Recent Fire Damage Posts

Grease Kitchen Fire Damage Restoration in Rocky Mount & Tarboro

4/6/2023 (Permalink)

Kitchen Fire We are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week so don't hesitate to call us any time. We have the experience, equipment, and expertise needed.

Most fires occur because of preventable mistakes. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) states that one out of every three home fires begins in the kitchen. And one of the most common causes of house fires is kitchen grease fires. Grease fires can happen to anyone, regardless of how experienced they are in the kitchen. That's why it's important to understand the dangers of kitchen grease fires and take steps to prevent them from happening. And if a grease fire does occur, it's crucial to call a professional fire damage restoration company for your Rocky Mount home.

Kitchen grease fires occur when oil or grease overheats and catches fire. This can happen when cooking on the stove or in the oven, and it can quickly escalate into a full-blown fire if not handled properly. Grease fires can cause serious damage to your home, and they can also be extremely dangerous. The flames can quickly spread to nearby surfaces, and the smoke can be toxic.

To prevent kitchen grease fires, it's important to be vigilant when cooking. Never leave food unattended on the stove or in the oven, and keep a close eye on the temperature of the oil or grease. If you notice smoke or a burning smell, turn off the heat immediately and remove the pan from the burner. And always keep a fire extinguisher in your kitchen in case of an emergency.

But even if you take all the necessary precautions, accidents can still happen. If a kitchen grease fire does occur in your home, it's important to act quickly. Turn off the heat source and cover the flames with a metal lid or baking sheet. Do not try to put out the fire with water, as this can cause the flames to spread. And most importantly, call 911 and get out of the house.

After the fire has been extinguished, it's important to call a professional restoration company like SERVPRO of Rocky Mount & Tarboro to restore your home. Grease fires can cause extensive damage, and it's important to have a team of experts on your side to help you navigate the restoration process. Our team has the expertise and equipment needed to restore your home to its pre-fire condition, and we'll work quickly to minimize the damage and get your life back to normal as soon as possible.

In conclusion, kitchen grease fires are a serious danger that homeowners should take seriously. By being vigilant when cooking and having a fire extinguisher on hand, you can help prevent these types of fires from occurring. But if a fire does occur, remember to act quickly and call 911. And when it's time to restore your home, call SERVPRO of Rocky Mount & Tarboro to ensure that your home is restored safely and efficiently.

Dangers of House Fires for Rocky Mount & Tarboro Pets

3/15/2023 (Permalink)

Servpro Dog Pets have a huge place in our hearts here at SERVPRO Rocky Mount. Meet Boone, our shop dog!

Pets & House Fires

According to the National Fire Protection Association, over 500,000 house fires occur every year in the United States alone. House fires in Rocky Mount & Tarboro, North Carolina can be extremely dangerous, causing injuries, property damage, and even death. While we often think about the safety of ourselves and our family members during a house fire, it’s important to also consider the safety of our pets. Here are some of the dangers that house fires pose to pets:

Smoke Inhalation

Smoke inhalation is one of the most dangerous aspects of a house fire for pets. Smoke can cause respiratory problems and can even be lethal. Pets that are close to the fire or trapped in a room with smoke can easily become overwhelmed by the fumes and quickly succumb to the effects of smoke inhalation.

Burns

Pets are also at risk of severe burns during a house fire. Flames and hot surfaces can cause serious injury, and pets that are not able to escape quickly may suffer from severe burns.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Fires produce carbon monoxide, which is a poisonous gas that can be deadly for pets. Carbon monoxide is odorless and invisible, and pets may not be aware that they are breathing in the toxic gas until it’s too late.

Entrapment

Pets that are unable to escape a room or area during a house fire can become trapped and suffer serious injury or death. It’s important to make sure that pets have a clear path to escape and that doors and windows are not blocked.

Panic

House fires can cause panic in pets, making it difficult for them to find a way out. This can cause them to hide or become disoriented, which can make it even more challenging for them to escape.

Injuries During Escape

Pets may injure themselves while trying to escape from a house fire, especially if they have to jump from a height or through a window. Broken bones, cuts, and bruises can all occur during a desperate escape attempt.

In order to protect pets from the dangers of house fires, it’s important to take preventative measures. Here are some tips for keeping pets safe during a fire:

  • Make sure that pets have access to an exit and that doors and windows are not blocked.
  • Keep collars and leashes near the exit so that you can quickly grab them and put them on your pets as you evacuate.
  • Practice evacuation drills with your pets so that they become familiar with the process.
  • Consider installing monitored smoke detectors that are linked to a security company.
  • Place stickers on your front door or window to let firefighters know that there are pets inside.

