How to Help a Neighbor After a Fire

7/8/2024 (Permalink)

Imagine this. You’re sitting at home relaxing after a long day of work when suddenly you hear the telltale sound that something serious has just happened- firetruck sirens. You get up and look outside to see the engines have stopped in front of your neighbor’s house. What do you do then? Run outside? Go back to what you were doing and ask them or another neighbor about it later? Or do you panic and wonder what you can do to help? Well, here are some quick and easy ways you can help a neighbor after a fire.

• Gather Essentials. If there’s a fire in your home, the last thing on your mind is going to be if you remembered to grab the toothpaste. Raid your stash of minis you took from hotels, and toothbrushes you get every time you go to the dentist and see what you can assemble. Items such as shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, even extra floss that you have lying around could help someone feel the slightest bit more normal after a fire.
• Bring them some food. A meal, groceries, even some extra nonperishables you have tucked in the cupboard. Anything helps. We know we all can’t be Gordon Ramsay level chefs, so a nice home cooked meal may feel like less of a gift and more of a curse but it’s the thought that counts. If you still aren’t comfortable, there’s always take-out, again, it’s the gesture that’s important.
• Start a fundraiser. It can be anything from going door-to-door asking other neighbors to pitch in supplies, to a GoFundMe to raise money to help offset some of their financial burden. Another great place to get community support, or even ideas on how to help, is through local Facebook groups.
• Check in. Even if you haven’t spoken in ages, a simple “Hey, I’m thinking of you” can go a long way. When you go through a catastrophic, life-changing event, knowing people are there and thinking of you truly makes a world of difference, trust us. 
• Respect the Chaos. Odds are good that their phones are blowing up with messages from everyone they know. If you can, let them know they don't have to respond immediately. Acknowledge they have a lot going on and that responding to you does not have to be top priority.
• Offer to listen (and mean it.) No one needs to hear about how your Great-Aunt Helen’s friend’s daughter’s boyfriend’s shed caught on fire 17 years ago, especially if they were just the victim of a fire themselves. Let them talk. Let them cry if they need to. Don’t try to fix everything. Just be there for them. At the end of the day, that’s what counts.
• Give them our number. We know what kind of damage a fire can cause, and our team of trained professionals know what it takes to properly cleanup and restore their home back to normal.

Fire Damage Remediation FAQ's

5/17/2023 (Permalink)

When it comes to fire damage, we get a lot of questions. So, we asked our project managers to answer some of the most commonly asked fire damage remediation queries.

Here is what they said:

Can my clothes/photos/artwork be cleaned after a fire?

Yes. There is a network of different specialty companies that we can coordinate with to quickly remove these items from the source and clean/restore to their original state if no permanent damage has occurred.

Can I use water to clean soot off my walls?

No. A product with degreaser is needed to clean soot, but be warned, there are different types of fire which can require different methods of cleaning. When in doubt, give us a call!

Is it possible to get rid of the odor after a fire?

Yes. Each fire is unique in the scope of work that is required to remove the odor, however. Some are as simple as light cleaning and deodorizing, and others may require demo of heavy areas and encapsulating the framing before new materials to remove the odor.

What should I do after a fire but before SERVPRO comes?

• Take lots of photos from different angles.
• Determine what items you need in case you can't live in the home.
• Order refills of all medications located in a room with visible soot damage. Bottles may not be airtight & it's advised nothing exposed to soot be ingested.
• Call your insurance company.

How does SERVPRO clean fire damage?

We have access to a complete line of SERVPRO cleaning products that are tailored for any situation that we may encounter. The type of fire, material or fabric will determine which product we will need to complete the job.

Still have questions? Need our help getting your home or business back to normal after a fire? Give us a call! We are happy to help!

Pop Quiz: How Often Should You Replace Your Home’s Fire Extinguisher?

4/29/2022 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO we spend a lot of time teaching our customers about the importance of fire safety. Not only do we want you and your family to stay safe and steer clear of fire hazards, we also know you want to avoid the expense associated with professional fire restoration. 

