Understanding fire damage to electrical systems and appliances

8/14/2024 (Permalink)

For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact SERVPRO today.

At SERVPRO®, we understand that experiencing a fire in your home or business can be devastating. Beyond the visible destruction, fire damage can significantly affect electrical systems and appliances, posing hidden hazards and long-term consequences. In this blog post, we'll explore the impact of fire on electrical systems, the steps to assess and address the damage, and why professional restoration is crucial.

The Impact of Fire on Electrical Systems

Fires generate intense heat, smoke, and soot, all of which can severely damage electrical wiring and components. The high temperatures can melt insulation, warp metals, and cause electrical short circuits. Additionally, smoke and soot contain corrosive elements that can penetrate electrical devices, leading to malfunctions or complete failures.

Assessing Electrical Damage After a Fire

• Initial Inspection: Once the fire is extinguished and it's safe to enter the property, a thorough inspection of the electrical system is essential. Look for visible signs of damage, such as charred outlets, melted wires, and damaged circuit breakers.

• Professional Evaluation: It’s critical to have a licensed electrician conduct a detailed assessment. They will check for hidden damage within walls and ceilings, ensuring all compromised wiring is identified.

• Appliance Testing: Electrical appliances exposed to fire, smoke, and soot need careful evaluation. Components like circuit boards, wiring, and connections can be damaged, even if the appliance appears intact.

Addressing Fire-Damaged Electrical Systems

• Wiring Replacement: Any wiring that has been compromised by fire or heat should be replaced. This includes not only visibly damaged wires but also those exposed to high temperatures.

• Cleaning and Decontamination: Smoke and soot residues must be meticulously cleaned from all electrical components. Special cleaning agents designed for electronics can remove corrosive particles, preventing further damage.

• Appliance Repair or Replacement: Depending on the extent of damage, appliances may need professional cleaning, repair, or replacement. It's often more cost-effective to replace severely damaged appliances.

Why Professional Restoration Matters

Hiring a professional restoration company like SERVPRO ensures that all aspects of fire damage are addressed comprehensively. Our team of experts is trained to handle complex fire damage scenarios, including electrical systems and appliances. We use advanced equipment and techniques to restore your property to pre-fire condition safely and efficiently.

Prevention and Preparedness

While it’s impossible to predict when a fire might occur, taking steps to safeguard your electrical system can mitigate potential damage. Regularly inspect electrical wiring, avoid overloading circuits, and use surge protectors to protect appliances.

In conclusion, understanding the extent of fire damage to electrical systems and appliances is crucial for ensuring the safety and functionality of your property. By conducting thorough inspections, replacing damaged components, and relying on professional restoration services, you can effectively recover from fire damage. At SERVPRO, we're here for you every step of the way, ensuring a swift and comprehensive recovery.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact SERVPRO today. We're here to make fire damage "Like it never even happened."™

Seeing Through the Smoke: The Benefits of Thermal Imaging in Fire Damage Restoration

4/17/2024 (Permalink)

When it comes to restoring a home after a fire, every detail matters. One tool that has revolutionized the fire damage restoration process is thermal imaging. This technology allows restoration professionals to see beyond the visible damage, providing invaluable insights that can make all the difference in the restoration process. Let's explore some of the benefits of using thermal imaging in fire damage restoration.

Early Detection of Hidden Damage

Thermal imaging allows restoration professionals to detect hidden damage that may not be visible to the naked eye. By capturing infrared radiation emitted by objects, thermal cameras can identify areas of heat and moisture that indicate potential damage. This early detection enables restoration teams to address issues before they escalate, preventing further damage and reducing the overall cost of restoration.

Accurate Assessment of Structural Integrity

After a fire, assessing the structural integrity of a home is crucial for ensuring its safety and stability. Thermal imaging can help restoration professionals identify areas of concern, such as weakened support beams or compromised building materials. By accurately assessing the extent of structural damage, restoration teams can develop targeted repair plans that prioritize safety and efficiency.

Identification of Hidden Hot Spots

Even after a fire has been extinguished, hot spots can linger beneath the surface, posing a risk of re-ignition. Thermal imaging can pinpoint these hidden hot spots, allowing restoration professionals to take immediate action to prevent further damage. By identifying and extinguishing hot spots early on, thermal imaging helps ensure that the restoration process is thorough and effective.

Efficient Moisture Detection

Moisture is a common byproduct of firefighting efforts and can lead to mold growth and structural damage if left untreated. Thermal imaging can efficiently detect moisture in building materials, even in areas that are difficult to access. By identifying moisture sources early on, restoration teams can implement targeted drying strategies to prevent mold growth and minimize long-term damage.

Enhanced Documentation and Communication

Thermal imaging provides visual documentation of the restoration process, allowing restoration professionals to track progress and communicate effectively with clients and insurance companies. By visually demonstrating the extent of damage and the effectiveness of restoration efforts, thermal imaging helps build trust and transparency throughout the restoration process.

In conclusion, thermal imaging is a powerful tool that offers numerous benefits in fire damage restoration. From early detection of hidden damage to accurate assessment of structural integrity, thermal imaging helps restoration professionals work more efficiently and effectively. By leveraging this technology, SERVPRO® teams can provide comprehensive restoration services that ensure homes are restored to their pre-fire condition safely and efficiently.

Don't Get Zapped: Potential Hazards of Using an Outdated Electrical System

12/15/2023 (Permalink)

In our modern lives, electricity powers everything from lights to appliances, making it an essential part of our daily routines. However, if your home or business relies on an outdated electrical system, you might be putting yourself at risk. In this blog, we'll shed light on the potential hazards of using an outdated electrical system, so you can make informed decisions to protect your property and your loved ones.

Fire Hazards

One of the most significant dangers associated with outdated electrical systems is the increased risk of electrical fires. Older wiring and components may not meet modern safety standards, and they can become brittle, frayed, or damaged over time. This makes them more susceptible to sparking, overheating, and ultimately causing a fire. Electrical fires are a major cause of property damage and can be life-threatening.

Overloaded Circuits

In an age where we rely on an ever-increasing number of electronic devices, older electrical systems may not be equipped to handle the load. Overloading circuits can lead to overheating, tripped circuit breakers, or blown fuses. If left unaddressed, this can result in electrical fires or permanent damage to your electrical system.

Electrical Shock

Outdated electrical systems may lack important safety features, such as ground-fault circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) and arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs). These devices are crucial for protecting you from electrical shocks in the event of a fault or malfunction. Without them, you are at a greater risk of electrical shock, which can be deadly.

Inefficient Energy Use

Older electrical systems are often less efficient, leading to higher energy consumption and increased utility bills. Upgrading to a more modern and energy-efficient electrical system not only enhances safety but can also save you money in the long run.

Outdated Outlets

Older electrical systems may have outdated outlets that lack modern safety features. For instance, older outlets may not have tamper-resistant features to protect children, and they might not be grounded or equipped with proper surge protection. Upgrading your outlets can improve safety and functionality.

Limited Capacity

As your electrical needs grow, older systems may not have the capacity to handle increased demands. This can lead to frequent circuit overloads and power outages, causing inconvenience and potentially damaging your appliances and electronics.

Lack of Grounding

Many outdated electrical systems lack proper grounding, which is essential for safely directing excess electrical energy into the ground. Without proper grounding, your property is at risk of electrical faults, surges, and potential electrocution.

While electrical systems are often taken for granted, they play a crucial role in the safety and functionality of your property. The potential hazards of using an outdated electrical system are real and should not be ignored. Upgrading your electrical system is an investment in your safety, the protection of your property, and energy efficiency!

Celebrate Summer Safely

7/1/2022 (Permalink)

If your property suffers from structural fire damage, call SERVPRO of Worcester to help make it "Like it never even happened." 508-757-7885

Summer is synonymous with barbecues, parades, and firework displays; but along with all the festivities are plenty of visits to the emergency room?especially during the month of July.

Each year, around 230 people are injured badly enough to require medical treatment after fireworks related incidents, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. In addition to causing injury, fireworks are also responsible for thousands of house fires each year with millions of dollars in property damage.

There is nothing like firing up the grill during the summer months! Did you know, July is the peak month for grill fires? A backyard barbecue can become dangerous quickly if proper safety precautions aren't considered. SERVPRO wants you to have an enjoyable and safe summer.

Consider the following tips to help ensure your summer celebrations are disaster-free:

• Propane and charcoal barbecue grills should only be used outdoors.

• The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.

• Keep children and pets away from the grill area.

• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grill and in trays below the grill.

• Never leave your grill unattended.

• When using a charcoal grill, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.

• Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear.

• Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don't go off or in case of fire. Children should never pick-up fireworks that may be left over as they may still be active.

• The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public display conducted by trained professionals.

If your residential or commercial property suffers from structural fire damage, call SERVPRO of Worcester to help make it "Like it never even happened." 508-757-7885

Ready, Set, Grill!

5/17/2022 (Permalink)

If you've had any amount of fire damage calling us is the first step toward restoration. Faster To Any Size Disaster. 508-757-7885

Local SERVPRO fire remediation specialist advises Worcester grill masters to prepare now for a safe, savory outdoor cooking season

Worcester, MA (Grassroots Newswire) May 17, 2022— For many, the Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of the summer season. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) warns families that the onset of the summer season also marks a rise in home fires started by outdoor grilling activities. According to the NFPA, on average, 10,600 home fires are started by grills each year. July is the peak month for grill fires, followed by June, May, and August.¹

“Sixty-one percent of U.S. households own a gas grill,” says fire remediation specialist Donny McKendall  of SERVPRO of Worcester. “A total of sixty-four percent own at least one outdoor BBQ, grill, or smoker. The popularity of this outdoor cooking equipment combined with longer, warmer days creates a unique fire hazard that should be taken seriously.”

The time to take precautions is now, adds McKendall, before the outdoor cooking season is in full swing. The NFPA offers these basic tips for fire-safe grilling:²

For gas/propane grills:

• Check the gas tank for leaks before using.
• Open the lid on all gas grills before lighting the grill.

For charcoal grills:

• Use only charcoal starter fluid to start the fire but never add it or any flammable liquids to a fire that is burning.
• Cool coals completely before you dispose of them in a metal container.

