Restoring Your Home After a Fire: Trust SERVPRO of Pismo Beach/Arroyo Grande for Expert Cleaning and Repairs

9/26/2024 (Permalink)

A fire can be a devastating experience, leaving your home and belongings damaged and covered in soot and smoke residue. At SERVPRO of Pismo Beach/Arroyo Grande, our team of professionals is dedicated to providing expert fire cleaning and repair services to help you restore your property to its pre-fire condition.

Our technicians are trained to handle even the toughest fire damage, using specialized equipment and techniques to remove soot, smoke, and odors from surfaces, upholstery, and personal items. We also offer reconstruction services to repair or replace damaged structures, ensuring your home is safe and functional once again.

With our prompt and efficient service, you can trust that your home will be restored to its former glory. Contact us (805) 473-0772 today to schedule your fire cleaning and repair services.

Types of Smoke

9/27/2023 (Permalink)

Types of Smoke

When a fire impacts your residence or business, it goes beyond the immediate charring caused by flames. Lingering smoke can lead to various issues that persist for weeks after the disaster. We will be addressing the four common types of smoke damage that are each caused by different circumstances like the temperature, fueling material, and location. The restoration process may vary slightly due to these factors.

1. Wet Smoke

Wet smoke damage arises from low-heat and smoldering flames often involving the burning of plastic and rubber materials. These fires produce thick black smoke with less visible flames. Wet smoke residue is sticky and dense easily covering surfaces. These factors make it prone to smearing during cleaning, making it challenging to remove without specialized equipment.

2. Dry Smoke

Dry smoke results from fast-burning, high temperate fires typically fueled by materials like paper or wood. Dry smoke has a powdery texture making it relatively easy to clean as it doesn’t smear when wiped. However, dry smoke can infiltrate cracks and porous materials, causing a smoky odor to linger even when surfaces appear clean. Fortunately, the odor is not as pungent as other residues and professionals can effectively eliminate it.

3. Protein Residue

Protein residue forms when organic matter evaporates during low-heat fires, often caused by cooking accidents. It’s nearly invisible, leaving no noticeable soot or streaks, but it can permanently discolor finished surfaces. Despite being hard to spot, the intense and unpleasant odor can permeate your entire space if left untreated.

4. Oil/Fuel Residue

Oil/Fuel reside, also known as petroleum residue, is less common in homes and business fires unless petroleum products were stored on site. Furnace “puffbacks” can also release smoke and soot into the surroundings, leading to fuel residue damage even without an actual fire. This type of residue is sticky, dense, and challenging to clean, with a strong, offensive odor that can ruin upholstered furniture if not promptly addressed.

Restoring Smoke Damage

Addressing smoke damage involves three main approaches: cleaning, resurfacing, and replacing. In cases of smaller fires with minimal damage, we aim to restore your space by eliminating smoke reside from existing items to avoid costly replacements. In extreme cases where the damage is more extensive, we may need to replace all items affected by the fire and smoke. This is a costly last-resort solution. The sooner you seek professional assistance after a fire, the lower the likelihood of requiring a full replacement. At SERVPRO® we are equipped to handle all your smoke damage needs. We have highly trained professionals at the ready with our top-of-the-line professional cleaning products to restore your home and make “like it never even happened.”

Steps to Take After a House Fire

9/20/2023 (Permalink)

Steps to Take After a House Fire

According to the Red Cross, a staggering 80% of Americans remain unaware that small house fires rank as the most common disaster in the United States. Following the experience of a house fire you can be faced with a multitude of challenges, leaving you uncertain about your next steps. We have created this comprehensive checklist to assist you in navigating the aftermath of a house fire.

1. Contact Family

In the moment it is easy to be overwhelmed, although this may seem like an obvious step this one is of the most importance. The first thing you will want to do is contact your family or anyone who may live in the home along with you. This is to both ensure that everyone in your household is accounted for, as well as to notify your family of the current situation. You may also reach out to local family or friends as you will need a strong support system during these difficult times.

If you are renting your property, the next step will be to contact the property management or homeowner immediately. The homeowners will need to be informed as they are the ones who will need to make the decisions pertaining to the property itself. The quicker the owner is informed the sooner they can begin the recovery process.

2. Inform Insurance

Second to contacting your family, contacting your insurance company will be the most important call you make. This call will begin the claim process, this will act as your first documentation of your loss. You will also need to obtain a copy of the fire report from your local fire department, to submit to your insurance company. Your insurance company can assist you in the next crucial steps like finding emergency accommodation for your family and help with living expenses.

3. Gaining Entry to your Home

The Fire Department will need to assess the damage and determine if the home is structurally sound. Do not enter the home until the fire department has given you authorization as there can be lingering issues. There are many factors that can be potentially harmful to you and your health in the aftermath of a fire. The two most common are structural damage to the roof and floors that can cause them to collapse and smoke or soot inhalation that can be harmful to your lungs. Keep in mind if your home is deemed inaccessible you may not be able to enter at all without putting yourself at risk of injury.

4. Inventory your Possessions.

Once you are allowed reentry into your home, you will need to make a list of damaged and lost possessions. Separating the damaged items from the undamaged item will allow you to create a list to be submitted to your insurance company. Any receipts or bank statements you may have for your possessions will be helpful to submit along with the list of items. The more information you supply your insurance company the easier it will be to process your claim.

5. Determine what can be Salvaged

When you think of a fire you may automatically think of it as a total loss situation. However, depending on the magnitude of the fire there may be items that can be salvageable. Clothes and curtains, as long as they did not catch fire, can be saved. As these items are washable, they can simply be machine washed and reused. The most resilient items happen to be hard nonporous items, such as glass and metal, they often can be cleaned and reused after a fire. Although there are items like upholstery and books that are more difficult to save. These items may require professional content cleaning to remove smoke and soot damage.

6. Fire Remediation

The next steps for your insurance claim will be to evaluate the severity of the loss. Your insurance company will bring in an expert in fire, smoke, and water damage to assess the loss and begin the mitigation process. The restoration team will work diligently to treat the affected burn areas, as well as working swiftly to protect your home from potential water damage caused by the water used to extinguish the fire. The mitigation process will need to begin as soon as possible to be the most effective at saving the integrity of your home. 

7. Rebuild and Restore

Life after a house fire can be difficult, there is going to be a lot of change happening. The important thing is to have a trusted restoration team helping you along the way. This will include a specialized team working to secure your belongings. They will pack up any contents that are not affected and store them safely. As well as arranging any cleaning of smoke damaged items like carpets and furniture. After salvageable items are removed the remediation process begins, the team will remove burnt debris, and begin the process of removing the odor caused by smoke damage to the home. Once that process is complete, they can begin to rebuild and repair your home.

When disaster strikes your home, it is important to stay calm and remember this checklist. There are many decisions to be made and your restoration team will be ready to help you throughout the process. They will work together with you and your insurance company to properly restore and rebuild your home. Giving you the peace of mind to carry on with your life and let the professionals bring your home back to its original glory.  

