Preventing Fire Damage: Essential Tips to Safeguard Your Home

3/25/2024 (Permalink)

Badly burned room

Fire damage can devastate your home and pose significant risks to your family's safety. However, with proactive preventative measures, you can greatly reduce the likelihood of fire-related incidents and protect your property from potential harm. Here are some essential tips from SERVPRO® to help you prevent fire damage and keep your home safe:

Install Smoke Alarms: Ensure that smoke alarms are installed on every level of your home, including inside each bedroom and outside sleeping areas. Test your smoke alarms monthly and replace batteries at least once a year to ensure they are functioning properly.

Create a Fire Escape Plan: Develop a fire escape plan with your family, outlining multiple exit routes from each room in your home. Practice fire drills regularly to familiarize everyone with the escape routes and designated meeting points outside.

Inspect Electrical Wiring: Regularly inspect electrical wiring, outlets, and appliances for signs of damage or wear. Replace frayed cords, loose outlets, and malfunctioning appliances promptly to prevent electrical fires.

Practice Safe Cooking Habits: Never leave cooking food unattended on the stove or in the oven, and keep flammable objects, such as dish towels and curtains, away from heat sources. Use caution when cooking with oil and keep a lid nearby to smother grease fires if they occur.

Keep Space Heaters Clear: Keep space heaters at least three feet away from flammable materials, such as curtains, bedding, and furniture. Turn off space heaters when leaving the room or going to bed, and never use extension cords with space heaters.

Properly Dispose of Smoking Materials: Use deep, sturdy ashtrays for cigarette butts and ashes, and empty them regularly into a metal container filled with sand or water. Never extinguish cigarettes in potted plants, as the soil can contain flammable materials.

Maintain Chimneys and Fireplaces: Schedule annual chimney inspections and cleanings to remove built-up creosote and debris, which can ignite and cause chimney fires. Use a fireplace screen or glass doors to prevent sparks from escaping and igniting nearby combustibles.

Store Flammable Materials Safely: Keep flammable materials, such as gasoline, propane, and lighter fluid, stored in approved containers in well-ventilated areas away from heat sources and ignition points.

Educate Family Members: Educate your family members about fire safety practices, including how to use fire extinguishers properly and when to call emergency services. Teach children the importance of fire safety and the dangers of playing with matches or lighters.

Regularly Test Fire Extinguishers: Ensure that fire extinguishers are readily accessible throughout your home and that everyone knows how to use them. Check fire extinguishers regularly to ensure they are fully charged and have not expired.

By implementing these fire prevention tips from SERVPRO, you can significantly reduce the risk of fire damage to your home and protect your family from harm. Remember that fire prevention is a shared responsibility, and everyone plays a role in maintaining a safe and secure living environment. If you do experience a fire emergency despite your best efforts, contact the professionals at SERVPRO for prompt and reliable fire damage restoration services.

For more information Click Here

Kitchen Fire Safety: Tips to Prevent and Respond

2/1/2024 (Permalink)

Burned interior wall.

The kitchen is the heart of the home, where delicious meals are prepared, and memories are made. However, it's also a place where fires can break out if precautions aren't taken. At SERVPRO® of Ascension Parish, we care about your safety and want to help you avoid kitchen fires. In this blog post, we'll share valuable tips on preventing kitchen fires and what to do in case they occur.

Preventing Kitchen Fires:

1. Stay in the Kitchen: Never leave cooking food unattended. Stay in the kitchen while frying, grilling, boiling, or broiling. If you need to leave, even for a short time, turn off the stove.

2. Keep Flammable Items Away: Keep kitchen towels, oven mitts, paper towels, and other flammable items away from the stovetop. Loose clothing can also catch fire, so be cautious with your attire while cooking.

3. Use a Timer: Set a timer to remind you when food is ready or when it's time to check on it. This can prevent overcooking or burning.

4. Keep Appliances Clean: Regularly clean your oven, stovetop, and microwave to prevent the buildup of food particles and grease, which can ignite and cause fires.

5. Use Caution with Oils: When cooking with oil, especially deep frying, use a thermometer to monitor the temperature. Never overheat oil, and keep a lid nearby to smother any potential flames.

6. Childproof the Kitchen: Keep young children and pets away from the stove and other cooking appliances. Use safety gates if necessary.

What to Do When a Kitchen Fire Happens:

1. Don't Panic: If a small fire breaks out in a pan, use a lid to smother the flames. Turn off the burner and leave the lid on until it cools. Never use water to extinguish a grease fire, as it can make it worse.

2. Use a Fire Extinguisher: If you have a kitchen fire extinguisher and know how to use it, aim it at the base of the flames and sweep from side to side.

3. Evacuate Safely: If the fire spreads, it's essential to prioritize safety. Alert everyone in the home, and call 911 immediately. Leave the house and close doors behind you to slow down the fire's progress.

4. Never Re-enter a Burning Building: Once you've safely evacuated, do not re-enter the building for any reason. Leave firefighting to the professionals.

5. Seek Professional Restoration: After a kitchen fire, even a small one, your home may suffer from smoke and soot damage. Contact SERVPRO of Ascension Parish for professional fire damage restoration services. We'll assess the damage, clean, and restore your home to its pre-fire condition.

Conclusion: Kitchen fires can be prevented with vigilance and proper safety measures. However, if a fire does occur, your safety is the top priority. Follow these guidelines to prevent kitchen fires and know what to do in case of an emergency. Remember that SERVPRO of Ascension Parish is here to help you with fire damage restoration when you need it. Your safety is our concern, and we're just a phone call away.

For more information Click Here

Ignite Safety: Protecting Your Home from Holiday Fires

11/25/2023 (Permalink)

Servere interior fire damage

The holiday season is a time of joy, warmth, and celebration, but it also comes with an increased risk of home fires. At SERVPRO, we're committed to helping you safeguard your home and loved ones. In this unique blog post, we'll explore essential tips to keep your home safe from fires during the holiday season.

1. Decorate with Care:

Holiday decorations can add a magical touch to your home, but they can also pose fire hazards:

• Choose Flame-Resistant Decor: Opt for decorations labeled as flame-resistant or flame-retardant to reduce the risk of fire.
• Lights and Electrical Safety: Inspect holiday lights and extension cords for damage or frayed wires before use. Avoid overloading electrical outlets or power strips.
• Candles with Caution: If you enjoy the ambiance of candles, ensure they're placed on stable surfaces away from flammable materials. Never leave lit candles unattended.

2. Keep a Watchful Eye in the Kitchen:

Cooking-related fires are common during the holidays, with elaborate feasts being prepared:

• Never Leave Cooking Unattended: Whether you're roasting a turkey or baking cookies, stay in the kitchen while cooking. Unattended cooking is a leading cause of home fires.
• Use Timers and Alarms: Use timers to remind you when dishes are ready. Ensure your home has working smoke alarms installed and regularly test them.

