Don't Let the Flames Rise: Handling Grease Fires

1/5/2024 (Permalink)

A grease fire on the stove causes damage to walls and ceiling.

Grease fires are a serious kitchen hazard that can escalate quickly, turning a simple cooking task into a dangerous situation. The combustible nature of cooking oils makes it crucial for every home chef to understand the causes and prevention of grease fires. To minimize the risk, avoid leaving cooking unattended, use a thermometer to monitor oil temperature, and keep flammable items away from the stove. In the event of a grease fire, never use water – it can intensify the flames. Instead, cover the flames with a metal lid or use a fire extinguisher designed for kitchen fires. Stay vigilant, stay prepared, and ensure a safer cooking environment for you and your loved ones. Should you experience a grease fire, call your local SERVPRO®to assist in restoring your home. 

Chestnuts may be Roasting on an Open Fire, but your Home shouldn’t Be!

12/14/2021 (Permalink)

POV: You're about to have a lovely Christmas Morn.

Open fires can be dangerous, but they’re also arguably the best place to roast your chestnuts! Why would you be roasting chestnuts? Who knows? We do plenty of weird things this time of year--ever heard of egg nog?

What matters isn’t what nuts you roast and how you roast them--that’s your business--but what steps you take to practice proper fire safety.

For instance: is this fire actually “open?” It’s safer to make fires outside if they’re entirely open and uncovered, unless of course you’re using a fireplace, in which case it’s technically covered. The reason why we don’t like to have fires entirely open is that it increases the risk of the flames spreading.

Also, if you do have a fire indoors, put it somewhere where it is out of the way and no one will accidentally cause a disaster by bumping into it and knocking it over, sending flames shooting all over your guests and home.

Make sure someone is always watching a fire, preferably someone in that sweet spot between “Fire Noob” and “Fire Pro,” since the “Fire Pro” is almost certainly a pyromaniac and we they have a bad habit of somehow always being near a fire gone awry.

So long as you make good decisions this season, you should be safe from fire damage. Even if something does go wrong, you’ve always got SERVPRO of Kernersville ready to help, 24/7, 365!

Remember to stay Warm Safely this Winter!

12/7/2021 (Permalink)

Agh, glass covering! That's a good idea. I should've thought about that! But 5 tips is a nice, even number.

Brrrrr! It’s getting a bit chilly outside lately! It might be about time to take advantage of our Homo Erectus ancestors’ greatest invention: Fire.

But not so fast!! Did you know that fire is dangerous? You might not have known, but it is unfortunately so true: fire can be dangerous. So what’s a guy or gal to do? Just freeze?

Not so fast! Let’s get some sparks on those logs, but let’s do it safely.

So what can you do to practice fire safety?

1. Know where all the fire extinguishers are in the house. This one is pretty self-explanatory. (1a. Get a fire extinguisher if you don’t own one!)
2. Don’t let children near open flames. They’re mischievous little buggers, and they love touching things they shouldn’t. (Source: Me, 20 years ago.)
3. Keep flammable liquids away from fire. I know it’s great for the feng-shui to keep that artisanal gas can and the fair trade 190 proof grain alcohol right next to the fireplace, but it’s probably also not a good idea. The compliments you will receive as a decorator will not be worth the risk. Also, keep your wholesale 40lb bag of gunpowder in another room. (They’re selling everything in bulk these days!)
4. Don’t leave a fire unattended. If adult eyes are always on the flame, you’ll be able to strangle any conflagrations in the cradle. When I say adult, I mean human adult. Your dog is not a responsible party, unless he’s Air Bud, and Air Bud is busy making a curling-themed addition to the Air Bud Cinematic Universe called Air Bud 7: Give it a Curl, so your dog isn’t Air Bud.
5. Don’t put flames near upholstery, curtains, or your Christmas tree. Whether it’s a candle, a fireplace, or a blowtorch, putting it next to something that’s known to either billow in the wind or drop flammable needles constantly is not a good move. That is unless you’re using a fake tree and/or fake electric candles, in which case anything goes. The future is now!

If you follow these five easy steps, you won’t have to worry about your source of warmth being a source of your fiery demise. Have a good Christmas, and stay cozy!

Christmastime is the Time for Cheer, not Housefires!

