Protecting Your Valuables from Fire Damage

9/6/2023 (Permalink)

Tips to protect your valuables!

We can never plan on a disaster but we can always prepare for one! Here are some tips from SERVPRO of Bellaire, Kalkaska, Lake City & Grayling to help protect your valuables from potential fire damage. If you have any belongings that are of high importance or value to you, follow these tips to ensure these are not damage in the event of a fire. 

1. Make an inventory of your home and take photos.
2. Store items in a fireproof lockbox or safe.
3. Digitize important documents.
4. Have jewelry, artwork and other expensive items appraised. 

If you or anyone you know has experienced a fire damage loss, SERVPRO of Bellaire, Kalkaska, Lake City & Grayling is here to help 24/7/365. Give us a call at 231-564-4014 to find out more on how we can help you! 

Post Fire Do's and Dont's

9/2/2022 (Permalink)

Once you have gotten over the shock of a house fire, we want to leave you with a couple of tips that will help out your situation.

What Not to Do After a House Fire

• Do not enter your home until you’re given permission that it is safe.
• Do not turn on gas, water or electric utilities until a professional has deemed them safe.
• Do not start or move your vehicle if it has been damaged.
• Do not try to clean any of the smoke or soot damage yourself. Leave that to professionals who have the proper safety equipment and experience.

What to Do After a House Fire

• Get permission from Fire Department officials before you re-enter the fire-damaged structure.
• Contact family members and loved ones to inform them of the accident.
• Attend to frightened pets and ensure their safety and comfort.
• Call all utility providers (electric, gas, water) and inform them of the fire.
• Call your homeowners insurance company to begin the claim process.
• Call the professionals at SERVPRO to help get the fire mitigation and restoration process started. We are available 24/7/365. 

July Fire Safety Tips

7/1/2022 (Permalink)

Summer is synonymous with barbecues, parades, and firework displays; but along with all the festivities are plenty of visits to the emergency room-especially during the month of July. 

Each year, around 230 people are injured badly enough to require medical treatment after firework related incidents, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. In addition to causing injury, fireworks are also responsible for thousands of house fires each year with millions of dollars in property damage. 

There is nothing like firing up the grill during the summer months! Did you know, July is the peak month for grill fires? A backyard barbecue can become dangerous quickly if proper safety precautions aren't considered. SERVPRO of Bellaire, Kalkaska, Lake City & Grayling wants you to have an enjoyable and safe summer. Consider the following tips to help ensure your summer celebrations are disaster free.

• Propane and charcoal barbecue grills should only be used outdoors.
• The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging brochures. 
• Keep children and pets away from grill area. 
• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grill and in trays below the grill.
• Never leave your grill unattended.
• When using a charcoal grill, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.
• Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear. 
• Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Keep a buck of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don't go off or in case of fire. Children should never pickup fireworks that may be left over as they may still be active. 
• The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public display conducted by trained professionals. 

If your residential or commercial property suffers from structural fire damage, call us at 231-564-4014! 

How to Safely Extinguish a Grease Fire

6/10/2022 (Permalink)

We are here to help with any of your kitchen fire cleanup needs!

One of the greatest joys in life is a nice homecooked meal. However, that joy can quickly change to fear when facing a fire. Regardless of your experience in the kitchen, a fire can happen to anyone at any time. As a result, everyone needs to be familiar with the process of extinguishing one. The following is a step-by-step guide to putting out a grease fire in your home:

1. Eliminate the heat source. The first step you need to take is removing the heat source by turning your burner off or unplugging the stove. This will help keep the fire from getting out of control. Be sure to wear oven mitts to avoid burns.

2. Smother the flames. The best method for eliminating a stovetop or oven fire is to smother it by putting a lid over the pan. This quickly cuts off the oxygen supply. Make sure to use a lid that is not made of glass, as the intense heat can cause it to shatter. Another option is to use baking soda and pour a generous quantity on the fire. If you own a fire extinguisher, you can use this as a third option. Never use water on a grease fire, as oil and water do not mix, and this can cause an explosion.

3. Call 911. If the above steps do not eliminate the fire, or if it spreads, call 911 immediately and evacuate everyone in the residence. Do not stay and continue to attempt to put out the fire; your life is much more important.