For all grills:

• Place grill well away from house and deck railings. Don’t place under eaves or branches.
• Remove grease and fat buildup from grills and trays after each use.
• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill.
• Never leave the grill unattended when in use.

“Basic precautions set the stage for a safe and enjoyable outdoor cooking season,” says McKendall. “Life is unpredictable, but you can take steps to control the risk of house and property fires caused by outdoor cooking. Whether you are strictly a summer grilling warrior or you use your grill year-round, simple, common-sense actions can help ensure that the only smoke you smell this summer is the sweet aroma of steaks and vegetables grilling.”

SERVPRO specializes in fire and water cleanup and restoration services and repair services, helping to remediate damage for both commercial and residential customers.

¹ https://www.nfpa.org//-/media/Images/Infographics/Grilling-Infographic2020BIG.png

² https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Publications-and-media/Press-Room/News-releases/2021/NFPA-offers-safe-grilling-tips-and-recommendations-to-prevent-fires-and-injuries

###

About SERVPRO

For more than 50 years, SERVPRO has been a trusted leader in fire and water cleanup and restoration services, construction, mold mitigation, and biohazard and pathogen remediation. SERVPRO’s professional services network of more than 2,000 individually owned and operated franchises spans the United States and Canada, responding to property damage emergencies large and small – from million-square-foot commercial facilities to individual homes. When disaster strikes, homeowners, business owners, and major insurance companies alike rely on SERVPRO to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Are Smoke and Soot Damage Causing Odor Problems in Your Princeton Home?

3/30/2022 (Permalink)

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

Smoke and soot can be 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 Worcester 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.

Learn more about our Fire Damage Repair and Restoration Click Here.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?

It’s National Burn Awareness Week

2/10/2022 (Permalink)

February 6-12, 2022 

The American Burn Association recognizes the first full week in February as National Burn Awareness Week (NBAW). Burn Awareness Week serves as, "a window of opportunity for organizations to mobilize burn, fire and life safety educators to unite in sharing a common burn awareness and prevention message in our communities," according to ameriburn.org. The theme for 2022 is, Burning Issues in the Kitchen. Cooking is the number one cause of residential fires in the United States. In fact, the American Burn Association

reports 47% of all home fires are caused by cooking.

Below are some tips to keep you and your family safe while cooking in the kitchen.

The best time to cook is when you are wide awake.

Always wipe the stove, oven, and exhaust fan after cooking to prevent grease buildup.

Turn pot or pan handles toward the back of the stove.

When heating food in the microwave, use microwave-safe cookware that allows steam to escape.

When frying, use a pan, lid, or splash guard to prevent grease splatter.

If you are simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly. Remain in the home while cooking and use a timer to remind you to check on your food.

For more information: https://ameriburn.org/prevention/burn-awareness-week/

If you've had any amount of fire damage calling us is the first step toward restoration. SERVPRO of Worcester, Faster To Any Size Disaster. (508) 757-7885

When fire damage puts the things that matter most on the line, you need the very best help on the line as well. We’re a leader in giving control back to homeowners, property managers, and even entire communities after the ravaging effects of fire. Whether you’re responsible for 1,000 square feet or 100,000 – we’ll help you to make it “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO® Pro Tips: Fire Extinguisher Use

11/16/2021 (Permalink)

When fire and water take control of your life, we help you take it back.

A portable fire extinguisher can be a life and property saving tool when used correctly. In order to operate a fire extinguisher, the NFPA suggests remembering the word PASS.

• Pull the pin, pointing away from you and release the locking mechanism.
• Aim low. Point at the base of the fire.
• Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.
• Sweep from side-to-side.

Read the instructions on the fire extinguisher and become familiar with it before a fire breaks out. Encourage your family members and coworkers to do the same.

Remember, extinguishers do have their limitations! It is also important to ensure you have the correct type of extinguisher for your home or facility.

Choosing the Appropriate Fire Extinguisher

• Class A: This is the most common extinguisher, and can be used to put out fires in ordinary combustibles such as cloth, wood, rubber, paper, and many plastics.

• Class B: Used on fires involving flammable liquids, such as grease, gasoline, and oil.

• Class C: Designed for fires involving appliances, tools, or other equipment electrically energized or plugged in.

• Class D: For use on flammable metals; often specific for the type of metal in question. These are typically found only in factories working with these metals.

• Class K: Intended for use on fires that involve vegetable oils, animal oils, or fats in cooking appliances. These extinguishers are generally found in commercial kitchens, but are becoming more popular in the residential market for use in kitchens.

Our SERVPRO Pros are Fire and Water Damage Specialists

The professionals of SERVPRO®  have the training, experience and specialized equipment necessary to restore your home or business. We are committed to providing superior service while restoring your property back to pre-fire condition.

• Fire & Smoke Restoration Technician
• Odor Control Technician
• Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning Technician
• Water Damage Restoration Technician

Have Questions? Call Us Today- 508-757-7885 

Fall Fire Safety Tips for Your Holden, MA Home

10/4/2021 (Permalink)

If your home or business suffers fire or smoke damage, contact SERVPRO® of Worcester to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

The fall season brings cooler temperatures, beautiful colors, and an abundance of outdoor activities. Plan ahead this season to help ensure it is safe from potential fire hazards.

According to the National Fire Protection Agency, cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and injuries. The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking. Here are some helpful hints when cooking your fall family dinners.

• Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, boiling, or broiling food.
• If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the kitchen while the food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
• Keep anything that can catch fire, like oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, or hand towels, away from the stovetop.

If you have a cooking fire, consider the following safety protocols to help keep you and your family safe.

• Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the flames.
• Call 911 or the local emergency number after you get out safely.
• For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the oven door closed.
• If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear path out.
• Keep a lid nearby when you’re cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.

If you are doing any outdoor cooking around a fire pit, consider the following to keep it a fun, but safe time for all:

• Check the wind conditions prior to starting the fire. Wind can make it hard to light the fire or blow embers around to surrounding brush or structures.
• Always have a fire extinguisher or water source nearby, like a water hose or water bucket.
• Never leave the fire unattended.
• Keep all children and pets at least three feet from the fire.

Does Your Family Have a Family Fire Escape Plan?

10/4/2021 (Permalink)

If you've had any amount of fire damage calling us is the first step toward restoration.r, Faster To Any Size Disaster. 508-757-7885

Fire can spread rapidly through your home, leaving you as little as one or two minutes to escape safely once the smoke alarm sounds.

To make the most of what little time you have, be proactive and establish a fire escape plan. Having a plan in place and practicing that plan will ensure everyone knows where to go when disaster strikes.

As a family, walk through your home and look at all possible exits, doors and windows. Create a map of your home, so everyone can visually see two ways out of every room, a primary and secondary evacuation route.

As you develop your family escape plan, consider the following steps, provided by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA):

• Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside every sleeping area on every level of the home.
• Walk through your plans with the family, making sure everyone can access the exits easily.
• Set an outside meeting point for the family once they've escaped.
• Once you're out, stay out and wait for help to arrive, do not go back into the burning structure.

Once you have a plan in place make sure all your fire safety supplies are in place and up to date. Smoke detectors need to replaced every 10 years, also replace the batteries in your smoke detectors every six months. Fire extinguishers need to be replaced every 12 years. Make sure you have fire extinguishers in the necessary areas of your home, the kitchen, utility rooms, garage, etc.

If your home has two floors, an escape ladder is a necessity for the safety of your family. Practice setting up the ladder from a first floor window, so everyone knows how to do it safely. Escape ladders can be placed near the windows on the second floor, providing additional escape options. You don't want to be searching for it during a fire.

Take all the necessary steps to prepare your family for a potential fire. Minutes of preparation now can save a life when it matters most.

If you have questions or concerns about smoke alarms or how to make a home escape plan, please contact your local Fire Department, or visit nfpa.org/public-education or  cpsc.gov/safety-education for more information.

Source: https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Teaching-tools/Community-tool-kits/Fire-Safety-for-Multigenerational-Families-Living-Together

If you've had any amount of fire damage calling us is the first step toward restoration. SERVPRO of Worcester, Faster To Any Size Disaster. 508-757-7885

Ask A SERVPRO Pro | How Can I Prevent BBQ Fires & Burn Injuries?

7/12/2021 (Permalink)

Here to Help® Our highly trained professionals are just a phone call away (508) 757-7885

In our July installment of “Ask a SERVPRO Pro” we speak with, Donny McKendall, President and Owner of SERVPRO of Worcester &  SERVPRO of Shrewsbury/Westborough. Donny offered safety tips to help outdoor chefs prevent fires & burn injuries.

Summer is almost here! That means people are spending more time outdoors entertaining and cooking. Local fire and disaster remediation specialist Donny McKendall of SERVPRO® of Worcester, SERVPRO Of Shrewsbury/Westborough knows that the number of grill fires will increase, peaking in July. “Charcoal and gas grills, barbeques and the like are involved in an average of more than 5,000 structure fires each year and almost 5,000 additional outdoor fires,” said McKendall. Beyond that, McKendall adds, grilling accidents result in 19,700 trips to the hospital annually. Thermal burns account for 9,500 of those visits, and children under the age of five account for an average of 2,000, or 39 percent, of those burns.¹ McKendall knows that families can take steps to protect their home from damage and their family from injuries and still enjoy home-grilled, summer meals.

Before you grill: ¹

• READY: Clean grill racks and grease trays. For gas grills, check the gas tank hose for leaks at the beginning of the season.
• SET: Choose a safe, firm, level spot for the grill away from coolers, running children and pets, and mingling guests. Grill outside, never in a garage or under the awning on a deck, the eaves of your home, or low-hanging branches.
• GO: Prepare the grill for cooking carefully. For charcoal grills, use a charcoal chimney with newspaper, a charcoal starter fluid, or an electric charcoal starter plugged into an outdoor-rated extension cord. For gas grills, open the lid before turning the grill on. If you smell gas after the grill is lit, do not try to move the grill. Get away from the grill and call the fire department.

While you grill: ²

• SAFE ZONE: Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the hot grill, both while you are cooking and after you serve the food. Grill surfaces can remain hot for an hour or more.
• SAFE TOOLS: Use long-handled grill utensils in good condition; avoid loose, flowing clothing; and wear flame-retardant mitts to adjust vents to help prevent burns.
• SAFE COOKING: Keep the fire under control. Manage flareups by adjusting grill height, using grill controls, or spreading out the coal bed. Keep baking soda within reach to control grease fires. Watch for blowing embers and have a fire extinguisher, a garden hose, or a bucket of sand handy to extinguish spark-triggered fires. Never attempt to move a hot grill.

