What Do I Do Now That the Fire Is Out?

1/3/2022 (Permalink)

Having a fire in your building is something that you never would have imagined could happen to you, but it did. You will likely want to work closely with your fire insurance company to assess the damage. In addition to the problems caused by fire and water, there may be an abundance of smoke damage. Starting on cleanup right away can help reduce the consequences of a commercial fire.

What Can You Do?

It is important that you leave fire restoration to the experts. Restrict movement in the building to avoid increasing damage. Do not attempt to clean items yourself or remove things until they have been examined by a professional.

What Happens Next?

A highly trained and professional restoration team will create a tailored project plan for you after a complete site survey and assessment. Priority will be mitigation of further harm to your building. The team will quickly secure your property to ensure that more damage does not occur. Drying out the facility comes next, followed by disinfecting, smoke cleaning and removing odor caused by the fire. Trained technicians will work to identify the source of any lingering odors and use the proper tools to eliminate them. Work with a company that will also repair versus replace where possible.

Your business is important to you, so get the help you need. Do not try to start cleanup on your own. Working on your fire restoration with a trained team will help things go more smoothly and can greatly reduce your stress so you can get back to business sooner.

Outdoor Electric Safety Tips for Citrus

12/21/2021 (Permalink)

Lots of homes and businesses use outdoor lighting each year. The winter holiday season brings even more outdoor lighting activity as Citrus residents deck their homes with lights. SERVPRO® of Citrus County wants everyone to have a safe and fire-free winter and offer these tips from the National Fire Protection Association for outdoor electrical work and equipment safety:

Outside Electrical Work

• Have a qualified electrician do all electrical work
• To prevent an electrical shock, make sure all your outside electrical receptacles are ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected
• Have a professional tree cutting service trim any branches that might fall into electric wiring

Equipment Safety

• Use lighting and power tools that are listed by a qualified test laboratory and make sure they are made for outdoor use
• Store your electrical tools indoors
• Keep electric tools away from children
• Keep the area around your electric meter and other electrical equipment clean
• Check lighting and extension cords for damage before using. Replace any damaged cords right away
• Use extension cords that are listed by a qualified test laboratory and are marked for outdoor use.
• Extension cords are not meant for long-term use

Call Us Today!

The Leading Causes of Home Fires | SERVPRO® of Citrus County

12/21/2021 (Permalink)

Fires begin due to a number of causes, ranging from the careless to the intentional. And anytime heat sources are used or misused, there’s a risk of an errant flame taking off.

Despite all the advertising and education that’s gone into home fire safety and prevention, fires in the home still account for a quarter of all reported fires in the United States each year.

So let’s do some digging. What’s behind all these home fires, and how many of them could be prevented? Maybe this article will finally be the one that turns the tide.

Cooking. The overwhelming leader in home fires is cooking. Some cooking fires are avoidable, though—in fact, most are. The top cause of cooking fires? Unattended cooking. Taken into actionable steps, that means that the No. 1 thing you can do to make your house safer from fire is to be more careful when you cook, and never leave your stovetop or grill alone.

Heating equipment. Heating equipment causes the second highest number of home fires. While some of it is caused by equipment failure, much of this cause comes in the form of portable space heaters, which are prone to tipping over, overheating or overloading circuits. And of course, any heater is capable of setting fire to objects or materials that sit closer than three feet away.

Electrical fires. Some electrical fires hide behind your walls and are difficult to catch. But routine maintenance and inspection can reveal problems present and forthcoming—so can responsible use of extension cords, lighting and wattage limitations.

Intentional fires. It’s unnerving to think about it, but a surprising 28,000 intentional home fires are started each year. This doesn’t include fires started for a regular purpose that get out of hand, only fires started with the intent of burning a piece of property.

Smoking materials. Fires caused by smoking materials make up only 5% of home fires, but they make up more than a quarter of all home fire deaths. Smoking fires often happen because cigarettes are dropped or remain lit as individuals lie in bed, creating both fire and carbon monoxide hazards.

Regardless of the cause, SERVPRO is here for you if your home is affected by fire. Contact us at 352-522-1053 so we can help. 

