Recent Fire Damage Posts

Navigating Fire Damage Recovery with SERVPRO

8/24/2023 (Permalink)

While the aftermath of a fire can feel insurmountable, remember that you're not alone on this journey. With the help of professionals like SERVPRO, you can rebuild your home and your life. By following these steps and prioritizing safety and expertise, you'll be well on your way to restoring your sanctuary and turning the page on this difficult chapter. In this blog, we'll walk you through the crucial steps to take if you find yourself facing the aftermath of a fire.

The immediate aftermath of a fire can be dangerous due to lingering smoke, structural damage, and potential hazards. Your safety and the safety of your loved ones should be the top priority. Ensure everyone is out of harm's way and refrain from re-entering your home until authorities deem it safe to do so.

Assess the Damage and Contact Professionals:

Once the fire is extinguished and you're allowed back into your home, assess the extent of the damage. Be cautious when inspecting the premises, as the structural integrity might have been compromised. Document the damage thoroughly for insurance purposes, taking photographs and notes. Fire damage restoration is a complex process that requires specialized equipment, knowledge, and experience. Reach out to a professional fire damage restoration company like SERVPRO as soon as possible. Their expertise ensures that damage is properly assessed and addressed, minimizing further complications.

Secure the Property and Begin Removal and Cleanup:

If your home is structurally sound enough to enter, it's crucial to secure the property to prevent further damage or unauthorized access. Board up windows and doors and cover any openings in the roof to protect against weather elements and potential intruders. Fire not only damages through flames but leaves behind soot, ash, and water from firefighting efforts. Professionals will meticulously clean and remove debris, ensuring that no remnants of the fire are left behind. This step is crucial to preventing further damage and preparing for the restoration process.

Restoration, Rebuilding and Addressing Smoke and Odor:

After the cleanup, the restoration process begins. This involves repairing or replacing damaged structural elements, flooring, walls, and ceilings. Professionals work diligently to restore your home to its pre-fire condition, often using advanced techniques and materials. The pervasive smell of smoke can linger long after the flames are gone. Fire damage restoration experts use specialized equipment to eliminate smoke odor, ensuring that your home not only looks but also smells fresh once again.

Emotional Recovery:

The emotional toll of a fire can be significant. It's important to seek emotional support for you and your family during this challenging time. Counseling and support groups can offer solace as you work through the process of rebuilding your life and home.

Fire Prevention Measures:

As you rebuild, it's crucial to take steps to prevent future fires. Check smoke detectors, update your fire escape plan, and ensure all appliances and wiring are up to code. Fire prevention can spare you from the trauma of another devastating event.

The aftermath of a fire can be overwhelming and heart-wrenching, leaving homeowners grappling with emotions and uncertainty. As the experts in fire damage restoration, SERVPRO is here to guide you through the daunting process of rebuilding and restoring your home. SERVPRO of New Smyrna Beach- Titusville specializes in water and fire damage clean-up and restoration services for both residential and commercial customers. For more information or to schedule a free estimate, call our office at (321) 264- 0205!

How High Heat Waves Effect Your Floridian Homes

7/13/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO heat wave effect on property High temps can have severe effects on your home or business property. Here are parts of your property that can be affected, according to experts.

Each summer, millions of residents, and tourists alike, flock to the Floridian outdoors to get their fix of warm days and sunny beaches. Most are unaware of just how hot it can get in Florida. In fact, experts are now saying that the globe had the hottest June on record, and is on track for the hottest July, with the first few weeks recorded as being the warmest on record.

Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, the state of Florida is always influenced by tropical moisture, especially in the summer. This is why we Floridians must not only keep in mind the actual climate temperatures, but also the overall heat index created by extreme humidity.

Excessive heat can be a danger to you, your pets, and your property. But what, exactly, can happen to your property in the event of extreme heat? Here are areas of your home or business likely to be impacted by high temperatures.

It can have severe effects on your home or business property. Here are parts of your property that can be affected, according to experts.

Pipes

It goes without saying that water usage increases during heat waves. With more usage, comes more of a likelihood of them leaking or bursting.

Floors

Extreme heat has the capacity to warp and expand floorboards. And, unfortunately, hardwood flooring is the most susceptible to high temperatures.

Attic and Roofs

As the highest part of the home or property, the attic generally lacks sufficient airflow. And, with the excessive moisture heat brings, it can even cause your roof and/or shingles to deteriorate. That’s because roofs can expand and warp in high heat, causing shingles to crack. And, with a crack in your roof comes the high possibility of leaks into your property.

Foundation

Even the “below deck” is not safe from extreme temperatures. That’s because when the ground heats up, it causes soil to shrink and evaporate moisture. This excess can cause soil to separate from the footing of your structure, which in the end leads to damage to your foundation.

Paint

Lastly, excessive heat can cause paint to flake and peel. Believe it or not, cracks or openings left by paint can serve as doorways to moisture aka mold.

Protecting your Property Against Heat

Luckily, there are a few ways that you can protect your property against these elements, starting with sealing off the places for heat to enter—your doors and windows. By weather stripping or caulking, you can seal off the unwanted heat from entering your property.

As mentioned earlier your attic can be a prime target for heat-related intrusions. Make sure to insulate your attic and consider adding an attic door cover. Heat from the attic throughout the rest of your property can be reduced by installing a door cover in the hatch or stairway that provides access to the attic.

From an electrical standpoint, consider installing a multi-stage air conditioner. These devices actually adjust their cooling output and can even do so at lower speeds. All while reducing overall air conditioning costs. You could also install a programmable thermostat. These can be lower used when cooling isn’t needed (like at night or early mornings) when you aren’t actually present in your home or on your property.

Where Can You Go For Up-To-Date Info?

In the meantime, make sure to stay up to date with the current Florida temperatures—especially the overall heat index. See below for the top three sites to visit to stay in the know this “hotter than Hades” summer season.

SERVPRO is Ready 24/7

Excessive heat isn’t just a health hazard; it can also wreak havoc on your home or business. If you experience damage to your home or business because of heat-related issues, we are here to help!

At SERVPRO of New Smyrna Beach-Titusville, we are highly trained professionals that will help you recover from devastating fire & water damage if you do suffer a structure fire, but we believe that prevention is better than a cure. However, we know that accidents happen. That is why our team is ready to respond to your emergency 24/7/365!

Firework Safety for Floridians: Local Laws, Prevention, and How SERVPRO can Help Hinder Hazards this Holiday Season

7/3/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO fireworks safety statistics. July 4 accounts for double reported fires compared to any other day, with nearly half of these incidents caused by fireworks.

In about 24 hours, Floridians will celebrate our nation’s birthday with a time-honored tradition— fireworks. And while these are fun to look at, according to officials, they come at a catastrophic price.

In fact, it is estimated that July 4 accounts for twice the number of reported fires compared to any other day, with nearly half of these incidents directly attributed to fireworks. And, specifically, officials from Florida Fire Rescue division are urging residents to leave the fireworks displays to the professionals. However, if you do decide to partake in the festivities, there are some steps that should be taken to avoid catastrophic events.

Here are ways to keep you, your family, home, and/or commercial property safe from the hazards of using consumer fireworks, according to officials.

Know Your Local Laws

Remember as a kid lighting tiny sticks on fire and then spinning them in circles until sparks almost landed on your wrist? Well those are still all you can have, according to Florida Fireworks Laws. And, a lot of local municipalities have their own approved list of sparklers you are allowed to purchase.

These are not just limited to humans. Volusia County's beaches, for example, strictly prohibit consumer-grade fireworks. That’s because they not only leave a mess but can frighten nesting sea turtles and cause birds to abandon their nests.  

Instead, check out your community calendar for commercial firework viewings. You won’t be disappointed, as Florida ranks as one of the top spots for commercial firework shows in the nation, many of them in Orlando.

Prepare Before the Celebration

Along with studying up on laws and regulations, another key practice is to always prepare your own surroundings for potential incidents.

If your local officials allow for personal use, make sure you are purchasing your fireworks from a professional provider. Never try to create your own fireworks or purchase them from an illegal source.

Prior to setting off-- whether on your own property or at an outside location-- always clear any dry vegetation and debris from the area. Even if you have already followed the appropriate steps so far, it is imperative to always keep a water source, whether it is a full-bucket and/or fire-extinguisher, close at hand.

Remember, keeping you and your loved ones safe is not limited to children, family, and close friends. Your furry friends have ears that are much more sensitive than ours. Make sure your pets are indoors before you begin, to reduce the risk they will run loose or get injured.

Use Caution During the Celebration

Be sure when picking your viewing spot that it is at a safe distance from where the fireworks are being ignited.

If you are the one who is providing the show, use safety eyewear, glasses or goggles, to protect your eyes while igniting fireworks. Never carry fireworks in your pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.

Back to sparklers again, children should never be allowed to play with or light anything other than these. Even then, sparklers should only be used under close adult supervision. While often considered a “safe” firework for the young, the tip of a sparkler burns at 1,200 degrees or higher, which can cause third degree burns.