“Home fires can be devastating, both financially and emotionally, because smoke and water damage often amplify the destruction to both the structure and its contents,” says McKendalll “While our SERVPRO-trained professionals are here to help you recover "Like it never even happened," if you do experience a structure fire, we believe that prevention is better than a cure. Fires and burn injuries caused by grills are not strictly a summer phenomenon. Nearly half of home grillers use their grill year-round, so it’s important to keep these safety guidelines in mind all year long.”

About June’s Featured “ SERVPRO Pro”

Donny McKendall, President
SERVPRO of Worcester & SERVPRO of Shrewsbury/Westborough

Drawing on generations of restoration knowledge and a commitment to excellence Donny has led the SERVPRO of Worcester team to new heights in capacity and capabilities.

A once young, rudimentary restoration service has developed into one of Central Massachusetts most reliable and capable full-service restoration companies.

Holding himself to the same high standards he sets for his team, Donny holds the following IICRC certifications: Applied Microbial Remediation Technician, Applied Structural Drying Technician, Commercial Drying Specialist, Fire and Smoke Restoration Technician, and Water Damage Restoration Technician.

About SERVPRO^® of Worcester

The highly trained and certified professionals of SERVPRO of Worcester are experienced in cleaning and restoring a fire, mold or water-damaged building and its contents, including wall, ceiling and floor surfaces; furniture; fabric; fixtures and more. They also offer cleaning and restoration of special items, such as: HVAC duct systems; building exteriors; electronic equipment, including computers; and documents that have sustained water damage.

Additionally, SERVPRO^® of  Worcester, is highly trained and experienced in biochemical spill remediation and decontamination. Adhering to proprietary SERVPRO protocols and recognized industry standards (CDC, RIA, IICRC) and using EPA approved cleaning products you can trust the professionals at SERVPRO® to deliver the highest standard of clean.

About SERVPRO^®

Founded in 1967, the SERVPRO Franchise System is a national leader and provider of fire and water cleanup and restoration services and mold mitigation and remediation. SERVPRO's professional services network of more than 1,800 individually owned and operated Franchises responds to property damage emergencies ranging from small individual disasters to multi-million dollar large-loss situations. Providing coverage in the United States and Canada, the SERVPRO System has established relationships with major insurance companies and commercial clients, as well as individual homeowners.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – (508) 757-7885

Winter Fires are Preventable: Fireplace Safety

2/16/2021 (Permalink)

While they often conjure up images of warmth and comfort, fireplaces (with chimneys, which also support wood stoves) also represent a significant source of home heating fires. Fireplaces or chimneys are involved in one out of three home heating fires. Creosote - a sticky, oily, combustible substance created when wood does not burn completely - rises into the chimney as a liquid and deposits on the chimney walls, and plays a role in 19 percent of all home heating fires each year.

The nonprofit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) are teaming up to reduce the risk of these and other home heating fires this December, January and February, when half of all U.S. home heating fires occur.  As part of their joint fire safety campaign, “Put a Freeze on Winter Fires,” both organizations say that chimneys should be inspected and cleaned annually by a qualified professional.

Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from a fireplace, wood stove, or any other heating equipment, and create a three-foot “kid-free zone” around open fires. Also, make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room, and never leave a fireplace fire unattended, particularly when children are present. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container, and kept at a safe distance from your home.

Winter fires are preventable! For more heating fire safety advice from NFPA and USFA’s “Put a Freeze on Winter” campaign, visit www.nfpa.org/winter.

If you've had any amount of fire damage calling us is the first step toward restoration. 
When fire damage puts the things that matter most on the line, you need the very best help on the line as well. We’re a leader in giving control back to homeowners, property managers, and even entire communities after the ravaging effects of fire. So whether you’re responsible for 1,000 square feet or 100,000 – be ready for the worst with the very best: Your trusted, local SERVPRO® franchise professionals.

SERVPRO of Worcester, Faster To Any Size Disaster. (508) 365-6434

GoFundMe Created to Help Family Rebuild After Devastating Fire.

2/15/2021 (Permalink)

WORCESTER,MA — On the evening of February 13th a raging  five-alarm fire tore through a pair of three-decker apartment buildings on Jaques Avenue. Three family members perished and a total of 13 residents were displaced from the fire.

The Adams Family has suffered devastating loss- we offer our deepest condolences.

Woodrow Adams Jr. has  started a GoFundMe page to help the family rebuild.

In the wake of this tragedy, we encourage our community to come together in support of those suffering such unimaginable loss. We ask, please help if you can.

Adams Family Fire Relief Fund

https://www.gofundme.com/f/adams-family-fire-relief

For Additional Information:

Worcester Telegram & Gazette

• Jaques Avenue fire victims identified as Worcester family mourns loss of 3 family members

MassLive

·    ‘He always taught me to be strong’: Worcester shares tears, hope in celebrating lives of 3 victims who died in Jaques Avenue fire·    After fatal Worcester fire, GoFundMe launched to help Adams family rebuild

Multigenerational Housing Fire Safety- Making Your Home Safe for the Whole Family.

2/15/2021 (Permalink)

Multigenerational housing is on the rise- the number of Americans living under the same roof with at least three generations has doubled since 1980.

It’s not unusual for three or more generations to live in the same household. According to estimates, between 50 and 62 million Americans live in a multigenerational home.

This kind of living arrangement provides a number of economic, family, and lifestyle benefits but  may also increase concerns about fire safety.

Home is where people are at greatest risk of fire.
According to the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) data, on average, seven people die in home fires each day. U.S. fire departments respond to roughly 360,000 fires each year. Home fires kill roughly 2,500 people per year.

NFPA and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommend you take these simple steps to increase your safety at home.

• Make sure your home has smoke alarms. You need a smoke alarm on every level, inside each sleeping room, and outside each separate sleeping area. Interconnect the alarms so when one sounds, they all sound.
• Test your alarms at least once a month. Press each test button to make sure it is working.
• Plan your home escape. Share the plan with everyone in the family and guests.
• Smoke alarms may not wake up children. Older adults may not hear the smoke alarm. Assign someone to help children, older adults and people with disabilities escape.
• Make sure your home has bright lighting in stairways to prevent falls.
• Remove clutter to prevent trips and falls and allow for a quick escape.
• Install handrails along the full length of both sides of the stairs.
• The plan should include two ways out of every room and an outside family meeting place.
• If there is a fire, get outside quickly and stay outside. Then call 9-1-1.
• If you can’t get outside, call 9-1-1. Let the fire department know you can’t get outside. Wave a light-colored cloth or a flashlight form the window.
• If there is smoke, use your second way out. If you must escape through smoke, get low and go under the smoke. 

Time and time again we have witnessed the life-saving impact of working smoke alarms and the effectiveness of making a plan to escape in case there is a fire.

If you have questions or concerns about smoke alarms or how to make a home escape plan, please contact your local Fire Department, or visit nfpa.org/public-education or  cpsc.gov/safety-education for more information.

Source: https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Teaching-tools/Community-tool-kits/Fire-Safety-for-Multigenerational-Families-Living-Together

Reminder: Have Heating Equipment Cleaned & Inspected

2/15/2021 (Permalink)

As temperatures drop and home heating systems kick into gear, remember to get your home heating systems inspected and cleaned as soon as possible.  That’s a key message from the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), who are teaming up to reduce the risk of home heating fires this December, January and February, when half of all U.S. home heating fires occur.

According to NFPA, home heating equipment is the second leading cause of U.S. homes fires; failure to clean heating equipment is the most common reason for these fires.

Through their joint winter fire safety campaign, “Put a Freeze on Winter Fires,” NFPA and USFA urge everyone to get their home heating systems inspected and cleaned annually by a trained professional, preferably before the start of the season. This will ensure that your home heating system is working properly, and can significantly reduce your risk to associated fires. If you have a chimney, make sure it’s also inspected and cleaned, if necessary, by a trained professional. Creosote - a sticky, oily, combustible substance created when wood does not burn completely - rises into the chimney as a liquid and deposits on the chimney walls, causing one-quarter of all home heating  fires.

Winter fires are preventable! For more heating safety advice from NFPA and USFA’s “Put a Freeze on Winter” campaign, visit www.nfpa.org/winter.

If you've had any amount of fire damage calling us is the first step toward restoration. SERVPRO of Worcester, Faster To Any Size Disaster. 508-365-6434

When fire damage puts the things that matter most on the line, you need the very best help on the line as well. We’re a leader in giving control back to homeowners, property managers, and even entire communities after the ravaging effects of fire. So whether you’re responsible for 1,000 square feet or 100,000 – be ready for the worst with the very best: Your trusted, local SERVPRO® franchise professionals.

Celebrate Safely This Holiday Season

12/8/2020 (Permalink)

The professionals at SERVPRO of Worcester wish you a safe and happy holiday season.

Pretty lights, candles, and decorations are just a few of the items bringing charm and cheer to the holiday season—however, if they are not used carefully your holidays may go from festive to frightening.

The American Red Cross offers the following safety tips to help greatly reduce the fire risk in your home or business this holiday season.

• Place Christmas trees, candles, and other holiday decorations at least three feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, portable heaters, radiators, heat vents, and candles.

• Make sure light strings and other holiday decorations are in good condition. Do not use anything with frayed electrical cords and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

• Always unplug tree and holiday lights before leaving the property or going to bed.

• Never use lit candles to decorate a tree. Always extinguish candles before leaving the room or before going to bed.

• Use only sturdy tree stands designed to not tip over. Keep curious pets and children away from Christmas trees.

• Keep anything that can catch on fire—like pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains—away from your stove top.

• Designate one person to walk around your property to ensure all candles and smoking materials are properly extinguished after guests leave.

Holiday Reminder from The American Red Cross:

“IF YOU WILL BE TRAVELING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, LEAVE THE HEAT ON IN YOUR HOME, SET TO A TEMPERATURE NO LO LOWER THAN 55° F.”

The professionals at SERVPRO of Worcester wish you a safe and happy holiday season.