In addition to knowing your escape route in the event of a fire, and being able to identify and minimize the fire hazards on your property, can you answer basic but important questions like how often you should replace your fire extinguisher? 

It’s not a trick question, though the answer might surprise you. Most household fire extinguishers should be replaced every 12 years, regardless of their condition; rechargeable varieties should be recharged in half that time, so every six years. 

Can’t remember when you first purchased your fire extinguisher? No worries! 

Simply check the expiration date on the body of the cylinder; sometimes it’s stamped closer to the extinguisher’s neck. If, for whatever reason, you cannot locate the date, it might be best to play it safe and purchase a new one that does have the date listed on it. 

In the event that your fire extinguisher failed to put out a fire and you find yourself in need of professional fire restoration service, contact your team at SERVPRO of Stoneham / Wakefield.

Steer Clear of These Springtime Fire Hazards

3/29/2022 (Permalink)

Ah, we’ve made it through winter. It’s time to safely store our holiday lights and space heaters as we make way for the warmer months. As excited as we are for the arrival of longer, brighter days, our SERVPRO team also wants to alert you to a serious springtime fire hazard.

After a long winter indoors, it’s no wonder so many of us are geared up to get outside and grill. We are, too; however, safety should be stressed. Do you know the number of house fires attributed to grills each year? According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), an average of 8,900 fires result from grilling, annually. 

A contributing factor to these grill fires comes down to cleanliness. Before you fire up the grill this spring, ensure that it is thoroughly cleaned first -- almost 20% of grill fires result from grimy grills. 

If, for whatever reason, your next cookout becomes too hot to handle and you find you need an expert fire restoration service, simply contact SERVPRO of Stoneham / Wakefield.

How to Prevent Fires Associated with Static Electricity

2/25/2022 (Permalink)

We’ve all experienced that sudden shock caused by static electricity, which is also known as a stationary electric charge. In most cases, these moments might cause us to giggle in surprise or even make a corny joke about how “shocking” we find whoever just inadvertently zapped us. However, when it comes to fire prevention, static electricity is anything but funny. 

In order to reduce the risk of a fire caused by static electricity, take the following tips into account.

Stay Safe in the Presence of Static Electricity

While it might sound simple enough, the trick to reducing static electricity requires identifying where it accumulates in both our residences and professional environments. 

Certain conditions, like the cold and dry weather we experience during the wintertime, increase static electricity. To combat the dry air, consider using a humidifier at home and work. Some materials cause more static electricity than others; for instance, opting for cotton over wool is a great idea and wearing leather-soled shoes can also help reduce static electricity. 

Minimizing the potential for static electricity to accumulate is the first step in preventing fires associated with it. 

Whether from static electricity or another source, if your home or business has suffered a fire, contact SERVPRO of Stoneham / Wakefield for expert fire restoration service.

Stay Safe While Using Space Heaters

2/25/2022 (Permalink)

Spring is certainly on its way and officially arrives next month. Until then, however, we still have to weather the remainder of February, notorious as New England’s snowiest month. Even if the snow doesn’t return, the colder temperatures will likely linger, leaving many of us to cozy up a home office or three-season sunroom with a space heater. 

While space heaters have evolved into far safer small appliances than their predecessors, the fact is, they do still pose a considerable fire hazard if not operated carefully. 

You certainly don’t want to join the more than a thousand homes that suffer a space heater-related fire. 

A few quick tips to keep in mind, while keeping cozy on the last (hopefully!) of these wintry days… 

1. Space heaters should stay on the floor at all times. 
2. Only operate a space heater while you’re in the room; turn it off before venturing out, tucking in, or zoning out during a Netflix binge.
3. Your third tip? The 3-foot rule, of course. Ensure your space heater has a minimum 3-foot distance from anything flammable. 
4. You know this one: water is a no-no. Keep your space heater (just like any other electric device) away from water sources like sinks, tubs, toilets, etc. 

Space heater or not, contact SERVPRO of Stoneham / Wakefield should you find yourself in need of professional fire restoration service.

