Standard Breakdown Of Fire Mitigation

8/4/2022 (Permalink)

When one of our customers calls for fire damage restoration, the team at SERVPRO of Uptown Buena Park, jumps to action to help make it "Like it never even happened."  How do we do it?  Here is a six step breakdown of a standard fire mitigation.

Safety

Before any work can be started, we must be certain that the structure is safe to enter.  Sometimes, a fire inspector must clear the site before any work may begin.

Inspection and Air Quality

Air quality is a major concern that will need to be addressed after a fire.  Air scrubbers and air movers are utilized to clean the air and help remove airborne particles that could otherwise continue attaching to and staining surfaces and causing lingering odor.  

Debris Removal

Before any water or fire mitigation can begin, soot and debris must be removed from the structure.  Soot can cause additional damage the longer it remains on surfaces.  It should be removed as quickly as possible along with any debris that will impede the remaining cleanup process.  Soot and soot webs can be removed by sweeping and utilizing HEPA vacuums.  

Content Removal

All items that are too damaged to repair should be removed from the structure as well as items that are to be restored, cleaned, and stored until the structure is fully restored and they may be moved back into the home or business.

Water Removal, Dehumidification, and Demolition

Standing water should be removed as soon as possible.  Wet materials will then either be removed or dried in place utilizing air movers and commercial grade dehumidifiers.  Mold and mildew can grow quickly in these conditions, so professionally drying the structure is very important.

Content Evaluation

Some items will be unsalvageable after a fire.  Others, however, will be able to be deep cleaned and deodorized.  Restoration professionals will evaluate the contents of your home or business to make this determination.  Priority items will be discussed with the property owner.  Oftentimes, it may be more cost effective to replace a damaged item, but the item may hold sentimental value.  In these cases, the decision might be made to attempt cleaning the item.

SERVPRO of Uptown Buena Park who will assist with each step of the fire restoration process.  If you suffer this type of loss, please call 708-571-4482 for assistance.  We are here to help.

Uptown Buena Park soot clean-up

8/3/2022 (Permalink)

After a fire, the damage by smoke and different types of smoke and soot residue can make cleanup complicated. It is important to understand the different types of smoke and soot.  The type of residue will greatly affect the restoration process.  The professionals at SERVPRO of Uptown Buena Park are well trained in identifying and cleaning these various varieties of damage.

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 

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

Fuel Oil Soot (Furnace puff backs) 

While “puff backs” can create havoc for homeowners, in most cases the contents and structure are quickly restorable.

Other Types  (Tear gas, fingerprint powder, and fire extinguisher residue) 

Special loss situations require special care and a unique plan for restoration.

If you are in need of assistance after fire or other smoke damage, please don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO of Uptown Buena Park  We are here to truly make it “Like it never even happened.”

708-571-4482