Source: redcross.org

The Behavior of Smoke

11/12/2020 (Permalink)

If your home or business suffers fire or smoke damage, contact SERVPRO® of Worcester to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

The damage to your property following a fire can often be complicated due to the unique behavior 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.

The professionals of SERVPRO® of Worcester are thoroughly trained in fire cleanup and restoration and know the different types of smoke and their behavior patterns. Knowing this information is vital to proper restoration. Before restoration begins, the professionals of SERVPRO® of Worcester will survey the loss to determine the extent of impact from fire, smoke, heat, and moisture on the building materials and its contents. The soot will then be tested to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. Pretesting determines the proper cleaning method and allows your local SERVPRO® of Worcester professionals to focus on saving your precious items.

Your local SERVPRO® of Worcester professionals know smoke can penetrate various cavities within the structure, causing hidden damage and odor. Their knowledge of building systems helps them investigate how far smoke damage may have spread. The following points are additional facts you may not know about smoke.

• 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.

Types of Smoke

• Wet Smoke. (Plastic and Rubber) Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, and 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.

• Fuel Oil Soot. (Furnace puff backs) While “puff backs” can create havoc for homeowners,

SERVPRO® franchise professionals can, in most cases, restore the contents and structure quickly.

• Other Types. (Tear gas, fingerprint powder, and fire extinguisher residue) Special loss situations require special care.

The professionals of SERVPRO® of Worcester are trained to handle even the toughest of losses. If your home or business suffers fire or smoke damage, contact SERVPRO® of Worcester to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

Safety First Before the Feast

11/2/2020 (Permalink)

Your friends at SERVPRO of Worcester wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving and holiday season.

Each November, families gather to celebrate Thanksgiving by preparing a delicious feast, but if you don’t practice safe cooking habits, your happy holiday could quickly become hazardous in a blink of an eye. According to the NFPA, cooking is the main cause of home fires and injuries, with the Thanksgiving holiday being the peak day for cooking related fire emergencies. Review the following safety tips to help ensure you can enjoy a safe holiday.

• Never leave cooking food unattended. Stay in the kitchen while frying, grilling, or broiling food. If someone must leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, they should turn off the stove.

• Check food regularly while cooking and remain in the home while kitchen equipment is in use. Use a timer as a reminder that the stove or oven is on.

• Keep small children away from the cooking area. Enforce a “kid-free zone” and make them stay at least three feet away from the stove and oven.

• Keep anything flammable like pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels away from the stove, oven, or other appliances in the kitchen that generates heat.

• Do not wear loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking.

• Clean cooking surfaces on a regular basis to prevent grease build-up.

• Purchase a fire extinguisher to keep in the kitchen year round. Contact the local fire department for training on the proper use of fire extinguishers if you are unsure.

• Always check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving the home to make sure all kitchen appliances like stoves, ovens, and toasters are turned off.

• Install a smoke alarm near the kitchen, on each level of the home, near sleeping areas, and inside and outside of bedrooms. Use the test button to check it is working properly every month. Replace the batteries at least once a year.

Your friends at SERVPRO of Worcester wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving and holiday season.

Source: National Fire Protection Association

PREPAREDNESS FOR PETS

10/12/2020 (Permalink)

There are several things you can do to keep your pets safe and well during an emergency.

Have you accounted for Fido or Lucy when emergency planning? 

Pets are just as important as any family member to most people, so why would you not make them a part of your preparedness planning? There are several things you can do to make sure they stay safe as well during an emergency.

Pet Emergency Kit

Ready.gov/animals lists the below items as essential to building your Pet Emergency Kit.

Food.

At least a three day supply in an airtight, waterproof container.

Water.

At least three days of water specifically for your pets.

Medicines and medical records.

Important documents. Registration information, adoption papers and vaccination documents. Talk to your veterinarian about microchipping and enrolling your pet in a recovery database.

First aid kit. Cotton bandage rolls, bandage tape and scissors; antibiotic ointment; flea and tick prevention; latex gloves, isopropyl alcohol and saline solution. Including a pet first aid reference book is a good idea too.

Collar or harness with ID tag, rabies tag and a leash.

Crate or pet carrier.

Have a sturdy, safe crate or carrier in case you need to evacuate. The carrier should be large enough

for your pet to stand, turn around and lie down.

Sanitation.

Pet litter and litter box if appropriate, newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags and household chlorine bleach.

A picture of you and your pet together.

If you become separated, a picture of you and your pet together will help you document ownership and allow others to assist you. Add species, breed, age, sex, color and distinguishing characteristics.

Familiar items.

Familiar items such as treats, toys and bedding can help reduce stress for your pet.

Evacuations

While practicing fire escape or evacuation plans, be sure to include pets. If an evacuation happens, don’t leave pets behind as they can be lost or injured.

Identification

Microchipping pets is a great way to locate them. Most veterinary clinics and shelters have scanners that will read the microchip information to help find a pet’s owners.

Be sure to take four-legged friends into consideration when planning for emergencies. Visit ready.gov/ animals for further tips and safety precautions to think about for you or your insured’s families’ pets, or your tenants’ pets’ during a disaster.

SERVPRO® of Worcester wishes you a safe and happy fall season.

Source: National Fire Protection Association

Keep Fall Fire Free

10/8/2020 (Permalink)

The professionals at SERVPRO® of Worcester wish you a safe and happy fall season.

The fall season brings cooler temperatures, beautiful colors, and an abundance of outdoor activities. Plan ahead this season to help ensure it is safe and fire-free.

• Fall decorations, like dried flowers and cornstalks, are highly flammable. Keep these and other decorations away from open flames and heat sources, including light bulbs and heaters.

• Keep emergency exits clear of decorations no nothing blocks escape routes.

• Teach children to stay away from open flames. Be sure they know how to stop, drop, and roll if their clothing catches fire.

• Remember safety first when choosing a Halloween costume. Consider avoiding billowing fabric.

• It is safest to use a flashlight or battery-operated candle in a jack-o-lantern. Use extreme caution if using a real candle.

Facts and information provided by the National Fire Protection Association, nfpa.org.

The professionals at SERVPRO® of Worcester wish you a safe and happy fall season.

About SERVPRO® of Worcester

When fire or water damage puts the things that matter most on the line, you need the very best help on the line as well. That’s why knowing the easiest ways to contact SERVPRO® is so important.

Just go to SERVPROworcester.com on your mobile phone or call 508-757-7885 to get the team that’s faster to any size disaster.

We’re a leader in giving control back to homeowners, property managers, and even entire communities after the ravaging effects of water or fire. So whether you’re responsible for 1,000 square feet or 100,000 – be ready for the worst with the very best: Your trusted, local SERVPRO® franchise professional.

"SERV"e Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen- Fire Prevention Week 2020

10/5/2020 (Permalink)

Serve Up Fire Safety In the Kitchen NFPA Fire Prevention Week Oct. 4-10, 2020

October is Fire Prevention Month and an excellent time to examine the emergency preparedness plans for your home and business, including your fire escape plan. Do you have a fire escape plan? Have you changed your smoke alarm batteries within the last year? Are you prepared for whatever happens?

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) sets aside a designated week each October to focus on fire prevention. Fire Prevention Week is October 4-10, 2020. The 2020 theme is, “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!” This topic works to educate everyone about the simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves, and those around them, safe in the kitchen.

Did you know? Cooking is the number one cause of home fires and home fire injuries, according to NFPA. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of fires in the kitchen. NFPA notes that once a fire alarm goes off “you could have less than two minutes to get out safely,” yet only 8 percent of people surveyed said getting out was the first thought they had after hearing a fire alarm go off. Creating, implementing, and practicing a fire escape plan for your home or business may be the difference between safety and tragedy. Make a plan today!

As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration, SERVPRO® stands on over 50 years of experience and expertise to help ensure you stay safe, informed, and ready for any disaster that comes your way.

The time to prepare is now. Call your local SERVPRO® of Worcester professionals to make sure your home and business are "Ready for whatever happens."

Learn more:

Fire Prevention Week is October. 4 – 10 https://www.nfpa.org/fpw

KITCHEN CAUTIONS

10/5/2020 (Permalink)

The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking. It’s important to be alert to prevent holiday cooking fires.

Each year, around the holidays, families gather together to celebrate by preparing a delicious feast. However, not everyone practices safe cooking habits.

According to the National Fire Protection Agency, cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and injuries. The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking. It’s important to be alert to prevent holiday cooking fires.

• Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, do not use the stovetop or oven.
• Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, boiling, or broiling food.
• If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the kitchen while the food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
• Keep anything that can catch fire, like oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, or hand towels, away from the stovetop.

If you have a cooking fire, consider the following safety protocols to help keep you and your family safe.

• Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the flames.
• Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number after you get out safely.
• For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the oven door closed.
• If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear path out.
• Keep a lid nearby when you’re cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the kid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.

SERVPRO®  of Worcester wishes you a safe and happy fall season.

Source: National Fire Protection Association

When it Comes to Portable Fire Extinguishers Remember “PASS”

9/4/2020 (Permalink)

Portable fire extinguishers can be life and property saving tools when used correctly. In order to operate an extinguisher, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) suggests remembering the word PASS:

Pull the pin. Hold the nozzle pointing away from you and release the locking mechanism. There’s usually a thin plastic tamper seal holding this pin in place, and it easily breaks when you pull out the pin.

Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire. You must direct the extinguishing media towards the material that is actually burning so it can extinguish the flame

Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly. An extra word of caution; if you are using a CO2 extinguisher, avoid touching the horn-shaped discharge nozzle, as it can cause frostbite

Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side across the base of the fire as you approach, to make sure the extinguishing media completely covers the burning material and puts out the fire.

Read the instructions on the fire extinguisher and become familiar with them before a fire breaks out. Remember, extinguishers do have limitations. It is also important to ensure you have the correct type of extinguisher for your facility. To find more information on choosing the appropriate class of extinguisher, please visit the NFPA website at nfpa.org.

Additional Portable Fire Extinguisher Training Resources:

• https://www.oshatraining.com/portable-fire-extinguisher-training.php
• https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Staying-safe/Safety-equipment/Fire-extinguishers
• https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/outreach/extinguishers.html

If you've had any amount of fire damage calling us is the first step toward restoration. SERVPRO of Worcester, Faster To Any Size Disaster. 508-757-7885

EMERGENCY FIRE DAMAGE TIPS

9/4/2020 (Permalink)

These emergency tips will assist you in taking proper action until your local SERVPRO® franchise professionals arrive. Follow these DOs and DON’Ts to help reduce damage and increase the chances of a successful restoration.