Content Cleaning and Management on Fire Losses

12/21/2021 (Permalink)

Fire and smoke can end up effecting nearly every inch of a property including all the interior contents. Smoke odor, soot, and debris can cover everything. We take special care to handle our customers possessions, knowing that to a certain degree "we are our stuff" People's items are a part of their lives, memories, and family heirlooms, making it all the more tragic in the events where a fire consumes everything. So we take preserving, salvaging and cleaning contents seriously. 

When contents get thoroughly effected by fire and smoke, it becomes necessary to remove the contents from the home for specialty cleaning. Contents are stored in controlled facilities, where we can focus on wiping and cleaning each piece, from large furniture and artwork, to electronics and small pieces like China and glass menagerie.

Drapes and linens also require specialty care, and again we have cultivated relationships with well vetted dry cleaners and special cleaners for such items as vintage handcrafted and dyed rugs.

We truly love to be able to see the sense of relief that people have when we are able to deliver their personal belongings back to them in good condition.

"Like it never even happened."

Need Fire Damage Restoration in Citrus– Don’t Wait for First Responders to Leave – Call SERVPRO

12/13/2021 (Permalink)

The fire department must make sure that all occupants of a home in Citrus are safe and the fire is completely extinguished before they can leave the site of a fire. First responders, like the fire department, have a huge responsibility to keep us safe. They respond to many emergencies, including fires in homes, small businesses, and commercial properties. We are very grateful for their response and the work they do.

SERVPRO can be onsite in less than four hours from your call for fire damage restoration; however, before we can enter the property, first responders must give the green light for our teams and inspectors to enter the building. They make sure the fire is out, and the building is structurally safe for our technicians and anyone else to enter the building.

Once SERVPRO receives the green light to enter, we immediately begin scoping the situation. For example, we can take mitigation action to control further secondary damage, remove debris and damaged structure, remove water, and subsequent drying of the damaged area cleaning and smoke odor removal. There is typically a great deal to do after a fire. Fast response and action can significantly reduce the total damage if water removal, drying, and cleaning begin as quickly as possible.

Among the services SERVPRO provides residents of Citrus after a fire are the following:

• Fire and smoke damage restoration and cleanup
• Water damage mitigation to prevent secondary damage
• House fire cleanup
• Debris removal

How to Select a Fire Extinguisher

6/24/2021 (Permalink)

One of the surest safeguards against a residential or commercial fire is a well-placed fire extinguisher. However, different types are required to put out different kinds of fire. Keep in mind the following facts when purchasing a fire extinguisher.

A-Type

The first type of extinguisher rating is the “A” classification, which means that it is an effective fire suppressant against ordinary combustibles. A typical home fire in a garbage can or wood pile is of this type. A water-based extinguisher will usually only be rated for this type of fire.

 B-Type

Oil-based fires comprise the “B” classification. It is important not to use a water-filled fire extinguisher on an oil fire, as this can cause it to spread laterally while the flaming oil floats on top of the water. 

C-Type

The “C” classification involves combustible fumes, such as those from gasoline or aerosols. Carbon dioxide, foam and power-based extinguishers are the most common types rated to deal with these fires. 

An extinguisher rated to put out an electrical fire is also C Rated and is essential for fire suppression. Most of the above powder and foam types of extinguishers can put out an electrical fire, since these materials coat the surface of the appliance and prevent oxygen from reaching the burning components. Any electrical fire that gets out of hand should be abandoned. 

Remember that many smaller and more affordable fire extinguisher models are only designed for a single use. Larger ones with a capacity indicator on the handle can be used multiple times, but they must be refilled. Many extinguishers are rated to handle multiple fire types, so choose one with the versatility necessary for your home or business.

SERVPRO of Citrus County is a full fire restoration company and we can bring the affected area back to its original condition.

"Like it never even happened."

Deep Fryer Safety

10/28/2020 (Permalink)

According to the National Fire Protection Association, deep fryer fires cause an average of 5 deaths, 60 injuries, and more than $15 million in property damage each year. Deep fryers are great for cooking up some delicious food for gatherings, etc. But, frying is more dangerous than any other type of cooking because it involves cooking oil and grease. Not to mention, deep fryers involve larger quantities of hot cooking oil, so it creates a higher risk of injury and loss.