In conclusion, house fires can be extremely dangerous for pets, and it’s important to take preventative measures to keep them safe. By being prepared and taking the necessary precautions, we can help protect our furry friends from the dangers of house fires.

If you or your loved one has been impacted by a house fire in Tarboro or Rocky Mount, North Carolina, give SERVPRO of Rocky Mount a call. 252-977-9444.

House Fire Dangers & Cleaning Techniques for Rocky Mount Homes

2/27/2023 (Permalink)

A house fire is a devastating event that can cause significant damage to both the property and the people living inside. The aftermath of a house fire can be equally dangerous due to the accumulation of soot and ash, which can pose health risks and cause long-term damage to the structure of the house. In this blog post, we will discuss the dangers of a house fire and how to clean up soot.

Dangers of a House Fire:

  • Health hazards: A house fire produces smoke and soot, which can cause respiratory problems, including asthma, bronchitis, and lung damage. The smoke can also contain toxic gases, such as carbon monoxide, which can be lethal if inhaled.
  • Structural damage: A house fire can weaken the structure of the building, causing it to become unstable and unsafe to inhabit. The fire can also damage the electrical and plumbing systems, leading to potential hazards.
  • Emotional trauma: A house fire can cause emotional trauma to the residents, especially if they lose their belongings or are injured in the fire.

Cleaning Up Soot:

  • Safety precautions: Before you start cleaning up the soot, make sure to wear protective gear, such as gloves, goggles, and a respirator mask. Open the windows to provide adequate ventilation and reduce the risk of inhaling toxic fumes.
  • Assess the damage: Assess the extent of the damage caused by the fire, and decide which areas need to be cleaned up. If the damage is severe, it is advisable to seek the services of a professional cleaner.
  • Remove loose soot: Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to remove loose soot and ash from surfaces. Do not use a regular vacuum cleaner, as it can blow the soot back into the air.
  • Clean surfaces: Use a sponge or a soft-bristled brush and a cleaning solution to clean surfaces affected by soot. You can use a solution of warm water and mild detergent, or a specialized cleaning solution designed for soot removal.
  • Clean the air ducts: The air ducts can also become clogged with soot and ash, which can circulate in the air and cause respiratory problems. It is essential to clean the air ducts thoroughly to prevent any health hazards.

In the aftermath of a house fire, the damage restoration and fire cleanup actions can be overwhelming and emotionally taxing. Seeking the services of a professional cleaning and restoration company can alleviate some of the stress and ensure that the cleanup is done thoroughly and correctly.

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. SERVPRO of Rocky Mount follows a comprehensive fire damage restoration process for all repairs that can be found on our website.

Cleaning a fire-damaged property can be stressful, but you don’t have to face fire restoration alone. Call us at (252) 977-9444. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.Top of Form

Storm Preparation and Recovery

2/21/2023 (Permalink)

We at SERVPRO are here for any size disaster from a small water leak to the unavoidable storm. Whatever life throws at you, we are Here to Help® through it all. If a storm does come your way, we have some tips and tricks on what to do to prepare for these large events. 

Hurricane

Hurricanes are one of the slower moving natural disasters. Because of this, typically your local news source will be able to provide advance notice. These notices can help you prepare your property for any upcoming weather. 

Depending on your location, hurricane season occurs during different times of the year, but that shouldn’t change how you prepare yourself and your property. Here are some of our tips to prepare for a hurricane:

  1. Don’t forget to unplug appliances. This helps not only protect your appliances from power fluctuation, but also potential fire hazards. 
  2. You will need to turn off the power to your home if you notice flooding in your area, downed power-lines, or if authorities recommend you do so. This will precent sparks from occurring if your home floods.
  3. Boarding up windows will help with flying debris and other dangers that may enter your home. If you’re unable to board up the windows, stay as far away from the windows as you can to protect yourself, preferably taking shelter in a closet. 

Listen to authorities if they tell you to evacuate and always be ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice. A home can be replaced, but your life and your loved ones cannot.