If you happen to get one of those dreaded duds that does not ignite (or does so, pathetically), release the urge to immediately pick it up and relight it. Instead let it sit for a minimum of 20 minutes and then carefully place it in a bucket of water.

Clean-Up after the Celebration

After the show, it is tempting to call it a night and clean up in the morning. It is important instead to wait for the fireworks to cool off and then safely place them in a bucket of water. This will prevent any faulty fireworks from reigniting and creating catastrophic fire damage.

Also, be sure to pick up all matches, lighters, and any unused fireworks. These should always be out of sight and reach of children before, during and after your celebration.

Of course, if you do not want to deal with the hassle of cleaning up or the stress of closely monitoring your children, you can always get in the patriotic spirit other ways. Use glow sticks as a safe alternative to sparklers. Or pick up some noise makers or patriotic silly string from your local party supply store. Better yet, throw a birthday party, cake, and all, for the USA.

Better yet, leave the celebratory fireworks to the trained professionals.

Call us Today

At SERVPRO of New Smyrna Beach-Titusville, we are highly trained professionals that will help you recover from devastating fire & water damage if you do suffer a structure fire, but we believe that prevention is better than a cure. However, we know that accidents happen. That is why our team is ready to respond to your emergency 24/7/365!

SERVPRO of  New Smyrna Beach- Titusville  specializes in water and fire damage clean-up and restoration services for both residential and commercial customers. For more information or to schedule a free estimate, call our office at (321) 264- 0205!

How to protect your home or property from fire damage in NSB & Titusville?

3/31/2023 (Permalink)

There are many things in your home that pose the risk of starting a fire, even accidentally. Here are some simple, proactive things you can do lower your risk of being victim to a house fire:

  • Install and maintain smoke alarms in kitchen, laundry room, garage, and in each bedroom.

  • Test smoke alarms every month and replace batteries twice a year-when you change your clocks in the Fall and Spring.

  • Replace smoke alarms after 10 years of service.

  • Install a fire extinguisher and learn how to use it.

  • Don't leave burning candles unattended and be sure to extinguish cigarettes fully.
    Stay away from pools, lakes, or other large bodies of water.

  • Ensure electrical wiring and extension cords don't run under rugs, over nails, or in high traffic areas, and that they are replaced if frayed or cracked.

  • Keep matches and lighters away from children.
  • Store paint thinners and gasoline in regulation containers away from heat sources.
  • Use outlet surge protectors for electronic equipment.
  • Portable electric heaters should have safety-certification label from a testing organization, such as UL (Underwriting Laboratories), and should be turned off when you are asleep or not at home.
  • Keep all objects at least 3 feet away from space heater.
  • Have fireplace and chimney cleaned and inspected annually. Add a secure screen to your fireplace.
  • Keep stairways clear.
  • Ensure all windows can be opened easily.
  • If you have double-cylinder deadbolts on your doors, keep the keys where all family members can quickly reach them in the event of fire.
  • Clean dryer vent regularly and lint filter after each use.
  • Clean range hoods and vents regularly.
  • Install individual shut-off valves for gas appliances.
  • Consider installing a central station fire alarm. We offer significant discounts for homes protected by alarm systems and/or automatic fire sprinklers.
  • Prepare and regularly update a Home Inventory List, photographing or videotaping the contents of every room, including the garage, for your records. Keep these records off the premises or in a safety deposit box.

These are all great tips from SERVPRO of NSB & Titusville as our goal is to keep damages to a minimum and repair/restore as needed!

Fire Damage Restoration

Restoring your home or business after fire damage to its pre-fire condition is our main goal. As a leading fire damage restoration company, we specialize in fire damage cleanup and fire damage restoration, smoke damage cleanup, and removal of smoke odors. Our team will deep-clean and remove soot from walls, carpets, and upholstery.

Call Today
24/7 Emergency Services

(386) 409-9080

Safe kitchen practices keep NSB & Titusville homes fire free!

2/2/2023 (Permalink)

Kitchen Fires 

Cooking was the leading cause of reported home fires and home fire injuries in 2015-2019 and the second leading cause of home fire deaths. Cooking caused 49 percent of reported home fires, 20 percent of reported home fire deaths, and 42 percent of home fire injuries. In 2019, Thanksgiving was the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by Christmas Day and Christmas Eve.

What you should know about home cooking safety
  • Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, don’t use the stove or stovetop.
  • Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, boiling, or broiling food.
  • If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the kitchen while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
  • Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains — away from your stovetop.
If you have a cooking fire
  • Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
  • Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number after you leave.
  • If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear way out.
  • Keep a lid nearby when you’re cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.
  • For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
Cooking fire facts
  • Two-thirds of home cooking fires start with the ignition of food or other cooking materials.
  • Clothing is the item first ignited in less than 1% of these fires, but clothing ignitions caused 8% of the home cooking fire deaths.
  • Ranges or cooktops account for three-fifths of home cooking fire incidents.
  • Unattended equipment is a factor in one-third of reported home cooking fires and over half of the associated deaths.
  • Frying dominates the cooking fire problem.

Everyone is aware of how dangerous these fires can be, but the main concern is safety so in the worst scenario, just get out! SERVPRO of New Smyrna Beach and Titusville is here to fix any fire damage you may have, and our professional team will do our best to restore your personal items as well as rid the soot and the odor! 

Call us now for a free estimate or to get started right after the fire department puts the fire out!  (321) 264-0205

Why fire packs such a punch to your property!

2/1/2023 (Permalink)

How can a fire affect your NSB or Titusville property?

First off, a fire can burn your property to a crisp and leave you with nothing but ash, as bad as it sounds it's the truth. In most cases the fire department makes it out before that happens to leave you with minimal damages. When your South Volusia - North Brevard home or business suffers fire or smoke damage, it can be especially devastating. In addition to the fire and smoke damage, your property may have substantial water damage from firefighting efforts. That is when we come into the picture to make things like it never happened! We have worked with many fire damages before and know how to rid the toxic smell, debris and soot. Our technicians are trained to handle every job with care and in detail. For example, a fire that took place within a customer's home library, the team cleaned and wiped down every book, wall, ceiling and floor. Not to mention after a fire that smell and soot can build up in your airducts causing a great headache for you as it can be dangerous to breath in. Our team has you covered there too as we provide the cleanings where we use only the best equipment. We also offer full-service reconstruction division available who can oversee every aspect of recovery from the damage assessment through the final walkthrough to ensure your satisfaction.

If you have a fire, we are only one call away! 

(321) 264-0205

The Fire Restoration Process for your Edgewater Home!

9/19/2022 (Permalink)

picture of fire damage on the ground, charred pieces of the house and soot Call SERVPRO for all of your water damage restoration, fire damage restoration, and mold remediation at (321) 264-0205!

Whether it started in a nearby brush or right on your Edgewater home stovetop, a fire can wreak havoc on your home. That is why it’s crucial to contact a fire restoration crew as soon as the damage is done. If you’re wondering how SERVPRO of New Smyrna Beach-Titusville repairs properties, the guide below lists the steps of the restoration process.

5 Steps to the Fire Restoration Process

1. Inspection

SERVPROs fire restoration crew will start by putting on safety gear so they can enter the site without inhaling smoke particles. Then, they’ll conduct a thorough inspection of the building, making a note of any fire, smoke, or water damage they encounter along the way.

2. Containment

To prevent the smoke particles and soot from drifting throughout the property and causing further damage, such as discoloration, our team of professionals will block off the most damaged areas. If the fire consumed the roof, they will cover the area with a tarp to protect the property from the elements.

3. Water Damage Restoration

If water was used by the property owners or the New Smyrna Beach firefighters to stop the fire from spreading, there may be water damage to address as well. The crew might have to rip out soggy carpets and remove wet wallpaper or insulation to prevent future mold growth. If mold has already begun to grow, they will execute remediation tactics to prevent it from spreading.

4. Fire Damage Restoration

This labor-intensive stage begins with soot removal on the walls and ceilings of the property. The crew has to be careful when removing the smoke damage so that the particles don’t become airborne and circulate throughout the indoor air supply. To remove particles already floating around, they may use an air scrubber. The crew will also work on restoring charred upholstery, window treatments, and mattresses.

5. Home Repair

Finally, the crew will wrap up the fire restoration process by addressing structural and aesthetic damage to the home. This might include reconstructing walls, frames, or support beams, replacing drywall or flooring, and repainting walls.

Home fires can be devastating both financially and emotionally, especially due to the fact that smoke and water damage from putting out the fire, often amplifies the destruction to both the structure and the contents. At SERVPRO of New Smyrna Beach-Titusville, we are highly trained professionals that will help you recover from devastating fire & water damage if you do suffer a structure fire, but we believe that prevention is better than a cure. However, we know that accidents happen. That is why our team is ready to respond to your emergency 24/7/365!

SERVPRO of New Smyrna Beach-Titusville specializes in water and fire damage clean-up and restoration services for both residential and commercial customers. For more information or to schedule a free estimate, call our office at (321) 264-0205!

Fire in your South East Volusia Home? SERVPRO is Here to Help!

