Top 10 Things to Do Immediately After a Fire

12/16/2024 (Permalink)

A sudden fire can cause severe damage to your home, business, or other property. While your primary concern should be to ensure your safety and the safety of your family or other occupants, it is also essential to understand what to do immediately after a fire. Here is a quick guide on how to handle a sudden property fire. 

Steps To Take After A Fire Starts 

1. Call Emergency Services: As soon as you notice a property fire, you need to call 911 and get firefighters to your property to put the fire out. This will help reduce the risk to you, your property, and your community.
2. Seek Medical Care If Necessary: If you or anyone else is injured, they must head to emergency medical facilities to treat burns or other injuries. 
3. Tell people you are safe: Once you and the other occupants are safely away from the fire and help is on the way, you can inform your loved ones of the situation and make sure they know you are safe. 
4. Follow Local Authorities Instructions: After being safe, you need to listen to local authorities about when you can re-enter the area. It might not be safe to approach the property right away. 

Steps For Handling Fire Damage

1. Returning To Your Property: Once local authorities agree that you can return to your property, you can re-enter it. It is recommended that children and pets continue to stay away from the property while you assess the damage.
2. Assess The Damage: Before entering the property, hire fire damage cleanup contractors. They can help assess damage and make sure that structural damage is addressed. 
3. Be Careful Around Damaged Items: Furniture damaged in the fire may not be stable. Avoid putting weight on tables or furniture. Additionally, areas of your home, like hallways or staircases, can also be damaged and may break underneath weight. 
4. Do Not Force Jammed Doors: If a door appears jammed in place and will not budge, do not force it. The door might sometimes be stuck because it supports the door frame. Shoving it can cause it to collapse.
5. Catalog Signs of Damage: Make a list of the damaged sections of your property for insurance purposes.
6. Hire Fire Damage Cleanup Crews: Some contractors specialize in mitigating damage caused by fires or flooding. These crews are trained to work through a property safely. 

Fire Damage Cleanup in Parsippany, NJ, and Montville, NJ

If you live in or around Parsippany and Montville, NJ, we highly recommend working with our SERVPRO® team to handle fire damage issues. For more information, please get in touch with our team. 

How to Prevent House Fires | SERVPRO of Parsippany, Montville

6/16/2023 (Permalink)

Have you recently had a fire in your home? Call SERVPRO of Parsippany, Montville to restore your home once the smoke clears.

It’s no secret that house fires are devastating for both families and homes. The good news is that, more often than not, they can be easily prevented by taking a few simple measures at home.

Here are a few ways to safeguard your home and prevent fires:

Soot Removal & Smoke Odor Removal

7/26/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is available to help when fire damages property. Commercial or residential, we are prepared to help!

The record-breaking heat waves of the summer 2022 have broken all records. So much so that in Spain meteorologists are now naming these events (like hurricanes) due to the amount of damage and death following in their wake. Forest fires throughout Europe and the US have forced thousands of people from their homes to search for safer places.

Both residential and commercial properties are at risk from an out-of-control forest fire. Even though properties may be miles away, they can still be damaged by smoke, or soot. SERVPRO is available to assist properties in recovering from smoke and soot damages, and the clean-up of damaged/burned buildings.

Our team is well-trained to resolve problems resulting from smoke or soot damage.

• Sanitization and cleaning of all surfaces
• All visible soot removed
• Removal of odors
• Cleaning textiles (clothings/rugs, curtains, etc.)
• Furniture restoration
• Restoring electronics
• Reconstruction

SERVPRO is #1 in fire damage repair because we provide a complete solution that saves time, money and helps you avoid costly mistakes. We can help you immediately if any property, residential or commercial, has been damaged by fire. Our team is available 24/7 to begin work on your damaged property.

Commercial Fire Damage Restoration Services

5/23/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO's Commercial Fire Damage Restoration & Clean Up Services Are 2nd to None! Call us 24 hours a day.

Experienced disaster restoration teams are required to restore commercial fire damage. Team Luzzi is one of the nation's most experienced and extensive SERVPRO Franchise owner group. Some of the country's most densely populated places, like New York City, include our franchise locations that span over 80,000 miles in New York, New Jersey & New England. 

Once on the scene your project manager can quickly assess the damage, and provide immediate board up or tarp cover services. This will help protect your building and allow us to move any property within the building to a safe place. Your assigned commercial project manger will then coordinate a workforce that is appropriate for the property. We may work in multiple shifts as needed to clean up smoke damage and remove soot from your property. We move fast because we know that the quicker we remove and clean items from a building, the better we will be able recover them. We will also be prepared to clean up water damage which usually occurs after a fire has been out. We are ready and available to provide several services simultaneously.

Your project manager will provide an estimate without obligation to reconstruct your building after the restoration is complete. Our team includes skilled contractors that are able to provide full-scale construction services in commercial applications.

Contact us immediately if there is any fire damage to commercial property. Team Luzzi provides transparent and complete oversight for your project so you can get back to work as soon as possible.

Fire Damage Repair/Cleaning Parsippany New Jersey

5/16/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Parsippany/Montville is available when fire causes damage to your residential or commercial property. Call us 24/7!

It can be very chaotic when a fire causes damage to commercial or residential properties. Even a small fire may cause damage that can require cleanup that might seem impossible. SERVPRO can take over complete restoration of your property and remove all stress and pain caused by this labor intensive cleaning process.

We are available for labor and work 24/7. In other words, we can rapidly scale up our labor force to complete a project quickly but with precision. Cleaning up after a fire quickly is a great way to reduce the damage from smoke odors, soot and other toxins. We are diligent in cleaning all surfaces.

After we have removed all evidence from the fire, we will assess the damage and offer repair/construction services. Our team is always available to help and will begin construction as soon your insurance provider and you approve all estimates.

We offer transparent pricing and keep you up-to-date about all construction progress. Even in these situations, we can provide many services including plumbing, electric and appliance installation, insulation as well as painting, finishing carpentry and other related services.

Call us 24/7!

Fire Clean Up and Damage Repair Available 24/7

5/2/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Parsippany/Montville is available when your property requires emergency fire restoration services.

Fire can quickly cause property damage that is so severe it becomes overwhelming. Assessing the damage can be complicated and, depending on the extent of it, you will need to make many quick decisions. Our team will help you navigate this process and take some of the weight off your shoulders. A project manager will inspect the property upon first arrival and offer assistance if the fire has damaged the property. If there is only one area that has been damaged by the fire, our team will try to stop further odor damage through containment.

Once we have established contact with you and your insurer, we can immediately start restoration. We are quick to reduce the time it takes to restore the property. Once we have all the information necessary for your insurance company, we will be able to provide it with the details so you know what the costs are. Finally, we will provide you with transparent pricing and up-front information for any repairs or reconstructions that may be required. This allows you speedily submit your reconstruction estimates and to avoid paying for unnecessary services that are most likely not covered by your insurance. SERVPRO's guarantee for high quality workmanship is included in all of our construction work. You can be confident that it will be done properly.

Early Restoration Options Target Post-Fire Hazards for Morris Plains Homes

10/18/2021 (Permalink)

Odors and smoke and soot damage are some of the effects of fire damage. SERVPRO can be on the scene quickly to begin the restoration process.

Restoration Begins in Morris Plains by Focusing on Emergency Services Needed to Mitigate Loss

Emergency services are the initial actions that our professionals take to mitigate loss and protect your contents. We have multiple mitigative methods possible when fire losses occur, so our SERVPRO team mobilizes fast to help when you need it most.

Structural Compromise and Damage 

One of the first things that our professionals must consider before fire damage restoration in Morris Plains homes begins is how threatened structural elements have become by the fire. Structure fires can leave installed components vulnerable to collapse or failure, so our professionals must work quickly to evaluate these affected areas like:

• Roofs
• Wall Systems
• Flooring
• Ceilings
• Fixtures
• Electrical Wiring

Fire Debris Removal Needs 

Heaps of ash and debris are common to see after a long burning or high-heat fire loss experience in your home. One of the ways to begin reducing the concentrations of harsh odors and soot damage is to shovel out and discard these charred elements.

Restoring Safe Air Quality

Another one of the focal points of emergency services in your home after a fire is removing harmful contaminants and aerosolized solids from the environment. After a structure fire, conditions in a house can be health-hazardous without first addressing these airborne threats with strategically placed HEPA 500 air scrubbers and other filtration equipment.

As you can see, we can take several immediate actions to protect your home and its contents against irreparable harm after a fire. Our fast response from our SERVPRO of East Central Morris County team can help prevent costly restoration and longer recovery times. Contact us today at (973) 887-9100.

How Can Smoke Damage Get Cleaned from Wood Surfaces in Morris Plains Homes?

8/19/2021 (Permalink)

Soot and smoke residue is no easy task. Fire damage restoration is a specialty of SERVPRO. Call now!

Certain Surfaces can Produce Cleaning Obstacles in Fire-Damaged Morris Plains Properties.

Removing smoke and soot residues from homes after fires begins with a thorough inspection. Our qualified administrators can uncover the focal concerns and work to address these most heavily damaged areas as quickly as possible when mitigation starts. 

Is Unfinished Wood a Challenge to Clean? 

Fire damage restoration for Morris Plains involves treating dozens of surface types with specific cleaning products and tactics to maximize production while minimizing damages to underlying substrates. Unfinished wood is porous and harder to treat in many cases involving surface sanding, media blasting, or even controlled demolition to resolve. 

What Process is Used to Treat Finished Wood? 

Finished wood is often among the easier surfaces of this type to clean, as they have a lacquer or coat finish that can reduce smoke damage penetration. In many situations, finished wood like cabinets or shelves can be treated with wet cleaning approaches. More extensive and severe damage to these specific elements requires a greater range of cleaning products. Often restoration is a combination of:

• Wall/Surface Cleaner
• Wood Oil Soap
• Wood Crème Paste

Is Controlled Demolition Necessary? 

