Recent Fire Damage Posts

Fire can happen Anywhere, Anytime.

8/3/2023 (Permalink)

Fires can happen anywhere, including when you leave your home unoccupied. A quick trip to the store can end terribly when you return to see fire trucks swarmed around your house. This scenario does not put you and your family in the same risks families experience when a fire starts during the night. While your smoke detector hopefully wakes you, the smoke can make escaping extremely difficult. Flames can take over your entire house when no one is there to call for help.

Our goal is to help families prevent fire damage, and where it affects homes, to mitigate the situation, so those properties become safe to live in again. The best way to deal with fire damage is by preventing it from happening.

During the summer months, many families enjoy outdoor cooking on the grill or fire pit. Grills put away when still holding hot coals can cause stored chemicals in the garage to ignite. Fireworks stored for Independence Day celebrations can turn into problems when young children locate them and then mishandle them inside the home by trying to light them. Electrical hazards develop when using tools outside with the cords laid in the driveway can later create hot spots when using the tool inside the house.

Waiting until your grill cools off completely before rolling the unit into the garage keeps combustible liquids from getting hot enough to burn. Keeping combustible liquids in a cabinet or shelving area away from other items can also help. Installing a smoke detector in the garage can also alert you of a fire before it grows too large.

Explaining to children about lighters and matches and their inherent dangers can help prevent fires caused by curious youngsters. However, placing both fire starters and fireworks well out of reach and out of range even if chairs get pushed up against tall cabinets can work wonders at avoiding tempting situations.

Keeping cords in good condition and replacing damaged ones effectively stops fires and electrical shocks from hurting anyone. Always check the gauge of the wires before replacing them to avoid damaging the tool.

SERVPRO of Vigo wants to remind families to install smoke alarms in strategic locations in your house and check the batteries monthly. You should choose a family member's birthday or anniversary as the date to install new batteries, to keep them fresh. When fire damage does happen, call us and we will send out qualified mitigation specialists.

We are faster to any disaster and we will make things "Like it never even happened."

Common Causes for House fires

8/2/2023 (Permalink)

House fires are devastating and often tragic to human and pet life, in addition to causing smoke and water damage to property. But house fires are traditionally caused by just a few very common scenarios, which means they are highly preventable. Make sure you and your family stay safe from the potential dangers of a house fire.

According to statistics from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there are more than 350,000 home fires each year in the U.S., leading to more than 2,600 deaths.1 Fires can be started in a number of ways, but they generally fall into one of two categories: fires caused by heat igniting combustible materials, and those caused by chemical reactions.

Your home is full of objects and materials that can combust under the right conditions. Some of the common causes of house fires are familiar to everyone, while others may surprise you. Identifying and lowering these risks help you lower your chance of house fire, keeping your family and property safer.

Cooking fires are among the most common types of house fires, causing around 49 percent of all residential fires. They are very often caused by greases that becomes overheated on a stove or in an oven. Grease is highly flammable when it gets hot enough (about 600 degrees Fahrenheit, on average), and when it reaches that point, it can combust spontaneously, even without direct flame contact. Once grease is ignited, it is very difficult to smother the flames.

Never leave the kitchen unattended when cooking in oil or when cooking a food that produces grease, such as bacon. Most kitchen fires start because when a homeowner leaves food cooking unsupervised on a stove or in an oven. By the time the fire is discovered, it’s usually too late. Thoroughly clean your cookware to prevent grease from building up over time.

Portable cooking appliances, such as toasters and electric griddles, can also be a source of fires. Never leave these portable appliances unsupervised, and make sure they are cool to the touch before storing them away. Toasters should be regularly cleaned of crumbs that might ignite if they build up inside the appliance.

During the outdoor cooking season, barbecue grills left unattended on a wooden deck or near the exterior walls of a home can also be a source of fire. A heated grill next to a wooden fence can easily cause fire, and grills have been known to ignite the exterior walls of a home or garage if positioned too close.

Small grease fires can be extinguished quickly by turning off the heat and smothering the fire with a metal lid. Sprinkling baking soda or salt on the fire will also put it out, as well. A class-B or class-K fire extinguisher is also recommended, although the chemicals can create a notable cleanup issue.

With serious fires, make no attempt to put out the fire. Instead, call the fire department immediately. Under no circumstances should you dump water over the grease fire, as this can cause the hot grease to explode and throw burning grease over the area.

Home space heaters and baseboard heaters can cause fire when fabrics and other combustibles are left too close to them. Heating and cooling appliances of various types are the second leading cause of residential fires, responsible for over 12 percent of all home fires. According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), some 25,000 home fires caused more than 300 deaths in the U.S. each year (2104 to 2016) as a result of space heaters.2

Heaters that require fuel such as kerosene are especially dangerous, as they can ignite or blow up if not properly watched. Electrical heaters can cause fires if the electrical wiring is faulty, or if draperies or other fabrics overheat when they come in contact with the coils.