Fire Aftermath

8/17/2022 (Permalink)

A house fire can be one of the worst experiences someone could go through. After the flames are put out is when SERVPRO of Pismo Beach/ Arroyo Grande can step in and help you! One major causes of damage is smoke and soot. Smoke and soot are very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allow us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

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

Types of Smoke

8/12/2022 (Permalink)

Many people don't know this but there are 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 Pismo Beach/ Arroyo Grande 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. 

Why You Need Deodorization After a Fire

3/8/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke and Fire Deodorization

Strong smells often linger after having a fire.  The type of smells that develop are determined by the type of material that was on fire or smoldering.  A hot fire that burned natural building materials will smell different than that of a protein fire from frying or a slow smoldering fire that burned plastics and rubber.  These odors can cause years of problems if they are not handled by a professional.  At SERVPRO of Pismo Beach/ Arroyo Grande we employ a multi-step approach to deodorization.

Source Removal

The first step in deodorization is to find the source.  In the case of a fire the area may be obvious, however there are many causes of odor that may not be easily noticed.  Once the source is found by our trained technicians we must remove it. 

Cleaning

The next step in the process is to clean the effected areas.  Many of the soot particles are deposited both on and often inside certain building materials depending on how hot the fire was.  Our technicians are trained on different cleaning strategies dependent on the surface to be cleaned and the soils deposited.

Deodorizing

We employ a combination of pairing and masking deodorization techniques depending on the situation.  Hot fires open the pores of building materials where foul smelling soot can be deposited.  When the fire is extinguished and the materials cool down, the pores of these material shrink, thus trapping odor molecules inside.  In such cases we will use a pairing agent along with a Hot Thermal Fogger to reopen the pores.  The pairing agent will attach to and change the odor molecule so that it no longer smells.

Sealing

While sealing of wood is not always required, we will often do this on studs and structural members.  One of the reasons for sealing is because these building components are often covered up by drywall, or they are located in hard to reach areas.  Summer brings hot weather and as building materials heat up, these materials are capable of releasing odors.  Sealing ensures that any soot not completely eliminated from cleaning remains trapped.

4 Easy Steps To Use a Fire Extinguisher

9/17/2021 (Permalink)

How Do You Use A Fire Extinguisher?

If you’re a responsible homeowner, you probably have at least one fire extinguisher in your house. Ideally, you should have one within easy access to all fire hazards (kitchens, furnace rooms and laundry rooms are all great places to keep them). While owning at least one extinguisher is an important step toward protecting your home from fire damage, it’s equally important to make sure you know how to use it when you need it. Here are four easy steps you should follow when using an extinguisher to put out a fire in your home.

1. Call the Fire Department

When there’s a fire in your home, your first reaction may be to pull out the closest fire extinguisher and put it out. However, if the fire is large, it’s important to call the fire department first. Then, if it’s safe to do so, you can attempt to put the fire out yourself while the fire truck is on the way.

2. Identify Your Evacuation Path

The next step you should take before pulling out the extinguisher is identifying a safe evacuation path. The last thing you want to do is focus so much on putting out the fire that you become trapped in the blaze. Take a moment to look around you and ensure you have a safe escape route to use as needed before pulling out the extinguisher.

3. Follow Instructions on Extinguisher

Fortunately, most extinguishers come with easy-to-read instructions printed directly on them. Follow the instructions and make sure you discharge the extinguisher within the effective range listed on the container.

4. Back Away From the Fire

It’s possible for a kitchen fire to flare up again even after you’ve put parts of it out, so make sure you back away from extinguished flames instead of moving toward them.

Let the experts of SERVPRO of Pismo Beach restore your home after a fire.

Fire Extinguisher FAQs

6/15/2021 (Permalink)

It is widely known that having an in-date fire extinguisher on your property is imperative to fire safety, but did you know that there are different kinds of fire extinguishers, as well as a proper way in which to use one?  Keeping yourself, your family, and your property protected in the event of a structure fire is paramount, and the below information can help facilitate that process.

Q:  What are the different kinds of fire extinguishers, and what is each used for?

A:  The U.S. Fire Administration defines five primary types of fire extinguishers used to put out different kinds of fires:

1. A – used for ordinary material fires, such as wood, cloth, or paper.
2. B – for use with combustible or flammable liquids like grease, gasoline, or oil.
3. C – for use with electrical equipment like appliances and tools.
4. D – for use with flammable metals.
5. K – for use with animal oils, vegetable oils, and fats in cooking appliances.

Many fire extinguishers may also be multipurpose, in that they carry multiple letter definitions and can put out a variety of material fires.

Q:  What is the proper way to use a fire extinguisher?

A: The U.S. Fire Administration suggests the acronym “PASS” as a means of properly discharging a fire extinguisher:

     P - Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you and release the locking mechanism.

     A - Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.

     S - Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly

     S - Sweep the nozzle from side to side

To keep yourself safe, it is important to use extreme caution within a fire damaged structure, and always follow the guidance of local fire authorities.  SERVPRO of Pismo Beach/Arroyo Grande offers a full line of fire clean up and restoration services, and we are Here to Help when you need.

Fire Safety Tips

6/15/2021 (Permalink)

Make sure you and your family are safe from a fire by following these Fire Safety tips:

1. Install smoke alarms on every level of your home or business. Be sure they are inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas.

2. Be sure to test your smoke alarms every month. If they are not working, make sure to change the batteries and test them again.
3. Put together a fire escape plan and practice with your family members twice each year so you are all prepared in the event of a fire.
4. If a fire occurs in your home or business, get out of your home, stay out of the building, and call for help.

Damage caused by a fire is devastating for your family and your home. It’s a stressful and confusing time, so you’ll need a caring expert to guide you through this crisis. Our professionals will always treat you with respect and empathy, and we’ll always treat your home and belongings with great care.

Immediate action is crucial when dealing with water and fire damage. We’re dedicated to responding immediately when you need help. A fast response helps lessen the damage, limits secondary damage, and reduces cost.

Call SERVPRO of Pismo Beach/Arroyo Grande today at (805) 473-0772!

Dealing With Fire Damage

3/26/2021 (Permalink)

One of the biggest issues we see stemming from properties affected by fires is the amount of smoke and soot that ultimately invades anything that's left of the building.

Often, the smoke and soot caused by these fires could be as damaging as the fire itself. The scent and contaminants can live within certain materials, rendering them tainted until they are cleaned properly.

A lot of items can be held hostage to these odors, too, like: upholstery, carpets, furniture, clothes, and much more. Luckily for you, we possess the tools to tackle all of the issues stemming from a fire — and we want to help!

You can rely on us to follow the proper cleaning procedures to ensure that your home or property is inhabitable! From start to finish, we strive to tackle each and every job with the steadfast commitment to get it done right — and in the first attempt!

We are available 24/7 for all of your fire restoration needs! (805)473-0772

SERVPRO Is Ready For ANY Fire Loss!

