How Common Are House Fires and How Can You Prevent Them? | SERVPRO of Westfield

8/2/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Westfield is ready to help you have a fire-safe summer season with these helpful tips!

House fires are more common than most people realize. Understanding their prevalence and the steps you can take to prevent them can make all the difference in keeping your home and loved ones safe. At SERVPRO of Westfield, we’re committed to helping you understand fire safety and preparedness, especially during peak fire seasons.

Staying Fire Safe: Essential Tips for Grilling Outdoors | SERVPRO of Westfield

6/3/2024 (Permalink)

Gather around the grill, but don't forget about fire safety! Follow these tips from SERVPRO of Westfield to ensure a fun and safe night.

How to Stay Toasty and Safe | SERVPRO of Westfield

1/16/2024 (Permalink)

Fire safety is a top priority for us at SERVPRO of Westfield this winter. Keep your home safe with these helpful tips!

Even in our mostly warm climate, when winter fully sets in, we all love a good blanket and a crackling fire. When the temperatures drop, keeping our homes warm is crucial, but it also leaves us vulnerable to fires.

The number of fires goes up considerably in the winter, and many of them are due to the improper use of heating devices. The good news is that with some simple steps toward safety, you can be as cozy as you like when the cold sets in.

Have a Holly, Jolly Fire-Free Holiday Season | SERVPRO of Westfield

11/17/2023 (Permalink)

Fire damage in your home? Not for long with SERVPRO of Westfield on the case!

The holidays are finally back again, which means family time and delicious food. No matter how or when you celebrate, time in the kitchen is likely going to be required. Whether you are the cook or not, keep safety a priority.

The number of house fires goes up every year during the holidays, and a large number of them start in the kitchen. When you prioritize safety, you can cook the incredible meals (or just eat them) and rest easy knowing your home is safe.

A Fire-Free Summer BBQ Experience | SERVPRO of Westfield

9/19/2023 (Permalink)

Have you had a barbeque gone wrong? Call SERVPRO of Westfield to get your space back in shape.

As summertime approaches in Houston, we eagerly anticipate the hot, sunny days and outdoor get-togethers with our family and friends.

To avoid dangerous circumstances and potential fires, it is essential to put grilling safety first. Are in the know about grilling safety basics? Our SERVPRO of Westfield team fills you in on the essentials below.

Keeping Every Evening Fire-Safe | SERVPRO® of Westfield

9/19/2023 (Permalink)

Bonfire season is upon us! SERVPRO of Westfield has your back with these helpful fire safety tips.

It might not feel like it yet, but fall is just around the corner. A break in the heat and lower humidity will be a true blessing while we get our pumpkin decorations out and look forward to crunching in the few leaves that will start to fall.

Many of us also enjoy getting outside with the family at night and gathering around the fire pit. It’s the perfect place to share stories and eat flame-kissed foods, especially when we are keeping it safe.

SERVPRO® is always available when you need us after a disaster strikes, but we also want to make sure you know how to stay safe. We want to help stop damage before it ever begins.

Learn Ways to Make Fire Fundamentals Fun | SERVPRO® of Westfield

6/12/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Westfield is here for you and your family if you experience a fire in your home or business.

Parenting is undeniably demanding, but the sheer joy of witnessing your children evolve into responsible adults makes every challenge worthwhile. One of the most important elements in nurturing this growth begins with teaching them some key lessons, even those that may bring about a little fear.

You shouldn’t skip over the topic of fire safety with your kids just because it’s difficult to talk about or scary! This information can keep them safe during childhood and throughout their entire adult lives.

While fire safety is undeniably a serious subject to bring up with younger kids, there are methods to make the conversation more kid-friendly, allowing for a fun and memorable learning experience.

Turn to SERVPRO for Rapid Fire Restoration | SERVPRO® of Westfield

3/14/2023 (Permalink)

For quick repairs following a fire, get in touch with our team at SERVPRO of Westfield.

Disaster strikes in a variety of ways, and the losses that result can range from minor to life-altering. When it comes to calamities like a house fire, even the smallest blaze can leave your home with devastating damage.

It can be overwhelming to know where to start after the fire has been put out. That’s why our team at SERVPRO of Westfield is always on call, waiting to lend you a helping hand. As soon as you call, we become your trusted fire recovery partner!

