It's Halloween season! Decorate Safely... and Enjoy!

10/5/2022 (Permalink)

Decorate safely for Halloween!

It’s that time of the year again! Halloween! That time of year where anything goes. Being professionals in the fire and water restoration business, Halloween mishaps are far too familiar for us. Did you know that an estimated of nearly 10,000 fires were reported to fire departments in the United States over a 3-day period for each year from 2017-2019? With interior and exterior decorations involving lights, music, projectors—the list goes on and on--- it is important that we take measured safety precautions to keep from being part of the growing statistic.

Avoid extension cords for your interior Halloween decorations. It is always a good practice to inspect your extension cords prior to decorating for the holidays. Just like anything else, it is quite natural that your equipment, decorations, and extension cords deteriorate over time. It is best if you avoid extension cords inside your home when decorating for Halloween altogether. Rather, as a safety precaution, stage your décor so that your electrical decorations are within reach to the electrical outlet. Extension cords running through the house, especially in high traffic areas of the home are a sure-fire (no pun intended) way to have a fiery, Halloween mishap!

Don’t be Clark Griswold for Halloween. Well, if you can find a “Clark Griswold” costume, that would be killer. Just avoid decorating like him! You may think stringing lights on the exterior parts of your home is a “Christmas thing.” Not entirely. Every neighborhood has the one Griswold-type who wants to outdo the others when it comes to their exterior décor! If you insist that you must have your house strung with lights, it is wise to avoid nailing (or stapling) electrical cables to your home, as the clips are literally electrical conductors. Each of these cables are insulated with jackets designed by manufacturing engineers to protect consumers against electric shocks and electrical fires. Driving a nail through the cord should be avoided at all costs.

There’s a safe way to light your jack-o’-lantern. An open flame candle inside of a hollow pumpkin, unattended on your front porch is not it! A simple wag of a dog’s tail in anticipation of being let back in the front door is enough to knock your jack-o’-lantern into the beautiful, freshly laid pine straw nestled around your front shrubbery. Or even more common—what would normally be an unnoticed whisk of wind can be just enough to cause a disaster, especially with it being next to that dried cornstalk your wife picked up from the department store. Instead, opt for battery-operated LED lights or even a glow-stick would suffice.

Home Fire Escape Plan

7/19/2022 (Permalink)

You can find a guide on how to do a Home Fire Escape Plan provided by the National Fire Protection Association. 

This is a great thing to do together with the whole family so that everyone can contribute and participate.

Some tips

• Walk through the home and evaluate all possible escape routes.
• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom
• Choose an outside meeting place
• Don’t forget about pets and who would be in charge of them
• If the smoke alarm goes off, get out of the house immediately
• If you are out, STAY OUT!

If you are dealing with a fire, our team of highly trained fire technicians can help you clean your home to its preloss condition. We have more than 20 years of experience, the right equipment and training. Give us a call at 404-378-9998.

Smoke and Soot damage cleanup

7/5/2022 (Permalink)

If you recently experienced fire damage in your home, we recommend that you call a trusted company to help with cleaning the soot and smoke damage. The smell can linger for a long while after the fire is put out.

SERVPRO of Decatur has decades of experience dealing with fire, smoke, and soot damage. We use state-of-the-art technology and highly trained Fire Technicians to help properly restore your home to its preloss condition. These types of jobs are better left for the professionals and should not be DIY projects for homeowners to have to do it themselves, since toxic particles can linger in the air, contents, and structure. Our technicians will determine what can be restored and what will need to be replaced.

Our Fire Technicians and Managers have the expertise and equipment needed to get the job done and are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help with any size disaster. Call SERVPRO of Decatur at 404-378-9998.

4th of July weekend BBQ plans?

6/29/2022 (Permalink)

We know some of these tips are a no-brainer,  but at SERVPRO of Decatur we want you to have a safe 4^th of July weekend.

The National Fire Protection Association says that July is when most of the grilling fires occur.

• Make sure that your grill is clean and there is no grease buildup (don’t forget to check the trays).
• Before you start grilling, have a fire extinguisher close by.
• Inspect leaks in gas hose lines
• Move the grill if necessary, to make sure it is located away from deck railings or back walls.
• Never leave the grill unattended. Things can go wrong in a matter of minutes.
• If you are using coal, dispose of it in a metal container.

If your cooking fire turns into a house fire, SERVPRO of Decatur is here to help. Call us at 404-378-9998. We are available 24/7/365.

