Archived Fire Damage Blog Posts
Dryer Vent Fires -Ocala Fl.
10/19/2023 (Permalink)
According to FEMA, failure to clean home dryers causes 34% of home fires. Home dryer fires causes $35 Million in property loss and can even cause injury or death. Clean your Lint Filter BEFORE and AFTER each load and make sure the Outside Vent Flap (if your home has one) will open and is not restricted. We at SERVPRO of Ocala are dedicated to helping homeowners maintain a safe, healthy home by offering a very good discount to clean out your dryer vent whenever you schedule an HVAC & Air Duct Cleaning & Sanitizing Service from us. Our professional SERVPRO team has the training to help Prevent Fires just as we have the training to Clean up and deodorize Fire and Smoke odors. We Here to help since 1974!
Fire Damage Tips-Ocala, FL
7/13/2022 (Permalink)
Tips from SERVPRO of Ocala
Ventilate the SpaceEven after firefighters extinguish the blaze, smoke and fumes remain a considerable threat to your home. With this in mind, open the home’s windows and doors to ventilate the area as much as possible.
If you can position some industrial fans to move air, that’s a great option, as well. Just be sure to run the power cords to a neighbor’s home, instead of plugging them into your home’s outlets.
Cover Pieces of Furniture With PlasticCover any clean, unaffected pieces of furniture with plastic. This preserves their integrity and helps ensure they remain undamaged during the cleanup and restoration process.
Do not try to Clean on Your OwnMake no mistake: the after-effects of fire can be toxic. Specifically, the soot and smoke in your carpets and furniture can be dangerous. These things present a considerable health risk and are known carcinogens. With this in mind, leave all deep-cleaning to the fire restoration company, who will have the equipment needed to protect them from harmful substances.
Air Scrubbers Used On Fire Damages-Ocala, FL
7/8/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Ocala uses Air Scrubbers in Fire Restoration Projects
SERVPRO of Ocala, FL. uses air scrubbers which are portable air filtration system that will remove particles, gasses, and/or chemicals from the air within a given environment. Air is drawn in through these machines and passed through a series of filters in an attempt to remove any airborne pollutants. After passing through the scrubber, the air is then returned to the environment. The size of the area needing air scrubbing will determine the size or number of air scrubbers required. SERVPRIO of Ocala, FL uses Carbon Filters. These filters are generally used in place of one of the pre-filters and are designed to absorb organic vapors, reducing odors. These filters are often used in fire restoration projects, but may be used anytime odor is a concern.
SERVPRO of Ocala Fire Damage Contents Pack Out
11/19/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Ocala Can Clean and Pack Out Your Contents After a Fire Damage.
Fire damage can be devastating and very emotional specially when precious personal family treasures are at risk. Smoke, soot, dust and water can reek havoc on the contents of a building that has suffered a fire damage. SERVPRO of Ocala and SERVPRO of South Marion County has years of experience of fire damage restoration and understands how important it is to clean and protect your valuable contents. Part of the fire damage clean up is to carefully pack up all contents to either be cleaned at our SERVPRO facility, or after they have been cleaned on site of the fire damage. The Pack Out operation includes making sure the items are inventoried, labeled and stored in a climate controlled storage. This way when the building is cleaned, the contents can be placed back in the home.
Smoke and Fire Damaged Furniture
10/7/2021 (Permalink)
Smoke and Fire damage to furniture takes skill and patience to restore.
Restoring any type of structure be it residential or commercial after a fire damage is no easy task. When there is furniture involved the restoration process can really be time consuming. SERVPRO of Ocala and South Marion County has been helping families and business recover from the destructive outcome of fire and smoke damage. Our trained SERVPRO team knows that it will take time to bring back to preloss condition furniture that has lost it's luster. We work diligently using the best technique and products that will ensure the furniture can be restored and the customer pleased with the results. But sometimes the damage is so severe that our years of training, cleaning products and skills cannot recover the material. Thus the damaging result of smoke and fire.
What Can Happen After The Fire Is Put Out?
8/18/2021 (Permalink)
The after effects of a fire and what to expect.
The after effects of a fire once it is put out and what to expect:
SERVPRO of Ocala and South Marion County professionals are trained and experienced in knowing what to expect after a fire is pout out and what kind of damage it causes. We have 47 years of on the job cleaning to know how to rid the following damages after the fire is out.
