Top 3 Benefits of Hiring Professional Fire and Smoke Damage Experts

4/18/2024 (Permalink)

Hiring professionals like SERVPRO® for fire and smoke damage cleanup offers numerous benefits.

When faced with the aftermath of a fire, many homeowners are left wondering about the best course of action for cleanup and restoration. While the temptation to tackle the cleanup process independently may be strong, enlisting the help of professionals like SERVPRO® can offer several distinct advantages. In this blog post, we'll explore the top three benefits of hiring professionals to clean up fire and smoke damage.

1. Expertise and Experience

One of the primary benefits of hiring professionals for fire and smoke damage cleanup is their expertise and experience in handling such situations. SERVPRO of Northwest Orlando technicians undergo rigorous training and certification processes, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to assess the extent of the damage, develop comprehensive restoration plans, and execute cleanup efforts with precision and efficiency. With years of experience in the field, our team understands the nuances of fire and smoke damage and knows how to address them effectively, ensuring thorough cleanup and restoration of your property.

2. Advanced Equipment and Techniques

Another key advantage of hiring professionals for fire and smoke damage cleanup is access to advanced equipment and techniques. Our SERVPRO team invests in state-of-the-art tools and technologies specifically designed for fire damage restoration, including specialized cleaning agents, air scrubbers, thermal foggers, and ozone generators. These cutting-edge tools enable our technicians to remove soot, ash, and smoke odor from various surfaces and materials, restoring your home to its pre-fire condition efficiently and effectively. By utilizing industry-leading equipment and techniques, our team ensures superior results and minimizes the risk of secondary damage during the cleanup process.

3. Comprehensive Restoration Services

When you choose SERVPRO of Northwest Orlando for fire and smoke damage cleanup, you gain access to comprehensive restoration services that go beyond basic cleaning. In addition to removing debris, soot, and smoke odor from your property, our technicians can address structural damage, repair or replace damaged materials, and restore salvageable belongings through specialized cleaning and restoration techniques. Whether your home requires minor repairs or extensive reconstruction, our crew has the expertise and resources to handle every aspect of the restoration process, allowing you to focus on rebuilding and restoring your life in the aftermath of a fire.

In conclusion, hiring professionals like SERVPRO® for fire and smoke damage cleanup offers numerous benefits, including expertise and experience, access to advanced equipment and techniques, and comprehensive restoration services. By entrusting your cleanup and restoration needs to skilled professionals, you can rest assured that your property will be restored to its pre-fire condition safely, efficiently, and effectively. Don't hesitate to reach out to SERVPRO for assistance during this challenging time—we're here to help you navigate the aftermath of a fire and restore your home to its former glory.

Fire Restoration Services

8/15/2023 (Permalink)

Contents Restoration

SERVPRO of Northwest Orlando specializes in restoring contents damaged by water, fire, or mold. Our expertise and "restore" versus "replace" mentality can help you save money while preserving precious keepsakes that can't be replaced. We pretest your belongings to determine what items we can restore to pre-fire condition. We use several methods of cleaning your contents, including:

• Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean before wet cleaning.
• Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.
• Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that can't withstand wet cleaning.
• Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned.
• Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned.
• Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product.

Move-Outs/Pack-Outs

If your home requires extensive restoration or cleaning due to fire damage, SERVPRO of Northwest Orlando can conduct an organized, efficient move-out of the affected area. Move-out will provide several benefits, including:

• A quicker remodeling process
• Protecting items from potential damage
• Protecting contents from further on-site damage

When restoration is completed, we will work with you to coordinate the move-in according to your needs. The services offered upon move-in may depend on your insurance coverage.

Electronic Cleanup

Fire-damaged electronics can present a severe hazard. Don't attempt to turn on or operate any damaged electrical device. Smoke residues can contain acids that corrode metal surfaces. If not removed, the residues corrode, causing electronic failure in the device.

• Television sets
• DVD players
• Computers
• And more

The key to restoring electronics is taking prompt action to prevent further damage. Electronics will be cleaned and inspected by a qualified electronics technician.

Call SERVPRO of Northwest Orlando today at (407) 698-5155.

Fire Hazards Your Business Should Avoid

8/15/2023 (Permalink)

3 Things to Pay Attention to

1. Electrical Concerns

Damage to electrical wiring can result in sparks that lead to damaging fires. Electrical wiring damage may include frayed cords, such as those connecting desktop computers to the wall power outlets. It may include damage to internal wiring inside the walls, and these damage pests and other forces. Electrical fires may start when power sockets overload or when equipment gets hot. Periodically review your company's wiring to identify areas of concern that need to be addressed.