Dealing with a grease fire in your home is a terrifying experience. By arming yourself with the knowledge of how to properly handle one before it starts, you can get it under control and prevent too much damage from occurring. Afterward, fire restoration services can help you with fire cleanup and assess any damage. 

Fire, Smoke, and Soot Restoration Services

1/7/2022 (Permalink)

Structural Cleaning - After a smoke or fire damage, ceilings, walls, woodwork, carpeting and floors will often need a thorough cleaning. Your experienced local SERVPRO® Franchise Professional will pretest to determine the extent of damage, and then use the specific equipment and cleaning products required to clean and protect the different types of surfaces found in your structure. Depending on the amount of soot, your local SERVPRO® Franchise Professional may even be able to reduce the cost of recovery by cleaning lighter soot deposits found on some surfaces, eliminating the expense incurred with repainting or refinishing. In other cases, SERVPRO® will clean to “prepare for painting”. This process deodorizes and ensures the new paint will adhere properly to the surface.

Contents Cleaning – All of the restorable contents in affected areas will be professionally cleaned and deodorized. This includes area rugs, furniture, draperies and upholstery. SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals begin by carefully inspecting and testing all fabrics in the structure to determine which cleaning methods are most appropriate. SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals can provide wet or dry cleaning services. Additionally, all the other restorable contents will be cleaned and deodorized to preloss condition. This includes electronics, art, wood furniture, kitchen items, clothing, bedding, bric-a-brac and much more. Finally, SERVPRO® can provide an inventory list of all “to be claimed” items if requested.

Deodorization – SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals provide specialized services that rid your home or place of business of offensive odors left by fire or smoke damage. SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals do not merely cover up lingering odors with a fragrance, they seek out the sources of the odor and remove them. Ask your SERVPRO® Franchise Professional to explain the various deodorization methods available and which will work best for you.

Post Fire Cleanup Professionals

1/6/2022 (Permalink)

We are here to help with any of your post fire cleanup and restoration needs!

If you suffer a fire in your home, putting the flames out is just the beginning. As time goes on, the smoke and soot that has accumulated has the potential to cause more damage. To prevent any further damage from occurring, you should contact the professionals at SERVPRO who have the expertise to help prevent any further damage. Every second counts and our professional help will aid in preventing further damage. Many believe that the flames are the only source of damage that occurs during a fire, but the majority comes from smoke, soot, ash, and secondary water damages from putting the fire out. Ash and smoke can cause extensive corrosion, etching, discoloration, and powerful odors around the house. The damage starts with the discoloring of most surfaces. Within minutes, anything that is made of plastic or was close to the fire will start to discolor. Within hours, fiberglass and finishes on any appliances will begin to yellow and metals may tarnish. Within a few days, walls, clothing, and upholstery will permanently discolor, wood and vinyl will need refinishing or replacement, and metals will start corroding. Due to the quick progression of damage that can occur to most of the objects around the house, you’ll need to contact the IICRC-certified professionals at SERVPRO. The soot and dirty water that collects in the home from putting out the fire can contain dangerous bacteria. It’s important to allow the professionals to handle this before re-entering the home. Furthermore, coming into contact with fire damaged materials can be hazardous. Give the professionals at SERVPRO a call if you are in need of any postfire cleanup or restoration! 

Circuit Overload

1/4/2022 (Permalink)

We are here to help with any of your fire damage cleanup needs!

Have you ever plugged in too many devices into one outlet at once? Everything at first seemed fine and then all of a sudden, the power goes off. You more than likely created a circuit overload in your home. 

All electrical circuits are designed to handle a certain amount of electricity. When you bring in more electricity than a circuit can handle, a circuit overload will occur, potentially causing a fire. According to the National Fire Protection Association, electrical fires are one of the leading causes of structure fire annually. Which is accounted for nearly 13% of reported home fires and results in 420 fatalities, 1,520 injuries and nearly $1.5 billion in property damage. 

How can you prevent a potential house fire by an overloaded circuit? Follow the tips below: 

• Never plug more than two devices into an outlet at once. 
• Know the amount of power you are putting on an outlet or circuit. 
• Large appliances like refrigerators and dryers should be plugged into their own outlet since they are heavy power users. 
• If you see that you have been overloading an outlet or circuit in your home, you should consider contacting a professional to help resolve the problem. 