Tornadoes

Tornadoes can strike at a moments notice if the conditions are favorable. These storms are measured with the Fujita Scale: F1 being the weakest to F5 being the strongest. Even the weakest version of these storms can be dangerous which is why we always need to be prepared. Here are some ways for you to stay safe when in the midst of a tornado:

  1. Always remain aware of the weather conditions, especially if you know severe weather is possible. 
  2. Have an emergency plan in place, so that everyone is aware of where to go and what to do. 
  3. Take shelter immediately in a safe place. Make sure there are no windows or breakable glass around. If possible, go to a basement, if not then find a room in the middle of your house. If you live in a manufactured home, guidelines suggest you leave the home and take cover in a safe room, storm shelter, or sturdy building.

Recovery

With severe storms there unfortunately comes damage. SERVPRO of Rocky Mount is always ready for when disaster strikes. Here are some tips to start dealing with the disaster after the storm:

  1. Report any power outages or downed power lines to your electricity company. Downed power lines can be extremely dangerous. If the lines still hold power, they can produce sparks which can lead to a fire. If you come across downed powerlines, stay 30 feet away and don’t go near the pole or anything touching the line. If they land on your car, do not leave the car and wait for help to arrive. Always assume that a downed power line is carrying electricity! 
  2. Check for storm water runoff. Look around your home (crawlspace, attic, roof, etc.) to see if it is dry. Make sure there is no standing water or areas that could be leaking. The key to water restoration is making sure the structure dries in the appropriate amount of time. When a structure doesn’t dry quickly enough you have the potential for harmful microbial growth which can cause severe illness. 
  3. You will have to figure out how to dispose of the debris left behind. The best way to find this information is to contact your trash company or FEMA.

Storm season is rapidly approaching here in Eastern North Carolina. We all need to be prepared before it hits and know what to expect for the recovery. If your home is damaged during a hurricane or tornado, our experts at SERVPRO will be there to get everything back to the way it was or better, "Like it never even happened." As always, feel free to contact us here at SERVPRO Rocky Mount for any additional questions or concerns regarding storm prep. 

Learning more about Smoke and Soot Damage

4/8/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke and Soot Damage Can Cause a Pervasive Odor in Your Home.

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, our specialists of Rocky Mount, NC 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.

We are here to help you and your family. If you have more questions, just contact us.

The 4 Steps of Operating a Fire Extinguisher

3/16/2022 (Permalink)

Learn more about how to Operate a Fire Extinguisher by Following These 4 Steps.

A fire in your home in Rocky Mount, NC, can cause immediate panic. You may not know what to do right away. You may have a fire extinguisher in your home, but do you know how to use it? It is a good idea to understand the basics of operating an extinguisher to be prepared in the event of a fire.

The Four Steps of Using a Fire Extinguisher

It is easy to remember the four main steps of operating an extinguisher if you keep the PASS acronym in mind:

  • Pull
  • Aim
  • Squeeze
  • Sweep

Pull

The first step is to pull the safety pin from the extinguisher. This action also breaks the tamper seal, the plastic strip wrapped around the safety pin. It ensures the extinguisher is ready to go when you need it.

Aim

When you use the extinguisher, be sure to aim the nozzle at the base of the fire, not at the top. You can help prevent fire damage and put it out more quickly by aiming low. This area is the fire's source. If you are using a CO2 extinguisher, take care not to touch the plastic discharge horn. It gets very cold and can cause skin damage if you contact it.

Squeeze

Once you have aimed the nozzle at the fire's base, squeeze the handle. This step releases the extinguishing agent.

Sweep

Use a side-to-side sweeping motion to discharge the chemicals at the base of the fire. Keep sweeping back and forth until the fire is out.

Watch the area closely, though, and don't assume that the fire is entirely out right away. Flames could start up again. If this happens, repeat the Aim, Squeeze and Sweep steps as needed.

What To Know Before Fighting a Fire

It's essential to know what is burning before you attempt to extinguish a fire. A kitchen fire, for example, may involve grease or cooking oils. An out-of-control campfire in the backyard probably involves wood and paper.

Knowing what materials are burning helps you determine which type of extinguisher you need to use. They come in four different classes:

  • Class A extinguishers are rated for wood and paper combustibles.
  • Class B extinguishers are designed for flammable liquids such as oil, grease and gasoline.
  • Class C extinguishers can put out electrically charged fires.
  • Class D extinguishers are made for use on combustible metals.

You can purchase extinguishers designed for multipurpose use, such as an ABC extinguisher. It is a good idea to have multipurpose extinguishers in several places in your home. That way, you are ready for different types of fires.

