Fire Preparedness

4/14/2022 (Permalink)

Fire preparedness is a habit you should be in at all times of the year, but as winter approaches, it is a time to be especially vigilant. House fires occur most often in the winter months, according to the Red Cross.

Now is a great time to review and rehearse your household’s fire escape plan, and you also may want to consider researching restoration companies. If you suffer a home fire, knowing who you can call once the flames are extinguished can help your repairs happen more quickly so your home can be back to its condition before the fire occurred.

Our Home Fire Restoration Process

When doing a restoration job after a home fire, we understand the importance of making sure it is done correctly. There are several aspects that must be considered, including damage to structures, belongings and even the air supply of your home. By taking all this into consideration, we are able to utilize the following methods to provide you with restoration:

Structural Cleaning

Restoring the structural elements of a home consists of cleaning and repairing any floors, drywall portions or other sections that have been impacted. We will first perform tests to determine how your damage is spread through the home and what work should be done, then our technicians will begin taking action to remove the soot, smoke and flames from these items.

Content Cleaning

In most cases of damage to your belongings, it is more cost-effective to have them restored rather than to replace them. We use advanced cleaning tools with both wet and dry cleaning methodology in order to restore the items we are able to in your home. We can typically handle everything from upholstery to wood furniture to electronics, making sure you can keep the majority of the items you love.

Deodorization Services

While the damage to structures and contents is visible, there is also air quality damage that fires can cause. Not only can smoke odors linger for a long time throughout the home, but the airborne soot particles left behind can lead to serious health issues later on. We make use of air scrubbers and other tools to deodorize and purify the air, ensuring all smoke smells and hazardous soot particles get removed.

If you’ve been affected by a fire, reach out to us right away! We are here ²⁴⁄₇ to help you recover.

Fire Preparedness

4/14/2022 (Permalink)

Fire preparedness is a habit you should be in at all times of the year, but as winter approaches, it is a time to be especially vigilant. House fires occur most often in the winter months, according to the Red Cross.

Now is a great time to review and rehearse your household’s fire escape plan, and you also may want to consider researching restoration companies. If you suffer a home fire, knowing who you can call once the flames are extinguished can help your repairs happen more quickly so your home can be back to its condition before the fire occurred.

Our Home Fire Restoration Process

When doing a restoration job after a home fire, we understand the importance of making sure it is done correctly. There are several aspects that must be considered, including damage to structures, belongings and even the air supply of your home. By taking all this into consideration, we are able to utilize the following methods to provide you with restoration:

Structural Cleaning

Restoring the structural elements of a home consists of cleaning and repairing any floors, drywall portions or other sections that have been impacted. We will first perform tests to determine how your damage is spread through the home and what work should be done, then our technicians will begin taking action to remove the soot, smoke and flames from these items.

Content Cleaning

In most cases of damage to your belongings, it is more cost-effective to have them restored rather than to replace them. We use advanced cleaning tools with both wet and dry cleaning methodology in order to restore the items we are able to in your home. We can typically handle everything from upholstery to wood furniture to electronics, making sure you can keep the majority of the items you love.

Deodorization Services

While the damage to structures and contents is visible, there is also air quality damage that fires can cause. Not only can smoke odors linger for a long time throughout the home, but the airborne soot particles left behind can lead to serious health issues later on. We make use of air scrubbers and other tools to deodorize and purify the air, ensuring all smoke smells and hazardous soot particles get removed.

If you’ve been affected by a fire, reach out to us right away! We are here ²⁴⁄₇ to help you recover.

Fire Preparedness

4/14/2022 (Permalink)

Fire preparedness is a habit you should be in at all times of the year, but as winter approaches, it is a time to be especially vigilant. House fires occur most often in the winter months, according to the Red Cross.

Now is a great time to review and rehearse your household’s fire escape plan, and you also may want to consider researching restoration companies. If you suffer a home fire, knowing who you can call once the flames are extinguished can help your repairs happen more quickly so your home can be back to its condition before the fire occurred.

Our Home Fire Restoration Process

When doing a restoration job after a home fire, we understand the importance of making sure it is done correctly. There are several aspects that must be considered, including damage to structures, belongings and even the air supply of your home. By taking all this into consideration, we are able to utilize the following methods to provide you with restoration:

Structural Cleaning

Restoring the structural elements of a home consists of cleaning and repairing any floors, drywall portions or other sections that have been impacted. We will first perform tests to determine how your damage is spread through the home and what work should be done, then our technicians will begin taking action to remove the soot, smoke and flames from these items.

Content Cleaning

In most cases of damage to your belongings, it is more cost-effective to have them restored rather than to replace them. We use advanced cleaning tools with both wet and dry cleaning methodology in order to restore the items we are able to in your home. We can typically handle everything from upholstery to wood furniture to electronics, making sure you can keep the majority of the items you love.

Deodorization Services

While the damage to structures and contents is visible, there is also air quality damage that fires can cause. Not only can smoke odors linger for a long time throughout the home, but the airborne soot particles left behind can lead to serious health issues later on. We make use of air scrubbers and other tools to deodorize and purify the air, ensuring all smoke smells and hazardous soot particles get removed.

If you’ve been affected by a fire, reach out to us right away! We are here ²⁴⁄₇ to help you recover.

Happy Thanksgiving! Keep This in Mind Before Deep Frying That Turkey!

11/24/2021 (Permalink)

Every holiday people are lured in by the promise of moist, sweet turkey meat and the deep turkey fryer has become an increasingly popular way to make a Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. However, cooking up Tom the Turkey in a vat of boiling oil does come with many dangers.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, every year deep-fryer fires are responsible for five deaths, 60 injuries, the destruction of 900 homes and more than $15 million in property damage.

Therefore it is most important to follow a few safety precautions if you choose to fry a turkey for the holidays.

Don’t Deep Fry a Frozen Turkey

Frozen turkeys are full of moisture, and we all know how water and hot oil don’t mix well. Make sure that your turkey is completely thawed before trying to fry it.

Turkey Fryers can Easily Tip Over

Be sure that you place your turkey fryer on solid footing so that it will not tip over, spilling hot cooking oil over a large area.

Don’t Let Oil Get Too Hot

When oil gets around 400-425 degrees it can catch on fire by itself. Most fryers do not have thermostat controls, and it would be prudent to have a thermometer to make sure you keep the oil below 400 degrees.

Don’t Use Too Much Oil

An overfilled cooking pot can cause oil to spill when the turkey is put in, and when the oil runs down next to the flame on the burner, a catastrophic fire could result.

Never Deep-Fry Indoors or in a Garage

The best place to use a turkey fryer is on a level spot out in your yard away from the house or anything flammable.

May these tips help you and your family to enjoy a safe holiday with a delicious fried turkey. Remember to call SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain/Clarkston if you have any water, fire or mold problems during the holidays. Call us at 770-496-1976. We can help 24/7.

