The Importance of Cleaning Dryer Vents

11/1/2023 (Permalink)

Dirty or clogged dryer vents and ductwork don’t just reduce your dryer’s performance. The combination of heat and accumulated dryer lint and dust can lead to a fire hazard. In fact, clogged clothes dryer vents cause thousands of fires per year in the United States. Learn how to clean a dryer vent at least once a year to keep your home safe and ensure that laundry day runs at peak efficiency. 

According to the U.S. Fire Administration’s National Fire Data Center, clothes dryers are responsible for more than 15,000 structure fires around the country each year, and 80% of those fires start with clogged dryer vents.

There are a few warning signs that your dryer vent needs to be cleaned out. One sign is if your laundry is taking longer to dry your clothes or other items than it usually does. Dryers work by removing hot, moist air, so if something is preventing that air from getting out, your laundry will most likely need a few extra cycles to dry. Another sign is if you notice that your clothes have a strange smell, this could mean that your dryer is not ventilating properly.

To reduce the risk of these fires happening in your or your insured’s home or business, SERVPRO of Henry and Spalding Counties can help clean dryer vents and ducts that may have lint buildup.

For more information on cleaning dryer vents contact SERVPRO of Henry and Spalding Counties at 678-432-3003.

Fire Pits and Open Burning Safety

10/5/2022 (Permalink)

Safety measures for enjoying your outdoor fire pit this Fall

The hot and humid summer months in Georgia leave families yearning for those cool, Fall days that quite frankly can never seem to get here soon enough. We begin daydreaming about sitting around the fire pit you installed in your backyard a few months prior. You can even start to smell the aroma of toasted marshmallows and can hear the rumble of an SEC college football game playing over your shoulder on your back deck, outdoor television. Some of us go so far as to projecting the game on a white bedsheet draped on the backside of your house. Guilty. We love our Fall in Georgia! 

But just as you keep tabs on your fireplace inside your home, you should treat outdoor firepits with the same attention to safety. While these reminders may seem obvious, one would be surprised at how often safety measures pertaining to firepits are ignored. The tidbits we are sharing here seem fairly obvious, but it is always surprising when you see case studies of how many people in the US ignore these safety measures! The National Fire Protection Association offers some great reading material on ensuring the safety of your friends and family members longing for the invite to gather around that new firepit of yours:

• Check the wind direction before lighting a fire.
• Do not use flammable fluids such as gasoline, lighter fluid, etc. to light a fire, or to even “liven the fire up a bit,” as folks say.
• Don’t wear flammable clothing, such as nylon products or loose-fitting clothing.
• Mama, keep the children at least 3 feet from the firepit, and Dad, make sure the dog does the same!
• Avoid using soft woods for the fire, such as pine or cedar, to prevent erratic pops and sparks.
• And always, keep a fire extinguisher, a bucket of water, or a garden hose nearby when enjoying your firepit.

Clean or Replace Smoke Detectors... or both?

10/5/2022 (Permalink)

Give your smoke detectors a fighting chance

Smoke detectors are generally out of your normal vision and typically positioned on or near the ceilings in the interior of your home. Like any other common, household item, it is easy to forget they are even there… until that ear-piercing chirp starts up in the middle of the night waking up your children who finally fell asleep after singing a 4^th song. Then, you know the drill. You have by now pulled a chair or stool with the only goal of removing the batteries so you can go back to sleep.

The truth is smoke detectors are one of the most valuable fire safety tools on the market. If you speak with your service provider, they recommend that by regularly cleaning and maintaining the detectors, you are helping ensure they come through for you when you need them most. 

Clean or replace? Nearly unavoidable airborne dust and other contaminants directly affect the smoke detector’s ability to accurately detect smoke. An easy way to tackle any contaminants such as household dust that has collected in the cobwebs around your detector is simply using the wand from your vacuum cleaner around the device. Going a step further would be removing the shell of the detector and reading the manufacturing instructions on vacuuming the inner components of your detector. It is encouraged to gain a grasp for how old your detectors are, as they are not designed to last forever. A consistent, scheduled change-out of the batteries is a must, but it would be worth your time to determine approximately when the detectors were originally installed in your home, especially if you have lived in your home for less than 10 years but are unsure of the age of the existing detectors. It may be time to play it safe and replace all units so you can start fresh with scheduled cleaning and maintenance.