3. Mind the Fireplace and Space Heaters:

As temperatures drop, fireplaces and space heaters provide warmth, but they can also be fire hazards:

• Fireplace Safety: Use a sturdy screen or glass door to prevent sparks from escaping. Ensure the fire is fully extinguished before going to bed.
• Space Heater Precautions: Keep space heaters away from flammable materials and always place them on a stable surface. Ensure they have safety features like tip-over switches and automatic shut-offs.

4. Outdoor Lighting and Decorations:

Outdoor decorations can also pose fire risks:

• Outdoor-Rated Equipment: Use extension cords and lighting specifically designed for outdoor use. Ensure outdoor decorations are securely anchored to prevent them from coming into contact with power lines.

5. Fire Safety Plan:

Having a fire safety plan is essential during the holidays:

• Emergency Exits: Ensure everyone in your household knows the emergency exit plan and designated meeting points.
• Fire Extinguishers: Have a fire extinguisher readily available, and make sure you know how to use it.
• Emergency Numbers: Keep emergency numbers, including the fire department and poison control, accessible.

6. Be Mindful of Holiday Plants:

Some holiday plants can be toxic or pose fire hazards:

• Water Your Tree: If you have a real Christmas tree, keep it well-watered to prevent it from drying out and becoming a fire risk.
• Pet Safety: Keep holiday plants like poinsettias, holly, and mistletoe out of reach of pets, as they can be toxic if ingested.

7. Stay Vigilant and Educated:

Stay informed about fire safety measures and share them with your family and guests. Awareness is a powerful tool in preventing holiday fires.

Conclusion:

While the holiday season is a time of celebration, it's crucial to prioritize safety to protect your home and loved ones from fires. At SERVPRO, we're here to support you in preserving the joy and warmth of the holidays. By following these safety tips and remaining vigilant, you can ensure a safe and festive holiday season. Your safety is our top priority, and we wish you a joyful and fire-safe holiday season!

The Do’s and Don’ts of Fire Damage From Your Local SERVPRO Experts

8/22/2023 (Permalink)

Resident endures fire damage on home, and calls in SERVPRO experts for restoration.

Putting You Back In Control

As a leader in fire and water cleanup and restoration, our number one goal is returning damage to its preloss condition, doing all we can to make it “Like It Never Even Happened.” Every SERVPRO® Franchise Professional who steps onto a job site has this goal in mind. It is about total restoration of the damage and about the life of the customer being helped.

Fire and Smoke Damage Tips

Do’s:

• Limit movement of people in the structure to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets
• Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place dry, colorfast towels on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator completely, and prop doors open to help prevent odors.
• Wipe soot from chrome on kitchen and bathroom faucets, trim and appliances. Then protect with a light coating of lubricant.
• Pour RV antifreeze into sinks, toilet bowls, holding tanks and tubs if heat is off during freezing season.
• Gently wash both sides of leaves on indoor plants.
• Change HVAC filter, but leave system off until checked by trained professional.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers to stop particles of soot from getting in or out of the HVAC system.

Don'ts:

• Attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting your SERVPRO® Franchise Professional.
• Attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture without first consulting your local SERVPRO® Franchise Professional.
• Attempt to clean any electrical appliances (TV sets, radios, etc.) that may have been close to fire, heat or water without first consulting an authorized repair service person.
• Consume any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored close to fire, heat or water. (They may be contaminated.)
• Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. Wiring may be wet or damaged and cause electrical shock.
• Send garments to the dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

For more information give us a call at (225)-753-3434

Think Like the Pro’s when it comes to Fire Damage

10/27/2021 (Permalink)

Fire before and after from SERVPRO of Ascension Parish

Fire Damage is an absolute catastrophe for everyone involved in the fire. When its your home your left looking at a heap of black and charred rubble. Its unimaginable. You cannot comprehend the devastation. You want to start looking through everything to see what you can save and what you can salvage from this horrible experience. Your trying to find something to help you stay positive in this.

Fire damage Pro’s see the exact same loss but they see it through very different eyes.

All you see is the damage, fire pro’s see the potential restoration. You see your home before but they see the potential afterward.

When a person observes the burnt pieces of their homes they are seeing what they have lost. They see the burnt window panes, the charred appliances, the blackened walls and the smoot soaked mattress.

Just for a second try and see it like the pro’s see it. The professional fire damage restoration teams see the proteins, the synthetic materials and the natural materials.

As a pro, we see soot, we see protein and we see what and how we can fix it.

Whereas you see the burned-up parts of your stove, SERVPRO’s fire damage pros are looking at proteins. We’re looking for a greasy, yellowish, brownish substance that’s hard to see to the naked eye but puts off a strong smell. It looks like it’s sticky if you can see it. That’s protein residue. Protein burns slowly, which gives more time for the smell to penetrate your cabinets, floor boards, and duct work. It can also damage your paints and varnish.

You’ll be tempted to clean it; but PLEASE don’t. You don’t have the right chemicals for the job. If you don’t clean it correctly it can absolutely cause secondary damage or worse it can cause things that may be salvageable to be rendered non-salvageable.

SERVPRO fire damage pros have far more tools at their disposal so that they can clean the fire related chemicals in a way that removes the potentiality of secondary damage from incurring.

Fire Damage: You See Black; We See Natural Substances

When you’re looking at what’s left over from the fire, you’ll see a big heap with a few random objects peppered in that oddly survived. Maybe you’ll see your dining room table, an antique dresser or remnants of your favorite book. You’ll feel weird, like you can’t make sense of what happened.

SERVPRO’s fire damage pros don’t see it that way. They’re looking for natural substances. When you burn paper or wood, one of the byproducts is residue and odor. When natural substances like paper or wood burn they grey and black and feels like powder. Individual smoke particles are about the size of .004 microns. To put that in perspective it’s far smaller than a speck of glitter.

Every tiny particle can produce an odor and because they’re so tiny, when they’re trapped in the tiny cavities in your dining room table or your antique dresser, you’ll be able to smell it. But smoke damage doesn’t only happen where you can see it. Smoke can seep past the drywall and stick to the frame of your home.

You’ll be tempted to jump in and start cleaning, but don’t. You’ll want to grab a sponge and start scrubbing. Don’t. Instead, let a SERVPRO fire damage pro handle the problem. If you start cleaning and you don’t do it correctly, you won’t fix the problem, you’ll make it worse.

Why? When you have soot and fire damage, you’re dealing with a chemical reaction. A SERVPRO fire damage pro will first do an emergency pre-cleaning to halt the damage. Then, SERVPRO fire damage pros may clean up the odor with ozone. Ozone, an olfactory desensitizer, works by generating the molecule ozone. That’s 03. This molecule is reactive, and in a process called oxidation, the extra oxygen atom attached itself to other molecules and the pungent smell is eliminated.

You see devastation; SERVPRO’s fire damage pros see chemistry.

Fire Damage: You See Melted Computers; We See Synthetics

When you’re looking at the damage, you’re seeing all the memories you had like, perhaps, the first computer you built or an old DVD that mysteriously survived the blaze.

SERVPRO’s fire damage pros see synthetics.