Fire Safety for Kids

6/1/2022 (Permalink)

Now that kids are out for the summer, it is important to talk to them about some fire safety tips. 

In the United States, the U.S. Fire Administration estimates that $280 million in property is damaged each year due to children playing with fire.  

The American Red Cross recommends that you keep matches, lighters and similar ignitable objects in a secured location out of kids' reach. 

Buy child-resistant lighters and flameless candles. Install smoke alarms on every floor of your home, specially inside bedrooms and sleeping areas. 

Test all the alarms in the home regularly, by pushing the test button. 

Show kids what to do and where to go in case they hear the smoke alarm go off. 

If you had the misfortune of being affected by fire and are still dealing with smoke and contents damage, call SERVPRO of Decatur at 404-378-9998. We are available to help 24/7. 

Many Home Fires Start in the Kitchen

1/3/2022 (Permalink)

The National Fire Protection Association reported that US fire departments respond to more than 170,000 home structure fires per year that were started in the kitchen. Ranges and cooktops were involved in 61% of reported cooking fires.

The first thing you should you if you are dealing with a home fire is call 911.

Here are some tips for dealing with a kitchen fire emergency

• Do not leave anything unattended, and it is a good idea to set a timer.
• Keep a fire extinguisher close to the cooking area and make sure your family knows how to use it.
• If something starts burning but it’s small, cover it with a lid or another pan.
• Never add water to a grease fire. Use the fire extinguisher or baking soda.
• Do not let grease accumulate around cooking appliances.
• Make sure flammable objects are not close to the stove, such as towels, potholders, paper towels, etc.
• Make sure the smoke alarm in the kitchen is working.

If you have fire or soot damage in your home, you can call SERVPRO of Decatur to help minimize further damage. Call us at 404-378-9998.

How residential fires get started

7/30/2021 (Permalink)

Experiencing a fire, no matter the size can be very traumatic for a family. The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) published a report that showed there were 1,291,500 fires in 2019, 3,704 deaths, and 16,600 injuries. According to the National Fire Protection Association, three-quarters of civilian fire deaths were caused by home fires, and children under 5 and the elderly are at a higher risk of dying in situations like this. Fire losses amount to almost $15 billion.

Cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires with almost 50%, following by heating equipment (14%), electrical distribution and lighting equipment (10%), Intentional fires (8%), and smoking materials (5%).

The majority of home fires start in the kitchen, that is why it is essential that you do not leave the stove unattended while cooking.

Install smoke detectors throughout the home, and make sure that every level of the home has at least one.

If the unthinkable happens and you are affected by a house fire, please do not hesitate to call the experts at SERVPRO of Decatur. We have decades of experience in dealing with situations similar to yours, and we will be there to help you throughout the restoration process. Call us at  404-378-9998, we are Here to Help.

Do you know how to use a fire extinguisher?

7/22/2021 (Permalink)

Do you have a fire extinguisher at home? If so, do you and your family know where it is located? And the most important thing…do you know how to use it?

If you do not have one at home, we recommend that you purchase one right away. You can find small ones for as little as $20. The next step is to learn how to properly use it in case of a fire emergency.

REMEMBER THE ACRONYM PASS

Pull

Pull the pin. This allows you to start discharging the extinguisher.

Aim

Aim at the base of the fire.

Squeeze

Squeeze the top handle or lever.

Sweep

Sweep from side to side until the fire is out.

Most fire extinguishers last for many years, but if they are not properly maintained, if you see a lot of rust, it might be time to get a new one.

If you ever have the misfortune of dealing with a home fire, SERVPRO of Decatur’s fire technicians can help restore your property to its preloss condition. You can reach us at 404-378-9998. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Source: UofSC

Fire Damage Services offered by SERVPRO of Decatur

7/7/2021 (Permalink)

Our Fire Technicians’ main goal is to prevent fire and smoke damage from causing further property damage to your home. When you call SERVPRO of Decatur, rest assure that we will inspect and examine the structure to identify problem areas and possible hazards. We will stabilize the structure and board up doors and windows if necessary to prevent vandalism, looting, and trespassing.

If there is water damage after the fire department leaves, we will get in touch with our water division and schedule a team to start the remediation process. We also have the ability to set up generators, in case there is no electricity.

