Archived Fire Damage Blog Posts
Experiencing a Fire
5/26/2022 (Permalink)
Experiencing a fire, whether it’s in your home or your business, can cause great concern and stress for you as the homeowner or business owner. If you carry insurance, did you know that SERVPRO® of Hancock County can help you make a claim. We’ll even work with your insurance throughout the entire process to ensure that you’re going to receive the very best results possible. You can either call us at 419-299-3774 and give us your information, or you can fill out a “Request Help” form on our website!
SERVPRO® of Hancock County is known for their fire damage restoration and cleanup. It’s important to call SERVPRO® of Hancock County, as well as your insurance company, as soon as the fire is put out. The 48 hours following a fire are the most important for SERVPRO® when it comes to assessment, cleanup, and restoration. We have suggestions of local contractors for your rebuild services as well. Our local contractors are highly recommended and will work with your insurance company as well! So, if you’re looking to having an ending result that looks “Like it never even happened,” call SERVPRO® of Hancock County at 419-299-3774.
Smoke and Soot Clean-up in Hancock County
10/18/2021 (Permalink)
Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allow us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage in order to develop a comprehensive plan of action. Creating the correct plan of action will determine the following steps for the job.
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 Hancock County will test the soot to determine the type of smoke damage that has 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 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! 419-299-3774
Fire in Local Businesses
10/6/2021 (Permalink)
Owning a business comes with a long list of responsibilities. One of the most important responsibilities may in fact be to have a fire safety plan set up for your business. You may have products, equipment, and/or materials that are flammable. The last thing you want is a fire in the business that you’ve worked so hard to build up and to put yourself and employees at risk.
Smoke and soot can stick to the contents within your business, but SERVPRO® of Hancock County has industrial quality chemicals and equipment to restore fire damaged items. In some cases, contents may have to be returned to our location for cleaning. You can be rest assured that our professional and friendly technicians will provide a high-quality service to restore your items.
The National Fire Protection Association can provide you with various tips and resources on fire safety, as well as other workplace codes and standards. It’s important that you know and understand the local resources that are available if a fire were to occur. If you’re located in the Hancock County area, and you’ve experienced fire damage, call SERVPRO® of Hancock County within 48 hours of your fire to ensure the best possible cleanup and restoration. The faster that SERVPRO® of Hancock County can arrive to the location, the faster that your business can reopen again!
We can be reached at 419-299-3774
What To Do Until SERVPRO Arrives
10/6/2021 (Permalink)
We understand that a fire in your home can cause stress and interruption for an extended period of time post fire. SERVPRO® of Hancock County provides you with quick and professional service to assure that you can get your life back on track as smoothly and quickly as possible. We’ll not only restore your home, but your peace of mind as well.
Here’s What You Can Do Until SERVPRO® Arrives
-Place clean towels or rugs on the flooring where there may be a high amount of traffic.
-Refrain from shampooing, washing, and cleaning. SERVPRO® of Hancock County will handle all of these services with high quality products and equipment.
-Do not wash clothing yourself. There is a process to removing smoke odor from clothing, blankets, towels, etc.
-Do not enter rooms with standing water. There may be electrical currents running through the water.
*The first 48 hours after a fire can make the difference between restoring your home and items and having to replace those items.*
SERVPRO® of Hancock County is available 24/7 for all your emergency needs. Don't hesitate to call us directly at 419-299-3774 when your disaster strikes.
You do not have to go through this event alone. We're here to help and make it "Like it never even happened."®
Fire Cleanup: What To Expect?
10/6/2021 (Permalink)
From lost valuables to smoke odor, SERVPRO® of Hancock County is here to help. If your home or property has been exposed to fire damage, call us right away at 419-299-3774! Upon arrival to your property, our team will inspect and analyze the damage. Inspection is a very important step in the fire damage restoration process, because it will determine the next steps that our team will take.
For safety purposes, windows and walls that were lost due to the fire will be covered and boarded. If any roofing is missing or damaged, tarps may be placed over those areas. Following the safety walk-through, specialized equipment will be used by our trained technicians to remove soot and smoke from all exposed surfaces.
