Recent Fire Damage Posts
Extinguishing a Kitchen Fire
8/22/2023 (Permalink)
When a fire starts in the kitchen, you need to act fast to keep the fire from getting out of control. But how you act depends on what kind of fire you have and where it is. Follow these instructions for putting out kitchen fires:
If you have a fire in the oven or the microwave, close the door or keep it closed, and turn off the oven. Don’t open the door! The lack of oxygen will suffocate the flames. If your oven continues to smoke like a fire is still going on in there, call the fire department. If you have a fire in a cooking pan, use an oven mitt to clap on the lid, then move the pan off the burner, and turn off the stove. The lack of oxygen will stop the flames in a pot.
If you can’t safely put the lid on a flaming pan or you don’t have a lid for the pan, use your fire extinguisher. Aim at the base of the fire — not the flames. Never use water to put out grease fires! Water repels grease and can spread the fire by splattering the grease. Instead, try one of these methods:
If the fire is small, cover the pan with a lid and turn off the burner. Throw lots of baking soda or salt on it. Never use flour, which can explode or make the fire worse. Smother the fire with a wet towel or other large wet cloth.
Use a fire extinguisher. Don’t swat at a fire with a towel, apron, or other clothing. You’re likely to fan the flames and spread the fire. If the fire is spreading and you can’t control it, get everyone out of the house and call 911! Make sure everybody in your family knows how to get out of the house safely in case of a fire. Practice your fire escape route.
What you don't know about Lightning
8/30/2022 (Permalink)
Lightning fires most commonly occur during the summer months when afternoon and early evening storms are at their peak. Homes in heavily wooded areas are extra vulnerable to lightning strikes that set the surrounding landscape on fire. Most people might already know this but do they know what to do to help their home could be as easy as installing a lightening rod or the professional term would be a lightning protection system.
These systems are not intended to prevent a strike. Its purpose is to provide a safe path on which the current can be safely directed to the ground. Talk with an expert and find out if you should have a system on your house.
You will also want to help protect the inside of your house during a storm. Lightning can damage the electronics, telephone and other systems in your house connected to an electrical outlet. The easiest way to protect your appliances is to unplug them when you first hear the clap of thunder.
Surge protectors can help but are not fail-proof if the strike is a powerful one. To protect yourself, stay away from all plumbing including toilets, sinks and faucets as the pipes of your house make excellent conductors. Stay off the phone , corded phone scan conduct the lightening and therefore strike you when your on the phone.
Lightening is amazing and beautiful but also deadly. Don't ever let yourself forget that.
The Heat can be Worse than the Flame!
8/1/2022 (Permalink)
If your like most people you might think you can get out of a fire if you can at least avoid the flames.
Not true, the smoke and gases are 3 times as likely to kill you then the flame.
It takes less than 30 seconds for a small fire to go to a big on in many cases. Just minutes for the black smoke and gasses that are produced to over come you. Did you know the heat from a fire can be more threatening than the flame. The temperature on the floor can be 100 degrees and 600 degrees at eye level. Can you image what that kind of heat does to your lungs while breathing it in? The heat alone can even burn your clothing.
Make sure you have your fire plan in place. There are many resources to get an exit plan set up in case of a fire.
And of course, always call your local fire department when faced with a fire threat. Be safe and be prepared!
Deodorizing The Smell
7/22/2022 (Permalink)
Have you ever noticed how when you burn a bag of popcorn in the microwave the smell seems to linger for way longer than it should?
That's what happens with even the smallest fire in your home or business. After a fire if the area isn't properly cleaned, restored, and deodorized the burnt scent can hold onto to your space for years to come. The smoke from a fire is what carries the awful scent throughout a structure. This smoke sets into any surface it can touch.
If a cleanup isn't executed as fast as possible, the residue can cause permanent damage and could even cause the smell to come back!
The SERVPRO of Baltimore's Inner Harbor team is highly trained to locate and remove the source of the odor. Other professionals will just mask the scent with a fragrance of some kind and once it wears off, you're left with the bill and no actual solution to your odor problem.
Our professionals also work to make sure you understand all of your possible options when it comes to deodorization.
Make Sure Your Doors are Closed!
6/7/2022 (Permalink)
Did you know that 40 years ago you had about 17 mins. to get out of your house during a fire?
Now you have have about 3 mins. This is due to the synthetic materials, furniture and construction materials that we use.
Fire spreads faster than ever. Having your door closed can save your life. It gives you more time to find a way out before the room fills with smoke or more time to be rescued.
Having the door closed slows down the smoke, hear and fire itself.
One concern that people had with having the door was that they wouldn't be able to hear the alarm. The difference, in one study, showed that there was only a 17 decimal difference between the door closed and opened. It was still loud enought to hear the alarm in the room with the door closed.