- Soot: Is the carbon byproduct of burnt materials, and it can be acidic and cause a lot of damage to porous and textured surfaces. Stone, grout, wood, carpet, and textiles are particularly vulnerable.
- Mold: Thrives in damp, dark places, which is often the case in properties after a fire. Once the moisture in the air interacts with mold spores, it produces mildew which is damaging to porous surfaces.
- Rust: Will corrode your metal objects causing some items to become irreparable, or increasing your risk of electric shock in electrical items.
- Odor: After a fire is overwhelming – the mixture of smoke and mildew creates a particularly putrid smell.
Kitchen Fire and Protein Smell
8/11/2021 (Permalink)
Protein Fire and Smoke from burning foods will cause hard to remove odors.
One of the hardest and most offence smells is that of meat that is burning in your kitchen. A protein fire results from burning any protein rich fibers, such as those you find in most meat, or eggs. What’s so remarkable about protein fires is that they don’t actually look like fires. They don’t have large flames and they don’t produce visible smoke. This is a result of the slow-cooking process used to cook protein rich foods. The animal fat in protein burns down to a fine, nearly invisible mist. While you can’t see it, the mist will coat everything in a sticky, rancid residue. It gets everywhere, coating your stovetop, clothes, carpets, tiles, and penetrating the paint on your walls. Any porous surface soaks it up. Call SERVPRO of Ocala and SERVPRO of South Marion County today to help rid your home of this fowl odor. 352-732-6630
Sealing and Painting for Odor Removal
5/20/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Ocala Professional Sealing and Painting to help eliminate odor
Fire Damage, Smoke Damage or even the common cigarette odor can reek havoc within any home or business. That's why SERVPRO of Ocala and SERVPRO of South Marion County are always training and have become proficient in Fire and Smoke damage restoration and odor removal. Its not as simple as it may sound to cleanup after a fire damage, smoke damage or ever long term cigarette smoking in a structure. Indoor air quality can be and often is seriously compromised. That is why you need professionals like SERVPRO Fire and Water Cleanup and Restoration to make sure every bit of soot, fire damage material and odor is completely and safely removed from you home or business. Sealing and painting the structure is just one in many the steps needed for a successful fire damage cleanup and odor removal project.
Condo Fire in Ocala, FL
5/11/2021 (Permalink)
The result of fire damage that spread through multiple condo units
Fire damage can be very devastating displacing families and disrupting lives. SERVPRO of Ocala and SERVPRO of South Marion County has been cleaning and restoring fire damaged property both residential and commercial for more than 40 years. Its not easy getting smoke odor out of material and bringing back the home to a safe and clean air quality. SERVPRO of Ocala and SERVPRO of South Marion County professionals are constantly training and using the latest fire damage cleanup equipment and methods of mitigation. Years of on the job experience cleaning fire damage and restoration of facilities cannot be overstated. So you can put your trust in the fire damage clean up and restoration specialist working hard at SERVPRO of Ocala and SERVPRO of South Marion County
Lithium Ion Batteries
11/13/2020 (Permalink)
Fire caused by a battery.
There is currently limited data on fire characteristics for Lithium Ion Batteries. However, we can predict that when the battery enters Thermal Runaway, thermal runaway propagation will produce an identifiable mark. The fire may be in a state of gradual burnout or an explosion. Both types of accidents, as well as the negative byproducts (jetted shrapnel, molten metal, burning electrolytes, and other materials) can be managed by setting appropriate storage measures and transportation environments for the batteries.
Thermal Runaway
Thermal Runaway occurs in situations where an increase in temperature causes a further increase in temperature, often leading to a destructive result. It is kind of uncontrolled positive feedback.
Lithium Ion Battery fires occur all over the world. The hazards include the ability to release toxic substances and produce volatile combustion. Lithium battery fires may not be more dangerous than conventional fires but they have their own unique risks.
Heating Season is approaching
10/6/2020 (Permalink)
Even a properly maintained furnace can have a mechanical malfunction. If this happens to you give us a call at 352.732.6630
With the arrival of Fall here in Central Forida many of you are thinking of switching your units from air to heat. Although the length of time that you may actually run your furnace will vary, we here at SERVPRO of Ocala and SERVPRO of South Marion County would like to pass on some tips before you fire that baby up.
- Vacuum: Lint and dust cause a hazard around your furnace.
- Keep Air Flowing: Your furnace needs fresh air to operate. If your furnace doesn't get enough air it may consume oxygen from inside your home.