Discover why our fire restoration process is so effective and how our crew comes to the rescue in your time of need.

Stay Safe and Warm During the Winter Season | SERVPRO® of Westfield

1/24/2023 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Westfield if you experience any smoke, soot or fire damage.

The freezing season has arrived, and you’ve likely brought your space heater out of storage or switched on the heat in your home to prepare for Westfield’s plummeting temperatures. Heating your home can be as simple as flipping a switch, but all it takes is one small mistake for these helpful tools to spark flames.

Westfield might not be visited by a snowstorm like the blizzard that caught us off-guard back in 2021, but you’ll still need to keep warm! Staying cozy for the winter is easy as long as you keep safety in mind.

<h3basics">Furnace Basics

Most houses include a furnace and an HVAC system that sends warm air flowing in every room of the home. To keep your furnace working this winter, you’ll need to upkeep it often. Check your furnace for any problems and give it a good cleaning to keep dust and debris from sparking flames.

Replacing your HVAC system’s air filter is another vital maintenance task that should be completed at the beginning of each new season. A clean, well-maintained HVAC system and furnace will ensure that clean air is circulated throughout your home.

<h3safety">Fireplace Safety

If your Westfield home is decked out with a fireplace, you’re probably aware of its ease of use and convenience. This helpful tool might add a comfortable atmosphere to your home, but it can turn dangerous quickly if you don’t upkeep it.

Whether you use an artificial or wood-burning fireplace, you need to clean it and have it checked for issues each season.

If your home uses a wood-burning fireplace, thoroughly wipe down every inch to remove smoke and soot residue and inspect your chimney for any obstructions. If you fire up an artificial fireplace, remove its cover and clean the inside and outside to ensure it’s free of dust accumulation.

<h3heaters">Portable Heaters

If you get out a space heater in the winter, you’re sure to enjoy its ability to warm up any space within minutes. This device is really useful when it’s frigid outside, but its risks must be considered to ensure you’re using it safely.

Avoid sparking flames by keeping your space heater three feet from flammable items. Make sure to turn off your space heater before going to bed, and if you have children, keep an eye on them while it is on.

Avoid using extension cables because they can overheat. Instead, plug your space heater straight into a wall outlet.

Keeping your home warm throughout winter is easy as long as you work to prevent flames in the process! One small mishap can easily lead to a fire calamity when utilizing heating sources.

If you experience fire damage this season, give us a call at SERVPRO of Westfield for immediate assistance. We’re here ²⁴⁄₇ when you need us!

Count on SERVPRO for Professional Odor-Removal Services | SERVPRO® of Westfield

1/19/2023 (Permalink)

If you experience an odor or any other damage inside your home, call SERVPRO of Westfield day or night.

With multiple locations across the country, SERVPRO provides cleaning and restoration services for residential and commercial properties suffering from damage inflicted by unexpected emergencies. One issue that our team frequently tackles while working to restore property damage is the development of irritating odors.

Recovering after your home or business has been devastated by disaster is a complex process. Following these events, a persistent smell may initially seem like a minor problem given the extensive damage you are dealing with, but it has the potential to worsen significantly over time.

No matter how severe the damage, disasters can develop an odor that will only spread further the longer you wait on repairs. Even if your home appears to be spotless, stubborn smells can sneak into areas you’d never imagine.

The good news is: We can help you out if you’re fighting an odor that just won’t leave! Here’s how our expert team works to rid your property of lingering odors.

Keeping Any Backyard Fire Contained With These Safeguards | SERVPRO® of Westfield

8/18/2022 (Permalink)

If you have experienced fire or smoke damage, contact SERVPRO of Westfield.

There’s no better way to spend the summer evening than relaxing by the fire with your family in your own backyard. S’mores, scary stories and hot dogs are just a few ways you can enjoy this special night.

We use these backyard fires and campgrounds for many reasons, such as our own entertainment, preparing a meal, keeping bugs away or as a way to clear our yard of debris, but even the most contained fires still have their own set of hazards. The National Park Service states that nearly 85% of wildfires are ignited by humans.

Texas is the second most common state in the United States for wildfires to burn. In 2021, there were around 5,600 wildfires. Many of these fires are started by careless debris burning, but dry conditions allow these flames to get even more out of control.

