Recent Fire Damage Posts

Fire Damage Restoration & Repair near Me

4/22/2022 (Permalink)

The fire trucks can help you put your property fire out—but who will be there to help you get your home or business back to normal? Our team will lend a hand. Partner with SERVPRO of East York and let our highly trained fire damage restoration and repair specialists work their magic.

An emergency can happen at any time, so we’re available 24/7. No need to wait until business hours to make that call—reach out to our team today.

Our Fire Restoration Services at a Glance 

We repair damage from all types of fires. No matter how that blaze started, whether it was an appliance failure, an electrical fire, or a puff back, our specialists are here to restore your property to its pre-fire condition. It’ll feel Like It Never Even Happened.

And it’s not just fire damage. Your home or business may have suffered water damage from firefighting efforts, so any water issues will need to be addressed as well. Here’s the process you can expect when our team responds to fire damage on your property:

  1. Inspection and fire damage assessment
  2. Immediate board-up and roof-tarp service
  3. Water removal and drying (if water damage is present)
  4. Removal of smoke and soot from all surfaces
  5. Cleaning, sanitizing, and restoration

Of course, every fire damage event is a little different. However, this general process has served us (and the people we serve) well for the many years we’ve been in business.

Who Will Be Leading Your Damage Restoration?

When fire damage strikes, you want the fastest possible response. For fast 24-hour service, our team is a convenient way to begin to address the problems associated with a commercial or house fire.

Our highly trained fire restoration technicians have been certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). On top of that, SERVPRO has its own fire restoration training courses as well as continuing online education so our technicians can strengthen their skills.

We have the experience and specialized equipment to quickly restore your property. Our diligent team includes experts in these fields:

  • Fire & smoke restoration technicians
  • Odor control technicians
  • Upholstery & fabric cleaning technicians
  • Water damage restoration technicians

Where Can I Get Fire Damage Restoration near Me?

Here at SERVPRO of East York, of course! We’re a locally owned company with the national resources to respond to large-scale fire disasters.

Our “restore first” mentality will help you salvage as much of your property and its contents as possible. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster, so contact us today to get started immediately.

Give Winter Fires the Cold Shoulder

2/17/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of East York with your fire restoration needs!

Did you know that, statistically, fires occur more often throughout winter than during any other season? Electrical issues, heating sources, carbon monoxide, and portable generators are all contributing factors that lead to an increased risk of a home fire during winter months. Below are some of the leading causes of winter fires. The professionals at SERVPRO of East York hope that you will be able to take the appropriate steps to protect your home and family once you know the risks that you are facing.

ELECTRICAL FIRES

Electrical fires are one of the leading causes of home fires throughout the United States. Approximately half of all residential electrical fires involve inadequate electrical distribution, or the use of lighting equipment. Other electrical fires occur from things like overloaded circuits, dryer fans, and portable space heaters. 

Electrical Safety Tips:

  • Check electrical cords often. Replace cracked, damaged, and loose electrical or extension cords. Do NOT try to repair them.
  • Home appliances should be plugged directly into a wall outlet. To reduce your risk of fire, unplug small appliances when they are not in use.
  • Be aware that extension cords are for temporary use only. Have a licensed electrician determine if additional circuits or wall outlets are needed in your home.
  • Only use surge protectors / power strips that have internal overload protection.
  • Avoid putting cords under rugs / carpets, across doorways, or where they can be damaged or pinched by furniture,

Call a licensed electrician if any of the following apply:

  • You see sparks from a wall outlet
  • You experience flickering lights outside of a storm event.
  • You have reoccurring issues with blown fuses or tripping circuit breakers.
  • You experience a tingling feeling when you touch an electrical appliance.
  • There is a burning odor coming from an appliance.
  • You notice discolored wall outlets and/or switches.
  • You have cracked or broken wall outlets

HEATING SOURCES

Heating sources are the second leading cause of residential fires in the United States. December, January, and February are the peak months for heating fires to occur, and space heaters are the most common heating source involved in heating-related fires. Space heaters account for approximately 44% (more than two out of every five) heating-related fired, and also account for the vast majority of deaths and injuries in home fires caused by heating equipment.