11/30/2021 (Permalink)

A sacrifice to the fire gods. Hopefully, this will slake their thirst for flaming destruction.

Thanksgiving is over, Black Friday and Cyber Monday have passed, and it’s now the official “Christmas Season.” That’s the good news.

The bad news is the risk that comes with the season: Fires.

Christmas trees smell great, look beautiful, and are a staple in most homes in America (some people use fake trees, but we’re going to pretend those people don’t exist because they probably shouldn’t!), but they’re also incredibly flammable, especially as they age. This is great news when you’re having a January bonfire, but not when you’re away from the house with all the lights on when the electricity goes on the fritz!

If you wish to avoid such a fate, follow these three steps:

1. Use LED lights. They’re more energy-efficient, which means they give off less heat, lowering risk for fire on your tree.
2. Turn off the lights when you’re not using them. If a tree falls on the forest floor and no one is there to hear it, does it make a sound? Who knows? But why bother keeping a tree lit up when no one is around to see it? Turn that off when you leave the home and pop them back on when you get back.
3. Know where the fire extinguisher is. Your chances of fire are fairly low, but these trees burn fast, so you’ll need to get that fire out stat.

Follow these steps and you should be fine. Merry Christmas!

What Are The Main Causes of Restaurant Fires?

3/12/2021 (Permalink)

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the foodservice industry has become one of the most negatively affected industries. With mandated government closures and limits on capacity, there is much on the mind of restaurateurs. Covid-19 has forced restaurants of all shapes and sizes to think outside of the box to best stay afloat and serve their community. Colliding with those thoughts are worries that are always a concern of business owners which are fires. 

According to the National Fire Protection Agency, there are  7,410 structural fires pertaining to restaurants every year. Causing thousands of dollars in fire damage. 40% of restaurant fires occur in the kitchen caused by stoves, ovens, and other electrical as well as gas appliances. Lighting equipment and smoking are also contributing causes to restaurant fires. 

A few tips to help prevent restaurant fires whether it’s a fast-food establishment, fast-casual, or fine dining. 

• Include in your new employee training fire prevention and safety rules to be followed.
• Regularly train current employees on kitchen safety. 
• Instruct all servers, cooks, and bussers on the fire extinguisher utilization. 
• Have a designated area for smoking a safe distance from the building. 

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, flood, mold, or storm damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Kernersville, 336-748-0250.

References  

https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Top-fire-causes/Heating 

https://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Files/Public-Education/Resources/Safety-tip-sheets/Heating_Safety.ashx 

https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Data-research-and-tools/Building-and-Life-Safety/Eating-and-drinking-establishments

Tips For Preventing Electrical Fires In Your Kitchen

2/15/2021 (Permalink)

Kitchens are the heart of the home and they have increasingly become the place where we spend the most time. Protecting the heart of the home is similar to protecting your own heart that is inside your body. Properly maintaining your electrical equipment and appliances to ensure that they’re in good shape. That includes regular cleanings, not overextending the equipment, and knowing the proper way to use it according to the instructions. 

Taking steps to prevent the appliances and electrical equipment in your kitchen from becoming a fire hazard are simple yet are easy to forget in the hustle and bustle of life. Listed below are several tips on how to help prevent electrical fires in your kitchen. 

1. Only plug your major appliances into electrical sockets. Do not use extension cords or power cords. Refrigerators and stoves should only go into the main sockets.
2. Regularly clean your appliances and electrical equipment. Read the instructions on the appliance or in the instruction manual for cleaning guidelines. 
3. Only use your electrical equipment for its specified purpose. Doing otherwise may lead to it becoming a fire hazard. 

SERVPRO of Kernersville is a certified and experienced fire cleanup crew. Restoring hundreds of homes and businesses after experiencing a fire, smoke, and soot damage to their interior.  

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, or mold damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Kernersville, 336-748-0250. 

How My Space Heater Can Become a Fire Hazard

2/4/2021 (Permalink)

As the winter season sets in and temperatures prepare to plummet, thousands of families across Kernersville will be utilizing different forms of heating equipment to remain warm. Space heaters may be one mechanism homeowners use and although it may be great at creating a comfortable environment inside your home they may also present themselves as a fire hazard if not properly applied in their given area. According to the National Fire Protection Association. Heating equipment is a leading cause of home fire deaths.