If an electrical fire does occur, we are always here to help 24/7/365. We specialize in and are industry leaders in fire and water damage cleanup and restoration. We have extensive fire damage cleanup and restoration training to get your property back to pre-fire condition. 

For more information about how to prevent electrical fires in your home, visit nfpa.org. 

Household Cleaning Tips to Avoid Fires

1/4/2022 (Permalink)

House fires are more common than you may realize, with potential fire starters like dust, laptops and lint traps hiding in plain sight throughout your home. While the thought may never cross your mind, many household items that go misused or uncleaned can be disguised as harmless but ultimately deadly. 

Are you guilty of these bad habits that could start an unexpected fire in your home? 

Misusing electric blankets: A warm and cozy electric blanket is a undeniable source of comfort in the winter but, it also poses a potential fire hazard. Never allow pets to snuggle on top and do not pile extra covers over the electric blanket. Excessive heat buildup may lead to fire. Never bend the coils, always keep your blanket at its lowest setting and always turn it off in the morning. 

Piling up dirty rags: A wood stain may be the perfect finishing touch on a DIY project, but later, that pile of oil-soaked rags you tossed in the corner could trigger the perfect storm. Those rags are a very real fire hazard if left unattended. The rags could oxidize and spontaneously combust, causing a house fire. Two proper ways to dispose of oily rags are to lay them flat outside to dry or to put them in a metal can filled with water and a tight-fitting lid. 

Lingering dryer lint: We're sure you know emptying the lint screen increases your dryer’s efficiency, but did you know that lint is flammable? The combination of lint buildup and excessive heat is a recipe for disaster. Make sure to clean the interior of the dryer frame as well as the dryer vent and exhaust duct regularly to clear away lint and clogs and to reduce the risk of fire. 

Letting your laptop overheat: If you own a laptop, you know how hot it can get after hours of use. You increase the risk of restricting airflow through the cooling vents when you leave your laptop computer on your bed, rug, chair or other soft flammable surfaces. This can cause your laptop to overheat and possibly catch fire. Keeping your laptop on a desk or table will help prevent fires. 

Using too many extension cords: Extension cords are meant to be a temporary response to a lack of electrical outlets; not a permanent solution. The reason for this is that connecting many cords for a significant amount of time causes an overload that will lead to a short circuit - which could start a fire. Hiring a qualified electrician to install additional outlets could help you avoid this problem altogether. 

Disregarding dust: Built up dust can be a fire hazard if it collects in and around electrical sockets, electronics and even floor heaters. Vacuuming on a regular basis, especially behind electronics, will significantly reduce the chance of dust particles catching fire. 

Improperly storing batteries: Storing 9-volt batteries in your kitchen junk drawer might be putting your home and family at risk. When loose batteries roll around with other metals such as paper clips or screws, the two terminals could short out, possibly generating enough heat to ignite flammables nearby. If storing the batteries in the original package is not an option, place a piece of electrical tape over the terminal to prevent this possibility. 

Unwanted guests: Rodents like mice and rats like to chew on electrical wires to control the length of their teeth. Over time, they can remove the sheathing which leaves the wires exposed. The electrical current travelling through the wire generates heat and if the wire is exposed this could lead to sparks and ultimately ignite the surrounding surface. Call an exterminator if you suspect you have rodents. 

Forgetting the chimney sweep: There are common causes of chimney fires, such as, dead birds, raccoon nests, cracked mortar and built-up creosote. The National Fire Protection Association recommends a professional chimney sweep at least once a year. Also, when building a fire in your fireplace, never light it with kerosene. Always use an approved fire starter. 

Overlooking the range hood: Ovens and cook tops are the most common sources of kitchen fires. But range hoods are also a potential threat. Grease builds up over time and can drip down onto the cook top, possibly starting a fire. These flames could easily reach your cabinets and before you know it your kitchen could be engulfed. Regularly clean and maintain your range hood to keep your kitchen out of harm’s way. 

Furniture arrangement: Furniture placed too close to a wood stove could spontaneously ignite. Pyrolysis is the chemical decomposition of a combustible item. This occurs when an object is continually exposed to a heat source and dries out. This leading-yet seldom considered cause of fires does not even require a direct flame. It only takes heat and time. 