3/26/2021 (Permalink)

Large losses, due to unexpected fires, can be especially devastating to your home or business. You may even find yourself very distraught as the fire trucks leave, worrying about how much your property will likely suffer from not only fire and smoke damage, but also widespread water damage and flooding from firefighting efforts.

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have specialized fire and water damage restoration training and experience to quickly clean up and restore your home to pre-fire condition. They also can remove the pervasive smoke odor and deep-clean soot from upholstery and carpet. 

How are we ready for any fire loss, though?

SERVPRO provides 24/7 emergency services, giving us a certain edge in the restoration industry - we boast the fact that we are always faster to any size disaster! From the moment you call in, to the moment we arrive on location ... SERVPRO is here for you!

Smoke Alarms

3/4/2021 (Permalink)

Fire prevention is one of the most important things for you and your family. Ensuring that your home has smoke alarms are one of the first steps in fire prevention. According to the National Fire Protection Association, 3 out of 5 home fire deaths were caused because of no smoke alarm or no working smoking alarm. Smoke alarm cut the risk of people dying. Hardwired fire alarms operated 94% of the time versus battery powered alarms. The battery may tend to fail because of missing, disconnected or dead batteries. Ionization smoke alarm is more responsive to flaming fires and can detect a fire faster during the night hours when you are sleeping to give you extra time to safety assist or waken others to evacuate from a fire.

House Fires in American Homes

9/3/2020 (Permalink)

You may think that house fires increase in the winter months, and you’d be right, but only ever so slightly (about 1% more than warmer months). When house fires actually increase a noticeable amount its not during the colder months or because of the temperature outside, but during certain hours of any given day within the year.

What are the peak hours during the day that the most fires happen within American homes you may ask? The answer is from about 4:30pm-8:30pm. Why?  Most of us are home by that time and should be able to catch a fire if it happens, right?  But most fires caused between that 4 hour period, are caused by homeowners themselves…and they are caused, by cooking dinner.

Cooking fires make up almost 50% of all household fires. And while many homeowners catch the fires before they cause substantial damage, many can get out of control within minutes…seconds even.

We cook with highly flammable materials and substances. Butter, oil, and fatty substances can catch fire and create a toxic coat of soot within the area in minutes.

When you are cooking, never leave something unattended and keep a fire extinguisher handy and close by. Make sure you know how to operate the fire extinguisher as well. Seconds and minutes can be the difference between a minor inconvenience and a few hours of a smoky smelling house, and an entire home that needs fire restoration cleaning. If you have suffered a cooking fire, call SERVPRO of Pismo Beach/ Arroyo Grande. We can help you return your space to it’s preloss condition.

SERVPRO of Pismo Beach/Arroyo Grande is Here For Your Fire Restoration

6/2/2020 (Permalink)

When the firefighters leave, it may seem like the danger has passed and the home is safe from further destruction, but without professionals to help clean the smoke damage, the building may never return to normal. While the principles behind fire restoration are fairly simple, it requires a lot of experience and manpower to perform adequately, and this means that it shouldn’t be attempted by a homeowner on his or her own.  The trained professionals at SERVPRO of Pismo Beach/Arroyo Grande should be called on-site immediately.  We can clean smoke damage and restore items affected by a fire, but we must be brought to the site as soon as possible to halt the ongoing issues that ash residue can cause. 

The only way to properly clean smoke and fire damage is to be extremely thorough. Ash residue is easily disturbed and can spread through the building with ease, causing nearly everything to need restoration. The experts at SERVPRO of Pismo Beach/Arroyo Grande will identify what can and cannot be salvaged, and will remove any built-up ash residue that is coating surfaces. Over time, ash builds up in layers, and may eventually form into a lacquer-like consistency. Once this is done, the restorers will locate the source of the odor, and treat it with specialized detergents that are formulated for neutralizing this kind of odor. Once materials are treated, they may be sealed off to prevent any further odor from permeating the air in the future.

Is There a Best Way to Get Rid of Fire Odor in your Pismo Beach/ Arroyo Grande home?

6/2/2020 (Permalink)

The terror and disruption of a kitchen fire are overwhelming. Getting your family to a safe place is the highest priority. Once all are accounted for, then it is time to reach out to our professional fire restoration team to work together on recovery.

Why Should You Avoid Fire and Odor Cleanup Without Expert Help?
The fire and odor damage experienced by Pismo Beach/ Arroyo Grande homeowners, like yourself, is unlike typical dirt, grime, and smells. Clearing away charred debris and cleaning soot from surfaces usually is not recommended as a DIY project because:

    •    Structural components like ceilings, walls, and floors need professional assessment as they might be unstable
    •    Significant quantities of water and extinguishing chemicals nearly always need removal first, needing expert extraction
    •    Debris and residues can be highly toxic, requiring personal protective equipment (PPE) to manage
    •    Effective soot cleanup methods and products vary depending on the materials burned and surfaces affected, with training supporting appropriate matching of cleanup strategies
    •    Deodorization methods frequently need specialized products and unique equipment

What Makes a Kitchen Fire Smell So Bad?
When a fire starts in the kitchen, SERVPRO finds that foodstuffs, oils, and greases are the ignition fuel. High levels of fats and protein create an oily mist that covers everything. The heat produced causes the oils and grease to melt and dehydrate. They become rancid, creating a rotten stench clinging to appliances, cabinets, walls, and ceilings, air currents carrying the odor far from the kitchen as well.

How Do Technicians Remove the Smelly Protein-Based Residue?
SERVPRO technicians learn that “like dissolves like” when choosing products to break down fire residues. Because residues of a kitchen fire are oily, we turn to solvents to break the bonds between the soot and the surface.

What If Cleaning Alone Is Not Enough to Get Rid of the Smell?
The challenges of eliminating protein-based soot odors are many. In cases where deep cleaning still leaves a noticeable nasty smell, SERVPRO considers using the following options:

Thermal fogging
Deodorizers are combusted into a fine mist, paring with soot particles to neutralize the odor

Hydroxyl generators
Hydroxyl radicals destroy the molecular structure of odors

Sealants
Airtight products applied to surfaces, preventing the odor molecules from vaporizing

Rely on the crew at SERVPRO of Pismo Beach/ Arroyo Grande to deliver fire residue cleanup and odor removal. Call (805)473-0772 to schedule an assessment.

Professional Results for Safe Fire Damage and Restoration in Pismo Beach/ Arroyo Grande

2/20/2020 (Permalink)

A structure fire can start small and then turn into a significant catastrophe within minutes. The longer it takes to extinguish the fire, the more damage and debris is left behind. Working with a professional team for restoration, such as SERVPRO, helps you to ensure that the cleanup process gets underway promptly. After all, the more time that burnt materials sit around, the longer all of the pungent odors linger.

With any restoration process that we take on, SERVPRO technicians work quickly to ensure we return your home to the preloss condition. We are experts when it comes to fire damage in Pismo Beach/ Arroyo Grande, making sure that you can re-enter your home to get back to your daily life sooner.

Whenever something burns within a structure, soot residue, smoke, and burnt particles linger and create pungent, unpleasant odors. Even when moving quickly to remove burnt, charred materials, further deodorization might be necessary to rid your home of all foul odors.