Along with the alarm, having the door closed can save your life.
Get in the habit of closing the door.
What's That Smell?
6/7/2022 (Permalink)
Have you ever noticed how when you burn a bag of popcorn in the microwave the smell seems to linger for way longer than it should?
That's what happens with even the smallest fire in your home or business. After a fire if the area isn't properly cleaned, restored, and deodorized the burnt scent can hold onto to your space for years to come. The smoke from a fire is what carries the awful scent throughout a structure. This smoke sets into any surface it can touch.
If a cleanup isn't executed as fast as possible, the residue can cause permanent damage and could even cause the smell to come back!
The SERVPRO of Baltimore's Inner Harbor team is highly trained to locate and remove the source of the odor. Other professionals will just mask the scent with a fragrance of some kind and once it wears off, you're left with the bill and no actual solution to your odor problem.
Our professionals also work to make sure you understand your possible options when it comes to deodorization.
We make it "Like it never even happened."
Lightning and Fire
6/7/2022 (Permalink)
Lightning fires most commonly occur during the summer months when afternoon and early evening storms are at their peak. Homes in heavily wooded areas are extra vulnerable to lightning strikes that set the surrounding landscape on fire. Most people might already know this but do they know what to do to help their home could be as easy as installing a lightening rod or the professional term would be a lightning protection system.
These systems are not intended to prevent a strike. Its purpose is to provide a safe path on which the current can be safely directed to the ground. Talk with an expert and find out if you should have a system on your house.
You will also want to help protect the inside of your house during a storm. Lightning can damage the electronics, telephone and other systems in your house connected to an electrical outlet. The easiest way to protect your appliances is to unplug them when you first hear the clap of thunder.
Surge protectors can help but are not fail-proof if the strike is a powerful one. To protect yourself, stay away from all plumbing including toilets, sinks and faucets as the pipes of your house make excellent conductors. Stay off the phone , corded phone scan conduct the lightening and therefore strike you when your on the phone.
Lightening is amazing and beautiful but also deadly. Don't ever let yourself forget that.
Don't Settle with Smoke
6/7/2022 (Permalink)
Fire losses and the damage they leave behind can be an incredibly complex job to deal with. This is caused largely by the behavior of smoke. When our SERVPRO professionals respond to a call for a fire job, their initial goal is to determine the extent of damage from fire itself, smoke, heat, and moisture. Not only do we deal with damage to building structures, but we work to clean buildings contents.
Our SERVPRO trained professionals are trained to understand how smoke penetrates various cavities within the structure, causing hidden damage and odor. Our teams knowledge helps them investigate how far smoke damage may have spread. We know it can be stressful when you don't understand the issues facing your home, so take a moment to read up on the different kinds of smoke and soot that could potentially effect your property.
While there are technically only two different types of smoke - wet and dry, there are varying types of soot residue after a fire. Here's a handy glossary of smoke and soot types that might come in handy if you're ever faced with the misfortune of dealing with a property fire:
Wet smoke (plastic & rubber): Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. These smoke webs are more difficult to clean.
Dry smoke (paper & wood): Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises and thus so does the smoke
Protein fire residue (caused by evaporation of material instead of fire): Virtually invisible discolors paints and varnishes, extremely pungent odor
Fuel oil soot (furnace puff backs): While "puff backs" can create havoc for homeowners, SERVPRO can, in most cases, restore your contents and your Baltimore structure quickly (thanks to their training)
Additionally, we do deal with tear gas, fingerprint powder, and fire extinguisher resides. These special situations require special care and evaluation.
Understanding and having the ability to differentiate between these different types of smoke and soot is part of SERVPRO's specific training which makes us a cut above any other local restoration team. Trusting a company to care about your home like you do can seem daunting and feel impossible, but when it comes to SERVPRO, you can trust you are in good hands at SERVPRO of Baltimore's Inner Harbor. We make it, "Like it never even happened."
Am I Safe from a Wildfire?
6/7/2022 (Permalink)
In recent years it seems like there are more wild fires then ever.
Many times we have no control if we are going to lose our home to a wildfire but there are things we can do to prepare and hopefully at times save our home.
So be prepared. Create a defensible space around your home. Keep at least 30 feet between your home and your potential sources.
Clean and remove all dead and dry leaves and pine needles from your yard, roof and rain gutters.
Create a separation between trees, shrubs and items that would catch fire. These could be things like patio furniture, wood piles , swing sets etc.
If there is a wildfire in the area be prepared.
Stay aware of the latest news and updates from your local media and fire department.
Get your family, home and pets prepared to evacuate.
Place an emergency supply kit and other valuables in your vehicle.