Happy Thanksgiving! Keep This in Mind Before Deep Frying That Turkey!

11/24/2021 (Permalink)

Every holiday people are lured in by the promise of moist, sweet turkey meat and the deep turkey fryer has become an increasingly popular way to make a Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. However, cooking up Tom the Turkey in a vat of boiling oil does come with many dangers.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, every year deep-fryer fires are responsible for five deaths, 60 injuries, the destruction of 900 homes and more than $15 million in property damage.

Therefore it is most important to follow a few safety precautions if you choose to fry a turkey for the holidays.

Don’t Deep Fry a Frozen Turkey

Frozen turkeys are full of moisture, and we all know how water and hot oil don’t mix well. Make sure that your turkey is completely thawed before trying to fry it.

Turkey Fryers can Easily Tip Over

Be sure that you place your turkey fryer on solid footing so that it will not tip over, spilling hot cooking oil over a large area.

Don’t Let Oil Get Too Hot

When oil gets around 400-425 degrees it can catch on fire by itself. Most fryers do not have thermostat controls, and it would be prudent to have a thermometer to make sure you keep the oil below 400 degrees.

Don’t Use Too Much Oil

An overfilled cooking pot can cause oil to spill when the turkey is put in, and when the oil runs down next to the flame on the burner, a catastrophic fire could result.

Never Deep-Fry Indoors or in a Garage

The best place to use a turkey fryer is on a level spot out in your yard away from the house or anything flammable.

May these tips help you and your family to enjoy a safe holiday with a delicious fried turkey. Remember to call SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain/Clarkston if you have any water, fire or mold problems during the holidays. Call us at 770-496-1976. We can help 24/7.

Happy Thanksgiving! Keep This in Mind Before Deep Frying That Turkey!

11/24/2021 (Permalink)

Every holiday people are lured in by the promise of moist, sweet turkey meat and the deep turkey fryer has become an increasingly popular way to make a Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. However, cooking up Tom the Turkey in a vat of boiling oil does come with many dangers.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, every year deep-fryer fires are responsible for five deaths, 60 injuries, the destruction of 900 homes and more than $15 million in property damage.

Therefore it is most important to follow a few safety precautions if you choose to fry a turkey for the holidays.

Don’t Deep Fry a Frozen Turkey

Frozen turkeys are full of moisture, and we all know how water and hot oil don’t mix well. Make sure that your turkey is completely thawed before trying to fry it.

Turkey Fryers can Easily Tip Over

Be sure that you place your turkey fryer on solid footing so that it will not tip over, spilling hot cooking oil over a large area.

Don’t Let Oil Get Too Hot

When oil gets around 400-425 degrees it can catch on fire by itself. Most fryers do not have thermostat controls, and it would be prudent to have a thermometer to make sure you keep the oil below 400 degrees.

Don’t Use Too Much Oil

An overfilled cooking pot can cause oil to spill when the turkey is put in, and when the oil runs down next to the flame on the burner, a catastrophic fire could result.

Never Deep-Fry Indoors or in a Garage

The best place to use a turkey fryer is on a level spot out in your yard away from the house or anything flammable.

May these tips help you and your family to enjoy a safe holiday with a delicious fried turkey. Remember to call SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain/Clarkston if you have any water, fire or mold problems during the holidays. Call us at 770-496-1976. We can help 24/7.

Fall is in the air, so are Fire Hazards!

10/8/2021 (Permalink)

Y’all feel it? The sweltering summer heat and dripping-wet humidity are finally backing off, leaves are showing their colors, and there are football games popping up everywhere.

Yes, everything is in place for the triumphant return of fall. Final warm-day plans are in place, and orange and brown decorations are going up everywhere.

As you welcome in the mild, crisp autumn air, let fire safety for the new season be part of your plans as well.

Campfire Safety

Fall may be the best time of year for camping. You’ll likely start a fire for nighttime warmth or roasting s’mores, but be sure that you both build and extinguish it safely.

Make sure any structures, tents or vehicles are at least 25 feet away. Only light your kindling with a normal lighter or matches; never employ the use of kerosene or lighter fluid to start or accelerate your fire. Then you can safely build the rest of your fire.

Never leave your fire to burn by itself while you’re out hiking, and extinguish it completely before you break camp by dousing it repeatedly until there are no embers remaining.

Leaf Burning

By now, your front yard is likely covered with dead leaves, and you want those gone for the sake of your grass. You have a few options—have them hauled away, mulch or compost them, or burn them.

If you opt to burn your trimmings and leaves, be sure you first acquire a permit from Georgia Forestry, and alert your local fire station that you’ll be burning.

Also, be aware that it’s illegal and hazardous to burn anything like household garbage, or anything inorganic.

If you have a metal barrel in which to burn your leaves, that’s best. And make sure your fire is safely away (50 feet or more) from your home or any flammable structures.

Halloween

We’ll likely get into more detail on this later, but as you decorate, keep fire safety in mind.

Hanging decorations and cobwebs during the season of pumpkin-scented candles and bonfires can be more dangerous than you realize, especially if you’re hosting spooky-season parties with adult beverages involved.

If a fire hazard should turn from potential to reality in your home, remember the trusted leader in the recovery industry and contact SERVPRO to get your property fully restored right down to the smell of smoke.

Fall is in the air, so are Fire Hazards!

10/8/2021 (Permalink)

Y’all feel it? The sweltering summer heat and dripping-wet humidity are finally backing off, leaves are showing their colors, and there are football games popping up everywhere.

Yes, everything is in place for the triumphant return of fall. Final warm-day plans are in place, and orange and brown decorations are going up everywhere.

As you welcome in the mild, crisp autumn air, let fire safety for the new season be part of your plans as well.

Campfire Safety

Fall may be the best time of year for camping. You’ll likely start a fire for nighttime warmth or roasting s’mores, but be sure that you both build and extinguish it safely.

Make sure any structures, tents or vehicles are at least 25 feet away. Only light your kindling with a normal lighter or matches; never employ the use of kerosene or lighter fluid to start or accelerate your fire. Then you can safely build the rest of your fire.

Never leave your fire to burn by itself while you’re out hiking, and extinguish it completely before you break camp by dousing it repeatedly until there are no embers remaining.

Leaf Burning

By now, your front yard is likely covered with dead leaves, and you want those gone for the sake of your grass. You have a few options—have them hauled away, mulch or compost them, or burn them.

If you opt to burn your trimmings and leaves, be sure you first acquire a permit from Georgia Forestry, and alert your local fire station that you’ll be burning.

Also, be aware that it’s illegal and hazardous to burn anything like household garbage, or anything inorganic.

If you have a metal barrel in which to burn your leaves, that’s best. And make sure your fire is safely away (50 feet or more) from your home or any flammable structures.

Halloween

We’ll likely get into more detail on this later, but as you decorate, keep fire safety in mind.