If you are not sure you can fight the fire, or if it has gotten out of control, evacuate immediately. It is possible to have a professional restoration service come in and repair your home after fire damage. However, your personal safety is the most critical factor.

Knowing how to use a fire extinguisher can save you a lot of time and worry if you ever have a small fire in your Rocky Mount, NC, residence. Keep the PASS acronym in mind to help you remember what to do.

8 Tips for Cleaning Smoke Damage

2/24/2022 (Permalink)

Follow These Tips for Cleaning Smoke Damage in your Rocky Mount, NC Home.

One of the most challenging issues to deal with after a fire is smoke damage. Stains and smells can linger for months or even years without proper cleaning. These tips can help you get your home odor-free.

8 Smoke Cleaning Tips

Smoke and soot damage can easily penetrate porous materials, such as curtains, carpets, furniture and clothing. Damaged areas may appear blackened or scorched or the damage may not be visible.

1. Sort Through Your Belongings

The first step in the smoke cleaning process is to go through all of your smoke-damaged possessions and sort them according to what you want to save and what you can throw out. You may want to take photos for your insurance company before you discard anything and talk to your adjuster to make sure that the insurance company doesn't want to see your stuff before you toss it.

2. Inspect Your House

Even if the fire was only in one room, there could be smoke damage throughout your home. Smoke tends to drift on the air and can spread surprisingly far from the location of the fire. Pay special attention to ceilings and walls. This damage often looks like black dust, black streaks or discolored paint.

3. Open Some Windows

Open as many windows as you can and turn on some fans to let some of the smoke smell out. This should reduce the amount of smoke odor you need to remove.

4. Remove Soot and Ash

Wear protective gloves, eyewear and a mask. Use a vacuum to remove loose soot around the damaged areas. A dry-vac works best, but you can use a regular vacuum with an attachment hose if you don't have one. Do not just push a vacuum over soot and ash. This can grind it into the surface.

5. Clean the Walls

Vacuum any large pieces of soot from the walls. Use a dry-cleaning or soot cleaning sponge to gently remove smaller amounts of soot from the surfaces. Next, use a soot cleaning solution and a rag to wipe the walls. Paint thinner or vinegar can also be used. Finally, use a degreaser or mild dish soap and hot water to scrub the walls and then rinse with hot water.

6. Clean Windows

You can clean smoke from windows by using a soot cleaner and then a degreaser. Wipe with a cloth or paper towel.

7. Clean Ceilings

The process for cleaning ceilings is similar to walls. Because you will be working on a ladder, it works better to go through all of the steps in each section, instead of trying to do each one for the whole ceiling.

8. Remove Odors

Minor smoke smells may be neutralized by using a bowl of baking soda or white vinegar. Stronger odors may require ozone treatment. If you are having trouble removing odors, you may want to contact a smoke remediation company in Rocky Mount, NC, to assist you.

Lingering smoke odors and soot stains can be difficult to remove. However, if you follow the cleaning process outlined in this guide, you should be able to eliminate most of your smoke damage.

Under What Circumstances Does Renter's Insurance Cover Fire Damage?

1/4/2022 (Permalink)

Keep these tips in mind about Coverages. If any doubt arises, please contact us.

When you rent your home in Rocky Mount, NC, you may wonder exactly what your renters insurance covers if a disaster like a fire, occurs.

After all, insurance is rarely ever straightforward. There are several different types of coverage on this insurance policy, each focusing on different types of damage and loss that can be sustained due to fire. These not only include property damage but also some bodily injury.

Your insurance should cover the following:

1. When Your Personal Property Is Damaged or Destroyed

Your insurance policy will cover your personal property that's damaged or destroyed in a fire. Insurance coverage typically pays replacement costs instead of actual cash value. This is usually the best way to go because it will make it easier to replace the property by giving what it costs to replace it versus depreciated value.

Personal property coverage doesn't require the fire to have originated in your home. Your property doesn't even have to be in your place of residence for it to be covered. They'll be covered up to your coverage limits. You can find these on the declarations page of your insurance policy. You will also be expected to pay whatever your deductible amount is before the insurance company pays anything.

2. For No-Fault Minor Medical Payments to Others

Medical payments that are insignificant enough that the fault doesn't have to be proven are listed as medical payments to others on your renters insurance policy. These payments don't require any proof of fault and can be paid quickly to cover minor medical costs resulting from your fire.