8/19/2022 (Permalink)

its soot on the walls and cabinets in the brown kitchen after a house fire. Call SERVPRO today to help with your fire damage restoration, water damage restoration, or mold remediation!

Some common questions we hear from residents in New Smyrna Beach that just had a house fire is what do we do next? How can we restore our home from the fire damage? Will our house always smell like smoke? Lastly, how does the soot travel so fast? These are all very valid questions about fire damage restoration and SERVPRO of New Smyrna Beach- Titusville is here to help!

The first step a Volusia County home or business owner should take after having a fire is to call a professional restoration company. The fire could have caused structural damage within the property and it is important to have it assessed for safety reasons. Another aspect a lot of people do not realize is that you probably have water damage as well. This could be from the New Smyrna Fire department or your own efforts trying to put the fire out. This is why speed is key to reduce the secondary damage that can begin. 

SERVPROs fire damage restoration process is to first assess the structural damage, soot debri, and smoke damage. We offer board up and tarps for broken windows or damaged roofs, to again, save your home from secondary damages (rain or even vandalism). We then actually start the fire restoration process, we move in air scrubbers to help deodorize and clean the air, wipe down structures and contents within your home to help with soot and sanitization, and lastly rebuild if needed. 

Your Edgewater home will not always have the smoke and soot damages. We have top of the line equipment like mentioned before, our air scrubbers will help with the smoke damage. We also have air movers and dehumidifiers that will help with possible water damage that has occurred. Also SERVPRO will wipe down everything within your home, the soot on the walls, we offer upholstery cleaning, wiping down even the smallest of things such as books or keepsakes. Soot can travel so fast because it enters your air duct system. We provide a full cleaning service of your HVAC to keep this from happening. This will improve the smell of the home while also removing soot, dust, pollen and debris. We will make your home "Like it never even happened!" 

Call us today at (321) 264-0205 to have one of our production managers provide a free estimate for your home or business. We have an on call team 24/7/365! New Smyrna Beach will always talk to someone from within our office, we never outsource our calls. SERVPRO wants you to have a safe summer! 

The 5 Steps to the Fire Restoration Process for your Ponce Inlet Home!

7/12/2022 (Permalink)

two technicians cleaning soot off of ceiling in building SERVPRO specializes in water damage restoration, fire damage restoration, mold remediation and more!

Whether it started in a nearby brush or right on your stovetop, a fire can wreak havoc on your Ponce Inlet home. That is why it’s crucial to contact SERVPRO of New Smyrna Beach - Titusville fire restoration crew as soon as the damage is done. If you’re wondering how we repair properties, the guide below lists the steps of the restoration process.

5 Steps to the Fire Restoration Process

1. Inspection

SERVPROs fire restoration crew will start by putting on safety gear so they can enter the site without inhaling smoke particles. Then, they’ll conduct a thorough inspection of the building, making a note of any fire, smoke, or water damage they encounter along the way. SERVPRO will also look for broken windows, knocked down doors, or damaged roofs that may need boarding up or tarping. 

2. Containment

To prevent the smoke particles from drifting throughout the property and causing further damage, such as discoloration, SERVPROs fire restoration crew will block off the most damaged areas. This is also important because soot travels and can be seen on walls, floors, contents, and more. If the fire consumed the roof, they will cover the area with a tarp to protect the property from the elements.

3. Water Damage Restoration

If water was used by the property owners or the Ponce Inlet Fire Department to stop the fire from spreading, there may be water damage to address as well. The crew might have to rip out soggy carpets and remove wet wallpaper or insulation to prevent future mold growth. If mold has already begun to grow, they will execute remediation tactics to prevent it from spreading.

4. Fire Damage Restoration

This labor-intensive stage begins with soot removal on the walls and ceilings of the property. The crew has to be careful when removing the smoke damage so that the particles don’t become airborne and circulate throughout the indoor air supply. To remove particles already floating around, they may use an air scrubber. The crew will also work on restoring charred upholstery, window treatments, and mattresses.

5. Home Repair

Finally, the crew will wrap up the fire restoration process by addressing structural and aesthetic damage to the home. This might include reconstructing walls, frames, or support beams, replacing drywall or flooring, and repainting walls.

Home Fires can be devastating both financially and emotionally, especially due to the fact that smoke and water damage from putting out the fire, often amplifies the destruction to both the structure and the contents. At SERVPRO of New Smyrna Beach- Titusville, we are highly trained professionals that will help you recover from devastating fire & water damage if you do suffer a structure fire, but we believe that prevention is better than a cure. However, SERVPRO knows that accidents happen. That is why our team is ready to respond to your emergency 24/7/365!

SERVPRO of New Smyrna Beach- Titusville specializes in water and fire damage clean-up and restoration services for both residential and commercial customers. For more information or to schedule a free estimate, call our office at (321) 264- 0205!



Whose Responsible?

3/29/2022 (Permalink)

How many people do you know that have had a fire damage in their home or business? Do you know how long it took them to get back into their home or the process of getting back into their home or business after a fire?

Often people do not know all of the steps it takes to recover from a fire. The process of remediation can be tedious and you have to follow the steps appropriately so everyone involved knows what is going on and there is no tampering. 

A fire in a home or business is handle much differently than a water loss. During a water loss you can immediately call us to come out and begin remediating and cleaning up. With a fire you need to first call the fire department to put it out, and then they will investigate the cause and any issues there may be. Once the investigation is completed and the residence or business is released we can come in and begin the process to remediate the smoke and sometimes water damage as well. As strenuous as the process seems every step must be followed appropriately. 

If you ever have any fire damage give us a call and we would be happy to work with you and walk you through beginning to end! 

Spark of Genius

2/2/2022 (Permalink)

Around the holiday times we were all worried about our Christmas Tree and decoration in regards to keeping them fire safe. Often most Christmas fires come from a real tree becoming too dry and catching fire from the lights or a nearby candle spark. We are passed that and most everyone has gotten the Christmas decorations put away. 

Now is the time to take a look around your house as it may seem a bit more bare without those decorations. This is the time to replace those batteries in your smoke detector, cover your outlets if you have little ones or animals that may like to place with them and clean out your dryer vents. 

Most homeowners do not clean out their dryer vents or get a whole home duct cleaning as often as they need to. You should be getting your whole home duct cleaning once a year and cleaning out your dryer vent a minimum of every 6 months. This will help prevent house fires while doing laundry. 

If you can't remember the last time you had either of these services done, give us a call today to schedule! 

Leave It To A Professional

2/1/2022 (Permalink)

I know as homeowners we want to keep our costs low for anything we can, especially with the rising prices of just about everything now-a-days. There are some things we just should leave to the professionals though. 

Many people may have gotten nice new big toys for Christmas that need special outlets or accommodations in the home. Some of these things may range from a tank less water heater to a hot tub or even an electric bike. These toys may need a special configuration in your home in order to charge correctly and not catch a flame while charging. 

This is the time to call in an electrician to do these services for you. We see many different scenarios after Christmas because someone tried to do it themselves and caused more harm than good. 

Following up on doing it yourself, New Years Eve we often see fireworks being used and can be quite dangerous if not extinguished correctly. Leaving a lit firework alone could cause anything from a small fire to an entire house fire because it caught onto something much bigger. 

Whether it is fireworks or outlets, leave it to the professionals that know how to keep you and your family safe! 

Organization is Key

9/20/2021 (Permalink)

Many of us have little ones at home or have grandchildren that love toys and stuffed animals. Those little ones often don't think about where they are putting their toys or how that could affect your home and its airflow. If a large stuffed animal or a toy is left in front of a vent it could easily disrupt the proper air flow to and from the air handler.  The improper air flow can lead to a fire hazard if not taken care of in a timely manner. 

Something that could help avoid this situation is better organization. If all of the cars they like to drive around and all of the stuffed animals have a place to call "home" it will help them to remember when they are done playing each day to return their toys to their proper parking spots or homes and keep your home a little more fire safe. 

Dust Build Up

8/19/2021 (Permalink)

Have you had your ducts and dryer vent cleaned since the beginning of COVID? Most of us have not, for fear of letting someone into our home. 

The risk of putting this off for over a year is the dust and build up in those areas can cause dust in the air issues as well as a fire hazard. 

These areas need to be cleaned once a year minimum, whether it is in your home or your office it needs to be done. 

Most of these areas are going to be heavier in dust and dirt with everyone working from home for the last year plus. This could make the fire hazard even worse due to the extra build-up of dust and dirt in the vents and system. 

Another thing to consider is also how often you are changing your filter. Most people recommend every 3-6 months. With the COVID virus and the extra build-up of dust and dirt it is a good idea to change that to once a month to prevent extra hazard and keep the air you are breathing more clean. 

Give us a call today for pricing on duct and dryer vent cleaning and to get on the schedule!

Fire Stations

7/9/2021 (Permalink)

Living in Florida we go through rainy and "dry" seasons. Our dry season may not be the same as somewhere up north or out west, but non the less is categorized as a dry season for our climate. 

Florida seems like it always has a high humidity no matter what season it is or how dry it is according to statistics. 