Always follow the instructions on any heating device you use and inspect it regularly to ensure it is in good condition.

Never leave the house with a heater running. Space heaters almost always have instructions warning against unsupervised use, but thousands of house fires each year can be attributed to such appliances left running when homeowners are absent. Make sure flammable materials are kept well away from space heaters.

Various types of electrical faults in home wiring cause about 51,000 fires each year, accounting for nearly 500 deaths, 1,400 injuries, and about $1.3 billion in property damage. according to the EFSi (Electrical Safety Foundation international).3 Most typically, electric fires occur because of short circuits or loose connections causing arcing (sparking) that ignites building materials, or from circuits that are overloaded with current, causing wires to overheat.

Electrical problems account for about 10 percent of all residential fires, but this type of fire is often deadly, accounting for about 18 percent of deaths due to home fire, according to the NFPA Home Structure Fires report.1 This is likely because electrical fires often ignite in hidden locations and build into major fires before residents are aware of them. And such fires frequently may ignite while residents are sleeping.

Properly installed electrical systems are very safe, with a number of built-in protective features, but old, faulty wiring systems can be susceptible to short circuits and overloading. It's a good idea to have your wiring checked out by a professional electrician, especially if you live in an older home. And don't perform your own electrical repairs or improvements unless you understand the principles of electricity and have experience doing such work.

Smoking is hazardous to your health in many ways—including the potential for igniting fires from cigarette butts dropped on carpeting, furniture, or other flammable materials.

Fires from cigarettes and smoking materials cause nearly 600 deaths and over 1,100 injuries each year in the U.S., according to the National Fire Protection Association. While cigarettes and other smoking materials account for only about 5 percent of home fires, these are particularly deadly fires, responsible for about 23 percent of all fire deaths—the single most common cause.4 This is likely because these fires often ignite when a resident falls asleep.

Smoking in bed is especially dangerous and should always be avoided at all cost. All it takes is a single stray ash to ignite a mattress, blanket, carpet, or piece of clothing. If you must smoke, do it outside whenever possible, or smoke over a sink while using an ashtray to help reduce your fire risk.

The National Fire Protection Association says that between 2014 and 2018, candles caused an estimated average of just over 7,600 fires, with and average 81 deaths and 677 injuries for each of those years.5 The matches and lighters used to light candles are equally dangerous if left in a place where children can reach them. Keep matches and lighters locked in a secure place if you have kids, and never leave a candle burning in a room that is unattended.

New Year's Day, Christmas, and New Year's Eve are the prime time for fires caused by candles. Candles can add a wonderful touch to family dinners and holiday celebration, but always extinguish them before leaving the room. Keep candle flames at least 12 inches from any materials that might ignite.

Consider other options for decorative lighting effects. There are very good battery-powered flameless luminaries that are remarkably realistic, right down to flickering in the same way that candles do.

Although fires caused by chemical reactions are more common in industrial/commercial locations, they are also a common cause of home fires. Residential chemical fires occur most commonly when volatile vapors from gasoline and other petroleum liquids reach a flash-point temperature or when the fumes contact a source of open flame. Another common type of chemical fire is spontaneous combustion—the reaction of chemicals combining with oxygen in the air to produce enough heat to reach a flashpoint and ignite in flame.

Chemical fires of various types cause approximately 14,000 fires each year, according to the NFPA, and while a relatively small number of these are residential fires, they can be especially deadly because they are so unexpected.

Store all fuels and other chemicals in their proper containers and keep them in locations that are protected from heat. A common source of this kind of fire is the gasoline or other fuel used to power lawn equipment. Tips for safely storing gasoline.

Use an approved container. The best storage container for gasoline is a red plastic container that is printed with labeling identifying it as an approved container.

Fill the container no more than 95 percent full. This allows a space for vapors to expand without rupturing the container.

Keep containers tightly sealed to prevent gas vapors from escaping and possibly reaching a source of flame or spark.

Store the container at least 50 feet away from pilot lights and ignition sources, such as the heat, sparks, and flames from a water heater, space heater, or furnace. A detached garage or shed is an ideal spot to store these fuels. If no such space exists, then store fuel containers on the outside wall of an attached garage, as far as possible from living spaces.

Another cause of chemical fires is when oily rags spontaneously heat up. Never store oil-soaked or chemical-soaked rags after they are used. And, especially never stack them in a pile, because heat can be spontaneously generated as the fumes combine with oxygen. Oily rags should be spread out in an outdoor location until the oil evaporates. Once thoroughly dry, they can be washed for reuse.