3. For Negligent Liability of Bodily Injury or Property Damage

Your insurance policy will cover fire liability. If you negligently cause a fire, your liability coverage can cover others who are not on the policy. This includes those individuals who have sustained bodily injury or property damage due to your fire. For example, this insurance will cover someone who has to go to the emergency room for smoke inhalation. It will also cover the costs of repairing damage to someone else's property (including the structure itself), for which a fire damage restoration company has to be hired. It must be proven to be an accident. Your insurance policy may even pay some legal costs.

4. When You Are Displaced From Your Home

Your insurance policy will also cover loss-of-use. This coverage is designed to pay your living expenses when you are displaced from your home due to excessive fire damage. This coverage will pay for living expenses the loss mandates, such as staying in a hotel or other temporary housing, food and transportation, until the fire restoration work is completed.

One positive thing about renters insurance is that it will typically cover circumstances other than a fire caused by your negligence. For example, it will include a fire originating from a different peril, such as a lightning strike. It will also cover smoke damage in the same circumstances as it does fire damage. When you're renting your home, it can provide some peace of mind to know that everything won't be lost if the worst happens.

Avoiding a Grill Fire This Grilling Season

10/24/2021 (Permalink)

Avoid the grills risky fires in your Rocky Mount, NC home.

Grills are the most valuable outdoor cooking tools, but they can also present safety risks for the unsuspecting griller. A grill fire is often contained to the tool, but depending on how the device is situated, it can result in more extensive and more significant blazes. Before you delve into prime grilling season, contact your local fire department or a fire remediation specialist in Rocky Mount, NC, for some safety tips and techniques.

4 Ways To Reduce the Risks of a Grill Fire

Technically, a barbeque fire is necessary for some types of grilling, but the goal is to use a controlled fire or controlled heat to allow for proper cooking. Unfortunately, because of the nature of grilling, the risks of a dangerous fire are always a possibility.

Keeping your family safe while making outdoor memories is crucial to any head of household. Therefore, before you fire up your grill for tonight's family gathering, remember the top four ways to reduce fire risks while grilling.

1. Use Outdoors

Grills are not indoor appliances. The only safe place to use a grill is outdoors, which does not include the garage. You want to give your grill space, allowing heat to permeate the air without risking sparking a fire.

Whether you use gas or charcoal, the risks of fire rise exponentially when you bring the tool indoors. If you do not feel like grilling in the rain, use your stovetop or a griddle instead. Devices designed for indoor use typically have built-in safety features to protect against accidental fires.

2. Keep Away From Structures

Aside from the risks of smoke damage, you want to keep grills several feet away from structures. There should always be enough room around a grill to allow for heat to disperse adequately.

Putting a grill next to your house can melt your siding or cause dry wooden structures to ignite. Maintain manufacturer-recommended distances to minimize fire hazard risks.

3. Check for Leaks

Before you ignite a gas grill, you need to check for leaks. You can check for leaks by using a mixture of dish soap and water. Mix a little dish soap with water in a spray bottle. Open the valve on the propane tank to your grill. Sprits the hose at the connection points with the water solution. If you notice bubbles, you have a leak, and you need to address it before igniting your grill.

4. Never Leave the Grill Unattended

Family gatherings are full of distractions. Most people will walk away from the grill at some point while food is cooking; this is a mistake. Do not leave the grill unattended. You need to be present in case something goes awry. Additionally, staying near the grill ensures that no curious youngsters burn or injure themselves.

A grill fire is potentially dangerous and fast-moving. If you wish to keep your family safe while grilling, you will need to adhere to some basic rules, including the four mentioned above. The two most important rules are only to use the grill outside and never to leave the grill unattended.

Lightning and House Fires

8/23/2021 (Permalink)

Placing fire and smoke detectors will give you and your family a safe escape from your Rocky Mount, NC, fired home.

From 2004 to 2008, lightning was responsible for over 24,000 fires, 18% of which occurred in homes and resulted in an estimated 70% of the $407 million in direct property damage. While a lightning fire is possible, there are ways a homeowner can protect their property against that particular outcome. Fire mitigation companies in Rocky Mount, NC, recommend a couple of methods for prevention and protection:

  • Lightning rods
  • Smoke and fire detectors

Understanding the Nature of a Lightning Fire

When people think of a house fire caused by a storm discharge, they often assume it is quick. However, when your house is struck with a powerful electrical discharge, it can take a couple of hours before a fire begins.