DO:

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into carpet and avoid tracking.
• Keep your hands clean. Soot on your hands can further soil upholstery, walls, and woodwork.
• If electricity is off, empty the freezer and refrigerator completely and prop doors open to help prevent odor.
• Wipe soot from metal kitchen and bathroom faucets, trim, and appliances.
• If heat is off during winter months, pour RV antifreeze in sinks, toilet bowls, holding tanks, and tubs to avoid freezing pipes and fixtures.
• Remove soot particles from plants with a damp cloth.
• Change HVAC filter, but leave it off until a trained professional can check the system.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers to stop particles of soot from getting in or out of the HVAC system.

DON’T:

• Don’t attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting your local SERVPRO franchise professional.
• Don’t attempt to shampoo carpet, rugs, or upholstered furniture without first consulting your SERVPRO franchise professional.
• Don’t attempt to clean any electrical appliances (TV sets, radios, etc.) that may have been close to fire, heat, or water without first consulting an authorized repair service.
• Don’t consume any food or beverages that may have been stored close to fire, heat, or water. (They may be contaminated.)
• Don’t turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. Wiring may be wet or damaged and cause electrical shock and air movement may create secondary damage.
• Don’t send garments to the dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set in smoke odor.

When fire damage puts the things that matter most on the line, you need the very best help on the line as well. We’re a leader in giving control back to homeowners, property managers, and even entire communities after the ravaging effects of fire. So whether you’re responsible for 1,000 square feet or 100,000 – be ready for the worst with the very best: Your trusted, local SERVPRO® franchise professional.

Smoke Alarms are: LIFE SAVERS!

9/3/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke alarms save lives when properly installed and maintained, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

In homes, smoke alarms should be in every bedroom and on every level, including the basement. In office and commercial environments, check your state requirements or contact your local Fire Marshall to help ensure all codes are met.

Test smoke alarms monthly using the test button. Smoke alarms with non-replaceable batteries need the entire smoke alarm unit replaced every ten years. Other alarms need batteries replaced every year and the unit replaced every ten years. If the alarm chirps signaling low battery, take the proper steps to replace the unit or the batteries immediately. Never disable or remove the battery from an alarm. Almost half of fires where smoke alarms were present but did not activate had missing or disconnected batteries (NFPA).

In larger commercial facilities, hard wired or wireless smoke alarms offer benefits such as not needing to be tested as often and activating throughout the entire building if smoke is detected in just one area (NFPA).

If you need help installing, testing or changing batteries in your smoke alarms, contact your local fire department, an electrician or the American Red Cross.

Be sure your home or workplace has a fire emergency plan in place and conduct regular fire drills. For more information on Emergency Preparedness, contact the professionals at SERVPRO of Worcester. We’re Here to Help 508- 757-7885.

Are You Prepared If There Is a Fire in Your Rutland Home?

8/5/2020 (Permalink)

In the event of a home fire, remember that every second counts. Being prepared and knowing what to do when the unexpected happens gives you and your family the valuable advantage of time.

The Red Cross Suggests These 7 Ways to Prepare for a Home Fire

1. Install the right number of smoke alarms. Test them once a month and replace the batteries at least once a year. Purchase smoke alarms here.        

2. Teach children what smoke alarms sound like and what to do when they hear one. 

3. Ensure that all household members know two ways to escape from every room of your home and know the family meeting spot outside of your home.

4. Establish a family emergency communications plan and ensure that all household members know who to contact if they cannot find one another.

5. Practice escaping from your home at least twice a year. Press the smoke alarm test button or yell “Fire“ to alert everyone that they must get out.

6. Make sure everyone knows how to call 9-1-1.
7. Teach household members to STOP, DROP and ROLL if their clothes should catch on fire. 

What to Do After a Home Fire

If you do have a home fire, please refer to our Fire Damage Tips—Until Help Arrives Guide and follow these tips to protect yourself and your property.

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any Size Disaster
• Locally Owned and Operated
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
• Highly Trained Fire Restoration Technicians

SERVPRO of Worcester, Faster To Any Size Disaster. 508-757-7885. 

There’s Still Plenty of Grilling Season Left- Please Remember to Be Safe

8/4/2020 (Permalink)

There is still plenty of grilling weather left, here are some tips for safe outdoor cooking

There is still plenty of grilling season left. Outdoor cooking and socially-distanced picnic gatherings cab be a welcome change for families eager to get out and enjoy the warm weather.

SERVPRO would like to remind you to about the  “grilling fire facts" from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

* Gas grills, hibachis, and barbeques are involved in an average of 8,900 home fires each year, including 3,900 structure fires and 4,900 outdoor fires. Charcoal or other solid-fueled grills contribute to another 1,300 home fires per year.
* An average of 19,700 patients each year visit emergency rooms because of injuries involving grills. Nearly half (9,500 or 48%) of the injuries are thermal burns from fire (about 4,300) and from contact with hot objects (about 5,200). Children under five account for an average of 2,000 of those contact-type burns.
* July is the peak month for grill fires (18%), including both structure, outdoor or unclassified fires, followed by June (15%), May (13%) and August (12%).

We would like to share the following advice from the NFPA2 with Worcester-area homeowners to help ensure that the only smoke coming from their outdoor feast is from their grill, and not from a property fire.

All grills

* Use your propane or charcoal grill outdoors only. Place your grill away from your home or deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
* Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area, and never leave your grill unattended.
* Keep your grill clean. Remove grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill. Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it.

Propane Grills

* Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year.
* If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not move the grill.
* If the flame goes out, turn the grill and gas off and wait at least five minutes before re-lighting it.

Charcoal Grills

* A charcoal chimney starter uses newspaper as a fuel to start the charcoal. If you use a starter fluid instead, use only charcoal starter fluid. If you choose an electric charcoal starter, make sure to use an extension cord for outdoor use.
* Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire.
* When you are finished grilling, let the coals cool completely before transferring them to a metal container for disposal.

While we hope that these guidelines will help Worcester-area homeowners have a safe, fire-free grilling season, accidents can happen. If you do experience a structure fire, our SERVPRO-trained professionals can help get you on the road to normal, managing clean-up efforts and helping with insurance and recovery. When disaster strikes, our goal, always, is to make it seem "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO specializes in fire and water cleanup and restoration services and repair services, helping to remediate damage for both commercial and residential customers.

1 https://www.nfpa.org/grilling
2 https://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Files/Public-Education/Resources/Safety-tip-sheets/Grilling_safety_Tips.pdf

Working Smoke Alarms Are a Must for Keeping Your Family Safe.

6/3/2020 (Permalink)

As we all know, the most valuable thing in our homes are the people that live there. Property  and possessions can be fixed or replaced. What’s most important is your safety and the safety of those you care about.

About three out of five fire deaths happen in homes with no smoke alarms or working smoke alarms. Smoke alarms are a key part of a home fire escape plan providing early warning reducing your risk of dying in a fire. The National Fire Protection Association recommends you:

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas on the ceiling or high on the wall
• Keep smoke alarms away from the kitchen, at least 10 feet from the stove, to reduce false alarms
• Use special alarms with strobe lights and bed shakers for people who are hard of hearing or deaf
• Test smoke alarms monthly
• Replace batteries annually, and change the batteries in your carbon monoxide detectorat the same time
• Replace smoke alarms that are 10 or more years old

What Are Your Next Steps after A House Fire

At SERVPRO of Worcester we understand how traumatic a home fire can be. Rest assure our professionally trained technicians and staff will treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care. If you suffer a fire damage event, please refer to our Fire Damage Tips—Until Help Arrives Guide and follow these tips to protect yourself and your property.

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any Size Disaster
• Locally Owned and Operated
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
• Highly Trained Fire Restoration Technicians

SERVPRO of Worcester, Faster To Any Size Disaster. 508-757-7885. Calling us is the first step toward restoration after any amount of fire damage affects your home.

Tips for Enjoying Backyard Recreational Fires Responsibly

6/3/2020 (Permalink)

As the weather continues to warm and  we continue to spend more time at home. We would like to take this opportunity to remind our friends and neighbors to be responsible with backyard recreational fires.

Summer is the time when more homeowners look to enjoy fire pits and outdoor fireplaces for warmth, recreation and cooking. 

Increase your enjoyment of outdoor fires by knowing you’re doing all you can to burn cleanly, safely, and responsibly for your family, neighbors and community. 

Enjoy Your Fire Pit Responsibly

If you choose to burn wood, reduce particle pollution with these steps:

• Only burn seasoned, dry wood, which burns hotter and cleaner.  
• Use a moisture meter to check firewood; moisture content is best at about 20 percent.
• Cover stacked wood, but allow good air flow so it can dry. 
• Never burn wood during air quality alert days, when air pollution is already higher.
• Never burn green wood, construction waste, plastic, garbage, or yard waste. They create more smoke and can be toxic.
• Take extra care if you live in a region where brush fires are of concern.
  

Check Your Local Laws

• Some local governments have adopted ordinances to restrict backyard recreational fires.
  For more information, check with local authorities.

For more information and source information: https://www.epa.gov/burnwise/backyard-recreational-fires

The Best Way to Deal With Fire Damage is to Prevent it From Happening

5/7/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Worcester has the specialized fire and water damage cleanup and restoration training and experience to quickly restore your home to pre-fire condition.  

As experts in our field, we understand the best way to deal with fire damage is to prevent it from ever happening in the first place.

The following Fire Safety Tips will help to keep you, your family and your home safe:

Watch Your Cooking
Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you must leave, even for a short time, turn off the stove.

Give Space Heaters Space
Keep fixed and portable space heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn. Turn off heaters when you leave the room or go to sleep.

Smoke Outside
Ask smokers to smoke outside. Have sturdy, deep ashtrays for smokers.

Keep matches and lighters out of reach
Keep matches and lighters up high, out of the reach of children, preferably in a cabinet with a child lock.

Inspect Electrical Cords
Replace cords that are cracked, damaged, have broken plugs, or have loose connections.

Be Careful When Using Candles
Keep candles at least one foot from anything that can burn. Blow out candles when you leave the room or go to sleep.