Hanging decorations and cobwebs during the season of pumpkin-scented candles and bonfires can be more dangerous than you realize, especially if you’re hosting spooky-season parties with adult beverages involved.

If a fire hazard should turn from potential to reality in your home, remember the trusted leader in the recovery industry and contact SERVPRO to get your property fully restored right down to the smell of smoke.

Fall is in the air, so are Fire Hazards!

10/8/2021 (Permalink)

Y’all feel it? The sweltering summer heat and dripping-wet humidity are finally backing off, leaves are showing their colors, and there are football games popping up everywhere.

Yes, everything is in place for the triumphant return of fall. Final warm-day plans are in place, and orange and brown decorations are going up everywhere.

As you welcome in the mild, crisp autumn air, let fire safety for the new season be part of your plans as well.

Campfire Safety

Fall may be the best time of year for camping. You’ll likely start a fire for nighttime warmth or roasting s’mores, but be sure that you both build and extinguish it safely.

Make sure any structures, tents or vehicles are at least 25 feet away. Only light your kindling with a normal lighter or matches; never employ the use of kerosene or lighter fluid to start or accelerate your fire. Then you can safely build the rest of your fire.

Never leave your fire to burn by itself while you’re out hiking, and extinguish it completely before you break camp by dousing it repeatedly until there are no embers remaining.

Leaf Burning

By now, your front yard is likely covered with dead leaves, and you want those gone for the sake of your grass. You have a few options—have them hauled away, mulch or compost them, or burn them.

If you opt to burn your trimmings and leaves, be sure you first acquire a permit from Georgia Forestry, and alert your local fire station that you’ll be burning.

Also, be aware that it’s illegal and hazardous to burn anything like household garbage, or anything inorganic.

If you have a metal barrel in which to burn your leaves, that’s best. And make sure your fire is safely away (50 feet or more) from your home or any flammable structures.

Halloween

We’ll likely get into more detail on this later, but as you decorate, keep fire safety in mind.

Hanging decorations and cobwebs during the season of pumpkin-scented candles and bonfires can be more dangerous than you realize, especially if you’re hosting spooky-season parties with adult beverages involved.

If a fire hazard should turn from potential to reality in your home, remember the trusted leader in the recovery industry and contact SERVPRO to get your property fully restored right down to the smell of smoke.

Things to Remember After a House Fire

7/26/2021 (Permalink)

Having a house fire strike your home is a fearful and overwhelming life experience. Whether it was extinguished immediately or continued on to become severe, the damage caused by a house fire can be far-reaching and difficult to deal with.

In order to help you recover, we have included some things to remember in order to pick up the pieces from a house fire and be able to continue on with life.

Picking Up the Pieces Following a House Fire

Prepare yourself for what to expect. Though many of us are familiar with fire damage in the abstract, seeing it firsthand in a way that impacts your own life is a different experience altogether. Prepare yourself before you enter your home, and remember that fire damage can often impact areas that were not even near the flames due to the way that smoke and soot can travel.

Wait to enter your home. While springing into action is a common reaction following a house fire, it is important that you are not doing anything that could put you in harm’s way. Fires can lead to structural issues for a home, and entering too early could put you at risk. Be sure to check with officials to make sure it is completely safe before you attempt to go back into the home.

Contact your insurance company. Filing a fire insurance claim is different with every provider, so getting in touch with yours to learn more about the process will help you make sure you follow the right protocols and get the most out of your claim.

Document the damages. Creating an inventory list and taking plenty of photos is a great way to stay organized and not accidentally leave something out. Go room by room to document the damages to your belongings and structures so you have clear records both for your benefit and to ease the difficulties of filing an insurance claim.

Contact your restoration company. The aftermath of a fire can be emotionally taxing to deal with, which is why we always recommend working with a reputable, professional restoration company to make things easier on your family. A good restoration crew will give you immeasurable peace of mind so you can worry less about the recovery process and focus more on healing.

If your home is damaged in a house fire, you can count on us to help you. Get in touch at any hour at 770-496-1976 for a quick response.

Things to Remember After a House Fire

7/26/2021 (Permalink)

Having a house fire strike your home is a fearful and overwhelming life experience. Whether it was extinguished immediately or continued on to become severe, the damage caused by a house fire can be far-reaching and difficult to deal with.

In order to help you recover, we have included some things to remember in order to pick up the pieces from a house fire and be able to continue on with life.

Picking Up the Pieces Following a House Fire

Prepare yourself for what to expect. Though many of us are familiar with fire damage in the abstract, seeing it firsthand in a way that impacts your own life is a different experience altogether. Prepare yourself before you enter your home, and remember that fire damage can often impact areas that were not even near the flames due to the way that smoke and soot can travel.

Wait to enter your home. While springing into action is a common reaction following a house fire, it is important that you are not doing anything that could put you in harm’s way. Fires can lead to structural issues for a home, and entering too early could put you at risk. Be sure to check with officials to make sure it is completely safe before you attempt to go back into the home.

Contact your insurance company. Filing a fire insurance claim is different with every provider, so getting in touch with yours to learn more about the process will help you make sure you follow the right protocols and get the most out of your claim.

Document the damages. Creating an inventory list and taking plenty of photos is a great way to stay organized and not accidentally leave something out. Go room by room to document the damages to your belongings and structures so you have clear records both for your benefit and to ease the difficulties of filing an insurance claim.

Contact your restoration company. The aftermath of a fire can be emotionally taxing to deal with, which is why we always recommend working with a reputable, professional restoration company to make things easier on your family. A good restoration crew will give you immeasurable peace of mind so you can worry less about the recovery process and focus more on healing.

If your home is damaged in a house fire, you can count on us to help you. Get in touch at any hour at 770-496-1976 for a quick response.

Things to Remember After a House Fire

7/26/2021 (Permalink)

Having a house fire strike your home is a fearful and overwhelming life experience. Whether it was extinguished immediately or continued on to become severe, the damage caused by a house fire can be far-reaching and difficult to deal with.

In order to help you recover, we have included some things to remember in order to pick up the pieces from a house fire and be able to continue on with life.

Picking Up the Pieces Following a House Fire

Prepare yourself for what to expect. Though many of us are familiar with fire damage in the abstract, seeing it firsthand in a way that impacts your own life is a different experience altogether. Prepare yourself before you enter your home, and remember that fire damage can often impact areas that were not even near the flames due to the way that smoke and soot can travel.

Wait to enter your home. While springing into action is a common reaction following a house fire, it is important that you are not doing anything that could put you in harm’s way. Fires can lead to structural issues for a home, and entering too early could put you at risk. Be sure to check with officials to make sure it is completely safe before you attempt to go back into the home.

Contact your insurance company. Filing a fire insurance claim is different with every provider, so getting in touch with yours to learn more about the process will help you make sure you follow the right protocols and get the most out of your claim.

Document the damages. Creating an inventory list and taking plenty of photos is a great way to stay organized and not accidentally leave something out. Go room by room to document the damages to your belongings and structures so you have clear records both for your benefit and to ease the difficulties of filing an insurance claim.