SERVPRO technicians start by securing the building, inspecting your property thoroughly to rule out any potential safety hazards. Once the area is deemed safe, we remove all fire-damaged items and double-check to ensure no moisture is left behind from extinguishing the fire. Many materials and items may have to be removed and replaced, but there are times when our technicians can save items by cleaning and disinfecting.

In a situation where building materials like wooden studs are charred less than ¼ of an inch, we fix it by removing the charred portion. We then seal the item, refinishing if necessary. Should the materials only be slightly charred, we can sand them, use steel scrub brushes to remove the burnt portion, or use dry ice blasting or soda blasting for effectively removing all the damage.

Regardless of the level of fire damage that you are faced with, our team of restoration professionals at SERVPRO of Pismo Beach Arroyo Grande makes it look, “Like it never even happened.” If you need immediate help to get your household back to normal after a fire, please give our experts a call at 805-473-0772, and we can send a team out as soon as possible.

The Do’s and Don’ts with Fire and Smoke Damage.

2/18/2020 (Permalink)

Fire damage can be scary , until help arrives here are some tips to help minimize damage.

Do’s:

• 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 and refrigerator completely and prop doors open to help prevent odor.
• Wipe soot from chrome on kitchen and 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.
• Wash both sides of leaves on the house plants.
• Change HVAC filter, but 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’ts

• Attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting SERVPRO of Pismo Beach/ Arroyo Grande.
• Attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture without first consulting SERVPRO.
• 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.
• Consume any food or beverages that may have been stored close to fire, heat or water. (They may be contaminated.)
• 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.
• Send garments to the dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set in smoke odor.

Items You Should Throw Away After a Home Fire

2/6/2020 (Permalink)

Items You Should Throw Away After a Home Fire

A home fire in Pismo Beach, California is a frightening event that can change your life. Standing in your home among your damaged belongings, you probably ask yourself which items you need to throw away. The fact is that high heat and fire damage render some of your personal belongings useless and can even cause them to be dangerous if used.

Food

Food that got damaged by heat, smoke, water, toxic fumes or chemicals is not safe to use. Exercise caution and discard if in doubt.

It’s recommended to throw away these items:

Fresh food, such as produce, meat, poultry, cheese, eggs and milk
Food in cardboard boxes or foil wrap
Food in canisters, such as spices, flour, and seasonings
Canned food
Open packages

Check your refrigerator to see if it was able to keep your food cold and if soot was able to penetrate it. If your fridge was turned off for more than four hours or if you can detect soot, discard all food. Frozen food can be safe to use if it still has crystals on it; however, the safe bet is to toss it.

Medicine and Cosmetics

Inspect medicines and cosmetics that were near high heat for soot, dust, chemicals and signs of damage. If anything is warped due to the exposure to heat, don’t even think about keeping it. You’re on the safe side if you simply get rid of all medicine and cosmetic items.

Clothes and Textiles

Some of your clothes and textiles might be able to be cleaned and disinfected by an experienced fire restoration company that has the proper tools and knowledge. Anything that is burnt needs to be thrown away, though. Baby and children clothing need some extra care and attention as you don’t want to risk your little one’s health.

Exercise caution with the aforementioned items. It might be smart to just throw away food, medicine and cosmetics for the sake of your health. Always bear in mind that high heat and fire damage are dangerous, and even if any of these items seem to be in good condition, your eyes might be tricking you.
Visit https://www.SERVPROpismobeacharroyogrande.com/for more information on fire damage.

Resources for creating a home fire escape plan

8/30/2019 (Permalink)

Firefighter put out a house fire. All that is left of the home is Fire Damage that SERVPRO of Arroyo Grande will clean up and fix.

Prevention is one best defense against a fire and the other defense is a well thought-out and well-rehearsed home fire escape plan. Always ready to help restore fire damage, Arroyo Grande SERVPRO specialists also believe that keeping friends, family and our neighbors safe from loss due to fire is a priority.

In the event of a fire, the best defense is to get out of the house immediately! The best way for everyone to get out is to have an escape plan that the entire family has practiced over and over.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has provided the following tips for a home fire safety and escape plan:

• Install smoke alarms on every level of the home. Large homes may need more than one alarm per level. Include the garage. The NFPA recommends smoke alarms in every sleeping room as well as hallways.
• Involve every family member in making the plan. Walk through the home and identify all possible exits and escape routes.
• Draw a floor plan of the home and mark two ways out of each room, including windows and doors. Make sure escape routes are clear and doors and windows can be opened easily. Make sure security bars are equipped with an emergency release.
• Choose an outside meeting place that is a safe distance from the house and include the location in the escape plan.
• Make sure your street number is clearly visible from the road or street.
• Call 911 immediately to report the fire, either from a cell phone or a neighbor’s phone.
• Include infants, pets and family members with mobility issues in the plan.
• Make sure guests know the escape routes.
• Conduct fire drills to help everyone remember the plan.

Fire escape planning resources

The NFPA website provides a variety of free escape planning tools, including an escape grid to help you plan escape routes and a safety tip sheet.

Local resources include your local fire department. Most city and rural fire departments and forestry divisions have literature and programs to help the community prepare fire and emergency escape plans. Ask if your local fire department has a community outreach officer who can help you review your plan.

Homeowner and renters insurance companies may also have planning tools. Check with your agent or insurance company.

Prevention is the best defense. Ask your local fire department to help identify fire hazards and for advice for the best way to remove them.

How SERVPRO can help

SERVPRO of Arroyo Grande is a fire damage removal resource and we can also help with removing and disposing of hazardous materials that may be fire or health hazards. Call us today at (805) 473-0772 to discuss removing hazardous materials or restoring water, mold, or fire damage.

SERVPRO, Pismo Beach Fire Damage Specialists, Helps Clients Navigate Insurance Claims

2/13/2019 (Permalink)

fire damage pismo beach

When a disaster of any size hits the family home or business, working through insurance claims can seem like one more overwhelming task. The local specialists in restoring fire damage, Pismo Beach SERVPRO, is particularly prepared to help victims with both the insurance claim process and the property restoration process.

SERVPRO, as a national company, has gained a unique standing with the insurance industry by:

• The most extensive performance guidelines in the restoration industry
• A rigorous corporate training program that meets the stringent certification standards of the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).
• The SERVPRO national Claims Information Center (CIC) providing end-to-end insurance claim assistance. Clients have online access to the claim process and can monitor their claims from start to completion.

The insurance claim process is started at the time the local SERVPRO professional responds to the site of the damage. Even though the client can monitor the claim, the local SERVPRO staff remains informed and available to answer questions and follow-up when necessary. When it comes to repairing and restoring damage to home or business, the local SERVPRO Pismo Beach fire damage specialists have the advantages of national guidelines and IICRC certified training and the dedication to pass these advantages on to clients.

As a leader in water and fire damage cleanup and restoration, the SERVPRO goal is to restore the property owner’s peace of mind, the property to “Like it never happened,” condition, and offer the insurance company competitive advantages that result in trouble-free paid claims.