2. Poor Equipment Maintenance

Other hazards in workplaces relate to low equipment maintenance. For example, failing to service your furnace may result in accumulating dust and other flammable debris. A gas leak in the furnace could result in a fire or an explosion. Fire hazards related to poor maintenance may include dusty, dirty, or greasy components, such as air ducts and vents, kitchen exhaust vents, and many other features used throughout your facility. Scheduling necessary maintenance can decrease fire risk in these areas.

3. Flammable or Combustible Materials

Flammable and combustible materials are most commonly associated with industrial and warehouse environments, but restaurants, hotels, dry cleaners, and many other types of businesses may store combustible materials on-site. These materials should remain sealed according to the manufacturer's recommendations. 

As you can see, numerous fire hazards could result in severe damage to your business. If your company has already experienced fire damage, repairs are needed as soon as possible. SERVPRO of Northwest Orlando is your trusted source for quality repair services. We can quickly restore your building to its previous condition so that operations can resume in your place of business. To request assistance with your damaged building, contact us today.

Inspecting Your Home After a Fire

8/15/2023 (Permalink)

When it comes to loss incidents, fire in your Northwest Orlando home can prove challenging to overcome. Fire damage effects can be reaching for the average homeowner to face on their own. Conventional cleaning efforts and general deodorization, for example, pale in comparison to the effectiveness of professional restoration services.

Reacting to the fire damage in your Northwest Orlando home can seem impossible. When the extinguishing process completes, you can begin restoring it to normal. Fortunately, this isn't a battle that you have to fight on your own. Our SERVPRO team handles fire restoration, from soot clean-up to deodorization, to help make the steps towards getting your house to its original condition.

Our estimator and project manager work to identify the full scope of the damage from when we arrive at your home. We survey every area, whether connected to the fire in your home or not. This thorough inspection records the damage, and our SERVPRO professionals have the equipment and strategies to contend with what they face. We'll deliver the assessment of your damages to the insurance company that covers your home. Claims won't be issued until further details are discussed.

Whether the damage in your home was widespread or not, this process remains the same. Our professionals take great care in assessing the scope of the damage that your home faces in the restoration process. You can trust our SERVPRO of Northwest Orlando fire restoration specialists to work quickly to bring your home back to how it should be. Call anytime at (407) 698-5155.

What To Do After a House Fire

1/31/2022 (Permalink)

Your Orlando home was likely not built to stop house fires before they spread to other areas of the house. In general, most of the materials used for the construction of your home are fire kindling, able to catch fire quickly and spread throughout the property. On top of that, the popular open-concept floor plan lays out the perfect environment for fires to spread from room to room more easily than other floor plans.

While flames do much damage on their own, other substantial effects of a fire are smoke and soot damages. 

Soot Damages

Soot is most concentrated where it burned longest, but matted debris and film from the combustion leave a dark or black residue on surfaces, furniture, flooring, and other materials, too. Removing this residue requires multiple approaches. For wall surfaces, scrubbing with wet and dry sponges can often remove the bulk of the film. Confined spaces like ductwork require high powered vacuums. 

Smoke Damages

Smoke damage often presents itself in the form of a harsh odor lingering in fabrics, carpeting, and open spaces throughout affected areas of your house. Removal of this odor typically requires thermal fogging, a process that releases an unscented chemical compound into the environment and contents of the room to break apart odor molecules and leave no discernible scent behind. 

The Right Solution

Unfortunately, this causes a bigger mess than most people are equipped to handle. Fire damage proves to be challenging to remove without the right equipment. We always suggest hiring a professional fire cleanup and restoration expert. We may be biased, but SERVPRO is just that. We have the experience, tools, and techniques to help you through widespread fire, smoke, and soot damages. 

When you face the effects after a house fire, SERVPRO of Northwest Orlando responds quickly to get your home back to preloss conditions, as soon as possible.

Home Fires and Smoke Damage Aftermath

1/31/2022 (Permalink)

Fire Damage Consists of More Than Flames

The damages from flames after a fire are not the only damages incurred. Flames can move throughout the home quickly, burning and ruining every item in their path, but once the flames have been extinguished, the home is left with soot and smoke damages, too. Smoke damage can completely devastate a home if not properly and swiftly addressed. In fact, smoke damage can occur in rooms where the flames were not even present.

With so much attention placed on the flames, people often overlook the dangers linked to smoke damage. The following are some of the most common issues of smoke damage after a home fire:

• Toxic air
• Smoke odor in upholstered furniture, drapery, clothing, carpets, and in the air
• Charring
• Warped plastic
• Warped wood
• Yellow stains on walls and ceilings
• Household textiles covered in soot

Salvaging items that have smoke damage is a complicated issue. A smoke damage expert will need to assess the home and the impacted items to determine what can be saved. In addition, smoke damage experts will tackle lingering smoke in less obvious places like crevices and cracks where particles may linger, since the smell can last for months following a fire.