To avoid a fire, please follow these safety tips provided by The National Fire Protection Association:

• Always use cooking equipment tested and approved by a recognized testing facility.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and code requirements when installing and operating cooking equipment.
• Plug cooking appliances directly into an outlet. Never use an extension cord for a cooking appliance as it can overload the circuit and cause a fire. Watch what you heat!
• The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking. Stay in the kitchen when you are frying food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the deep fryer.
• Do not use too much deep-frying oil. Having too much will result in excessive spillage.
• Stay alert! To prevent cooking fires, you must be alert.
• Keep the deep fryer clean and change cooking oil regularly.
• Keep pets away to prevent them from knocking over the deep fryer or knocking something onto or into the deep fryer.
• Keep anything that can catch fire – potholders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, boxes, food packaging, towels, or curtains – away from your deep fryer.

If you happen to have damage from a fryer fire, we have specialized equipment, specific training, and certifications that allow us to restore your home to pre-fire conditions "Like it never even happened."

Halloween Fire Safety Tips

10/22/2020 (Permalink)

Unfortunately, symbols of Halloween and activities while fun can also present fire risks that have the potential to become truly scary. Halloween decorations are the first thing to ignite in over 1,000 reported home fires each year. Whether you are trick or treating, throwing a party, or staying inside, decorations can be a lurking fire risk and it is important to be aware. Planning ahead, you can help make this Halloween a fire-safe one. Taking simple fire safety precautions like keeping decorations far away from open flames and using battery-operated candles or glow-sticks in jack-o-lanterns can help ensure your holiday remains festive and fun.  From the National Fire Protection Association, here are five Halloween fire safety tips:

• Use a battery-operated candle or glow stick in jack-o-lanterns.
• When choosing costumes, stay away from the long trailing fabric.
• Teach young children to stay away from open flames, including jack-o-lanterns with candles in them.
• Keep all decorations away from open flames, especially cornstalks, dried flowers, and crepe paper.
• Provide young children with glow sticks or flashlights to carry with their costumes.
• Remember to keep all exits clear of decorations so escape routes are not blocked. Also, make sure all smoke alarms are working properly.

Everyone here at SERVPRO of Citrus County wants to ensure your Halloween is safe and fun! Follow these steps to enjoy your Halloween season. In the case of an emergency, know that the team at SERVPRO of Citrus County is going to work around the clock to help keep your Halloween season a good one!

Tips to Keep Your Home Safe from Fire This Fall

10/22/2020 (Permalink)

Are you ready for fall? Many people look forward to changing leaves, cooler days, and fall sports like football. They also enjoy traditional fall activities like Halloween parties and visiting pumpkin patches or apple orchards.

But did you know that fall carries the highest risk for house fires to start? According to the American Red Cross, statistically, most house fires happen in the fall and winter months.

Luckily there are steps you can take to lower your risk of a fire starting in your home. The first one is actually very simple. Just check the batteries in your home’s smoke detectors.

Working smoke detectors help keep your home and family safe. Experts recommend having a smoke detector in every bedroom.

If you have issues remembering when you need to change your smoke detector batteries, a good rule of thumb is to switch them every spring and fall when you change your clocks.

Don’t Forget Basic Fire Safety

Do you enjoy a big, happy bonfire with family and friends? If you do, you aren’t alone.

Bonfires are one of the most popular American fall activities. (And they’re a great way to make s’ mores.) But if they aren’t properly attended, they can turn a fun night out into an accident waiting to happen.

Supervising a bonfire safely really comes down to keeping an eye on the fire. Don’t leave a fire burning by itself in your yard. If you’re done for the night, be sure to put out your bonfire so it doesn’t cause any unintended damage.

If there’s a fireplace in your home, then using it becomes more tempting on chilly fall nights. Before you light your first fire this fall, have a professional check out your chimney and fireplace to be sure it’s safe.

You don’t want to light a fire in a fireplace when the chimney is clogged or damaged. Having them check the condition of your home’s other heating units (like your furnace) can also help prevent fires caused by maintenance problems.

We’re Here if You Need Us

If an accident happens at your home this fall and you need help restoring fire or smoke damage, you don’t have to look far.

Our team is always ready to help you if a fire damages your home. Local experts can guide you through the fire restoration process and help get your home back in top shape.

We’re here to talk with you ^24/7 if you need to learn more about our fire restoration process.

Citrus County Smoke and Soot Cleanup

3/10/2020 (Permalink)

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

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 Citrus 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 – (352)-533-1053