Contact your restoration company. The aftermath of a fire can be emotionally taxing to deal with, which is why we always recommend working with a reputable, professional restoration company to make things easier on your family. A good restoration crew will give you immeasurable peace of mind so you can worry less about the recovery process and focus more on healing.

If your home is damaged in a house fire, you can count on us to help you. Get in touch at any hour at 770-496-1976 for a quick response.

SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston is a Trusted Partner for Fire Damage Remediation

6/22/2021 (Permalink)

No one wants to think about what happens after a house fire. But that situation will become a reality for millions of homeowners over the next year, including in our community. If you are dealing with the aftermath of a house fire, our team wants to help you restore your home.

Here’s why people who live here see us as a trusted partner for fire damage remediation and restoration:

We restore things before you replace them. Our team works with you to remediate the damage in a logical, economical way. Our goal is to guide you through the process economically and logically, saving you money on your repairs and your insurance premiums. We’ll make it "Like it never even happened," at all.

We can help with the whole process. Did you know fires can cause water damage? They also cause smoke damage to your home’s walls, upholstery, furniture and curtains. We have the skills and equipment needed to repair these problems.

We’re locally owned and operated. SERVPRO is a national company. But our business is located in Stone Mountain and owned by a resident. That means our teams have access to the resources and training of a growing national company. We bring the advantages of that partnership to the jobs we do in the community.

We’re available to help ²⁴⁄₇. Fires don’t always happen during regular working hours. Beginning the restoration process is a vital step in restoring your home to its original state. Timing matters during an emergency, so our team is available at any time when you need help.

If you have fire damage in your home due to a kitchen, heating or other fire, you can count on us for restoration assistance. Our team is always ready to meet your needs and help you restore your home. Contact us at any time at 770-496-1976 to learn more about our restoration services.

SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston is a Trusted Partner for Fire Damage Remediation

6/22/2021 (Permalink)

No one wants to think about what happens after a house fire. But that situation will become a reality for millions of homeowners over the next year, including in our community. If you are dealing with the aftermath of a house fire, our team wants to help you restore your home.

Here’s why people who live here see us as a trusted partner for fire damage remediation and restoration:

We restore things before you replace them. Our team works with you to remediate the damage in a logical, economical way. Our goal is to guide you through the process economically and logically, saving you money on your repairs and your insurance premiums. We’ll make it "Like it never even happened," at all.

We can help with the whole process. Did you know fires can cause water damage? They also cause smoke damage to your home’s walls, upholstery, furniture and curtains. We have the skills and equipment needed to repair these problems.

We’re locally owned and operated. SERVPRO is a national company. But our business is located in Stone Mountain and owned by a resident. That means our teams have access to the resources and training of a growing national company. We bring the advantages of that partnership to the jobs we do in the community.

We’re available to help ²⁴⁄₇. Fires don’t always happen during regular working hours. Beginning the restoration process is a vital step in restoring your home to its original state. Timing matters during an emergency, so our team is available at any time when you need help.

If you have fire damage in your home due to a kitchen, heating or other fire, you can count on us for restoration assistance. Our team is always ready to meet your needs and help you restore your home. Contact us at any time at 770-496-1976 to learn more about our restoration services.

SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston is a Trusted Partner for Fire Damage Remediation

6/22/2021 (Permalink)

No one wants to think about what happens after a house fire. But that situation will become a reality for millions of homeowners over the next year, including in our community. If you are dealing with the aftermath of a house fire, our team wants to help you restore your home.

Here’s why people who live here see us as a trusted partner for fire damage remediation and restoration:

We restore things before you replace them. Our team works with you to remediate the damage in a logical, economical way. Our goal is to guide you through the process economically and logically, saving you money on your repairs and your insurance premiums. We’ll make it "Like it never even happened," at all.

We can help with the whole process. Did you know fires can cause water damage? They also cause smoke damage to your home’s walls, upholstery, furniture and curtains. We have the skills and equipment needed to repair these problems.

We’re locally owned and operated. SERVPRO is a national company. But our business is located in Stone Mountain and owned by a resident. That means our teams have access to the resources and training of a growing national company. We bring the advantages of that partnership to the jobs we do in the community.

We’re available to help ²⁴⁄₇. Fires don’t always happen during regular working hours. Beginning the restoration process is a vital step in restoring your home to its original state. Timing matters during an emergency, so our team is available at any time when you need help.

If you have fire damage in your home due to a kitchen, heating or other fire, you can count on us for restoration assistance. Our team is always ready to meet your needs and help you restore your home. Contact us at any time at 770-496-1976 to learn more about our restoration services.

Summer Fireworks - Remember these Safety Tips

6/18/2021 (Permalink)

Fireworks are a great way to help celebrate the summer holidays. Keep these safety tips in mind before lighting up your celebration. Remember fireworks injure 10,000 people per year, so keep your family safe.

Always have adult supervision
Keep fireworks away from children. Sparklers can burn up to 1200 degrees
Always wear eye protection
Never light fireworks indoor or near grassy areas
Obey local laws regarding fireworks
Alcohol and fireworks do not mix
Follow label instructions
Never point or throw fireworks at another person
Always have an bucket or water or hose near by
Never carry fireworks in your pocket
Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers
Light one firework at a time
Never attempt to re-light a firework
Never have any portion of your body over the firework
Don’t experiment with homemade fireworks
Buy only fireworks from a legal source
Keep your pets indoors and away from fireworks

Unfortunately, accidents happen. In case of fire or water damage call SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston at 770-496-1976. We are available 24/7 to help!

Summer Fireworks - Remember these Safety Tips

6/18/2021 (Permalink)

Fireworks are a great way to help celebrate the summer holidays. Keep these safety tips in mind before lighting up your celebration. Remember fireworks injure 10,000 people per year, so keep your family safe.

Always have adult supervision
Keep fireworks away from children. Sparklers can burn up to 1200 degrees
Always wear eye protection
Never light fireworks indoor or near grassy areas
Obey local laws regarding fireworks
Alcohol and fireworks do not mix
Follow label instructions
Never point or throw fireworks at another person
Always have an bucket or water or hose near by
Never carry fireworks in your pocket
Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers
Light one firework at a time
Never attempt to re-light a firework
Never have any portion of your body over the firework
Don’t experiment with homemade fireworks
Buy only fireworks from a legal source
Keep your pets indoors and away from fireworks

Unfortunately, accidents happen. In case of fire or water damage call SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston at 770-496-1976. We are available 24/7 to help!

Summer Fireworks - Remember these Safety Tips

6/18/2021 (Permalink)

Fireworks are a great way to help celebrate the summer holidays. Keep these safety tips in mind before lighting up your celebration. Remember fireworks injure 10,000 people per year, so keep your family safe.