How often do you pay attention to what the fire danger rating is though? Did you know that all national parks and fire stations have it listed and change the signs as the threat changes? 

It is most noticeable at fire stations because they are normally in busy, high traffic areas of cities in Florida so you do not have to go out of your way to look. It is easy to check the sign driving by to see if you are in a high, low, or medium fire danger warning. 

You may want to pay closer attention to these signs if you are planning summer parties that may include a bbq grill or a fire pit as it may pose a larger danger than you realize. 

Next time you pass a fire station take a quick look to see where your area is at for fire danger.  

Smokey

3/25/2021 (Permalink)

While most people associate fire with soot there are a plethora of other side affects that fire leaves in its wake affecting you and your home. 

If there is a wild fire close to your home you make experience some of the soot that is left over from the flames that blew towards your home direction. You may also experience a different side effect much further down the road that you thought would leave with the soot cleaning, odor.  

While most peoples first thought about a fire outside your home or even inside your home may not be odor, maybe it should be. Odor from a fire can last for months or even a year if it goes improperly treated. When cleaning your home from a fire whether inside or out you need to make sure the duct system is cleaning throughout your home as well as a deodorization and an ozone treatment are performed on your home. The ozone and deodorization will not make too much of a dent in the smell in the duct system is not cleaned. 

The duct system can hold odors and soot itself that is never seen by the naked eye, only smelled. You can also have this smell in your home if you leave your home to air out while a controlled burn is taking place. 

Controlled burns take place often in high agriculture areas and even Florida to help the environment get rid of unwanted plants and rejuvenate the soil. 

Kitchen Fire

2/3/2021 (Permalink)

Kitchen Fire

Most every home cooks at least one meal a day in their kitchen. Pots and Pans can easily overheat and catch fire. Not cleaning your kitchen equipment can also cause a fire. Build up of grease and grime on your kitchen equipment can expedite the fire and do a multitude more of damage. 

Many kitchens are electric but there are still some gas stoves, which can also expedite the fire. 

A kitchen fire does not always affect only a kitchen. If the home is not well maintained it can quickly spread throughout the home and take over the entire residence. 

Even if the fire does not take over the entire home it will still affect the home. Smoke and soot will go throughout the house and into the duct work leaving lasting effects if not cleaned properly. 

Luckily at SERVPRO we do everything from beginning to end. We can pack out the home while cleaning it effectively and taking out any unsalvageable areas as well. Once everything have been removed and is safe again we will put new material back and bring in your cleaned belongings again. 

Give us a call today for a free quote!

Is that plugged in?

2/3/2021 (Permalink)

Getting ready often leaves us worried if we unplugged the curling iron or flat iron. We always double and triple check that it is off and unplugged. Perhaps this is a generational thing as now most appliances like this turn themselves off after a set amount of time. 

Appliances you should be worried be worried about are candle warmers, lights with faulty wiring, or laptops covered up. These things when they become overheated can quickly become a hazard. They can either melt or catch on fire. Depending on how dirty or clean the home is can lead to how fast the fire catches and how far it goes within the home. It is important to keep your home clean as well as take are of your appliances appropriately. 

If a fire does happen in your home or business SERVPRO is here to get you back to normal, "Like it never even happened."

Give us a call today to get a quote!

Tail Gating Season

9/28/2020 (Permalink)

This year tail gating is going to look a little different but I am sure there will be a good amount of cook outs and football watching still happening. 

When grilling out in any environment it is important to make sure you are using the proper protocols and maintaining a safe environment. 

Here are some of the DO's:

Do keep the grill or smoker a safe distance from the home. 

Do maintain a clean grill to ensure there is no build-up of grease or embers. 

Do check the fuel source to make sure there are no leaks or still burning coals. 

Now for some of the DON'T s:

Don't allow small children near the grilling or smoking area. 

Don't turn the gas on while the lid is shut. 

Don't leave the grill unattended. This could easily lead to a fire or harm to another individual. 

Don't grill or smoke indoors. 

Don't BBQ too much food at once. Excess grease can cause a fire very quickly. 

Enjoy watching your team however you can this season and be safe!

When is the last time you cleaned........?

8/20/2020 (Permalink)

When is the last time you cleaned out your dryer vent? We all clean out the lint trap in the dryer but when is the last time you cleaned out the entire tube that goes out the side of the house or up to the attic? 

When you do not regularly clean this out, it can become a major fire hazard for your home. Built up lint and dust can quickly become a large fire affecting your home or business. Lint and dust are highly flammable. 

Lint and dust are so flammable it can be used as a starter to get your fire pit going without doing much damage to the environment.  

We do dryer vent and duct cleanings year round to make sure your home is kept safe and clean. Give us a call today to schedule your dryer vent and/or duct cleaning for a little more peace of mind. 

SERVPRO - "Like it never even happened." 

Lerking Risks

7/8/2020 (Permalink)

As your home gets older you are probably noticing things are starting to get out of date. If you bought a home that was styled a little more retro, it may have been out of date to begin with. While some people really like the throw back look of the '70's or '80's it could actually be causing you harm and have potential issues.  

I may have lost a few of you at this point with my previous statement. Some of the potential issues I am referring to are dust, dirt, and mildew. Over time carpets, couches, and curtains can build up these nasty substances. Curtains can be cleaned, however carpets are much harder. Over time this build-up happens all the way down to the padding and below. Ideally they recommend replacing your carpet every 10 years, some may push it to 20 years if taken care of correctly. 

Some of the potential issues I mentioned earlier could lead to a fire starting more easily. Carpets and drapes that are outdated are highly flammable. These goods are highly flammable not only because of the material they were made with back them but also because of the buildup. The more dust, dirt, and buildup of materials can cause a fire to go from very small to engulfing the entire home very quickly. 

Make sure to change out these goods in the recommended time frame otherwise your home could fall victim to these problems. 

Did you know SERVPRO also does remodels? 

Give us a call at (321)264-0205

We are here to help!

Time to Clean-up

3/26/2020 (Permalink)

Attached coupon for services!

Fire catastrophes can take everything away from a family or a business. When a fire takes control of a home or business it leaves no electronic or photo untouched. Fires cause mayhem and overturn everything going on, whether it be smoke and soot damage, or the entire structure is compromised. 

Now is the time to clean out those dryer vents, A/C units, tile, and carpeted floors. Keeping all these items clean will allow for the home to continue to run the way it should be. If the dryer vent goes uncleaned for an extended period it will back up and could cause a home fire.

Call us at the number listed below to get on the schedule now. We are even running a special!

Website: SERVPROnewsmyrnabeachtitusville.com

Phone: (386) 447-2202

Time to Check those Batteries

2/4/2020 (Permalink)

The holidays have come and gone. With the Holidays most families have a stash of batteries for all of those toys bought noninclusive of batteries. Now it is time to check all of your smoke detectors and make sure the smoke detectors are working properly and replace those batteries. Low batteries in a smoke detector can cause the alarm to go off unnecessarily or worse not work when there is an actual fire or heavy smoke. While you are checking those smoke detectors you should also check your carbon monoxide detectors as well. 

While the ladder is out your family may also have you change a few blown light bulbs and dust any hard areas to reach. 

See us at: SERVPRO New Smyrna Beach-Titusville

Or call us at: (321) 264-0205

Common Fire Hazards in Your Home

2/4/2020 (Permalink)

There are many fire hazards that are common in your home. These may not be the first things you think of while cleaning or relaxing at home.

Letting your laptop over heat. A lot of people like to work on their laptop while under a cozy blanket. Doing this can cause your laptop to overheat and result a possible fire or even burns to the person using the laptop. 

We all have to replace our light bulbs in our home every so often. When replacing them make sure to replace them with the correct wattage. If a too high wattage is used, it could potentially cause a fire in the home from the incorrect usage. 

Sometimes the outlets are not placed close enough to where we need them or need to plug in something like a computer and a phone. These things require an extension cord.Using extension cords will not necessarily start a fire, however over using extension cords can cause a fire hazard. 

There are many other things that can cause fire hazards, but here we just named a few. Stay tuned for more blogs.  

Phone - 386-447-2202

Website: https://www.SERVPROnewsmyrnabeachtitusville.com

School Fire Hazards

10/1/2019 (Permalink)

Most fire hazards that are discussed are in and around the home. While most fire hazards are in the same general wheel house the items to look for do vary slightly. Today we want to discuss what to look out for at school in regards to fire hazards items 

The first large item is electrical appliances. These items can range from a keurig coffee maker for the teach to the power cord used by the teacher or student to charge their devices. In today's world everyone has a multitude of cords and devices to charge at all times. 

The second item is smoking. While this is prohibited in all school building there is still a chance someone will not listen to the warnings. This can cause smoke damage, set off the alarms, and ultimately set something on fire. 

 The third and final item is clutter. Everyone has clutter in some aspect of their life. A teacher may have some clutter of art work from students or papers that need to be graded. Students may have clutter in their desk that could cause an issue as well. 

These are the top three fire hazards in schools. Now that you have some ideas of what to look for always keep your eyes open!