Adhering to the principle of timely mitigation and IICRC standards result in lower claims costs while delivering the best service possible to clients.

SERVPRO restoration professionals are specialists, trained to identify, repair, and restore a wide range of damage resulting from events like storms, flooding, sewage leaks, water or fire damage, mold, crime scenes, hoarding, and biohazard spills. The technicians have all of the industrial-level equipment, supplies, and technologies to safely clean and restore property and get the occupants back home as soon as possible.

SERVPRO of Pismo Beach / Arroyo Grande is a local specialist for restoring properties after floods, leaks, and any other event including fire damage in Pismo Beach or the entire California Central Coast.

SERVPRO of Pismo Beach /Arroyo Grande

United States

(805) 473-0772

This press release is by Arroyo Grande SEO company Access Publishing, 806 9th Street, #2D, Paso Robles, CA 93446. (805) 226-9890.

SERVPRO, Arroyo Grande Fire Damage Specialists, Report ‘The Fire Dangers From Hoarding’

2/12/2019 (Permalink)

Fire Damage pismo beach

Hoarding not only creates stress for the family of the hoarder, it creates a long list of health and safety problems, including increased danger of fire. The Arroyo Grande fire damage specialists from SERVPRO have prepared the following report about fire and other dangers of hoarding.

Not only is hoarding unsafe and unhealthy, it against the law in most jurisdictions. One of the problems is that the activity can go undetected for years, and until the hoarding spills out into the yard, or emergency services has to enter the home, no one realizes how drastic the circumstances have become.

Hoarding was classified as a mental disorder in 2013 and is a difficult disorder to treat because most people who suffer from hoarding don’t realize they have a problem. Their behavior presents a difficult road for family and mental health professionals to navigate. Along with the heartbreak that comes with confronting the hoarder, there is the overwhelming sight of rooms and hallways clogged with piles of trash, clothing, rotted food, and even animal feces.

The first reaction is to put on rubber gloves, grab a mask and trash bag and start removing piles of trash, but this is the time to call the experts to clean the property, remove biohazards, and reduce the potential of fire damage. Arroyo Grande SERVPRO owner, Mark Powers, said, “The appropriate training, equipment, and safety gear is critical when cleaning up a home where hoarding has been going on. No one really knows what you are going to find and knowing how to handle a wide range of biohazardous material is a very important personal and public safety issue.”

The list of hazards is not limited to the danger of stacks of boxes falling and injuring someone. The potential hazards are beyond what can be safely handled with drugstore rubber gloves, masks, and rain boots. Hazards include:

• Air contaminated by mold spores, rat and other feces, and stenches arising from a variety of decaying material, including food.
• Flammable, caustic, and potential explosive substances. These materials are not always in the original containers and labels can be missing.
• Blood, vomit, and needles, and other bodily fluids can be disease-ridden and expose the unprepared handler to a variety of infectious diseases. Additionally, unattended bodily fluids attract bacteria and other health threats.
• Urine not only stinks, the ammonia exposure can cause upper respiratory problems and prolong exposure can cause a range of symptoms and health conditions.
• The piles of trash and garbage attract vermin, rodents, wild animals and insects. All of these have the potential of carrying bacteria, allergens and even viral infections.
• Pharmaceuticals, prescription or illegal, can cause health dangers. Some medications become more toxic over time and when past their expiration date, exposure to them is a health hazard.

Once the trash and debris is removed, the job of deep cleaning and restoring begins. Locating and removing the sources of odors, drying water damaged furniture, flooring and walls, detecting mold, especially the highly toxic black mold, and removing the mold damage and identifying wood rot are all tasks for which SERVPRO technicians are trained and equipped. The SERVPRO crew works quickly and efficiently to make the property clean and safe as soon as possible.

Anyone who suspects a family member or friend might be hoarding and living in an unsafe environment should contact the appropriate medical or mental health professional as soon as possible. No matter how tempted, do not try to sort through the trash and debris, or attempt to clean or remove anything. Limit exposure to the inside of the house to short intervals and wear protective gear.

When the occupants have been moved to safety, and any public safety officials who may be involved declare the home ready for debris removal and cleaning, call SERVPRO to get the home cleaned and restored.

SERVPRO of Pismo Beach /Arroyo Grande

1279 W. Stowell Road, Suite C

Santa Maria, CA 93458

(805) 473-0772

This press release is by Arroyo Grande SEO company Access Publishing, 806 9th Street, #2D, Paso Robles, CA 93446. (805) 226-9890.

Cleaning up after a fire—hire experts or do it yourself?

1/30/2019 (Permalink)

Fire Damage Pismo Beach

It’s one thing to clean and repaint part of a wall after a small kitchen fire that was put out quickly with no major damage. It’s entirely another thing to attempt to salvage personal belongings and cleanup after a major fire. SERVPRO, the experts in restoring belongings and properties after fire damage in Pismo Beach, have some experienced advice about restoring and repairing property after a fire.

• Safety first—always
• Surveying the damage
• Removing and saving personal items
• Cleaning up, repairing and rebuilding

Safety first—always

Get out away from a fire immediately. Get everyone, including your pets, away and to safety and call 911. If your attempts to put out a small fire are not working and the fire grows, get everyone to safety.

Every local fire and public safety department has fire safety tips available either online or by stopping by the nearest fire station. Get a copy of the tips and make sure everyone in your family or office knows and practices the procedures.

Do not attempt to enter the property until the fire marshal has said it is safe to do so.

Surveying the damage

Surveying the damage s is a traumatic experience. The urge to get inside to see what can be saved is a strong urge and this is where the experts come in. It is not a good idea to enter fire damaged structures alone, even after the fire department says the fire is out.

First of all, there can be structural damage that can put you in danger. Secondly, hard hats and other safety gear is is an absolute must, including masks to filter soot, smoke, and other airborne contaminants.

The experts from SERVPRO are trained to assess the damage and work with home and business owners, fire departments and insurance companies to accurately assess the damage, determine what can be saved, the best restoration methods, and to cleanup water and fire damage in Pismo Beach or anywhere on the Central Coast. 

Removing and saving personal items

A thorough survey of the damage with a SERVPRO expert is going to help you determine which items can be saved and restored, and how to safely remove them, or at least protect them until they can be removed.

There is a strong possibility that the urge to start cleaning can damage something that could have been professionally cleaned and restored. Items that to the inexperienced eye seem beyond saving, might be seen differently by an experienced SERVPRO professional and that family heirloom can be saved after all.

Cleaning up, repairing and rebuilding

Cleaning up the damage can involve everything from removing smoke damage, cleaning walls, carpets, drapes, removing and cleaning personal items, removing water and mold, to demolishing the structure or parts of the structure.

SERVPRO professionals can identify what can be saved, cleaned, and restored and what needs to be rebuilt.

SERVPRO focuses on restoring over replacing. Restoring is less costly that replacement, and certainly less costly than demolishing and rebuilding. The SERVPRO “restore first” standard also gets homes and businesses back to pre-fire conditions faster and with less disruption.