Why Choose SERVPRO 

Fire and secondary smoke damages are extremely destructive and catastrophic experiences. In many instances, your property will also suffer secondary water damages from firefighting efforts. We are industry leaders in both fire and water damage cleanup and restoration. SERVPRO of Bellaire, Kalkaska, Lake City & Grayling has specialized equipment, specific training, and certifications that allow us to restore your home to pre-fire condition "Like it never even happened." 

Decorate Safely

11/30/2021 (Permalink)

Decorate safely this holiday season!

Pretty lights, candles, and decorations are just a few of the items bringing charm and cheer to the holiday season - however, if they are not used carefully, your holidays may go from festive to frightening. The American Red Cross offers the following safety tips to help greatly reduce the fire risk in your home or business this holiday season:

• Place Christmas trees, candles, and other holiday decorations at least three feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, portable heaters, radiators, heat vents, and candles.
• Make sure 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.
• Always unplug tree and holiday lights before leaving the property or going to bed.
• Never use lit candles to decorate a tree. Always extinguish candles before leaving the room or before going to bed.
• Use only sturdy tree stands designed not to tip over. Keep curious pets and children away from Christmas trees.
• Keep anything that can catch on fire - like pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains - away from your stove top.
• Designate one person to walk around your home or business to ensure all candles and smoking materials are properly extinguished after guests leave.

For any of your fire cleanup and restoration needs, give SERVPRO of Bellaire, Kalkaska, Lake City & Grayling a call at 231-564-4014!

Fire Prevention Month

10/8/2021 (Permalink)

Fire Prevention Month

Many may wonder why October has been designated as Fire Prevention Month. In 1922, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) named the second week of October Fire Prevention Week in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. Today, we celebrate Fire Prevention Week and Month by raising fire safety awareness and educating families, students and communities across the United States. During this month, fire departments provide education to their communities, and encourage parents and loved ones to practice fire safety and whole home safety. 

SERVPRO of Bellaire, Kalkaska, Lake City & Grayling wants to remind you that we are here 24/7 to help with any fire, smoke, or soot damage needs! Follow this link to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) website and help us spread and share these Fire Safety Tips to your friends and family. https://bddy.me/34SqvPt 

Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety

10/8/2021 (Permalink)

Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety

Is there a beep or a chirp coming out of your smoke or carbon monoxide alarm? What does it all mean? Knowing the difference can save you, your home, and your family! Make sure that everyone in the home understands the sounds of the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and knows how to respond. 

What is your alarm telling you?

Smoke Alarms

• A continued set of three loud beeps means smoke or fire. Get out, call 9-1-1 and stay out! 
• A single "chirp" every 30 or 60 seconds means the battery is low and must be changed. 
• ALL smoke alarms must be replaced after 10 years.
• Chirping that continues after the battery has been replaced means the alarm is at the end of its life and the unit must be replaced.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms

• A continuous set of four loud beeps means carbon monoxide is present in your home. Go outside, call 9-1-1 and stay out!
• A single chirp every 30 or 60 seconds means the battery is low and must be replaced. 
• CO alarms also have "end of life" sounds that vary by manufacturer. This means it's time to get a new CO alarm.
• Chirping that continues after the battery has been replaced means the alarm is at the end of its life and the unit must be replaced. 

HEAR A BEEP, GET ON YOUR FEET!

Fire Damage in Your Kitchen?

9/3/2021 (Permalink)

We are here to help with your fire damage needs.

Fire Damage in your Kitchen?

According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home injuries. The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking. It's important to be alert to prevent cooking fires and all that accompanies a fire damage.

• Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol don't use the stove or stove top.
• Stay in the kitchen while you are drying, grilling, boiling or broiling food.
• If you are simmering, baking or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the kitchen while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
• Keep anything that can catch fire-- oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains-- away from the stove top.