To protect yourself, loved ones and property from the potential fire hazard posed by spaces heaters the SERVPRO of Kernersville team has listed several points below. 

• Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment including spaces heaters. 
• Have a three-foot “kid-free zone” around space heaters.
• Test smoke alarms at least once a month.

Providing useful information to keep your family safe this winter season is important to our team. If you do, however, experience a home fire damaging portions of your property or all of it in its entirety our team is ready to respond to mitigate the damage. The SERVPRO of Kernersville team has performed thousands of fire restoration jobs in our twenty plus years of existence. Whether it’s staining soot damage, a lasting smoke odor, or varying contents such as furniture, toys, and precious family keepsakes you need to be taken care of. We’re here to help! 

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, flood, mold, or storm damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Kernersville, (336) 748-0250. 

References  

https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/winter-holiday-fires-infographic.pdf  

https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Top-fire-causes/Heating 

https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Data-research-and-tools/US-Fire-Problem/Candle-fires 

https://www.esfi.org/news/5-things-you-should-know-about-space-heaters-638#sthash.LTHHLmhN.dpbs 

https://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Files/Public-Education/Resources/Safety-tip-sheets/Heating_Safety.ashx

Real vs. Fake: The Great Christmas Tree Debate

12/14/2020 (Permalink)

December is here and the holiday season is in full swing. Homeowners across Kernersville and surrounding communities will be showcasing their decorative Christmas Tree whether artificial or natural. People still debate the merits of both and while we’re not going to settle the score here. They're safety precautions you should take regardless if you’re purchasing a “real tree” or a fake tree. 

Natural Christmas Trees according to the U.S. Fire Administration, a division of F.E.M.A. pose a higher fire risk compared to artificial trees. Meaning homeowners should take extra safety measures in order to minimize the likelihood of a fire starting. It’s critical that in the hustle or bustle of the holiday season from shopping to entertaining guests that you don’t forget to water your Christmas Tree daily. A dry Christmas Tree may be a potential fire hazard according to the U.S. Fire Administration. 

Along with watering your Christmas Tree daily, homeowners should make sure their tree is at least 3 feet away from any heating source. That will include any space heaters, fireplaces, candles, and radiators. This may require a bit of maneuvering if you live in a tighter space, however is well worth the effort. More than 1 out of 5 Christmas Tree fires was caused due to the tree being close to a heating source. 

As a fire clean-up restoration company, our experienced team is ready to assist you if a fire does occur in your home. Our warehouse contains an arsenal of tools that the SERVPRO team will utilize to mitigate and remediate the fire damage. Christmas trees are a quintessential feature of the holiday season. SERVPRO of Kernersville wants you and your family to have a wonderful holiday remember the important safety measures everyone should take.

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, flood, mold, or storm damage; perhaps even deep cleaning service, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Kernersville, (336) 748-0250.

References  

https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/winter-holiday-fires-infographic.pdf 

Who Can Clean My Smoke Damaged Furniture In Kernersville?

12/4/2020 (Permalink)

It can take less than 30 seconds for black smoke to consume your entire home from the beginning of a fire. Layering your furniture with soot and leaving behind a stringent odor only a professional cleaning crew is capable of removing. Accessing the damage left behind due to a home fire and rectifying its effects is a high burden no homeowner should have to confront on their own. 

The SERVPRO of Kernersville team is made up of industry experts, trained to evaluate the damage to your items, providing an accurate report to homeowners of what our crew can do to help them in their circumstances. The type of furniture impacted and the severity of the damage to the home will influence the strategy utilized. Whether it’s upholstery, leather, or wood we’ll provide a professional opinion of the steps required to move forward. Our crew is equipped with an arsenal of materials needed to clean smoke damaged furniture giving homeowners the ability to focus on other matters while SERVPRO takes care of them. 

SERVPRO of Kernersville is here to help Kernersville Homeowners salvage and restore as many valued items as possible after experiencing a home fire. Our service area incorporates part of Forsyth County granting us the privilege to help property owners in the Town of Kernersville. 

SERVPRO of Kernersville serves the communities of 

• Kernersville, NC 27284 
• Kernersville, NC 27285

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, or mold damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Kernersville, (336) 748-0250.

https://www.ready.gov/home-fires

What Are The Dangers of Leaving Cooking Unattended?