Of course, you’re still able to burn your debris, toast your marshmallows, light your tiki torches and barbecue your burgers, if local laws allow it. Having safeguards in place every time you burn can allow you to minimize the accidental spread of flames and enjoy your backyard fires.

A Clean Home Is an Effective Way to Prevent Fires | SERVPRO® of Westfield

6/16/2022 (Permalink)

If your home is damaged in a house fire, SERVPRO of Westfield is here to help. Contact us for any fire restoration need.

House fires are without a doubt one of the most common and disastrous catastrophes in the country. Around seven fire-related fatalities occur each day in the United States, thus taking safeguards is vital. Since the beginning of the year, the American Red Cross has responded to more than 20,000 residential fires.

The first step in preventing fire threats is to take action to protect your Westfield home. Paying attention in the kitchen and checking your smoke alarms are two of the more obvious fire prevention measures, but you may not realize that tidying your house can also help to limit the spread of flames:

SERVPRO Is Always on Duty, Because It Makes a Difference | SERVPRO® of Westfield

1/21/2022 (Permalink)

If a fire issue causes damage to your home, remember the trusted leader in the recovery industry, SERVPRO of Westfield.

Ah, finally, the weekend. You’ve been looking forward to it since, well, last weekend. Finally a night to yourself, a day to sleep in and enjoy the serenity of a rest well-earned.

There’s only one problem—you’re not aware of it yet, but you’ve got a pipe pouring water down the walls in the story above you. And ‘round about 1 a.m. tomorrow, you’re going to be awakened to the drip-drip-drip-whoosh of your ceiling giving way under the weight of a whole mess of watery nastiness.

Obviously, we hope this scenario is total fiction, but we needed it to demonstrate a point: Disasters don’t happen when it’s convenient, and they don’t keep 9-to-5 work hours. Fortunately for you, neither does our emergency response team.

But we don’t offer 24-hour emergency service merely to say we do—it matters that we can offer quick response. When disaster comes calling in the middle of the night, you should be calling us, and here’s why.

After a fire. The flames of a home fire are certainly your first and most urgent problem, but the issue doesn’t end there: Soot and smoke are disastrous byproducts of fire that settle in and become permanent parts of your home mere hours after the fire. Fast action can be the difference between cleaning and replacement of walls, floors and more.

After water damage. Mold growth gets underway quickly after a water event. You have, at most, 48 hours until your water damage issue breeds mold in your home. The quicker your home can be relieved of its unwanted water and dried of the excess moisture, the better.

And what’s more, you could be startled awake by any number of outside disasters during nights, weekends, even holidays—heavy storms, freak weather events or floods can bring sudden calamity to homeowners at any time. And when then do, there’s no time to wait, because waiting only causes more damage.

No matter what time your disaster happens or is discovered, we’re here to make sure it gets handled quickly and professionally. Trust SERVPRO for 24-hour emergency service.

When you need help after a home or business disaster, fast service is a priority, and there’s nobody faster or more prepared than SERVPRO. Call us anytime to take advantage of our 24-hour emergency service.

Cleaning Up After A Fire

6/10/2021 (Permalink)

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimates that 370,000 residential fires occur in the United States each year. The property damage caused by these fires totaled $7 billion. But what types of flames are generating this damage, and how are they being put out?

Types of Fires

High-oxygen fires, low-oxygen fires, and kitchen fires are the three primary types of fires that commonly occur in American homes. Each of these flames has unique characteristics that enable it to cause different forms of damages. There are also several methods for thoroughly cleaning them.

The amount of oxygen in a fire has a significant influence on the amount of damage it produces. The fire triangle consists of heat, fuel, and oxygen.

High-oxygen Fire

Dry soot is produced by high-oxygen flames, making them simpler to clean than the other common types of home fires. They're usually cleaned with dry sponges and a low-alkaline detergent.

Low-oxygen Fire

Because it creates oily, wet soot, a low-oxygen fire is a little more difficult to clean than a high-oxygen fire. The fire smolders as a result of the damp, smoky residue. These fires are often cleansed using warm water and a high-alkaline detergent that may be used to wash walls and buildings.

Kitchen Fire

Kitchen fires are usually the most difficult type of fire damage to clean. The fact that soot residue is difficult to detect is the most problematic aspect of these fires. Cabinets, drawers, and other equipment must be removed after a kitchen fire.