If possible, store paint thinners, mineral spirits, and other flammable liquids in a fireproof cabinet is a location well separated from living spaces. Make sure individual containers are kept tightly sealed.

Christmas trees are a holiday tradition for many families, but they come with some risks. Real evergreen trees tend to dry out over time, and by the end of the holiday season, they can pose a very serious danger of flash fire. A hot light or a spark can immediately set the tree aflame, and such fires spread incredibly fast, engulfing a room in a matter of seconds.

While fires caused by Christmas trees are much less common than other causes (about 160 cases annually in the U.S., according to the National Fire Protection Association), such fires can be deadly. They account for two deaths and 14 injuries each year.

Artificial trees made with vinyl or plastic needles are safer in this regard, but an electrical fire from a bad wire in the light-bulb string or an overloaded outlet is still a risk. Never leave Christmas tree lights plugged in when you are not at home or when you are sleeping, no matter if the tree is natural or artificial. Check natural trees regularly to ensure they are not too dry. Make sure the water reservoir is kept full, which will prevent the tree from becoming tinder-dry.

Older Christmas tree lights that use incandescent bulbs can generate quite a lot of heat and are best replaced by lights using LED (light-emitting diode) bulbs, which are considerably cooler to the touch. But all light bulb strings should be regularly inspected and discarded if they show bare wires or other problems.

Holiday lights are sometimes used elsewhere in the home, such as around windows. These light strings can also cause draperies or other materials to ignite if they are faulty or if they are used improperly.

SERVPRO of Vigo County is a locally owned and -operated leader in restoration and cleaning needs, so we are part of this community, too. We have the training, equipment, and expertise to handle your restoration and cleaning needs following disasters and accidents that occur in your home and business. We offer 24-hour emergency service and are faster to any disaster. Call us at (812) 242-9611 when you need help getting your property back in order and looking its best. We are part of SERVPRO, a trusted leader in the restoration industry with over 1,700 franchises in the United States and Canada.

Fire Damage Restoration Process

9/19/2022 (Permalink)

After the fire trucks leave, your home likely suffers from fire and smoke damage and extensive water damage from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO of Vigo has the specialized fire restoration training needed to restore your home to pre-fire condition.

Have Questions About Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Today – (812)242-9611

Every fire damage event is a little different, and requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate our process for the “typical” fire damage emergency.

Step 1: Emergency Contact

The restoration process begins when you call us. Our representative will ask questions regarding the fire damage event that will help us respond immediately with the appropriate equipment and resources. 

Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment

We carefully inspect and test adjoining rooms of your property to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is crucial to developing a plan of action. 

Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service

Fire damage can often compromise windows, walls, and roofs. To maintain security and to protect against further damage, we can board up missing windows and walls and place tarps on damaged roofs. 

Step 4: Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)

The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. We then use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process. 

Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces

We use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces. 

Step 6: Cleaning and Sanitizing

We clean, sanitize, and disinfect all of the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to restore your belongings to pre-fire condition. We’re also trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

Step 7: Restoration

Restoration is the final step—getting your home or business to its pre-fire condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

House Fire in Terre Haute Indiana

9/19/2022 (Permalink)

Have you had a fire damage recently?

If you have experienced a fire damage in your life, you will have a different perspective from those whom have not. A house fire can be life altering. 

Imagine experiencing a fire in your home. The thought alone is devastating. But when you imagine living it..it's not something you would wish on anyone. For us, we want to be that phone call of hope on the other line. "Yes, we can help you. We are sorry that you are experiencing this, but we are going to help you through this tragedy hand in hand."

SERVPRO of Vigo is here to serve you.

Our team is trained and ready to clean up whatever size fire you have. We are ready to serve you and serve you well. We are ready to listen and communicate. We are ready to provide you, your family, your home, and your items with the utmost respect. 

Give us a call today if you have fire, smoke, or soot damage (812)-242-9611

I bought a fire extinguisher for my home. Now what?

8/9/2022 (Permalink)

Basics of a fire extinguisher Basics of a fire extinguisher

We care about our customers here at SERVPRO of Vigo SERVPRO, so please read below so you can be well informed on how to use your fire extinguishers at home.

Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep until the fire is out!

Now you may be thinking that you’re as prepared as you could be for a home fire. However, owning a fire extinguisher won’t do you much good if you don’t know how to use it. Did you know that fires can double in size every 60 seconds? That being said, you don’t want to wait for a fire to break out in your home to look over the directions for the first time.