Rebuilding after a fire damage incident is often inevitable, and having this capability with our general contractor license prevents customers from seeking subcontractors on their own. Our abilities with controlled demolition and build-back limit the time that restoration takes and save customers money with a fast and qualified transition to construction. 

Our technicians have extensive experience in identifying smoke damage and the necessary restoration steps to help. Smoke and soot residues can be disastrous for wood surfaces, and with so many throughout the property, there is much cleaning to be done. Our SERVPRO of East Central Morris County team can help with your fire restoration needs when you call (973) 887-9100.

Do You Know the Different Types of Smoke Commonly Seen In Morris Plains House Fires?

5/26/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot residue has no chance against an IICRC certified SERVPRO technician. We are certified for all fire restoration services that you need.

Types of Fire Damage Commonly Seen in Morris Plains Residences 

SERVPRO technicians know that when we get a call to mitigate fire damage, it is a stressful situation for the homeowner. We also know that the faster we arrive on the scene, the more potential for saving structure and contents through our cleaning and restoration efforts.  

Different types of fire damage in Morris Plains homes require different cleaning methods. One of the first actions our technicians perform is the testing of smoke to determine the kind of fire that has occurred. This testing enables us to identify the proper remediation methods to limit fire damage. There may be different kinds of smoke residues to address in a single room due to the fluctuating temperature of the fire or the type of objects burned.  

SERVPRO uses different classifications for the type of smoke left behind by fire and applies the appropriate cleaning methods. 

Wet Smoke - occurs when synthetics materials burn, such as plastic and rubber. The fires tend to be lower heat and often carry pungent odors. SERVPRO technicians use wet sponges for cleaning the smeary, sticky smoke from this type of fire.  

Dry Smoke - is a residue left behind when organic materials such as paper or wood burn. This type of residue comes from high-temperature fires that burn quickly. While the film left is dry and easier to mitigate, these types of fires often leave more structural damage and significant fire damage.  

Protein Smoke - one of the most common fires and usually occurs in the kitchen. The residue is nearly invisible; however, paint on the walls may experience discoloration and a strong odor left in the vicinity of the fire.  

Furnace Puff Backs - rarely an issue in this part of the country. However, it is crucial to have your home professionally cleaned if this situation occurs as soot travels through every vent in the house.  

Professional cleanup of smoke and soot residue must occur because as long as odor-causing particles remain, so does the pungent odor of the fire.  

Thorough cleaning with our professional formulas neutralizes much of the remaining odor after a fire. If necessary, SERVPRO technicians use multiple types of equipment and techniques to neutralize odors and return your home to its preloss condition. 

Whether your fire damage is large or small, call SERVPRO of East Central Morris County at (973) 887-9100. Our technicians are available 24/7, and We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.  

Can Services in Boonton Restore Textiles with Smoke Residues?

4/26/2021 (Permalink)

Fire restoration for your home should be handled by a professional outfit. SERVPRO has the equipment and experience for any disaster.

SERVPRO is Capable of Fabric and Furnishing Recovery During Fire Restoration of your Boonton Home.

Textiles are composed of thousands of individual fibers. These materials' nature means they can take on large amounts of soot, dust, odor, or smoke during a house fire. This fact can be troubling for homeowners with high-value items such as upholstered sofas, chairs, rugs, and mattresses.

SERVPRO can guide you through:

• Fire damage restoration 
• Fire and smoke damage
• Fire damaged homes
• House fire cleanup

Saturation can be a valuable technique for the fire restoration of your Boonton home. The advantage of using saturation is that technicians can apply higher quantities of cleaning solutions, allowing greater extraction of residues and odors. More care is taken when applying saturation techniques to prevent inadvertently causing harm to the material.

• Wringing solvent-soaked towels can apply saturation across the surface textures of upholstery.
• Upholstery cleaning machines can apply either water or solvent-based solutions directly to a surface. 
• It is essential to dry saturated materials quickly using dehumidification and rapid-air movement to reduce the chance of exposure damages. 

Saturation is just one of our content cleaning methods. Contact SERVPRO of East Central Morris County for fire restoration at (973) 554-3701.

Do Montville Residents Have Access to Professional Fire Damage Restoration Services?

4/13/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot residues are no easy task. No matter the size of fire damage done to your home, SERVPRO can help.

SERVPRO Operates in Montville and Can Assist with House Fire Cleanup

Montville is a township that sits within Morris County, New Jersey. The quiet life afforded by a small village that is infrastructurally connected to wider NJ and New York City has seen the quaint township voted as among the top places to live in the state. This United States region carries a rich history from the Revolutionary War, and Montville is no different. The small agricultural town was vital during George Washington's marshaling of Unionist forces to and from the Hudson River. As such, the area is a top spot for history buffs who like to soak up this town's history. The Morristown County Historical Society is a non-profit that has funded the upkeep of some of Montville's oldest surviving structures which date as far back as the seventeenth century. 

Much of Montville's fascinating history is accessible through the County Park system. For example, Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area is 1658-acres of conservation wildlife and some of the most intriguing hiking trails in the Northeast. Among the top routes is a six-mile hike up to the centerpiece, a vast glacier-formed boulder. Views across the Manhattan skyline are superb, while a quick visit to the park shop offers interactive historical exhibits that trace the life of some of the Lenape Indian tribes and early Dutch settlers to the area. Montville, at its heart, is an agricultural town with a rich tradition. Visits here offer a glimpse of life for early-American settlers and a fantastic blend of outdoor activities and cozy bars, cafes, or restaurants. 

• The Henry Doremus House is a core site along the American Revolutionary War trail. It was a resting spot for General George Washington and his Unionist troops after fighting in the Battle of Springfield, one of the most significant skirmishes in the Northeast. The property itself is a stone house built in the Dutch style in 1760, converted into a local history museum.
• The charming Barn Theatre is a small auditorium with ringed seating that allows all audience members an equal view. Programs are typically diverse, featuring touring circuses, local playwrights, and traditional festive treats. The adjacent restaurant is also one of the better places to dine in Montville.
• The Camp Dawson trail allows visitors to walk in the footsteps of some of the Unionist forces who passed through Turkey Mountain in the mid-eighteenth century. Stunning vistas, wooded sections, and clearings on the shores of a Lake are among the highlights of this sub-10k trek.

SERVPRO Can Use Chemical Cleaning Methods to Remove Soiling after Fire

Stubborn fire spots caused by soot and smoke residues can be tough to clean without a comprehensive knowledge of spot or stain removal. SERVPRO can assist you with:

• Smoke damage 
• Fire restoration
• House fire cleanup

We can use specific cleaning methods in fire damage restoration for your Montville home that changes or chemically alter stains. These could include active enzymes, which break down and digest smoke residues at a molecular level. The chief use for this chemical action is in kitchen fires when smoke residues have a high protein content from animal fats.

• Using enzymes requires temperature maintenance at all times to ensure they are effective.
• Technicians must understand the relative pH balance of stains before applying enzymes.
• Enzymes are typically non-toxic in a home environment which lessens the need for ventilation or relocation from the property.

We can help you to remove harsh smoke residues and stains. Contact SERVPRO of East Central Morris County for fire damage restoration at (973) 554-3701.

Repairing Damage after a Fire in your Montville Property

3/11/2021 (Permalink)

Our fire damage experts can have your home back to its original state, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO Handles Fire Restoration in Montville

Montville, New Jersey, is a small city with a population of approximately 25,000. It is about 45 minutes away from New York City, making it a desirable location for those commuting for work. Montville Township is roughly four miles wide and nine miles long, located about 13 miles from Newark. The area is green and lush with fields and forests and beautiful streams and rivers despite being relatively close to the city. It also has a small-town community feel for residents and visitors alike. 

In 2013, Montville was voted one of the best places to live in the country. More recently in 2020, Montville was rated 66 out of 413 Suburbs for places to live, buy a house, and raise a family. It has a sparse suburban feel, close to the city but far enough for more individual privacy. Most residents of Montville own their own homes. The town offers beautiful parks, various restaurants, and highly rated schools, making it a great place to live. On top of these features, there is a low crime rate compared to the national average. 

Montville has a history as old as the United States. During the American Revolution, it served as a military route from Morristown, NJ, to the Hudson River. However, it did not become a Township until 1867, when it split off from Pequannock township. Before that, in the late 1700s, the settlement was called Upper Montville, pronounced "Mondeveil" by Dutch settlers.  

Things to know about the Montville Township Museum and Historical Society:

• Located on Taylortown Road near Route 202.

• It was the first one-room schoolhouse in the area, constructed after the Civil War in 1867.

• Became the center of town activities and was the town hall until 1939, then becoming the post office until 1961.

• In 1963 it reopened as a museum. 

• Displays include historical artifacts such as farm equipment, an organ from the First Dutch Reformed Church, a grandfather clock, and various photographs and files about Montville's history. 

SERVPRO Aids Homeowners with Home Restoration after a Fire

There are some basic guidelines for things you should and should not do following a fire in your home. It is essential to understand that the actions you take after a fire can help mitigate further damages in your home. Some important things to avoid are attempting to clean walls, carpets, and clothing. It is best to leave those things to professionals. 

Some Things you Should do After a Fire as Long as the Structure is Safe and Free from Imminent Danger:

• Empty the refrigerator if there is no power and place undamaged food into a cooler. 
• Wash house plants on both sides of the leaves gently with water. 
• Change filters in the HVAC system.
• Ensure your hands are free of soot while touching upholstery, woodwork, and appliances to avoid further damage. 

For 24/7 assistance after a fire in Montville and surrounding areas, contact SERVPRO of East Central Morris County at (973) 887-9100.