Did you know?

8/23/2019 (Permalink)

Most people know about the common fire hazards within the home. The yearly smoke detector checks and cleaning out the dryer vent collector. There are several other things that could be the source of a fire, that are uncommon. It is important to check everything possible to keep your loved ones and home safe.

When cooking it is important to be aware of your surrounds. Things like a stray hand towel or packaging from something being cooked was too close to the stove and catches fire.
The same thing goes for extension cords. You have to be careful to not overload your extension cord. Overloaded extension cords are the cause of 10% of house fires in the US.

A lot of us like the get our food cooked as quickly as possible. When cooking you want your food sooner rather than later because you are hungry. What most don't know is that too high heat can actually cause fires, whether from smoke or grease, it can start a fire. To the same affect, a dirty stove can also be the source of a fire. Make sure to clean the stove often as to not have buildup.

Laptops should not be left on top of flammable materials. Laptops that are left on things such as bedding or clothing is hazardous. These can cause the laptop to overheat and eventually catch fire.

Finally Barbecues can cause large grease fires or if under a covered area the smoke can rise up and do damage internally.

These are just a few of the uncommon fire hazards to be on the look out for.

Teaching Little Ones About Fire Safety

7/8/2019 (Permalink)

With little ones in the house that know how to do basic things like dial a phone number and follow practiced direction it is a good idea to go ahead and teach them what to do in an emergency. If everyone who can be of assistance knows what to do, in an emergency everything will go much more smoothly.

The first step is to teach them the emergency number 911. Teach them to tell them that you have had a fire, what their name is, and what the address is of your home residence. It is also a good idea to have this right next to the home phone in case they get scared in an emergency.

When there is a first they need to know not to hide. They best thing to do it get outside and then worry about calling the emergency number. Outside is the safest place to be. Teach them that once they are outside to not go back inside for anything. You do not want to them to think " I can just grab my toy really quick and come back out." A fire can spread across the house in the blink of an eye.

When getting outside of the house go down low and move quickly. Inhaling smoke is the number one cause of death with house fires. Crawling on the floor is the best way to reduce the amount of inhalations and getting out quickly.

If they happen to have clothing catch fire teach them to stop, drop and role. Have them practice so they know what to do in the incident. Just telling them may not set it what they really need to do.

Some other minor incidentals to think about and teach your children include if they find matched or lighters not to touch them and tell an adult. They also need to know not the put their toys near fires or heaters, even candles if that is something used in your home.

Make sure your children know they process before they are in a dire situation. Many schools have local classes to teach as well as cities and fire stations to teach children about fire safety.

See us at: SERVPRO New Smyrna Beach-Titusville

Or call us at: (321) 264-0205

Common Causes of House Fires You Might Not Expect

3/26/2019 (Permalink)

There are several items that are commonly know to cause house fires. House fires can quickly turn into large flames that overtake your home if precautions are not taken or a home owner does not know how to properly stop a fire and call local authorities. Here are some not so well known causes of house fires.
Cooking equipment such as pots and pans or even hotplates can quickly go from a safe cooking tempurature to a higher than normal temputure that can cause a fire.

Heating such as a furnace or a portable heater can cause house fires and should be checked by a local professional atleast once a year to prevent any mishaps.

Smoking in bedrooms is a big one because there are many flamables things suchs as bedding and drapery, even down to carpets in the bedroom.

Electrical equipment is a more common one however it can even relate to a fraying cord on your hairdryer, or your phone cord commonly used by bedsides.

Candles are next on the list and can often be forgotten about. If a wick goes untrimmed it can also cause smoke damage on the walls and ceilings.

There are many other causes for common house fires that a home owner may not often think about. Always try to be vigilant when using anything that could potentially cause a fire.

Can You Better Prevent a House Fire?

2/5/2019 (Permalink)

We know there are a lot of unknowns that you cannot prepare for in life, but what if there are some precautions you could take to sleep more safely at night and protect your family? Below are some tips and tricks to help you sleep better at night. 

  1. Cooking  - When cooking make sure to never leave the kitchen unattended. If you have to leave for any reason make sure to turn off any burners or the oven. Do not let any grease or oil get too hot for fear of a spontaneous fire. Do not leave any flammable items near the oven or stove, such as towels or food packaging. 
  2. Smoking - Never smoke in the home. A stray ash could easily catch anything flammable on fire and rapidly spread. 
  3. Electrical - Never overload an outlet or use anything wires that are exposed. When you overload an outlet it could best case scenario, trip the breaker, or worst case scenario, start an electrical fire. Make sure all electrical outlets and units in the home are up to date. When looking at buying a home make sure to have an inspection on the home done. 
  4. Candles - Unattended candles are a large leader in house fires. Make sure to always keep the wick short  as to keep the flame under control. Never leave a candle unattended, one stray spark can easily jump and catch on anything near it on fire. 
Take precautions to never leave a heat source or an open flame unattended. Check your fire alarms batteries quarterly, and make be vigilant for any risks. 

What to do After a House Fire

2/5/2019 (Permalink)

After a catastrophe like a house fire happens you are probably not thinking about what your next step needs to be. Here is a short list to help if something like this happens and better prepare you if this happens. House fires are scary and they are not normally safe to stay in after the presence of smoke and fire.  Your first step after a house fire will need to be finding a place for yourself, family, and any pets. This can sometimes be covered by your insurance company, which leads to the next step, calling your insurance company. As soon a catastrophe happens in your home you need to file a claim to get the ball rolling.  Most people will not think of this, but you need to call the police when a Fire happens. There will need to be a determination done by the local authorities that is was an accident and where it came from. The insurance company will want to wait for those forms and information before determining coverage.  Once you have had a few moments to gather your thoughts and get your family to a safe place you will need to get together a list as well as photos of the damaged items. Doing this yourself will ensure that you don't miss anything and the insurance company can get a jump start on what the claim will entail for replacing items.  Anything that was not damaged should be separated in the home to either an unaffected area or put in a storage unit the home has been restored.  These are the most important steps to take before any mitigation work and put back can begin. 

Let Us Help You Now

9/14/2018 (Permalink)

After the flames are extinguished flames, and you can return to survey your home, the result can be a difficult experience. Seeing your property in fire damaged shape or utter ruin can leave you feeling heartbroken and helpless. If the damages are severe enough, the fire department may not allow you to enter your property. To minimize the current fire damage and to prevent extensive secondary water damage, you will need to get in contact with all the right people as quickly as possible.

Let Us Help You Now. As a team of experienced fire damage restoration specialists, the professionals of SERVPRO of New Smyrna respond immediately to your emergency. We understand the trauma that results from a large-scale home inferno and will treat you with empathy and understanding. Allow us to get you back home into your house like it never even happened.

Serving you since 1967, SERVPRO is the cleaning and restoration brand you know and trust.

Call us at 24/7 at (321)-264-0205

We Are Here For You After A Fire

7/20/2018 (Permalink)

A house fire is a traumatic experience that can leave a family confused and shaken. Many people are not prepared for dealing with the aftermath. Then the owners are dealing with insurance, what to do about their belongings, what to do about replacing important possessions, and where to stay. Few people will be thinking about the need for fast clean up. A fire damaged, water-soaked home is a perfect place for mold and mildew to grow. New Smyrna Beach fires can cause changes in structural elements that may make them unsafe.

SERVPRO of New Smyrna Beach- Titusville is locally owned and operated, so we are part of this community too. When you have a smoke or fire damage emergency, we’re already nearby and ready to help. We take pride in being a part of the New Smyrna Beach community and want to do our part in making it the best it can be.

Serving you since 1967, SERVPRO is the cleaning and restoration brand you know and trust.

Call us at 24/7 at (321)-264-0205

Leading Cause of Household Fires

7/5/2018 (Permalink)

Leading Cause of Household Fires

According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking is the leading factor in household fires in the United States. From overheated stoves to unattended flames, the kitchen presents a variety of hazards for even the most astute home chef. While living room and bedroom fires account for a small percentage of annual household fires, staying safe in the kitchen will prevent significantly more fires from damaging your property and endangering your safety.

Avoidable Accidents

Everyone experiences an accident in the kitchen from time to time. You might forget to turn off the burner or allow a sudden blast from the oven to set off your smoke alarm. Tiny accidents can lead to big trouble down the road. Here are some ways to prevent kitchen fires:

Set timers and pay attention to them.

Cover up unused outlets with plastic covers to prevent sparks.

Wear protective clothing when you cook with hot oil.

Keep small children away from pot handles and other hot objects.

If your kitchen begins to fill with smoke, try opening a window or another door to increase ventilation. You may even consider installing a fan to help circulate the air. You might be tempted to disable a ringing smoke detector out of annoyance. Avoid disabling your smoke detector even for a minute because you might forget to turn it back on when you really need it.

Staying Alert

Kitchens might present the most dangerous opportunity for fire hazards, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore the rest of your home. Turn off electric items that aren’t in use, and keep flammable fabrics away from direct heat sources. Not only will monitoring your electrical items keep you from causing a fire, but doing so will also help you save energy in the long run. The key to effectively preventing household fires is establishing a system of vigilance between you and your whole family.