SERVPRO of Decatur will work with homeowners to make the fire cleanup process as painless as possible. If you need help, call us today at 404-378-9998 to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Safety tips after a storm

7/5/2021 (Permalink)

Follow these tips to keep your family and your property safe after experiencing severe weather.

• ALWAYS follow warnings and signs about flooded roads.
• Do not drive in flooded areas. It does not take much water for a car to be swept away.
• Wash your hands with soap and water if you have been in contact with floodwater.
• Make sure to have an evacuation plan and share it with the whole family
• Stay away from doors and windows.
• DO NOT use a wet electrical device.
• Unplug appliances
• If the power is out, it is advised to use flashlights, not candles.
• Wait at least 30 minutes after hearing thunder before leaving your house or shelter
• Stay away from power lines
• Follow the CDC’s cleanup tips, or call SERVPRO of Decatur to help- 404-378-9998

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/be-safe-after.html

Tips to avoid grill fires

6/1/2021 (Permalink)

The summer is the peak season for grilling fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association, from 2014 to 2018, grills, hibachis, or barbecues were involved in more than 10,600 home fires per year.

Homeowners need to check the readiness of their outdoor cooking equipment – like grills and propane tanks – to help ensure summer cooking fires don’t become house fires.

1. Check your grill for cleanliness and damage. Remove grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill before the first use and after each subsequent use.
2. Position your grill well away from your home and deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging trees.
3. Keep children and pets at a safe distance – at least three feet from the grill.
4. Never leave the grill unattended when in use, and always grill outside.
5. For propane grills: Check for leaks in the gas tank hose, and open the top before lighting the grill.
6. For charcoal grills: DO NOT add starter fluid to the fire, and dispose of remaining coals in a metal container.

Our SERVPRO-trained professionals are here to help you recover if you do experience a fire, just call 404-378-9998.

Fire Safety Tips for your Decatur Home

1/7/2021 (Permalink)

Did you know that the leading cause of home fires in the U.S is caused by eating equipment? During the colder months of December, January and February is where more than half of these accidents happen.

The National Fire Protection Association has a few tips to prevent these types of fire

• Keep contents and anything that could burn at least three feet away from space heaters.
• Have your heating equipment cleaned and inspected every year by a professional.
• Never leave a portable heater unattended. ALWAYS TURN IT OFF.
• Read the instructions when dealing with fuel burning space heaters. Pay attention to what kind of fuel is needed.
• Install smoke alarms throughout your home and test them at least once a month.
• DO NOT use your oven to warm your home.
• Hire a professional to install stationary space heaters in your home.

SERVPRO of Decatur professionals are here to help you deal with any fire or smoke damage. Our highly trained technicians have the expertise and the equipment necessary to handle any size disaster. Call us at 404-378-9998.

Campfire Safety Tips

7/31/2020 (Permalink)

Who does not love to get away from hectic city life and spend a few summer days in the middle of nowhere?

Keep your family (and mother nature) safe by follow these simple, but important, campfire safety tips

• Check if there are any fire restrictions
• Pick a campfire spot downwind from your tent and make sure it is at least 15 feet away
• Use existing fire pits or fire rings (if possible)
• Use three types of woods
  • Tinder- dry leaves, dry grass, twigs
  • Kindling- small twigs
  • Fuel- large pieces of wood
• Start the fire on a leveled ground
• Do not use flammable liquids to start the fire
• Have a bucket of water ready to put the fire out in case of an emergency
• Keep the fire small and under control
• Extinguish the fire before going to bed or leaving the campsite

** Source: recreation.gov, Smokeybear.com 

Fire Damage Restoration Tips

7/28/2020 (Permalink)

Here are some tips to follow after you experience a fire in your home

• Try not to touch content that has been damaged by fire or soot. Inadvertently, you could be damaging more furniture, walls, upholstery etc.
• Do not to walk over singed carpet and rugs. If you cannot avoid it, use old sheets or towels around high-traffic areas.
• If you have power, consider yourself lucky. If electricity is off, remember to empty the refrigerator and freezer.
• Water indoor plants and make sure you wipe both sides of leaves.
• Inspect and change HVAC filters.
• Contact a repair service if you suspect your appliances were affected by the fire.
• Inspect the ceiling and light fixtures (fans) to make sure there is no fire or water damage. If you believe they were damaged, contact an electrician.  
• If your clothes were damaged by smoke or soot, make sure that the drycleaner has experience removing smoke odors. Improper cleaning may set the smell.