11/23/2020 (Permalink)

The holidays are right around the corner and while this is one of the most exciting times of the year it’s critical that you not forget all the information learned from Fire Prevention Week the first week of October. In the haze of hosting extended family from out of town and preparing a large meal for everyone, it’s easy to fall back into old habits. Thanksgiving according to the National Fire Protection Agency is the day where the highest rates on average of home fires take place, unfortunately. 

Fires can quickly spread throughout your home in a matter of minutes and while they can start from electrical malfunction or arson; cooking fires make up the plurality of home fires according to the National Fire Protection Agency. From 2014-2018, 66% on average to be exact. Kitchen fires from cooking may result in significant damage to your home. Leaving cooking unattended to welcome guests or attend to children, even for a few minutes is highly discouraged. Cooking a turkey especially should be done with the utmost care and attention. 

Fires from cooking left unattended may also cause large swaths of the interior of your home to fill with smoke. Smoke may damage your kitchen appliances and countertops requiring a professional fire restoration crew to attend to them. Smoke may also spread into other areas of the home layering furniture with soot. Soot may be difficult to get out of your home and contacting an experienced fire restoration to mitigate the damage is crucial to preserving the integrity of each item. 

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, flood, mold, or storm damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Kernersville, (336) 748-0250. 

References 

https://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Files/Public-Education/Resources/Safety-tip-sheets/ThanksgivingSafety.ashx

https://nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Top-fire-causes/Cooking

Fire Safety Measures Everyone Should Take

10/30/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Kernersville is closing out Fire Safety Month with important information and exciting news for next month. Partnering with local fire departments is critical to getting information out on fire safety. 

Rounding out the end of the month it’s crucial that homeowners check their smoke alarms to ensure the battery isn’t dead and it’s working effectively. Fires can spread within minutes throughout an entire home causing destruction of property and smoke to fill the room leaving a layer of soot in its wake. Having a fire extinguisher located in your kitchen is also a great purchase decision. While sleeping close your bedroom door as well as the doors of your children’s bedroom. It may inhibit the spread of a fire for the time being. 

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, or mold damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Kernersville, 336-748-0250.

Facts About Homes Fires

10/8/2020 (Permalink)

The first full week of October is Fire Prevention Week which makes sense. As the colder weather moves inward pushing out the warm temperatures from the summer more people will be spending time indoors. Which, unfortunately, means the likelihood of home fires may increase. While your SERVPRO of Kernersville crew is here to assist you if you do experience a home fire we want to offer your tips and advice to prevent fires in the first place. 

First here are the facts on home fires. 

1. 49% of home fires are caused by cooking.
2. 14% of home fires are caused by heating. 
3. 1-% of home fires are caused by electrical means. 

https://nfpa.org/News-and-Research 

To prevent home fires remember 

1. Never leave cooking unattended. 
2. Put out your wood-burning fireplace before going to bed. 
3. Have all electrical work done by a professional, reputable electrician. 

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, or mold damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Kernersville, (336) 748-0250. 

Fire Prevention Week Is Oct. 4-10

10/2/2020 (Permalink)

Fall is an exciting time of year! With the season change, more people will be spending time indoors cooking and lighting the fireplace. All great occurrences to make memories and pass the time. Unfortunately, cooking can sometimes lead to kitchen fires and fireplaces can set homes ablaze which is why the first full week of October is Fire Prevention Week.  

October 4 - October 10 is Fire Prevention Week where organizations across America include the National Fire Protection Association, highlighting the importance of preventing fires and offering training, videos, tips, and advice to inform the public on practices that should be used in order to prevent fires. Protocols such as never leaving cooking unattended.

Fire Prevention Week also asks parents to take the initiative in speaking with their children on fire protection and prevention. Teaching them how to first prevent fires by not using the stove without a parent present. Calling 911 in the case of an emergency and how to get out of their home safely if there is a fire. 

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, or mold damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO o Kernersville, (336) 748-0250.

Preventing Grill Fires This Summer

7/2/2020 (Permalink)

With the stay-at-home order, now lifted in North Carolina thousands of residents will be firing up the grill. Homeowners choosing to reconnect with loved ones and showcase exterior updates they’ve made from the nearly three-month-long quarantine are feeling the anticipation. However, before inviting guests over for your cookout it’s critical your grill is ready for the party too. 