SERVPRO is with you every step of the way

“Like it never happened.” is more that the SERVPRO motto; it is the company’s top goal. Every SERVPRO professional is dedicated to restoring both property and the lives of customers like the fire never happened.

Contact SERVPRO for Pismo Beach, Arroyo Grande, or anywhere on the Central Coast for help restoring your life, home and possessions after a fire.

Arroyo Grande Fire Damage Company Announces tips for preparing and recovering from emergencies

9/13/2018 (Permalink)

Fire Damage

Local Arroyo Grande fire damage restoration business owner, Mark Powers of SERVPRO of Pismo Beach and Arroyo Grande, reminds San Luis Obispo residents that September is National Preparedness Month. This annual event provides families and businesses with the information and resources they need to plan for, survive, and recover from an emergency.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) sponsors the annual National Preparedness Month and has prepared a week-by-week calendar of recommended actions, including videos that property owners can take to be ready if disaster does strike:

Week 1- Make and practice a plan. Create an emergency plan that includes signing up for emergency alerts and making contingency plans for shelter, evacuation, and family communication.

Week 2 - Learn life-saving skills. The focus of this week is learning how to mitigate home and business against flooding, earthquakes, and fire and tips for holding a preparedness event such as hosting a CPR class.

Week 3. Check your insurance coverage. Once the emergency is over, appropriate and sufficient insurance will be key to getting your life back to normal, or at least on track.

Week 4. Plan financially for the possibility of a disaster. This goes beyond having a “rainy day fund” for immediate needs. Gather and organize important home, business, insurance, financial, and personal documents and keep them up-to-date and stored in a secure, water-and-fire proof location.

“No one wants to think of the possibility of a disaster striking their family and friends,” said Powers from the Arroyo Grande fire damage business. “But planning ahead is crucial for first getting through any unexpected event and then recovering as quickly as possible.”

Powers encourages everyone to prepare by:

• Following the suggestions and tips that are on the FEMA website.
• Downloading the free SERVPRO Ready app that helps users create an emergency READY plan of action and store essential contact and property information where it can be accessed from a mobile device.

Families, businesses, and community leaders who take the time to prepare and plan ahead for the unexpected and the aftermath are better able to respond quickly to an emergency and help speed recovery and restoration after.

SERVPRO is a trusted leader in the restoration industry and has the training, equipment, and expertise to respond to emergencies. The locally owned and operated company provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to responding immediately to any size disaster. “We specialize in disaster restoration, cleanup and repair services, making it ‘Like it never even happened’ for both commercial and residential customers.”

SERVPRO of Pismo Beach and Arroyo Grande

1279 W. Stowell Road, Suite C

Santa Maria, CA 93458

(805) 473-0772

This press release is by San Luis Obispo SEO company, Access Publishing, 806 9th Street, Suite 2D, Paso Robles, CA 93446 (805) 226-9890.

Don’t Fry Your Kitchen: Cooking Tips for Reducing Fire Hazards

12/16/2017 (Permalink)

Fire Damage Pismo Beach

Don’t Fry Your Kitchen: Cooking Tips for Reducing Fire Hazards

Unless you’re a professional chef in Pismo Beach, California with multiple Michelin stars, you’ve probably burned something while cooking at least once in your life. While a bit of burnt dessert won’t kill anyone, large kitchen fires could cause serious bodily harm and leave you with extensive fire damage. That’s why it’s always a good idea to follow a few key rules when you’re in the kitchen that are designed to reduce the likelihood of experiencing fire hazards while you’re making that perfect meal. Here are three tips to help you stay safe.

Stay in the Kitchen

Whether you’re boiling, frying or toasting, you should always stay in the kitchen while you’re cooking. Attending to your food helps you to prevent fires before they begin. If you need to leave the room for any reason while you’re cooking, turn the stove off and remove your food from the heat until you return.

Use a Timer

One of the best tips is also one of the easiest to follow. Sometimes, it’s hard to stay focused. That’s why it’s crucial to use a timer while you’re cooking. Thousands of fires are started each year simply because someone forgot they were making dinner, and the food sat in the heat for just a bit too long. Timers help to call attention to your food when necessary, and ensure it’s not left to burn.

Keep Your Cooking Space Clean

Keep curtains, pot holders, oven mitts, wooden/plastic spoons and everything else away from the stove while it’s being used. Having a cluttered workspace while you’re dealing with high heat or flames can only lead to disaster. You’ll also need to clean your cooking spaces regularly in order to prevent any grease buildup that could otherwise lead to a grease fire.

Following these tips can drastically reduce the likelihood of accidentally starting a fire while you’re cooking. Taking a little extra time in the kitchen goes a long way towards preventing fire damage and danger in your home. Visit http://www.SERVPROpismobeacharroyogrande.com for more information on fire damage.

We are located at: 

1423 Raspberry AveArroyo Grande, CA 93420United States

Tips for Preventing Kitchen Fires

12/16/2017 (Permalink)

fire damage

Tips for Preventing Kitchen Fires

Kitchen fires are all too common an occurrence, and because of all the appliances and possible gas hookups in a kitchen, a kitchen fire can go from bad to worse in a matter of seconds. Whether you’re an avid cook or a person who struggles to boil water, there are a few tips from your local fire remediation team that you should implement to prevent disaster from striking in your Pismo Beach, California kitchen.

Stay in the Kitchen

Don’t leave cooking food unattended. Most kitchen fires occur because a person has left the room with the stovetop on. If you do need to leave the kitchen at any point while you’re cooking, turn off the stovetop or oven temporarily and turn it back on when you come back.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Oven mitts, towels, paper products, matches, lighters, grease – there are so many items in kitchens that can catch fire when they come into contact with even the smallest of flames. Before you turn on your stove or oven, move all flammable objects safely out of reach.

Dispose of Grease Properly

Grease fires are probably the greatest risk to your kitchen. There are two tips you should always keep in order to prevent a grease fire:

Never subject oils with a low smoke point to high heat
Never throw hot grease into a trashcan. Even if the grease isn’t on fire, it can still ignite

Wear Proper Cooking Attire

Loose fitting clothing—especially tops with flowy sleeves—are one of the most common causes of accidental house fires. To prevent a sleeve from catching fire, or to keep articles away from hot burners, wear tight fitting clothing and, if possible, short sleeves.

Be Prepared

The best way to prevent a kitchen fire is to be prepared to prevent one at the first sign of flames. Keep a fire extinguisher handy, such as beneath the sink, in a nearby cabinet or next to the stove. Have a lid nearby to extinguish a flame that bursts out in a pot, and know where your nearest water source (usually the kitchen sink) is so you can react without hesitation.

It doesn’t take much to prevent a kitchen fire. To keep your family safe and your home free of fire damage, implement the tips above. Happy cooking! Visit http://www.SERVPROpismobeacharroyogrande.com for more information on fire damage.