Space Heater Safety Tips:

  • Before using any space heater, read the manufacturer’s instructions and warning labels.
  • Inspect heaters for cracked or broken plugs and any loose connections before each use.
  • Never leave a space heater unattended. Turn it off when you're leaving a room or going to sleep.
  • Proper placement of space heaters is critical. Heaters must be kept at least three feet away from anything that can burn, including papers, clothing, and rugs.
  • Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet. Do not use an extension cord or power strip.
  • Place space heaters on level, flat surfaces.
  • Always unplug and safely store the heater when it is not in use.

For other heating safety tips, read our Heating Safety Tips blog:

 https://www.SERVPROeastyork.com/blog

CARBON MONOXIDE

Carbon monoxide is often referred to as the invisible killer. Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas created when fuels like gasoline, wood, coal, propane, etc… do not burn completely. In the home, heating and cooking equipment that burn fuel are potential sources of Carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide incidents are more common during the winter months in residential properties.

Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips:

  • Install carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home, especially near sleeping areas.
  • If you need to warm a vehicle prior to driving, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. Do not leave the engine running if the garage door is open.
  • Ensure that vents are properly cleaned and free of debris.

PORTABLE GENERATORS

Portable generators are often used during power outages. Though handy, most homeowners are unaware that improper use of a portable generator can be risky. The most common dangers associated with portable generators are carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, electrical shock, and fire hazards

Portable Generator Safety Tips:

  • Portable generators should be used outside the home, away from windows and doors.
  • Portable generators should be kept away from open flames or fuel burning appliances
  • Do not overload cords; check for the generators maximum wattage listed on label.
  • Do not refuel the generator while it's running or when hot; turn the generator off, let it cool before refueling.

CALL THE PROFESSIONALS

If you have experienced a fire, regardless of the cause, call SERVPRO of East York at 717-665-1270. SERVPRO’s mission is to develop a team of quality people who focus on excellent service, fairness, and mutual respect. When you call SERVPRO of East York, you are calling a team of trained professionals that are looking to restore your home “Like it never even happened,” as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Heating Safety Tips

2/4/2022 (Permalink)

Heating Safety Tips Know the risks associated with heating your home this winter.

It’s no secret that we need heat to keep us warm throughout the winter months. Though heat is necessary, many do not consider that heating their home can come with risk. Many studies show that fires occur more often in winter than in any other season. That said, SERVPRO of East York has come up with safety tips to help keep you and your family safe when it’s time to turn the heat on.

Safety Tips for Fire Prevention This Winter

There are a few different ways to heat your home in the winter. Some homes use wood-burning appliances, while others rely on gas furnaces. You may even find yourself using an electric heater to warm up certain rooms in your home. There are fire prevention tips below for all three of these heating options.

Wood-Burning Appliances

Wood-burning appliances can include fireplaces and wood stoves. If you have either, ensure that your chimney or wood stove is professionally inspected and cleaned each year.

You should also not leave your fireplace unattended. Place a screen in front of it to keep embers from flying into your home while your fireplace is in use. Put the fire out when you’re finished with the fire for the night. Do not close the fireplace dampener until the ashes are cool to the touch. Waiting to close the damper prevents the fire from heating up again or forcing carbon monoxide into your home.

Some tips for both wood-burning appliances include:

  • Keep flammable objects at least three feet from your wood stove or fireplace.
  • Never use flammable liquids to start or accelerate a fire in your home.
  • Discard cooled ashes in a covered metal container. Store the container outside and away from the house.

If the unexpected happens, your local SERVPRO team is here to help.

Gas Furnaces

Check out our fire prevention tips below if you have a gas furnace.