Before you even reach for that fire extinguisher, make sure the fire is still in the incipient stage (the flames aren’t taller than you) and that it’s not threatening to block your evacuation route. If you’re good on both of those fronts, all it takes to effectively operate most fire extinguishers is remembering and executing the acronym 

P.A.S.S:

PULL the pin.

AIM the nozzle at the base of the fire.

SQUEEZE the handle to release the fire extinguishing agent.

SWEEP the nozzle from side to side until the fire appears to be out.

After executing the P.A.S.S. technique, don’t turn your back on the area of the fire as flames may still flare-up. And remember to evacuate immediately and call 9-1-1 if the fire gets out of hand. Your safety is the number one goal of a fire preparedness plan!

With SERVPRO Give Soot The Boot!

3/31/2022 (Permalink)

 

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive 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

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 Vigo County 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 – (812) 242-9611

Why let SERVPRO handle fire damage and odor control?

3/2/2022 (Permalink)

Because the longer that your home sits without restoration efforts, the more difficult it is to salvage your contents and materials. Even if some elements like your HVAC System, light fixtures, and appliances seem to be untouched, there could be soot deposits wreaking havoc.

  • Once our Green Fleet arrives on the scene and the first responders give the green light for re-entry, our crew chief begins the assessment. 
  • All unsalvageable materials, contents, and charred debris gets safely disposed of.
  • Water removal services and drying begin if any standing water or chemicals are present from fighting the fire.
  • Controlled demolition gets done to replace any unsalvageable building materials with brand new materials.
  • Meticulous cleaning, sanitizing, and deodorizing help wrap up the project, leaving your home like-new once again.

Why SERVPRO of Vigo for fire damage restoration? We are locally owned and operated, staffed by a team that cares about getting our residents the results they deserve. Reach us 24/7 at (812)242-9611.

Smoke and Soot Damage Can Cause a Pervasive Odor in Your Home. SERVPRO is here to help!

1/20/2022 (Permalink)

Soot spreading across the ceiling Apartment Fire that spread from the stove to the entire kitchen

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive 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

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 [[Franchise Name]] 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 – 812-242-9611

Working Smoke Alarms And Your Home

1/11/2022 (Permalink)

servpro fire dector If you have a fire, water, mold, or asbestos disaster, give SERVPRO a call today!
 Having fire alarms in your house and working is one if the most important things you can do to stay prepared if a fire did happen. It is a small items that seems to be overlooked quite a bit but with just a few minutes of your time it could save yours and your families lives.

According to www.cpsc.gov, they indicate why smoke alarms are important and also where smoke alarms should be installed in your home.

Why Are Smoke Alarms Important?

Every year in the United States, about 2,000 people lose their lives in residential fires. In a fire, smoke and deadly gases tend to spread farther and faster than heat. That's one reason why most fire victims die from inhalation of smoke and toxic gases, not from burns. A majority of fatal fires happen when families are asleep because occupants are unaware of the fire until there is not adequate time to escape. A smoke alarm stands guard around the clock, and when it first senses smoke, it sounds a shrill alarm. This often allows a family the precious, but limited, time needed to escape. About two-thirds of home fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.  Properly installed and maintained smoke alarms are considered to be one of the best and least expensive means of providing an early warning of a potentially deadly fire and could reduce by almost half the risk of dying from a fire in your home. 

Where Should Smoke Alarms be Installed? Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of the home, outside sleeping areas, and inside bedrooms A smoke alarm should be installed and maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions. When installing a smoke alarm, many factors influence where you will place the alarm, including how many are to be installed.  Consider placing alarms along your escape path to assist in egress in limited-visibility conditions. In general, you should place alarms in the center of a ceiling or, if you place them on a wall, they should be near the ceiling.

If you have a fire, water, mold, or asbestos disaster, give SERVPRO a call today!

When Was The Last Time You Cleaned Your Dryer Vent? It's Probably Time!

11/21/2021 (Permalink)

dryer vent Remembering these guidelines may help prevent a lint fire in your home.

Many people may not realize the importance of keeping a dryer vent clean. However, keeping your dryer vent clear of debris is the first step in preventing a lint fire from occurring in your home. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, January is the peak month for dryer fire incidents, so be particularly mindful to remove lint during the fall and winter time. 

Preventing Losses 

  • The best way to avoid a lint fire is by simply cleaning the lint which has collected in your dryer’s lint trap after every load.
  • Cleaning your lint trap ensures that debris does not accumulate over time in your dryer vent and restrict airflow through the unit’s exhaust.
  • If the airway becomes restricted, there may be excess heat during operation of your dryer, which can cause flammable materials such as lint to ignite and cause damage to your property.
  • Annually, there are 2,900 dryer fires reported, and every year, an estimated $35 million in property loss results from these fires. The leading cause of residential fires results from a failure to keep the ventilation free of debris. 

