Understanding Fire/Smoke Damage

6/7/2024 (Permalink)

Fire/Smoke damage with devastating loss of structure and contents

Smoke and soot facts:

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.  

• 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 Hammond 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. 

At SERVPRO of Hammond 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 – (985) 542-7388

Understanding the Fire Restoration Process

4/16/2021 (Permalink)

The fire restoration process should be started as quickly as possible following a fire damage. The longer you wait to contact a certified restoration company, the more likely it is for damage from water and smoke to intensify. It’s bad enough there was a fire, but the water and chemicals used to extinguish it can cause secondary damage.  The remnants will continue to do damage long after the flames are extinguished.   

The average person will attempt conventional cleaning methods like renting a steam cleaner and using common cleaning agents available at the store.  Unfortunately, this will barely make an impact on the problem and could cause bigger issues.  Chemical agents could react with the residue and cause permanent damage, and in some cases, they may cause toxic fumes. Fire damage cleanup is one of the most difficult jobs out there, and it should be left to a professional for the best results. 

Let SERVPRO of Hammond be your certified professional when facing your own fire damage. We will walk you through the process step by step to ensure that your home is properly restored. Our team of professionals is available 24/7 to help you put your life back together and restore your normal as much as possible.

Call us today at 985-542-7388.

Fire Damage Do's and Don'ts

4/14/2021 (Permalink)

Let these Dos and Don'ts guide you to help reduce damage and increase the chance of a successful restoration in the event of a fire.

Do:

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into the carpet and avoid tracking.
• Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls, and woodwork.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator completely and prop doors open to help prevent odor.
• Wipe soot from the metal kitchen and bathroom faucets, trip, and appliances.
• If heat is off during winter, poor RV antifreeze in sinks, toilet bowls, holding tanks, and tubs to avoid freezing pipes and fixtures.
• Remove soot particles from plants with a damp cloth.
• Change HVAC filter, but leave the system off until a trained professional can check the system. 
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers to stop particles of soot from getting in or out of the HVAC system.

Don't:

• Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting SERVPRO of Hammond.
• Don't attempt to shampoo carpet, rugs, or upholstered furniture without first consulting SERVPRO of Hammond.
• Don't 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.
• Don't consume any food or beverages that may have been stored close to fire, heat, or water. They may be contaminated.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures in the ceiling is wet. Wiring may be wet or damage and cause electrical shock, and air movement may create secondary damage.
• Don't send garments to the dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set in smoke odor.

When fire and water damage take control of your life, let SERVPRO of Hammond help you take it back.

Call 985-542-7388.

Smoke and Fire Damage Restoration Services

4/14/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damages could be the most devastating incident you can ever experience. Being a stressful time for you, we believe that all you need is a professional service to help you recover to your usual self again. Our restoration company will always be here to meet all your needs regarding any fire incident. We will always empathize with you, hence provide you with services that will give you satisfaction.

Our restoration company in Tangipahoa Parish has competent staff who are thoroughly trained to meet any of your needs. We have the most modern and specialized fire restoration equipment and techniques that will always meet the needs of your home at any time of the year.

Our specialized services are tailored to meet any smoke and fire damages in your home. We, therefore, provide various cleaning procedures for the multiple materials burnt.

Our restoration process includes:

• Emergency Contact
• Inspection of the related incident
• Fire Damage Assessment
• Board and Roof tarp services (if any)
• In cases where water damage has been experienced, we provide water removal and drying services
• Cleaning smoke and soot off all affected surfaces
• Overall cleaning and repair services
• Finally, we give restoration service

Why You Need Us?