Smoke and Soot Can Have a Lasting Impact on your Morris Plains Home.

12/7/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has the skilled technicians your property needs for thorough and effective fire damage remediation. Call the experts today at (973) 887-9100.

SERVPRO of Morris County Has Qualified Restoration Technicians Ready to Transform your Home to a Pre-Loss Condition. 

Morris Plains was incorporated as a township of Morris County, New Jersey, in 1738. Situated just west of New York City, the two regions share the United States' eastern coastal shelf. Both the township and the County are named after Colonel Lewis Morris, who was acting governor during the incorporation of Morris County to the United States. The region of Morris County was a crucial staging ground for the Continental Army, allowing access to landmark battlegrounds such as Trenton, Princeton, and Jockey Hollow in the war of 1776. This corner of New Jersey is rich in agriculture and resources. Historically, the nearby townships of Dover and Port Aram were mining towns that produced over 700,000 tons of iron ore every year. The riverine region is famous for its extensive collection of freshwater lakes, forests, mountains, and Greenland. The County has the Rockaway, Whippany, Raritan, Black rivers. The borders of Morris County are largely riverine barriers, one of the reasons behind the County's military importance. The Pequannock, Pompton, Passaic, and Musconetcong River form water borders with neighboring counties. Many of the names derive from native American Lenape tribes who originally inhabited the area but migrated into Canada, and Ohio Valley after land purchases, crop droughts, and disease decimated the local populace.

Their affluence typifies the modern population in Morris Plains and Morris County. The County has been rated as among the top 5 places to live in the US, while median income ranges rank in the top 100 of the United States. The excellent graduation rates and job opportunities that characterize this area are reflected in house prices in the top two of New Jersey. The industries that provide such a strong economy focus on pharmaceuticals, research & development, real estate, and finance. The County itself has the headquarters of 33 Fortune 500 companies. These include Palmolive, Pfizer, and Verizon. The lands around Morris Plain are dedicated mainly to wildlife preservation and historical significance. The 28 county parks account for over 13,000 acres of public property, which attracts hikers, bikers, kayakers, and outdoor enthusiasts all year round. Golf courses are also beautiful amongst the natural visages inherent to this part of New Jersey. 

• The Sonesta ES Suites in Parsippany are an ideal hotel for businesses and corporate events. Situated just 30 minutes drive from New York City. The hotel on Interpace Parkway offers flexible working spaces and cooking amenities.
• The Hyatt House in Whippany is a short distance from Mt. Tabor. Since 1869 various members of the methodist church have spent ten days camping in the Mt. Tabor hillsides, which has been the official title of the camp meeting.
• For several relaxing resorts, the Mountain Lakes region of New Jersey is a superb option. Cross country skiing is available during the winter months at Tourne Park, which also offers excellent walking trails throughout the year.

Historic sites and recreation in Morris Plains, New Jersey.

Like many areas in this region of the United States, Morris Plains and its surrounding townships have an opulent history that stretches back to the American Revolutionary War. There are also unique and protected heritage sites that cover America's transition into a modern industrial world leader and the Gilded Age, thirty years when the US economy's value rapidly accelerated and laid the foundations for its place as an economic superpower in the twentieth century.

• The village of Boonton is a short distance from Morris Plains and cropped up due to the Morris Canal construction. The John Taylor Building on Main Street features a collection of historical artifacts that charter the region's history from as far back as the eighteenth century. Walking tours are available for visitors to the area with interest in history.
• For a unique look into the community and local history of Morris Plains, there is no better than the Morris Plains Museum, which was found in 1974 and sits on Jim Fear drive. The museum depicts the beginnings of Morris Plains from a sawmill into a busy suburb of New Jersey.
• The Mayo Performing Arts Center has a national reputation at the forefront of performative arts and drama. The center puts on 200 shows a year in its 1,319 seater theatre. The cultural center also encourages involvement in art for all ages as well as championing art in education programs.

Smoke damages can affect your indoor air quality. SERVPRO of East Morris Plains County Can Help Restore your Home Effectively.

When materials combust, they can release chemicals, odor particles, and microscopic particles into the indoor environment. Enclosed areas can be tough to ventilate correctly without assistance from a qualified fire restoration professional. SERVPRO technicians are experts at identifying indoor air-quality issues and rectifying them with a range of equipment. When working in a fire loss site, the core principle is to understand the importance of restoration over replacement. Restoring items in the home is typically cheaper, more time-efficient, and better for homeowners who may have sentimental items damaged by smoke. Our technicians work with a restore over replace mentality to ensure your fire restoration causes as little inconvenience as possible. 

• Air-filtration devices are fitted with high-efficiency particulate air-filters that can remove dust particles as small as 0.3 microns from an indoor environment. 
• Our deodorization programs involve several equipment and deodorants to find and eliminate all types of smoke odor from your property. 
• We can use sand-blasting equipment to remove charring from building frames and other solid wood furniture before resurfacing and returning it to a preloss condition. 
• Our SMR sales and marketing reps can work closely with insurance adjusters to produce a workable time-frame and verbal quote. At the end of service, we can help you fill out a 'stress-free claim.'

Our priority is to ensure residents get their home returned to them, "Like it never even happened." Contact SERVPRO of East Central Morris County at (973) 887-9100.

How Does Fuller’s Earth Help with Smells after Fire Damage?

10/8/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke damage lingers long after the fire has been extinguished. We have the equipment to restore your home. We are always available to take your call.

Morris Plains Homeowners are Concerned About Smoke Odors After Fire Damage  

Most homeowners around the country, including Morris Plains, worry about a blaze breaking out in their house. The thought of the damage and the costly repairs is terrible. However, if a disaster occurs, SERVPRO is on hand to help. 

Our customers often let us know that one of their main concerns after fire damage to their Morris Plains home is the smell. Anyone unfortunate enough to suffer a house fire knows that the smoke odor can stay around for a long time.

Our customers often let us know that one of their main concerns after fire damage to their Morris Plains home is the smell. Anyone unfortunate enough to suffer a house fire knows that the smoke odor can stay around for a long time. 

Why are smoke odors so hard to eliminate? 

When organic materials burn, they create soot, the sticky black substance that covers surfaces after a fire. Soot gets absorbed into porous materials such as: 

• Organic textiles like cotton and wool
• Wooden furniture
• Fire-damaged plastic that bubbles and becomes porous 

Because soot penetrates the material, getting rid of the smell is challenging. Deodorization is an integral part of SERVPRO’s work because we know your home will not feel like your own while it stinks of smoke. 

What is Fuller’s earth, and how does it help?  

Fuller’s earth is a clay material, usually palygorskite or bentonite, which has deodorizing properties. It has a variety of uses in everything from the military to the film industry. For the restoration industry, it is the active ingredient in Instant Odor Counteractant Pellets, which we use to deodorize homes after fire damage. Counteractant pellets can be used in different ways: 

• A small amount placed in a remote area like a closet
• Placed in shallow pans in larger rooms to deodorize the entire space
• In the intake of furnaces or air conditioners to deodorize the whole home 

Fuller’s earth is a potent deodorizer – two ounces of pellets is enough to remove smells from 160 square feet of floor space.  

We can also use counteractant pellets in conjunction with other deodorizers such as charcoal filters, air scrubbers, thermal fogging, or ULV misting. 

If you are worried about smells after a fire, call SERVPRO of East Central Morris County at (973) 887-9100.

Which Advanced Deodorization Solutions Help Eliminate Stubborn Odor in Morris Plains?

7/19/2020 (Permalink)

Fire damage, if not taken care of properly, can leave lingering odors in your home for a long time. Contact SERVPRO for fire remediation services.

SERVPRO Uses Various Approaches to Manage Odor during Fire Restoration in Morris Plains Properties

Restoring a fire-damaged property is a lengthy process with a variety of issues to address, including cleaning soiled areas, removing damaged materials, and drying wet areas for the home to regain its preloss conditions. You may conduct all the primary restoration processes satisfactorily, but the offensive odors that develop during fire incidents may not go away. SERVPRO has skilled fire & smoke restoration technicians that can provide a tailored solution to match the complexities of the loss in your Morris Plains home.

What steps are considered basic deodorization during fire restoration in Morris Plains homes?

• Removal of odorous materials
• Use of masking agents
• Cleaning with products that have odor counteracting properties

The odor felt is one of the byproducts of the combustion process. Steps such as cleaning residues deposited on surfaces as well as clearing all charred materials from the property help remove a significant percentage of the odor experienced within a property. Some odor might also emanate from materials such as smoke or aerosols suspended in the air and therefore disappear when the air clears. Since that can take time, using masking agents helps because they produce a sweet scent to replace the bad odor. Our SERVPRO technicians use time-release beads for better control of the amount of scent released as well as to lengthen the release period.

Do all cleaning products remove odors?

Cleaning products contain various chemical agents that help remove soils, contaminants, and even odors. However, only a handful of products can remove odors. Some might also introduce new odors to the cleaned areas. Cleaning products are classified differently depending on the chemical agents they contain. Some typical options used in cleaning properties include:

• Bleaches

They can be powdered or in liquid form. They are perfect for boosting the cleaning process, especially if there are stained materials.

• Quaternary Compounds

They help control fungi such as mold that might develop at the fire loss site because of the moisture leftover from fire-fighting processes.

• Phenolics

These are aromatic alcohol-based agents that can be applied in different ways including fogging.

What sort of fire damage necessitates advanced deodorization? 

Any fire incident in your Morris Plains home, whether big or small, can leave stubborn odors that persist even after removal of residues, ventilating the area, and cleaning all soiled areas. Therefore, case-by-case evaluation of loss sites is necessary to determine the level of deodorization needed. Our SERVPRO crews have a deeper understanding of odors, thus making it easier to perform the necessary evaluations. For instance, we understand that fine odor particles penetrate deep into materials, depending on their level of porosity, thus creating an odor reservoir.