We are located at: 

1423 Raspberry AveArroyo Grande, CA 93420United States

Smoke and Soot Damage Can Cause a Pervasive Odor in Your Pismo Beach/Arroyo Grande Home

12/13/2017 (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 Pismo Beach/Arroyo Grande 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 – (805)922-5457

We are located at: 

SERVPRO of Pismo Beach/Arroyo Grande provides fire, soot and water damage restoration service in Pismo Beach/Arroyo Grande

12/13/2017 (Permalink)

The active wildfires here in Southern California are increasing their impact as growing Santa Ana winds add fuel to these devastating blazes that are encroaching in our area. According to the New York Times, new fires broke out in Malibu on December 7, with at least 96,000 acres already burned in the Ventura area and 116,000 acres in Los Angeles County. Evacuations have closed hundreds of schools and forced 200,000 of our neighbors to seek safety. The “Thomas Fire” in the Ventura area continues to burn with the aid of strong winds. This fire has caused the closure of the 101 freeway and a boil-water advisory was issued for Ventura County. Santa Ana winds The Santa Ana winds that are enabling the fires to rapidly increase their reach can have speeds in excess of 60 miles per hour. They are not expected to diminish until Friday into Saturday at the earliest. The National Weather Service has warned of “very rapid fire growth” in this area. SERVPRO Meteorologist Lela Davis said that the Santa Ana winds were already very dry when they reached the Southern California valley, allowing them to quickly pull moisture out of vegetation, increasing the risk for wildfires. For the first time ever, a purple wind warning was issued for today under the color-coded system used to advise about high winds. This purple warning pushed wind expectations from the “high” category to “extreme”. Ready to help Here at SERVPRO of Pismo Beach/Arroyo Grande we are monitoring this wildfire situation closely. Our thoughts are with those neighbors who may be put in harms’ way during this event. In many cases, a wildfire can result in a total loss for a home or business, but in others it may be a partial loss, or can result in mild smoke damage. If your home or business is affected by a wildfire, SERVPRO of Pismo Beach/Arroyo Grande is Here to Help®. 

About SERVPRO of Pismo Beach/Arroyo Grande

SERVPRO of Pismo Beach/Arroyo Grande specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Fire or Soot Damage? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help

(805-922-5457)

We are located at: 

All Fires are Not Created Equally

5/12/2017 (Permalink)

Fire Damage

House fires are a scary thing for everyone in involved. They can decimate a home and can start from something as simple as an oven being left on or a candle being lit. However, there are many different types of fires, so knowing which one you are experiencing can save your life and property. With that in mind, the team at SERVPRO Pismo Beach/Arroyo Grande have released a report on the different kinds of fires and how to deal with them.

SERVPRO has been helping those with fire damage in Pismo Beach for years and can also help with water damage, mold, storm damage and other types of restoration. If you want to learn more about them and their services, check out their website or call them at 805-473-0772.

All Fire Are Not Created Equally

When you see a fire in your house, it can be a shocking and disorienting thing. While many of us think to go right for the water, this won’t always work. So to make sure you know the different kinds of fires and how to stop them, we have created this handy little guide. There are 5 classes of fire, each with different ways to suppress them.

Class A – This class includes fires caused by combustible materials such as wood, paper and fabric. Most suppression techniques work on these fires as they are the easiest to deal with. Smothering or dousing with water are two of the most common.

Class B – This class includes fires that were caused by flammable gases or liquids and the way to stop these ones is to break the chemical chain reaction, which is easiest done by water, mist or a dry chemical.

Class C – This class includes electrical fires caused by outlets, cords or other types of electronics. These should not be put out using water, and should instead be supressed or by using another method. Anything but water.

Class D – This class includes flammable metals like titanium, potassium, and others. These are among the hardest to put out as most suppression techniques may not work. A dry powder agent can be successful against these kind of fires.

Class K – This classification includes fires caused by cooking oils and fats, so is one of the most common in many house fires. These can be disastrous, so make sure to either dump water on the fire, suppress it or use a fire extinguisher.

If you find your home having fire damage in Pismo Beach or a surrounding area, be sure to call SERVPRO to help you get your house back to normal!

Press release by San Luis Obispo SEO company Access Publishing, 806 9th Street, #2D, Paso Robles, CA 93446. (805) 226-9890.

We are located at: 

SERVPRO Releases Report for Homeowners Experiencing Arroyo Grande Fire Damage

10/20/2016 (Permalink)

Fire Damage

Professional fire damage experts, SERVPRO, this week outline the five things homeowners should do after a fire damage has occurred.

Arroyo Grande, CA —The cleanup and restoration specialists at SERVPRO have released a recent report detailing five things one should do if their home has seen Arroyo Grande fire damage to prevent further damage. Homeowners can avoid excessive fire damage by following damage prevention tips listed in the report.

To view the report, click here (link), or see below:

5 Things Homeowners Should Do if Fire Damage Occurs

If fire damaged has occurred in the home there’s still hope for avoiding a total loss of one’s property. Here’s five things to do to prevent further fire damage to the property:

Call a repair and restoration professional immediately

If left to sit for several hours, the acids in smoke and soot can permanently damage appliances, walls, and fixtures, leaving a yellow hue behind. The longer fire damage is left to sit, the more expensive it will be to repair and restore.

Limit movement and wind inside the home

Try to limit the amount of movement around the fire damaged area. This will help avoid soot particles from embedding, and permanently damaging, upholstery and carpeting. Close any windows if possible to avoid wind from entering the area and blowing these particles onto undamaged items.

Empty the refrigerator and freezer if electricity is off

One commonly overlooked task is to remove all food items from the refrigerator to salvage and items not affected by the fire. If the electricity has to be turned off for an extended period of time, food items not kept under refrigeration will spoil.

Clean off houseplants

If houseplants were able to be salvaged, thoroughly clean both sides of all leaves to remove soot particles from hurting the plants. Take household plants outside if necessary.

Change HVAC filter

If smoke affected the home, be sure to replace the HVAC air filter as soon as possible. This will prevent left over toxins from being circulated around the home after fire damage has been repaired.

Following these suggestions can save time, money and stress after fire damage has occurred in the home. The professionals at SERVPRO regularly repair and restore Arroyo Grande fire damage and are available 24/7 to lend a helping hand.

SERVPRO of Pismo Beach / Arroyo Grande

1423 Raspberry Ave, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420

(805) 473-0772

Fire and Smoke Damage Santa Maria-based company releases report on Smoke Damage Tips

10/11/2016 (Permalink)

Smoke Damage

SANTA MARIA, Ca. – Today, fire and smoke damage Santa Maria-based Company, SERVPRO, have released a report detailing tips to prevent fires.

Fire and smoke can cause severe damage to a home or business. Even a small fire can produce large volumes of smoke and cause unwanted and often unseen damage. Here are some tips to keep in mind when dealing with smoke damage.