Always have adult supervision
Keep fireworks away from children. Sparklers can burn up to 1200 degrees
Always wear eye protection
Never light fireworks indoor or near grassy areas
Obey local laws regarding fireworks
Alcohol and fireworks do not mix
Follow label instructions
Never point or throw fireworks at another person
Always have an bucket or water or hose near by
Never carry fireworks in your pocket
Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers
Light one firework at a time
Never attempt to re-light a firework
Never have any portion of your body over the firework
Don’t experiment with homemade fireworks
Buy only fireworks from a legal source
Keep your pets indoors and away from fireworks

Unfortunately, accidents happen. In case of fire or water damage call SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston at 770-496-1976. We are available 24/7 to help!

When Fire Takes Control

4/19/2021 (Permalink)

Your home contains many of your most valuable possessions and items you love the most. Your business is your livelihood. The team at SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain/Clarkston understands just how trying, disruptive, and traumatic major losses such as a fire can be.

As part of our fire restoration service, we don't just pay attention to the structure; we'll also help take care of the contents of your home or business, as well. Some of our contents services include:

Inventory – One of the first priorities in fire restoration is to complete an accurate inventory to help ensure you can properly account for all of your belongings. Your SERVPRO of Gwinnett County South technician can provide a detailed room-by-room inventory of contents, including digital photographs, suitable for filing insurance claims forms and relieving you of this often stressful and time-consuming process.

Move Outs – When the structure has suffered extensive damage, the cleanup and restoration process may need to be facilitated by relocating the contents for cleaning, deodorization, and storage while structural repairs are being completed. Our supervised moving crew can carefully pack and move the entire contents of your home or office.

Contents Cleaning – All of the restorable contents in affected areas will be professionally cleaned and deodorized. This includes area rugs, furniture, draperies, and upholstery. SERVPRO of Gwinnett County South technicians begin by carefully inspecting and testing all fabrics in the structure to determine which cleaning methods are most appropriate; we provide wet or dry cleaning methods. Additionally, all of the other restorable contents will be cleaned and deodorized to as near as preloss condition as possible; this includes electronics, art, wood furniture, kitchen items, clothing, bedding, and much more.

When a fire takes control of your life, we help you take back control. Call SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston for help: (770)496-1976.

When Fire Takes Control

4/19/2021 (Permalink)

Your home contains many of your most valuable possessions and items you love the most. Your business is your livelihood. The team at SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain/Clarkston understands just how trying, disruptive, and traumatic major losses such as a fire can be.

As part of our fire restoration service, we don't just pay attention to the structure; we'll also help take care of the contents of your home or business, as well. Some of our contents services include:

Inventory – One of the first priorities in fire restoration is to complete an accurate inventory to help ensure you can properly account for all of your belongings. Your SERVPRO of Gwinnett County South technician can provide a detailed room-by-room inventory of contents, including digital photographs, suitable for filing insurance claims forms and relieving you of this often stressful and time-consuming process.

Move Outs – When the structure has suffered extensive damage, the cleanup and restoration process may need to be facilitated by relocating the contents for cleaning, deodorization, and storage while structural repairs are being completed. Our supervised moving crew can carefully pack and move the entire contents of your home or office.

Contents Cleaning – All of the restorable contents in affected areas will be professionally cleaned and deodorized. This includes area rugs, furniture, draperies, and upholstery. SERVPRO of Gwinnett County South technicians begin by carefully inspecting and testing all fabrics in the structure to determine which cleaning methods are most appropriate; we provide wet or dry cleaning methods. Additionally, all of the other restorable contents will be cleaned and deodorized to as near as preloss condition as possible; this includes electronics, art, wood furniture, kitchen items, clothing, bedding, and much more.

When a fire takes control of your life, we help you take back control. Call SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston for help: (770)496-1976.

When Fire Takes Control

4/19/2021 (Permalink)

Your home contains many of your most valuable possessions and items you love the most. Your business is your livelihood. The team at SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain/Clarkston understands just how trying, disruptive, and traumatic major losses such as a fire can be.

As part of our fire restoration service, we don't just pay attention to the structure; we'll also help take care of the contents of your home or business, as well. Some of our contents services include:

Inventory – One of the first priorities in fire restoration is to complete an accurate inventory to help ensure you can properly account for all of your belongings. Your SERVPRO of Gwinnett County South technician can provide a detailed room-by-room inventory of contents, including digital photographs, suitable for filing insurance claims forms and relieving you of this often stressful and time-consuming process.

Move Outs – When the structure has suffered extensive damage, the cleanup and restoration process may need to be facilitated by relocating the contents for cleaning, deodorization, and storage while structural repairs are being completed. Our supervised moving crew can carefully pack and move the entire contents of your home or office.

Contents Cleaning – All of the restorable contents in affected areas will be professionally cleaned and deodorized. This includes area rugs, furniture, draperies, and upholstery. SERVPRO of Gwinnett County South technicians begin by carefully inspecting and testing all fabrics in the structure to determine which cleaning methods are most appropriate; we provide wet or dry cleaning methods. Additionally, all of the other restorable contents will be cleaned and deodorized to as near as preloss condition as possible; this includes electronics, art, wood furniture, kitchen items, clothing, bedding, and much more.

When a fire takes control of your life, we help you take back control. Call SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston for help: (770)496-1976.

Make sure a fire doesn't happen to you during the Holidays.

11/10/2020 (Permalink)

It is possible for a fire to begin no matter what time of year it is, but during the winter months, it is wise to be extra cautious about them. Winter is the season we see most house fires as reported by the Red Cross, because there are far more activities occurring that make them likely to occur.

Wintertime is the season of making big meals, baking goodies, turning up the heat and decorating the home—but with each of these things comes a risk. These things can still be enjoyed as long as safety remains at the forefront of concern.

Practicing Fire Safety During Winter Activities

Keep safe when cooking. At any time of year, cooking has been shown to be the top cause of house fires—and during the winter season, it becomes even more prevalent. Cooking and baking are a fun way to enjoy winter treats, but it is important to always practice fire safety in the kitchen and keep a fire extinguisher handy in case there are any flare-ups that can quickly be put out.

Heat the house with proper precautions. The warmth of a fireplace or space heater is nice, but these things present serious dangers when used improperly. Space heaters have gotten safer with recent technological developments, so it is smart to make sure you are using a model with built-in safety features. For fireplaces, regular chimney maintenance is key and a fire should never be left to burn unattended.

Decorate with care. Decorating for the winter holidays is a fun activity, but with the introduction of new electrical wiring brings new concerns. At around 25% of Christmas tree fires start from bad wiring, which can be prevented with proper precautions. Never use wiring that is frayed and avoid leaving lights plugged in if you are away or going to sleep. It is also wise to not plug too many things into a single outlet or power strip, as this can lead to sparks.

If you have damage due to a house fire, you can depend on us to help.

Make sure a fire doesn't happen to you during the Holidays.