If you have any questions or need our help, please call SERVPRO of Decatur today- 404-378-9998.

Lightning and Home Fires

7/8/2020 (Permalink)

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimates that local fire departments in the US respond to an average of 22,600 fires started by lightning every year. Lightning-related fires are more common from June through August, especially in the afternoons and evenings.

If you think your home has been struck by cloud-to-ground lightning, call your Decatur Fire Department immediately. When a bolt of lightning hits a surface, it is over 53,000 degrees Fahrenheit (5 times hotter than the surface of the sun). A fire might not be evident at first, until it is too late since it is common for these types of fires to start in the attic.

If you can hear thunder, you are within 10 miles of a storm, that means that your home can by struck by lightning even that far away. Stay indoors and away from windows and doors, try not to use too many electronics, and it is a good idea to unplug phones, computes, and TVs. Wait at least 30 minutes to go outside after a storm has passed. 

SERVPRO of Decatur is locally owned and operated, and we are always ready to help homeowners with fire damage emergencies. If you need help, call us at 404-378-9998

Fire Prevention- Do Fire Drills at Home

7/6/2020 (Permalink)

Call us- 678-432-3003

According to the National Fire Protection Association, fire departments in America respond to a fire every 24 seconds in the United States (over 70% were homes.)

Kids learn how to react to a fire if it happens at school, since they conduct fire drills, but most do know what to do if a fire occurs at home. That is why it is so important to come up with a home evacuation plan and do regular fire drills. You should come up with an evacuation plan and get the whole family involve, even the little ones. 

Pick a meeting place far enough from the home, preferably on the front yard. Show everyone in the family where the smoke detectors are located and explain that if they every start beeping to go to the assigned meeting place.

Here are some innovative ideas and games for grownups to do with the family.

If you are dealing with a fire emergency, contact the fire damage experts- SERVPRO Decatur 404-378-9998.

House Fire in Decatur

6/2/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Decature...Here To Help®

DHS says that a small flame can turn into a major fire in less than 30 seconds and it can become life-threatening in only 2 minutes.

These are the steps you should take immediate after a fire

• Contact a disaster relief organization (American Red Cross, Salvation Army, religious organizations, community groups)
• Contact your insurance agent, or if you do not know who your agent is, contact your insurance company’s 1-800 number.
• Talk to the fire fighters on site to make sure it is safe to stay in your home.
• If it is safe to do so, photograph the damage (including personal items)
• Call a professional restoration company to help restore your property.

SERVPRO of Decatur is Here To Help® 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. You will talk to a local person, not a call center thousands of miles away. We are proud of the work our highly trained professionals do. What is the SERVPRO of Decatur difference? We have an in-house training specialist with over 10 years of experience in the industry. Our certified project managers, crew chiefs, and technicians get ongoing training sessions to provide quality control and to ensure continual communication.

If you need our help, call SERVPRO of Decatur today at 404-378-9998

Smoke and Soot Damage in your Home?

1/15/2020 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Decatur today at 404-378-9998.

During the cold months, who doesn’t love to light a big fire to warm the home? What we don’t realize is that soot from that fire can damage our furniture, ceilings, walls, etc. Soot is a black powdery or flaky substance consisting of amorphous carbon.

There are two types of smoke, dry and wet. Dry smoke comes from burning paper and wood. Wet smoke comes from burning plastic and rubber. Hot smoke travels to cooler areas and can damage different rooms of your home.

Call a professional company to help with the cleanup and restoration process. One of our Fire Production Technicians will test the soot to determine the type of smoke and soot damage. They will proceed with a cleaning plan based on the pre-testing results. Our crew has the expertise, equipment, and training required to restore any kind of soot and smoke damage.

If you have any questions about soot, smoke or fire damage call us today at 404-378-9998.

Common sources of fire in a home

8/2/2019 (Permalink)

Approximately 1 of every 338 households per year has a reported home fire. Almost 50% of structure fires were caused by cooking equipment (pots, pans, kettles, etc.) and human error was the leading contributing factor in those fires. Never leave a stove unattended while cooking!

Another common cause of fires was due to the poor upkeep of heating equipment, such as chimneys, central heating units, portable space heaters, and fireplaces.  

Older homes have a higher risk of electrical fires due to outdated wiring. If your home was built more than 20 years ago, it may not have the capacity to handle the amount of electricity, electronics and appliances we use now a days.