Any items that are able to be restored will be cleaned and sanitized. Our team uses expert techniques to restore your items to pre-fire conditions. Any smoke odor will be removed using industrial equipment including air scrubbers and fogging equipment.
The final steps in fire cleanup involve the restoration of your property. This could include drywall, paint, and/or carpet and more, depending on the extent of the damage.
We're here to help you through the entire process. If you have any questions, call us at 419-299-3774.
Experiencing A Fire?
9/13/2021 (Permalink)
Experiencing a fire, whether it’s in your home or your business, can cause great concern and stress for you as the homeowner or business owner. If you carry insurance, did you know that SERVPRO® of Hancock County can help you make a claim. We’ll even work with your insurance throughout the entire process to ensure that you’re going to receive the very best results possible. You can either call us at 419-299-3774 and give us your information, or you can fill out a “Request Help” form on our website!
SERVPRO® of Hancock County is known for their fire damage restoration and cleanup. It’s important to call SERVPRO® of Hancock County, as well as your insurance company, as soon as the fire is put out. The 48 hours following a fire are the most important for SERVPRO® when it comes to assessment, cleanup, and restoration. We have suggestions of local contractors for your rebuild services as well. Our local contractors are highly recommended and will work with your insurance company as well! So, if you’re looking to having an ending result that looks "Like it never even happened,"® call SERVPRO® of Hancock County at 419-299-3774.
Experiencing a Fire? We Can Help!
2/27/2020 (Permalink)
From lost valuables to smoke odor, SERVPRO® of Hancock County is here to help. If your home or property has been exposed to fire damage, call us right away at 419-299-3774! Upon arrival to your property, our team will inspect and analyze the damage. Inspection is a very important step in the fire damage restoration process, because it will determine the next steps that our team will take.
For safety purposes, windows and walls that were lost due to the fire will be covered and boarded. If any roofing is missing or damaged, tarps may be placed over those areas. Following the safety walk-through, specialized equipment will be used by our trained technicians to remove soot and smoke from all exposed surfaces.
Any items that are able to be restored will be cleaned and sanitized. Our team uses expert techniques to restore your items to pre-fire conditions. Any smoke odor will be removed using industrial equipment including air scrubbers and fogging equipment.
The final steps in fire cleanup involve the restoration of your property. This could include drywall, paint, and/or carpet and more, depending on the extent of the damage.
We're here to help you through the entire process. If you have any questions, call us at 419-299-3774
Smoke and Soot
2/18/2020 (Permalink)
Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allow us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage in order to develop a comprehensive plan of action. Creating the correct plan of action will determine the following steps for the job.
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 Hancock County will test the soot to determine the type of smoke damage that has 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 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! 419-299-3774
The way a home is restored after a fire!
1/24/2020 (Permalink)
A fire–and the smoke that’s generated –impacts specific aspects of a house differently and therefore each area may call for a different method of sanitizing, restoring or rebuilding.
You may not be able to observe the extent of the fire damage because often it has occurred in areas that aren’t visible, such as behind walls and in the attic or it has affected the structural, electrical or plumbing systems.
Even walls or surfaces that are not in the same room where the fire originated can be damaged.
In addition, surfaces with smoke damage and soot require special cleaning agents, as ordinary household cleaning products can be ineffective or may even cause additional damage.
If water damage happens –from extinguishing the flames or if the sprinkler system goes off through the fire then there is a potential for mold growth, which may also have to be addressed in addition to fire and smoke damage.
If you experience a fire and need a clean up done do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of Hancock County at 419-299-3774.
What to do while waiting on SERVPRO after a fire!
1/22/2020 (Permalink)
The steps you take immediately after a fire, especially within the first 24 hours, can determine whether or not you successfully restore your property and belongings. Your actions also have an impact on your health and safety, as there are many hazards to be aware of during the cleanup and restoration.
The smoke and soot left behind after a fire can be extremely hazardous and even cost lives. In fact, smoke inhalation is the leading cause of death amongst fire victims. Soot inhalation can cause severe illness or death as well.
Your first priority is to have a qualified fire damage restoration specialist come right away to assess the damage and ensure that the proper steps are taken as quickly as possible.
Get clearance from the Fire Marshal before obtaining access into the building.