  • Have your furnace inspected annually to ensure that it is safe to operate.
  • Inspect the walls and ceiling near the furnace and along the chimney line. If the wall is hot or discolored, install additional pipe insulation.
  • Check that the flue pipe and pipe seams are well-supported and without holes or cracks. Soot along or around seams may signal a leak.
  • Keep combustible items away from the heating system.

Contact a professional if you have questions about keeping your home safe when using a gas furnace.

Other Fire Safety Tips

Fire damage is not the only concern when heating your home. Smoke and carbon monoxide can make it difficult to breathe properly. To detect these buildups early, ensure adequate smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in your home.

Do you use portable generators? Keep them outside and away from doors and windows to prevent carbon monoxide build-up.

A stove can be another source of carbon monoxide. To prevent a build-up from your oven or stove, don’t use it as a heat source for your home.

Electric heaters can be an excellent source of heat. If you use electric heaters, plug only one heater into a wall outlet at a time to avoid overloading the circuit. You’ll also want to avoid using electric heaters in bathrooms or other areas where water is used.

Sometimes during the winter, pipes freeze. Never try to thaw frozen water pipes with a blow torch or other open flame.

Contact Your Local SERVPRO for Fire Restoration Services

SERVPRO of East York provides fire and smoke damage remediation, in addition to water damage remediation, mold mitigation, and biohazard cleanup for both commercial and residential customers. At SERVPRO of East York, we are faster to any size disaster.

We’ll restore your home or business to make it seem, “Like it never even happened. If you need restoration services, call our office today at 717-665-1270!

Heating Safety Tips

10/12/2021 (Permalink)

Know the risks involved with heating your home, so you can avoid them.

It’s no secret that we need heat to keep us warm throughout the winter months. Though heat is a necessity, many do not consider that heating their home doesn’t come without risk. Many studies show that fires occur more often in winter than in any other season. With that being said, SERVPRO of East York would like you and your family to keep the following tips in mind:

Safety Tips for Fire Prevention This Winter:

Wood-Burning Appliances

  • Have your chimney professionally inspected and cleaned before lighting your wood stove or fireplace each year.
  • Keep flammable objects at least three feet from your wood stove or fireplace.
  • Never use flammable liquids to start or accelerate a fire in your home.
  • Keep a screen in front of fireplaces to prevent embers from flying out.
  • Do not leave your fireplace unattended; It is best practice to ensure your fire is out before going to sleep each night.
  • Before closing your fireplace damper, ensure the ashes are cool to the touch. Closing the damper could help the fire to heat up again and will  could force carbon monoxide into your home.
  • Discard cooled ashes in a covered metal container. Store the container outside and away from the house.

Gas Furnaces

  • Have your furnace inspected annually to ensure that it is safe to operate.
  • Inspect the walls and ceiling near the furnace and along the chimney line. If the wall is hot or discolored, install additional pipe insulation.
  • Check that the flue pipe and pipe seams are well supported and without holes or cracks. Soot along or around seams may signal a leak.
  • Keep combustible items away from the heating system.

Other Fire Safety Tips

  • Ensure that there is adequate smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home.
  • To prevent carbon monoxide build-up, keep portable generators outside and away from doors and windows.
  • Never use a stove or oven for heating. Not only is doing so a safety hazard, but it can also be a source of carbon monoxide.
  • If you use electric heaters, plug only one heater into a wall outlet at a time to avoid overloading the circuit.
  • Avoid using electric heaters in bathrooms or other areas where water is used.
  • Never try to thaw frozen water pipes with a blow torch or other open flame.

Contact Your Local SERVPRO for Fire Restoration Services

SERVPRO of East York provides fire and smoke damage remediation, in addition to water damage remediation, mold removal, and biohazard cleanup to commercial and residential customers. At SERVPRO of East York, we are faster to any size disaster. If you need restoration services, call our office at 717-665-1270!