Keep It Clean

A great way to keep your dryer’s exhaust ventilation clean is by using a rotary vent auger, or dryer snake, which is a bristled and flexible tool used to clear hard-to-reach areas of ductwork, such as your dryer exhaust. You should clear the vent anywhere from one to three times per year, depending on the number of people in your household, as lint and debris may begin to accumulate over a shorter amount of time if more loads of laundry are being done on average. You should be able to clean the vent on your own, but it is also possible to hire professionals to clean it for you.

Remembering these guidelines may help prevent a lint fire in your home. For more information for residential fire prevention, you can also check the local fire codes in Terre Haute, IN.

For more information, please visit us at http://www.SERVPROvigocounty.com/.

SERVPRO Is Your #1 Cleaning For Soot And Smoke Clean Up!

11/21/2021 (Permalink)

smoke and soot Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Us Today – (812) 242-9611
Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive 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

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 Vigo County 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 – (812) 242-9611

SERVPRO of Vigo County & CPSV Helped A Home Fire "Like it never even happened"

10/26/2021 (Permalink)

House Damage This is a before picture of what we walked into after the fire.

Furnace caught fire with no one home resulting in a house engulfed with flames as the fire department arrived. Homeowner stated that when she arrived "he thought there was no way it would be back to new without tearing it completely down."

SERVPRO of Vigo County & CPSV was called in to making it "Like it never even happened."

After fixing the house back to new and having vandalism damage during the process of putting it back to new not once but twice. The customer is back in the home and very happy with the whole process.

Customer stated that even though it took longer than expected due to the two vandalisms, he was very happy with how everything turned out in the end. He stated that he would use our services again if it ever would to happen hat he would need them.

Ask The Experts: How do I get rid of the effects of fire damage?

3/12/2021 (Permalink)

After a fire, everything in your home may smell like smoke. Many textiles and materials absorb the odor, which can make it hard to remove. When possible, air out your home for as long as possible as quickly after the fire to allow as much of the smoke smell to dissipate on its own. After that, there are some steps to take to remove the smoke smell from specific materials.

From Clothing

The key to removing a smoky smell from your clothing is to act quickly. The quicker you act, the more successful you will be. First, soak the clothing in warm water with laundry detergent or white vinegar. Allow the clothes to sit overnight. The detergent or vinegar will work to neutralize the smell. Once the smell has been removed, wash and dry the clothing. Do not wash or dry the clothing until you are sure the scent has been removed, as it can set in the smell.

From Flooring

Flooring, including carpet, wood and tile, can all absorb smoke after a fire. The best way to properly clean your flooring is to call in a professional. A professional fire restoration company can work to restore your flooring and clean it, as can a carpet cleaner or tile cleaner. Hot water extraction is usually the best method for removing soot and scents.

From Your Walls

Unfortunately, after a fire, your walls can have a smoke scent that lingers. A professional should be called in, as removing the scent is not always easy. In some cases, the scent may actually be trapped in the insulation housed behind the wall. In other cases, the scent may be so embedded in the drywall that replacing the drywall is the best option. If the scent is faint and the drywall is in good condition, painting the drywall may help to remove the scent.

After a fire, it is well worth it to hire a fire damage specialist to come in and complete the cleanup process. Here at SERVPRO of Vigo County, we are committed to helping those who have gone through a fire get their home back. We can help with water damage cleanup, fire restoration and removal of soot and smoke smells. Call us now at (812) 242-9611 to get started.

Ask The Experts: What To Do When It Comes To Smoke And Soot Damage

11/17/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allow us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive 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

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 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.

SERVPRO Tips: Best Practices To Prevent Laundry Room Fires

11/11/2020 (Permalink)

While the kitchen is the most common room for house fires, dryer fires are another common problem. The heating of the dryer combined with lint build-up can cause your dryer to burst into flames. A lint fire is scary, but there are steps that can be taken to prevent it.

Safety First

It's important to realize that even when the lint is properly cleaned from your dryer, there is still a chance of a dryer fire. For this reason, you should never run your dryer:

  • When you are sleeping
  • When you are not home
  • When you are going to be outdoors

Leaving your dryer unattended can cause the fire to spread further, which can cause extensive damage. In addition, unplug your dryer before you start cleaning out the lint.

Vacuum Out the Lint Screen and Dryer

You probably already clean out your lint screen every time you start a new load. However, a lot of lint can get past the screen, and eventually lead to a lint fire. Take your vacuum attachment and clean underneath and around the lint screen the best you can. Refer to your owner's manual to see how to safely vacuum out the inside of your dryer.