When oil based materials burn—like your carpet, draperies, or the first computer you built—they’ll leave behind a thick, black residue. It will smear when you touch it. The problem with synthetic damage is that when it burns it starts a chain of chemical reactions. This means you need the right chemicals to solve the problem and it needs to be immediately addressed. If you don’t know what you’re doing, and you don’t have the proper chemicals to clean it, you’re going to make your problem worse.

In the end, when you’re looking at your fire damage, you’ll see so many things: you’ll see memories that burned with property, you’ll see melted bits of plastic that once housed your family photos and you’ll see devastation.

But when you call a fire damage professional, it’s our desire that you see something far more. Yes, we want you to see the synthetics, the natural materials and the proteins. But we also want you to see something far greater than that: hope.

Fire Damage: SERVPRO Restores Your Property and Your Life

Ultimately, when you’re dealing with fire damage it’s critical to call an experienced fire damage professional as soon as possible. You can’t do this alone. But we can help you restore your property and your life.

Get 24/7 Fire Damage Help with SERVPRO at (225)753-3434

It's not Spiderman it's Soot Webs!!!

10/27/2021 (Permalink)

Ascension Parish Spiderman Visit

Soot and smoke from all types of fires can cause significant and profound damage to your home, office or property. Smoke and soot damage is a real challenge to clean up and remediate from all of the various nooks and crannies that those little black spiderwebs can hide in. The phenomenon of Soot webs looks like maybe a Fire Spiderman came through your house and shot some crazy webs but in reality those soot webs are from an accumulation of heavy smoke that can gradually cause these unique spiderweb looking soot webs in the corners and far reaches of your property.

What in the world are these Black Spiderwebs otherwise know as soot webs?

Well in all reality it is not a Spiderman character shooting those webs but instead it is caused when the fire consumes oxygen and then the particles in the air from soot cling to that oxygen and make long smoke/soot strands that float around the room through the air until the are blown into the corners of the room and make what looks like spiderwebs. These crazy soot webs actually rise due to the heat and the HVAC systems will push them to joists, corners, and different places in small spots. These are not burned spiderwebs and they are not dangerous but they do require someone well trained to clean them up properly so they don’t cause any secondary damage by spreading chemicals and soot throughout the area.

                How to get Soot Webs, Smoke and Fire Cleaned Up

Many people suffer from fires throughout the year or their neighbor suffers from fire and the smoke from their event can even transition into your home or property and it can be crucial to find a professional fire damage expert to clean it up. When building materials like wood, plastic, drywall, metal nails and personal objects burn they release smoke, soot and odor throughout the property and those things travel through the air and can land on anything and the chemical reaction from that soot and smoke can damage areas of the property that were not even near the fire. It is crucial to not try and wipe anything off without calling a professional to clean the smoke and soot up properly.

Call SERVPRO of Ascension Parish for Fire, Smoke and Soot Cleanup

The process of cleaning your home, property of business after a major fire or smoke event can be very difficult for an untrained person and can almost feel like your never going to figure it out. SERVPRO has been in business for over 50 years cleaning fire damaged properties. If your in the need for a Fire Clean up please give us a call at SERVPRO of Ascension Parish at (225)753-3434

When Fire Strikes…How do you Find a Restoration Company You Can Trust?

10/15/2021 (Permalink)

Fire Damage in Donaldsonville

When faced with recovering from a house fire it can sometimes feeling your staring up at Mount Everest. The tasks can feel daunting and the even sometime hopeless. The process of getting you and yours back to your normal life can feel like its taking a lifetime if you choose the wrong restoration company.

When looking for a good Fire Restoration company it is imperative that you find a company that wants to work with your insurance provider to get you taken care of quickly and easily. The truth of these situations is that anyone worth their salt wants to get the job done as quickly as possible because as we all know…time is money. Your insurance provider wants nothing more than to get the job done ASAP because they are interested in your needs as their provider and they don’t want to lose you as a client. A top level restoration company is also very motivated to get your house restored because they want the insurance provider happy as well and good professional service is what makes them look good to insurance adjusters.

The client is the one who is FREE to choose the Fire Restoration company of their choice. This can sometimes be difficult because maybe you got a recommendation from a friend or saw an Ad or maybe were referred by your insurance adjuster. The task of making a selection can sometimes be daunting when this is an industry that most people do not understand until its too late. If you don’t know where to turn when it comes to finding a good fire restoration company, I will give you a few easy tips and tricks.

Tip #1.) Ask your Insurance Provider for their Top 3 Fire Restoration Company recommendations. Insurance providers will sometimes give you their top company that they like to work with but that may not be the company you prefer. Ask for a top 3 and then from there you can go and do you due diligence in researching the companies that they provided for you and make a decision yourself.

Tip #2.) Ask Friends and Family for their recommendations. Unfortunately fire damage happens all too often in America and the chances are that one of your friends have been through a major loss from Fire, Water, Mold or Storm Damage. Ask around and see what companies they used and how it worked out. If you get a bad review from a friend you can cross them off but if you get a good review keep note of that company.

Tip #3.) Call the Restoration Companies themselves and ask them about their process with Fire Restoration. Fire damage is much more than removing some wallpaper and clean up a little bit of soot. Fire damage includes ridding the property of the Fire / Smoke Smell and doing inspections to see if there is any structural damage present. Another key factor is water damage, most people don’t realize but a lot of damage is done to the property by the firemen who put the fire out. That must also be cleaned and remediated as well as the fire. If two of more companies give you similar steps for restoring your property and you are happy with their options you can choose which you prefer.

I hope these tips were helpful for you if you are ever in the need for Fire Restoration in your home. If you have any questions or concerns please give us a call at SERVPRO of Ascension Parish at (225)753-3434.

What Is Fire Damage & How Does It Happen?

10/15/2021 (Permalink)

Fire Damage in Baton Rouge

Fire damage happens much more in America than most people realize. America averages about 1.3 Million fires, 4000 deaths, 17,000 injuries and over 15 Million in damages per year. Fire damage in America is much more common than people realize and in this blog I am going to explain some of the main causes of fires in America and hopefully this knowledge can help you prevent some of those with proper education.

What Causes Fires in America?

          In America there is a Fire every 24 seconds and they sweep through homes, apartment buildings, commercial buildings and businesses with very little warning and no care for property or human life. The most common causes of fire are sometimes unknown to people but the knowledge of these things can absolutely minimize the chances of them occurring. Knowledge is power and the when it comes to fire most of them are preventable with a little planning and understanding.

• Fire Accidents in the Kitchen

Most fires in America happen in the kitchen and spread from the kitchen to the rest of the house or business. The main reason that fire mostly originates in the kitchen is because the kitchen is the primary location for all heat sources in the home or business. These sources can range from many different items including Air Fryers, Ovens, Toasters, Microwaves and a variety of other kitchen appliances and apparatuses.

• Electrical Malfunctions

Electrical malfunctions are more and more prominent in America as our homes and businesses are becoming more and more filled with various electronics, computers, entertainment systems and household appliances. Faulty wiring in the home near a fuel source or faulty wiring in an appliance or piece of equipment can cause a variety of flare ups that can end in a major fire.