Fire Damage Restoration

7/5/2022 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Henry, Spalding, Butts and Clayton Counties, our main goal is to restore your home after a fire damage to its preloss condition. We specialize in fire and damage restoration, using state-of-the-art technology to remove soot from walls, carpets, upholstery, and other contents, and remove smoke odors. When dealing with fire damage, it is important to call the experts due to the toxic component of soot, that may lead to hazardous conditions in your home. Soot can easily travel throughout the home, even though the fire might have been contained to one room. Our Fire Technicians have the resources, training, and equipment to help clean up fire and smoke damage, and will safely deodorize, clean, and restore your home to its pre-fire condition.

We are available 24/7, contact us today for immediate assistance 678-432-3003.  

Home Fire Safety

6/30/2022 (Permalink)

According to the American Red Cross, people may have two minutes or less to escape a home fire. That is why we cannot stress enough the importance of having working smoke detectors on every floor of the home and a fire escape plan for the family. Another important purchase is a carbon monoxide alarm since it can prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.  You should also test all the alarms throughout the home every month, to make sure that they have batteries in working order. Teach your kids two different ways to exit the home in case of an emergency, and tell them that once they are out, to stay out. Young kids should know how to call 9-1-1.

If you need help after a home fire or want to learn more about the different fire damage restoration services we offer, please don’t hesitate to contact SERVPRO of Henry, Spalding, Butts and Clayton Counties at 678-432-3003.

What plans do you have for the 4th of July weekend?

6/29/2022 (Permalink)

If your plans involve lighting fireworks at home, please follow these tips.

• If you are using old fireworks, make sure that they were stored correctly in a cool, dry place.
• Always have a bucket of water close by, in case of a misfire or any emergency.
• Monitor your county’s drought conditions here to see if there is an elevated risk of fires in your area.
• We know it sounds obvious, but never throw or light fireworks in your hands.
• If a firework doesn’t light, discard it, and don’t try to re-ignite it.
• Do not give fireworks to children.
• Do not store unused fireworks in areas of your home that can get really hot, such as a garage or unfinished basement.

If you ever run into a situation where you need our help, give SERVPRO of Henry, Spalding, Butts Counties, and SERVPRO of Clayton County a call at 678-432-3003 and let us make it “Like it never even happened.”

Tips to prevent house fires this summer

5/19/2022 (Permalink)

If you need help cleaning up after a fire call SERVPRO of Henry, Spalding, Butts Counties and SERVPRO of Clayton County at 678-432-3003

It is true that house fires are less common during the summer than winter months, but there are still hazards to be aware of. Fire can start in a matter of minutes, especially when people are gathering for Bar-B-Ques and firing up the grill.  There are potential sources of fire throughout the home that many homeowners tend to overlook.

Here are a few safety tips to prevent fire in several different areas of the home:

• Gas Grills
  • Place the grill outside, at a reasonable distance from the house.
  • Constantly check the grill’s propane hoses durability.
  • Never light a gas grill with the lid closed.
• Fire Pits
  • When building a fire pit strategically place it at least 10 feet from any structure.
  • Build your fire pit on a solid surface that is away from overhanging trees.
  • NEVER leave the fireplace unattended.
• Fireworks

• Every year, almost 20,000 fires are started due to fireworks (NFPA).
• Always use fireworks outside
• Have access to water closely
• Do it away from structures and cars
• Do not joke when handling fireworks

• Dryers
  • Clean out the lint buildup on the lint filter after every load of laundry.
  • Only dry items that are safe to be put in a dryer.

Clean up fire extinguisher residue

7/28/2021 (Permalink)

According to the Fire Equipment Manufacturers’ Association, more than 80% of fires reported in sprinklered buildings did not grow large enough to use the sprinkler system, which means that the fire was able to be contained using a fire extinguisher.

But what happens after the fire is extinguished and everybody is safe from danger? The cleanup starts.

Before starting the cleanup process, make sure you know what kind of fire extinguisher was used.

• Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers
• Water and Foam Fire Extinguishers
• Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishers
• Dry Chemical Fire Extinguishers
• Water Mist Fire Extinguishers
• Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers
• Clean Agent Fire Extinguishers

Each type of fire extinguisher has different components and chemicals in order to put up specific types of fires. For dry powder fire extinguisher residue, usually, the best plan of action is to use one part warm water to one part isopropyl alcohol to wipe down affected areas. Dry chemical fire extinguishers contain sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, etc. We suggest starting the cleaning process immediately since some of these components can be corrosive to certain materials.

It is important to remember that you should only fight a fire if

• The fire is small and contained
• You are safe from toxic smoke
• You have a means of escape
• Your instincts tell you it’s OK

If you need help with any of your cleaning needs, call SERVPRO of Henry and Spalding Counties and SERVPRO of Clayton County at 678-432-3003.

Source: Fire Equipment Manufacturers’ Association

Smoke cobwebs...are they real?

7/27/2021 (Permalink)

A very common question we get from homeowners that have recently experienced a fire in their homes is “was my home full of spiders? There are blacken cobwebs everywhere now.” And the answer is no, those are not the regular webs found in our home.  In reality, spider webs burn very quickly during a fire, considering that temperatures inside the home can reach 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit.

These strange black soot webs are formed when there is the presence of wet smoke combined with poor airflow, that is why they are mostly found in ceiling corners. When synthetic materials such as polymers and plastics burn, they form charged particles. These particles damaged by smoke are attracted to each other, forming a chain that molds itself into a web formation.

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  SERVPRO of Henry and Spalding Counties and SERVPRO of Clayton County’s managers and Fire Technicians have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your home damaged by fire and smoke to its preloss condition. 

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – 678-432-3003

Source: Chemistry at StackExchange

Fire Prevention Tips

7/7/2021 (Permalink)

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 Henry and Spalding Counties and SERVPRO of Clayton 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 – 678-432-3003

The dangers of burning candles

7/6/2021 (Permalink)

If you need our help, call us today at 678-432-3003

According to the National Fire Protection Association, home structure fires started by candles caused an average of 81 deaths, 677 injuries, and $278 million in property damage.

If you like the ambiance that candles provide, consider using flameless ones. If you still have plenty of candles that you need to use, place them in sturdy candleholders, away from flammable materials, such as drapes.
NEVER leave candles unattended or let them burn down to one inch in length or less.

It only takes a moment’s distraction or carelessness to start a massive fire.

Follow these tips to prevent a fire

• Blow out all candles when you exit the room
• Do not use candles in the bedroom
• Keep candles 1 foot away from any material that can ignite
• NEVER use candles if oxygen is used by a family member in the home.
• Place candles on a sturdy, uncluttered surface.

If a fire disaster does strike your home, SERVPRO of Henry and Spalding Counties and SERVPRO of Clayton County offers services to help people quickly recover and restore any damaged property. Call us 24/7 at 678-432-3003.

When was the last time you cleaned your chimney?

7/5/2021 (Permalink)

We know, we know… it is funny to start working on getting your fireplace ready when it is close to 100 degrees in Henry County. That is why you should do it now, when you have time to plan ahead. Fall will be here before you know it and you know your family can relax in front of the fireplace knowing that it will not go up in a fury ball of flame.

The National Fire Protection Association estimates that 27% of home heating fires were the result of not cleaning chimneys. For that reason, you should have your chimney professionally cleaned at least once a year. Soot and creosote can build up in your chimney flue. Particles start to stick to the side of the flue instead of going up the chimney. Each fall, inspect your chimney and make sure it is free of debris, such as dead leaves, bird nests, critters, etc.

If your home has suffered damage from a fire, call SERVPRO of Henry and Spalding Counties and SERVPRO of Clayton County- 678-432-3003

10 Important Fire Safety Tips

5/24/2021 (Permalink)

In 2020, 90 home fire fatalities were reported in Georgia, and from 2017 to 2019, approximately 368,500 residential building fires were reported in the U.S. These blazes caused thousands of civilian injuries, and cost more than $8.1 billion in property loss.

Though some fires are unavoidable acts of nature or unpredictable accidents, many fires in the home and workplace are avoidable.

The following tips will help reduce the likelihood of a fire in your home or business.

