provider to handle all aspects of your recovery.

Ready to Restore Your Property?

When disaster strikes, don't hesitate to call SERVPRO of Southeast Memphis. Our experienced team is ready to respond quickly and provide the expert services needed to restore your property. Whether it's water extraction, mold remediation, or structural repairs, our team has the skills and equipment to get the job done right.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, give us a call today. We can help you navigate the restoration process and bring your property back to its pre-fire condition.

The Benefits of Having a Fire Safety Consultant for Your Business

4/17/2024 (Permalink)

In this blog, we will explore the advantages of having a fire safety consultant and how their expertise can help protect your business.

Fire safety is a paramount concern for any business, regardless of its size or industry. Having a fire safety consultant on board can provide numerous benefits for your business, ensuring compliance with fire regulations, mitigating risks, and maintaining a safe working environment. In this blog, we will explore the advantages of having a fire safety consultant and how their expertise can help protect your business from fire hazards and potential damage.

Expert Knowledge of Fire Regulations

Fire safety consultants have in-depth knowledge of local, state, and national fire codes and regulations. They stay up-to-date with changes and amendments to these regulations, ensuring that your business maintains compliance. By having a fire safety consultant on board, you can rest assured that your facility and operations meet the required standards, minimizing the risk of penalties or legal issues.

Comprehensive Fire Risk Assessments

Fire safety consultants conduct detailed fire risk assessments of your business premises. They identify potential fire hazards, evaluate the effectiveness of existing fire prevention measures, and recommend necessary improvements. Their assessments include examining electrical systems, fire suppression equipment, escape routes, flammable material handling, and overall emergency protocols. These assessments help you establish a proactive fire safety plan tailored to your business's specific needs.

Customized Fire Safety Training

A fire safety consultant can develop and implement customized fire safety training programs for your employees. These programs cover essential topics such as fire prevention, evacuation procedures, proper use of fire extinguishers, and emergency communication. Training sessions are designed to ensure that your employees are well-informed and prepared to respond effectively in case of a fire emergency. Regular training sessions also reinforce fire safety awareness and help develop a safety-conscious culture within your organization.

Assistance with Compliance Documentation

Maintaining proper documentation is a crucial aspect of fire safety compliance. Fire safety consultants can assist in creating and organizing the required documentation, including emergency action plans, fire drill records, inspection reports, and maintenance records for fire safety equipment. These consultants ensure that you have all the necessary paperwork in order and readily available for compliance audits and inspections.

Ensuring Effective Emergency Response

In the event of a fire, having a well-prepared emergency response plan is essential. Fire safety consultants can help you develop or enhance your emergency response plan, ensuring it aligns with best practices and regulations. They assist in establishing clear communication protocols, evacuation procedures, designated assembly points, and other crucial aspects of emergency response. By having an efficient plan in place, your business can minimize the potential damage and ensure the safety of employees and visitors.

Collaboration with Fire Restoration Services

In the unfortunate event of a fire, fire safety consultants can collaborate with fire restoration service providers, like SERVPRO®, to navigate the process of restoring your business after fire damage. They can recommend reputable restoration companies and oversee the restoration process to ensure compliance with fire safety standards. This collaboration helps expedite the restoration process and reduces downtime for your business.

Having a fire safety consultant for your business offers numerous benefits, including expert knowledge of fire regulations, comprehensive risk assessments, customized training programs, assistance with compliance documentation, and effective emergency response planning. Their expertise ensures that your business remains compliant with fire regulations, reduces the risk of fire hazards, and provides a safe environment for employees and visitors. Additionally, fire safety consultants can collaborate with fire restoration service providers to expedite the restoration process and get your business back up and running. Consider engaging a fire safety consultant to safeguard your business and protect it from potential fire damage.

Can the Smell of Smoke be Removed after a Fire?

7/18/2023 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot are very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allow us to inspect and accurately assess the damage's extent 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 significantly 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 Southeast Memphis 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 slightly 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. We’re available 24/7 for your fire damage emergency. Call us anytime at (901) 334-9209. 

5 Essential Tips for Preventing Kitchen Fires

5/23/2023 (Permalink)

Avoid kitchen hazards and protect your home.