Have A Home Fire Escape Plan
Make a home fire escape plan and practice it at least twice a year.

Install Smoke Alarms
Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. Interconnect smoke alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.

Test Smoke Alarms
Test smoke alarms at least once a month and replace batteries once a year or when the alarm “chirps” to tell you the battery is low. Replace any smoke alarm that is more than 10 years old.

Install Sprinklers
If you are building or remodeling your home, install residential fire sprinklers. Sprinklers can contain and may even extinguish a fire in less time than it would take the fire department to arrive.

Source: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA®)

If The Unexpected Does Happen, We’re Here to Help.

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 – 508-393-7898

Heavy Smoke Can Be Left By Kitchen Fire

7/29/2019 (Permalink)

In our home town of Worcester a forgotten pot was left on ta running stove quickly turned an ordinary evening family meal into a complete disaster.  The pot caught on fire due to excess amounts of grease build-up, and began to spew soot throughout the home.  The fire department responded quickly and promptly and put out the fire blaze without anybody getting hurt or injured.

SERVPRO of Worcester was called in to clean up the damage resulting from the kitchen cooking fire.  We were able to get everything back to normal for the homeowners in a matter of days.  Afterwards, the property owner stated ‘Wow! It really is "Like it never even happened." Any challenges little or small, SERVPRO is here to help 24/7 don’t hesitate to call us at (508)-757-7885.

Don’t Let Fire Damage Scare you, You Have SERVPRO!

7/26/2019 (Permalink)

Fire Damage to Your Worcester Home

It is possible that your home might have actual fire damage even if it has never had a house fire. One of these situations is if your home has a fireplace that is often used during the colder months. Another occurrence of fire damage can be a result of malfunctioning furnaces. We have seen this all the time in Worcester. 

Worcester area homes can develop both kinds of fire damage, instead of only one or the other type, if both fireplace and furnace are used to keep a home adequately heated during the bitterly cold winters. Faulty furnaces are much more dangerous than fireplaces are, in general. Small explosions may not seem to be important in an appliance that is used for heating, but those explosions get larger over time, not smaller. After a furnace begins doing this, which is called 'puff back,' replacement of the furnace with a new one is typically the only sufficient remedy. Residues from puff back are not confined to an area near the furnace but can be expelled wherever there is a heat vent, also. These areas on walls and ceilings, and sometimes floors, can discolor painted and papered surfaces. Paneling can also be cleaned of oily deposits. When fireplaces are used, different residues, including soot and even creosote, accumulate around the exterior. Stone and brick can hold a significant amount of these substances within their rough surfaces, and a build-up of these carcinogenic substances can be highly flammable. On top of being unsightly to the eye, blackened fireplace facings can be dangerous to your health and your home. Fireplaces regain their new look after being cleaned on their exterior facing and their interiors, as well. Their structural components of stone or brick allow for this. Even though they may look dirtier than any other area in your home, cleaning can completely restore their appearance.

We at SERVPRO can clean both of these types of fire damage from your home. The same techniques we use to clean and detail personal belongings, furniture, and other housewares are also relevant for fireplaces and the areas around them. When you have fire damage that makes your home look less appealing than what it should, call us, SERVPRO of  Worcester, at (508) 757-7885. We are always ready to answer your call and help you restore any area of your home.

Cleanup After a fire in a Worcester Home

7/26/2019 (Permalink)

Fire, smoke and soot damage is not only upsetting, but also very destructive. In many instances after the fire fighters leave there will be water damage from their efforts. SERVPRO of Worcester specializes in fire and water restoration. At SERVPRO of Worcester we have the equipment, specific training and certifications that will allow our crews and crew chiefs to restore your home or business to pre-fire condition. SERVPRO understands that you may be feeling stressed and confused. Rest assure our professionally trained technicians and staff will treat you with respect and empathy you deserve.

Please don't hesitate to call us with any questions at 508-757-7885.

• 24 Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any Disaster
• Locally Owned and Operated
• Highly Trained Fire Restoration Technicians

Do's and Don'ts After Fire Damage to your Home in Worcester

4/19/2019 (Permalink)

Our Technicians Arrive Quickly After Your Call to Assess the Damage and Formulate a Custom Cleaning and Remediation Plan

A question that we commonly hear at SERVPRO is: What can I do until you arrive? We aim to ensure We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster, but of course, we understand that a person’s home is meaningful and full of personal belongings that they do not want to lose to fire damage. 
 
It is a natural instinct to try and clean soot-coated or charred items as quickly as possible after fire damage to your Worcester home. However, we would like you to be aware that some cleaning actions can make the situation worse and even lessen the chance of successful restoration. Here are the cleaning actions we recommend you avoid along with some things you can do while you wait for the restoration team. 
 
Do not try to clean upholstery, carpets, or walls. Soot damaged soft furnishings and walls require specialist cleaning, such as HEPA vacuuming. Attempting to clean them yourself might make the damage worse. 
 
Do not switch on or use electrical appliances. Smoke residues can be conductive and might ignite another blaze. Wait until the SERVPRO team arrives to inspect and, if possible, clean the item. 
 
Do not send clothes or soft furnishings to a dry cleaner who does not specialize in cleaning smoke-damaged items. We have access to powerful Esporta washers which were specifically designed to wash smoke damaged soft furnishings. 
 
Do place old, clean linens or colorfast towels over carpets, rugs or upholstered furniture to protect it from further harm. 
 
Do wash your hands regularly – soot has a propensity to cling to hands and clothes and is very easily spread throughout a home, thus causing further damage. 
 
Do try to limit movement into and out of the fire damaged area – this helps prevent the further spread of soot particles. 
 
SERVPRO arrives quickly and ready to tackle the aftermath of the blaze. We equip our IICRC-certified technicians with the skills and tools necessary to clean soot and smoke damage and restore your home. We also deodorize your home after cleaning is complete so it feels and smells fresh once more. 
 
For help with fire cleanup in Worcester, Cherry Valley and the surrounding areas, call SERVPRO of Worcester at (508) 757-7885. 

Fire Damage in Your Worcester Home and How Best to Handle It

2/14/2019 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO for Smoke & Fire Restoration Services

Every time a fire starts inside a home, some level of fire damage occurs. Even if the fire stays in a small area, the smoke and soot quickly spreads through the air into other areas and creates soot damage very quickly. Those living in Worcester can cope with this problem affecting their living spaces best by having certified experts carry out the work involved.

Worcester homes affected by fire damage and soot accumulation need experienced mitigation experts. SERVPRO technicians have extensive training and become certified by the IICRC in fields such as Fire and Smoke Restoration (FSRT), Odor Control (OCT), and Applied Structural Drying (ASD). 

Even small fire cleanup requires the skills learned in the pursuit of these three certificates, and our technicians continually keep these certificates up-to-date to serve you and your family better. Working together, they can quickly make it “Like it never even happened.”  

Technicians skilled in fire and smoke restoration remove only the charred materials within a home and leave those areas that sustained only smoke damage for our cleaning technicians. Soot removal requires several steps. Items with extensive or elaborate detailing require a bit more work than items with smoother surfaces before attaining pre-fire condition. The use of "dry ice blasting" is used, if you have never herd of Ice Blasting, it is a method that can be utilized under specific conditions.

Our technicians with odor control management training help complete restoration by eliminating bad odors caused by deposits from the fire's smoke wherever they occur. By following air currents inside your home, our technician finds the locations of the most substantial deposits. Treatment of these areas renders odor-causing particles inert and unable to continue causing bad smells. 

Elevated humidity can make odors from smoke even more pronounced, especially when the furnace runs or on unseasonably warm days. The water used to extinguish a small fire in our home soaks into absorbent materials and also evaporates as steam when making contact with the fire. Every home with fire damage also needs the moisture removed and completely dried out. This part of the process also helps guard against secondary water damage from developing in the not-so-distant future. 

SERVPRO of Worcester, Faster To Any Size Disaster. 508-757-7885. Calling us is the first step toward restoration after any amount of fire damage affects your home.

Summer Safety Tips!

2/13/2019 (Permalink)

Summer is synonymous with barbecues, parades and fireworks displays; but along with all the festivities are plenty of visits to emergency rooms-especially during July.

In 2013, eight people died and about 11,400 were injured badly enough to require medical treatment after fireworks-related incidents, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. In addition to causing injury, fireworks are also responsible for thousands of house fires each year with millions of dollars in property damage.

There is nothing like firing up the grill during the summer months! Did you know, July is the peak month for grill fires? A backyard barbecue can become dangerous quickly if proper safety precautions aren’t considered. SERVPRO of South Worcester wants you to have an enjoyable and safe summer. Consider the following tips to ensure your summer celebrations are disaster-free!

• Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.
• The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Keep children and pets away from grill area.
• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill. n When using a charcoal grill, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container. n Never leave your grill unattended.
• Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear.
• Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don’t go off or in case of fire. Children should never pick up fireworks that may be left over as they may still be active.
• The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public display conducted by trained professionals.

Your Worcester Home Has Professional Fire Damage Restoration Services Available

6/26/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is a Full Service Fire Restoration Company

Driving home after a movie at Blackstone with your family, you turn onto the street where you live and notice fire trucks and other emergency vehicles lining the street. You notice as you move closer that the home they are struggling to save is yours.
 
At some point, every home requires emergency services or some form of restoration or reconstruction. Your Worcester area home is no different; fire damage may affect it at any time and put you through the test of a lifetime. 
 
SERVPRO technicians and management find various restoration services invaluable during a fire damage situation that each and every restoration company out there should be using to combat the damages affecting your home. We take the time to recommend various services that are available to restore your property to a quality pre-damage condition. 
 
If the company you choose does not follow EPA regulations and standards or do not have IICRC certification and the proper licensing to perform your repairs, you should look for help elsewhere. If you use them, you may fall victim to shoddy work practices and the use of low-quality materials. Our local franchise carries many unique licenses in the restoration   
 
The company you choose should be familiar with mitigation services that are used to secure the structure of your home and prevent additional damages from forming; this could include boarding up openings, winterizing your plumbing, or establishing a temporary power source. 
 
SERVPRO also finds that basic cleaning services are essential during fire damage situations focusing on the removal of smoke residues from your building's structural components and using the proper deodorization methods to remove offensive odors. 
 