Removing smells embedded deep into materials requires the use of the right deodorizing agent and the correct delivery method that can reach all areas with hidden odor particles. 

Which advanced deodorization methods help remove fire odors?

• Applying pairing agents to affected areas
• Use of electrically generated deodorizers
• Use of filtration and absorption agents
• Applying surface sealing products

Our SERVPRO technicians use absorption or filtration agents when we suspect that an odor emanates from oily or wet residues. The products work by absorbing odorous materials. An example of this type of deodorization is the use of activated charcoal filters in the air filtration devices that we run in your  Morris Plains property during the restoration process.

For materials such as concrete, wood, or upholstery, which might absorb more odors, we neutralize the odors using pairing agents that combine with the odor particles. We use unique delivery methods such as ULV fogging or thermal fogging, which deliver the pairing agent in atomized form, thus allowing deep penetration into the affected materials. 

Another alternative is the use of electrically generated deodorizers such as Photocatalytic Oxidizers and Ozone generators. Apart from better reach to the odorous areas, the use of these machines also adds an aspect of convenience since the deodorization process can happen even as we perform other restoration tasks. For instance, we can set up the Photocatalytic Oxidizer to manage odors when we start the restoration. The machine works by shining UV rays on a titanium dioxide surface producing hydroxyl radicals that oxidize, thus breaking odors into water and carbon dioxide. 

Sometimes, applying all deodorization methods might not remove stubborn odor in some parts of your property. In such cases, we use sealers to help encapsulate the odor remnants within the affected material. We can use colorless sealers or pigmented ones depending on the location of the affected material.

Removing bad smells helps ensure your home is comfortable for you to stay. Call SERVPRO of East Central Morris County at (973) 887-9100 to help with deodorization, eliminating traces of a fire incident, "Like it never even happened."

What Fire Recovery Efforts Should I Leave to Professionals?

6/12/2020 (Permalink)

When you have a fire in your Morris Plains home, call SERVPRO. We know what your home needs.

Many of the restoration efforts for fire-damaged Morris Plains homes require precise equipment and trained technicians to complete. 

After a fire, your entire Morris Plains home might feel destroyed. Addressing each of these individual obstacles can be overwhelming and out of the capabilities of the average homeowner. Without sophisticated tools and experience in the realm of fire recovery, many of the restorative tasks necessary in your house can fall by the wayside in the early critical stages. 

There are several individual tasks that this could mean when you consider the need for fire restoration in your Morris Plains home. Our SERVPRO professionals have years of hands-on experience and training through the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) to offer fast and confident responses to fire loss emergencies as they happen. As you might expect, little happens in your home without first assessing the damage and condition.

What is Necessary to Restore My House After a Fire? 

Speculation and wrong information leads to costlier restoration experiences and conditions that do not get adequately addressed. To provide the most accurate information and determine your property's needs after a fire loss, we can begin with job scoping. Our project manager and crew chief work along with the customer to determine what areas were impacted by the fire, pre-existing conditions, and what steps must get taken to ultimately make fire losses "Like it never even happened." Focal points of this job scoping include:

• Damage Assessment
• Content Evaluation
• Structural Inspections

What Should the Fire Restoration Process Entail? 

Fire restoration is not the same from one structure to the next, as blazes affect materials and contents differently. Understanding the recovery process can help you to know where your home is in the restoration process and what steps to take to return the house to preloss condition. While each of these approaches might not happen in each fire restoration task, these are the most common elements to residential and commercial fire loss recovery:

• Debris Removal – piles of ash and debris are common after a fire. Charred remnants of destroyed structural materials can also be a point of concern. Removing this debris can reduce concentrations of soot and the severity of present smoke and burning odors.

• Surface Cleaning – soot and residues are two of the common obstacles for structural elements and contents alike in your fire-damaged property. Wipe cleaning and media blasting are effective methods of removing these potential hazardous residues. 

• Air Quality Improvement – contaminants, ash, and particulates circulating in the environment can be a hazard to those exposed. Not only do our SERVPRO professionals wear respirators to keep us safe, but we also focus on cleaning up the environment in your home to reduce exposure risks with the occupants of the house.

• Controlled Demolition – After a structure fire, many of the materials used in the construction of your home can become irreparably damaged. Our in-house contractors can remove portions of these affected surfaces to provide a stable area to begin reconstruction without entirely rebuilding the entire region of the house.

• Water Removal – Fire extinguishing efforts can often leave our fire restoration technicians contending with standing water and saturation in specific areas of the property where the blaze was the most challenging to stop. Fire restoration can often include both extraction and drying needs for the house. 

• Deodorization – Smoke and burning odors can exist in the open environment and get trapped in sensitive materials throughout the damaged areas. We have multiple tools that can help to neutralize foul odor compounds. 

Is Content Management Always Necessary? 

To some extent, the management and restoration of exposed belongings and possessions in your home is a consistent need for fire restoration. While there are many instances where in-house restoration and recovery can be useful, pack-out processes can offer more intricate cleaning efforts for your belongings and safely store these possessions until they get returned after mitigation and restoration complete. In our SERVPRO warehouse, your items get:

• Focused Surface Cleaning
• Ozone Chamber Deodorization
• Ultrasonic Submersion Tank Cleaning
• Safe, Climate-Controlled Storage

Fire restoration can involve many advanced practices and techniques. Our SERVPRO of East Central Morris County team can help with a fast and reliable response to these emergencies that can help to secure insurance damage claims with a thorough inspection of the property. We can help through nearly all stages of recovery in your fire-damaged property, from mitigation and restoration through reconstruction. Give us a call anytime at (973) 887-9100.

A Fire has Ruined My Property, and I Want to Repair it! Where Do I Begin?

6/2/2020 (Permalink)

Having issues with smoke and soot damage in your Morris Plains home? Call SERVPRO to have an expert experience to your problems.

Contact SERVPRO Technicians to Perform Fire Damage Restoration in Your Morris Plains Home

House fires are a property owner’s worst nightmare. The thought of your valuable items going up in flames or family members getting hurt is frightening. Fortunately, professionals can save most,  if not all, of your valuables and prevent further damage in your Morris Plains home.

What are some precautions I should take after a fire?

After the unfortunate incident, it is essential to wait until the fire marshal deems the structure safe for re-entry. Call SERVPRO franchise professionals to clean up and restore your fire damaged Morris Plains residence immediately to prevent further damage. When you return to your property to collect your belongings, avoid the affected area so that soot does not spread to unaffected surfaces.

Where do you begin?

We start by inspecting the affected area thoroughly to determine your losses. Our technicians can use a thermal imaging camera to see how far the water used by the firefighters traveled. The equipment helps our restorers to see where there is water damage, even in the hard to reach surfaces. Our team of experts responds fast since we understand how stressful the situation can be to property owners. We use state-of-the-art equipment and tools, as well as approved edge-cutting techniques to handle fire damage of any magnitude.   

How do you contain the damage?

Soot and smoke damage can continue to cause havoc in your property long after the unfortunate incident. The secondary damage involves the spread of contamination to unaffected areas. During the containment step, we remove all contents from the affected property, taking inventory of salvageable items. We dispose of materials damaged beyond recovery and begin drying out your property.

We can clean affected surfaces effectively to restore them to the preloss condition. The cleaning process has to break the bond between smoke residues and the surfaces they adhere to. Our SERVPRO team uses four actions to loosen soils from surfaces. They include:

• Lubrication
• Mechanical action
• Suspension and dispersion
• Chemical action

What about my salvageable belongings that have soot?

Our team of restoration professionals can clean and restore the contents either at your home or at our facilities. We can use an ultrasonic cleaner to clean delicate items. This cleaning technique involves dipping the contents into an ultrasonic tank filled with cleaning solution and water. The high-frequency sound waves create microscopic bubbles and high temperatures to scrub and agitate contents. The air pressure released from the imploding bubbles gently removes residues on items.

SERVPRO of East Central Morris County has the experience and skill to restore your home and save as much property as possible. Call us at (973) 887-9100 to make the fire damage seem, “Like it never even happened.”

How Do Professionals in Morris Plains Clean Fire Residues Off Surfaces in my Home?

5/18/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot damage are hard to clean. SERVPRO has the training and cleaning solutions to meet your needs.

SERVPRO Fire Damage Soot Removal Experts Use Research-Based Strategies in Morris Plains Residences 

The baseline approach used to clean soot off surfaces is the same, regardless of the spaces affected or the materials burned: 

• Find and identify the residues
• Evaluate the characteristics of the affected surface
• Capture the residues for efficient removal
• Appropriately remove and dispose of the residues 

What is the Purpose of Pretesting Before Cleaning? 

When we try to determine the best way to eliminate the fire damage soiling your Morris Plains home, pretesting the product and cleaning method is essential. We do this in an inconspicuous place to ensure the residue dissolves efficiently without undue damage to the soiled surface. 

Why Are Dissolving and Emulsifying the Residues Preferable to Scraping or Scrubbing? 

Although agitation is one of the cleaning elements, using the chemical action of well-matched cleaning products for appropriate dwell times at an optimal temperature can decrease the need for intense and potentially damaging agitation through abrasive means to remove soot. SERVPRO technicians learn that “like dissolves like,” so we research the underlying make-up of the substances coating the surfaces in your home to choose the best cleaner. After the correct solution floods and soaks the soot, the residues loosen, allowing the suspension of particles. 

Does it Matter Where We Discard the Dirt and Cleaning Solution? 

Because many of the residues as well as some of the cleaning products are toxic and considered hazardous waste, disposal must conform to local regulations. Our employees are familiar with the correct procedures and manage disposal appropriately, safeguarding you and your family and the general public, from harm. 