Don’t Let Your Christmas Tree Dry Out!

12/30/2021 (Permalink)

As we all know, the holiday season is about the little things. Whether that means finding the perfect card for a family member, decorating cookies with loved ones, or remembering to water your Christmas tree. A job that often gets overlooked, watering your Christmas tree is extremely important for not only the look of your tree but also fire prevention. 

Care for Your Christmas Tree

A dry Christmas tree has the potential to light a whole room on fire in mere minutes. 

Thankfully, there are a few things to lookout for in order to avoid any need for fire restoration services. 

• Water your tree daily! Keep it hydrated; therefore, less likely to catch fire.
• Check the lights! There might be a kink, break, or fray in the lights that could cause a spark. Check them out while untangling them!
• Candle watch! Keep real candles well away from children and your live Christmas tree, too.

Enjoy the glow of the holiday season but save the sparks for the Fourth of July!

At SERVPRO we wish you a happy and safe holiday season. Don’t hesitate to contact your local fire restoration experts if the holidays get heated!

Got Grease?

11/23/2021 (Permalink)

The leading cause of kitchen fires is quite simply… cooking. Whether you are hosting or contributing this Thanksgiving, your kitchen will be heating up! Just make sure it doesn’t get too hot. SERVPRO wants you to know the warning signs and facts behind a grease fire. Chances are you will be cooking traditional Thanksgiving goodies that require ingredients like butter, extra virgin olive oil, and vegetable oil -- all of which could result in a grease fire.

What Makes a Grease Fire Different?

Grease fires can spark when certain spots of your cooking get too hot, indicated by smoke or bubbling oil. The leading cause of a grease fire is leaving the stove unattended, which can happen especially on a holiday like Thanksgiving when hosts are eager to catch up with relatives. 

If the stove slips your mind and you begin to see this bubble leading to trouble, here is how to defuse the situation. 

Spoiler alert: Water is NOT the answer. A grease fire can spread quickly because oil, grease, and fat are all liquids. Pouring water on a grease fire will not extinguish it, but instead, expand its surface area. 

How to Put it Out

So, if not water, how do you put out a grease fire? Smother the fire with a pot lid, baking soda, or salt. The first is the best option because you may need more baking soda or salt than you have on hand.

Remember, fire burns thanks to three factors: a source of heat, fuel, and oxygen. If you remove one factor, (like oxygen by placing a lid on the pot) you will stop the burn. 

If things get out of hand, don’t wait -- call 911. 

If a grease fire got too hot to handle this Thanksgiving, contact us for information about our professional fire restoration services.

Know the Signs: Electrical vs. Regular Fires

10/21/2021 (Permalink)

In the ‘heat’ of the moment we are not going to stop and analyze a fire to find its source or research how best to extinguish it. Different kinds of fires require different solutions and service master strategies. Knowing which type of fire you’re dealing with can help put a stop to the problem faster. 

How to Identify An Electrical Fire

The thing about electrical fires is they will let you know they are coming. If an outlet feels warm, you have a frayed wire, or you blow fuses regularly, these could all be signs that an electrical fire is likely to happen. 

In addition to this, an electrical fire has a certain odor that is pungent and unmistakable, often compared to fish or something rotten. 

Expert Electrical Fire Tip

A “regular” fire is also known as a class A fire, which is caused by everyday items such as wood, cloth, and paper catching fire. The best way to put out this type of fire is to smother it. You can do this by dousing the heat with water. 

For an electrical fire, DO NOT use water! This is a sure(fire) way to get electrocuted. 

Instead, use a fire extinguisher or baking soda. This will smother the fire the same way water would a regular fire. 

In either case, always call 911 so that the fire department can follow up and inspect the property, even if the flames are already extinguished. 

Noticing some possible warning signs of an electrical fire?  Your local SERVPRO MA team is standing by for any fire restoration service you might need.

Adding to Insult to Injury: When Fire Follows a Hurricane

9/8/2021 (Permalink)

Candles are a great source of light when the power goes out, just be sure to watch them while they're burning!