Smoke Damage is as Dangerous as Fire Damage

During a fire, the materials that burn produce toxic smoke filled with microscopic particles known as soot. These tiny particles become charged from the extreme heat and migrate to cooler air found in other parts of the house, forming soot webs. Because this smoke is often scorching, it can cause additional damage by melting plastics, scorching fabrics, and textiles and spreading toxic gasses that will kill any living thing in its path. That's why smoke alarms throughout your home are critical to saving lives.

Don’t Grab, Just Go.

The Department of Homeland Security says, "In less than 30 seconds, a small flame can [...] turn into a major fire…Most deadly fires occur in the home when people are asleep. If you wake up to a fire, you won't have time to grab valuables because the fire spreads too quickly, and the smoke is too thick. There is only time to escape."

Call Us Today for a FREE Fire Damage Estimate

Restoring smoke and fire-damaged items costs less than replacing them. We love when we can restore your belongings, especially items with sentimental value. Call SERVPRO of Northwest Orlando at (407) 698-5155 for a free fire damage consultation. We have helped hundreds of families recover from house fire damages and our fire damage repair and restoration specialists have years of experience.

Fire Restoration Services in Northwest Orlando

1/26/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage, including smoke and soot, affects the structure of your house but your belongings. SERVPRO of Northwest Orlando understands your family's furniture, clothing, keepsakes, and other belongings make your house more than a structure; they make it home. Check some of SERVPRO's fire restoration services below:

Content Restoration is what we do

SERVPRO of Northwest Orlando specializes in restoring contents damaged by water, fire, or mold. Our expertise and "restore" versus "replace" mentality can help you save money while preserving precious keepsakes that can't be replaced. We pretest your belongings to determine what items we can restore to pre-fire condition. We use several methods of cleaning your contents, including:

• Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean before wet cleaning.
• Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.
• Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that can't withstand wet cleaning.
• Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned.
• Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned.
• Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product.

Move-Out/Pack-Out is what we do

If your home requires extensive restoration or cleaning due to fire damage, SERVPRO of Northwest Orlando can conduct an organized, efficient move-out of the affected area. Move-out will provide several benefits, including:

• A quicker remodeling process
• Protecting items from potential damage
• Protecting contents from further on-site damage

When restoration is completed, we will work with you to coordinate the move-in according to your needs. The services offered upon move-in may depend on your insurance coverage.

Electronic Cleanup

Fire-damaged electronics can present a severe hazard. Don't attempt to turn on or operate any damaged electrical device. Smoke residues can contain acids that corrode metal surfaces. If not removed, the residues corrode, causing electronic failure in the device.

• Television sets
• DVD players
• Computers
• And more

The key to restoring electronics is taking prompt action to prevent further damage. Electronics will be cleaned and inspected by a qualified electronics technician.

Call SERVPRO of Northwest Orlando today at (407) 698-5155.

Fire Extinguisher Ready

1/5/2022 (Permalink)

Fire extinguishers are staples in disaster-ready homes and provide billions of people with a quick, effective way to respond to sudden blazes. With proper training and education, fire extinguishers can save your life and your property. For hands-on training, contact your local fire station. Generally, all fire extinguishers are alike, as they follow the same usage procedure known as PASS:

• Pull the pin to break the tamper seal.
• Aim the nozzle at the bottom of the fire.
• Squeeze the handle and release extinguisher chemicals.
• Sweep the nozzle back and forth at the base of the fire until it’s extinguished.

Choosing Your Extinguisher

Not every fire extinguisher is suitable for every job. Research different types of extinguishers before deciding where to place them around your home. The National Fire Protection Association recommends keeping multipurpose fire extinguishers in your home close to an exit. Class B extinguishers should be located in the kitchen and garage, as they are effective for putting out small grease and gasoline fires. 

Emergency Services

If a fire sparks, call 911 first, then use a fire extinguisher if the situation allows. This ensures you will be able to get the assistance you need if your attempts are unsuccessful. Furthermore, know when to leave the house. The first priority is a safe escape. If the blaze becomes large or your extinguisher runs out of fumes, it’s time to get out of the house. Let firefighters and emergency responders take care of the fire. Work with SERVPRO of Northwest Orlando afterward to get your home back to normal. We specialize in fire restoration services such as smoke and soot cleanup, water removal, repairs, and more.