Have confidence that SERVPRO of East Central Morris County can remove fire damage soot and soiling fast, leaving your home’s structural components and contents intact. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster, awaiting your call to (973) 887-9100. 

More about Morris Plains.

Fire Damage Restoration In Morris Plains Can Involve Dry Sponge Cleaning Affected Ceilings

3/9/2020 (Permalink)

Homeowners have to deal with many things which may include fire damage. Contact SERVPRO right away.

SERVPRO’s How to for Fire Damage in Morris Plains

Thousands of structural burns, both severe and minor, take place in the Morris Plains area each year. Once an inferno ignites, the fire damage that gets caused can include soot residues left behind by the smoke. Since heat rises, smoke can quickly go straight to your ceilings and then to other rooms of your house. Once these partially burnt particles contact cooler surfaces such as your ceiling, they can solidify and turn into soot residues.

Our SERVPRO technicians know that when working on fire damage restoration in Morris Plains, cleaning ceilings can become a large portion of the mitigation procedures. Some ceilings are composed of non-porous materials such as wood, whereas others could be more porous substances like drywall or acoustic tiles. Since your various ceilings could require different techniques to clean soot residues, we start by test cleaning your affected areas. For the most part, non-porous ceilings can be cleaned using water-based detergents, but your affected drywall can be cleaned better using dry techniques.

After our SERVPRO crew test cleans your affected walls and ceilings, we can determine whether wet cleaning or other methods like using dry sponges would be best. However, before we begin cleaning your ceiling, we first move all of your furniture away from your walls and cover it with thick plastic to prevent any soot falling on your unaffected contents. Next, we remove any art or other items that are hanging on your walls. Then we use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to suck up any excess, dry soot, or soils.

Once the room containing your affected ceiling is prepared, we start by cleaning the rear corner of the room. We apply the sponge to the surface so that pressure is distributed evenly. We then drag the sponge about three to four feet in one pass. Next, we reposition the sponge so that it overlaps the first pass and cleans an area about four to five feet across.

If you ever need help cleaning soot residues from your ceiling after you suffer from a structural blaze, call SERVPRO of East Central Morris County at (973) 887-9100 24  hours a day. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Learn more about Morris Plains.

SERVPRO Identifies and Designates Fire-Damaged Elements in Morris Plains Properties for Professional Cleaning and Restoration

1/18/2020 (Permalink)

Structural Damage in Morris Plains from Fires May Mean SERVPRO Board-Up Service to Secure the Home

Fire Damage Morris Plains – Contents vs. Structural Cleaning

Many fires occur in a Morris Plains kitchen while food is cooking and left unattended. Before the chef realizes something is amiss, a fire starts engulfing the area around the cooking surface and causing nearby items to ignite. Firefighters usually squash the fire quickly; however, in the process, it creates even more damage. If you were wise enough to have a small fire extinguisher handy under the sink, maybe the fire damage was less, but still a mess.

SERVPRO provides fire damage cleanup services and reconstruction in the Morris Plains area. In addition to the fire and smoke restoration expertise of our technicians, we also are licensed to provide and coordinate repair of your building's structural elements.

Contents vs. Structural Cleaning
The materials in the immediate area, as well as the structure, can be damaged by the fire. Additional damage can be caused by the efforts of the firemen while squashing the fire. Smoke residue can also spread throughout the home, causing staining and odors.

Contents are those items that can be removed from the room or rooms and cleaned. Some items may have been damaged beyond repair. These items must be replaced. Building materials and fixtures include the basic structure of the home, such as cupboards, flooring, the walls, and more. In many cases, the structure can be cleaned, deodorized, and repaired. We strive to clean up and restore rather than replace fire-damaged elements.

SERVPRO assesses the damage and prepares recommendations regarding which contents and structural materials can be cleaned vs. replaced. For example, nonporous items generally are easily cleaned, while porous items may require specialized treatment or replacement.

The type of soiling is also an important consideration. Fires produce a variety of smoke residue based on the temperature of the fire and the material burned. Some of the smoke residues can be oil-based, requiring a different cleaning approach than water-based damage. SERVPRO uses these factors to decide whether to use a wet or dry cleaning approach as the team restores you home after a fire. We always pre-test items to prevent further damage.

We are a licensed General Contractor - License: 13VH06046200, and can help with all of the repair and construction work, saving time and reducing total costs.

Call SERVPRO of East Central Morris County at (973) 887-9100 for 24/7 service. We proudly serve Boonton Township, Mountain Lakes, and surrounding areas. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

We Are Faster To Any Size Disaster In Morris Plains

10/22/2019 (Permalink)

We were able to clean the soot from the walls and ceiling in this kitchen after a fire struck. We make disasters "Like it never even happened."

Common Questions Morris Plains Homeowners Have After Fire Damage

According to the FEMA-run, Ready.gov, the likelihood of a home having a destructive fire is roughly 1 in 3000. The number one reason for fire damage is something most people do every day: cooking. 

Homeowners in Morris Plains with fire damage often feel overwhelmed looking at the loss left behind in their home from something as simple as dinner gone wrong, much less what to do about it. 

First Actions to Take After Fire Loss in the Home

• Confirm with the fire department on-site if it is safe for anyone to enter the property.
• If the electricity is not already off and it is safe to do so, turn off the main panel in your home. This action stops the sparking of fires within walls and other areas, causing additional damage.
• Do not run your HVAC even if it was a small-sized fire in the home. If you still smell smoke, the odor has the potential to spread via ductwork.
• Close off the fire loss area in the home if possible.
• Bring in a professional company to clean up and restore the house from fire loss. 

Comprehensive Reports Assist in Filing Insurance Claims

SERVPRO technicians create detailed reports that include photos and a full description of whether the item was a loss or underwent restorative efforts for reuse. Having these reports helps expedite the filing of insurance claims. The technicians also give recommendations for any needed repairs or reconstruction that the home needs to attain pre-fire damage loss status.

Get Cleanup, Restoration, and Rebuilding in One Place

With their general contractor license #13VH06046200, SERVPRO can offer property owners the services of both restoration and reconstruction. Instead of having one company do the cleanup and another company repair or rebuild fire loss areas in the home, you can use a single company for both needs. 

The faster that clean up of fire damage begins, the better. Call SERVPRO of East Central Morris County at (973) 887-9100. The emergency response team stands ready 24/7 to restore your property, "Like it never even happened."

See more about Morris Plains.

Montille Property Owners Rest Easy Knowing that SERVPRO Is Protecting Their Personal Treasures after a House Fire

9/18/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Provides Pack-Outs for Cleaning and Storing Fire-Damaged Possessions in Montville

Complete Content Management for Fire-Damaged Montville Homes

Fires are an unexpected and disastrous emergency that requires a fast reaction from Montville property owners. As detrimental as fires can be to a home, the situation can continually worsen until an intervention occurs from trained professional restorers like our SERVPRO team. We have a 24/7 response that dispatches qualified personnel to your address amid a crisis to get mitigation work started as soon as possible.

As much as these loss incidents can destroy structural elements, often the costliest part of recovering fire damage in Montville homes involves the personal belongings of the family. Heirlooms, photographs, treasures, and other keepsakes have no set monetary value, but they mean much more than even the most valuable items that would otherwise make a damage claim. Our professionals help from the moment that we arrive to manage the contents of your house both on-site and through our pack-out process.

On-Site
We have a team of qualified professionals that can work to assess the full scope of the damage and threats to your belongings when our team first arrives at your house. Ideally, we strive to protect all of your possessions, and that gets most easily accomplished by moving furniture, belongings, and keepsakes to an unaffected area of your home. Through effective quarantine practices, we can limit the impact that conditions like soot and odors can have on these belongings by preventing their spread throughout the house.
 
Pack-Out
We appear with all of the necessary moving equipment, including boxes, bubble wrap, packing materials, and more. We know that some of your possessions might have become heavily damaged by specific hazardous effects like soot residue and smoke odors. We have powerful submersion cleaning techniques at our SERVPRO facility along with cutting-edge deodorization tools that can make these loss effects “Like it never even happened.”
 
Your residence is not just a structure, but a place that holds your greatest memories and your irreplaceable treasures. You can count on SERVPRO of East Central Morris County team to help you to overcome fire losses that might exist after extinguishment and work to get you back in the house as soon as possible. Give us a call 24/7 at (973) 887-9100.

Acid Smoke After Fire

3/8/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of East Central Morris County County can help even in the toughest circumstances.  By calling SERVPRO of East Central Morris County at 973-887-9100, we will begin the process of restoring your property back to its preloss state. 

The acidic ash residue left behind by fire and smoke will get even worse if it is not removed within a couple of days.  The only way to do so is with a thorough cleaning.  You should not try this on your own.  Our professionals have access to special equipment and cleaning products to make the job much easier.  SERVPRO of East Central Morris County is ready to respond 24/7/365.  During cleanup, the technicians will treat walls, ceilings and anything else that has been affected by ash.  If smoke odors are present, and they usually are, they will also require removal to make it possible for you to inhabit your building once again.  Smoke odors though, are extremely hard to removed and can't be done with standard equipment.  SERVPRO of East Central Morris County has specialized odor removal equipment on hand to counter noxious smoke odors.  They can reach into all parts of the home, including inside floors and walls. 

Do not delay in calling SERVPRO of East Central Morris County to begin immediate restoration services.

Top Tips For Fire Safety

3/8/2018 (Permalink)

Fire Safety Awareness

Did you know that if a fire starts in your home you may have as little as two minutes to escape? During a fire, early warning from a working smoke alarm plus a fire escape plan that has been practiced regularly can save lives. Learn what else to do to keep your loved ones safe!

Top Tips for Fire Safety

1. Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas.