- Schedule Inspections: You have to keep up to date on yearly inspections to insure your furnace is operating correctly.
- Keep Flammable Items Away: Do not pile papers, rags or any other flammable items next to your furnace.
- Change your Filter: Damaged or clogged filters may cause a breakdown.
- Check Your Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Alarms: Replace batteries at least once a year.
10 Tips to prevent Kitchen Fires!
8/5/2020 (Permalink)
Apartment cooking fire that was extinguished by fire suppression system.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking fires are not only the leading cause of home structure fires, the majority of kitchen fire injuries occur when victims try to fight the fire themselves.
- Stay in the kitchen, don't leave food cooking on the stove unattended.
- Watch your clothing, Long flowing sleeves,large-fitting shirts and even aprons can catch fire.
- Be aware of items around the stovetop, move flammable items away from your stovetop.
- Keep a fire extinguisher in or near your kitchen.
- Change the batteries in your smoke detector, you need to make sure your smoke detector is operable.
- Never throw hot grease in the garbage can, it can cause something in the garbage can to catch on fire.
- Extinguish candles, be sure to extinguish candle flames as soon as you are done in the kitchen.
- Be prepared to put out a fire, the best thing to do if you have a stovetop fire is to put a proper fitting lid over the pan or pot to smother the fire.
- Have an escape plan, include a meeting place once everyone is out of the home.
- Stop, Drop, and Roll, if in the event that you do catch on fire- Stop where you are, Drop to the ground, and Roll.
SERVPRO of Ocala and SERVPRO of South Marion County are here to help you in case you experience fire damage in your home. 352.732.6630
Electrical Safety
7/30/2020 (Permalink)
Be Electrically Safe.
A friendly reminder from your friends here at SERVPRO of Ocala on Electrical Safety.
Home Electrical Fires account for an estimated 51,000 fires each year according to the Electrical Safety Foundation International.
Safety Tips:
- Have all electrical work done by a qualified electrician.
- When buying or remodeling, have an inspection done by a qualified private inspector.
- Only use one heat-producing appliance plugged into an outlet at a time.
- Major appliances should be plugged directly into a wall receptacle. Extension cords and plug strips should not be used.
- Have Arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) installed.
- Use Ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and basements.
- Test both AFCIs and GFCIs onece a month.
- Check electrical cords to make sure they are not cracked, frayed or other wise damaged.
- Use the right wattage light bulbs that your fixtures are rated for.
Fire Damage Tips: SERVPRO of Ocala and South Marion County
12/27/2019 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Ocala and SERVPRO of South Marion County would like to share the following information that may aid you in the chance you suffer a Fire Damage:
Take Care of Yourself and Family Contact your local disaster relief service, such as the American Red Cross or the Salvation Army. They will help you find a place to stay and to find food, clothing, and medicine. Make sure that you have a safe place to live temporarily. Get plenty of rest and ask for help. Do not try to do it all alone.
Help Your Pets Try to leave pets with a family member, friend or veterinarian if you are visiting or cleaning your property. Keep your pets out of the house until the cleanup is complete to keep them safe.
# 1*Safely* - Take pictures of the damage. Ensure your property is secured. If Rental Property, Contact Owner/Landlord Immediately. Call your insurance company. Contact family/friends to let them know you are okay.
Steps to follow: The First Days then, Notify utility companies of incident then, Contact your child(ren)’s school of temporary address/unusual stress awareness then, Contact the local police department to let them know your property is temporarily vacant then, CALL (352) 732-6630 SERVPRO of Ocala and SERVPRO of South Marion County to help you make it “Like it never even happened.®”
SERVPRO of Ocala and SERVPRO of South Marion County offers: • Securing your home against more damage • Estimate/Repair damage of home and renew items of personal property • Store repaired household items until needed
Space Heater Can cause Fire Damage in Ocala, FL
12/3/2019 (Permalink)
Space Heaters Used In Homes
SERVPRO of Ocala and SERVPRO of South Marion County responds all the time to calls where the homeowners were using electric space heaters. Here in Florida the winters are not always that bitter cold so a lot of homes and offices depend on space heaters to warm up small areas. But left unattended these heaters can be are are a cause of deadly destructive fires and smoke damages. The following are a few but important safety tips if you elect to use space heaters this winter.
- Make sure your space heater has the label showing that it is listed by a recognized testing laboratory.