Cleaning Out the Hose

Pull out any lint you can reach after removing the hose from the back of your dryer and the wall. If you can't reach it all, use a dryer vent snake to push it all the way through. In addition, check the pathway from the hole in the wall to the outside of your house. Use the snake to ensure that all of the lint is out of the vent.
These steps can help reduce your risk of a lint fire. You should do this at least once every six months, and more often if you do a lot of laundries. If you do experience a dryer fire, let your fire restoration experts do what needs to be done to clean up the mess.

SERVPRO Tips: Fire can happen anywhere, any time

9/29/2020 (Permalink)

Fires can happen anywhere, including when you leave your home unoccupied. A quick trip to the store can end terribly when you return to see fire trucks swarmed around your house. This scenario does not put you and your family in the same risks families experience when a fire starts during the night. While your smoke detector hopefully wakes you, the smoke can make escaping extremely difficult. Flames can take over your entire house when no one is there to call for help.

Our goal is to help families prevent fire damage, and where it affects homes, to mitigate the situation, so those properties become safe to live in again. The best way to deal with fire damage is by preventing it from happening.

During the summer months, many families enjoy outdoor cooking on the grill or fire pit. Grills put away when still holding hot coals can cause stored chemicals in the garage to ignite. Fireworks stored for Independence Day celebrations can turn into problems when young children locate them and then mishandle them inside the home by trying to light them. Electrical hazards develop when using tools outside with the cords laid in the driveway can later create hot spots when using the tool inside the house.

Waiting until your grill cools off completely before rolling the unit into the garage keeps combustible liquids from getting hot enough to burn. Keeping combustible liquids in a cabinet or shelving area away from other items can also help. Installing a smoke detector in the garage can also alert you of a fire before it grows too large.

Explaining to children about lighters and matches and their inherent dangers can help prevent fires caused by curious youngsters. However, placing both fire starters and fireworks well out of reach and out of range even if chairs get pushed up against tall cabinets can work wonders at avoiding tempting situations.

Keeping cords in good condition and replacing damaged ones effectively stops fires and electrical shocks from hurting anyone. Always check the gauge of the wires before replacing them to avoid damaging the tool.

SERVPRO wants to remind families to install smoke alarms in strategic locations in your house and check the batteries monthly. You should choose a family member's birthday or anniversary as the date to install new batteries, to keep them fresh. When fire damage does happen, call us and we will send out qualified mitigation specialists.

We are faster to any disaster and we will make things "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO Tips: Preventing Space Heater Fires

9/28/2020 (Permalink)

Space heaters can keep you warm during those long winter months. A burned space heater, however, can cause severe fire damage to your home that may require extensive smoke cleanup.
Space heater fires most commonly occur when the heater is left next to a flammable substance. You should thus avoid placing your space heater next to:

  • Upholstered furniture
  • Curtains
  • Bedding
  • Gas cans
  • Matches
  • Paint

There are several other steps you can take to avoid a space heater fire in your home. You can check for certain safety features before purchasing a heater. Once you do choose a heater, you should also make sure it is used properly.

Safety Features

When you are considering a space heater for your house, make sure you choose one with a strong cord. The cord should also be long enough so that it doesn’t require the use of a power strip or extension cord. An extension cord or power strip can lead to a burned space heater.
You should additionally look for a space heater with an automatic shut-off feature. This causes the heater to turn itself off when it tips over or gets too hot.

Proper Use

After you take your space heater home, make sure to place it on a level, non-flammable and hard surface. The floor is an ideal spot. You should similarly put it at least three feet away from flammable items. Keep your children and pets a safe distance away from the heater, as well.
Make sure to clean the space heater’s filter regularly. When you aren’t using the heater, turn it off and unplug it from the wall. You should also regularly check the cord and replace it if it appears worn or frayed.

Even if you follow the above advice, space heater fires can happen. If a burned space heater damages your home, you need to hire fire cleanup professionals. Fire damage cleanup experts can eliminate the smell and even remove soot from your carpets.

So give us a call! We are faster to any disaster and are here to help get you to "Like it never even happened." 

SERVPRO Tips: Burn Injuries In The Workplace

9/28/2020 (Permalink)

Fire damage can result in large losses to your business' material assets. Along with those damages, there may be injuries to employees. Knowing how to provide burn first aid can be very beneficial in this situation. After calling the appropriate local emergency services, here are four things you can do to help.

1. Stop the Burning Process

Once the injured person has been safely evacuated from the building, take them to a safe area and have them sit or lie down so the injury can be looked at. Be sure there is nothing still burning, such as hair or clothing, that can cause further injury. If it is safe to do so, remove any restrictive clothing or jewelry before the burned area swells.