11/10/2020 (Permalink)

It is possible for a fire to begin no matter what time of year it is, but during the winter months, it is wise to be extra cautious about them. Winter is the season we see most house fires as reported by the Red Cross, because there are far more activities occurring that make them likely to occur.

Wintertime is the season of making big meals, baking goodies, turning up the heat and decorating the home—but with each of these things comes a risk. These things can still be enjoyed as long as safety remains at the forefront of concern.

Practicing Fire Safety During Winter Activities

Keep safe when cooking. At any time of year, cooking has been shown to be the top cause of house fires—and during the winter season, it becomes even more prevalent. Cooking and baking are a fun way to enjoy winter treats, but it is important to always practice fire safety in the kitchen and keep a fire extinguisher handy in case there are any flare-ups that can quickly be put out.

Heat the house with proper precautions. The warmth of a fireplace or space heater is nice, but these things present serious dangers when used improperly. Space heaters have gotten safer with recent technological developments, so it is smart to make sure you are using a model with built-in safety features. For fireplaces, regular chimney maintenance is key and a fire should never be left to burn unattended.

Decorate with care. Decorating for the winter holidays is a fun activity, but with the introduction of new electrical wiring brings new concerns. At around 25% of Christmas tree fires start from bad wiring, which can be prevented with proper precautions. Never use wiring that is frayed and avoid leaving lights plugged in if you are away or going to sleep. It is also wise to not plug too many things into a single outlet or power strip, as this can lead to sparks.

If you have damage due to a house fire, you can depend on us to help.

Make sure a fire doesn't happen to you during the Holidays.

11/10/2020 (Permalink)

It is possible for a fire to begin no matter what time of year it is, but during the winter months, it is wise to be extra cautious about them. Winter is the season we see most house fires as reported by the Red Cross, because there are far more activities occurring that make them likely to occur.

Wintertime is the season of making big meals, baking goodies, turning up the heat and decorating the home—but with each of these things comes a risk. These things can still be enjoyed as long as safety remains at the forefront of concern.

Practicing Fire Safety During Winter Activities

Keep safe when cooking. At any time of year, cooking has been shown to be the top cause of house fires—and during the winter season, it becomes even more prevalent. Cooking and baking are a fun way to enjoy winter treats, but it is important to always practice fire safety in the kitchen and keep a fire extinguisher handy in case there are any flare-ups that can quickly be put out.

Heat the house with proper precautions. The warmth of a fireplace or space heater is nice, but these things present serious dangers when used improperly. Space heaters have gotten safer with recent technological developments, so it is smart to make sure you are using a model with built-in safety features. For fireplaces, regular chimney maintenance is key and a fire should never be left to burn unattended.

Decorate with care. Decorating for the winter holidays is a fun activity, but with the introduction of new electrical wiring brings new concerns. At around 25% of Christmas tree fires start from bad wiring, which can be prevented with proper precautions. Never use wiring that is frayed and avoid leaving lights plugged in if you are away or going to sleep. It is also wise to not plug too many things into a single outlet or power strip, as this can lead to sparks.

If you have damage due to a house fire, you can depend on us to help.

Reduce the Chances That a House Fire Will Start | SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain/Clarkston

9/17/2020 (Permalink)

If you experience any property damage due to a fire, we are here to help.

We can all realistically say we hope to never experience a house fire, but hoping one does not happen and doing what you can to prevent it are two different things. Fires can spread from a single flame in under a minute, but doing what you can to ensure one never starts can go a long way.

Thankfully, fire safety is something everyone can implement around the house through some planning and some prevention. Though you can never get rid of your chances of experiencing a house fire, you can significantly reduce them to keep your household safer.

How Can I Lessen the Chances of Experiencing a House Fire?

Check your smoke detectors. Having smoke detectors installed throughout your home is so important, as they will alert you if there is a fire in the home. Make sure yours are operational by checking them on a monthly basis, and replace them according to your manufacturer’s instructions to prevent any defects from occurring.

Create a fire escape plan. It is important for the safety of everyone in the household that you have a comprehensive fire escape plan that is regularly practiced. It should only take two minutes to exit the home, and every room should have two ways to get out so no one will be trapped in the house depending on where the fire starts.

Limit your fire risks. Whenever you practice good habits around the house, you are reducing the chances a fire can start. Simple things are extremely effective in house fire prevention—never leaving the room while cooking food, not leaving open flames unattended and never running wires under rugs or behind furniture are great tips to reduce your house fire chances.

Keep a fire extinguisher handy. While you should only use a fire extinguisher if it is completely safe to do so, it is good to have one handy in case the need arises. Any time you cook, grill or use an open flame, ensure you have an operational fire extinguisher nearby and are informed on how to use it.

If your home is damaged by a house fire, we are here to help. Our expert fire restoration technicians are here 24/7 to spring into action as soon as you call. Contact us at 770-496-1976 to report your damage and receive a quick response.

Reduce the Chances That a House Fire Will Start | SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain/Clarkston

9/17/2020 (Permalink)

If you experience any property damage due to a fire, we are here to help.

We can all realistically say we hope to never experience a house fire, but hoping one does not happen and doing what you can to prevent it are two different things. Fires can spread from a single flame in under a minute, but doing what you can to ensure one never starts can go a long way.

Thankfully, fire safety is something everyone can implement around the house through some planning and some prevention. Though you can never get rid of your chances of experiencing a house fire, you can significantly reduce them to keep your household safer.

How Can I Lessen the Chances of Experiencing a House Fire?

Check your smoke detectors. Having smoke detectors installed throughout your home is so important, as they will alert you if there is a fire in the home. Make sure yours are operational by checking them on a monthly basis, and replace them according to your manufacturer’s instructions to prevent any defects from occurring.

Create a fire escape plan. It is important for the safety of everyone in the household that you have a comprehensive fire escape plan that is regularly practiced. It should only take two minutes to exit the home, and every room should have two ways to get out so no one will be trapped in the house depending on where the fire starts.

Limit your fire risks. Whenever you practice good habits around the house, you are reducing the chances a fire can start. Simple things are extremely effective in house fire prevention—never leaving the room while cooking food, not leaving open flames unattended and never running wires under rugs or behind furniture are great tips to reduce your house fire chances.

Keep a fire extinguisher handy. While you should only use a fire extinguisher if it is completely safe to do so, it is good to have one handy in case the need arises. Any time you cook, grill or use an open flame, ensure you have an operational fire extinguisher nearby and are informed on how to use it.

If your home is damaged by a house fire, we are here to help. Our expert fire restoration technicians are here 24/7 to spring into action as soon as you call. Contact us at 770-496-1976 to report your damage and receive a quick response.

Reduce the Chances That a House Fire Will Start | SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain/Clarkston

9/17/2020 (Permalink)

If you experience any property damage due to a fire, we are here to help.