• Open Flames

One major cause of fires in homes and businesses that people forget about is open flames. These can happen when people make bonfires, camping fires, yardwork/debris fires or that just flare up from a heat source in the yard. Another often misunderstood example of open flame fires is from candles or incense. You can reduce this from happening by severely limiting all open flames and using flameless candles instead.

• Major Heat Producers

Major heat producers in our homes that can sometimes be overlooked are fireplaces and space heaters. These items can become increasingly more dangersous if they are ever kept near rapid fuel sources in the home like kerosene, gas or lighter fluid. There are other fuel sources that are less rapid yet just as deadly like rugs, curtains or old clothing. Make sure you are checking your home regularly to limit these type of potential hazards.

• Smoking

While there are many smokers in America who enjoy the practice of smoking outdoors some people prefer to smoke indoors in their favorite chair or on their favorite couch. The main danger happens here when those smokers fall asleep and create a dangerous scenario. The ash from a cigarette can ignite quickly and cause a major fire before the sleeping home owners can even realize what has happened.

Many of these various forms of fire can be prevented by taking inventory of your home and understanding how important it is to remove fuel sources, check all wiring, minimize open flames, inspect heat producers and minimize indoor smoking. If you have any other questions or concerns please feel free to give us a call at SERVPRO of Ascension Parish at (225)753-3434

What are the various types of Fires?

10/15/2021 (Permalink)

Baton Rouge Fire Classifications

Fire Damage happens all over the county to various homes and businesses and causes massive damage to buildings, property and even to people. Fire damage is much more complicated than people may think because fire has many different types of classifications based on what the fuel source is and what type of fire it is. In this latest Blog we will review all of the different types of fires and some details about each.

• Class A Fire

A Class A Fire is a widespread occurrence throughout the US and is attributed to the type of fire that is started from common household items like wood, rubber, cloth or plastic. Prevent Class A fires by keeping working areas free of trash, place oily rags in covered containers, control smoking areas, limit all sources of possible ignition and keep passages and fire doors clear at all times.

• Class B Fire

Fire created from flammable liquids like gasoline, petrol, waxes, paint and oil are classified as Class B fires. Class B fires can be highly prevented if you use nonflammable substitutes for cleaners, ensure solvent tanks have fusible links on covers, keep all refuel equipment in well ventilated areas, properly store flammable liquids, ensure storage drums are properly grounded and restrict welding and cutting to authorized areas only.

• Class C Fire

Most experts in the Fire community consider fires that originate from flammable gases like natural gas, butane, propane and hydrogen are considered Class C fires. Most Class C fires originate in kitchens due to most flammable gasses generally existing in kitchen spaces. Fire specialist advise homeowners to thoroughly inspect their gas ovens, gas stoves and gas burners to ensure there are no leaks before turning their appliances on.

• Class D Fire

One of the absolute worst classification of fires is Class D fires which originate from combustible metals like sodium, magnesium, and potassium. We find class D fires often originate inside of very technical environments like labs or industrial businesses and generally require a professional commercial fire restoration representative to remediate it. To limit and control Class D fires work to control dust and turnings, follow established control procedures to minimize these type of fires from starting. Never use water or wet sand to try and extinguish these fires because the moisture releases oxygen which can be used to fuel the fire. Metal fires are the hottest burning fires and can reach temperatures of up to 5000 degrees. Class D fires can be one of the most difficult to extinguish.

• Class K Fire

The last and final classification of Fire is Class K fires which originate from fat and cooking oils in frying pans that are left unattended or become uncontrollable and ignite on their own. These fires happen regularly in restaurants, hotel and homes and are mostly focused on kitchen areas so most firefighters call these kitchen fires. These types of fires are often overlooked but actually account for most of the fire damage that consumes homes and food-based businesses. They are difficult to put out because they combine electrical elements and flammable liquids as well.

If you have any further questions or comments please feel free to contact us at SERVPRO of Ascension Parish at (225)753-3434 for more information on Fire restoration.

Fire Damage Emergency Tips

10/11/2021 (Permalink)

Emergency Tips for anyone with a Fire Damaged home in East Baton Rouge.

Fires of any kind can be especially devastating to your home or business. After the fire trucks leave, your property will likely suffer from not only fire and smoke damage, but also widespread water damage and flooding from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO of East Baton Rouge Professionals have specialized in fire and water damage restoration training and experience to quickly clean up and restore your home to pre-fire condition. SERVPRO professionals can also remove the pervasive smoke odor and deep-clean soot from upholstery, carpet and other surfaces.  Check out these great TODO's and NOT TODO's for Fire Damaged properties after the Firemen leave.

What To Do After A Fire

• Limit how much you walk around the home or business to prevent smoke particles and soot from being embedded into various materials and surfaces.
• Keep hands clean to prevent secondary contamination to other non-affected surfaces especially walls and wood work surfaces.
• Lay out clean towels or clean linens on rugs, upholstery and carpeted high traffic areas.
• If electricity if Off in the property empty all refrigerators and freezers and prop open the doors for proper air flow.
• Coat all chrome surfaces with a light coating of vaseline / petroleum jelly for protection.
• Wash all houseplants on both sides of leaves for soot.
• Clean your HVAC Filter housing and change the filter.
• Use masking tape to cover all air registers with double layered cheese cloth.

What NOT To Do After A Fire

• Do not attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or clean carpets or upholstery without first contacting your SERVPRO professional technicians.

• Do not clean any appliances that were near the fire epicenter, heat or water with consulting with an authorized repair service professional.

• Do not use any canned/packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.

• Do not turn on any ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet due to the potential for overheard wiring to be damaged.

• Do not send garments to the dry cleaners or laundry because improper cleaning may set the smoke odor.

Fire Pit Tips

8/12/2020 (Permalink)

During the Summer in Ascension Parish, it's common to hang out by the fire pit with friends and family!

Here are some tips to keep you and your family safe this Summer.

Backyard Fire Pit Safety Tips:

Whether you prefer a built-in or portable fire pit, choose one that is not too large for the area. The pit should be a minimum of 10 feet away from any structures or combustible materials as well as away from trees, fences, sheds, power lines, and telephone wires.

Make sure that the seating area is large enough and properly placed for comfort and ventilation.

Check wind direction before lighting a fire.

Don’t use flammable fluids (gasoline, lighter fluid, etc.) to light or relight fires.

To start the fire, use a lighter to ignite crumpled pieces of paper covered with small sticks. Then, add larger sticks and a log or two to keep it burning.

Burn only dry material. Damp material will create excess smoke.

Don’t wear flammable clothing (like nylon) or any loose-fitting clothing.

Never leave the fire unattended, and keep pets and children far away from the fire as they will be attracted to it.

Keep a fire extinguisher, garden hose, or bucket of water nearby.