2. Asses the Injury

Just as the fire damage to your business needs to be assessed, so does the injury to an employee. Check the person to see how many areas of his or her body have been burned. Look carefully for burns to the face, as these types of injuries can cause the person to have trouble breathing, and he or she may need special attention or rescue breathing.

3. Cover the Wound

If a first-aid kit is available, use burn dressings or slightly moist sterile gauze pads to cover the burned area. A clean cloth can be used if emergency supplies are not available. 

4. Treat the Injured Person for Shock

Have the injured person lie down with his or her feet and, if possible, the injured area elevated above the level of his or her heart to help prevent shock. If the person is cold, cover him or her with a blanket or similar item. Have someone remain with the person until emergency services arrive.

Handling fire damage to your business and having an injured employee is a stressful situation. A little bit of preparation and first aid learned beforehand can go a long way in keeping everyone calm and ensuring the best outcome.

Give us a call! We are faster to any disaster and are here to help get you back to "Like it never even happened."

Holiday Fire Risks

1/4/2019 (Permalink)

Christmas Trees

One in every four home Christmas tree fires is caused by electrical problems. Be careful about the placement of the tree in your home, as well as lights and decorations that could potentially ignite. Always keep a close eye on the tree when it is lighted, and follow these safety measures:

  • Buy quality lights with a safety rating
  • Never use old lights with frayed cords
  • Use heavy-duty, safety-rated extension cords
  • Don’t overload your electrical outlets with too many plugs
  • Do not leave your tree lighted when you are sleeping or not at home
  • Place tree safely away from heaters, wood stoves and fireplaces
  • Do not let anyone smoke near the tree
  • Keep the tree hydrated with plenty of water

Candles

Sure, candles provide a certain ambience and can fill you home with wonderful aromas, but open flames can present a huge fire risk. The incidence of candle fires is four times higher during December than other months. If you use candles, never leave them unattended while lighted. Keep them far away from any curtains, bedding, kitchen items such as pot holders or dishcloths, or towels in a bathroom, to prevent a high flame from igniting nearby fabric. Also keep them away from open windows and doors to avoid the chance of a gust of wind knocking them over.

Children and Pets

Pay particular attention to young children and pets who can inadvertently topple lighted candles, ornaments and trees while playing. Keep lighted candles elevated so they do not have access. As children get a little older and curious, make sure matches and lighters are kept out of reach. Purchasing child-safety lighters is a good preventive measure. Never leave a child or pet unattended in a room with a lighted candle. Consider using flameless, battery-operated candles to be on the safe side. These can provide extra peace of mind during the busiest days of the holiday season when a lot of people are in your home, and you are busy cooking or talking with guests.

Keep the joy in your holidays by making sure you decorate, cook and entertain safely this season.

SERVPRO of Vigo County is a locally owned and operated leader in restoration and cleaning needs. We serve local communities in the Terre Haute, Indiana, area. We have the training, equipment and expertise to handle your needs following disasters and accidents in your home and business. We offer 24-hour emergency service and are faster to any disaster. Call us today at (812) 242-9611 when you need help getting your property back in order and looking its best. We are part of SERVPRO, a trusted leader in the restoration industry with over 1,700 franchises in the United States and Canada.

Thanksgiving Kitchen Fire Safety Tips

11/5/2018 (Permalink)

As family and friends come together to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, food is, of course, a big focus. This yearly feast means kitchens are placed in overdrive. It’s a chaotic time that calls for being aware and alert, as Thanksgiving has the dubious distinction of being the peak day for home cooking fires. Make sure you and your loved ones, as well as your property, remain safe this holiday.

Steps You Can Take to Protect from Kitchen Fires

  • Be Proactive– by testing the batteries in all your smoke, fire and CO2 alarms to make sure they are operational. Keep your oven and stovetop clean and grease-free. Do not leave combustible materials like oven mitts or dishtowels near a hot oven or stove. Do not allow young children to get near stoves and ovens. Always have a fire extinguisher within arm’s reach in the kitchen.
  • Be Attentive – never leave cooking food on the stove unattended. If you have food in the oven and want to step into another room, make sure to set a timer. Keep pot and pan handles turned so they cannot be knocked over as people pass by. Keep electric appliance cords dangling off counters, along and with knives that could be grabbed by children. If you use candles, make sure they are kept well out of reach of children or breezes that could topple them over. Never leave them unattended. On more hectic holidays, consider using battery-powered candles to keep everyone safe and sound. If food ignites, throw baking soda on it or cover it with a pot cover.

Be Cautious When Deep-Frying a Turkey

Some people claim to like the taste of deep-fried turkey better than the more traditional oven cook. If you chose to cook your turkey this way, make sure to follow safety measures.