2. Test smoke alarms every month. If they’re not working, change the batteries.

3. Talk with all family members about a fire escape plan and practice the plan twice a year.

4. If a fire occurs in your home, GET OUT, STAY OUT and CALL FOR HELP. Never go back inside for anything or anyone.

   If a Fire Starts:

    
5. Know how to safely operate a fire extinguisher
6. Remember to GET OUT, STAY OUT and CALL 9-1-1 or your local emergency phone number.
7. Yell "Fire!" several times and go outside right away. If you live in a building with elevators, use the stairs. Leave all your things where they are and save yourself.
8. If closed doors or handles are warm or smoke blocks your primary escape route, use your second way out. Never open doors that are warm to the touch.
9. If you must escape through smoke, get low and go under the smoke to your exit. Close doors behind you.
10. If smoke, heat or flames block your exit routes, stay in the room with doors closed. Place a wet towel under the door and call the fire department or 9-1-1. Open a window and wave a brightly colored cloth or flashlight to signal for help.
11. Once you are outside, go to your meeting place and then send one person to call the fire department. If you cannot get to your meeting place, follow your family emergency communication plan. 

    If your clothes catch on fire:

12. Stop what you’re doing.
13. Drop to the ground and cover your face if you can.
14. Roll over and over or back and forth until the flames go out. Running will only make the fire burn faster.

     

    THEN:

    Once the flames are out, cool the burned skin with water for three to five minutes. Call for medical attention.

The Dos and Don'ts After Fire Hits

3/6/2018 (Permalink)

After fire ravages your home, fear, uncertainty, stress and doubt about the future of your property can be overwhelming. Once the flames have abated, it's hard to know what to do next.

Keep these Do's and Dont's in mind if fire affects your home.

DO:

• Limit movement in the home. This helps prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets throughout your home.
• Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place towels on carpet traffic areas. Use dry, colorfast towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas to limit damage.
• Empty freezer and refrigerator. If electricity is off, empty your freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open to help prevent odors.
• Wipe soot from chrome. Clean soot from chrome kitchen and bathroom faucets, trim and appliances, then apply a light coating of petroleum jelly to protect surfaces.
• Wash houseplants. Wipe down both sides of leaves on your houseplants.
• Change HVAC filters. Change your filters, but leave the system off until a trained professional can check the system.
• Cover HVAC intakes. Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers to stop particles of soot from getting in or out of your HVAC system.

DON'T:

• Wash any walls or painted surfaces. First contact SERVPRO of East Central Morris County.
• Attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture. Before cleaning carpets by yourself, call us at 973-887-9100.
• Clean any electrical appliances. TV sets, computers and other electronics that may have been stored close to fire, heat or water need to be looked at by an authorized repair service.
• Consume food and beverages. Food and beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water, may be contaminated.
• Turn on ceiling fixtures. If the ceiling is wet, wiring may be wet or damaged and can cause electrical shock.
• Dry clean clothing. Improper cleaning may set smoke odors. Make sure you use a service that knows how to remove soot and smoke from clothing.

Fires are stressful, and you shouldn't have to clean up the mess yourself. SERVPRO of East Central Morris County is here to help you restore your home. With our industry approved training, rapid response, professionalism, cutting-edge technology and open communication, we strive to restore not only your home, but your peace of mind.

Call the fire damage cleanup and restoration professionals at 973-887-9100. SERVPRO of East Central Morris County has the technology and experience to make your fire damage “Like it never even happened.”

*Tips provided by SERVPRO® Industries, Inc.

Protect Your Family From Fire and Burns

3/6/2018 (Permalink)

Burn injuries continue to be one of the leading causes of accidental death and injury in our county. Children, the elderly, and the disabled are particularly vulnerable to burn injuries, and almost one-third of all burn injuries occur in children. In 2014, there were over 3,000 deaths from fires and over 50,000 people were treated in hospitals for burn related injuries.

Though treatment for burn injuries has improved over the years, prevention is still the bets way to protect your home and family. Follow the tips below, provided by the American Burn Association, to help protect your family.

General Home Tips:

• Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement. Smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a fire in half.
• If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
• If a pan of food catches fire, slide a lid over it and turn off the burner.
• Stir and test food cooked in the microwave before serving. Open lids away from your face, to prevent burns from hot steam.

Tips for Homes with Children

• Set water heater temperature to no higher than 120°F or just below the medium setting.
• Create a "no kid zone" in the kitchen around stoves, ovens and hot items.
• Keep hot drinks away from the edge of tables and counters.
• Place pots and pans on the back burner with handles turned away from the edge of the stove.
• Never hold an infant or child while cooking, drinking a hot liquid or carrying hot items.
• Keep matches and lighters high out of the reach and sight of children, in a locked cabinet.
• Closely supervise older children when using microwaves, or have them prepare non-hot food. Many burn injuries occur from children pulling hot foods and soups out of microwaves.
• Teach children to stop, drop, and roll if their clothes catch fire.
• Test the water before placing a child in the tub. Fill the tub or sink by running cool water first and then adding hot water. Seat the child facing away from the faucets.

If you or someone else sustains a burn injury be sure to:

• Cool the burn with cool (not cold) water to stop the burning process.
• Remove all clothing and jewelry from the injured area.
• Cover the area with a clean dry sheet or bandage.
• Seek medical attention.

If you would like to read more tips like these check out the American Burn Associations page here and the ABA National Scald Prevention Campaign page here.

*Statistics and tips provided by the American Burn Association

Our Fire Restoration Services

3/1/2018 (Permalink)

fire from outside light fixture

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. When various materials burn, the soot and residue they create differs greatly and requires a specific cleaning procedure. The steps listed below illustrate our process for the “typical” fire damage restoration. 

1. Emergency Contact
2. Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment
3. Immediate Board-Up and Roof Tarp Service (if needed)
4. Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)
5. Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces
6. Cleaning and Repair
7. Restoration

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – (973) 887-9100

SERVPRO of East Central Morris County has been serving Morris County for 14 years.  We specialize in Fire damage clean up, water damage clean up, mold remediation, sewage clean up, bio hazard and crime scene clean up, and odor elimination for both residential and commercial customers.

Disaster Response Professionals outline holiday home fire prevention guidelines

12/12/2017 (Permalink)

kitchen affected by fire

Boonton, NJ (Grassroots Newswire) November 29, 2017 --

The American Red Cross (ARC) cites statistics from the U.S. Fire Administration1 showing nearly 47,000 fires occur during the winter holidays, claiming more than 500 lives, causing more than 2,200 injuries, and costing $554 million in property damage. Jim Skahill of SERVPRO® of East Central Morris County cautions home owners to follow some important ARC guidelines for holiday decorating and entertaining to make sure that the glow in their holiday celebrations is from twinkling lights and not a costly and potentially deadly fire.

Place Christmas trees and other holiday decorations at least three feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, portable heaters, radiators, heat vents, and candles.

Purchase flame-retardant metallic or artificial trees. If you purchase a real tree, make sure that it has fresh, green needles that aren't easily broken. Keep live trees as moist as possible by giving them plenty of water.

Make sure that light strings and other holiday decorations are in good condition. Do not use anything with frayed electrical cords and always follow the manufacturer's instructions.

If you are celebrating Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, keep flammable items, including curtains and holiday decorations, at least three feet away from your candles. Place your menorah or kinara on a non-flammable surface, such as a tray lined with aluminum foil, to catch the melting candle wax. Never leave lit candles unattended.

Ensure all candles and smoking materials are properly extinguished after guests leave and always unplug tree and holiday lights before leaving home or going to bed.

If, in spite of all your precautions, a fire does break out, the most important thing you can do to help save lives is to install and maintain smoke alarms throughout your property, says Powers. Having a working smoke alarm reduces everyone's chances of dying in a fire by nearly half.

Powers notes that the ARC is joining with fire departments and community groups nationwide  to deliver and install a limited number of free smoke alarms in homes for those in need. Contact your local ARC chapter for more information.

The disaster response professionals at SERVPRO, a leader and provider of fire and water cleanup and restoration services, witness the devastation that home fires can cause far too often. 

They also know that when fire causes a loss of life, there is no remediation possible. To keep the focus on fire prevention, rather than fire restoration,  SERVPRO has teamed up with the American Red Cross by supporting the ARC Disaster Responder program, and in particular the Home Fire Preparedness Campaign.

As a Disaster Responder, SERVPRO pledges dollars and support in advance to help the ARC develop and distribute educational materials and respond immediately when they are needed.

As a SERVPRO professional, I know that even the most diligent fire prevention planning can't prevent all home fires. That's why fire safety planning, like installing and maintaining smoke detectors and having a family escape plan, is also important, says Skahill. If a fire does break out in your home this holiday season, make sure all your family members follow this life-saving advice from the ARC: Get Out, Stay Out, and Call for Help.

For more fire prevention and fire safety tips and information about fire and water damage restoration services, please visit https://www.SERVPROeastcentralmorriscounty.com/

 For more information on SERVPRO® of East Central Morris County please contact Jim Skahill at 973-887-9100

NJ House Smoke & Soot Clean Up

3/1/2017 (Permalink)

Smoke webs after a fire are difficult to clean. Call us and we can help!

Behavior of Smoke

The unique behavior of smoke makes a fire loss very complex.  It is very important to have trained technicians at the loss location.  SERVPRO® of East Central Morris County has the experience in dealing with fire & smoke restoration because we have taken the time to know smoke!

• Smoke will always drift to cooler areas and the upper levels of a building.
• Smoke flows through plumbing systems, using holes around pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke will greatly affect the restoration process.
  

Types of Smoke and Soot

In order to properly address the situation, SERVPRO® of East Central Morris County will inspect & test the soot to determine which of the following types of smoke damage occurred.