Close and protect your home’s openings, these could be the attic and basement doors and vents, windows, garage doors and pet doors to prevent embers from penetrating your home.
Connect garden hoses and fill any pools, hot tubs, garbage cans, tubs, or other large containers with water.
Leave as early as possible, before you’re told to evacuate.
Be Safe and always remember that SERVPRO of Baltimore's Inner Harbor is here to help. (410) 637-3433
No Such Thing as Overplanning!
1/10/2022 (Permalink)
We all know that we should plan and practice our escape route when we have a house fire but we tend to get lazy when we don't plan to practice. Practice time needs to be scheduled. Even if it's scheduled when you change your smoke detector batteries twice year. Use the time when we change clocks back to do both. Battery change and escape route practice.
Now did you plan for things to happen to your plan. Maybe something has blocked your escape route? Think ahead to things that might happen. Keep a phone next to your bed to dial 911. Keep shoes next to your bed to escape with. Keep a fire blanket under the bed. Try to think ahead for anything that will help with obstacles.
You should have a checklist when you leave the house or go to bed.
Things on this list might be:
Check to make sure stove is off and clear of anything flammable.
Make sure your space heater is off and unplugged. Electrical appliances draw current and if there is a faulty plug, there could be a fire. There should also always be 3 feet clearance around the heater.
If you are a smoker, smoke outside. This will cut the risk of having a stray ash start a fire.
Check your dryer vents to make sure they are clean. Do not leave the dryer running when your leaving the house or going to bed.
Be safe and smart. Make your own list of safety checks. There are many more you can add.
Lastly, make sure your house number can be seen from the road for emergency responders.
When you are safe and ready, call SERVPRO of Baltimore's Inner Harbor!
Fire Mitigation Process
8/2/2021 (Permalink)
When you have a fire it can be devastating. Most of the time the hard part is loosing so much of your contents. When you have fire damage, you also have soot, odor and water damage.
We at SERVPRO of Baltimore's Inner Harbor want to help restore as much as we can for you. We have specialized training in doing just that.
First we do an inspection and fire damage assessment to begin to form a plan of action.
Immediately if need, we will properly board up your home and a roof tarp.
The water removal will begin immediately as well as the drying.
We have specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls and other surfaces.
We will clean, disinfect, and sanitize all of the restorable items.
SERVPRO of Baltimore's Inner Harbor can even help you with the restoration process afterwards! Give us a call for any and all questions you may have about the fire mitigation process!
(410) 637-3433
Smoke, Soot, and SERVPRO
7/22/2021 (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 Baltimore's Inner Harbor 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 –
Soot, Smoke, and SERVPRO
6/11/2021 (Permalink)
Smoke and soot are 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 Baltimore's Inner Harbor 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.
Fireworks this 4th of July
6/9/2021 (Permalink)
Here's a fairly well-known joke about the 4th of July. It goes something like this: always buy fireworks from the guy missing a few fingers; you know he always has the good ones!
Kind of funny but not so much if it happens to you!
Every 4th of July, people get hurt with fireworks. Some lose a finger, some lose their home to fire and some even worse. It's not hard to believe that some people call the 4th of July the deadliest of holidays. If you're going to enjoy setting off fireworks this year, make sure to follow the instructions on the fireworks as well as these additional tips:
Have a bucket of water near by
Light one at a time
Don't try to re-light a "dud" firework. Give it some time and then soak it in water
Wear safety glasses
Don't let children handle fireworks
Always be a safe distance from any buildings or cars
Dispose of spent fireworks by wetting and then tossing in a metal trash can
The last thing to remember is don't forget to pack your common sense this holiday and anytime you light off fireworks, check your surrounds and look for things that could go wrong!
You don't want to be like the guy in joke!
Fire Escape!
6/9/2021 (Permalink)
Fire experts agree that people have as little as two minutes to escape a burning building before it is too late to exit safely. When it comes to a fire escape plan, every second counts. In a matter of seconds, even the smallest flame can become a massive blaze. The American Cross conducted a survey that found only 26% of families have made and practiced their fire escape plans. If you don't have a plan in place for your home or business, use these tips to develop one!
Draw a map of each level of your home indicating exits (windows and doors)
Consider escape ladders for sleeping areas on higher floors. Store them near the window. If you buy these ladders, make sure they are tested by a reliable testing laboratory
Pick a meeting place outside that keeps a safe distance from your home. Mark it well so everyone remembers where it is
Teach the youngest members of your family how to escape on their own if no one is able to help them. Make accommodations for the elderly, disabled, and your pets
Practice your plan at least twice a year (once during the day and once at nighttime)
Fires can be unpredictable, so your escape plan shouldn't be! Restoring your property after a fire shouldn't be difficult either. That's why SERVPRO of Baltimore's Inner Harbor works so efficiently to cleanup your property ASAP after damage or a loss.