Call us today to find out how we can help you in the wake of a fire damage! 231-564-4014 

Smoke Damage

3/26/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke damage and soot caused from a fire in your home can penetrate in various cavities within your home. This can cause hidden damage and major odor if not taken care of and cleaned and deodorized by a professional restoration company. SERVPRO is experienced in smoke damage deodorization and our experienced project managers closely scope and inspect damages to accurately assess the extent of the damage in order to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts and behaviors:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

Did you know there are different types of smoke damage?  There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue following a fire in your home on Torch Lake. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Bellaire, Kalkaska, Lake City & Grayling will test the soot in your home to determine which type of smoke damage occurred has affected your home and how we can help get you back in your home. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting and our scope of work identified. Here is some additional information about smoke damage:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Fire Damage Restoration Services

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

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today –SERVPRO of Bellaire, Kalkaska, Lake City & Grayling at

231-564-4014

Deep Fryer Safety

1/4/2021 (Permalink)

According to the National Fire Protection Association, deep fryer fires cause an average of 5 deaths, 60 injuries, and more than $15 million in property damage each year. Deep fryers are great for cooking up some delicious food for gatherings, etc. But, frying is more dangerous than any other types of cooking because it involves cooking oil and grease. Not to mention, deep fryers involve larger quantities of hot cooking oil, so it creates a higher risk of injury and loss.

To avoid a fire, please follow these safety tips provided by The National Fire Protection Association:

• Always use cooking equipment tested and approved by a recognized testing facility.
• Follow manufacturer’s instructions and code requirements when installing and operating cooking equipment.
• Plug cooking appliances directly into an outlet. Never use an extension cord for a cooking appliance as it can overload the circuit and cause a fire. Watch what you heat!
• The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking. Stay in the kitchen when you are frying food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the deep fryer.
• Do not use too much deep-frying oil. Having too much will result in excessive spillage.
• Stay alert! To prevent cooking fires, you must be alert.
• Keep the deep fryer clean and change cooking oil regularly.
• Keep pets away to prevent them from knocking over the deep fryer or knocking something onto or into the deep fryer.
• Keep anything that can catch fire – potholders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, boxes, food packaging, towels, or curtains – away from your deep fryer.

If you happen to have damage from a fryer fire, we have specialized equipment, specific training, and certifications at SERVPRO of Bellaire, Kalkaska, Lake City & Grayling that allow us to restore your home to pre-fire condition "Like it never even happened."

For any of your fire loss needs call us at (231) 564-4014

Fire Damage Process

1/4/2021 (Permalink)

Fire and smoke damage is especially destructive. In many cases, your property will also suffer from water damage from firefighting efforts. With our emergency fire damage process, we can get your property back to pre-fire condition “Like it never even happened.” We have a 1-4-8 policy to make sure we are faster to any size disaster.

One Hour:

Within one hour from notice of loss, we will contact you to arrange for service. You will know help is on the way!

Four Hours:

Within four hours of loss notification, we will be on-site to start mitigation services. The key to reducing damage and saving money is responding quickly to your damage.

Detailed Explanation:

A trained, uniformed, and equipped SERVPRO professional will walk you through the job process step-by-step, explaining what to expect and the anticipated outcome.

Pretesting:

We will begin pretesting for restorability, working from the source of the damage outward.

Eight Hours:

Within eight business hours of on-site arrival, a verbal briefing of scope will be communicated to the appropriate person, normally your adjuster or property manager.

Cleaning, Restoration, & Deodorization:

We will work neatly and efficiently to help you regain control of your property when a damaging event has taken over. We use state-of-the-art restoration techniques to ensure your property is taken care of right the first time.

Final Walk-Through:

After the work has been completed, a final walk-through will be conducted with you to help ensure your satisfaction.

For Any Fire Damage Cleanup or Restoration Needs Contact Us At: (231) 564-4014

Fire or Smoke Damage in Your Home?

12/3/2020 (Permalink)

Fire or Smoke Damage in Your Home?

Even a small fire or smoke throughout your home can cause soot damage that covers your entire home structure and personal belongings. Your home may also suffer from secondary water damage if you have had the fire department respond due to firefighting efforts. This type of secondary damage can be especially upsetting and devastating for your family to process. If you have suffered any type of smoke damage or fire in your home, you may feel stressed, confused, and vulnerable, so you’ll need a caring expert to guide you through this crisis. We’ll treat you with respect and empathy, and we’ll always treat your home and belongings with care.