As the fire dies down, use a shovel and spread out the ashes to allow them to cool down. Then slowly pour water over those ashes and watch them closely to be sure that no burning embers remain or reignite. Put the cooled ashes in a specially designated ash storage metal can.

Fire Safety for Kids and Parents

8/12/2020 (Permalink)

According to the American Burn Association, children are the most susceptible to burn injuries. 73% of all burn injuries happen in the home. At some point in time, children are going to be curious about fire, but it can be dangerous and costly.

Here are some tips to follow to keep your family safe according to the National Protection Association:

• Be sure to keep all matches and lighters out of the reach of children, preferably somewhere up high or in a locked cabinet.
• Closely supervise your children, making sure that they are away from any fire sources, including lit candles, cigarettes, fire pits, and stoves.
• Take advantage of any opportunity to teach your children about fire safety.
• Explain that fires are something to be taken seriously as they move very fast and can hurt you with contact.
• Teach young children to not touch matches or lighters, and to notify an adult immediately if found.
• Establish a clear set of rules and consequences about unsupervised and unapproved uses of fire.
• Remember, children are always watching. Make sure you set a good example by handling fire in a safe manner.
• Show your children appreciation for displaying respect and age-appropriate responsibility when it comes to fire.

If your children happen to burn themselves, cool the burn by running it under cold water for 10 to 15 minutes.

If it is a more serious burn, call 911.

Smoke Odor Remediation

6/18/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Ozone Machine

Three Methods To Remove Smoke Odor

If you have experienced a fire in Ascension Parish, you may be in need of SERVPRO Professionals to get rid of any lingering odors.

Whether the problem is overwhelming or barely noticeable, there is equipment that can help remove smoke odors from a variety of materials within your home. Smoke can permeate carpet and upholstery, walls, and personal items like artwork and paper documents. By working with a professional odor removal specialist, you may soon have things smelling clean and fresh. Here are three common methods professionals use to remove smoke odors.

1. Air Filtration Devices
Air filtration devices work by scrubbing the air clean. The air is sucked in, recycled through specialized filters, and then dispersed back into the room. Some of the most common filters for these machines are HEPA filters and activated carbon filters. Many companies also use specialized filters that are specifically designed to target smoke.

2. Ozone Machines
A popular smoke cleaning device, ozone machines can be tailored to your match your unique environment. Professionals can adjust the settings to control the amount of time the machine runs, the amount of humidity it expels, and the temperature of the exhaust. Ozone machines work by oxidizing smoke residue and neutralizing smoke odors. Although too much ozone can be harmful, these devices are considered safe when operated by a professional.

3. Thermal Foggers
By using heat and pressurization, fogging can help get rid of odors in tiny cracks and crevices. It works by permeating porous surfaces, attaching to smoke particles, and destroying them. The fog is capable of reaching anywhere the smoke damage occurred. This technique also neutralizes harmful, carcinogenic debris that may be left from the fire.
Smoke cleaning is often the last step in the fire restoration process. By working with an expert remediation team, your home may soon look and smell like the fire never even happened.

Grilling Safety Tips for the Summer

6/10/2020 (Permalink)

When we aren’t experiencing daily showers or a hurricane, summers in Louisiana are beautiful. The summer heat gets many people in the mood to hang out by the pool or beach, relax and maybe even grill. However, just like with cooking in your home, grilling too can have its fire hazards and it is best to practice safety measures. While here at SERVPRO of Ascension Parish, we are big fans of throwing a few burgers on the grill on a whim, we also following these safety tips before grilling:

1. Keep Your Grill at a Safe Distance

Keeping your grill a safe distance from your home in a safe, open area is best. This means in an area where there are no overhangs nor any activity from people or pets. Every year many people injure themselves accidentally coming in contact with a grill. 

This rule also goes for any furniture or decorations. Many outside decorative items are made from plastics, meant to withstand any weather condition. This plastic and other artificial material can make for quick ignition for a fire. 

2. Keep Your Grill Clean

Like grease fires in a Ascension Parish home, leftover grease and food particles can also cause a fire. Cleaning your grill after cooking is done and once it’s cooled down will save you from any work the next time you decide to use it. 

3. Do Routine Maintenance and Safety Checks

Grills should be treated like any other major appliance. Checking your propane tanks for gas leaks, loose hoses or any other damage before use is highly recommended. Be sure to keep any charcoal, fuel, and lighters within safe distance once your grill is lit. 

4. Keep an Eye on Your Grill

Make sure you are always near your grill, actively watching it for any signs of misuse or potential accidents. Being vigilant and cautious will help keep your food from overcooking also!

5. Don’t Overload Your Grill

Putting too much food on your grill may make the cooking process slower, pushing you to turn up the heat. Turning the heat up can be unsafe especially when cooking food items that are fatty, like hamburgers. Dripping fat combined with high heat can also cause a fire to occur. 

Other preventative measures may mean keeping a fire extinguisher nearby, using the proper cooking tools, and storing the grill properly when done. 

Soaking up the sun, hopping in the pool, and grilling is all part of summer in Ascension Parish. Doing so safely means more fun days to come without experiencing any fire damage to your home.

Types of Smoke Damage

6/10/2020 (Permalink)

The damage to your property following a fire can often be complicated due to the unique behavior of smoke. There are two different types of smoke – wet and dry. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Ascension Parish Professionals will survey the loss to determine the extent of impact from fire, smoke, heat, and moisture on the building materials and contents. The soot will then be tested to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. Pretesting determines the proper cleaning method and allows us to focus on saving your precious items.

Different Types of Smoke

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 materials rather than from a fire)

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

Fuel Oil Soot (Furnace Puff Backs)

While “puff backs” can create havoc for homeowners, SERVPRO professionals can, in most cases, restore the contents and structure quickly.

Other Types (Tear gas, fingerprint powder and fire extinguisher residue)

Special loss situations require special care.

SERVPRO of Ascension Parish Professionals are trained to handle even the toughest losses. If your home or business suffers fire or smoke damage, contact us, at 225-663-8877, to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

Checklist: Preventing a Fire

9/3/2019 (Permalink)

Kitchen Fire

More than 4,000 people die every year in fires according to U.S. government statistics. More than 25,000 are seriously injured. Most of these deaths and injuries could be prevented. Here’s a checklist of some ways you can help prevent a fire in your home and make your home safer:

•    Talk with your kids about the dangers of playing with matches, fire, lighters, and flammable liquids
•    Don’t leave the kitchen when you’re cooking (most home fires start on the kitchen stove)
•    Know and post your local fire department’s emergency phone number
•    Keep gasoline, kerosene, paint thinners, and other flammable liquids in appropriate containers and away from other flammable materials

Need Fire Damage Repair or Restoration? Call (225) 663-8877

•    Keep your garage clear of trash, newspapers, and other combustibles
•    Don’t use flammable liquids like gasoline, kerosene, or benzene indoors
•    Make sure flammable liquids are stored in appropriate containers in a well-ventilated area
•    Safely discard cloths or paper towels used with flammable liquids, preferably outdoors in metal containers
•    Avoid plugging several appliances into one electrical outlet unless you use a UL-approved outlet with circuit breakers
•    Don’t use extension cords with heaters or air conditioners
•    Use smoke alarms throughout your home and test them regularly
•    Use caution with alternative heating sources like kerosene, wood, or pellet stoves
•    Use only the type of fuel that’s meant for these heating sources, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions  
•    If you must smoke, do so safely:
•    Never smoke in bed
•    Don’t leave the room with a cigarette burning in an ashtray 
•    Keep matches, cigarette lighters, and grill lighters in a locked cabinet
•    Never smoke when you’re drowsy, medicated, or reclining 
•    Make sure smokers have deep, sturdy ashtrays, and make sure cigarette and cigar butts are cold before you put them in the trash

If you do experience a fire in the Ascension area, you can rely on the fire damage repair and restoration services of SERVPRO of Ascension Parish. We have restored many fire-damaged homes and businesses. You can also rely on us for smoke damage cleanup.