• We've always cared for our client's property like our own.
• We ensure convenient services all through the yea; 24/7
• We act quickly to any fire-related incident; to lessen and limit further damages and reduces potential losses as well
• We can deal with any size of fire and smoke incident experienced
• Our company is specialized in fire and water-related damages; hence we assure you the most reliable and quality services
• Our fire and smoke restoration technicians have the required skills and capacity to meet your needs.
• We have odor our control technicians
• Our fabric cleaning technicians provide satisfaction
• Our Restoration technicians are qualified to meet all your concerns

Hammond, LA Smoke & Soot Cleanup

4/12/2021 (Permalink)

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 Hammond 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 – (985) 542-7388

Smoke Damage Cleaning

4/9/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke damage cleaning is, perhaps, the most complicated form of treatment for a homeowner to accomplish themselves. Not only does it take a thorough approach and deep remediation of nearly every surface in the building, but it can also only be done effectively if the areas behind the building’s walls receive treatment as well. Smoke and soot cleanup is a massive challenge to anyone but certified professionals, as these experts have the know-how, staffing, and equipment to complete the task correctly. SERVPRO of Hammond is your local expert in smoke damage cleaning and restoration.

Once the fire dies out, the problem is only beginning. Soot and smoke tend to get everywhere, and these particles are so small that they can pass through walls effortlessly. They will also cake onto furniture, countertops, floors, and walls if not dealt with right away, causing discoloration and overpowering odors. Smoke damage cleaning has to address both issues to be completely effective.

The professionals at SERVPRO of Hammond are certified through the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and have the expertise and materials needed to do the job right. With robust treatment solutions, the soot and smoke can be removed during a deep scrubbing of the building. Professionals have access to thermal fogging technology to take care of the odors emanating from behind walls. The thermal fogging produces a cloud of odor-neutralizing particles that can go where the smoke does.

Smoke Alarms: Life Savers For Your Business

1/29/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke alarms are life savers

Smoke alarms save lives when properly installed and maintained, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

In businesses, smoke alarms should be on each level of your business and in high fire risk areas, i.e. kitchens, break rooms with appliances, rooms with fireplaces, lanterns, space heaters, etc.*

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 the 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 business has a fire emergency plan in place and conduct regular fire drills with your employees. For more information on Emergency Preparedness, contact your SERVPRO® of Hammond at 985-542-7388.

What is Fire Damage Clean Up?

4/13/2020 (Permalink)

What is Fire Damage Clean Up?

Did you recently have a fire loss to your property?  Is there soot and debris all over the place?  Are you unsure where to start to get the property back together and cleaned up?  

Well, Calling SERVPRO of Hammond can Help!  

Fire damage clean up consists of cleaning all the soot and debris from the entire property structure.  That is cleaning everything from floors to ceilings, to every window and door within the structure. Also, cleaning all the contents within the structure, from couches to appliances.  There are many different techniques used when performing the cleanup, so calling in the professionals is essential.  

SERVPRO of Hammond specializes in cleaning properties that have been affected by fire, soot, and smoke.  From sorting through the debris, deodorizing, and cleaning walls and contents. We take the appropriate steps necessary to get the cleaning done correctly and efficiently. 

Call Us Now at 985-542-7388 for more Information on Fire Damage Clean Up!

Understanding the Fire Restoration Process

4/13/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot from a kitchen fire can affect every room in the house.

The fire restoration process should be started as quickly as possible following a fire damage. The longer you wait to contact a certified restoration company, the more likely it is for damage from water and smoke to intensify. It’s bad enough there was a fire, but the water and chemicals used to extinguish it can cause secondary damage.  The remnants will continue to do damage long after the flames are extinguished.   

The average person will attempt conventional cleaning methods like renting a steam cleaner and using common cleaning agents available at the store.  Unfortunately, this will barely make an impact on the problem and could cause bigger issues.  Chemical agents could react with the residue and cause permanent damage, and in some cases, they may cause toxic fumes. Fire damage cleanup is one of the most difficult jobs out there, and it should be left to a professional for the best results. 

Let SERVPRO of Hammond be your certified professional when facing your own fire damage. We will walk you through the process step by step to ensure that your home is properly restored. Our team of professionals is available 24/7 to help you put your life back together and restore your normal as much as possible.

Call us today at 985-542-7388.