Don't Clean it Yourself!
1/12/2021 (Permalink)
After a fire, your house is left with lingering smoke that can be harmful to your health and property. The best thing to do in such a situation is to clean smoke immediately because if you ignore it, the smoke will cause massive damage on your property which will require more money to clean than if you had cleaned it soon enough.
If the smoke is not cleaned as soon as possible, the items that will be mostly affected by smoke are drapes, carpets, upholstery and walls because they will become permanently discolored. Glass will become extremely etched, and metals will tarnish which will require replacement.
You might think that you can do a good job at cleaning smoke by yourself without any basic knowledge and skills on how to go about it but this can lead to you causing further damage on the items. The best thing to do is to call the professionals at SERVPRO of Howard County to do the cleaning and restore the home to the state it was in before the fire disaster struck.
One of the advantages of calling SERVPRO to clean soot is that they have specialized tools which are crucial in eliminating smoke. These are tools such as extractors, rotary scrubbers, and wet cleaning tools. Another advantage is that they have a lot of experience in doing such work; therefore, they will know the right steps to take in cleaning hour home and preventing further damage on your property.
Clean your Kitchen!
8/1/2020 (Permalink)
Did you know that a vast majority of all fires in the home are started in the kitchen? It makes sense when you think about it, but the reasons for these fires sometimes have simpler solutions than you may think! Many fires are started simply by means of messiness. If food is near your toaster oven or a flammable liquid spills near your stove top, you have a potential fire on your hands! So, what’s the solution to these sticky situation? CLEAN!!!
Simply scrubbing your appliances (while they are turned off and unplugged, of course) or wiping down dry surfaces can save your home from disaster! Also, be sure to strategically place any food or cardboard boxes so that they are not able to catch on fire by a nearby source!
Even though SERVPRO of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is always here for you and ready to help with any fire disaster, we would much rather know the wonderful residents of Baltimore stay safe and avoid any and all disasters! So be sure to keep your kitchen spick and span to help prevent future potential fires in your home!
Breaking Heat Records!
7/24/2020 (Permalink)
The heat lately has been unbelievable!! According to meteorologists, Maryland has broken a record for the most days in a row above 90 degrees! And I’m sure you can guess what comes with extreme heat: fire. Maryland is notorious for wild weather changes, so on those days where the air becomes dry out of nowhere, our homes and offices become particularly susceptible to fires.
Fires usually come without any warning whatsoever and can severely damage your space in an instant. Unlike weather related disasters, there is no news station or website you can visit that will tell you if a fire is about to hit your home. For this reason, it’s extremely important that you have a reliable and local service that can come to your rescue if disaster strikes!
SERVPRO of Baltimore’s Inner harbor is ready for any fire disaster you may undergo, whether it’s a spark or a meltdown. You can trust us to come and restore your space back to its former glory and make it "Like it never even happened." Give us a call any time and our professionally trained staff members will be there to help you with any of your mitigation needs! (410) 637-3433.
Plan, Plan and then Plan some more.
6/15/2020 (Permalink)
We all know that we should plan and practice our escape route when we have a house fire but we tend to get lazy when we don't plan to practice. Practice time needs to be scheduled. Even if it's scheduled when you change your smoke detector batteries twice year. Use the time when we change clocks back to do both. Battery change and escape route practice.
Now did you plan for things to happen to your plan. Maybe something has blocked your escape route? Think ahead to things that might happen. Keep a phone next to your bed to dial 911. Keep shoes next to your bed to escape with. Keep a fire blanket under the bed. Try to think ahead for anything that will help with obstacles.
You should have a checklist when you leave the house or go to bed.
Things on this list might be:
Check to make sure stove is off and clear of anything flammable.
Make sure your space heater is off and unplugged. Electrical appliances draw current and if there is a faulty plug , there could be a fire. There should also always be 3 feet clearance around the heater.
If you are a smoker, smoke outside. This will cut the risk of having a stray ash start a fire.
Check your dryer vents to make sure they are clean . Do not leave the dryer running when your leaving the house or going to bed.
Be safe and smart. Make your own list of safety checks. There are many more you can add.
Lastly, make sure your house number can be seen from the road for emergency responders.
When you are safe and ready, call SERVPRO of Baltimore's Inner Harbor. Plan on putting our number in your phone. We will help get things back to normal. 410-637-3433
Be safe at home this summer.
6/15/2020 (Permalink)
We all look forward to summer. It's usually a time for fireworks, barbeques, and outdoor fun.
With the Covid-19 Pandemic this summer we will be doing more this summer at home.
Please be safe when cooking on the grill this summer. Always wear the right clothing. Don't wear loose clothing that could catch on fire. Make sure your sleeves are short or rolled up.