SERVPRO of Bellaire, Kalkaska, Lake City & Grayling specializes and is trained in fire and water damage restoration. We have the specific damage restoration training, personnel, and equipment and can quickly restore your home and your affected contents to pre-fire condition.

Don't wait! Give us a call today and we can help!

(231) 564-4014

Fire Awareness Month

10/29/2020 (Permalink)

In collaboration with the National Fire Protection Association, we at SERVPRO are trying to raise awareness on this year's theme for Fire Awareness Month which is cooking safety. The National Fire Protection Association reports that cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries. With that said, the NFPA reports that Thanksgiving is the leading day for fires involving cooking equipment. To make sure you are prepared and also cooking safely, the following link has been provided by the National Fire Protection Association which includes cooking and fire safety tips. Make sure to serve up fire safety in the kitchen this year! Fore more safety tips and information, please follow the link to the National Fire Protection Association's website.  https://bddy.me/3dwkBaJ

Residential and Commercial Fire & Smoke Damage

10/27/2020 (Permalink)

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?

Smoke damage and soot caused from a fire in your home can penetrate in various cavities within your home.  This can cause hidden damage and odor if not taken care of and cleaned and deodorized by a professional. We are experience in smoke damage deodorization and our experience allows us to scope and inspect to accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts and behaviors:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

Did you know there are different types of smoke damage?  There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue following a fire in your home. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Gaylord & Cheboygan will test the soot in your home to determine which type of smoke damage occurred has affected your home and how we can help get you back in your home. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting and our scope of work identified. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different and unique, each one requires a different and tailored solution 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.

Call Us Today –SERVPRO of Bellaire, Kalkaska, Lake City & Grayling at (231) 564-4014

Create a Home Fire Escape Plan

9/17/2020 (Permalink)

Being that most of us have been at home and the fall and winter seasons are approaching quickly, spend some of that time indoors and create a fire escape plan for your household.

SERVPRO is here to help you with the after effects from a fire and we can aid in getting your home back to pre-fire condition. In life you have to expect the unexpected so take the time to create a fire plan should a fire happen to you.

There were an estimated 339,500 home structure fires in 2019 and 2,770 associated home structure fire deaths. This resulted in $7.8 billion worth of direct property damage. By creating a fire plan you can help to protect your family and allow for them to safely evacuate, which will allow for these numbers to drop.

It is noted that your ability to get out depends on advanced warning from smoke alarms and advanced planning. Fire has the ability to rapidly spread through your home, leaving you with as little as one or two minutes to escape safely once the alarm sounds. Something as simple as a closed door may help slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire.

Install smoke alarms in every room where someone sleeps and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home. It is extremely important that fire alarms are all interconnected. When one sounds, they should all sound.

Before a fire happens, get everyone in your household together and devise a fire plan. We recommend that you:

• Draw a map of your home. Show all doors and windows.
• Visit each room. Find two ways out.
• All windows and doors should open easily.
  • You should also be able to use them to get outside.
• Make sure your home has smoke alarms.
  • Push the test button to make sure each alarm is working.
• Pick a meeting place outside. We recommend that it should be in front of your home. Everyone will meet at the meeting place following evacuation.
• Make sure your house or building number can be seen from the street.
• Learn the emergency phone number for your fire department.
• Practice your home fire escape drill!

If you experience a fire don't forget to give the restoration professionals at SERVPRO of Bellaire, Kalkaska, Lake City & Grayling a call! (231) 564-4014

Did you have a fire in your home on Torch Lake?

3/26/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke damage and soot caused from a fire in your home can penetrate in various cavities within your home.  This can cause hidden damage and major odor if not taken care of and cleaned and deodorized by a professional restoration company. We are experience in smoke damage deodorization and our experienced project managers allows us to scope and inspect to accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts and behaviors:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

Did you know there are different types of smoke damage?  There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue following a fire in your home on Torch Lake. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Bellaire, Kalkaska, Lake City & Grayling will test the soot in your home to determine which type of smoke damage occurred has affected your home and how we can help get you back in your home. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting and our scope of work identified. Here is some additional information about smoke damage:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Fire Damage Restoration Services

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

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today –SERVPRO of Bellaire, Kalkaska, Lake City & Grayling at

231-564-4014