Call SERVPRO of Ascension Parish
For any commercial or home cleanup and restoration questions you have, call SERVPRO of Ascension Parish anytime, 24/7 at 225-663-8877. At SERVPRO, our fire damage restoration teams are trained in the safest, most advanced, and quickest ways to help. 

Contents Restoration (Fire)

7/24/2019 (Permalink)

CONTENTS RESTORATION

From furniture to antiques to artwork and appliances, we'll treat your treasures with the care they deserve. While some items can be cleaned on-site, in many cases we'll need to inventory, pack out and transport the contents of your property to our state-of-the-art facility to ensure the best care possible.

Key Issues

• Contents may need to be cleaned off-site
• Contents inventory
• Determine replacement and restoration
• Pack
• Ozone treatment
• Cleaning
• Odor removal
• Secure
• Return

Contents Inventory

• We arrive on-site and inventory all of your personal belongings.
• We carefully pack all salvable items to transport to our secure warehouse and cleaning facility.
• Unsalvageable contents are inventoried and discarded.

Restoration

• Thorough cleaning
• Proper handling of all electronics
• Photographs and artwork
• Fabrics
• Clothes
• Memorabilia
• Antiques
• Soft goods
• Dry Cleaning
• Appliances
• Surfaces
• Odor Removal

Board Up Services - Post Fire

7/24/2019 (Permalink)

If your property in Ascension Parish has experienced a fire, there are several reasons why you might want to board up structural damage or windows. In addition to keeping the external elements out of a building with fire damage, boarding up can also prevent additional losses due to looting and make the fire cleanup process easier.  SERVPRO of Ascension Parish offers full-service restoration specialists who can also assist in board-up services.  

Here are four reasons to board-up after a fire.

• In a commercial setting, there may still be viable stock on the premises. If products that appear viable remain in the building, you should consider boarding up. These items may require assessment and cleaning and may not be fit for sale, but having them properly processed rather than stolen can be helpful for insurance purposes.
• You want to protect electronics and other valuables. Depending on the extent of the fire damage, you may be able to restore some electronics or other valuable property to working condition.
• You need to keep out the elements. If the structure of your property has sustained extensive damage, you should try to keep the elements out to prevent additional damage. Exposure to additional water, wind, or sunlight can compound the damage caused by smoke residue and soot.
• You want to limit soot damage. It is generally a good idea to reduce foot traffic on the scene of a recent fire. When soot gets embedded into carpeting or upholstery, it can be much more difficult to restore these materials to a pre-fire condition.

Talk to our experts at SERVPRO of Ascension Parish, about whether boarding up is a good strategy for preventing loss and limiting damage after a fire. Your major concern is likely to be how to recover from fire damage as quickly and completely as possible. Preventing looting and exposure to the elements can make fire cleanup more successful. Call SERVPRO of Ascension Parish today at 225-663-8877 for more information.

Fire Prevention Tips While Away on Vacation

6/18/2019 (Permalink)

Summer is typically a time where we all get to take a break from patterns of day-to-day life.

It’s always nice to have a couple of weeks off to either beat the heat at a cold tourist destination, or even to embrace it on a beautiful beach.

However, no matter how you deal with heat, you don’t want to return from your vacation this summer to discover that a heat of a different kind has destroyed your home.

Fire damage can happen at any time of the year – the extensive fire and smoke damage can destroy your home. While SERVPRO of East Baton Rouge offers emergency restoration services to help rebuild after fire damage, we want to provide some tips that can help you avoid a tragic event this summer.

Tips for Preventing Fire Damage at Home

There are certainly occasions where natural disasters are simply out of our control and really aren’t affected by any precaution we take. However, for those instances where everyday choices can make the difference, we’ve compiled a few tips for preventing fires at your home while traveling this summer.

Neighborhood Watch

You don’t need to have an active Neighborhood Watch to make sure someone’s looking after your home.

Ask one of your trusted neighbors to be on the lookout while you’re away. This can be very helpful for both preventing fires from breaking out, but also for stopping them before they get too out of hand. Even if you’ve taken precautions before leaving, it doesn’t hurt to have someone do a walk through to double check.

In the worst-case scenario, you’ll at least have someone you trust keeping your home in mind and ready to call the fire department. Their watchfulness can make all the difference in how much fire and smoke damage occurs.

Electricity

There’s a strong likelihood that you’re not going to be using any of your home appliances while traveling.

Unplug them.

It’s always proper fire prevention practice to make sure your appliance chords are in a good shape, that they’re being used to manufacture standards, and that your circuits and extension cords aren’t overloaded.

However, while gone, the simplest remedy is to unplug everything that doesn’t need power. A damaged chord can’t cause you issues if it’s not plugged in.

Also, while you may be somewhere taking in the summer sun and clear skies, a thunderstorm could be happening in your city. You can easily prevent a power surge hitting your house and causing a fire by having little-to-know items connected.

This appliance check also includes your water heater. This is another area of your home which should be checked routinely because damage to electrical lines or faulty valves or vents can lead to a major fire hazard.

Additionally, it’s a wise idea to check your house’s main circuit breaker or box. This is a good habit before leaving for the summer, but also for any time of the year. The main box serves as a defense against electrical surges. So, if you see it’s already burnt out, call a specialist right away.

Safety Systems

There is a wide variety of tech and detection services available to monitor your home while away. These are great whenever you’re away from home, especially if you’re gone for an extended period.

If you know you’re going to be traveling extensively, it could be a great idea to invest in a home security system. Wireless systems like these not only can alert you for when a fire breaks out, but can even be automated to the point of calling the fire department on your behalf. 

Investing in a sprinkler system for your home is an obvious plus against preventing fire damage. Check this system before you leave to make sure that it’s functional. A home security system and a helpful neighbor can only do so much, and it may be your sprinklers which save the day.

Enjoy the Heat

SERVPRO of Ascension Parish is here for you with emergency restoration services in the unfortunate event that your home has fire or smoke damage. Routine appliance and safety equipment checks should be a part of keeping your home safe during any time of the year. It’s better to check them now, so you can enjoy your summer later.