Cleaning Fires

The majority of the damage caused by fires is caused by the smoke and soot that the fire creates, rather than the actual flames. The smoke and soot in the house have the power to infiltrate the paint, carpet, upholstery, and clothing. Some materials in the impacted residence may need to be removed and disposed of, while others may be cleaned. Regardless of where the fire happens, there are several crucial elements to consider throughout the cleanup procedure.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

When it comes to putting out a fire, the most crucial consideration is safety. Gloves, a protective mask, long-sleeved shirts, and pants should be worn by anybody cleaning up a fire. This equipment will assist to reduce the risk of coming into touch with the mold. Specialists are trained to deal with mold so that it does not affect them or anybody else in the house, which is one of the main reasons why mold should only be dealt with by professionals.

Remove Contents from the Home

All contents within the house should be removed, regardless of the material that has been damaged. However, depending on the type of material being handled, it may not be necessary to discard it. While some things must be discarded as a result of a fire, others can be cleaned.

Ventilation

Not just in putting out a fire, but also in recovering a property after a fire, ventilation is crucial. Smoke and grime make the building uninhabitable, and it desperately needs to be ventilated. When firemen get on the site, they will immediately begin the ventilation procedure to make the structure safer. Ventilation will assist in the removal of scents after they have left.

Additional Contaminants

While smoke and soot cause the bulk of the damage, lead and asbestos may also degrade the environment and necessitate rehabilitation. What started as a simple fire restoration might turn into a major environmental restoration if they are disrupted.

Duct Cleaning

The smoke and soot produced by a fire might become trapped in the building's duct system. As a result, following every fire repair, a complete duct cleaning is essential. It's possible that toxins and odors will spread to other parts of the house if duct cleaning isn't done.

A house fire may be a catastrophic occurrence. Depending on the type of fire, the damage may require a little clean-up or a complete clean-up. In any case, there are several components of the restoration that must be done. If your house has been damaged by a fire, contact SERVPRO to assure a thorough restoration.

Fireplace Safety Tips

6/10/2021 (Permalink)

Kitchen stove fire before and after photos.

After a fire, the first 48 hours can be the difference between recovering and replacing destroyed property and personal possessions.

A toasty fire may be quite comforting, especially on cold Houston evenings even though those evenings are numbered. Nonetheless, knowing these 5 easy safety rules can help you and your family remain safe while staying warm this winter in Houston. Our fireplace safety recommendations can keep you safe this season.

• Only dried, split firewood should be used. Chemically treated wood should be avoided.
• In your fireplace, install a chimney cap.
• Inspect your house or company for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
• When the fireplace is not in use, close the damper.
• Schedule an annual check of your fireplace and chimney.

What You Should Know About Our Fire Remediation Services

SERVPRO of Westfield specializes in the cleanup and repair of fire, smoke, and soot damage. Our staff is highly trained restoration experts that utilize specialized equipment and procedures to rapidly and safely resolve your fire situation. If you have had a little or major house fire, please do not hesitate to call our office staff. Call 281-907-0018 to schedule a fire inspection.

Is there any fire damage? Call SERVPRO of Westfield for any size job.

6/9/2021 (Permalink)

The harm inflicted by fires does not stop once the flames have died out. When coping with fire damage, families frequently lose their favorite items as well as the roof over their heads, forcing them to seek refuge. Meanwhile, firms may have financial difficulties and be unable to trade. Prompt fire damage restoration can help lessen the emotional and financial hardships that a fire can create.

It is never a pleasant experience when a fire breaks out inside your home. Fires are not only dangerous to you and your family, but they may also be expensive to put out. A fire's heat, flames, and smoke may do significant damage to your property. Having specialists come in and examine the situation is the best option, whether the fire is minor or major. SERVPRO of Westfield is IICRC-certified and has worked in a variety of fire situations giving us the experience to help your property.

The heat and smoke produced by a fire can cause a variety of problems in your property. Inside the structure, flames can burn content and building elements. Oftentimes soot and bad odors are left behind as smoke spreads throughout the building. SERVPRO of Westfield's expert personnel are trained to reduce fire damage by categorizing each case based on the degree of the damage.