- Before using any space heater, read the manufacturer’s instructions and warning labels carefully.
- Inspect heaters for cracked or broken plugs or loose connections before each use. If frayed, worn or damaged, do not use the heater.
- Never leave a space heater unattended. Turn it off when you're leaving a room or going to sleep, and don't let pets or children play too close to a space heater.
- Space heaters are only meant to provide supplemental heat and should never be used to warm bedding, cook food, dry clothing or thaw pipes.
Smoke Can Damage Your Home in Summerfield, FL.
11/6/2019 (Permalink)
Kitchen turned black from smoke in Summerfield, FL.
When the refrigerator electrical cord short circuited, it cased a small fire in this kitchen. The dry wall and kitchen cabinets caught fire. The smoke from the burning material including the electrical cord caused a thick black smoke. To make matters worse, the air condition was on and caught up the smoke into the HVAC system. This caused a wide spread of the smoke. An electrical fire can be harder to clean than a small wood fire. The reason is the plastic coating of the electrical cord that is a waxy substance burned off and floating the air. This can be sticky and harder to clean. Should you suffer a fire in your home and any of your household items are covered in soot, you should not attempt to clean them yourself. It’s strongly recommended to trust them to SERVPRO of Ocala and SERVPRO of South Marion County in order to prevent further damage. Call 352-732-6630 for Emergency Response.
Even Small Fires Can Cause Large Damage in The Villages, FL.
10/2/2019 (Permalink)
Small but Big in Damage Kitchen Fire
www.SERVPROofocalafl.com
The photo of this seemingly small kitchen fire caused by the microwave under the kitchen cabinets caused a lot of headache for the homeowners. One main reason is the HVAC system was running and picked up the soot, smoke and spread it all thought out the home. Now besides the fire damage to the kitchen cabinets, the odor was horrible to the point that the homeowners had to vacate the house. SERVPRO of Ocala was called out to respond. Everywhere you looked there were signs of fire, smoke and odor damage. The owners were surprised just how much the damage although contained in the kitchen caused the SERVPRO of Ocala professionals to clean the entire house and contents. Visit our SERVPRO of Ocala website to learn more about Fire Cleanup and Odor Removal.
Emergency Ready Plan for Fire Damage, Ocala FL
8/5/2019 (Permalink)
Be Ready for Fire Damage with the SERVPRO ERP App.
Recently Mike Webb, SERVPRO of Ocala marketing Manager and Consultant has been asked to visit communities and share the SERVPRO Emergency Ready Plan App or ERP for short. One such location was a group of high end townhomes that Mike ended up creating an ERP for each owner. The local Community Association Manager who oversees these townhomes asked Mike to do this because of fire damages to these and many other homes in and around Marion County Florida that has happened in the past years. Central Florida is known for being the lighting capital of the U.S. along with other causes of fire damages. So it seemed to be a good idea to have these homeowner's as well as commercial facilities at least aware of the ERP program. Its important to have a plan of action to evacuate the structure during a fire but also a plan to respond quickly to recovery from such a disaster. And that's where the SERVPRO Emergency Ready Plan can really pay off.
Kitchen Fire, Smoke and Odor-Ocala Fl.
7/10/2019 (Permalink)
Strong Odor Throughout This Home
This home in Ocala Florida suffered a kitchen fire from cooking and the oil getting too hot. Flames burst all over the area causing smoke and soot to fly everywhere. Lucky the homeowner was able to put it out but not before it damage the kitchen cabinets and microwave. SERVPRO of Ocala was called in to help. Since 1974 SERVPRO of Ocala has been helping homes and business with all types of fire smoke and soot damage. We have the training and equipment to make fire damage seem "Like it never even happened." We are also trained to help prevent fires, like professional Dryer Vent Cleaning as well as HVAC and Air Duct Cleaning and Sanitizing.
Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Us Today – SERVPRO of Ocala (352)732-6630
Residential Fire-Cooking Tips in Summerfield, FL
12/27/2018 (Permalink)
Increased Fire Damages due to Cooking in 2018
SERVPRO of Ocala and SERVPRO of South Marion County is about to turn 45 years old! Wow, seems like yesterday the Williams were opening their doors for business here in Ocala Florida. Our team of disaster cleanup professionals have seen a lot over that time. But in 2018 our Franchise broke a record and not one to brag about. We have responded to and cleaned up more residential house fires due to cooking. So here are a few tips we at SERVPRO of Ocala and SERVPRO of South Marion County would like to share in the hopes we are never called out to clean up fire, smoke or soot out of your home.