The grill should be away from bushes etc. Make sure there is at least 3 feet of clear space around the grill.
If you are using coals to grill , have a metal bucket for the ashes.
Fireworks are nice but can easily start a fire .
Always make sure you have a clearing away from where you are setting them off.
Never let children set off fire works.
Never try to re-light a "dud" firework.
Many accidents happen in the home. Try your best to be safe and not make one of them a fire.
SERVPRO of Baltimore's Inner Harbor is here to help 410-637-3433.
What to do after the fire trucks leave.
6/15/2020 (Permalink)
What to do when the fire trucks leave? It starts out as fire but after the truck leaves you really left with a lot of different types of damage.
Fire, water, soot and odor is left.
SERVPRO of Baltimore's Inner Harbor is an expert in all of these areas of clean and more.
Here are some tips while waiting for help.
What To Do After A Fire
- Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
- Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
- Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
- If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
- Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
- Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
- Change HVAC filter.
- Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.
What NOT To Do After A Fire
- Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting your SERVPRO Franchise Professional.
- Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
- Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.
- Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
- Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.
Call SERVPRO of Baltimore's Inner Harbor. 410-637-3433.
Can you protect your home from a wildfire?
1/7/2020 (Permalink)
In recent years it seems like there are more wild fires then ever.
Right now Australia is going through a devastating fire right now.
Many times we have no control if we are going to lose our home to a wildfire but there are things we can do to prepare and hopefully at times save our home.
So be prepred. Create a defensible space around your home. Keep at least 30 feet between yohbur home and your potential sources.
Clean and remove all dead and dry leaves and pine needles from your yard, roof and rain gutters.
Create a seperation between trees, shrubs and items that would catch fire. These could be things like patio furniture, wood piles , swing sets etc.
If there is a wildfire in the area be prepared.
Stay aware of the latest news and updates from your local media and fire department.
Get your family, home and pets prepared to evacuate.
Place an emergency supply kit and other valuables in your vehicle.
Close and protect your home’s openings, these could be the attic and basement doors and vents, windows, garage doors and pet doors to prevent embers from penetrating your home.
Connect garden hoses and fill any pools, hot tubs, garbage cans, tubs, or other large containers with water.
Leave as early as possible, before you’re told to evacuate.
SERVPRO of Baltimore's Inner Harbor is here to help. Please be safe!
410-637-3433
The warmth of a summertime fire.
8/1/2019 (Permalink)
Who doesn't love sitting outside in the summer with a nice fire going? It just goes hand and hand with summertime and roasting marshmallows.
It sure can be relaxing but don't get too relaxed. You still need to be safe when having a fire.
When you have campfires, make sure you build them at least 25 feet away from tents, shrubs or anything that has the potential to catch on fire.
When using a fire pit, outdoor fireplace or chiminea , you are going to want to make sure you have placed these things at least 10 feet away from your home or structure or again anything that could possibly catch on fire.
Make sure when your tending the fire to not have loose sleeves or articles of clothing on that could catch on fire as well.
Always think ahead and look around you for possible fire hazards. Once that is all done you can relax around the glow of the fire.
If anything happens though, you know that SERVPRO of Baltimore's Inner Harbor is here to help. We never take a night off even in the summertime. 24/7 365 days a year . There when you need us. 410-637-3433
Be safe in the summer when cooking.
7/8/2019 (Permalink)
Although house fires are generally down in numbers during the summer months, you still need to be on your toes when cooking. Cooking is one of the most leading causes of house fires by far. Grease and oils can ignite an unattended stove. Another way that a fire can occur is with dish towels or other things being left on the stove. These items can ignite easily.
Taking the cooking outdoors in the summer doesn't necessarily keep you safe from a cooking fire. Mishandled propane tanks are responsible for many fires and injuries.
Summertime is a time to be careful as always whether you are cooking indoors or outdoors. Enjoy the easy breezy days of summer but stay on your toes when cooking.
If you have a problem of course SERVPRO of Baltimore's Inner Harbor is here to help .
Who doesn't love to grill?!
6/18/2019 (Permalink)
As the weather gets warmer, we are sure you're turning the temperature up on your grills to enjoy a meal outside this summer. Don't let a fire get in the way of your good time. If you follow these safety tips, your summer meals should go off without a hitch! Check these out courtesy of SERVPRO and the National Fire Protection Association:
- If your grill is propane or charcoal powered (it probably is) only use it outside
- Keep your grill away from your house or any overhangs, etc. that could catch flame if the blazes get too high
- Children and pets should be kept away from the grill
- Be sure to remove and clean any grease and/or fat build up
- Don't walk away from the grill when it's on. Always supervise an in-use grill
- Use tools with long handles meant for grilling, to avoid any injury
Grilling is a classic summer routine for your family, and maybe even for your business. Don't let small errors turn into a big mess. If you do have a grill mishap and your property experiences any fire damage, give us a call and we'll have you back to grilling in no time!