Being knowledgeable of fire extinguisher handling tips can save your home and your family. Discuss the above tips with every member of your family and create a fire escape plan. Call SERVPRO of Northwest Orlando at (407) 698-5155 for additional information regarding fire damage cleanup.

Dryer Do's and Don't's to Prevent House Fires

12/16/2021 (Permalink)

How often should you clean the lint buildup in your dryer? If you answered after every load, you are correct! This is the easiest way to prevent a house fire. Amazingly, doing this small, seemingly insignificant task, can end up saving your home and possibly your life. 

There are approximately 2,900 home clothes dryer fires, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. Dryer fires can be detrimental to you, your family, and your home. Take precautions to reduce the risk for home fires by following the do’s and don’t’s of dryer maintenance and identifying the signs of a clogged dryer.

Dryer Do’s 

• Have your clothes dryer installed by a professional.
• Make sure the correct electrical plug and outlet are used and that the dryer is connected properly.
• Read manufacturers' instructions and warnings in use and care manuals that come with new dryers.
• Clean the lint filter before and after each load of laundry. Don’t forget to clean the back of the dryer where lint can build up. In addition, clean the lint filter with a nylon brush at least every six months or more often if it becomes clogged. 
• Clean lint out of the vent pipe every three months.
• Have your dryer cleaned regularly by a professional, especially if it is taking longer than normal for clothes to dry.
• Inspect the venting system behind the dryer to ensure it is not damaged or restricted.
• Put a covering on outside wall dampers to keep out rain, snow, and dirt.

Dryer Don’t’s 

• Don’t use a dryer without a lint filter or with a lint filter that is loose, damaged, or clogged.
• Don’t overload the dryer.
• Don’t use a wire screen or cloth to cover the wall damper. They can collect lint and clog the dryer vent.
• Don’t dry anything containing foam, rubber, or plastic, like a bathroom rug with a rubber backing.
• Don’t dry glass fiber materials (unless manufacturers' instructions allow).
• Don’t dry items that have come into contact with anything flammable like alcohol, cooking oils, or gasoline. Dry them outdoors or in a well-ventilated room, away from heat.
• Don’t leave a clothes dryer running if you leave home or when you go to bed.

Warning Signs Your Dryer is Clogged and May Cause a Fire

1. If it takes longer than about 45 minutes to dry your clothing, it could be a sign that the dryer vent is clogged.
2. Your clothes are roasting hot to the touch after they have gone through a dry cycle.
3. The flapper on the dryer's vent may not open entirely when the appliance is on.

For those homeowners who aren't lucky to catch the warning signs in time, fire damage can be daunting to clean up on your own. Professionals of SERVPRO of Northwest Orlando can work on your home's fire restoration when it is most convenient for you. Make sure to contact SERVPRO at the first sign of fire damage so that issues are resolved immediately. We’re available 24/7 and can respond immediately. Call us at (407) 698-5155.

Fire Prevention, Protect your Home and Family

12/15/2021 (Permalink)

As a homeowner, the thought of a fire breaking out in your house is a nightmare scenario. Your family’s safety is at risk, and you could lose precious possessions and your home itself. The preparation steps below will reduce the risk of fire and potentially save a life. 

Maintain Smoke Alarms

All homes should have smoke alarms to alert you to fire danger. One or two devices are not enough. Your home should have one in every bedroom and an additional alarm per floor. Maintain your smoke alarms to ensure they are effective.

• Test your smoke alarm once a month.
• Change the batteries in your smoke alarm at least once a year.
• Never disconnect your smoke alarm.

Keep an Eye on the Dryer

Of all your appliances, your dryer is perhaps the most significant potential culprit for starting a fire. Check the filter and remove lint buildup after every load. We also recommend inspecting the outside vent and the hose leading from the dryer to the vent for proper ventilation.

Watch the Outlets

Being aware of electrical problems is an important fire precaution. Never overload your outlets with cords. Also, be mindful when you use power strips, especially with computers and TVs.

Be Careful When You Cook

Fire prevention starts in the kitchen, where there are many different heat sources. Make sure your oven is clean and functioning correctly. Also, never leave food on the stove unattended.

You can have peace of mind when you follow these fire prevention guidelines. If you need further direction, contact SERVPRO of Northwest Orlando at (407) 698-5155.

Inspecting Your Home After a Fire

2/5/2021 (Permalink)

When it comes to loss incidents, fire in your Northwest Orlando home can prove challenging to overcome. Fire damage effects can be reaching for the average homeowner to face on their own. Conventional cleaning efforts and general deodorization, for example, pale in comparison to the effectiveness of professional restoration services.