As if the damage resulting from the high winds and rain of a hurricane wasn’t devastating enough, there’s also good reason to be concerned about fire while sheltering in place. Right now, more than one million people are still without power in Louisiana, following Hurricane Ida. Many of them are likely turning to flashlights and candles while they wait for the power to come back on. 

And this is where the threat of fire comes in… 

The National Association of State Fire Marshals advises that “As Hurricane Activity Increases, So Does the Importance of Fire Safety,” citing an approximate 26% of fires attributed to candle use result from loss of electrical power during or following severe weather activity. 

That’s why the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission urges people to observe these key candle safety rules:

1. Do not leave a burning candle unattended.
2. Keep lit candles away from anything that could catch fire.
3. Make sure pets and children cannot reach candles.

Taking these suggestions seriously could help you avoid becoming one of the estimated 8,200 residential fires resulting from candles each year, according to the National Fire Protection Association. 

Of course, house fires can also be caused by factors completely out of your control and especially during severe weather events. In fact, according to NOLA.com, “The National Weather Service reports that lightning starts about 4,400 house fires each year, causing around $283 million in damages.” 

Following a fire at your residential or commercial property, contact your SERVPRO Wakefield team for professional fire restoration services.

Emergency Fire Damage Restoration: An Overview

8/23/2021 (Permalink)

After a fire occurs, there’s nothing you’d like more than to go back to a time before the fire happened. We can’t go back in time to before you had a fire in your home and prevent it, but we like to say that we do all we can to make your home be “Like it never even happened.”

How? Our trained Massachusetts fire damage restoration experts at SERVPRO of Stoneham / Wakefield have their number one goal as returning your fire damaged areas and items to their preloss condition. 

We have a proven emergency fire damage process that works for us and will help you get your home back to its pre-fire damage state quickly and professionally. Here’s an overview:

• One hour from notice of loss. One of our trained fire damage restoration professionals will contact you to arrange for service. 
• Four hours from notice of loss. One of our trained professionals will be on-site at your home to start fire damage mitigation services. 
• A detailed explanation. You will receive a thorough briefing of the fire damage restoration process, step-by-step, explaining what you can expect and the planned outcome.
• Pre-testing. We will begin pre-testing your home’s surfaces, furnishings, and contents for restorability, working from the source of the fire damage (for example, the deck if your grill caused a fire) outwards.
• Eight hours from on-site arrival. You (or your insurance adjuster if you’re working with an insurance company on your fire damage claim) will receive a verbal briefing of the scope of work.
• Cleaning, restoration, and deodorization. We will work neatly and efficiently with state-of-the-art fire damage restoration techniques and equipment to ensure your home is taken care of correctly the first time.
• Final walk-through. After the fire damage restoration work has been completed, we will walk you through the work we’ve done to make sure it’s to your approval.

Contact us here at SERVPRO of Stoneham / Wakefield for an assessment of your fire damage in Massachusetts along with a plan for remediation and rebuilding to bring your home back to its pre-fire damage state. We are dedicated to making it “Like it never even happened.”

Fire/Smoke/Soot Restoration Process Tips

7/25/2021 (Permalink)

Dealing with smoke or fire damage in your house? If there’s a lingering fire or smoke aroma, spraying an air freshener around is just going to cover the smell momentarily. It won’t take care of the underlying issue. That’s when you need to call in the fire and smoke damage restoration experts.

What are some services offered by a Massachusetts smoke and fire damage restoration company to help with fire, smoke, and soot damage? 