- Beware of Grease. When too hot, grease can catch fire quickly. ...
- Stay Near the Heat Source. ...
- Be Alert. ...
- Be Neat, Clean and Tidy. ...
- Watch those Kids. ...
- Use a Timer. ...
- Dress to Cook. ...
- Give the Grilling Some Space Call us with any Questions or Concerns you may have. Happy-Safe Cooking. Call 352-732-6630
After Photo of Fire Damage Posted on 10/22/2018
11/23/2018 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Ocala fire damage cleanup efforts
SERVPRO of Ocala posted a photo of a commercial fire damage on 10/22/2018 This is what the building looked like after the fire department had put out the fire. The entire 1600 square foot suite was damaged including some of the trusses. SERVPRO of Ocala began the removal of fire damage material including the HVAC System. Beside the flames, heat and smoke damage there were Bio hazard items inside that needed to be properly disposed of as well. SERVPRO of Ocala had our Bio cleanup crew in to dispose of the biohazard materials like hypodermic needles, blood and urine filled sample vials and any medical supplies damaged or undamaged. The photo shows just one area of the speedy cleanup SERVPRO of Ocala professionals where working on.
Fire Damage Cleanup can be worse than the fire itself-Ocala FLf
10/22/2018 (Permalink)
Commercial Fire Damage Cleanup-SERVPRO of Ocala
This multi-suite commercial facility in Ocala, Florida suffered a fire damage. The fire shut down three of the businesses that were open to the public. However the fire really only burnt materials including walls and furniture in one of the suites. The aftermath of a fire can be worse than the fire itself. Water damage, material damage, structure damage, electrical, mechanical, all can be damaged to the point where cleanup is larger than the damage the flames, heat and smoke caused. This is when you need a highly experienced, professional Fire & Water Cleanup and Restoration company like SERVPRO of Ocala. Our team has been cleaning up fire damage and restoring homes and commercial businesses for over 40 years. We understand the trauma a fire damage can cause to life and property.
Business Next door Shut Down by Fire-Ocala FL
10/15/2018 (Permalink)
Smoke and Odor Damage Can Shut Down Your Business
When a fire broke out in an office suite, the business next door was effected as well. Fire fighters had to go into the business next door to help contain and putout the fire. The photo shows ceilings being pulled down in order for the fire fighters to make sure no fire had reached over to this suite. Smoke odor however had filled the suite. This company had to shut down due to the close proximity of the fire and the strong odor. The odor is so bad you could smell it 3 office suites away. Customers could not stand to be in the suite due to the strong odor caused by all types of burning materials. SERVPRO of Ocala is cleaning up both locations getting them ready for new business to occupy.
Fire can Interrupt your Business
8/1/2018 (Permalink)
Fire Damage in a Call Center
SERVPRO of Ocala was called out to this fire which quickly caused a panic and stopped business as usual for all affected. Fire like water can cause a sizable amount of damage and interrupt any operations in a business to the degree that reopening may be days, weeks and months. Fire in particular can be a slow process of cleaning and deodorizing because of fire inspection and safety concerns. Our SERVPRO team cannot always begin emergency cleaning of metal and glass until cleared by authorities. Indoor air quality is a real concern for SERVPRO professionals as smoke and fine soot particles are carried into the HVAC systems and spread through out the facility. But, SERVPRO of Ocala has been cleaning and restoring fire damaged facilities helping businesses of all size get back to "Business as Usual"since 1974!
The Importance of Cleaning Your Dryer Vent
6/3/2018 (Permalink)
Lint and Debris can cause house fires
According to FEMA, failure to clean home dryers causes 34% of home fires. Home dryer fires causes $35 Million in property loss and can even cause injury or death. Clean your Lint Filter BEFORE and AFTER each load and make sure the Outside Vent Flap (if your home has one) will open and is not restricted. We at SERVPRO of Ocala are dedicated to helping homeowners maintain a safe, healthy home by offering a very good discount to clean out your dryer vent whenever you schedule an HVAC & Air Duct Cleaning & Sanitizing Service from us. Our professional SERVPRO team has the training to help Prevent Fires just as we have the training to Clean up and deodorize Fire and Smoke odors. We Here to help since 1974!
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