We discuss each service with you and your insurance agency and allow you to determine which components require repairs and which need replacement, including content cleaning, which should be available from the restoration company that you have chosen to work with to restore your home. 
 
There are always specialty restoration situations that require contacting a subcontractor to provide cleaning methods to handle certain contents including, your electronics, dry cleaning of clothing, furniture refinishing, or cleaning of expensive artwork. 
 
With SERVPRO of Worcester, many of these specialty services are maintained in-house and provided to our customers without requiring us to contact someone else to perform the work. 
 
You want to make sure that the company you use can cover all of these situations and much more, or contact SERVPRO of Worcester today, we have the services you deserve. (508) 757-7885. Was your HVAC System affected? We are NADCA Certified! 

Fire Damage is Scary, Restoration is Not.

6/5/2018 (Permalink)

Fire Damage to Your Worcester Home

It is possible that your home might have actual fire damage even if it has never had a house fire. One of these situations is if your home has a fireplace that is often used during the colder months. Another occurrence of fire damage can be a result of malfunctioning furnaces. We have seen this all the time in Worcester. 

Worcester area homes can develop both kinds of fire damage, instead of only one or the other type, if both fireplace and furnace are used to keep a home adequately heated during the bitterly cold winters. Faulty furnaces are much more dangerous than fireplaces are, in general. Small explosions may not seem to be important in an appliance that is used for heating, but those explosions get larger over time, not smaller. After a furnace begins doing this, which is called 'puff back,' replacement of the furnace with a new one is typically the only sufficient remedy. Residues from puff back are not confined to an area near the furnace but can be expelled wherever there is a heat vent, also. These areas on walls and ceilings, and sometimes floors, can discolor painted and papered surfaces. Paneling can also be cleaned of oily deposits. When fireplaces are used, different residues, including soot and even creosote, accumulate around the exterior. Stone and brick can hold a significant amount of these substances within their rough surfaces, and a build-up of these carcinogenic substances can be highly flammable. On top of being unsightly to the eye, blackened fireplace facings can be dangerous to your health and your home. Fireplaces regain their new look after being cleaned on their exterior facing and their interiors, as well. Their structural components of stone or brick allow for this. Even though they may look dirtier than any other area in your home, cleaning can completely restore their appearance.

We at SERVPRO can clean both of these types of fire damage from your home. The same techniques we use to clean and detail personal belongings, furniture, and other housewares are also relevant for fireplaces and the areas around them. When you have fire damage that makes your home look less appealing than what it should, call us, SERVPRO of South Worcester, at (508) 757-7885. We are always ready to answer your call and help you restore any area of your home.

When Fire Strikes, Will You be Ready!?

6/5/2018 (Permalink)

Fire damage in a home can be a stressful event for a homeowner. Damage to your personal belongings and home are just some of the concerns you may experience. Timely response and thorough mitigation can alleviate these concerns.

 SERVPRO of South Worcester understand your home is more than four walls. Your home includes your memories and personal belongings. SERVPRO Response Teams are trained in caring for both you and your home. By responding quickly with a full line of fire cleanup and restoration services, SERVPRO of South Worcester can help you restore your home and personal belongings.

So, before you risk doing further damage by attempting to clean up the damage yourself, call the fire damage cleanup and restoration professionals at (508) 757-7885. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have worked for over 35 years to make fire damage "Like it never even happened." Trust us in your time of need! (508)-757-7885

Kitchen Fire Leaves Heavy Smoke

6/4/2018 (Permalink)

Microwave melted from intense heat from cooking fire.

In our home town of Worcester a forgotten pot was left on ta running stove quickly turned an ordinary evening family meal into a complete disaster.  The pot caught on fire due to excess amounts of grease build-up, and began to spew soot throughout the home.  The fire department responded quickly and promptly and put out the fire blaze without anybody getting hurt or injured.

SERVPRO of South Worcester was called in to clean up the damage resulting from the kitchen cooking fire.  We were able to get everything back to normal for the homeowners in a matter of days.  Afterwards, the property owner stated ‘Wow! It really is "Like it Never Even Happened" any challenges little or small, SERVPRO is here to help 24/7 don’t hesitate to call us at (508)-757-7885

Cherry Valley Fire & Smoke Damage Services

6/4/2018 (Permalink)

Odor & Smoke Removal and Restoration in Cherry Valley by SERVPRO

Much of the restoration cost after a fire comes from cleaning smoke and soot residues off the structural and personal property. These same residues also result in hundreds of dollars in costs to eliminate the smells left behind as well. 

Removing the odors from fire damage in Cherry Valley is a multi-level task. To return a home to its original state, SERVPRO uses Multiple-Phase Odor Control. 

The first phase is Chemical Containment. The task for us here is to block odor molecules from vaporizing into the air. Technicians spray a deodorizer directly on smoke residues; forming a barrier that slows down or stops the evaporation process. 

Vapor Odor Control is the second phase. Technicians release deodorant vapors to counteract smoke odor particles that are already airborne. We use granular agents that release different odors which are remarkably effective after smoke damage. 

Thermal Fogging is the final step. We disperse solvent-based deodorants using thermal foggers. These devices use heat to break down the deodorant to the same particle size as the odors. They bond with the odors, changing their chemical composition, and effectively neutralizing them. This a dry fog that evaporates within several hours, leaving almost no moisture that can stain surfaces. It is ideal for furniture fabrics, drapes and even building material such as drywall. 

Not every home requires all three phases to eliminate odors. After each one, our technicians wait and determine if they need to move to the next one or if they only need to repeat a phase. 
Eliminating the odors from a fire may seem like a small part of the restoration process. It is not as obvious a problem as a burned-out structural support, but a lingering smoke scent is a continual reminder of the disaster that struck your home. 

SERVPRO of South Worcester understands how important it is to put the crisis behind you and is here to help. Call today at (508) 757-7885.

Where is Cherry Valley? click.

Cleanup after a fire in a Worcester home

4/18/2018 (Permalink)

Fire, smoke and soot damage is not only upsetting, but also very destructive. In many instances after the fire fighters leave there will be water damage from their efforts. SERVPRO of South Worcester specializes in fire and water restoration. At SERVPRO of South Worcester we have the equipment, specific training and certifications that will allow our crews and crew chiefs to restore your home or business to pre-fire condition. SERVPRO understands that you may be feeling stressed and confused. Rest assure our professionally trained technicians and staff will treat you with respect and empathy you deserve. Please don't hesitate to call us with any questions at 508-757-7885.

• 24 Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any Disaster
• Locally Owned and Operated
• Highly Trained Fire Restoration Technicians

Smoke and Soot Damage

8/4/2016 (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 [[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 – (508) 757-7885 

Summer Safety Tips!

7/15/2016 (Permalink)

Call the Cleanup Team that’s faster to any size disaster (508) 757-7885

Faster to any size disaster. This is not just another catchy tag line for SERVPRO®. It is a commitment from each SERVPRO® Franchise Professional to be there when you need them most. Whether you are a small business or home owner facing minor fire or water damage, or a property manager dealing with a widespread disaster, SERVPRO® of South Worcester has the resources to respond quickly and efficiently. The sooner help arrives, the sooner restoration begins and the sooner you can resume life and business as usual. SERVPRO® of South Worcester is just the tip of the iceberg. Should a major disaster such as a flood or wildfire occur, SERVPRO’s Disaster Recovery Team® is always poised and ready to go where they are needed. If a fire, water or mold damage strikes, no matter the size, call SERVPRO® of South Worcester at (508) 757-7885. Backed by a system of Franchises more than 1,700 strong, we’ll help make your property disaster “Like it never even happened.”

Celebrate Summer Safely

Summer is synonymous with barbecues, parades and fireworks displays; but along with all the festivities are plenty of visits to emergency rooms—especially during July. Each year, around 230 people are injured badly enough to require medical treatment after fireworks-related incidents, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. In addition to causing injury, fireworks are also responsible for thousands of house fires each year with millions of dollars in property damage. There is nothing like firing up the grill during the summer months! Did you know, July is the peak month for grill fires? A backyard barbecue can become dangerous quickly if proper safety precautions aren’t considered. SERVPRO® of South Worcester wants you to have an enjoyable and safe summer. Consider the following tips to help ensure your summer celebrations are disaster-free!

·        Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.

·        The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.

·        Keep children and pets away from grill area.

·        Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.  

·        Never leave your grill unattended.

·        When using a charcoal grill, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.

·        Anyone using fi reworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear.

·        Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fi reworks. Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fi reworks that don’t go off or in case of fire. Children should never pick up fireworks that may be left over as they may still be active.

·        The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public display conducted by trained professionals.

Be Careful With Space Heaters!

1/19/2016 (Permalink)

The winter season is in full swing! The days are shorter and the temperatures are lower. No matter where you live, winter brings a change in the weather. In an effort to keep our homes and workplaces cozy, many people use alternative heat sources like fireplaces, portable space heaters, and wood burning stoves. According to the National Fire Protection Association, heating equipment is responsible for an estimated $893 million in property damage annually. Heating is the second leading cause of residential fire deaths, making it important to review ways to help reduce the risk of a heating-related fire.

• Keep anything flammable at least three feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or a portable space heater. Have a three foot “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters.
  
  
• Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.
  
  
• Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel burning space heaters.
  
  
• Make sure the fi replace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home.
  
  
• Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.
  
  
• Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer’s instructions.

Test smoke alarms monthly. If your property does suffer fire damage, contact SERVPRO of Worcester to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

Fire Damage Help When You Need It

10/6/2015 (Permalink)

A fire can leave behind soot, smoke damage and a host of other problems. Ceilings, walls, woodwork, carpeting, and floors will often need a thorough professional cleaning. If your home or business suffers a fire, it is important to take the appropriate steps to prevent further damage until SERVPRO of South Worcester arrives. The following tips may help reduce damage and increase chances of a successful restoration. 

DO:

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpet.
• Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place dry, colorfast towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer/refrigerator completely and prop doors open to help prevent odor.
• Wipe soot from chrome kitchen/bathroom faucets, trim and appliances, then protect these surfaces with a light coating of lubricant.
• If heat is off during winter, pour RV antifreeze in sinks, toilet bowls, holding tanks and tubs to avoid freezing pipes and fixtures.
• Change HVAC filters; leave system off until a trained professional can check the system.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers to stop particles of soot from getting in or out of the HVAC system.