If you’ve recently experienced damage as a result of water or fire damage, then let SERVPRO Flagler County / NSB-Titusville be your go-to source for information and advice. We offer a variety of services from cleanup to restoration, and we can help mitigate the loss you suffer due to fire and water damage

Let SERVPRO New Smyrna Beach- Titusville Help

3/17/2018 (Permalink)

There are a number of important things that you will have to consider after having experienced a fire in your home, but working with a trusted fire remediation company in New Smyrna Beach can simplify these efforts. Among some of the things that you must consider are odor and smoke issues, the need to inventory your property and personal items, structural issues and possible water damages. At SERVPRO New Smyrna Beach- Titusville, we have significant experience and will know how to keep restoration and repair efforts as swift and seamless as possible.

SERVPRO New Smyrna Beach- Titusville will eliminate any damages that a fire has caused in your home, thereby restoring a sense of normalcy. Working with a reputable provider is the easiest and most effective way to get the job done. Your life can be entirely disrupted by a house fire and the goal of our fire remediation services is to help you get things back on track with minimal stress.

SERVPRO of New Smyrna Beach- Titusville is locally owned and operated. SERVPRO’s fully certified water removal staff can perform a complete damage assessment to your home of office, and then recommend and follow the industries standards to get your water removal restoration repaired properly available 24 hours a day.

Serving you since 1967, SERVPRO is the cleaning and restoration brand you know and trust.

Call us at 24/7 at (321)264-0205

How Can SERVPRO Help In The Event Of A Fire

1/26/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO professionals are trained in water and fire damage restoration, including odor removal deep cleaning of carpets, upholstery, draperies walls, woodwork, ceilings, floors and more. SERVPRO professionals are also equipped to remove odors and use the most up-to-date equipment. An ultra-low volume fogger and a thermal fogger both neutralize odor causing particles.

Our professionals know the structure of buildings and how smoke travels through them. They know the properties of smoke and how to clean and restore based on what type of smoke it is. SERVPRO’s professionals are trained and experienced in cleaning and restoring quickly, and will bring items back to pre-fire condition if possible. Items will be pretested for restorability.

Many other items can be restored, such as electronics, art, kitchen items, bedding, clothing, and more. Smoke can also damage plumbing, fabrics, paper documents and books.

Have Questions About Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Today – (321) 264-0205

What Other Damages Happen With Fires

1/26/2018 (Permalink)

Smoke and Soot Damage
Smoke and soot damage are the result of fire and will also destroy items in your home. Smoke and soot will get into everything, including a wall, which means it can spread to rooms that the fire has not actually touched. Restoration companies like SERVPRO will make sure that everything is cleaned up and sanitized. By using the correct tools and chemicals, they can remove all the bad odors and residue left behind from the fire.

Secondary Water Damage
Damage is also left behind from the water used to put out the fire or from the pipes or water tank that can burst during a fire. A team of restoration experts will act fast to remove any excess water by using their industrial sized fans and water pumps. As this excess water can quickly lead to mold and mildew issues, they will make it a top priority.

Further Issues
You may also find that many of the systems in your home are affected by the fire, including your plumbing and electrical systems. In these cases, SERVPRO will work with subcontractors to make sure your home is functioning the way it was before the fire.

Holiday Home Fires

12/8/2017 (Permalink)

The devastation of a home fire can be unbearable. Having a preparedness guide and educating family members the importance of fire safety is key.

The U.S Fire Administration has studied that each year, nearly 47,000 fires occur during the holidays. The cost is around $554 million in property damages each winter season! Wow, that's a huge number! Not to mention, the American Red Cross has found a 10% rise in home fires since 2000. So what are some important preparedness tips to help insure your family's safety during the holiday season?

  • Place Christmas trees, candles, and other holiday decorations at least three feet away from heat sources (fireplaces, portable heaters, radiators, heat vents, and candles).
  • Purchasing artificial trees can be safer than real trees sometimes. If you do purchase a real tree, make sure that the needles are freshly green and don't easily break. Keep live trees as hydrated as possible by giving them plenty of water.
  • Make sure that light strings and other holiday decorations are in good condition. Do not use anything with frayed electrical cords and always follow the manufacturers instructions.
  • Always unplug the tree and holiday lights before leaving your home, or going to bed. Purchasing a timer as well will work to shut off the lights.
  • Make sure candles are always blown out before leaving a room, or going to bed.
  • Use sturdy tree stands to avoid tipping over. Also, keep curious pets and children away from the tree, as they can easily fall.
  • Keep anything that can catch on fire (pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains) away from your stove top.

Now, last but certainly not least, your smoke alarms are extremely important to check! Use the test button each month, and replace the batteries at least once a year. (Helpful tip): Changing out the batteries when changing your clocks (if you have a time change), is a great way to remember, or try changing them every New Years Eve!

Have a happy, healthy, and safe holiday season!

Fire Damage to a Single Family Home

10/12/2017 (Permalink)

This home fire quickly spread from a single lightening strike through the garage.

One of the worst devastation's and most expensive claims a home can suffer from is caused from fires. Fire damage not only physically destroys the property, but can mentally damage a family losing their belongings. Fear, uncertainty, stress and doubt about the future of the property can overwhelm the homeowner long after the flames have been extinguished and the smoke has cleared. Here at SERVPRO of New Smyrna Beach- Titusville, we provide timely response with mitigation services ranging from fire, smoke and soot removal, to contents claims inventory and document restoration. These services help ensure your property, belongings and memories to be restored to preloss condition when possible. With industry approved training to employ rapid response, the utmost professionalism, cutting edge technology and open communication, we strive to restore not only the home, but the homeowner's peace of mind. We're here for you 24/7-365!

Fire Damage Restoration

8/24/2017 (Permalink)

Smoke damage after a fire in a townhouse.

Fires can happen when you least expect them to. In this case, the family was out of the home when an electrical fire sparked in the kitchen and began to spread throughout the home. While the HVAC system was running, soot blew through the rest of the home, blackening everything in sight. When the family was finally notified, the fire department had done all they could do to put the flames out. Thankfully, SERVPRO of New Smyrna Beach- Titusville was there that moment to help with removal of contents and begin protocol immediately. Making sure this family was back in their home safe and sound was our goal! Proper wipe down and rebuild of the property went underway as our professionals worked around the clock to restore not only this home, but this family's peace of mind. A job well done.

Fire Damage in New Smyrna Beach

4/17/2017 (Permalink)

Kitchen Grease Fire Volusia County

At times like this, families are distraught and overwhelmed that something like this could happen to them. It's our job to ease the situation as best as possible and be there for them. We're more than just a cleanup crew, we treat you like family. Restoring properties, restoring lives. It's what we do. Here is a recent picture of a kitchen fire that spread through the whole house. Luckily, SERVPRO of New Smyrna Beach- Titusville was able to respond quickly, and begin restoration and rebuild for this family home. The scope of the project will be to completely clean and deodorize the home, repaint the entire area, new kitchen cabinets, flooring and appliances. 


The insurance adjuster and company was helpful and accommodating throughout the loss making the impact to the family easier to manage through.


 

Attention To Details Restores Fire Damage And Your Peace Of Mind In Your Edgewater Residence

1/18/2017 (Permalink)

Trust SERVPRO to Restore Your Fire Damaged Home in Edgewater

The SERVPRO Training and Equipment Offer Fire Damage Restoration at its Finest

Fire damage takes a tremendous toll on a homeowner’s sense of security and peace of mind at the same time that it causes destruction within the dwelling. Cleaning ceilings and walls, repairing structural damage, and eliminating water damage are big tasks, expected to be completed by a fire restoration company. However, often the attention to smaller details a company like SERVPRO brings to the job is what offers you the feeling that you are safe and sheltered within the walls of your home again. As we inspect your home post-fire, we can design a plan that manages all aspects of fire damage recovery, including the little things that make a house a home. Our goal is to recreate the cozy and comfortable refuge you and your family deserve and need to put the fire behind you.

Favorite furnishings, knick-knacks, and decor also need expert restoration services when fire damages your Edgewater home. Our technicians receive thorough IICRC and Corporate training in techniques to clean treasured possessions after a fire. Proper cleaning depends on an assessment of the nature of the fire residue, which can be greasy, sticky, or dusty. Different cleaning products and tools are used according to the type of soiling and the material of which the item is made. Careful detail work combined with proper cleansers and tools result in outcomes that restore your prized possessions to pre-loss condition, whenever possible. Ask us about the ESPORTA cleaning machine.
 
We also pay careful attention to fixtures, wall coverings, window treatments, and trim as we move through your fire damaged house. Our on-site and remote cleaning options are states of the art. SERVPRO is an industry leader for a good reason, requiring our highly qualified and certified staff to pursue continuous educational opportunities to stay on top of best practices for fire damage restoration. Our vision is clear, and our only goal realized  when you walk back into a home that looks, smells, and feels “Like it never even happened.”
 