• Structural cleaning. After your fire damage event, your home may need a thorough cleaning, involving the ceilings, walls, woodwork, carpets, and flooring. An experienced fire damage restoration professional will pre-test your home’s surfaces to determine the extent of the damage and then use the state-of-the-art equipment and cleaning products to clean and protect those surfaces. In some cases -- depending on the amount of soot, a fire damage professional can remove the need for repainting or refinishing your home, or they will clean to deodorize and prepare the surface for painting.
• Contents cleaning. You may not even think about it, but your curtains, furniture upholstery, furniture, area rugs, and even your kitchen appliances, electronics, and art can also contain soot or smoke residue and need to be cleaned. Fire damage restoration professionals will inspect and test all of the fabrics in your home to determine which need to be cleaned and the most appropriate cleaning methods for each fabric. This can include both wet or dry cleaning services for fabrics, and a cleaning and deodorization for the other restorable contents of your home. 
• Deodorization. It’s not enough to just cover up lingering fire or smoke odors with an air freshener or candle. Instead, fire damage professionals will look for the sources of the odor and remove them through various deodorization methods.

Here at SERVPRO of Stoneham / Wakefield, we pride ourselves on our fast response time and our emergency mitigation system that helps lower fire damage recovery costs and minimize additional property damages. Reach out to the Massachusetts fire damage restoration experts at SERVPRO of Stoneham / Wakefield to get your home back to its preloss condition.

Grilling Safety Tips

6/15/2021 (Permalink)

When this grill caught fire on a deck, it nearly burned down the entire house. Remember to stay safe and alert while grilling!

“Hot girl summer” may be a popular term right now, but it’s “hot GRILL summer” that’s always in style. To that end, let’s talk about how to grill safely to prevent house fires. 

Did you know that 10,600 home fires are caused by a grill each year, on average, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)? Many of these house fires could have been prevented. Here’s what you need to know about grilling safely.

• Although they take more time to grill, charcoal grills only accounted for 12% of the grill house fires, while gas grills caused 84% of the fires. 
• For gas grill fires, a common denominator was a leak or break in the gas line. Make sure that you examine your grill’s gas line for any tears (possibly by hail damage) before you start it for the first time in the grilling season.
• Keep your grill clean. Grills that had not been cleaned resulted in 29% of the house fires. 
• Your grill should always be placed away from your house, and certainly not right next to the side of your house. The last thing you want is a grease fire or explosion to occur on your grill, which then quickly engulfs your home.

If you’ve unfortunately had to deal with grill fire damage, you probably know that SERVPRO can help you with smoke and soot cleanup. But did you know that we also have a full construction division, run by Construction Manager Noel Torrissi, that can help you rebuild after you’ve gone through the checklist of after the fire tasks. 

Our professional team at SERVPRO of Stoneham / Wakefield can simplify your grill-caused fire damage restoration process by helping you with the remediation and rebuilding. Using one expert company for all of your fire damage rebuilding needs alleviates your stress of having to find a contractor on top of everything else, saves you time, and keeps your costs low. 

Contact us here at SERVPRO of Stoneham / Wakefield for an assessment of your grill fire damage in Massachusetts along with a plan for remediation and rebuilding to bring your home back to its pre-grill fire state.

Fireworks Safety Tips for Your Home

5/8/2021 (Permalink)

Treat used sparklers and firecrackers like matches. Don't leave them lying around, and douse them with water to be sure they won't relight.

The Fourth of July is a time to spend time outside with family and friends, celebrate America’s freedom, enjoy delicious food and drinks (while grilling safely!), listen to music, and watch the brilliant fireworks explode in the air. 

Are you planning on foregoing town fireworks and shooting off fireworks or using sparklers in your own backyard? Be careful. According to the National Safety Council, fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires each year, including 1,300 home fires.

Yes, some of these fires were caused by people using illegal or professional fireworks, but others were due to sparklers or small firecrackers. In the wrong hands, even safe sparklers can wreak havoc with your home and cause fire damage.

The first rule of thumb should be to not use illegal or professional fireworks in your home or backyard. Period. Leave the professional fireworks to the professionals. 