SERVPRO Technicians Assist in Residential Fire Rebuild

10/5/2021 (Permalink)

Front of home was burnt in a fire Front of home was burnt in a fire. SERVPRO of East York removed damage and rebuilt the structure.

A customer had an unfortunate experience with a house fire destroying their home. SERVPRO of East York was called to mitigate the fire damage and rebuild the property, "Like it never even happened."

Smoke and soot are invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allow 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.

We are proud to have 24-hour emergency services, so we can be there when you need us. We’re part of your community and want to see our community members get back on their feet after a fire.

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. Below, we’ve covered some common types of smoke and fire residue:

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. 

Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of East York 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.

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each requires a unique solution tailored to 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. The damage will be gone when we're finished, “Like it never even happened.” Contact us to begin restoring your home today.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – 717-665-1270

Fire Tips and Safety

8/5/2021 (Permalink)

This is some of the customers contents after SERVPRO of East York was called on to mitigate and restore a shed after a fire.

Understand Fears

Fires are scary for anyone, especially a young child. It's completely normal for a child to worry that the fire will return, that their home won't go back to its normal (pre-fire) state or that another similar disaster will happen.

While it's tempting to shut down your child's fears with simple statements, you need to listen before speaking. Ask your child what they're afraid of and why they're scared. Help them to dig deep, and ask open-ended questions about why they think fires start and what they can do to prevent one.

Younger children won't always have the language skills to completely express what they're feeling inside. This can lead to tantrums or out-of-character behaviors. You can help your child to express their feelings (and help yourself to understand their feelings) in a nonverbal way, such as painting or drawing.

Provide the Facts

Along with the emotional or psychological trauma the fire itself causes comes fear of the unknown. Your child may wonder what will happen now. If your house sustained serious damage, your child’s questions may include wondering whether your family can move back in, whether your child's room will return to normal, or whether they'll have their favorite toys to play with.

As you create a recovery and restoration plan, fill your child in on the facts. Provide them with the steps you're taking to salvage the house and any belongings. It's likely that you'll already have a restoration timeline in place prior to talking to your child. Draw out the timeline for them and give them a concrete look at when they can expect to return home.

Find Temporary Housing

Depending on the extent of the damage, your child may clearly see that they can’t return home immediately. Stop fears before they start by reassuring your child the family has a safe place to stay. Book a hotel room, ask family if you can stay with them, or find a friend's house to live in temporarily.

Call a Restoration Professional

What do you need to create a restoration or recovery timeline? You need a professional contractor who can get the job done efficiently and effectively. Cleaning smoke and fire damage isn't a job for a novice. Not only does your home need to look like it did before the fire, but you also need to make sure that it's structurally and physically safe.

A restoration contractor can remove odors, stains, and other evidence of the fire. Eliminating these clear reminders of the disaster can reduce the lingering impact that memories of the fire may have on your child. Beyond that, it can help them get back to their life in an environment that looks almost like it did before.

Remediate Mold

The fire isn't the only potential cause of home damage. Extinguishing the flames may have left your home a charred, damp mess. If you have wet furniture, carpeting, or other home items, the restoration professional can also check for mold growth.

Locating and remediating the mold is a job for a professional restoration contractor. The expert can remove any growth, take steps to prevent future growth, and leave your home a cleaner place.

Do you need professional help restoring your home following a fire? Contact SERVPRO of East York for more information.

Fire damage? Don't Fret, We're Here to Help!

7/16/2021 (Permalink)

Results of a fire in a customer home. SERVPRO staff were there quickly to restore the damages.

Fire and smoke damage can be devastating to ones personal property and structures. Here at SERVPRO of East York we understand that quick action is necessary to limit the damage done to your property and belongings. 

After a fire, the structure of the home or business must be thoroughly examined to make sure it is safe to begin the clean up and restoration process.