Smoking materials like cigarettes, cigars, etc. caused more than 17,00 fires in 2014 and are the leading cause of fire deaths. If you decide to smoke, do it outside.

Other things that can cause a fire are faulty clothes dryers and washers, candles, fan or air conditioners, and playing with a heat source.

If you need help after a fire, call SERVPRO of Decatur. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  

Do you have a fire extinguisher in your home?

7/31/2019 (Permalink)

Do you know if you have a fire extinguisher in your home? Is it in working order? What kind of fire is it for? In case of an emergency, do you know how to use it? All of these are important questions you should know ahead of time, because in a fire emergency, you probably won’t have time to stay calm and think all of this through.

Every single homeowner should have at least one fire extinguisher in their home (preferably one on every level).

Remember the word PASS

• Pull- Pull the pin
• Aim- Aim low at the base of the fire
• Squeeze- Squeeze the lever above the handle
• Sweep- Sweep from side to side

For residential properties, it is recommended to have a multi-purpose fire extinguisher class ABC. If you have questions about how to use one, call the Decatur fire department.

If you recently experienced a fire in your home, you can call SERVPRO of Decatur to help you with the cleanup process. 404-378-9998

When was the last time you clean your dryer?

7/11/2019 (Permalink)

It is hard to imagine, but dryer vent fires are one of the leading causes of residential fires in the U.S. According to the U.S. Fire Administration 2,900 dryer fires are reported each year and cause $35 million in property damage. 34% of those fires were caused by not cleaning the dryer.

If you are noticing that your clothes are not drying as fast as they used to, that could be a sign that it has been a while since you last cleaned your dryer vents. Your dryer works by removing moist, hot air, so if there is something preventing that air from getting out, your garments will need a few extra minutes to dry.

 Here are some useful tips

• Make sure your dryer is installed and serviced by a professional.
• Always use a lint filter, and make sure you clean it before and after you use it.
• Clean the back of the dryer.
• Inspect the venting system to ensure that it’s not restricted

For more information on cleaning dryer vents contact SERVPRO of Decatur at 404-378-9998.

Source usfa.fema.gov

usfa.fema.gov

The Dangers of Fire Damage

7/10/2019 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Decatur today- 404-378-9998

Did you know that in a house fire more damage is caused by smoke and soot damage than from the fire itself?

Even if the fire was contained and put out relatively quickly, the smell can spread throughout the house.

The fire could have damaged furniture, clothing, textiles, personal belongings, walls, ceilings, etc., and harmful toxins could have traveled to other parts of the home. Another thing that homeowners need to be aware of is the possibility of asbestos deposits and lead paint, especially if the home was built prior to 1980. The smell of smoke could be impossible to remove if not done by trained professionals.

Rest assure, that when you call SERVPRO of Decatur you are getting highly trained professionals ready to help. We have fire and smoke restoration technicians, odor control technicians, upholstery and fabric cleaning technicians to help and get you back to your normal life.

Call SERVPRO of Decatur today- 404-378-9998

What to do after a fire

6/4/2019 (Permalink)

We’re here to help- 404-378-9998

After experiencing a traumatic event like a fire in your home or business, it is difficult to know what steps to take next. The first thing is to keep your family safe, everything else can be replaced.

If there was extensive damage, limit the movement and how many people enter the home to prevent soot particles to penetrate carpets, rugs and furniture. Wash your hands often, to prevent getting other furniture, walls, belongings dirty. You can brush vacuum drapes, rugs and upholstery. Change your HVAC filters. Place towels on heavy traffic areas of the home. If you have chrome appliances, apply a light coating of oil or petroleum jelly to protect them from soot. Inspect your plants, and wipe both side of the leaves.

You can always call SERVPRO of Decatur 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We’re here to help- 404-378-9998

After a fire, clean your WHOLE Decatur house

1/2/2019 (Permalink)

If you need our help call us today at 404-378-9998

Fire damage, including smoke and soot, affects not only the structure of your house but also your belongings. Smoke and soot is extremely invasive and can get into all kinds of nooks and crannies in your home.

Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of your house, and smoke flows through the plumbing systems, traveling through holes around your home from the basement all the way up to the attic. The type of soot depends on what burned in the house. There are two different types of smoke – Wet and Dry. Before restoration process begins, SERVPRO of Decatur will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred and figure out their cleaning procedures from there.

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.