As an expert in the field of fire damage restoration, we understand the importance of maintaining a safe and functional kitchen environment. Even the most experienced chefs can make costly mistakes that lead to devastating consequences. To help you avoid kitchen hazards and protect your home, here are five crucial tips to keep in mind: 

Keep Your Vents Clean and Clear

One of the most critical aspects of kitchen safety is ensuring proper ventilation. Regularly clean the vent screens above your stove to prevent the accumulation of grease. Over time, grease buildup can hinder ventilation and become a significant contributing factor in a kitchen fire. By keeping your vents clean, you reduce the risk of grease igniting and potentially worsening a fire. 

Never Leave Pans Unattended

It's a well-known rule among seasoned cooks, but it bears repeating: never leave pans unattended on the stove. Accidents can happen in an instant, from pans being knocked over to grease splattering or food cooking for too long. Any of these scenarios can quickly escalate into a fire hazard. Remain vigilant and always attend to your cooking to minimize the risk of accidents. 

Proper Disposal of Grease

After cooking, resist the temptation to pour hot grease down the drain. Such an act can lead to the accumulation of grease in your pipes, causing drain clogs and potential sink overflow. Instead, allow the grease to cool and pour it into a paper towel nested in a microwave safe bowl before disposing of it in the trash. By adopting this practice, you prevent grease-related plumbing issues and maintain a smoothly functioning kitchen. To avoid the buildup of grease and food particles in your kitchenware, make it a habit to wipe out greasy pans before washing them. Ensuring that your pans are free of excess grease before cleaning them is a simple yet effective preventive measure. 

Seek Professional Appliance Servicing

When you encounter issues with your kitchen appliances, it's crucial to seek professional assistance promptly. Attempting to fix problems without the proper knowledge and tools can result in potential electrical hazards and fires. Whether it's a malfunctioning stove or a clogged dishwasher disposal, entrust the task to a qualified professional who can address the issue safely and efficiently. 

Accidents Happen

In the unfortunate event of a fire or flooding in your kitchen, a fire and water damage restoration service can provide valuable assistance. These experts are trained to handle such emergencies and can help restore your kitchen to its former state. From mitigating fire damage to addressing water-related issues, restoration professionals possess the expertise and equipment necessary to minimize the impact of such incidents. By following these five essential tips, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of encountering hazards in your kitchen.

Save Your Persian Rug After Fire | Full Restoration

5/22/2023 (Permalink)

Protect your investment with a professional service.

Rug Cleaning for High-Quality Carpet and Upholstery After a Fire

Even the highest-quality carpet and upholstery can show soiling over time. Let's face it, we don't live a Bubble Boy life even though it's a nice thought to imagine arts and crafts with little ones in a sizable, contained balloon. Finding residue and grime on expensive furniture items is easy enough, so that damage seems to increase exponentially after experiencing fire damage. Pieces of functional decor like Persian rugs are irreplaceable, timeless, and usually a large investment. Protect your investment with a professional service.

SERVPRO of Southeast Memphis knows how to clean, offering several washing options to match any type of carpet and upholstery:

• Bonnet Cleaning, a less aggressive method for short pile carpets
• Hot Water Extraction, a more in-depth cleaning method for all carpet types
• Deluxe Precondition and Rinse, to restore deeply soiled areas
• Showcase Premier Cleaning, the most thorough cleaning method in the industry
• Dry Cleaning, used when color-fastness is an issue

After a fire, more than carpets and upholstery are damaged, though, because soot spreads. That is why, as cleaning professionals, we have equipment to clean varieties of surfaces and materials.

Cleaning vs. Replacing

Heat can burn flammable materials inside a structure, forcing removal and replacement of those materials, but the smoke coming from the blaze can also cause soils, soot residues, and intense aromas that are easier to restore. 

Our experienced and trained SERVPRO team knows that mitigating fire damage includes a variety of replacing, restoring, and cleaning techniques. Various fire residues adhere to each surface in your home differently, and we can help with it all.

Dry Smoke

Most fires go through stages of creating both wet and dry smoke. However, usually fires will have more of one type than the other. Dry smoke is created by fast-burning, oxygen-rich burns. Dry smoke is also usually created when organic materials like wood, paper, or natural fabrics burn.