Reacting to the fire damage in your Northwest Orlando home can seem impossible. When the extinguishing process completes, you can begin restoring it to normal. Fortunately, this isn't a battle that you have to fight on your own. Our SERVPRO team handles fire restoration, from soot clean-up to deodorization, to help make the steps towards getting your house to its original condition.

Our estimator and project manager work to identify the full scope of the damage from when we arrive at your home. We survey every area, whether connected to the fire in your home or not. This thorough inspection records the damage, and our SERVPRO professionals have the equipment and strategies to contend with what they face. We'll deliver the assessment of your damages to the insurance company that covers your home. Claims won't be issued until further details are discussed.

Whether the damage in your home was widespread or not, this process remains the same. Our professionals take great care in assessing the scope of the damage that your home faces in the restoration process. You can trust our SERVPRO of Northwest Orlando fire restoration specialists to work quickly to bring your home back to how it should be. Call anytime at (407) 698-5155.

Fire Hazards Your Business Should Avoid

2/3/2021 (Permalink)

If you experience fire damage, call SERVPRO of Northwest Orlando.

Fire damage in your business is a serious concern. Moderate damage can result in your facility closing for repairs for weeks on end, which can be devastating. The unfortunate reality is that no business is immune to the risk of fire. Some facilities may be likely to endure damage from a fire, such as a restaurant that uses open flames throughout the day. However, many fire hazards are present in workplaces regardless of activities that take place in the building. When you know what these hazards are, you can take proper steps to address and mitigate those risks and prevent possible fire damage and smoke damage.

3 Things to Pay Attention to

1. Electrical Concerns

Damage to electrical wiring can result in sparks that lead to damaging fires. Electrical wiring damage may include frayed cords, such as those connecting desktop computers to the wall power outlets. It may include damage to internal wiring inside the walls, and these damage pests and other forces. Electrical fires may start when power sockets overload or when equipment gets hot. Periodically review your company's wiring to identify areas of concern that need to be addressed.

2. Poor Equipment Maintenance

Other hazards in workplaces relate to low equipment maintenance. For example, failing to service your furnace may result in accumulating dust and other flammable debris. A gas leak in the furnace could result in a fire or an explosion. Fire hazards related to poor maintenance may include dusty, dirty, or greasy components, such as air ducts and vents, kitchen exhaust vents, and many other features used throughout your facility. Scheduling necessary maintenance can decrease fire risk in these areas.

3. Flammable or Combustible Materials

Flammable and combustible materials are most commonly associated with industrial and warehouse environments, but restaurants, hotels, dry cleaners, and many other types of businesses may store combustible materials on-site. These materials should remain sealed according to the manufacturer's recommendations. 

As you can see, numerous fire hazards could result in severe damage to your business. If your company has already experienced fire damage, repairs are needed as soon as possible. SERVPRO of Northwest Orlando is your trusted source for quality repair services. We can quickly restore your building to its previous condition so that operations can resume in your place of business. To request assistance with your damaged building, contact us today.

Fire Restoration Services

1/27/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage, including smoke and soot, affects the structure of your house but your belongings. SERVPRO of Northwest Orlando understands your family's furniture, clothing, keepsakes, and other belongings make your house more than a structure; they make it home. Check some of SERVPRO's fire restoration services below:

Contents Restoration

SERVPRO of Northwest Orlando specializes in restoring contents damaged by water, fire, or mold. Our expertise and "restore" versus "replace" mentality can help you save money while preserving precious keepsakes that can't be replaced. We pretest your belongings to determine what items we can restore to pre-fire condition. We use several methods of cleaning your contents, including:

• Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean before wet cleaning.
• Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.
• Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that can't withstand wet cleaning.
• Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned.
• Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned.
• Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product.

Move-Outs/Pack-Outs

If your home requires extensive restoration or cleaning due to fire damage, SERVPRO of Northwest Orlando can conduct an organized, efficient move-out of the affected area. Move-out will provide several benefits, including:

• A quicker remodeling process
• Protecting items from potential damage
• Protecting contents from further on-site damage

When restoration is completed, we will work with you to coordinate the move-in according to your needs. The services offered upon move-in may depend on your insurance coverage.

Electronic Cleanup

Fire-damaged electronics can present a severe hazard. Don't attempt to turn on or operate any damaged electrical device. Smoke residues can contain acids that corrode metal surfaces. If not removed, the residues corrode, causing electronic failure in the device.

• Television sets
• DVD players
• Computers
• And more

The key to restoring electronics is taking prompt action to prevent further damage. Electronics will be cleaned and inspected by a qualified electronics technician.

Call SERVPRO of Northwest Orlando today at (407) 698-5155.