In fire damage situations, there are three main types of severity: minor, medium and major fire damage. Mitigating damage, delivering smoke damage cleanup, and water restoration as soon as feasible after a fire erupts are all part of the fire damage restoration process. The fire damage restoration process includes mitigating damage, providing smoke damage cleanup and water restoration as quickly as possible after the damage first occurs. The recovery of as much property as possible is ensured through an effective emergency response that promptly stabilizes the institution. The acidic soot and smoke damage caused by fires hastens the depreciation and corrosion of building components and important assets. To make matters worse, fires are usually put out using dry chemicals or water. In addition, the hazardous smoke odor must be neutralized and deodorized.

Hiring specialists can always provide you the greatest results, no matter how serious the damage is in your property after a fire. SERVPRO of Westfield is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week at (281) 907-0018 to assist you.

http://www.SERVPROWestfield.com/

How To Safely Use Candles In Your Home

6/9/2021 (Permalink)

Candles can add a beautiful smell to a home, but you need to be careful.

While candles may be commonplace in homes across the country, they frequently cause house fires with an average of 23 home candle fires reported every day. Fortunately, there are many ways you can prevent a candle fire from ever occurring in your home.

Top Causes of Candles Fires

There are many reasons a candle fire can occur. One-third of fires begin in bedrooms and the top three days they occur are Christmas, New Year’s Day, and New Year’s Eve. Those most common situations that lead to candle fires include:

• Candles being left too close to flammable materials
• Forgetting to extinguish candles before leaving the home
• Leaving a candle burning while sleeping

What To Do if a Fire Starts

If a candle fire ever happens in your home in [City, State], you need to know how to properly extinguish it. When putting out a candle fire, you should never use water, which causes it to spread. If the wax inside the candle catches fire, grab a cover to remove oxygen from the candle. If the flames spread to other parts of your home and get out of control, quickly contact the fire department and evacuate your home. If any fire damage occurs or your home is in need of smoke cleanup services, a fire damage cleanup company can help restore your home back to its original condition.

Candle Alternatives

The best way to prevent candles from causing a fire in your home is to keep them out of your house entirely. There are many candle alternatives to consider including:

• Incense
• Flameless candle
• Essential oil diffuser
• Wax warmer
• Oil warmer
• Stick diffuser

While candles are often used for giving off a warm, romantic light and an appealing aroma, they can cause a candle fire if used incorrectly. It is important to always use candles responsibly or to try out any of the candle alternatives listed in this guide. Visit http://www.SERVPROWestfield.com/ for more information on fire loss. 

Cleaning up the smoke and soot in Houston

6/9/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot are extremely intrusive, and they can enter your home through many locations, producing hidden damage and odors. Our skill and experience with smoke damage allow us to investigate and precisely analyze the amount of the damage in order to build a complete plan of action.

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

Wet and dry smoke are the two forms of smoke. As a result, several forms of soot residue are left behind after a fire. SERVPRO of Westfield will analyze the soot to establish the type of smoke damage that has occurred before beginning the restoration process. The cleaning techniques will subsequently be determined by the data gathered during the pre-testing. Here's a little more information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – 281-907-0018

Why should you leave fire cleanup to the professionals?

5/22/2020 (Permalink)

Fire damage can cause all types of damage, including damages in disguise. When any type of fire occurs in your home, it's smartest to rely on experts to instruct you on the safest cleanup methods. After a fire has damaged any part of your home or property, there are certain precautions that one must take in restoring the area. More often then not, certain tools and knowledge is required to deal with fire clean up.

Wall or floors must be entirely replaces, for many property owners, depending on the extent of the damage. This requires professional assistance. Without proper methods, it is very possible to cause further damage without realizing it. So you can live or work comfortably in your location you want your property to be restored properly.

SERVPRO of Westfield is more than willing to come assist you in any situation like this.

Please call SERVPRO of Westfield at:
(281) 907-0018, or visit our website at
http://www.SERVPROWestfield.com/

Steps to Manage Damage Caused by Fire and Smoke

5/22/2020 (Permalink)

Step 1: Safety

The top priority is safety. The first and most important step to take after a fire is making sure everyone is safe. If anyone should feel ill, it its imperative to receive medical attention. Following the assurance of personal health, the next thing to do is have the Fire Marshall assess whether or not it is safe to be in or near the building where the fire or smoke damage occurred. Electrical hazards are common occurrences after a fire and can be extremely dangerous along with water hazards caused from the fire or in the process of putting out the fire. Maintaining safety throughout the entire restoration process is vital.