The possibility for a grill fire to occur regardless if it’s charcoal, propane gas, or natural gas necessitates that you take all the precautions to keep yourself, loved ones, and property safe. 

1. Proceeding the actual grilling it’s important that you evaluate your grill for any abnormalities. Especially for natural gas grills you want to examine them closely for any leakages or broken lines. 
2. Remember to keep your grill a substantial amount away from your home. Fires can spread fast and the closer your grill is to your property the higher likelihood there is for not only your deck to be damaged but your entire home as well. 
3. If a fire begins and gets out of control immediately call 911. The further spread of the fire can impact your neighbor’s homes as well.

The SERVPRO of Kernersville team wants everyone to have a great and safe 2020 Summer. 

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, or mold damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Kernersville, (336) 748-0250.

Critical Fire Damage Mitigation

6/3/2020 (Permalink)

Homeownership is a lauded part of the American Dream. It takes a great deal of determination and sacrifices to eventually come to the place where you’re able to purchase a home. Sacrifices of weekends not going and choosing now to go on vacation all to one day achieve your goal of owning a home. 

People take great pride in their home and are constantly searching for new ways to improve it. There are numerous channels to do so in that arena. Along with the satisfaction of owning a home comes the responsibility to protect it includes fires which are most homeowners’ worst fears. House fires can cause a great deal of stress upon the owner of the home and it’ occupants. We’re here to partner with you through that difficulty. 

The panic, the rage is familiar to our team, because we understand the emotional ties people have to their homes. Our team is dedicated to providing you with a tailored customer service suited to your needs. Some home fires may cause damage to one portion of the home while others may be determined to be a total loss. 

Nevertheless, our team is prepared to clear and clean the contents of your home. Taking some of the burdens off your shoulders of having to go through your damaged home and choosing what to keep or throw out. The SERVPRO of Kernersville team are also experts in the realm of fire remediation for a property where our office staff is available to speak with you about what we can do for you. 

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, or mold damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Kernersville, (336) 748-0250.

Being Prepared Is Your Only Defense

4/10/2020 (Permalink)

Lightning strikes

Severe weather striking the Piedmont Triad is a given during this period of the year. Spring is here so the likelihood of thunderstorms that may very well include lightning is sure to occur. Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent lightning from striking your home or place of business. Lightning is not discriminatory and therefore every property is capable of being struck by lightning potentially causing a fire as wells as other sorts of damage. 

Although you can’t prevent lightning from striking your home you can prepare for it. Disaster preparation is a critical part of protecting yourself and loved ones from further harm a severe weather occurrence is likely to ensue. If lightning does strike your home causing a fire you want to exit your home immediately. Smoke may do damage to your property and it’s furniture, but your life is irreplaceable. For your loved ones coordinating a meeting place in case a fire does occur is an important part of your disaster preparation plans. Testing your smoke alarm as well to ensure that it’s working properly is also paramount. An insufficient smoke alarm may spell disaster. 

Speaking with your insurance agent about the fire damage to your property is never a pleasant conversation. The rush of emotions is understandable. Here at SERVPRO we understand that as well and are committed to excellent customer service during your hardship. We’ve developed great partnerships with many local agents and the fire departments across our service area. We’re known for our dedication and unparalleled commitment to getting things right the first time. 

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, or mold damage, or perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Kernersville, 336-748-0250.

Content Cleaning For Fire Damage Items Part 1

4/7/2020 (Permalink)

Fire flames on the ceiling of a home.

Fires are worst-case scenarios for any property owner whether it’s your home, place of business, or a public building utilized for community activities. First things first, of course, are to ensure that your love ones are okay and healthy. Next is accessing the damage to your home which often times will be done by your home insurance adjuster. Being aware of the consequences to your property resulting from a fire is important to reassure yourself as well as educating yourself on how to ask the most insightful questions. 

Depending on the severity of the fire you may be able to salvage items in your home or office. Content cleaning is one of SERVPRO of Kernersville services offered to clients after experiencing a fire. During such a stressful time experiencing a home fire, we want to partner with you and provide excellent customer service in deciding which items to keep while discarding those items you choose not to have anymore. 