1. Watch your cooking - Stay in the kitchen if you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. Never allow young children around the stove or oven, especially if they are not closely attended.
2. Give space heaters space - Keep space heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn.
3. Smoke outside - If you must smoke inside, have a sturdy, deep ashtray. Never smoke in bed.
4. Keep matches and lighters out of reach - Keep matches and lighters in high cabinets, preferably under a child lock.
5. Inspect electrical cords - Replace cords that are cracked, damaged, have bro- ken plugs or have loose connections.
6. Be careful when using candles - Keep candles at least one foot from anything that can burn. Blow them out before you leave the room or go to sleep.
7. Have a fire escape plan - Make a fire escape plan and practice it at least twice a year.
8. Install smoke alarms - Install alarms on every level of your office or home and inside bedrooms. Interconnect them so they all sound at once.
9. Test smoke alarms - Test alarms once per month. Replace batteries once per year or as needed.
10. Install sprinklers - Sprinklers can help maintain and sometimes even extinguish fires, giving your local fire department a better chance of saving your property.

Source: USFA.gov, NFPA.org 

Fire Damage and Hidden Dangers

7/29/2020 (Permalink)

Figuring out what to do or where to start after a fire can be overwhelming for homeowners.

Structural Damage

Make sure to inspect the structural integrity of your home. Make sure to inspect walls, floors, staircases, foundation, etc.  

Electrical Damage

If the fire was severe, contact an electrician to inspect the wiring around your home. Contact a repair service if you suspect your appliances were affected by the fire. You don’t want to risk starting another fire.

Soot

Soot can cause real damage to your personal belongings. Within minutes, it can discolor plastic surfaces, and within hours it can stain grout, metals, countertops, appliances, and furniture finishes. In a few days it can permanently stain walls, upholstery, clothes, and floors.

Asbestos

Breathing asbestos fibers could be very dangerous, specially for children and the elderly. Homes built prior to 1980 are more susceptible to these dangers, that is why professional remediation is used when dealing with a fire.

The professionals at SERVPRO of Henry and Spalding Counties and SERVPRO of Clayton County are here to help with all of your remediation and restoration needs! Call us at 678-432-3003.

Cleaning up after a fire

7/28/2020 (Permalink)

Dealing with the aftermath of a residential fire can be very traumatic. How extensive the damage is depends on the intensity of the fire, how long it burned for, and several other factors. If the outside of your home was damaged, contact a professional company to restore the property to its pre-fire condition.

SERVPRO of Henry and Spalding Counties and SERVPRO of Clayton County has the right equipment and technicians to clean all types of stonework (such as brick and concrete) and use straightforward cleaning techniques to restore the outside of your property.

Our crew can inspect the damage, and if there is no structural damage, use a mild cleaning solution to wash the smoke and soot damage from different surfaces. Real damage occurs when combustible materials burn for a long time and the only way to clean surfaces is by jet washing them.  

If you need help restoring your home after a fire give SERVPRO of Henry and Spalding Counties and SERVPRO of Clayton County a call at 678-432-3003!

Different Classes of Fire

7/8/2020 (Permalink)

There are several types of fire damage, and it depends on the fuel source.

Class A

Class A fires are caused by combustible materials such as wood, paper, fabric, plastics, and rubber. You can usually put out this type of fire with water.

Class B

Class B fires contain flammable liquids like paint, turpentine, gas, grease, and different alcohols.

Class C

Class C fires involve electrical equipment found in computers, servers, appliances, transformers, etc.

Class D

Class D fires are cause by combustible metals like potassium, titanium, aluminum, magnesium, sodium, and lithium.

Class K

Class K fires are caused by grease and cooking oils.

It is important to use the right fire extinguisher for each type of fire.

Check the pressure gauge on all fire extinguishers today to make sure the gauge’s needle indicates proper pressure (Green zone)

Every single homeowner should have at least one fire extinguisher in their home (preferably one on every level). For homes, it is recommended to have a multi-purpose fire extinguisher class ABC. If you have questions about how to use one, call your local fire department.

If you recently experienced a fire in your home, please call SERVPRO of Henry & Spalding Counties and SERVPRO of Clayton County to help you with the cleanup process. 678-432-3003.