Because a strike can result in a fast or slow burn, firefighters recommend placing several fire and smoke detectors at the peaks of your home: in attic spaces and other high points. The fire is likely to be a high burn, chasing across an attic space or different structure, such as a garage.

While a smoke alarm will not prevent a fire from starting, it will provide a family with enough warning to get to safety. To ensure the best possibility for escape, a family should have a well-established evacuation plan.

An evacuation plan should include at least two exits from every room in the house. An example of two exits from a bedroom would be from a window or the doorway. Make sure to practice escape routes often, so they become second nature.

Fire Prevention

The best prevention method for fires stemming from lightning strikes is the installation of a lightning rod. With a rod, your home is protected against nearly 90% or more strikes.

The rod helps to guide the lightning from the peak of the home to the ground. People often mischaracterize these devices as being attractive, but that is not accurate. Instead, the tool becomes the highest point on your property, making it the more likely target. If struck, the bolt will follow the cable of the rod to the ground, safely dispersing away from the structure of your home.

Unfortunately, there is no device that is 100% effective for preventing storm-related fires. The best thing a family can do is install the preventative mentioned, including the alert systems, and prepare a safe exit strategy. Unfortunately, sometimes a fire will happen, and when such events occur, it is best to plan to get your family to safety rather than trying to protect a house. Family is what matters most.

If you want more tips and techniques for fire safety, contact your local fire department or fire remediation, specialist. These professionals can offer recommendations on tools and evacuation strategies that are catered to your situation.

While somewhat rare in residential areas, a lightning fire can occur, and a family must prepare for such possibilities. Installing rods and fire and smoke detectors are two of the best ways to ensure your family’s safety. However, even more, important is having a practiced evacuation plan that all family members are familiar with.

The 4-Step Fire Cleaning and Restoration Process

5/28/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke damage can seem overwhelming.

The fire is out, and you are looking at the remaining structure and the smoke damage of your home. It is hard to look at, but while the damage might seem overwhelming, it might not be unsalvageable. After reporting the disaster to your insurance company, contact a fire restoration service in Rocky Mount, NC, to come and assess your property. Once the restoration team inspects the remaining structure, they will create a recovery plan that will likely include four steps.

4 Steps for Fire Cleanup and Restoration

1. Remove Water

While you would likely love to see the smoke and soot damage removed from your walls and mementos, the restoration service will need to prioritize the removal of water. Fire hoses can unleash hundreds of gallons of water per second, and that water does not all evaporate with the heat. The restoration crew will bring in shop vacs, pumps, pump trucks, and dehumidifiers to make the water removal as quickly as possible.

2. Remove Debris

The company will also need to focus on removing debris before dealing with smoke damage for safety reasons. By eliminating obvious garbage, separating it from salvageable items, the crew can further assess the building and any structural damage, allowing them to move forward with the repairs safely.

3. Clean

With the space clear, the team can begin surface and smoke cleaning. The team will likely use air purifiers and ionizers to help reduce smells, and they will rely on commercial cleaners to remove any surface staining or contamination.

4. Restore

The restoration process begins after the cleaning. The service will replace any structural components and cosmetic issues. When the company is finished with your home repairs, your property will look like home.

Fire and smoke damage can often seem overwhelming to homeowners inexperienced with the disaster. For professionals, however, the damage is likely nothing they haven’t seen before. The key is to take decisive action and call the people who can help.

Fire Damage

10/11/2018 (Permalink)

This was a result of a grease fire. Heavy soot can be seen here.

Rocky Mount Smoke and Soot Cleanup

Smoke and Soot Damage Can Cause a Pervasive Odor in Your Rocky Mount Home.

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 Rocky Mount 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 –
252-977-9444

Fire Damage

8/22/2018 (Permalink)

This homeowner had a Kitchen fire from a pan left on the stove. As you can see the soot is very heavy on the cabinets as well as other areas.

SERVPRO of Rocky Mount Smoke and Soot Cleanup

Fire Damage

Smoke and Soot Damage Can Cause a Pervasive Odor in Your Nash, Edgecombe or Halifax Home.

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 Rocky Mount 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 –
252-977-9444

Fires in your home or Business.

8/14/2017 (Permalink)

This is an apartment in Rocky Mount NC that was almost destroyed by a fire.

SERVPRO Smoke and Soot Cleanup

Fire Damage

Smoke and Soot Damage Can Cause a Pervasive Odor in Your  Home.

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 Rocky Mount 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 the 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 during this difficult time.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today –
SERVPRO of Rocky Mount