If you need assistance with an old or new smoke alarm check or installation, please call SERVPRO of Ascension Parish today at 225-663-8877 and we will see that a proper check or installation is done by our local Red Cross for FREE. 

FIRES: Getting Rid on the Smell

5/28/2019 (Permalink)

If you have ever experienced a fire you know getting rid of the burnt smell can be harder than it sounds. 

At SERVPRO of Ascension Parish we have the knowledge and ability to make those pesky odors go away. 

Smoke Odor Deodorization Tips: 
Performing fire damage restoration involves both removing the smoke residues and also deodorizing smoke odors. The odors in a smoke-damaged building will be considerably decreased once the affected materials are demolished and removed or cleaned. 

The actual cleaning and deodorization procedures will vary depending on whether the smoke residues are light, medium or heavy. 

Different Categories of Smoke Odor / Damage

Light Smoke Odor Situation - typically only affects a small area and has no structural damage. Smoke residues are typically light and not visible. 

Moderate Smoke Odor - typically smoke residue are on both horizontal and vertical surfaces. Structural damage in the affected area involved burned materials such as cabinets, counter-tops or contents. Odor problems are greater when a fire burns for a longer time or when an increased number of materials burn. Smoke residues are carried further throughout the home. 

Heavy Smoke Odor - typically the entire home is affected by smoke residue. This typically requires almost complete demolition of the interior of the home and sealing of studs to control odor. 

Experienced a fire damage and unsure where to start give our team of specialists a call at 225-663-8877

Smoke Alarms - Life Savers

5/24/2019 (Permalink)

Smoke alarms save lives when properly installed and maintained, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). In homes, smoke alarms should be in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level, including the basement. Extra smoke alarms may be needed in large homes.

Test smoke alarms monthly using the test button. Smoke alarms with non-replaceable batteries need the entire smoke alarm unit replaced every ten years. Other alarms need batteries replaced every year and the unit replaced every ten years. If the alarm chirps signaling low battery, take the proper steps to replace the unit or the batteries immediately. Never disable or remove the battery from an alarm. Almost half of fires where smoke alarms were present but did not activate had missing or disconnected batteries (NFPA).

If you need help installing, testing or changing batteries in your smoke alarms, contact your local fire department, an electrician or the American Red Cross.

Be sure your home has a fire emergency plan in place and conduct regular fire drills with your family. For more information on Emergency Preparedness, contact your local SERVPRO® Franchise Professional.

SERVPRO of East Baton Rouge is a proud supporter of the American Red Cross. Give us a call if you need assistance with a fire damage 225-663-8877.

Fire Safety for Pets

8/21/2018 (Permalink)

Keep your pets protected, SERVPRO of Ascension Parish is here to help.

Home fires are the most common disaster that the American Red Cross responds to, according to their website – and also, they are the most preventable. According to the United States Fire Administration, an estimated 500,000 pets are affected annually by fires.

It’s important to keep in mind that if you need a plan for your family in case of disaster, you should also have a plan for your pets.

Did you know?

• The National Fire Protection Association estimates that nearly 1,000 home fires each year are accidentally started by the homeowners’ pets.

The best way to protect your pets is to include them in your family escape plan, in case of disaster. Train your pets to go to you when you call their name that way in the event of a fire evacuation, you can leave with them easily and safely.

The American Kennel Club and ADT Security Services have provided the following tips:

• Be sure your pet is not left unattended by open flames, such as cooking appliances, candles, or fire place. Be sure to extinguish any flame before leaving your home.
• Remove stove knobs or protect them with covers before leaving the house. A stove is the number one appliance involved in your pet starting a fire.
• Invest in flameless candles – these candles contain a light bulb rather than an open flame, and take the danger out of your pet knocking over a candle (something cats are notorious for).
• Secure your pets while you’re away – keep them confined in secure areas that don’t present a potential fire hazard.

Some other tips? Keep pets near entrances when you’re away from your home and keep their collars on. Have leashes nearby and ready in case firefighters need to rescue your pet. You can also affix a pet alert window cling and write down the number of pets inside your house and attach the cling to a front window. This information saves rescuers time when locating your pets.

Pets become a part of our families, and we need to remember that we need to have plans in place for them too when it comes to safely evacuating a home in case of a fire. And remember, if you are victim of a house fire, SERVPRO® of Ascension Parish can help #LikeItNeverEvenHappened.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help

Call Today 225-663-8877

Fireworks: Keep Your Home and Family Safe

6/19/2018 (Permalink)

Fourth of July is right around the corner, and while we look forward to the time spent celebrating America through parades and fireworks, it’s important to remember that setting off fireworks and playing with other goodies purchased from road-side firework stands comes with great responsibility. Whether you’re celebrating the Fourth of July, or enjoying a barbecue with friends, it’s always important to follow through with safe fireworks practices to protect you or your loved ones from the hazards fireworks could potentially have.

There are several safety measures to take when getting ready to pop fireworks: ranging from reading the directions on their packaging carefully, to being aware of the climate and your local laws referencing the use of fireworks. Here are 10 safety tips from the National Council on Fireworks Safety to help keep you and your family safe this summer:

1. Obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks.
2. Know your fireworks; read the cautionary labels and performance descriptions before igniting.
3. A responsible adult should supervise all firework activities. Never give fireworks to children.
4. Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Save your alcohol for after the show.
5. Do not hold a firework item in your hand.
6. Use fireworks outdoors in a clear area; away from buildings and vehicles.
7. Ensure all pets and animals are away from firework noise.
8. With the rise in stress-related disorders affecting American service men and women, pay special consideration to individuals who may be sensitive to loud noises in proximity to your fireworks show.
9. Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water before you discard it.
10. Dispose of spent fireworks by wetting them down and place in a metal trashcan away from any building or combustible materials until the next day.

Fires can be devastating to your home or business. If in the event you are affected by fire damage this summer season, SERVPRO® of Ascension Parish has specialized fire damage restoration training experience to quickly restore your home to pre-fire condition. Until we can arrive to help, please see our tips on what you can do until help arrives.

You know you can count on SERVPRO® Ascension Parish if disaster strikes. Stay safe this Fourth of July!

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – 225-663-8877

Fire Damage Services

5/25/2018 (Permalink)

Putting You Back In Control

As a leader in fire and water cleanup and restoration, our number one goal is returning damage to its preloss condition, doing all we can to make it “Like it never even happened.” Every SERVPRO® Franchise Professional who steps onto a job site has this goal in mind. It is about total restoration of the damage and about the life of the customer being helped. Like it was never dirty, like it never overflowed, like it never caught fire, like it never spilled, like it never smoldered—whatever the case, with SERVPRO® our goal is to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Fire and Smoke Damage Tips

Do’s:

• Limit movement of people in the structure to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets
• Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place dry, colorfast towels on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator completely, and prop doors open to help prevent odors.
• Wipe soot from chrome on kitchen and bathroom faucets, trim and appliances. Then protect with a light coating of lubricant.
• Pour RV antifreeze into sinks, toilet bowls, holding tanks and tubs if heat is off during freezing season.
• Gently wash both sides of leaves on indoor plants.
• Change HVAC filter, but leave system off until checked by trained professional.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers to stop particles of soot from getting in or out of the HVAC system.