What do you do after a fire?

7/7/2020 (Permalink)

After a fire, call the experts at 678-432-3003

After a residential fire, when the fire department has left and the fire is out, homeowners are left alone to deal with the aftermath of the disaster.

You probably do not have the tools and equipment needed to remove the smell of smoke and soot from your home. Even if the fire was contained and put out relatively quickly, hot smoke migrates to cooler areas around the home and can affect other levels of your property. Smoke can travel through plumbing systems, pipes and go up several stories.

That is why you should call a professional restoration company like SERVPRO of Henry & Spalding Counties and SERVPRO of Clayton County with more than 20 years of experience in the business. We can provide the expertise to clean your home and restore it to its pre-damage days.

Call us today- 678-432-3003

SERVPRO of Henry & Spalding Counties and SERVPRO of Clayton County provide Fire, Smoke and Soot Cleanup

7/6/2020 (Permalink)

Call us today- 678-432-3003

At SERVPRO of Henry & Spalding Counties and SERVPRO of Clayton County we know how devastating it is to experience fire damage in your home. We have more than 20 years of experience helping people take control of their lives after a traumatic fire event. We offer a variety of services to help with the fire and smoke damage.

Ceilings & Walls

Our experts in the Fire Crew will perform a walk through, inspect the damage to the ceiling, walls, and the rest of the structure and come up with a scope of work. They will immediately start the cleaning process, and at the end they will determine if it is necessary to proceed with repairs such as demo, paint, etc.

Flooring

Depending on the extent of the fire damage, your flooring might have to be replaced. If the carpet was not damaged, but the smell of smoke still lingers in the room, our highly trained technicians will do a deep cleaning with the necessary equipment and products to protect your floors.

Duct work

During the walk through, our technicians will inspect the duct work and HVAC System to determine if they were affected by smoke or soot. They will start the cleaning process to properly deodorize and clean the affected systems.

We know that our Fire Technicians can make it “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call anytime disaster strikes-6789-432-3003.

Safety tips for a wonderful BBQ season

5/29/2020 (Permalink)

Stay safe this grilling season!

As the weather gets warmer, more people around Henry and Clayton county fire up their grills to prepare a nice dinner for the whole family. Spring and summer are when most grilling fires occur, that is why you should follow these tips to keep you, your family, and your property safe this BBQ season.

NFPA suggests the following tips for grilling:

• Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.
• The grill should be placed away the home or deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Children and pets should be at least three feet away from the grill area.
• Keep your grill clean by removing grease and fat buildup from the grates and trays below.
• Never leave your grill unattended.

If you had an unfortunate incident with your grill and need assistance, please call SERVPRO of Henry and Spalding Counties and SERVPRO of Clayton County today- 678-432-3003. Our technicians can respond immediate to any size disaster. We are available 24/7/365.

Campfire Safety

8/2/2019 (Permalink)

Is there anything better than to spend time with the family around a roaring campfire enjoying the beautiful Georgia summer nights?

Follow these tips and stay safe this summer

• Before starting a campfire, be sure it is allowed. During certain times or droughts, it may be prohibited.
• Use existing fire rings or fire pits.
• Start a fire at least 15 feet from tents and trees.
• Build a fire on an open and leveled ground (never start a fire near plants or under tree branches).
• Pick a spot that is protected from strong winds.
• Don’t use any flammable liquids to ignite the fire.
• Be ready to put the fire out in case of an emergency. Have a bucket of water and a shovel close by before starting a fire.
• Always try to keep the fire small and under control.
• Don’t leave kids unattended near a fire pit.
• Before leaving the site, make sure the fire is burn out (use lots of water if necessary.)

Smoke Detectors Save Lives

8/1/2019 (Permalink)

Experiencing a residential fire can be extremely traumatic and cause significant emotional distress to the family.

Learn how you can make a simple purchase and prevent a fire from wreaking havoc in your life. All you have to do is install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) conducted a survey  and found that 96% of households have at least one smoke detector in the home. If you are part of the 4%, drive to your closest hardware store and purchase one for as little as $9.00. Having a smoke detector could save your life. Three of every five deaths during a fire happen in homes with no smoke detectors.