Different types of smoke: 

Wet smoke- Rubber and/or plastic

-Low heat, sticky, and has a pungent odor. Smoke webs are also more difficult to clean.

Dry smoke- Wood and/or paper

-extremely fast burning, high temperatures. Heat rises causing smoke to rise.

With each fire being different, SERVPRO professionals at East York know that each situation requires a specific solution for those conditions. With our experience and expertise we will restore your fire and smoke damages like they never even happened.

Contact SERVPRO of East York today at (717)-665-1270

Autumn Fire Safety Tips

10/8/2020 (Permalink)

We believe fall is much more fun when everyone is safe!

As the temperatures get cooler and leaves begin to change color and drop, it is important to refresh your memory on fall fire safety tips. With proper precautions and fire safety awareness, you can enjoy that crisp autumn weather, while avoiding some of the dangers that come with the season. SERVPRO® of East York is Here to Help™ prepare you and your family:

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Safety Tip 1 – Check Your Smoke Detector Batteries

  • It is best practice to change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors every Autumn and Spring, when you set your clocks forward/backward.

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Safety Tip 2 – Be Cautious When Heating Your Home

  1. Central Heating
  • Before using your central heating system each year, ensure that the system has been cleaned, inspected, and serviced by a certified HVAC technician.
  1. Space Heaters
  • Ensure that space heaters have at least three feet of empty space around them.
  • NEVER place clothing, or any other objects, on a space heater to dry.
  • Do NOT place space heaters near furniture, curtains, of blankets.
  • ALWAYS turn space heaters off when you leave your house or go to bed.
  • Avoid storing any combustible items near heaters.
  1. Fireplace Safety Tips
  • Have a professional inspect your chimney and fireplace each year.
  • Have a professional clean out your chimney every fall.
  • If needed, repair any cracks in fireplaces.
  • Use fireplace screens to keep sparks and fire debris inside the fireplace.
  • NEVER use gasoline to start a fire in the fireplace.
  • NEVER leave a fire unattended.
  • Make sure that combustible materials are not stored within three feet of your fireplace.

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Safety Tip 3 – Educate Your Family

  • Establish a fire escape plan with your family that includes a designated meeting area outside the home.
  • It is recommended that every bedroom is equipped with a smoke detector.
  • Do not place lit candles where they can be reached by pets or children.
  • NEVER leave burning candles unattended.

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Safety Tip 4 – Practice Outdoor Fire Safety

  • Clear your roof and gutters of debris.
  • Learn the outdoor burning regulations in your area, and do not engage in illegal burning of leaves and other outdoor debris.
  • Never leave a bonfire unattended.
  • Always ensure that fires are put out before going to bed.

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SERVPRO® of East York believes there is nothing more important than the safety of you and your family. Everyone in your home needs to know how to behave responsibly to reduce the likelihood of a fire in your household. If your family has experience fire or smoke damage, call our Team of professionals at 717-665-1270. We make the effort to restore your home “Like it never even happened,” as soon as possible.

Shedding Light On Fire Damage

5/14/2020 (Permalink)

Have questions about fire, smoke, or soot damage? Call SERVPRO of East York!

DAMAGE BEYOND THE FLAMES:

Fire damages go beyond the fire itself! Smoke and soot damage are common, and are very invasive. Smoke and soot can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. SERVPRO of East York's smoke damage expertise allows us to accurately assess the extent of the damages 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.
  • Smoke and soot can continue to cause damage and corrosion after a fire is out.
  • Odors from smoke will stay in a room or a home long after the fire, and continue to cause problems if they are not removed.
  • In just a few minutes, walls and other surfaces can become discolored.
  • Smoke causes etching in glass after just a short time, and smoke will tarnish metal quickly.

NOT ALL FIRE DAMAGE IS THE SAME:

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 East York 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 more quickly.

Protein Fire Residue: Produced by evaporation of material 

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

DON'T DO IT ALONE: WE'RE HERE TO HELP!