410-637-3433
Oh boy that smells!!!
6/12/2019 (Permalink)
Have you ever noticed how when you burn a bag of popcorn in the microwave the smell seems to linger for way longer than it should?
That's what happens with even the smallest fire in your home or business. After a fire if the area isn't properly cleaned, restored, and deodorized the burnt scent can hold onto to your space for years to come. The smoke from a fire is what carries the awful scent throughout a structure. This smoke sets into any surface it can touch.
If a cleanup isn't executed as fast as possible, the residue can cause permanent damage and could even cause the smell to come back!
The SERVPRO of Baltimore's Inner Harbor team is highly trained to locate and remove the source of the odor. Other professionals will just mask the scent with a fragrance of some kind and once it wears off, you're left with the bill and no actual solution to your odor problem.
Our professionals also work to make sure you understand all of your possible options when it comes to deodorization.
Clean your dryer!
6/12/2019 (Permalink)
According to FEMA, failing to clean your home dryer causes 34% of home dryer fires.
These dryer fires cause $35 million in property loss and are also capable of causing injury or even death.
Reducing your risk for dryer fire is incredibly simple. Let SERVPRO clean your vents and ducts that may being holding lint buildup.
The National Fire Protection Agency recommends that you clean your dryers lint filter every time you do a load of laundry. This ensures the outdoor vent flap will open with ease. This flap could be restricted by snow or even a bird's nest.
Let our specifically trained technicians make sure all of your vents, filters, and ducts aren't restricted and can let air flow freely.
For more info about the vent and duct cleaning services SERVPRO offers, give us a call at 410-637-3433
Heating and Home Fires.
1/7/2019 (Permalink)
Heating is the second leading cause of a home fire next to cooking. We always think of candles and cooking causing fires but we need to think of being safe when we heat our home too.
Here are some safety tips:
Use your fire place safely. Always use metal or heat tempered glass screens when using a fireplace.
Never use an oven or stove top to heat your home.
Keep wood stove door closed unless adding wood or pellets or stoking the fire.
Make sure your space heater has an automatic shut off. If it tips over then it goes off.
It's always best to test your smoke alarms at least once a month.
Always remember to turn off a space heater when leaving the room or going to bed.
SERVPRO of Baltimore's Inner Harbor is here to help if a fire happens in your home. Give us a call at 410-637-3433 .
https://www.hvfd6.org/safety/winter-fire-safety/
Keeps your doors closed at night.
8/1/2018 (Permalink)
Did you know that 40 years ago you had about 17 mins. to get out of your house during a fire?
Now you have have about 3 mins. This is due to the synthetic materials, furniture and construction materials that we use.
Fire spreads faster than ever. Having your door closed can save your life. It gives you more time to find a way out before the room fills with smoke or more time to be rescued.
Having the door closed slows down the smoke, hear and fire itself.
One concern that people had with having the door was that they wouldn't be able to hear the alarm. The difference, in one study, showed that there was only a 17 decimal difference between the door closed and opened. It was still loud enough to hear the alarm in the room with the door closed.
Along with the alarm, having the door closed can save your life.
Get in the habit of closing the door.
It's no joke.
7/3/2018 (Permalink)
There is always a joke about buying Fireworks that comes out on the 4th of July.
It goes something like this," always buy from the guy missing a few fingers; you know he always has the good ones!"
Kind of funny but not so much if it happens to you.
Every 4th of July people get hurt with fireworks. Some lose a finger, some lose their home to fire and some even worse.
It's not hard to believe that some people call the 4th of July the deadliest of holidays.
If your going to enjoy setting off fireworks this year just follow the instructions on the firework as well as these few more tips:
Have a bucket of water near by
Light one at a time
Don't try to re-light a "dud" firework. Give it some time and then soak it in water
Wear safety glasses
Don't let children handle fireworks
Always be a safe distance from any buildings or cars
Dispose of spent fireworks by wetting and then tossing in a metal trash can
The last thing I can say is don't forget to pack your common sense this holiday and anytime you light off fireworks check your surrounds and look for things that could go wrong.
You don't want to be like the guy in joke!
Summertime and outdoor fires go hand and hand.
6/13/2018 (Permalink)
Who doesn't love sitting outside in the summer and enjoying an outdoor fire?
Those lazy night of summer can be fun but don't get lazy when it comes to the fire.
When you are building a fire pit. Make sure it's downwind of your camp site or any backyard items.
ideally you should clear out a 10 foot radius of space around your pit. Make sure there isn't any tree limbs hanging down as well.