1. After a fire, one may be anxious to begin cleaning one’s house and attempting to restore it. The very first thing to be done is contact an insurance agency to check for coverage, and then contact a restoration company, like SERVPRO, to begin restoration
2. Make sure to gain permission from the Fire Marshall before reentering the property. It’s critical to make sure that the property in question is safe to enter before setting foot inside. If entering, be sure to wear a protective device over the mouth and nose to prevent inhaling toxins left from the fire. If a professional restoration company has yet to be contacted, who knows what kinds of toxins may be in the air?
3. Do not attempt to clean any household carpets, textiles, draperies, or upholstered furniture. Smoke is oily and must be cleaned in a very specific way, so attempting to clean may cause additional and possibly irreparable damage.
4. Remember to change the furnace filter at least once a day. If the property has an operating filter, replace daily until no soot is visible.
5. Smoke odors can remain in clothing, furniture, draperies, and carpets after any retail sprays evaporate. To eliminate the odor entirely, it is crucial to deodorize it with a highly-effective ozone treatment. Without one, the odor may never be diminished.
6. Smoke will enter and remain in and between walls of the living space. If not properly removed, during damp periods the odor will return.
7. Cover clean items with plastic. While repairs are being carried out in the property, cover unaffected items to prevent additional tarnishing.
8. Carpets should be dealt with by professional cleaners. It may take a few cleaning, or may need to be replaced entirely.
9. Do not attempt to wipe down walls. Professionals use chemical sponges to effectively clean smoke and soot from varied surfaces, attempting to wipe walls down may only result in further damage.

Fire and Smoke Damage Santa Maria

SERVPRO offers 24/7 restoration services to customers experiencing difficulties with water, fire, smoke, or mold damage! They’re always readily available to take care of any emergency restoration needs in a timely and professional manner possible to restore any property to pre-damage conditions and quickly make it “Like it never even happened.” Give them a call at (805) 922-5457.

Fire and Smoke Damage Santa Maria-based company releases report on Smoke Damage Tips

10/5/2016 (Permalink)

Fire Damage

SANTA MARIA, Ca. – When a fire hits, there’s not much that can be done to prevent damage. However, today, fire and smoke damage Santa Maria-based Company, SERVPRO, have released a report detailing tips to prevent fires.

Fire and smoke can cause severe damage to a home or business. Even a small fire can produce large volumes of smoke and cause unwanted and often unseen damage. Here are some tips to keep in mind when dealing with smoke damage.

1. After a fire, one may be anxious to begin cleaning one’s house and attempting to restore it. The very first thing to be done is contact an insurance agency to check for coverage, and then contact a restoration company, like SERVPRO, to begin restoration
2. Make sure to gain permission from the Fire Marshall before reentering the property. It’s critical to make sure that the property in question is safe to enter before setting foot inside. If entering, be sure to wear a protective device over the mouth and nose to prevent inhaling toxins left from the fire. If a professional restoration company has yet to be contacted, who knows what kinds of toxins may be in the air?
3. Do not attempt to clean any household carpets, textiles, draperies, or upholstered furniture. Smoke is oily and must be cleaned in a very specific way, so attempting to clean may cause additional and possibly irreparable damage.
4. Remember to change the furnace filter at least once a day. If the property has an operating filter, replace daily until no soot is visible.
5. Smoke odors can remain in clothing, furniture, draperies, and carpets after any retail sprays evaporate. To eliminate the odor entirely, it is crucial to deodorize it with a highly-effective ozone treatment. Without one, the odor may never be diminished.
6. Smoke will enter and remain in and between walls of the living space. If not properly removed, during damp periods the odor will return.
7. Cover clean items with plastic. While repairs are being carried out in the property, cover unaffected items to prevent additional tarnishing.
8. Carpets should be dealt with by professional cleaners. It may take a few cleaning, or may need to be replaced entirely.
9. Do not attempt to wipe down walls. Professionals use chemical sponges to effectively clean smoke and soot from varied surfaces, attempting to wipe walls down may only result in further damage.

Fire and Smoke Damage Santa Maria

SERVPRO offers 24/7 restoration services to customers experiencing difficulties with water, fire, smoke, or mold damage! They’re always readily available to take care of any emergency restoration needs in a timely and professional manner possible to restore any property to pre-damage conditions and quickly make it “Like it never happened.” Give them a call at (805)922-5457.

SERVPRO of Santa Maria

260 N. Blosser Road

Santa Maria, CA 93458

(805)922-5457

Holiday Fire Risk Increases After Christmas Day

7/25/2016 (Permalink)

Christmas tree fire

Homeowners Take Note! Holiday Fire Risk Increases After Christmas Day

Local SERVPRO® restoration specialist cautions Pismo Beach and Arroyo Grande homeowners to take common sense precautions throughout the holiday season Pismo Beach and Arroyo Grande, CA (Grassroots Newswire). Most homeowners are aware holiday decorations should be used with care. Each year, statistics tell the story of the fire danger resulting from frayed wires, proximity to heat sources, and lights left on unattended. But Mark Powers of SERVPRO of Pismo Beach / Arroyo Grande wants local homeowners to know that the danger of fire caused by holiday decorating, and by Christmas trees specifically, actually increases after the holiday. Citing research from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)*, Powers says while four out of five Christmas tree fires happen in December and January, the 10 days with the highest average number of fires were all after Christmas Day.

“For many families, preparing for the holiday season is a very busy time,” said Powers. “Come December 26, it’s tempting to relax and stop watering the Christmas tree, replacing bulbs in outdoor lights and tucking indoor garlands back into place. Dry greens, open sockets and decorations that slip dangerously close to light sockets or fireplaces can all increase the risk of fire in the days after the Christmas holiday.”

The American Christmas Tree Association** quotes Nielsen research that says Americans purchased 21.6 million live Christmas trees in 2011. That number is significant because, according to the NFPA, Christmas trees remain the number one culprit in holiday fires. Forty-three percent of Christmas tree fires happen in December, but January is close behind, claiming 39 percent—numbers that demonstrate the danger of allowing Christmas trees to dry out during and after the holiday season. Tragically, Christmas tree fires are particularly deadly, claiming on average one life in every 40 fires compared to an average of one death per 142 total reported home fires.

Powers encourages Pismo Beach and Arroyo Grande homeowners who choose to decorate with live Christmas trees to be diligent about watering their trees both before and after the holidays. “When a Christmas tree dries out, it takes only a single spark from the fireplace, a draft that blows a candle flame too near, or a carelessly held cigarette to turn your holiday celebration into a tragedy,” says Powers. “Beyond the damage from the fire itself, a Christmas tree fire, like any fire, can result in extensive smoke and water damage throughout your home, and can even be deadly.”

As the holiday season moves into full swing, Powers reminds homeowners to take common sense precautions based on a clear understanding of the potential danger to help prevent holiday traditions from turning into a holiday nightmare. For more fire prevention tips and information about fire and water damage restoration services, please visit http://www.SERVPROpismobeacharroyogrande.com/

Christmas Tree Fact Sheet
Christmas Tree Tips

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 ofnearly 1,700 individually owned and operated Franchises responds to property damage emergencies ranging from small individual disasters to multi million dollar losses. 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.

We are located at: 

1423 Raspberry Ave Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 United States