Residue left behind from a fire is bio-hazardous and can cause health complications if not taken care of correctly. Attempting to clean fire damage on your own may cause additional damage, and can be quite costly. Only trained professionals, with the right training and equipment, can ensure that the job is done properly.

What NOT to do:

  • Do not use electrical appliances until they have been checked
  • Do not touch anything with your bare hands. Oil from your hands can cause additional damage
  • Do not wash walls or attempt to clean carpets and upholstered furniture

OUR FIRE DAMAGE EXPERTISE:

Because 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 and experience to restore your home or business after fire and smoke damage. 

Have questions about fire, smoke, or soot damage? Call SERVPRO of East York today at 717-665-1270! 

What to Do After a Commercial Fire Damage Emergency

1/21/2020 (Permalink)

Melted water cooler from a commercial fire.

After Flames Close Your Business, Call SERVPRO for Fire Damage Restoration

Thousands of businesses are affected by commercial fire damage each year because of a wide range of causes. Whether it's a restaurant that encounters a fire, an office in a building that was affected by a nearby disaster, or a severe storm that sparks flames, such an event is never easy to deal with.

Few proprietors are prepared to grapple with the aftermath of a fire because it's not something that most business owners expect will happen to them. Entrepreneurs who suffer commercial fire damage may feel at a loss when it comes to picking up the pieces and resuming business as usual. Here are three key steps you should consider taking after a fire has shut down your business.

  1. Get in contact with your insurance company right away. Not only will this be one of the most relevant steps to getting back open and serving your customers, but your insurance company will also provide the funds needed to make repairs to your business. We know how to navigate the commercial claims process, and any repairs that we complete will meet or exceed your insurance provider's requirements. We do emphasize that we are not an insurance company.
  2. Secure the remaining equipment and property in your building. Unfortunately, commercial fire damage increases the likelihood of vandalism and theft, as your building will be left vulnerable and less secure. Patching up walls, doors, and windows, even temporarily, can go a long way towards preventing further problems. The experts at SERVPRO have the experience and tools needed to secure your business's exterior and interior quickly. As a result, your property will be safeguarded and any further damage to the building will be minimized.
  3. Be mindful of smoke damage.  Even if it appears that your business was only minimally affected by commercial fire damage, the building likely has lingering smoke that will destroy your equipment, documents, and inventory over time. When you call SERVPRO, we'll thoroughly inspect your business for smoke damage and effectively clean it up, eliminate odors, and restore satisfactory indoor air quality.

The team at SERVPRO of East York County knows how devastating commercial fire damage can be, and we're committed to helping you get your business back up and running. To obtain a quote or get more information about our fire repair and restoration services, call us 24/7 at (717) 846-6100.

SERVPRO Helps Clean Up After Fire in Manheim

1/3/2019 (Permalink)

This damage was caused by a grease fire.
1/3/2019

Nobody ever plans for a fire, but when one does happen, SERVPRO is here to help!

This loss was caused by a grease fire in a kitchen. Now, our natural instinct would be to use water for any fire, but avoid this practice with grease fires! This will just make matters worse.

Grease fires are caused when the cooking oil gets to hot and catches on fire. If you should find yourself in this predicament, turn off the heat and do the following:

  • Cover with a metal lid, this will deprive the fire of oxygen it needs to burn. Do not use glass, it will shatter.
  • For small fires, use baking soda. 
  • If available, use a kitchen fire extinguisher.
  • If it becomes too much or out of control, get out of the house and call 911 immediately!

Safety is of utmost important. For any help with clean-up after, be sure to call SERVPRO!

When a fire happens, we can help

12/4/2017 (Permalink)

Ceiling after fire in attic space.

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 East York 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 at 717-846-6100

Smoke and Soot Cleanup

12/6/2016 (Permalink)

Smoke and Soot Damage Can Cause a Pervasive Odor in Your Home

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 Eastern York County 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 – 717-846-6100