• Wet Smoke - Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary.  Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.
• Dry Smoke - Fast burning at high temperatures.
• Protein Fire Residue which is produced by evaporation of material rather than from fire. - Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, pungent odor.
• Fuel Oil Soot - Furnace puff backs cause fuel oil soot.
• Other Types - Fingerprint powder and fire extinguisher residue are other types.
  

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke or Soot Damage?
Call us at 973-887-9100 for a free estimate.

Winter Safety Precautions

12/16/2016 (Permalink)

As the temperatures decline outside, you may want to turn up the heat in your home or the office, including burning candles, using space heaters, turning up the thermostat, etc. However, with each of these modes of heat, there are dangers associated. In fact, heating sources are a leading cause of fire deaths. Make sure you are taking certain safety precautions before attempting to turn up the heat. 

Emergency Shut Off:

When purchasing portable heaters, ensure they have emergency shut off switches designed to automatically switch off the unit if it tips over.

Inspect:

Thoroughly inspect all heating equipment each year to ensure it’s in proper working condition. 

Clean up the area around the heat source and keep any combustibles at least three feet away.

One at a Time:

Plug in only one heat source per electrical outlet at a time. Do not use power strips for heating appliances.

Never Leave Unattended:

Always remember to turn off your portable heaters when leaving the room. And, NEVER LEAVE CANDLES UNATTENDED!!!

Reminder:

Test each of your smoke alarms monthly, and change the batteries twice a year.

Fire Damage Comes in Many Forms and From Many Causes

6/6/2016 (Permalink)

The Many Forms and Types of Fire Damage

If your property in Ooltewah suffers from fire damage, you should talk to someone on our team. We are experts at minimizing current damage and keeping damage from increasing in severity. Even after a fire has been extinguished, its effects can continue to grow. We can stop that with state-of-the-art equipment.

Damage can be found even after small fires. These can happen anywhere in the home. They remain small when someone is present and can extinguish the fire before it can spread. The kitchen and bathroom are the most common, with the laundry room and garage coming in second. Bedrooms, living and dining rooms, and hallways can also have fires take place, but these areas are the least common. Patios are also prone to having fires, especially if outdoors cooking is done, or children experiment with a range of items, from fireworks to magnifying lenses

Fire damage can range from discolored concrete and natural rock outside to charred walls and scorched carpets inside. Drywall can suffer additional damage if water is heavily applied when there is a fire, although drywall should resist small, low-temperature fires. Paneling and wallpaper will burn, however, no matter what it is applied to as a covering. Our team members are creative in matching or updating, your pre-fire décor.

Kitchens can experience scorched countertops and cabinets, which need either repairing or replacing. If the cabinet doors are warped from the heat and then the cold from putting the fire out with either water or a fire extinguisher, they are typically replaced as needed. Then the remaining ones are cleaned and re-stained if needed. If floors have been soaked with water in the effort to extinguish the fire, we at SERVPRO are equipped, and experienced, in getting it dry quickly so that underlay and any support beams are not damaged

For fires in the garage and patio areas, we can quickly clean-up scorched concrete so that residues are not tracked into your home, as these can contain harmful substances that were once inert. Vinyl siding that has been damaged can also be repaired. Scorched and burned areas of grass can also be reseeded and started back on track. We can also create and provide an inventory list of damaged items, particularly, but not exclusively, for the garage area. We can list which items are damaged beyond repair, salvageable, or undetermined for insurance purposes.

If you've had a fire in your Ooltewah home cause damage, don't try repairing the area yourself. You need to call us at SERVPRO of East Central Morris County (973) 887-9100. We'll help you get your home's beauty back on center stage and put the fire behind you.

9 Smoke Alarm Safety Tips That Could Save Your Life

4/20/2016 (Permalink)

A smoke detector could save your life.

Smoke Alarms Save Lives

Smoke alarms play a vital role saving lives. According to The Huffington Post, house fires cause approximately 3,000 deaths each year and 40% of those deaths occur in homes that do not have at least one smoke detector installed.

When properly installed, smoke detectors can significantly reduce the chance of death or injury to you and your family. Use the tips below to bring your fire safety to the next level.

Smoke Alarms Come in Two Flavors: You Should Use Both

• Did you know? There are two types of smoke alarms - Ionization and Photoelectric alarms. According to the National Fire Prevention Association: "Ionization smoke alarms are quicker to warn about flaming fires. Photoelectric alarms are quicker to warn about smoldering fires. It is best to use of both types of alarms in the home."

Smoke Alarm Placement: The More (And Higher), The Better

• The National Fire Protection Association recommends smoke alarms be installed in every bedroom, outside all sleeping quarters and on every level of the house, including the basement.
• Smoke alarms should be installed away from the kitchen to prevent false alarms. In most cases, they should be at least 10 feet from a cooking appliance.
• Generally, smoke detectors should be placed high on the wall or on the ceiling, keeping the following factors in mind:

"Proper mounting of a smoke detector also is important. You can mount many detectors by yourself, but those connected to your household wiring should have their own separate circuit and be installed by a professional electrician. If you mount your detector on the ceiling, be sure to keep it at least 18 inches away from dead air space near corners. If you mount it on the wall, place it four to 12 inches below the ceiling and away from corners. Keep them high because smoke rises." (Source: University of Tennessee)

Smoke Alarm Maintenance Tips

• Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button.
• Replace batteries in all smoke alarms at least once a year. If an alarm "chirps," the battery is low and should be replaced right away.
• Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.

Have a Fire Emergency Escape Plan

• Smoke alarms work best when paired with a fire escape plan. A plan allows your family, employees or clients to escape quickly and safely in an emergency situation.

If You Are a Business Owner, Consult Your Local Fire Marshall

• While all of these basic rules apply to any smoke alarm installation, business owners should consult the local Fire Marshall to ensure specific building fire codes and smoke detector requirements are met.

Has Your Home Suffered Smoke or Fire Damage?

In the unfortunate event that your home or business suffers fire damage, call SERVPRO® of East Central Morris County at 973-887-9100. We have the specialized fire and water damage equipment and expertise that is needed to help you through a difficult time and get your home or business back on track.

Chimney/Fireplaces Maintenance

12/11/2015 (Permalink)

With natural gas and propane prices continuing to rise, you'll likely be looking to the old fireplace this winter to help cut your home-heating bills. But before you spark up the logs, take heed that fireplaces and chimneys are involved in 42 percent of all home-heating fires. So first make sure yours is up to snuff by following the seven safety tips below.

1. Hire a chimney sweep. The National Fire Protection Association recommends that chimneys be swept at least once a year at the beginning of the winter to remove soot and debris. Find a certified sweep in your area via the Chimney Safety Institute of America. 

2. Check for damage. In addition to cleaning, a chimney sweep should inspect the chimney structure for cracks, loose bricks, or missing mortar. Chimney liners should also be checked for cracking or deterioration. 

3. Cap the chimney. A cap fitted with wire-mesh sides covers the top of the chimney and keeps rain, birds, squirrels, and debris from entering. Replace or repair a cap that's missing or damaged. 

4. Burn seasoned hardwoods. Choose dense wood, such as oak, that's been split and stored in a high and dry place for at least six months. Green wood and resinous softwoods like pine produce more creosote, a flammable by-product of combustion that can build up in the chimney. 

5. Don't overload. Small fires generate less smoke, thus less creosote buildup. Also, a fire that's too large or too hot can crack the chimney. 

6. Build it right. Place logs at the rear of the fireplace on a metal grate. Use kindling, rather than flammable liquids, to start the fire. 

7. Use a spark guard. Prevent errant embers from shooting out of the firebox with a mesh metal screen or glass fireplace doors. A guard in front of an open flame is especially important when the room is unoccupied. 

Home Fire Danger Peaks During Holiday Season

12/11/2015 (Permalink)

Chimney fire spread to second floor

Morris Plains, NJ (Grassroots Newswire) November 16, 2015 -- As the holiday season approaches and families gear up for decorating their homes and hosting large gatherings of friends and family, James Skahill of SERVPRO^® of East Central Morris County reminds homeowners to take note of some sobering statistics about home fire safety from the National Fire Prevention Association:

“These statistics are a serious reminder of how the excitement of holiday entertaining can quickly turn into a life-altering fire or even a tragic injury or death,” says Skahill. “While glowing candles and elaborate meals set the stage for a great holiday get-together, homeowners need to exercise extra care in controlling the dangerous potential for fires.”

According to the NFPA³, unattended cooking is by far the leading cause of home cooking fires, with frying posing the greatest fire risk and electric ranges posing a higher risk than gas ranges. Range top cooking in general started the majority of home cooking fires and caused 86 percent of related civilian deaths for the reporting period.

While incidents of candle fires peaked in 2001 and have been falling since, candles are still one of the top 10 causes of U.S. home fires, according to the NFPA. As with cooking fires, unattended or abandoned candles account for a large portion of candle fires–almost 20 percent–but the most frequent cause of candle fires is placing the candle too close to something that can burn, like curtains, decorations or furniture.

“It’s easy to see why cooking and candle fires both peak during the holiday season,” says Skahill, “and it’s also easy to see why homeowners need to take extra care when decorating their homes or entertaining. A moment’s inattention at the stove or a guest repositioning a candle on a tabletop may be all it takes to turn the festivities into a fight to save property and lives. While our business is fire and water damage restoration and we stand ready to help at a moment’s notice if disaster does strike, our sincere hope is that our friends and neighbors will enjoy a fire-free and festive holiday season.”

For more fire prevention tips and information about fire and water damage restoration services, please visit www.SERVPRO.com. For more information on SERVPRO^® of East Central Morris County, please contact James Skahill at (973) 887-9100 or SERVPRO9120@optonline.net.