Before you build the fire make sure the weather conditions are in the safe zone. Dry, windy weather for example can be a bad time to have an outdoor fire.
When you have finished enjoying the fire make sure it's out. Even if the embers are gray it doesn't mean it's safe.
Pour water on the fire and then stir it with a shovel to test for any hot spots
Summertime is a great time to be lazy but not when it comes to the fire.
Should you keep your door closed at night?
5/15/2018 (Permalink)
To be safer from a fire, than the answer is yes.
Did you know that 40 years ago you had about 17 mins. to get out of your house during a fire?
Now you have have about 3 mins. This is due to the synthetic materials, furniture and construction materials that we use.
Fire spreads faster than ever. Having your door closed can save your life. It gives you more time to find a way out before the room fills with smoke or more time to be rescued.
Having the door closed slows down the smoke, hear and fire itself.
One concern that people had with having the door was that they wouldn't be able to hear the alarm. The difference, in one study, showed that there was only a 17 decimal difference between the door closed and opened. It was still loud enought to hear the alarm in the room with the door closed.
Along with the alarm, having the door closed can save your life.
Get in the habit of closing the door.
Have a plan!
5/15/2018 (Permalink)
Fire experts agree that people have as little as two minutes to escape a burning building before it is too late to exit safely. When it comes to a fire escape plan, every second counts. In a matter of seconds, even the smallest flame can become a massive blaze. The American Cross conducted a survey that found only 26% of families have made and practiced their fire escape plans. If you don't have a plan in place for your home or business, use these tips to develop one!
Draw a map of each level of your home indicating exits (windows and doors)
Consider escape ladders for sleeping areas on higher floors. Store them near the window. If you buy these ladders, make sure they are tested by a reliable testing laboratory
Pick a meeting place outside that keeps a safe distance from your home. Mark it well so everyone remembers where it is
Teach the youngest members of your family how to escape on their own if no one is able to help them. Make accommodations for the elderly, disabled, and your pets
Practice your plan at least twice a year (once during the day and once at nighttime)
Fires can be unpredictable, so your escape plan shouldn't be! Restoring your property after a fire shouldn't be difficult either. That's why SERVPRO of Howard County works so efficiently to cleanup your property ASAP after damage or a loss.
Are there more than one way to clean your items after a fire?
1/5/2018 (Permalink)
You had a fire and were so glad that it was able to be put out but then your realize, " Wow, what a mess now."
You now may have water damage, fire extinguisher damage , odor damage, soot damage, just to name a few.
SERVPRO is here to help figure out exactly how to clean what and with what method.
There is: Dry Cleaning, Wet Cleaning, Spray and Wipe, Foam Cleaning, Abrasive Cleaning, Immersion Cleaning to name some.
If you have valuable documents SERVPRO might use: Air Drying, Dehumidification, Freeze Drying, Vacuum Freeze Drying or Vacuum Thermal Drying.
SERVPRO can coordinate with your Electronic Clean up. Believe it or not, some or all of your electronics can be restored.
So to answer the question...Yes, there is more than one way to clean your items after a fire.
Smoke Behavior Is No Joke
7/26/2017 (Permalink)
Fire losses and the damage they leave behind can be an incredibly complex job to deal with. This is caused largely by the behavior of smoke. When our SERVPRO of Baltimore's Inner Harbor professionals respond to a call for a fire job, their initial goal is to determine the extent of damage from fire itself, smoke, heat, and moisture. Not only do we deal with damage to building structures, but we work to clean a building's contents and your belongings as well.
Our SERVPRO trained professionals are trained to understand how smoke penetrates various cavities within the structure, causing hidden damage and odor. Our teams' knowledge of building systems helps them investigate how far smoke damage may have spread. We know it can be stressful when you don't understand the issues facing your home, so take a moment to read up on the different kinds of smoke and soot that could potentially effect your property.
While there are technically only two different types of smoke - wet and dry, there are varying types of soot residue after a fire. Here's a handy glossary of smoke and soot types that might come in handy if you're ever faced with the misfortune of dealing with a property fire:
Wet smoke (plastic & rubber): Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. These smoke webs are more difficult to clean.
Dry smoke (paper & wood): Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises and thus so does the smoke
Protein fire residue (caused by evaporation of material instead of fire): Virtually invisible discolors paints and varnishes, extremely pungent odor
Fuel oil soot (furnace puff backs): While "puff backs" can create havoc for homeowners, SERVPRO can, in most cases, restore your contents and your Baltimore structure quickly (thanks to their training)
Additionally, we do deal with tear gas, fingerprint powder, and fire extinguisher resides. These special situations require special care and evaluation.