SERVPRO of New Smyrna Beach-Titusville is not satisfied until you are comfortably settled back into your home, all fire damage restored to pre-loss condition. Our franchise awaits your call at (321) 264-0205, day or night, every day of the year.
 
 
 
 

Dislocation Concerns Answered When Fire Damages Your New Smyrna Beach Holiday Home

1/3/2017 (Permalink)

Not All New Smyrna Beach Fire Damaged Furnishings Can Be Salvaged

Fire Damage Restoration to Your Property by SERVPRO

NSB Fire 1-3-17A fire in your residence is always a crisis, but when it happens in your retirement villa or condo, you may be far from your normal support system. Without family or friends to offer you a place to stay during the aftermath of a home fire rely on SERVPRO to make every effort to help you remain in control of your home during restoration. If the fire and the impact of firefighting methods were confined to a small area, our technicians might be able to contain the soot and smoke damage to that area. This allows you to live in the remainder of the home as we work through the fire damage restoration steps necessary to return the affected parts of the premises to pre-loss condition. Containment methods like draping thick plastic sheeting around the damaged area or using negative air pressure to localize airborne debris to the fire’s hot spot will be used if, in the highly trained opinion of our fire restoration crew, this approach will eliminate the spread of soot and odor while the mitigation work occurs.

Often fire damage challenges the understandable desire of a New Smyrna Beach household to remain in their home to supervise the completion of cleaning, repairing, deodorizing, and restoring after the blaze is extinguished. A temporary relocation can feel like abandoning your precious furnishings and possessions. The health and safety of you and your family are paramount, sometimes necessitating a move if we do not believe we can keep your sleeping and living areas danger free during restoration.

SERVPRO technicians may also be dealing with the chemical and water issues that can be part of the fire damage scene, these resources having been used to extinguish the fire. If the combination of several types of damage makes it unsafe or overly complicated for you and your family to reside in the home during fire damage abatement, we will work with your insurer to find appropriate and cost-covered housing. Frank communication between our employees and you will help determine whether remaining in your home is feasible, and what alternatives you have at your disposal if you must leave even for a short while. Rest assured that we will inventory any furnishings or other possessions we may need to remove to complete restoration, whether we shift them to another area of your property such as a garage, or to a remote site where they may receive special treatments to clean and deodorize them.

Count on SERVPRO of New Smyrna Beach-Titusville to help you make the best decisions about safety while restoring fire damage to your retirement home. A call to our dispatchers at (321) 264-0205 will have a crew arriving within hours to plan and perform the restoration.

Restoring Your Home and Belongings Affected by Fire Damage in New Smyrna Beach

12/12/2016 (Permalink)

Fire damage can be devastating. Call SERVPRO quickly to remediate and restore!

Skilled SERVPRO Technicians Can Quickly Restore Your Fire Damage

House fires do not always burn everything in a home. Many things can be soiled heavily, but can still be restored with the application of proper techniques. Charred areas in your home's interior will need to be removed and replaced to complete the restoration process, and this includes items that have been affected by the heat in other ways. Melting of synthetics, especially plastics, can make an item unable to be restored to a decent condition again. Other items will need to be cleaned with special solvents and other chemicals. One fire can bring many different types of fire damage to a home, or even a single room, depending on what items were in the area that caught fire.
 
New Smyrna Beach residents coping with fire damage will find that cleaning a messy aftermath from a fire often leads to an even messier situation. This is because fire, depending on what is burning, produces different types of smoke and soot, When particles settle on your belongings, they become adhered to its exterior. Some of the particles in soot are so minuscule that they begin to corrode the finish of polished metals soon after they land.

The different types of soot indicate what types of chemicals are needed to clean them from your belongings. There is no cleanser that works in all situations of fire damage clean up. SERVPRO's skilled technicians understand the complexities in removing smoke and soot, and work alongside others who restore a home's interior and exterior that has fire damage.
 
Restoring your home structurally also requires professional and skilled workers. SERVPRO's employee base has the right ones for every job, no matter how basic or complex it may be. Your safety and that of your family is of great importance to us. We know that to many companies it may seem like a simple repair job, but we aim to get things done so well that the end result leaves your home “Like it never even happened.”
 
From walls and floors, ceilings, doorways, and cabinetry, to the fixtures that made your house into a home, we intend to restore it to your satisfaction. There's no need for you to deal with fire damage in your home when you can call SERVPRO of New Smyrna Beach-Titusville at (321) 264-0205 instead. We are ready to answer all of your questions so that you will never feel left out of the process but never have to get your hands dirty.

Fire Damage Cleaning In Cocoa Beach

10/25/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Can Clean Many Different Surfaces After a Fire in Cocoa Beach

How SERVPRO Removes Residue After a Fire Damaging Event

The level of dedication we have in restoring your property shows in the measures we take to provide you with a quality service. There are four proven actions that our Technicians use in their approach, during the cleaning stage of your restoration process that gives us a higher success rate when restoring the damaged areas of your property.
 
If you need fire damage restoration in Cocoa Beach, let our professionally trained Technicians assist you in restoring your property to its pre-damage condition. We'll explain the entire process to you and be there to answer any questions you may have along the way.
 
Mechanical - The first type of action our SERVPRO Technicians use at the beginning of the process is to vigorously work through the layers of soot, smoke and char damage with a dry mechanical pre-clean action. It assists us with removing soot and smoke on the top layers before any liquid products are applied and can help in making the entire process much smoother.
 
Lubrication - Next, for our second SERVPRO cleaning action, we deploy lubrication which consists of mixing our cleaning solution with any residue present. Mixing the two loosens the connection that the residue has with the surfaces they are in contact with and makes both the solution and residue easier to remove.
 
Chemical Action - Leading to the third action used by SERVPRO Technicians, where we use chemicals to change a residue's composition that makes the soot and smoke particles easier to remove. For example; mixing a bleach solution with shampoo will work well when attempting to remove oxidized stains from materials such as cotton or wool.
 
Suspension and Dispersion - The fourth and final action that we use during our cleaning process is a form of dissolving and emulsifying. Starting with submerging items into a solution and letting the chemicals separate the item from the residue. Once mixed with the solution it changes the composition of the particles taking away its ability to bond with the surface layers of the object we're attempting to clean.
 
Depending on what we're working with, it can be easy to determine which action to use. For example, Syrup is easily removed with a water-based cleaning solution, while an oil-based cleaning solution quickly removes oil.
 
Place your call to our professionals at SERVPRO of New Smyrna Beach-Titusville anytime. We're here for your convenience 24/7 - (321) 264-0205

Common Causes Of Fire Damage

9/19/2016 (Permalink)

Fires can cause far more damage than a simple burn.

Various Sources of Fire Damage

Fires can cause far more damage than a simple burn, coating interiors and exteriors alike with soot and ash, leaving behind a persistent smell of smoke, causing damage to appliances rooms away from the fire, and countless other problems. At SERVPRO, we have the right tools and equipment to deal with just about anything a fire can throw at us, but knowing what caused the fire is a crucial step in approaching the restoration. Here are some of the causes of fire damage we have encountered over the years.
 
Kitchen and Grease Fires
Kitchen fire damage in New Smyrna Beach is a frequent call for us, and a great many fires start in many different kitchen appliances. Toasters and waffle irons can malfunction and cause electrical fires, ovens can be forgotten and set fire to contents, but perhaps worst of all, stovetop fires can quickly spiral out of control as they are open flames and sometimes can not be doused with water. Keeping a fire alarm charged and ready in your kitchen is essential to help prevent a little fire from growing into a large one.
 
Lightning Strikes
A good lightning rod can deter many fires from lightning strikes, but not necessarily all of them. Particularly common in wet regions around the world, fires from lightning strikes often start on rooftops or in attics, where few safety measures are put into place. Luckily, in many cases rainwater can help to or completely douse the flames, preventing massive damage from occurring in many cases.
 
Electrical Fires
When electrical devices and electronics malfunction, they run the risk of starting an electrical fire. These fires can not be doused with water, and must be put out with a modern, water-free fire extinguisher. As homes fill up with more and more electronic devices, we have seen an uptick in the numbers of these cases.

Candle Fires
Although the use of candles is no longer as prevalent as it was in years past, many homes still succumb to fires started from an unwatched candle or lantern. If you're not around to monitor an open flame, even a small one, you should extinguish it.
 
SERVPRO of New Smyrna Beach-Titusville is strategically located to provide fast response times and local restoration services for fire damage of all types to local homes. If you've suffered damage to your home and need repairs/restorations, call us at (321) 264-0205.

Cape Canaveral Fire Damage - Fire Damage in Cape Canaveral and Knowing What to Expect After a Fire has Occurred in the Home

4/4/2016 (Permalink)

Fire may spread from the outside into the inside and can do an insurmountable amount of Cape Canaveral fire damage within minutes.