Stay tuned for much more concerning efficient responses to home fires, office fires, and other sorts of property fires. 

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, or mold damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Kernersville, 336-748-0250.

Property Checkup Checklist For Fire Safety

3/4/2020 (Permalink)

Fire flames

This upcoming Sunday, March 4 the entire country minus Arizona will be springing forward an hour. During this time people will adjust schedules and also their analog clocks that don’t automatically add an hour when daylight savings starts. It’s also a great time to do a checkup around the interior and exterior of your property for fire safety precautions. 

The checkup of the interior of your property weather a home or residence should most importantly include the fire alarm. Ensuring that your fire alarm is well maintained and functions correction could protect yourself, family, and employees from dubious harm. Check to ensure that the battery has not died out and that the ringing sound for the alarm is audible to all corners of the property. 

Secondly, check all the windows of your property to ensure they’ll able to be opened easily from the inside. Teach your children how to properly open and close a window so that if the worst does occur they’ll be prepared. 

Lastly, when you sleep it’s best to close your bedroom door including your children’s room. Doing so may prevent a fire from entering your or their room for a portion of time allowing them to escape outdoors through a window. 

The SERVPRO of Kernersville team can be reached at (336) 748-0250.

Fire Safety Cooking Tips

10/28/2019 (Permalink)

Cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home injuries.

Cooking often brings family and friends together. For many it also provides an outlet for creativity and can be relaxing. However, did you know that cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home injuries? By following a few safety tips you can prevent these fires.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, you should “Cook with Caution”. The National Fire Protection Association therefore advises that you do the following:

• Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol don’t use the stove or stovetop.

• Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, boiling, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.

• If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.

• Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains — away from your stovetop.

if you have a small (grease) cooking fire and decide to fight the fire...

• On the stovetop, smother the flames by sliding a lid over the pan and turning off the burner. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.

• For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed if you have any doubt about fighting a small fire...

• Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.

• Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number from outside the home. Get out first while you can.

Should your home or office experience Fire Damage then SERVPRO of Kernersville is here for you. Give us a call at 336-379-1772 We can be reached 24 / 7 and 365. 

How to Heat Your Home Safely

10/28/2019 (Permalink)

The cold weather months make us want to curl up by the fireplace to stay warm

Something about cold weather during the fall or winter months make us want to curl up by the fireplace. However, heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fire deaths. With a few simple safety tips and precautions from the National Fire Protection Association, you can prevent most heating fires from happening.

In order to be both warm and safe, the National Fire Protection Association recommends that you should do the following:

• Keep anything that can burn at least three-feet (one metre) away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable space heater.

• Have a three-foot (one metre) “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters.

• Never use your oven to heat your home.

• Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer’s instructions.

• Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.

• 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 your fireplace 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.

•Install wood burning stoves following manufacturer’s instructions or have a professional do the installation. All fuel-burning equipment should be vented to the outside to avoid carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

• Test smoke alarms at least once a month

• Install and maintain CO alarms to avoid the risk of CO poisoning. If you smell gas in your gas heater, do not light the appliance. Leave the home immediately and call your local fire department or gas company.

If you’re home or business has experienced fire damage then call us, SERVPRO of Kernersville  at 336-379-1772. We are available 24/7 and 365 to assist you with cleaning up, salvaging and restoring your property.

Important Smoke and Soot Facts

8/27/2019 (Permalink)

Smoke travels throughout the air, into vents, and holes spreading room to room

A fire increases in size every 60 seconds. Fires happen quickly and spread quickly. The aftermath of a fire can be very invasive. While flames may be extinguished before reaching throughout your entire property, they come along with smoke and soot which can penetrate various cavities within your home. Smoke and can reach far beyond the flames, travel through plumbing systems, holes and vents, causing hidden damage and odor throughout your property. 

There are many different types of smoke. Therefore, there are also different types of soot residue. Therefore, the type of fire greatly affects the restoration process. 

Wet Smoke - Plastics and rubbers

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary with smoke webs that can be difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke - Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises and so does the smoke

Protein Fire Residue

• Virtually invisible, discolors paint and varnishes, extreme pungent odor, and is usually a result of cooking

Since each fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution to restore your property. At SERVPRO of Burlington our fire damage restoration expertise and experience allows us to accurately assess the extent of the damage. Our highly skilled technicians along with our state of the art equipment helps to get your property back to pre existing conditions.