The NFPA recommends that you should have a smoke detector inside every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home.

If you already have a few smoke detectors in your home, make sure there are no missing or disconnected batteries. A good tip is to change the batteries every time you change your clocks for daylight savings day.

SERVPRO of Henry and Spalding Counties is available for emergency fire damage restoration services when you need them most. Call 678-432-3003.  

After a Fire, Call SERVPRO of Decatur to help you with the cleanup process

7/11/2019 (Permalink)

Homeowners don’t know where to start with the cleanup process after experiencing a fire emergency for the first time.

Most people are so focused on fixing the inside of the home that they neglect the outside. After a severe fire, there is a chance that the brick or stonework outside of the home was affected as well.

SERVPRO of Decatur is a professional restoration company with more than 20 years of experience in the business and we can provide the expertise to clean your home and restore it to its pre-damage days.

We use different cleaning techniques depending on how severe the damage is. For light stains, our technicians will use mild cleaning agents to remove the soot and smoke damage off the surface. For moderate stains, we need to act quickly and remove the soot and prevent it from corroding the surface. If there are heavy stains, we recommend jet washing to make sure we remove all the soot and the damage.

If you need help restoring your home after a fire give SERVPRO of Henry and Spalding Counties a call at 678-432-3003!

This summer keep your family safe with these tips

7/10/2019 (Permalink)

The National Fire Protection Association estimates that between 2012 and 2016, fire departments responded to more than 3500,000 structure fires per year.

Here are some easy things you can do around the house to prevent fire and smoke damage.

Before firing up your grill, make sure it is at least ten feet from the home, check grill hoses and make sure there are no leaks.  If you smell gas, turn off the propane tank immediately. Never light a gas grill with the lid closed.

If you are thinking about building or buying a fire pit for the family to enjoy s’mores in the evenings, make sure it is at least fifteen feet from your home. Build or place the fire pit on a solid and even surface, and NEVER leave the fireplace unattended.

Source- https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Campaigns/Fire-Prevention-Week/Fire-Facts

https://www.cpsc.gov/content/cpsc-releases-grill-safety-tips

Fire Damage Restoration

7/9/2019 (Permalink)

Call us today 678-432-3003

When SERVPRO of Henry and Spalding Counties arrives at a homeowner’s home to help with fire damage, the first thing we must do is determine what kind of fire damage we are dealing with. It could be that it is smoke or soot damage, damage caused by the fire department, structural damage, or all of the above. Rest assure, that when you call us you are getting highly trained professionals ready to help. We have fire and smoke restoration technicians, odor control technicians, upholstery and fabric cleaning technicians to help and get you back to your normal life.

We offer a variety of services after a fire

• Fire and smoke cleaning
• Pack outs
• Content Cleaning
• Deodorization
• Demo
• Additional Storage
• Emergency Board-Ups

If you need SERVPRO of Henry and Spalding Counties professionals to clean and restore your property after a fire emergency, call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week- 678-432-3003.

Deodorization after a fire

6/3/2019 (Permalink)

Call us today at 678-432-3003

It’s very hard for all the odors to dissipate after a fire and it can take a long time to “go away” on its own. If you call SERVPRO of Henry & Spalding  Counties we can help you accelerate the process as fast as possible.

Our SERVPRO of Henry & Spalding Counties technicians will identify the source to see which specific deodorization method will help with the odor. They will use deodorant pellets to absorb odors, water-based odor counteractants and Wet Mist Deodorizers to control the smoke smells, and fog deodorizers to neutralize smoke-related odors. They may opt to use sealers to seal a surface to capture the remaining odors.

We also have state of the art equipment to help the process along, like an ozone generator, air filtration devices, photocatalytic oxidizers, and Ultra Low Volume (ULV) mister.

If you are having a hard time getting rid of strong smells after a fire, call us today at 678-432-3003.

Types of Fire Extinguishers and how to use them

8/3/2018 (Permalink)

PASS

It is important for your safety to have a fire extinguisher in your kitchen, but also that you have the RIGHT type to put out the most common house fires. It is recommended that you have one fire extinguisher on each level of your home. If you don’t know how to use a fire extinguisher, don’t worry about it. You can go to the Henry County or Spalding County fire department and they can train you.