Cape Canaveral Fire Damage  - Fire Damage in Cape Canaveral and Knowing What to Expect After a Fire has Occurred in the Home

Fire can start any place in the home. Based on the circumstances, the fire may spread from the outside into the inside and can do an insurmountable amount of damages within minutes. The severity of the Cape Canaveral Fire Damage can often depend on several different factors including how quickly the fire department arrives to put the fire completely out, what has caused the fire (gas, chemicals or an electrical shortage), or other factors that contribute to the flames. In either event, it is necessary for the family that occupies the home to identify what they can arrange to get back to regular life as soon as possible. Starting right away is essential since people cannot occupy the home again until the home meets certain codes that are regulated by their city or town.
 
To that end, it is important for the homeowner to contact the right professionals to assist with getting things done properly and in an expeditious manner. Part of the restoration process begins with the initial clean-up so what can the family expect.
 
Smoke Damage
When there is fire, there is also smoke. Unfortunately, because this is true, the smoke may cover much more territory in the home than the flames. It is important that the a Cape Canaveral fire damage recovery team assess the smoke damage areas before you occupy the home again. They can then remove the smoke odor from the carpeting, furniture, walls, ceilings and any other areas impacted in the home.
 
Boarding Up Windows to Prevent Vandalism
In some situations, the fire damage is so severe that no one can stay in the home. Because fires can happen day and night, you may need to board up the house before everyone leaves the property. This is also one of the primary determinations for contacting the professionals to assist with this job. The role that they play is usually all encompassing so they can help with the equipment and tools needed to complete this job as quickly as possible.
 
Getting the right people in place is one of the keys to making sure the family can get back into the home again and function as normal. Therefore, it is essential for people to know what to expect in advance. So, for those of you who need a contact for your situation, you should call SERVPRO of New Smyrna Beach Titusville at (321) 264-0205 today.

How Fire Damage Restoration Companies Can Help Recover Your Property in St Johns

12/10/2015 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Says a Tropical Paradise is Just Fine Without Fire Damage

SERVPRO's St Johns Fire Damage Restoration Plan for Your Home

St Johns fire damage can be the most devastating, debilitating experience that a homeowner survives. In many cases, the fire will wreak havoc on your property's structure and leave toxic chemicals, smoke, and soot circulating throughout the air in your home. Additionally, dealing with house fires can involve a great deal of stress as you seek to salvage goods and memorabilia, work with your insurance company, and resume leading a normal life. While coping with a house fire can be difficult, dealing with a professional fire damage restoration company like SERVPRO can make it easier.

Restoration Specialists Complete Thorough Assessments
The first step that fire damage specialists from SERVPRO will do upon coming out to your property is an assessment. This assessment involves inspecting both fire damage to the external structure of your property as well as more extensive interior damages. The assessment process can involve a wide range of processes, including taking pictures, producing estimates, and using specialized measuring instruments to inspect beyong the apparent fire damage.

The Fire Damage Restoration Process. There are numerous services that a professional restoration company can offer homeowners. The focus of services is tailored to the uniqueness of the specific event. Some of them include:
• Pumping and vacuuming standing water from the property to mitigate damage and to prevent mold growth.
• Removing any damaged drywall or flooring and replacing it
• Reinforcing and rebuilding your property's structure, we can coordinate with your contractors
• Utilizing industry equipment like ozone machines, dehumidifiers, air movers and foggers to eliminate smoky odors and moisture from the structure, while improving ambient air quality.
• Installing new flooring
• Replacing plumbing fixtures and/or appliances

How To Hire the Right Fire Damage Restoration Company.
Simple. Call SERVPRO. Here are some of the factors that make us a premier fire damage restoration company.
• Positive feedback from customers, testimonials
IICRC-certified professionals, additional continuing training at the local franchise and video reinforcement from corporate HQ.
• Stellar customer service, from assessment to final walk-through, we guarantee your satisfaction with our results.
• A good Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating
• 24/7 emergency response, local and try to arrive in about an hour.
• Comprehensive services, from boarding up to sanitizing and everything in between.

As industry experts with over 55 years of experience in the fire damage restoration industry, the professionals of SERVPRO are there to assist you and protect your interests. Our policy of "repair" before "replace" preserves your personal items, saves you expenses, and gets your St Johns home quickly back to pre-fire damage condition. Like it never even happened.

Why Choose SERVPRO of New Smyrna Beach-Titusville?

We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster 

SERVPRO of New Smyrna Beach-Titusville is dedicated to responding immediately to your fire damage emergency in St Johns, Titusville or Ponce Inlet. A faster response is the key to help prevent additional damage and reduce the restoration cost. We are proud to serve our local communities. Call us 24/7 for help. (386) 423-1111

New Smyrna Beach Fire Damage Restorage

10/7/2015 (Permalink)

A House Fire In New Smyrna Beach Can Get Hot

What SERVPRO Can DO About Fire Damage Restoration in New Smyrna Beach

If a fire breaks out in your home or business in New Smyrna Beach, it can cause a lot of fire damage and can be both costly and stressful. What most people do not realize is the extent of fire damage  that can happen and how a restoration service like SERVPRO can actually repair the fire damage. The following are just a few of the issues a fire can cause and how a restoration company can resolve them:

Fire Damage
After a fire, the first thing you may notice is everything that has been burned. A fire can ruin just about everything in the home. However, SERVPRO can help you to prioritize all of the damage and prevent further damage from being done. For example, if there is a hole in the roof, they will make sure it is repaired so that the weather will not cause further damage. Anything that is damaged beyond repair will be removed.


Smoke and Soot Damage
Smoke and soot damage are the result of fire and will also destroy items in your home. Smoke and soot will get into everything, including a wall, which means it can spread to rooms that the fire has not actually touched. Restoration companies like SERVPRO will make sure that everything is cleaned up and sanitized. By using the correct tools and chemicals, they can remove all of the bad odors and residue left behind from the fire.

Secondary Water Damage
Damage is also left behind from the water used to put out the fire or from the pipes or water tank that can burst during a fire. A team of restoration experts will act fast to remove any excess water by using their industrial sized fans and water pumps. As this excess water can quickly lead to mold and mildew issues, they will make it a top priority.

Further Issues
You may also find that many of the systems in your home are affected by the fire, including your plumbing and electrical systems. In these cases, they will work with subcontractors to make sure your home is functioning the way it was before the fire.

If you find yourself in need of a fire damage restoration company, be sure that you do your research before hiring one. You want to research their credentials and make sure they offer all of the services you may need. However, the one way to lessen the chances of ever needing a restoration company is to take precautions in your home by practicing fire safety and installing smoke alarms throughout your home.

Locally Owned, with National Resources

SERVPRO of New Smyrna Beach-Titusville is locally owned and operated so we are part of the New Smyrna Beach community too. When you have a water or flooding emergency in Edgewater, or Mims, we’re already nearby and ready to help. Call us. (386) 423-1111

Cocoa Beach Smoke and Fire Damage

10/7/2015 (Permalink)

Cocoa Beach smoke damage can be devastating to a home or business.

Smoke and Fire Damage in Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach smoke damage can be devastating to a home or business. It travels in ways that damage can be done far from the original fire. It travels upward from the heat to cooler areas, up a flight of stairs or through pipes or ducts to other areas. It can also travel along plumbing paths, through openings for the pipes.

There are several types of smoke:
1. Dry smoke which comes from fast-burning substances like wood and paper, giving off high temperatures and leaving powdery residue.
2. Wet smoke is emitted from plastic, synthetics, rubber and other substances, and burns at lower heat. The burning items smolder, may be sticky and smeary, and gives off a pungent odor. It is more difficult to clean. Using the wrong cleaner on wet smoke can make the damage worse.
3. Protein fire residue comes from the evaporation of materials, rather than an open Cocoa Beach Fire. It is invisible in the air, but it discolors walls, varnishes, artwork and more. It gives off an extremely pungent odor.
4. Fuel oil soot occurs when a furnace puffs back, creating soot damage to the rooms affected. SERVPRO can assess and repair the fire damage quickly.
5. Fire extinguisher, fingerprint powder, and tear gas are examples of the many other causes of damaging residue that can be cleaned efficiently by SERVPRO.

SERVPRO professionals are trained in water and fire damage restoration, including pervasive odor removal, deep cleaning of carpets, upholstery, draperies, walls, woodwork, ceilings, floors and more. They know the structure of buildings and how smoke travels through it. They know the properties of smoke and how a particular cleaning and restoring is based on it. SERVPRO’s professionals are trained and experienced in cleaning and restoring quickly, and will bring items back to pre-fire condition if possible. Items will be pretested for restorability.

Many other items can be restored, such as electronics, art, kitchen items, bedding, clothing, bric-a-brac and more. Cocoa Beach smoke can also damage plumbing, fabrics, paper documents and books.

SERVPRO professionals are also equipped to remove odors and use the most up-to-date equipment. An ultra-low volume fogger and a thermal fogger both neutralize odor causing particles.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

SERVPRO of New Smyrna Beach-Titusville is locally owned and operated and we are proud to be part of the Cocoa Beach, Edgewater, and Nasa communities. We are also part of a national network of over 1,650 Franchises with special Disaster Recovery Teams placed strategically throughout the country to respond to large-scale fire, water, and storm disasters. Call us. (386) 423-1111