DON'T:

• Don’t attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting SERVPRO of South Worcester.
• Don’t attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture without first consulting SERVPRO of South Worcester.
• Do not attempt to clean any electrical appliances (TV sets, radios, etc.) that may have been close to fire, heat or water without first consulting an authorized repair service.
• Do not consume any food or beverages that may have been stored close to fire, heat or water, as they may be contaminated.
• If ceiling is wet, do not turn on ceiling fans. Wiring may be wet or damaged and can cause electrical shock, and air movement may create secondary damage.
• Don’t send garments to the dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set in smoke odor.

Electrical Fire Prevention

1/15/2015 (Permalink)

A recent report from the National Fire Protection Association says US Fire departments respond to an estimated 48,000 electrical-related fires annually. Many electrical fires in the home or workplace are the result of faulty circuits, overloaded outlets, or electrical failures. In fact, some type of electrical failure or malfunction was cited as a factor contributing to ignition for 74 percent of residential fires. December and January are the peak months for electrical fires; this spike can be attributed to the increased amount of time spent indoors, which also increases the use of lighting, heating, and other appliances. Many electrical fires can be avoided if basic safety precautions are taken. Review the following safety tips to reduce your risk of an electrical fire:

• Replace or repair damaged or loose electrical cords.
• Avoid running extension cords across doorways or under carpets. Consider having additional outlets added by a qualified electrician so you do not have to use extension cords.
• Avoid overloading outlets. Plug only one high-wattage appliance into each receptacle outlet at a time.
• If outlets or switches feel warm, frequent problems with blowing fuses or tripping circuits, or flickering or dimming lights, call a qualified electrician.

Fire Extinguisher Information

11/3/2014 (Permalink)

A fire extinguisher can be a life saving tool when used correctly. The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) recommends individuals are properly trained in order to use and maintain an extinguisher. USFA says an extinguisher should only be used if:

• You have alerted other occupants and someone has called the fire department;
• The fire is small and contained to a single object, such as a wastebasket; You are safe from the toxic smoke produced by the fire;
• You have a means of escape identified and the fire is not between you and the escape route; and
• Your instincts tell you that it is safe to use an extinguisher.

Choosing the Proper Fire Extinguisher for Your Needs

Class A: For use with fires involving ordinary combustible materials such as cloth, wood, rubber, paper, and many plastics.

Class B: Used on fires involving flammable liquids, such as grease, gasoline and oil.

Class C: Suitable for use on fires involving appliances, tools, or other equipment that is electrically energized or plugged in.

Class D: For use on flammable metals and are often specific for the type of metal in question. These are typically found only in factories working with these metals.

Class K: For use on fires involving vegetable oils, animal oils, or fats in cooking appliances. These extinguishers are generally found in commercial kitchens, but are becoming more popular in the residential market.

Information provided by U.S. Fire Administration

Smoke Damage Information

11/3/2014 (Permalink)

A fire loss can result in complex damages because of the unique behavior of smoke. A trained professional should survey the loss site to determine the extent to which fire, smoke, heat, and moisture impacted building materials and contents.

SERVPRO of South Worcester knows smoke can penetrate various cavities within the structure, causing hidden damage and odor.  Their knowledge of building systems helps them investigate how far smoke damage may have spread. Here are some facts you may not know about smoke:

• 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. 

The 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 South Worcester 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.
• Fuel Oil Soot – Furnace Puff Backs  While “puff backs” can create havoc for homeowners, SERVPRO of South Worcester can, in most cases, restore the contents and structure quickly.
• Other Types – Tear gas, fingerprint powder and fire extinguisher residue Special loss situations require special care. SERVPRO of South Worcester is trained to handle even the toughest losses. 

What is Your Fire Escape Plan?

10/16/2014 (Permalink)

Every second counts during a fire. In just a matter of moments, a small flame can turn into a major fire, making it critical to be prepared by having an escape plan in place. A survey conducted by the American Red Cross shows only 26 percent of families have actually developed and practiced a home fire escape plan. Once a plan is developed, it is important to ensure everyone in the home understands the plan; the best way to do this is by practicing the escape plan at least twice a year. The following are a few suggestions to help you develop an emergency escape plan for your family.

• Draw a map of each level of your home and show all doors and windows. Find two ways to get out of each room. Make sure all doors and windows that lead outside open easily. 
• Consider escape ladders for sleeping areas on the second and third floor. Only purchase collapsible escape ladders evaluated by a recognized testing laboratory. Store them near the window where they will be used. 
• Choose an outside meeting place a safe distance in front of your home where everyone can meet after they've escaped. Make sure to mark the location of the meeting place on your escape plan. 
• Teach children how to escape on their own in case you cannot help them. 
• Have a plan for everyone in your home who has a disability. 
• Practice your fire escape plan at night and during the daytime.

Worcester - Only you can prevent wildfires!

7/17/2014 (Permalink)

Did you know, more than 72,000 U.S. communities are now at risk from wildfire? Every year, wildfires burn across the U.S., and more people are living where wildfires are a real risk. By working together, residents can make their property, and their neighborhood, much safer from wildfire. Keeping your property clear of debris and maintaining landscaping are easy and effective ways to prevent fuel for a wildfire. Keep flammable materials, like wood piles and propane tanks, at least 30 feet away from your home’s foundation. Wildfire can also spread to tree tops; help prevent this by pruning trees so the lowest branches are 6 to 10 feet from the ground. Keep your lawn hydrated and maintained. Following these simple tips can help protect you and your property, and reduce the intensity of a potential fire. For more information of these and other wildfire safetly tips, visit firewise.org

Heating Hazards

1/7/2014 (Permalink)

The winter season is in full swing—the days are shorter and the temperature is lower. No matter where you live, winter brings a change in the weather. In an effort to keep our homes and workplaces cozy, many people use alternative heat sources like fireplaces, portable space heaters and wood burning stoves. Heating is the second leading cause of home fire deaths, making it important to review ways to help reduce the risk of a heating-related fire.

•  Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected annually by a qualified professional.
•  Use heating equipment that has the label of a recognized testing laboratory.
•  All heaters need space. Keep flammable objects at least three feet away from heating equipment.
•  Plug space heaters directly into outlets, never into an extension cord or power strip.
•  When using fuel-burning heaters, use only the type of fuel specified by the manufacturer.
•  Install and maintain carbon monoxide and smoke alarms inside your home and business. Test alarms monthly.
•  Remember to turn portable heaters off before leaving the room or going to bed.
•  When using a wood-burning fireplace, make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to help prevent sparks from flying into the room. Spent fireplace ashes should be cool before removing and putting them into a metal container. The container should be stored away from your home or business.

Safety tips provided by National Fire Prevention Association

Avoiding Holiday Hazards

12/16/2013 (Permalink)

Pretty lights and decorations add to the feel of the holiday season, but if they are not used properly your holidays can quickly go from festive to frightening. Fortunately, by following a few simple safety tips, you can greatly reduce the fire risk in your home or business this holiday season.

Candle Safety
Candles are widely used throughout the holidays, and December is the peak month for home candle fires. The National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) statistics show, more than half of all candle fires start because the candles were too close to flammable objects. Consider using flameless candles instead of real candles. However, if you do use traditional candles, keep them at least 12 inches from anything flammable, and remember to extinguish them when leaving a room or going to bed. Use sturdy candleholders that are not likely to tip over and place candles on clear, uncluttered surfaces.

Christmas Tree Safety
The NFPA also reports, local fire departments respond to an average of 250 Christmas tree related fires each year, with the majority of these fires caused by electrical problems. If you have an artificial tree, be sure it is labeled, certified, or identified by the manufacturer as fire retardant. If you choose a live tree, pick a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched. Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights. The tree should also be clear of all exits. Make sure the tree has plenty of water every day. After the holidays, properly dispose of your tree. Dried-out trees can be a fire hazard and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside the home.

Decorative Lights
When purchasing decorative lights make sure they are properly labeled and have been inspected by an independent testing laboratory. It is also important to ensure you have the correct type of lights; some lights are designed for only indoor or outdoor use, but not both. Carefully inspect light strands before placing them. Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Connect no more than the number of light strings recommended by the manufacturer. Remember to turn off outside decorative lights and Christmas tree lights before leaving or going to bed. 

The Behavior of Smoke

11/22/2013 (Permalink)

A fire loss can result in complex damages because of the unique behavior of smoke.  A trained professional should survey the loss site to determine the extent to which fire, smoke, heat and moisture impacted building materials and contents.

SERVPRO of Worcester knows smoke can penetrate various cavities within the structure, causing hidden damage and odor.  Our knowledge of building systems helps us investigate how far smoke damage may have spread.  Here are some facts that you may not know about smoke:

• 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.

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, a SERVPRO of Worcester professional 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. 

10 Key Fire Safety Tips

11/12/2013 (Permalink)

According to the US Fire Loss Clock, in 2011, a fire department responded to a fire every 23 seconds.  Structural fires were reported every 65 seconds.  Tragically, fires claimed an average of nine lives per day.

Though some fire are unavoidable acts of nature or unpredictable accidents, many fires in the home and workplace are avoidable.  The following tips can help reduce the likelihood of a fire in your home or business.

1.     Watch your cooking. Stay in the kitchen if you are frying, grilling or broiling food.  Never allow young children around the stove or oven, especially if they are not closely attended.

2.     Give space heaters space. Keep space heaters at least three feet from anything that is flammable.

3.     Smoke outside. If you must smoke inside, have a sturdy, deep ashtray.  Never smoke in bed.

4.     Keep matches and lighters out of reach. Keep matches and lighters in high cabinets, preferably under a child lock.

5.     Inspect electrical cords. Replace cords that are cracked, damaged, have broken plugs or have loose connections.

6.     Be careful when using candles. Keep candles at least one foot from anything that can burn.  Blow them out before you leave the room or go to sleep.

7.     Have a fire escape plan. Make a fire escape plan and practice it at least twice a year.

8.     Install smoke alarms. Install alarms on every level of your home or office and inside bedrooms.  Interconnect them so they all sound at once.

9.     Test smoke alarms. Test alarms once a month.  Replace batteries once per year or as needed.

10.   Install sprinklers. Sprinklers can help maintain and sometimes even extinguish fires, giving your local fire department a better chance of saving your property.