Step 2: Restoration

Promptly following the Fire Marshall's declaration of the building being safe, then you, as well as your highly trained SERVPRO of Westfield professional, can begin restoration. We maintain the restore versus replace mentality in order to preserve the items that hold sentimental value, as well as saving you money.

The following is a list of to-do's and not-to-do's after a fire.

What To Do After A Fire

• Movement in the home should be limited to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
• Keep hands clean to prevent further soil of upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place clean towels or old linens on traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
• Wash houseplants (if any) on both sides of the leaves.
• Change HVAC filter
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers (i.e. vents)

What Not To Do After A Fire

• Do not attempt to wash walls and/or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting you SERVPRO of Westfield professional.
• Do not attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service
• Do not use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.
• Do not turn on ceiling fixtures.

For further information and help on fire damage contact us
SERVPRO of Westfield

(281) 907-0018, or visit our website at
http://www.SERVPROWestfield.com/

Lightning Strikes Can Cause a House Fire

5/21/2020 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Westfield to help with your fire needs (281) 907-0018.

Did you know that thunderstorms can create fire damage in your home or business? Lightning striking your home can set your electrical lines on fire and create smoke damage, or any other material it happens to strike. When this happens, it leaves your home smoked up with a black residue (soot) all over your home or business. Don’t worry because the SERVPRO of Westfield professionals are here to make fire damage “Like it never even happened."® Locally owned and operated in Houston, Texas, and serving the greater Houston, TX area. Yes, we have come to the rescue of many smoke damaged homes and businesses due to lightning strikes. We are the fire and smoke damage professionals for North Texas!

SERVPRO of Westfield has the capability to pack out your home or business contents after a fire loss. Cleanup those contents and store them in a safe warehouse facility.

Please call SERVPRO of Westfield at:

(281) 907-0018, or visit our website at

http://www.SERVPROWestfield.com/

Highly Trained Restoration Specialists

Our SERVPRO Professionals are highly trained in property restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO's Corporate Training Facility to regular IICRC industry certifications, our Professionals are equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. The SERVPRO training program includes the follow:

• IICRC Training
• Employee Certification Training
• Initial Franchise Training
• e-Learnings
• Continuing Education Classes

SERVPRO of Westfield is Here For Your Fire Restoration Needs

12/21/2018 (Permalink)

When the firefighters leave, it may seem like the danger has passed and the home is safe from further destruction, but without professionals to help clean the smoke damage, the building may never return to normal. While the principles behind fire restoration are fairly simple, it requires a lot of experience and manpower to perform adequately, and this means that it shouldn’t be attempted by a homeowner on his or her own.  The trained professionals at SERVPRO of Westfield should be called on-site immediately.  We can clean smoke damage and restore items affected by a fire, but we must be brought to the site as soon as possible to halt the ongoing issues that ash residue can cause. 

The only way to properly clean smoke and fire damage is to be extremely thorough. Ash residue is easily disturbed and can spread through the building with ease, causing nearly everything to need restoration. The experts at SERVPRO of Westfield will identify what can and cannot be salvaged, and will remove any built-up ash residue that is coating surfaces. Over time, ash builds up in layers, and may eventually form into a lacquer-like consistency. Once this is done, the restorers will locate the source of the odor, and treat it with specialized detergents that are formulated for neutralizing this kind of odor. Once materials are treated, they may be sealed off to prevent any further odor from permeating the air in the future.

For more information on the services that SERVPRO of Westfield provides regarding water and fire damage cleanup for your commercial or residential structure, please visit us at:

https://www.SERVPROwestfield.com/fire-smoke-damage-restoration

or call us today at (281) 907-0018

Fire Restoration Process

12/21/2018 (Permalink)

Fire damage is probably the last thing on your mind, but you may want to move it up on your list of priorities; preparation is the key. The first 48 hours after a fire often makes the difference between ‘restoring’ vs. ‘replacing’ your property and personal belongings. SERVPRO of Westfield provides a timely response with mitigation services ranging from fire, smoke and soot removal, to content claims inventory and document restoration. Here is a timeline to help ease your mind of what should be done before and after SERVPRO of Westfield arrives:

1. One Hour: Within one hour from notice of loss, a SERVPRO of Westfield professional will contact you to arrange for service.
2. Four Hours: Within four hours of loss notification, a SERVPRO of Westfield technician will be onsite to start mitigation services.
3. Detailed Explanation:  A trained and uniformed SERVPRO of Westfield employee will walk you through the job process step-by-step, explaining what to expect and the anticipated outcome.
4. Pretesting: A SERVPRO of Westfield employee will begin pretesting for restoration, working from the source of the damage outward.
5. Eight Hours: Within eight business hours of on-site arrival, a verbal briefing of the scope is communicated to the appropriate person.
6. Cleaning, Restoration, & Deodorization: SERVPRO of Westfield will work neatly and efficiently to help you regain control of your property. We then use state-of-the-art restoration techniques to make it “Like it never even happened.”
7. Final Walk-through: After the work has been completed, a final walk-through will be conducted with you to help ensure your satisfaction.

SERVPRO of Westfield responds quickly, offering a full line of fire cleanup and restoration services to help you return home as soon as possible. Before risking further damage by attempting to clean up the damage on your own, call the fire damage clean up and restoration professionals at (281) 907-0018.

Fire Safety Tips: Pets Are Important Too

10/17/2018 (Permalink)

For some, pets are considered family too.

At any given moment, a fire emergency can take place in the North Houston area or abroad, and though unexpected; it can be beneficial to already have a plan in place for everyone in your home to evacuate and meet in a safe location. While you should always be most focused on keeping yourself and your family safe, you can also spend some time on pet preparation so that you can have a better chance of getting your pets out of danger as well. 

For some, pets are considered family also. You can be better prepared to keep your pets safe during a fire emergency by following these safety tips:

1. Practice Evacuating 

In the confusion caused by a fire, it can be hard to think of everything you need to do right away. If you have a plan in place and practice it a few times, you can be better prepared to handle a fire emergency. This can not only be helpful for pet safety, but also for the safety of everyone in your household. 

2. Notice Where Your Pets Are 

An important part of the planning process can be noticing where your pets usually spend their time. It can be especially helpful to note where they hide when frightened. You don’t want to put yourself at risk by spending too much time searching for your dog or cat during a fire emergency, but you can be better prepared to get yourself and your pets out as soon as possible by having a checklist of areas you can look. 

3. Keep Collars and Leashes Handy

Fires can be especially frightening to pets. By keeping their collars and leashes handy, you can more easily guide them out of the house. If you are unable to find them, it can be easier for the fire department to get them out if they are wearing collars. It can be a good idea to hang leashes by the door you are planning to evacuate through.

Our SERVPRO of Westfield Technicians are highly trained in property restoration. 

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Home Fires: Grilling Safety Tips

6/21/2018 (Permalink)

Nearly 8,900 home fires are started by grilling accidents each year.

Fire in the grill, under hot dogs and burgers, is a welcome sight at the family cookout. But fire anywhere else can make your summer kick-off barbecue memorable for all the wrong reasons. To keep you and your family safe while grilling, follow these general guidelines.

General grilling tips:

•  Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.
• The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Keep children and pets away from the grill area.
• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
• Never leave your grill unattended.

Propane grills:

Before you use your grill:

•  Check the major connection points between the gas (propane) tank hose and the regulator and cylinder, and where the hose connects to the burners. Tighten if loose.
• Check the gas (propane) tank hose for the potential (gas) leaks. To do that:
  • Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose using a brush or spray bottle.
  • Turn the propane tank on. If there is a gas leak, the propane will release bubbles around the hose (big enough to see).
  • If there are no bubbles, your grill is safe to use.
• If there are bubbles, turn off the tank and check connections, then have your grill serviced by a professional before using it again.
• If the leak doesn’t stop, call the fire department immediately.

When the grill is on:

• As you are cooking, if you smell gas, turn off the gas tank and burners.
• If the leak stops immediately, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again.
• If the smell continues, move away from the grill and call the fire department immediately. Do not move the grill.

Charcoal grills:

•  There are several ways to get the charcoal ready to use. Charcoal chimney starters allow you to start the charcoal using newspaper as a fuel.
• If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire.
• Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.
• There are also electric charcoal starters, which do not use fire. Be sure to use an extension cord for outdoor use.
• When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.

Call SERVPRO of Westfield for your fire restoration needs (281) 907-0018.