Wet Smoke

Whether a fire produces a majority of wet or dry smoke depends on the amount of oxygen present, the combustion rate, and the type of substance that is burning. When the fire is starved of oxygen and burns at a lower temperature, it produces wet smoke. Wet smoke is also created when synthetic materials such as rubber or plastic burn. Wet smoke usually adheres strongly to surfaces and is difficult to remove. 

Cleaning Techniques

When our SERVPRO technicians work with hard surfaces, we can use water based-detergents and other wet cleaning methods. However, for porous surfaces, wet techniques could cause the soot to soak deeper into the material. Dry cleaning methods that use agitation can prove useful in these cases.

Dry Cleaning: Light Agitation

SERVPRO conducts the dry cleaning agitation technique with softer tools such as dusters or brushes. Special vacuums are also useful when removing some soot residues and using compressed air to blow off the soot.

Dry Cleaning: Medium Agitation

Residues that adhere to some of your contents and building surface materials could work better in medium agitation cleaning techniques. Dry sponges are an example of a medium agitation method, and they can be useful when removing soot residues from drywall. Dusting cloths or crumbling cleaners that work like a pencil eraser are also useful.

SERVPRO has the necessary tools, techniques and knowledge to save your rugs after fire damage. Protect your high-quality carpet and upholstery investment. For professional assistance after a fire, call us at (901) 382-0900, 24/7.

Smoke and Soot Dictate Cleanup Practices After Fire Damage

3/6/2022 (Permalink)

Contact a professional in the fire damage restoration industry, like SERVPRO of Southeast Memphis at (901) 382-0900.

Professionals Describe the Different Types of Smoke

Suppose you ever suffer from a structural blaze inside your Memphis home. In that case, it is always smart to consult a professional when going about cleanup and restoration. 

A professional will know to use different chemicals and techniques when removing residues left behind, based on the smoke type. In most situations, smoke and the soils it leaves behind can be classified into one of the following four categories of smoke and soot damage. Knowing what type of smoke was present helps the technician pick the best method to remove soot residues on the various surfaces of your building materials and contents. 

Category No. 1 - Dry Smoke

Most fires go through stages of creating both wet and dry smoke. However, usually fires will have more of one type than the other. Dry smoke is created by fast-burning, oxygen-rich burns. Dry smoke is also usually created when organic materials like wood, paper, or natural fabrics burn.

Category No. 2 - Wet Smoke

Whether a fire produces a majority of wet or dry smoke depends on the amount of oxygen present, the combustion rate, and the type of substance that is burning. When the fire is starved of oxygen and burns at a lower temperature, it produces wet smoke. Wet smoke is also created when synthetic materials such as rubber or plastic burn. Wet smoke usually adheres strongly to surfaces and is difficult to remove. 

Category No. 3 - Protein Residues

Protein residues can be found any time products such as meat, poultry, or fish burn. These residues leave behind a yellow or amber discoloration, but they can sometimes be clear and hard to see on a surface. Protein residues leave behind strong odors making deodorization the biggest issue when dealing with them.

Category No. 4 - Fuel Oil Soot

Furnace puff-backs can create fuel oil residues that consist of dust particles from the ventilation system and fuel oils that did not burn all the way. This type of soot usually has a gray or black color and can consist of large or small particles. Often, the electrically charged ions form formations in corners that resemble spiderwebs and can smear readily if not vacuumed and sponged off correctly.

If a fire ever ignites inside your home, it is wise to contact a professional in the fire damage restoration industry, like SERVPRO of Southeast Memphis at (901) 382-0900.

What is Wet and Dry Smoke?

2/13/2022 (Permalink)

Did you know different types of smoke damages emerge based on the type of material burning? These smoke types determine the measures professional fire restoration technicians take when cleaning up after a fire. We break down the types.

Wet and Dry 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, a professional like SERVPRO of Southeast Memphis tests the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pre-testing. 

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, extremely pungent odor. 

It's important to survey all areas of a property because every part has the potential for damages. Smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure, and smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action to restore your property to its preloss condition. We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?

Call SERVPRO of Southeast Memphis today at(901) 382-0900.