Understanding and having the ability to differentiate between these different types of smoke and soot is part of SERVPRO's specific training which makes us a cut above any other Baltimore local restoration team. Trusting a company to care about your home like you do can seem daunting and feel impossible, but when it comes to SERVPRO, you can trust that you're always in good hands. We make it, "Like it never even happened."
How To: Deal with Fire Damage Until SERVPRO Arrives
6/15/2017 (Permalink)
Fire damage itself is enough trouble as is, but most forget that smoke damage and other odors can be just as much of a nuisance. After a fire, it's important to act appropriately in order to avoid secondary damage. These dos and don'ts might come in handy to help you increase chances of a successful restoration.
DO:
- Limit movement. Extensive movement can further embed soot particles in your carpet and other upholstered surfaces
- Keep you hands clean so you don't transfer any soot around and damage walls and woodwork, etc.
- Put dry, colorfast towels and/or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas
- If your electricity has failed, empty any fridges and freezer entirely. Then prop their doors open to prevent odor
- If you have chrome appliances or trim, you can wipe soot from those surfaces and apply a thin coating of lubricant to them
- If you fire occurs during winter and your heat fails, pour RV antifreeze into sinks, toilet bowls, holding tanks, and tubs to ensure your pipes and other fixtures don't freeze
- Change your HVAC filters, but leave the system off until it is checked by a professional
- Tape double layers of cheesecloth over your air registers. This keeps soot particles out of your HVAC system
DON'T:
- Don't try to wash any walls or painted surfaces without calling SERVPRO of Baltimore's Inner Harbor to consult about the extent of the damage
- Don't shampoo carpet of upholstered furniture
- Don't try to clean any electrical appliances that might have been close to the flames, heat, or water, because they might have become contaminated
- If your ceiling is wet, do not turn on the fan. The wiring might be wet or damaged and could cause electrical shock. Air movement could also spread around other particles and cause secondary damage
- Don't send your garments to the dry cleaner, as improper cleaning might only set in the smoke odor
If your home or business is faced with fire damage, don't try to clean it yourself. Our SERVPRO professionals are given special training and specific equipment to mitigate fire damage without furthering damage.
Grilling Should Be A Good Time
6/7/2017 (Permalink)
As the weather gets warmer, we are sure you're turning the temperature up on your grills to enjoy a meal outside this summer. Don't let a fire get in the way of your good time. If you follow these safety tips, your summer meals should go off without a hitch! Check these out courtesy of SERVPRO and the National Fire Protection Association:
- If your grill is propane or charcoal powered (it probably is) only use it outside
- Keep your grill away from your house or any overhangs, etc. that could catch flame if the blazes get too high
- Children and pets should be kept away from the grill
- Be sure to remove and clean any grease and/or fat build up
- Don't walk away from the grill when it's on. Always supervise an in-use grill
- Use tools with long handles meant for grilling, to avoid any injury
Grilling is a classic summer routine for your family, and maybe even for your business. Don't let small errors turn into a big mess. If you do have a grill mishap and your property experiences any fire damage, give us a call and we'll have you back to grilling in no time!
410-637-3433
Dryer Fire: It Rhymes So You'll Never Forget It!
4/14/2017 (Permalink)
According to FEMA, failing to clean your home dryer causes 34% of home dryer fires.
These dryer fires cause $35 million in property loss and are also capable of causing injury or even death.
Reducing your risk for dryer fire is incredibly simple. Let SERVPRO clean your vents and ducts that may being holding lint buildup.
The National Fire Protection Agency recommends that you clean your dryers lint filter every time you do a load of laundry. This ensures the outdoor vent flap will open with ease. This flap could be restricted by snow or even a bird's nest.
Let our specifically trained technicians make sure all of your vents, filters, and ducts aren't restricted and can let air flow freely.
For more info about the vent and duct cleaning services SERVPRO offers, give us a call at 410-6373433
What's That Smell...?
4/12/2017 (Permalink)
Have you ever noticed how when you burn a bag of popcorn in the microwave the smell seems to linger for way longer than it should?
That's what happens with even the smallest fire in your home or business. After a fire if the area isn't properly cleaned, restored, and deodorized the burnt scent can hold onto to your space for years to come. The smoke from a fire is what carries the awful scent throughout a structure. This smoke sets into any surface it can touch.
If a cleanup isn't executed as fast as possible, the residue can cause permanent damage and could even cause the smell to come back!
The SERVPRO of Baltimore's Inner Harbor team is highly trained to locate and remove the source of the odor. Other professionals will just mask the scent with a fragrance of some kind and once it wears off, you're left with the bill and no actual solution to your odor problem.
Our professionals also work to make sure you understand all of your possible options when it comes to deodorization.
We make it "Like it never even happened."
24/7 Emergency Service