We can all realistically say we hope to never experience a house fire, but hoping one does not happen and doing what you can to prevent it are two different things. Fires can spread from a single flame in under a minute, but doing what you can to ensure one never starts can go a long way.

Thankfully, fire safety is something everyone can implement around the house through some planning and some prevention. Though you can never get rid of your chances of experiencing a house fire, you can significantly reduce them to keep your household safer.

How Can I Lessen the Chances of Experiencing a House Fire?

Check your smoke detectors. Having smoke detectors installed throughout your home is so important, as they will alert you if there is a fire in the home. Make sure yours are operational by checking them on a monthly basis, and replace them according to your manufacturer’s instructions to prevent any defects from occurring.

Create a fire escape plan. It is important for the safety of everyone in the household that you have a comprehensive fire escape plan that is regularly practiced. It should only take two minutes to exit the home, and every room should have two ways to get out so no one will be trapped in the house depending on where the fire starts.

Limit your fire risks. Whenever you practice good habits around the house, you are reducing the chances a fire can start. Simple things are extremely effective in house fire prevention—never leaving the room while cooking food, not leaving open flames unattended and never running wires under rugs or behind furniture are great tips to reduce your house fire chances.

Keep a fire extinguisher handy. While you should only use a fire extinguisher if it is completely safe to do so, it is good to have one handy in case the need arises. Any time you cook, grill or use an open flame, ensure you have an operational fire extinguisher nearby and are informed on how to use it.

If your home is damaged by a house fire, we are here to help. Our expert fire restoration technicians are here 24/7 to spring into action as soon as you call. Contact us at 770-496-1976 to report your damage and receive a quick response.

Grill Safety to Lower Your Chances of a Fire | SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain/Clarkston

7/27/2020 (Permalink)

Grilling is synonymous with summertime, both because it is an enjoyable reason to get outside and because grilled food always seems to turn out extra delicious. If you are like us and love to use your grill often, we recommend brushing up on your grill safety skills to avoid any harmful fires from popping up at your next cookout.

While this may seem like a minor concern, the U.S. Fire Administration’s research tells a different story, where nearly 6,000 fires are caused by accidents during grilling sessions annually. Making sure you know how to prevent this is key to grilling safely every time.

Brushing Up on Your Grill Safety Skills

Create a safe zone around your grill. Of course, convenience might be the factor that comes to mind when deciding where to place your grill, but do not forget about safety concerns as well. A sudden flare-up can ignite anything in its path, which is why a minimum of three feet of clearance is advised for wherever you set up your grill station.

Clean your grill grates often. Having food caked onto your grill grates is not just bad for your cooking experience—it is also a common cause of grill fires. Leaving grease and crumbs to accumulate on the grates can lead to a sudden fire if they become too hot, so cleaning your grill after each use is a good habit to get into.

Never leave the grill unattended. A grill flare-up can be sudden, and even if you are just walking away for a moment, it can lead to a fire that quickly turns out of hand. Never walk away from the grill without designating another person to watch it, and be sure you have an operational fire extinguisher nearby in case a flare-up does occur.

Inspect the grill regularly. Before you turn on the gas and get to cooking, inspect your grill carefully for any defects, wear or tear. Gas connection lines that run from your propane tank can fail with time, leading to a gas leak that can explode when a flame is applied. Instead of chancing it, a quick visual inspection will tell you everything you need to know.

If you have a grill fire that does damage to your home, we are here to help. You can call us anytime at (770)496-1976 day or night, to have a quick response from our restoration experts.

Grill Safety to Lower Your Chances of a Fire | SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain/Clarkston

7/27/2020 (Permalink)

Grilling is synonymous with summertime, both because it is an enjoyable reason to get outside and because grilled food always seems to turn out extra delicious. If you are like us and love to use your grill often, we recommend brushing up on your grill safety skills to avoid any harmful fires from popping up at your next cookout.

While this may seem like a minor concern, the U.S. Fire Administration’s research tells a different story, where nearly 6,000 fires are caused by accidents during grilling sessions annually. Making sure you know how to prevent this is key to grilling safely every time.

Brushing Up on Your Grill Safety Skills

Create a safe zone around your grill. Of course, convenience might be the factor that comes to mind when deciding where to place your grill, but do not forget about safety concerns as well. A sudden flare-up can ignite anything in its path, which is why a minimum of three feet of clearance is advised for wherever you set up your grill station.

Clean your grill grates often. Having food caked onto your grill grates is not just bad for your cooking experience—it is also a common cause of grill fires. Leaving grease and crumbs to accumulate on the grates can lead to a sudden fire if they become too hot, so cleaning your grill after each use is a good habit to get into.

Never leave the grill unattended. A grill flare-up can be sudden, and even if you are just walking away for a moment, it can lead to a fire that quickly turns out of hand. Never walk away from the grill without designating another person to watch it, and be sure you have an operational fire extinguisher nearby in case a flare-up does occur.

Inspect the grill regularly. Before you turn on the gas and get to cooking, inspect your grill carefully for any defects, wear or tear. Gas connection lines that run from your propane tank can fail with time, leading to a gas leak that can explode when a flame is applied. Instead of chancing it, a quick visual inspection will tell you everything you need to know.

If you have a grill fire that does damage to your home, we are here to help. You can call us anytime at (770)496-1976 day or night, to have a quick response from our restoration experts.

Grill Safety to Lower Your Chances of a Fire | SERVPRO® of Stone Mountain/Clarkston

7/27/2020 (Permalink)

Grilling is synonymous with summertime, both because it is an enjoyable reason to get outside and because grilled food always seems to turn out extra delicious. If you are like us and love to use your grill often, we recommend brushing up on your grill safety skills to avoid any harmful fires from popping up at your next cookout.

While this may seem like a minor concern, the U.S. Fire Administration’s research tells a different story, where nearly 6,000 fires are caused by accidents during grilling sessions annually. Making sure you know how to prevent this is key to grilling safely every time.

Brushing Up on Your Grill Safety Skills

Create a safe zone around your grill. Of course, convenience might be the factor that comes to mind when deciding where to place your grill, but do not forget about safety concerns as well. A sudden flare-up can ignite anything in its path, which is why a minimum of three feet of clearance is advised for wherever you set up your grill station.

Clean your grill grates often. Having food caked onto your grill grates is not just bad for your cooking experience—it is also a common cause of grill fires. Leaving grease and crumbs to accumulate on the grates can lead to a sudden fire if they become too hot, so cleaning your grill after each use is a good habit to get into.

Never leave the grill unattended. A grill flare-up can be sudden, and even if you are just walking away for a moment, it can lead to a fire that quickly turns out of hand. Never walk away from the grill without designating another person to watch it, and be sure you have an operational fire extinguisher nearby in case a flare-up does occur.

Inspect the grill regularly. Before you turn on the gas and get to cooking, inspect your grill carefully for any defects, wear or tear. Gas connection lines that run from your propane tank can fail with time, leading to a gas leak that can explode when a flame is applied. Instead of chancing it, a quick visual inspection will tell you everything you need to know.