At SERVPRO of Kernersville we are here to make it “Like it never even happened." Just give us a call at 336-379-1772. We are here for you 24/7 and 365. 

Fires Can Consume Your Business

8/27/2019 (Permalink)

Recovery to your building is possible with SERVPRO of Kernersville

It doesn't take much time for a fire to weaken or destroy the already relatively fragile structure of your business. With columns and supports being typically more spread out in a commercial setting, your buildings structure can be severely compromised if ravished by a fire. Fires create huge amounts of soot and ash, especially if it starts in an area where fabrics can be easily caught in the blaze. Ash will fly all over and land wherever. It will get into every nook and cranny of your business. It can clog water fixtures and drains. Often along with damage from ash is water from sprinkler systems. This water can mix with the ash and form a thick sludge. This sludge is hard to remove and causes heavy staining. Once it dries it may also create a hardened layer of caked-on ash. Where there’s fire there’s smoke. Smoke is a big problem in most fires. Microscopic smoke particles can become embedded in materials of all kinds, but especially wood, fabric, and other organic materials commonly existing in most businesses.

Depending on the size of the fire and the amount of damage, most businesses can reopen again for operation just days after a fire has happened. With smoke odor removal, fire damage restoration, and cleaning in general by SERVPRO of Kernersville your business can be up and running again almost in no time. Depending on the type of business there may be more challenges to restoring the property. The size, intensity, and cause of the fire will determine too how we go about restoring your business. Depending on the severity of the fire, it is often possible for crews to start work nearly immediately after the fire department clears the scene allowing us to have things back up and running quickly. 

Recovery is possible, and at SERVPRO Kernersville we can make it “Like it never happened."! Just give SERVPRO of Kernersville a call at 336-379-1772. We are available and on call 24/7 and 365 days a year.

What To Do and What Not To Do After a Fire

7/8/2019 (Permalink)

After a fire, call us SERVPRO of Kernersville at 336-379-1772

Fires can happen in an instant and often without warning. With the ability to spread and double in size every 60 seconds, fires often ravish a property before being extinguished. After fire has taken over your home, the fear, uncertainty, stress and doubt about the future of your property and your belongings can be overwhelming. Once the fire has been extinguished and the fire department has given you the clear, it’s hard to know what to do next.

Keep these Dos and Don'ts in mind if fire affects your home.

DO:

• Limit movement in the home. This helps prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets throughout your home.
• Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place towels on carpet traffic areas. Use dry, colorfast towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas to limit damage.
• Empty freezer and refrigerator. If electricity is off, empty your freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open to help prevent odors.
• Wipe soot from chrome. Clean soot from chrome kitchen and bathroom faucets, trim and appliances, then apply a light coating of petroleum jelly to protect surfaces.
• Wash houseplants. Wipe down both sides of leaves on your houseplants.
• Change HVAC filters. Change your filters but leave the system off until a trained professional can check the system.
• Cover HVAC intakes. Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers to stop particles of soot from getting in or out of your HVAC system.
• Contact SERVPRO of Kernersville 336-379-1772

DON'T:

• Wash any walls or painted surfaces. This can be dangerous to your health and is best left to the professionals like us at SERVPRO of Burlington
• Attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture. This too can be dangerous to your health and is best left to professionals
• Clean any electrical appliances. TV sets, computers and other electronics that may have been stored close to fire, heat or water need to be looked at by an authorized repair service.
• Consume food and beverages. Food and beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water, may be contaminated.
• Turn on ceiling fixtures. If the ceiling is wet, wiring may be wet or damaged and can cause electrical shock.
• Dry clean clothing. Improper cleaning may set smoke odors. Make sure you use a service that knows how to remove soot and smoke from clothing.

Fires are stressful, and you shouldn't have to clean up the mess yourself. At SERVPRO of Kernersville, we are here to help you restore your home. Just call us 24/7 and 365 at 336-379-1772. At SERVPRO we make it “Like it never even happened.”

*Tips provided by SERVPRO® Industries, Inc.

Soot, Smoke, Fire, and Clean-Up Restoration

5/29/2018 (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 Kernersville 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