Our smoke damage expertise allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damages. If you need our help call us today at 404-378-9998

Types of Fire Extinguishers and how to use them

8/3/2018 (Permalink)

PASS

It is important for your safety to have a fire extinguisher in your kitchen, but also that you have the RIGHT type to put out the most common house fires. It is recommended that you have one fire extinguisher on each level of your home. If you don’t know how to use a fire extinguisher, don’t worry about it. You can go to the Decatur fire department and they can train you.

Remember the word PASS

• Pull- Pull the pin
• Aim- Aim low at the base of the fire.
• Squeeze- Squeeze the lever above the handle.
• Sweep- Sweep from side to side.

There are several classes of fire and you should use a specific type of fire extinguisher for each

• Class A- Ordinary combustibles (wood, paper, textiles)
• Class B- Flammable liquids (gasoline, diesel, oils)
• Class C- Electrical appliances and tools
• Class D- Flammable metals
• Class K- Vegetable oils, animal oils, or fats in cooking appliances

For your home, it is recommended that you get a multi-purpose fire extinguisher Class ABC.

Source: https://www.totalburncare.com/PASS_firepage.htm

https://www.thekitchn.com/do-you-have-a-fire-extinguisher-in-your-kitchen-195770

Image Credit http://www.sdfire.in/training.html

How to prevent kitchen fires

8/3/2018 (Permalink)

The kitchen is where most of the home fires occur.

More than 3,300 Americans die each year in fires and 15,000 are injured.  Here are a few tips to help prevent and remove kitchen fire hazards

• Keep kitchen towels, oven mitts, plastic bags and curtains far from an open flame and the oven.
• Don’t leave food on the stove unattended, since it only takes a second for a big fire to start.
• Clean the stove and grill regularly to prevent grease buildup, since grease fires are one of the worst. Remember NEVER pour water on a grease fire
• NEVER use your oven to heat your home.
• Make sure all the burners and the oven are turned off.
• Unplug electric appliances when you are not using them.
• If possible wear short sleeves, since wide sleeves can catch fire without you even noticing it.
• Install a smoke detector in a hallway close to the kitchen.
• Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen. Check our blog about Fire Extinguishers to learn more.   

Source: https://www.usfa.fema.gov/data/statistics/fire_death_rates.html

http://www.redcross.org/news/article/Avoid-Kitchen-Fires-Use-Red-Cross-Tips

Campfire and Grill Safety Tips

7/16/2018 (Permalink)

We’re here to help, call SERVPRO of Decatur at 404-378-9998

If you want to spend a happy and “injury-free” summer with your family and friends we recommend you follow these safety tips from the U.S Fire Administration.

• This should be a no-brainer but… never use a grill inside. Keep your grill at least 3 feet from siding, deck rails and eaves.
• Clean your grill after EACH use. We bet you don’t want the grease from that delicious steak to start a fire.
• Open your gas grill before lighting.
• Keep a 3-foot save zone around grills and campfires
• Place coals from the grill in a metal container with a lid.
• Never leave a campfire or grill unattended.
• Watch out for kids and pets and make sure they don’t get too close.

We’re here to help, call SERVPRO of Decatur at 404-378-9998

Source: https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/grilling_fire_safety_flyer.pdf

Common classes of Commercial Fire Damage in Decatur

6/4/2018 (Permalink)

Call us at 404-378-9998

If you are experiencing commercial fire damage, it is crucial to work with professionals who can help you restore your property. Fire damage can take many different forms so it is important to know what to look out for. Watch out for the following types of commercial fire damage and call the experts at SERVPRO as soon as possible to prevent the damage from getting worse.

1. Class A fire damage: This type of fire damage is the result of a fire involving flammable solids, such as, various plastics, paper, rubber, wood, and cloth. This category of fire damage most likely spreads from a single source, which makes it easier for individuals to quickly isolate the fire and put it out with a fire extinguisher.
2. Class B fire damage: Class B fire damage consists of damage as a result of flammable liquids or solids that can become liquefied. This includes gasoline and various forms of petrol, oil, various waxes and plastics, and paint. However, fires caused by cooking oils and fats don’t count as Class B. These fires are known to spread very quickly and tend to cause vast damage.
3. Class C Fire Damage: A Class C fire damage is one involving flammable gasses, including hydrogen, propane, butane, and natural gas. More often than not, this type of damage is explosive and can cause tremendous destruction in the property's structure. It is a common example of commercial fire damage, and it can result in long-term loss if not dealt with immediately.
4. Class D Fire Damage: Class D fire damage consists of fires caused by combustible metals such as magnesium, potassium, and sodium. If this type of fire damage is not taken care of quickly, it is possible that chemicals will become airborne and result in a variety of problems around the work area.