If you have a grill fire that does damage to your home, we are here to help. You can call us anytime at (770)496-1976 day or night, to have a quick response from our restoration experts.

Fire and Smoke Deodorization

6/23/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke and Fire Deodorization

Strong smells often linger after having a fire. The type of smells that develop are determined by the type of material that was on fire or smoldering. A hot fire that burned natural building materials will smell different than that of a protein fire from frying or a slow smoldering fire that burned plastics and rubber. These odors can cause years of problems if they are not handled by a professional. At SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston we employ a multi-step approach to deodorization.

Source Removal

The first step in deodorization is to find the source. In the case of a fire the area may be obvious, however there are many causes of odor that may not be easily noticed. Once the source is found by our trained technicians we must remove it.

Cleaning

The next step in the process is to clean the effected areas. Many of the soot particles are deposited both on and often inside certain building materials depending on how hot the fire was. Our technicians are trained on different cleaning strategies dependent on the surface to be cleaned and the soils deposited.

Deodorizing

We employ a combination of pairing and masking deodorization techniques depending on the situation. Hot fires open the pores of building materials where foul smelling soot can be deposited. When the fire is extinguished and the materials cool down, the pores of these material shrink, thus trapping odor molecules inside. In such cases we will use a pairing agent along with a Hot Thermal Fogger to reopen the pores. The pairing agent will attach to and change the odor molecule so that it no longer smells.

Sealing

While sealing of wood is not always required, we will often do this on studs and structural members. One of the reasons for sealing is because these building components are often covered up by drywall, or they are located in hard to reach areas. Summer brings hot weather and as building materials heat up, these materials are capable of releasing odors. Sealing ensures that any soot not completely eliminated from cleaning remains trapped.

Fire and Smoke Deodorization

6/23/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke and Fire Deodorization

Strong smells often linger after having a fire. The type of smells that develop are determined by the type of material that was on fire or smoldering. A hot fire that burned natural building materials will smell different than that of a protein fire from frying or a slow smoldering fire that burned plastics and rubber. These odors can cause years of problems if they are not handled by a professional. At SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston we employ a multi-step approach to deodorization.

Source Removal

The first step in deodorization is to find the source. In the case of a fire the area may be obvious, however there are many causes of odor that may not be easily noticed. Once the source is found by our trained technicians we must remove it.

Cleaning

The next step in the process is to clean the effected areas. Many of the soot particles are deposited both on and often inside certain building materials depending on how hot the fire was. Our technicians are trained on different cleaning strategies dependent on the surface to be cleaned and the soils deposited.

Deodorizing

We employ a combination of pairing and masking deodorization techniques depending on the situation. Hot fires open the pores of building materials where foul smelling soot can be deposited. When the fire is extinguished and the materials cool down, the pores of these material shrink, thus trapping odor molecules inside. In such cases we will use a pairing agent along with a Hot Thermal Fogger to reopen the pores. The pairing agent will attach to and change the odor molecule so that it no longer smells.

Sealing

While sealing of wood is not always required, we will often do this on studs and structural members. One of the reasons for sealing is because these building components are often covered up by drywall, or they are located in hard to reach areas. Summer brings hot weather and as building materials heat up, these materials are capable of releasing odors. Sealing ensures that any soot not completely eliminated from cleaning remains trapped.

Fire and Smoke Deodorization

6/23/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke and Fire Deodorization

Strong smells often linger after having a fire. The type of smells that develop are determined by the type of material that was on fire or smoldering. A hot fire that burned natural building materials will smell different than that of a protein fire from frying or a slow smoldering fire that burned plastics and rubber. These odors can cause years of problems if they are not handled by a professional. At SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston we employ a multi-step approach to deodorization.

Source Removal

The first step in deodorization is to find the source. In the case of a fire the area may be obvious, however there are many causes of odor that may not be easily noticed. Once the source is found by our trained technicians we must remove it.

Cleaning

The next step in the process is to clean the effected areas. Many of the soot particles are deposited both on and often inside certain building materials depending on how hot the fire was. Our technicians are trained on different cleaning strategies dependent on the surface to be cleaned and the soils deposited.

Deodorizing

We employ a combination of pairing and masking deodorization techniques depending on the situation. Hot fires open the pores of building materials where foul smelling soot can be deposited. When the fire is extinguished and the materials cool down, the pores of these material shrink, thus trapping odor molecules inside. In such cases we will use a pairing agent along with a Hot Thermal Fogger to reopen the pores. The pairing agent will attach to and change the odor molecule so that it no longer smells.

Sealing

While sealing of wood is not always required, we will often do this on studs and structural members. One of the reasons for sealing is because these building components are often covered up by drywall, or they are located in hard to reach areas. Summer brings hot weather and as building materials heat up, these materials are capable of releasing odors. Sealing ensures that any soot not completely eliminated from cleaning remains trapped.

Candle Safety in your home

6/19/2020 (Permalink)

Be aware of the potential dangers that candles can cause

Candles can put a nice touch on a freshly clean home or be used during power outages. No matter how you use your candles, they can potentially become a danger to your home.

While flashlights and battery-powered lamps are safe sources of light during lengthy power outages, candles are also reliable alternatives if used safely. It’s important to remember that a candle is an open flame, which always runs the potential risk of a fire-related accident. According to the National Fire Protection Association, more than 20% of candle fires involving fatalities occur during a loss of power.

Here are some safety precautions to follow when the lights go out:

DO pay attention to proximity. It’s important to make sure that you’re not burning a candle on or near anything that could catch fire. Keep candles at least 12 inches away from furniture, drapes, bedding, carpets, books, or any other flammable objects. Place burning candles at least 3 inches apart from one another so they don’t melt one another or burn improperly.

DON’T leave burning candles unattended. Try to restrict people and candles to one room in the house so the location of family members can always be accounted for and you can keep an eye on open flames. Extinguish all candles before going to bed or leaving a room.

DO place candles on a fire-resistant surface. Place a handle in its holder on a stable, nonflammable surface, such as a metal cookie sheet, frying pan or ceramic plate.

DON’T light a candle if you smell gas. If you smell gas inside or outside your home, immediately put out all open flames, shut off your gas supply, leave the area, get to a safe place, and call 911.

DO use pillar or container candles. Broader-based candles are a suitable option for power outages, as these are less likely to be accidentally knocked over. When possible, candles should be enclosed within glass hurricane holders or globes.

DON’T use candles as a search guide or night light. Avoid walking around with a candle. Dark rooms can increase the chance of tripping or brushing against a flammable item. Use a flashlight instead.

DO keep candles out of reach of children and pets. Place candles up high to avoid the risk of pets, children, or adults accidentally bumping candles over in the dark.

If you have any questions on candle safety or need any fire mitigation services, contact our franchises SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston at (770)496-1976. We are available 24/7 to assist.