When entering a building after a house fire, always wear a protective face mask to prevent inhaling any lingering residue from the smoke.
Relocate pets and children to other lodgings if the fire residues are too heavy.
Open windows for ventilation if weather permits.
Stay away from any damaged areas that may be unsafe, including carpeting or furniture that has residue from the fire.
Take videos or pictures of the damage sustained as soon as possible.
Hire a qualified contractor to board up broken windows, open doors, holes in the roof and other open areas in order to prevent additional damage from vandalism, bad weather or theft.
Dispose of open food containers and contaminated foods, as well as food items and canned foods that were exposed to the heat. Do not use contaminated dishware or utensils, which should be inspected by a fire damage specialist, who will determine whether or not they are salvageable or will need to be disposed of.
Make a list of everything that has been damaged for your insurance carrier.
Don’t use any computers, TVs or other electrical appliances, as shorts in the wiring can cause electrocution. Empty your refrigerator and freezer of their contents and prop open the doors to allow for proper ventilation.
Send receipts for any necessary temporary repairs made to your insurance carrier for reimbursement purposes.
Wait until your insurance adjuster has seen the damage before you make any permanent replacements or repairs.
Don’t attempt to clean off smoke and soot residues from surfaces on your own.
Do you know what the fire damage legal liability is?
1/21/2020 (Permalink)
Fire damage legal liability means that the insured party is responsible for any fire damage caused to rental property. Because the rider designates legal liability, it must be determined that the insured caused the fire for the coverage to apply.
Business Coverage Applications
Fire damage legal liability applies to commercial or industrial space and/or equipment that a business owner rents for a business. It also applies to residential, commercial or industrial space and/or equipment that a business owner leases. The coverage can extend into rented garage space or any other property designated to be within the insured’s control.
Liability Coverage Amount
It is important to determine the exact value of the rented space and/or equipment to ensure that the fire damage legal liability covers the full amount. For example, if a $100,000 rental space were destroyed by a lessee’s fire, a $50,000 rider would not fully cover the damages caused to the rental property.
What to do and what not to do AFTER a fire.
1/20/2020 (Permalink)
What to do:
- 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.
What NOT to do:
- Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting a 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 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.
Fire Safety for Spring Time
3/19/2019 (Permalink)
Spring Fire Safety
The warm weather is almost upon us. I’m sure you have plans involving outdoor activities, vacations, gardening, and more! Need a few more to add to that list of yours? Try a fire safety Spring clean out!
- Having a garage, basement, or attic full of old and unwanted papers can cause you much more damage than you think. If you were to experience a fire, those papers would only add fuel to the flames! Unnecessary or unwanted items can be thrown out, sold, or donated to a local charity.
- Check your fire detector batteries regularly. Never use old or borrowed batteries. It's recommended to automatically change your batteries at time changes. Don't forget to change the carbon monoxide detector!
- Many people own extra containers of gasoline. If this is true for you as well, it’s important that you store the gasoline outside of your home. It’s recommended to be kept in a shed or garage, in an easily accessible spot.
- Barbecues are great for family and friends! Be sure to check your propane tanks for leaks and cracks.
As always, if you find yourself in the midst of a fire, call 9-1-1 immediately. Then, call SERVPRO® of Hancock County for your clean up and restoration services!
Red Cross Sound the Alarm
3/19/2019 (Permalink)
Sound the Alarm
Every year, the Red Cross installs new fire alarms in the homes of community members. This is something that the organization does yearly, and it is free to those who sign up. It’s extremely important to make sure your fire alarms work properly throughout the year. Dust and dirt build up can cause sensor issues, old and run down batteries can cause it to not work at all, and both of these issues can lead to harm for your home and family.
Check out their web page at:
Sound The Alarm
If you’re interested in signing up for the Home Fire Campaign as a volunteer, Sign Up Here
If you’re interested in signing up to have a fire alarm installed in your home, contact the local Red Cross at 419-422-9322.
In the event of a fire, first call 9-1-1, then call SERVPRO® of Hancock County at 419-299-3774 for your restoration and clean up needs.