Remember the word PASS

• Pull- Pull the pin
• Aim- Aim low at the base of the fire.
• Squeeze- Squeeze the lever above the handle.
• Sweep- Sweep from side to side.

There are several classes of fire and you should use a specific type of fire extinguisher for each

• Class A- Ordinary combustibles (wood, paper, textiles)
• Class B- Flammable liquids (gasoline, diesel, oils)
• Class C- Electrical appliances and tools
• Class D- Flammable metals
• Class K- Vegetable oils, animal oils, or fats in cooking appliances

For your home, it is recommended that you get a multi-purpose fire extinguisher Class ABC.

Source: https://www.totalburncare.com/PASS_firepage.htm

https://www.thekitchn.com/do-you-have-a-fire-extinguisher-in-your-kitchen-195770

Image Credit http://www.sdfire.in/training.html

How to prevent kitchen fires

8/3/2018 (Permalink)

The kitchen is where most of the home fires occur.

More than 3,300 Americans die each year in fires and 15,000 are injured.  Here are a few tips to help prevent and remove kitchen fire hazards

• Keep kitchen towels, oven mitts, plastic bags and curtains far from an open flame and the oven.
• Don’t leave food on the stove unattended, since it only takes a second for a big fire to start.
• Clean the stove and grill regularly to prevent grease buildup, since grease fires are one of the worst. Remember NEVER pour water on a grease fire
• NEVER use your oven to heat your home.
• Make sure all the burners and the oven are turned off.
• Unplug electric appliances when you are not using them.
• If possible wear short sleeves, since wide sleeves can catch fire without you even noticing it.
• Install a smoke detector in a hallway close to the kitchen.
• Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen. Check our blog about Fire Extinguishers to learn more.  

Source: https://www.usfa.fema.gov/data/statistics/fire_death_rates.html

http://www.redcross.org/news/article/Avoid-Kitchen-Fires-Use-Red-Cross-Tips

Campfire and Grill Safety Tips

7/16/2018 (Permalink)

We’re here to help, call SERVPRO of Henry and Spalding Counties at 678-432-3003

If you want to spend a happy and “injury-free” summer with your family and friends we recommend you follow these safety tips from the U.S Fire Administration.

• This should be a no-brainer but… never use a grill inside. Keep your grill at least 3 feet from siding, deck rails and eaves.
• Clean your grill after EACH use. We bet you don’t want the grease from that delicious steak to start a fire.
• Open your gas grill before lighting.
• Keep a 3-foot save zone around grills and campfires
• Place coals from the grill in a metal container with a lid.
• Never leave a campfire or grill unattended.
• Watch out for kids and pets and make sure they don’t get too close.

We’re here to help, call SERVPRO of Henry and Spalding Counties at 678-432-3003

Source: https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/grilling_fire_safety_flyer.pdf

Fire Damage Emergency Tips

7/16/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Henry and Spalding Counties today at 678-432-3003

This is what you can do until help arrives

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.

If you have any questions, call SERVPRO of Henry and Spalding Counties today at 678-432-3003

Smoke and Soot Cleanup

7/12/2018 (Permalink)

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call us at 678-432-3003.

After a fire damages parts of your home or business you understand that you are going to have to deal with and renovate the obvious structures that have been destroyed, but what many people forget about is the smoke and soot that needs to be cleaned up all around your house. Smoke and soot is extremely invasive and can get into all kinds of nooks and crannies in your home. Our smoke damage expertise allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damages.

Smoke and Soot Facts

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a building.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The specific 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 that formed based on what kind of smoke was present in your home or business. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Henry and Spalding Counties will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred and figure out their cleaning procedures from there.

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures.

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.

Do you know the common classes of Commercial Fire Damage?

6/4/2018 (Permalink)

Give us a call at 678-432-3003

If you are experiencing commercial fire damage, it is crucial to work with professionals who can help you restore your property. Fire damage can take many different forms so it is important to know what to look out for. Watch out for the following types of commercial fire damage and call the experts at SERVPRO right away to prevent the damage from getting worse.