¹ http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/for-consumers/causes/cooking

² http://www.nfpa.org/research/reports-and-statistics/fire-causes/candles

³ http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/for-consumers/holidays/put-a-freeze-on-winter-fires

How Morris County NJ Professional Fire Damage Restoration Businesses Provide Assistance

9/4/2015 (Permalink)

How Professional Fire Damage Restoration Businesses Provide Assistance

Types of Fire Damage
There are two types of destructive Morris County fires that can occur at a residential or commercial property. One variety is a small centralized fire in a kitchen or living room that damages only a few items while the other type is a large fire that destroys numerous important materials such as drywall in a building. Not only is a fire destructive due to hot flames, but there are additional problems from poisonous smoke and greasy soot that make it difficult to restore a property.

The Role of Fire Restoration Technicians
Professional SERVPRO fire restoration technicians are trained to restore a property as quickly as possible to prevent additional damage from soot and smoke. One of the first things that require repair are roofs and walls to prevent exposure to rain, snow and cold air. These repairs permit workers to enter a building to complete essential improvements to other damaged materials. At the same time, technicians begin the process of removing water from sprinklers and hoses to prevent moisture damage.

Improving Air Circulation
After a Morris County Fire occurs, buildings often become humid from the water used to douse flames. Unfortunately, power in the building is frequently turned off, leading to poor air circulation. Lack of air circulation causes secondary problems from smoke odor and humidity. SERVPRO of East Central Morris County  technicians install fan systems to circulate air and reduce humidity levels. With an improvement in air quality and removal of moisture, it is possible to restore power to a building to complete other restorations.

Cleaning and Sanitizing Surfaces Affected by Fire
After major repairs are completed, trained technicians begin cleaning and sanitizing surfaces damaged by smoke and soot. Removing filthy soot is a specialized process to avoid contaminating other items. Industrial-strength equipment scrubs surface while vacuuming debris that is containerized for disposal. Technicians use sump pumps and extraction machines to remove moisture from water-soaked areas.

How to Hire Fire Damage Remediation Experts
After a Morris County Fire, a professional fire remediation company is required immediately to begin a cleanup. This means hiring technicians available round-the-clock who arrive with the equipment and tools to begin removing burnt materials, smoke, and soot. Technicians must know how to turn off power in a building and make sure that water is not leaking from pipes before assessing damages. Some fire restoration companies offer a full line of services such as remodeling while others may only perform cleanup tasks.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of East Central Morris County is strategically located to respond quickly to your smoke or fire damage event. They can be reached at 973-887-9100 for an immediate response.  When a major fire or disaster event occurs, we can call upon our national network of 1,650 SERVPRO Franchises and special Disaster Recovery Teams if we need additional resources or personnel.

Are You Missing These Hidden Sources of Morris County Fire?

9/4/2015 (Permalink)

Are You Missing These Hidden Sources of Fire?

Most people are aware of the fire risks posed by candles, smoking, and malfunctioning appliances, but there are also a number of everyday household hazards that may surprise you. Below are some of the most commonly overlooked sources of house fires.

Microwaves

Microwaves - especially out-of-date models - are one of the most common sources of house fires. Accidentally microwaving a piece of silverware or aluminum foil can cause arcing, and dry foods can easily ignite if cooked for too long. To make matters worse, the fan can also provide oxygen to feed the flames, which is why you should never leave a microwave unattended when in use. 

Batteries

While battery-related fires are rare, they do happen. 9-volt batteries are especially hazardous, since the positive and negative posts are so close together. If a piece of conductive metal comes between those posts, it could cause a short, igniting any nearby combustible materials. The best option is to store unused batteries in their original packaging, or to cover the ends with a bit of electrical tape. Never store batteries in a drawer with loose metal or flammable objects. 

Light Bulbs

All outlets are rated for a certain wattage, and use light bulbs that exceed those standards is a fire waiting to happen. If the outlet is unmarked, the safest course of action is to choose light bulbs that are 60 watts or below. If your home includes track or recessed lighting, consider using cooler LED bulbs instead of CFLs in order to avoid overheating. 

Dryer Lint

Every year, more than 15,000 fires are caused by dryer lint. Lint traps do not catch the majority of lint, which means that most of it ends up in the dryer vents, blocking air flow and exhaust gasses and eventually becoming a serious fire hazard. Clean the lint trap between each load of laundry, and take the time to clear lint away from the vent and the back of the dryer at least once a month. 

Laptops

Laptops heat up during regular use, and covering up their cooling vents can result in overheating and even a fire.  Avoid leaving your laptop on the bed, couch, or any other surface that might block air flow. 

Reading Materials

Newspapers, magazines, books, and paperwork can easily ignite if stored too close to a heat source. Always store reading materials on a shelf or in another cool, dry place, and consider tossing out anything that you won't use again so that it doesn't become a hazard in the future. 

Heating Pads

Heating pads and electrical blankets that are old, damaged, or improperly used can pose a significant risk to your home and your safety. Replace any pads that have missing covers, tears, cracks, or exposed wires. Avoid bunching pads up during use, and never fall asleep with a heating pad turned on - many older models do not have an auto-off setting, which can lead to serious burns, short-outs, and even fires. 

Charcoal

Barbecue charcoal is highly flammable, even when it's damp. The best way to store charcoal is to keep it inside a metal container with an air-tight lid, so that if a fire does start, it won't be able to spread. Keep charcoal in an area that isn't exposed to sunlight or moisture, such as a shed or outdoor storage unit. 

Clutter

Assorted clutter is a surprisingly common source of household fires. Combustible materials that are stored near light fixtures or electrical outlets can easily ignite; clutter in the bedroom is especially dangerous since it gives you less time to react to a potential fire. Avoid stacking clothing or paperwork in a closet with light bulbs, and vacuum regularly so that flammable dust doesn't accumulate around sockets and light fixtures. 

Old Appliances

Old and outdated appliances are a major  fire hazard, even if appear to be functioning properly. Many older appliances do not have the built-in safety features that come with modern models, and pieces may wear out or break down over time with regular use. Check old appliances regularly for worn insulation, exposed wiring, or malfunctioning components.

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. When various materials burn, the soot and residue they create differs greatly and requires a specific cleaning procedure. The steps listed below illustrate our process for the “typical” fire damage restoration. Learn more about our fire damage restoration process.

1.     Emergency Contact

2.     Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment

3.     Immediate Board-Up and Roof Tarp Service (if needed)

4.     Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)

5.     Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces

6.     Cleaning and Repair

 7.     Restoration

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

We live and work in this community too; we might even be neighbors. As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of East Central Morris County NJ is close by and ready to respond to your flood or water damage emergency. We can be reached at (973) 887-9100. We are proud to be an active member of the Morris County community and want to do our part to make our community the best it can be.

Soot from furnace malfunction

11/6/2013 (Permalink)

Heating systems are being turned on now, as the weather gets colder.

 Be on the look out for black dirt and soot coming out of the registers and going on walls, floors, carpeting and contents.

 SERVPRO of East Central Morris County can set up air scrubbers to clean the air. and then clean all the ceilings, walls, floors and carpeting and air ducts to try to bring it back to pre-loss condition. If the surfaces do not clean up good enough then SERVPRO of East Central Morris County can prime & paint the walls & ceilings. The cleaning needs to be done first to get the soot removed.

 If you discover a problem call us right away at (973) 887-9100 - Located in Morris Plains NJ! 

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

We live and work in this community too; we might even be neighbors. As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of East Central Morris County NJ is close by and ready to respond to your flood or water damage emergency. We are proud to be an active member of the Morris County NJ community and want to do our part to make our community the best it can be.

Minimize Loss from Fire with Quick Action

11/6/2013 (Permalink)

The 2012 figures by the National Fire Protection Association have shown that the property losses from fire were of an estimated USD 12,427,000,000. This is indeed a whopping statistic, which goes on to emphasize the importance of making immediate calls for assistance soon after a mishap.

 After a catastrophe from fire, it becomes imperative to embark on the cleaning and restoration processes immediately. The sooner the process begins, the lesser the loss from damage.

 A fire accident is an awful experience. It brings about acute damage. The soot residues and smoke have severe impacts on the home interiors. If left unrestricted, they cause damage to walls, floors and the environment within. They leave behind powerful odors that are harmful for the environment.

 The restoring measure is intense and daunting. It entails the huge task of cleaning the soot from the damage and restoring the conditions of the space. Professional companies aim to restore the spaces as soon as possible to make them appear the same as before. The process requires a lot of experience and trained manpower to deliver exemplary cleaning services.

The restoration companies advise homeowners not to enter their homes soon after the fire. A fire does not go out immediately and can rekindle from fuming remains. Homeowners should not, under any circumstances, attempt to clear the soot on their own. 

 It is important that these professionals be called at the earliest to stop the ongoing effects that are caused by soot residues and smoke. Further action can follow in quick succession.

 Soot is harsh for home interiors. It is acidic in nature. It discolors surfaces, tarnishes metal objects and spoils textile products. If a professional is not hired immediately to clean the leftovers, the cost of restoration will rise within a matter of just a few weeks. If contacted promptly soon after the incident, they can stop the after-effect before it transforms into a major problem. It goes without saying that if you take too long to hire a professional, you are likely to face more damage.

At the same time, it is very important that you choose the right company for your restorations. The company should be reliable, certified and experienced to carry out damage control actions.This entire process of cleaning and restoring is extensive and detailed. A certified restoration company begins by identifying the extent of damage, the materials and the source of odor. Hiring a professional is believed to be the right decision because they have the proper tools and the perfect level of understanding to execute the clean-up process smoothly. You can avail their services 24x7. 

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

We live and work in this community too; we might even be neighbors. As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of East Central Morris County NJ is close by and ready to respond to your flood or water damage emergency. We are proud to be an active member of the Morris County NJ community and want to do our part to make our community the best it can be.