If a fire starts in your home, quickly call 911, after you and your family members and pets have safely evacuated. Do not return to the dwelling for any reason. Let the professionals take it from there when they arrive.

SERVPRO of Vigo County is a locally owned and operated leader in restoration and cleaning needs. so we are part of this community too. We serve local communities in the Terre Haute, Indiana, geographical location, so we are part of this community too. We have the training, equipment and expertise to handle your restoration and cleaning needs following disasters and accidents that occur in your home and business. We offer 24-hour emergency service and are faster to any disaster. Call us today at (812) 242-9611 when you need help in getting your property back in order and looking its best. We are part of SERVPRO, a trusted leader in the restoration industry with over 1,700 franchises in the United States and Canada.

Common Causes of House Fires

10/15/2018 (Permalink)

House fires are devastating and often tragic to human and pet life, in addition to causing smoke and water damage to property. But house fires are traditionally caused by just a few very common scenarios, which means they are highly preventable. Make sure you and your family stay safe from the potential dangers of a house fire.

Major Culprits
In 2016, fire departments responded to a house fire every 90 seconds. Here are some of the leading causes of home fires:

  1. Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries. It is the second leading cause of home fire deaths. Unattended cooking is the primary cause of such fires and frying poses the greatest risk of fire.
  2. Smoking is the leading cause of home fire deaths and has been for decades. Smoking materials account for the fifth largest cause of house fires overall.


Always take extra precautions against these common causes of house fires to keep your home and family safe from harm:

  • Kitchen fires are most often started by grease from frying. When a pot or pan overheats and splatters grease, it can take virtually just seconds for a fire to erupt. Make sure combustible materials such as oven mitts, dish towels, and paper towels are not located near the stove or oven, where they can easily catch fire. Always have an operating fire extinguisher in the kitchen so you can effectively douse any flames before they get out of control. Never leave food cooking on a stove unattended.
  • Candles should never be left unattended. They should be kept in sturdy, heat-safe holders on a stable surface. They should be kept away from children, pets and any flammable materials like curtains, furniture, and carpeting. Also, they should not be located near an open window because a breeze could tip them over.
  • Electrical fires occur mostly during winter months and typical are caused by home-heating equipment or faulty electrical wiring in a home, particularly out-of-date systems. Make sure your heating equipment is clear of any combustible materials and in good working order. If you live in an older home, check with an electrician to make sure your system is up to code and the load demand is not too intense. Discard any frayed or old cords. Be particularly careful with space heaters and never leave them unattended while in operation.
  • Children are curious and can cause a fire by playing with matches or lighters. Make sure these items are safely stored well out of their reach. Only buy child-resistant lighters.
  • Smoking cigarettes is the leading cause of house fire fatalities. If you smoke inside your home, use a large and deep tray that is cleaned daily. A smoking cigarette butt can be left smoldering for hours before igniting a fire. Never smoke in bed or when tired and never leave a lit cigarette unattended.

Fire Prevention Week
The devastating Great Chicago Fire of 1911, that caused 250 deaths, led to the creation of the annual Fire Prevention Week from October 3rd to 9th. Sponsored by the National Fire Prevention Association, this week helps to raise awareness of fire safety and prevention. Take some time to brush up on your fire education during the month of October.

If Your Home is on fire, families should have an emergency plan in place, with all members on board, with a planned escape route. If there is an active fire in your home that has not been immediately controlled, everyone should exit the home immediately. Call 911 once you are clear of the structure. Under no circumstances should you re-enter a burning home. Wait for emergency personnel to arrive and allow them to do what they are trained to do.

SERVPRO of Vigo County is a locally-owned and -operated leader in restoration and cleaning needs, so we are part of this community, too. We have the training, equipment, and expertise to handle your restoration and cleaning needs following disasters and accidents that occur in your home and business. We offer 24-hour emergency service and are faster to any disaster. Call us at (812) 242-9611 when you need help getting your property back in order and looking its best. We are part of SERVPRO, a trusted leader in the restoration industry with over 1,700 franchises in the United States and Canada.

Terre Haute House Fire

3/14/2018 (Permalink)

Call us for your house fire needs.... we can make it "Like it never even happened!" SERVPRO of Vigo County 812-242-9611

Furnace caught fire with no one home resulting in a house engulfed with flames as the fire department arrived. Homeowner stated that when she arrived "he thought there was no way it would be back to new without tearing it completely down."

SERVPRO of Vigo County was called in to making it "Like it never even happened."

After fixing the house back to new and having vandalism damage during the process of putting it back to new not once but twice. The customer is back in the home and very happy with the whole process.

Customer stated that even though it took longer than expected due to the two vandalisms, he was very happy with how everything turned out in the end. He stated that he would use our services again if it ever would to happen hat he would need them.