If you are ever in the situation where you need help dealing with fire restoration, be sure to call SERVPRO of Decatur. Call us today at 404-378-9998 to learn more about what we can do for you.

Smoke and Soot Cleanup

1/4/2018 (Permalink)

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Us Today – 404-378-9998

Smoke and soot facts

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

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Decatur will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

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

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

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

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

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

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

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

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – 404-378-9998

This week is Fire Prevention Week

10/11/2017 (Permalink)

Test your smoke alarms

National Fire Prevention Week is from October 8^th to October 14^th 2017

Are you prepared in case of a house fire? 

If not, SERVPRO of Decatur has some helpful tips:

• Remember…Every second counts!
• Have an escape plan- According to the National Fire Protection Association, only half of all Americans have an escape plan. Don’t wait…develop your plan today.
• Plan your escape, and PRACTICE your escape plan.
• Teach kids how to escape on their won in case you can’t help them.
• Test your smoke alarms and replace the batteries if they haven’t been changed in over a year
• Check the pressure gauge on your home fire extinguisher today to make sure the gauge’s needle indicates proper pressure (Green zone)

Source: http://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Campaigns/Fire-Prevention-Week

Fire Damage: The Dangers You Can't See

8/8/2017 (Permalink)

When it comes to your health and the health of the people you love, don't take any risks. Give us a call today!

If told to image fire damage, we would probably all visualize a similar picture. Roaring flames that once spread throughout a home now leaves behind blackened debris, burnt furniture and belongings, thick soot all over the walls, and a smell of smoke that you think is going to be impossible to ever get rid of. While all of these things can be harmful to humans, and pets alike, the most dangerous thing that fires can leave behind are invisible asbestos deposits and the combustion deposits of lead paint. These chemicals are especially harmful to children and the elderly.

 Although more recently built homes are less susceptible to the dangers of asbestos and lead paint, those homes and buildings built prior to 1980 may contain these chemicals. In these cases, it is important that professional remediation is used when dealing with a fire. The professionals at SERVPRO of Decatur is here to help with all of your remediation and restoration needs!

The Importance of Cleaning Dryer Vents

8/8/2017 (Permalink)

According to the U.S. Fire Administration’s National Fire Data Center, clothes dryers are responsible for more than 15,000 structure fires around the country each year, and 80% of those fires start with clogged dryer vents.

There are a few warning signs that your dryer vent needs to be cleaned out. One sign is if your laundry is taking longer to dry than usual; dryers work by removing hot, moist air, so if something is preventing that air from getting out, your laundry will most likely need a few extra cycles to dry. Another sign is if you notice that your clothes have a strange smell, this could mean that your dryer is not ventilating properly.

To reduce the risk of these fires happening in your or your insured’s home or business, SERVPRO of Decatur can help clean dryer vents and ducts that may have lint buildup.

For more information on cleaning dryer vents contact SERVPRO of Decatur at 404-378-9998.

How to Rescue Residential Stonework from Fire Damage

7/18/2017 (Permalink)

When a fire breaks out in your home the main concern is to put it out and then repair all of the damages to the inside of your home. But if you have experienced a moderate to severe fire it is very likely that these incidents have lead to visible marks and blemished on the outside of your home as well.

The good news is that stains on stonework, concrete and other structural materials can almost always be fixed. While brick and concrete are not indestructible, they are extremely sturdy and do not usually crack under the pressure of heat! Therefore we can use straightforward cleaning techniques to restore the outside of your property. Below are three levels of stains that might occur to the outside of your building if you experience a fire:

Light Stains

If there is no structural damage, our SERVPRO technicians can use mild cleaning agents to wash the soot and smoke damage off the surface.

Moderate Stains

The problem with soot is that it can be very acidic and if it is not removed from a structure quickly there is a chance of corrosive residues becoming embedded deep into your stonework. This is why SERVPRO makes sure to pay very close attention to cracked joints.

Heavy Stains

The most severe staining occurs when heavily combustible materials have caught fire and burned for some time. When this happens, jet washing is usually a suitable method for cleaning up the stains!

If you need help restoring your home after a fire give SERVPRO of Decatur a call at 404-378-9998.