1. Class A fire damage: This type of fire damage is the result of a fire involving flammable solids, such as, various plastics, paper, rubber, wood, and cloth. This category of fire damage usually spreads from a single source, which makes it easier for individuals to quickly isolate the fire and put it out with a fire extinguisher.
2. Class B fire damage: Class B fire damage consists of damage as a result of flammable liquids or solids that can become liquefied. This includes gasoline and various forms of petrol, oil, various waxes and plastics, and paint. However, fires caused by cooking oils and fats don’t count as Class B. These fires are known to spread very quickly and tend to cause vast damage.
3. Class C Fire Damage: A Class C fire damage is one involving flammable gasses, including hydrogen, propane, butane, and natural gas. More often than not, this type of damage is explosive and can cause tremendous destruction in the property's structure. It is a common example of commercial fire damage, and it can result in long-term loss if not dealt with immediately.
4. Class D Fire Damage: Class D fire damage consists of fires caused by combustible metals such as magnesium, potassium, and sodium. If this type of fire damage is not taken care of quickly, it is possible that chemicals will become airborne and result in a variety of problems around the work area.

If you are ever in the situation where you need help dealing with fire restoration, be sure to call SERVPRO of Henry & Spalding Counties. Call us today at 678-432-3003 to learn more about what we can do for you.

Fire Damage: The Dangers You Can't See

8/8/2017 (Permalink)

When it comes to your health and the health of the people you love, don't take any risks. Give us a call today!

If told to image fire damage, we will probably all visualize a similar picture. Roaring flames that once spread throughout a home now leaves behind blackened debris, burnt furniture and belongings, thick soot all over the walls, and a smell of smoke that you think is going to be impossible to ever get rid of. While all of these things can be harmful to humans, and pets alike, the most dangerous thing that fires can leave behind are invisible asbestos deposits and the combustion deposits of lead paint. These chemicals are especially harmful to children and the elderly.

Although more recently built homes are less susceptible to the dangers of asbestos and lead paint, those homes and buildings built prior to 1980 may contain these chemicals. In these cases, it is important that professional remediation is used when dealing with a fire. The professionals at SERVPRO of Henry and Spalding Counties are here to help with all of your remediation and restoration needs!

The Importance of Cleaning Dryer Vents

8/8/2017 (Permalink)

According to the U.S. Fire Administration’s National Fire Data Center, clothes dryers are responsible for more than 15,000 structure fires around the country each year, and 80% of those fires start with clogged dryer vents.

There are a few warning signs that your dryer vent needs to be cleaned out. One sign is if your laundry is taking longer to dry than usual; dryers work by removing hot, moist air, so if something is preventing that air from getting out, your laundry will most likely need a few extra cycles to dry. Another sign is if you notice that your clothes have a strange smell, this could mean that your dryer is not ventilating properly.

To reduce the risk of these fires happening in your or your insured’s home or business, SERVPRO of Henry and Spalding Counties can help clean dryer vents and ducts that may have lint buildup.

For more information on cleaning dryer vents contact SERVPRO of Henry and Spalding Counties at 678-432-3003.

How to Rescue Residential Stonework from Fire Damage

7/18/2017 (Permalink)

When a fire breaks out in your home the main concern is to put it out and then repair all of the damages to the inside of your home. But if you have experienced a moderate to severe fire it is very likely that these incidents have lead to visible marks and blemished on the outside of your home as well.

The good news is that stains on stonework, concrete and other structural materials can almost always be fixed. While brick and concrete are not indestructible, they are extremely sturdy and do not usually crack under the pressure of heat! Therefore we can use straightforward cleaning techniques to restore the outside of your property. Below are three levels of stains that might occur to the outside of your building if you experience a fire:

Light Stains

If there is no structural damage, our SERVPRO technicians can use mild cleaning agents to wash the soot and smoke damage off the surface.

Moderate Stains

The problem with soot is that it can be very acidic and if it is not removed from a structure quickly there is a chance of corrosive residues becoming embedded deep into your stonework. This is why SERVPRO makes sure to pay very close attention to cracked joints.

Heavy Stains

The most severe staining occurs when heavily combustible materials have caught fire and burned for some time. When this happens, jet washing is usually a suitable method for cleaning up the stains!

If you need help restoring your home after a fire give SERVPRO of Henry and Spalding Counties a call at 678-432-3003!