About the Home Fire Campaign
Every day, 7 people die in home fires and tragically, most victims die in homes that don’t have working smoke alarms. The Red Cross wants to do everything we can to prevent these needless tragedies - that’s why we launched our Home Fire Campaign. Volunteer participants work alongside fire departments and other local groups, canvassing at-risk neighborhoods to install free smoke alarms, replace batteries in existing alarms, educate families about fire prevention and safety, and fundraiser for this lifesaving mission.
In just four years, these efforts have saved hundreds of lives and made hundreds of thousands of households safer.
Smoke and Soot Clean Up In Hancock County
1/10/2019 (Permalink)
Fire Damaged home in Hancock County
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 allow us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage in order to develop a comprehensive plan of action. Creating the correct plan of action will determine the following steps for the job.
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 Hancock County will test the soot to determine the type of smoke damage that has 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 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! 419-299-3774
Fire Cleanup: What to Expect
1/10/2019 (Permalink)
A Fire Damaged Home
From lost valuables to smoke odor, SERVPRO® of Hancock County is here to help. If your home or property has been exposed to fire damage, call us right away at 419-299-3774! Upon arrival to your property, our team will inspect and analyze the damage. Inspection is a very important step in the fire damage restoration process, because it will determine the next steps that our team will take.
For safety purposes, windows and walls that were lost due to the fire will be covered and boarded. If any roofing is missing or damaged, tarps may be placed over those areas. Following the safety walk-through, specialized equipment will be used by our trained technicians to remove soot and smoke from all exposed surfaces.
Any items that are able to be restored will be cleaned and sanitized. Our team uses expert techniques to restore your items to pre-fire conditions. Any smoke odor will be removed using industrial equipment including air scrubbers and fogging equipment.
The final steps in fire cleanup involve the restoration of your property. This could include drywall, paint, and/or carpet and more, depending on the extent of the damage.
We're here to help you through the entire process. If you have any questions, call us at 419-299-3774.
What Do To Until SERVPRO® Arrives
1/10/2019 (Permalink)
We understand that a fire in your home can cause stress and interruption for an extended period of time post fire. SERVPRO® of Hancock County provides you with quick and professional service to assure that you can get your life back on track as smoothly and quickly as possible. We’ll not only restore your home, but your peace of mind as well.
Here’s What You Can Do Until SERVPRO® Arrives
-Place clean towels or rugs on the flooring where there may be a high amount of traffic.
-Refrain from shampooing, washing, and cleaning. SERVPRO® of Hancock County will handle all of these services with high quality products and equipment.
-Do not wash clothing yourself. There is a process to removing smoke odor from clothing, blankets, towels, etc.
-Do not enter rooms with standing water. There may be electrical currents running through the water.
*The first 48 hours after a fire can make the difference between restoring your home and items and having to replace those items.*
SERVPRO® of Hancock County is available 24/7 for all your emergency needs. Don't hesitate to call us directly at 419-299-3774 when your disaster strikes. You can also reach our Production Manager, Chase Perkins, with any questions at:
cperkins@SERVPROhancockcounty.com
You do not have to go through this event alone. We're here to help and make it "Like It Never Even Happened®".
Fire in Local Businesses
1/10/2019 (Permalink)
Owning a business comes with a long list of responsibilities. One of the most important responsibilities may in fact be to have a fire safety plan set up for your business. You may have products, equipment, and/or materials that are flammable. The last thing you want is a fire in the business that you’ve worked so hard to build up and to put yourself and employees at risk.
Smoke and soot can stick to the contents within your business, but SERVPRO® of Hancock County has industrial quality chemicals and equipment to restore fire damaged items. In some cases, contents may have to be returned to our location for cleaning. You can be rest assured that our professional and friendly technicians will provide a high-quality service to restore your items.
The National Fire Protection Association can provide you with various tips and resources on fire safety, as well as other workplace codes and standards. It’s important that you know and understand the local resources that are available if a fire were to occur. If you’re located in the Hancock County area, and you’ve experienced fire damage, call SERVPRO® of Hancock County within 48 hours of your fire to ensure the best possible cleanup and restoration. The faster that SERVPRO® of Hancock County can arrive to the location, the faster that your business can reopen again!
We can be reached at 419-299-3774 or by emailing our Production Manager, Chase Perkins at cperkins@SERVPROhancockcounty.com