Don'ts:

• Attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting your SERVPRO® Franchise Professional.
• Attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture without first consulting your local SERVPRO® Franchise Professional.
• Attempt to clean any electrical appliances (TV sets, radios, etc.) that may have been close to fire, heat or water without first consulting an authorized repair service person.
• Consume any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored close to fire, heat or water. (They may be contaminated.)
• Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. Wiring may be wet or damaged and cause electrical shock.
• Send garments to the dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

For more information give us a call at (225)-753-3434

Smoke and Soot Cleanup 101

5/25/2018 (Permalink)

Trust the experts to cleanup smoke, soot, and odor from fire damages.

Smoke and Soot Cleanup

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

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

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Ascension Parish will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

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

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

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

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

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

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is 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 Today – 225-753-3434

Fire, Smoke, and Soot Restoration

5/8/2018 (Permalink)

No Disaster Is Small When It Is Yours!

Your home or commercial facility contains many of your most valuable possessions. SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals understand the trauma that follows a loss. When fire damage takes control of your life, we help you take it back.

Contents Services

1. Inventory – One of the first priorities in fire restoration is to complete an accurate inventory to help ensure you can properly account for all your belongings. Your SERVPRO® Franchise Professional can provide a detailed room-by-room inventory of contents, including digital photographs and bar codes for each item, suitable for filing insurance claims forms and relieving you of this often stressful and time consuming process.
2. Move Outs – When the structure has suffered extensive damage, the cleanup and restoration process may need to be facilitated by relocating the contents for cleaning, deodorization and storage while structural repairs are being completed. A supervised moving crew can carefully pack and move the entire contents of your home or office.
3. 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. Additionally, all the other restorable contents will be cleaned and deodorized to as near as preloss condition as possible. This includes electronics, art, wood furniture, kitchen items, clothing, bedding, bric-a-brac and much more.

Structural Cleaning

1. Ceilings and Walls – Your local SERVPRO® Franchise Professional will pretest to analyze the extent of the damage to your ceilings, walls and woodwork. SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals can reduce the cost of recovery by expertly cleaning lighter soot without incurring the expense associated with repainting. When higher concentrations of soot exist, SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals will clean the area to prepare the surface for smooth painting.
2. Carpet & Floor Restoration – After a smoke or fire damage, carpeting and floors will often need a deep and thorough cleaning. Residue from smoke or soot settles and is ground into flooring every time someone walks on it. Whether it is wall-to-wall carpeting or the most expensive tile floor, SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals have the experience, equipment and cleaning products to clean and protect all types of flooring surfaces.
3. Ductwork – The ductwork and HVAC system will be inspected to determine if they were affected by the smoke damage. Depending on the amount of damage, the proper restoration process will be determined to clean and deodorize your HVAC and duct system.

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.

Have a Question? 
Call Us Today – (225) 663-8877

Abrasive Blasting and Fire Damages

5/7/2018 (Permalink)

Re-mediating a home following a fire / smoke damage can seem like a daunting task for some homeowners. There are numerous steps that need to be taken to ensure smoke odors are eliminated and stay eliminated. A specific type of system we use is the IBIX Abrasive Blast System.

Abrasive Blasting (Media, Soda, Garnet) is the most commonly used method for fire & smoke restoration and odor elimination. This system uses compressed air mixed with abrasive materials to provide a pressurized steam of media capable of cleaning a variety of surfaces. This system is most commonly used on wood studs either in in the attic, walls or sub floors. 

Need Assistance give our team of Fire Professionals a call and we can help make it "Like it never even happened." 225-663-8877.

Understanding Fire Damage: Smoke and Soot Cleanup

6/16/2017 (Permalink)

This fire in Ascension Parish was caused by unattended cooking.

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

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

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Ascension Parish will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

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

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

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

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

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

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is 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.

About SERVPRO of Ascension Parish

SERVPRO of Ascension Parish specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?Call Us Today – 225-663-8877

7 Steps to Fire Damage Restoration for Ascension Parish

6/3/2017 (Permalink)

This fire damage was caused from unattended cooking, "pot on the stove."

SERVPRO of Ascension has just how devastating a fire can be. Fire and water damage can leave your home or business unsafe and unlivable. Our team of professionals are trained to clean and restore your home with as little disruption as possible. 

Here's a basic overview of the 7 Step Fire Damage Restoration Process. 

Step1: Emergency ContactThe restoration process begins when you call SERVPRO of Ascension at 225-663-8877.  

Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment

Our SERVPRO of Ascension team of professionals will carefully inspect and test adjoining rooms of your property to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is crucial to developing a plan of action. 

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

Fire damage can often compromise windows, walls, and roofs. To maintain security and to protect against further damage, our professionals can assist you in boarding up missing windows & walls as well as providing resources needed to tarp damaged roofs. 

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

The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. They will then use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process. 

Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces

Our professionals will use specialized equipment and damage specific cleaning techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces. 

Step 6: Cleaning and Repair

They will clean all items that can be restored and structures that were damaged by the fire. They use a variety of cleaning techniques to restore your belongings to pre-fire condition. They’re also trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment. 

Step 7: Restoration

Restoration is the final step—getting your home or business to its pre-fire condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business. 

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – (225) 663-8877

Ascension Parish Fire Damage Tips

6/3/2017 (Permalink)

American Red Cross Home Fire Campaign coming to Ascension Parish.

SERVPRO of Ascension Parish is a community partner of the Baton Rouge American Red Cross. Together, we are working to reduce fire-related deaths and injuries in the US by 25% by 2020 through the Home Fire Campaign.  

Here are the Top Tips for Fire Safety courtesy of the American Red Cross.

• Install Smoke Alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms, and outside sleeping areas.
• Test Smoke Alarms every Month.
• Talk with Family Members about a Fire Escape Plan. Practice your plan twice a year.
• If a Fire occurs in your home, GET OUT, STAY OUT and CALL FOR HELP.

Each year, the #RedCross responds to nearly 64,000 disasters. The vast majority of which are home fires. As a matter of fact, 1 in 5 home fires are caused from unattended cooking; "pot on the stove". 

If you have experienced a fire, please refer to the Fire Damage Tips - Until Help Arrives Guide and follow these tips to protect yourself and your property.

SERVPRO of Ascension Parish has the water and fire damage training and expertise to help you through this tough time. the specialized fire and water damage restoration training, personnel, and equipment to handle fire and water damage and can quickly restore your home to pre-fire condition.

Have Smoke or Fire Damage Questions?
Call Us Today – 225-663-8877

Ascension Parish Residents: Smoke from a Fire Damage Event

3/31/2017 (Permalink)

Smoke damage can cause a persuasive odor in your Ascension Parish home.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Ascension Parish will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

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

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

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

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

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

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is 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 Today – 225-663-8877