Regarding small firecrackers or sparklers, here are some tips to keep your home safe from fireworks (or gender reveal pyrotechnic devices) fire damage:

• Don’t let young children use them at all. Older children should be supervised by a sober adult. 
• Yes, you shouldn’t drink and drive, but you also shouldn’t drink and firework, as your judgment and vision can both be impaired, which can lead to a fire disaster. 
• Set firecrackers and sparklers off away from the direction of your home or anyone else’s home.
• Don’t use firecrackers and sparklers inside as your curtains and other furnishings could catch fire.
• Keep a bucket of water nearby. That way, when you’re done with the sparklers and firecrackers, you can douse them in the water rather than just leaving them around your backyard, where they could reactivate and set fire to brush or your home.

If your Fourth of July fireworks caused fire damage in your home, you need the help of your local Massachusetts fire damage restoration experts. Contact us here at SERVPRO of Stoneham / Wakefield for help with your fire damage remediation and rebuilding.

How to Remove Smoke and Soot After a Fire

4/12/2021 (Permalink)

Our team of certified professionals know how to clean smoke and soot damage that result from a fire. Look at those results!

When there’s a fire inside your home, you want it to be one that you know about, such as a fire flickering in your fireplace on a snowy day, a three-wick candle wafting a pleasant aroma (maybe cinnamon or lemon) into the air, or on a match as you light a birthday cake. Those fires are all fine inside your house. But, unfortunately, home fires do happen and can occur by many different causes, like a kitchen fire or your dryer. 

Here are tips for home fire damage clean up in Massachusetts, specifically for smoke and soot remnants, after the fire trucks have left and you’ve called your insurance company: 

• Assess the damage. Was the fire damage to your home contained to one spot, like the stove; one room; an entire floor; or your entire house? If it was a small, contained fire, then you may be able to clean it up yourself. If the fire was a larger scale, you may want to contact fire damage restoration pros like us. 
• Clean up the soot and smoke in your home. We don’t recommend that you do so yourself, as we offer “magic sponges” that remove soot and smoke damage, but if you want to give it a try, consider one of these home remedies. You can use white vinegar or bleach (separately! Do not mix these two items together) to work on removing soot damage to your home. Even disinfecting wipes could do the trick depending on the amount of damage. One other option is to use the skunk remover for dogs: a mix of ¼ cup of baking soda, 1-2 teaspoons of a mild dishwashing detergent, and 1 quart of Hydrogen Peroxide solution. This bubbles up and works to remove smoke stains.

If you need help with your home fire damage restoration, take a look at the steps of our fire damage restoration process, which includes removal of soot and smoke from all surfaces. Contact us here at SERVPRO of Stoneham / Wakefield for an assessment of your fire damage in Massachusetts.

How to Prevent Kitchen Fires

2/11/2021 (Permalink)

Think about the last party you attended, back when we could safely have parties. If you’re like most people, you probably spent it mingling near the food, so you were in the kitchen. Kitchens are one of the most often visited rooms of a house for a reason. They’re homey and are where the delicious food is, so why wouldn’t you spend time there creating meals or grabbing a snack? 

However, the kitchen is also where things could go wrong in a flash. The National Fire Incident Reporting System states that there are roughly 188,800 kitchen fires every year. The majority of those fires were preventable. 

What can you do to protect your home from the soot and smoke of a kitchen fire? 

First, make sure that you have a working fire extinguisher and a fire/smoke alarm near or right in your kitchen. Yes, you’ll wind up with what we call the “dinner’s ready bell” of the smoke alarm going off sometimes while cooking, but it’s far better to be safe than sorry. 

Second, never leave food unattended while you’re cooking. It’s too easy for something to char in the oven if you’re baking at high heat, or grease to splatter when you step away. As a side note, if you have a grease fire, do NOT throw water at it. Cover the flame with a metal lid and, only if it’s small, pour baking soda or salt on it to end the fire. 

Third, never use your oven as a storage unit for anything but cookie sheets. There have been too many stories of new parents putting plastic toys away in an oven to hide them from sight when people visit, only to forget when they turn on the oven -- or worse when a toddler is learning to walk and turns the knobs in the process. 

Do you have residual smoke and soot from a kitchen fire? Contact us here at SERVPRO of Stoneham / Wakefield for an assessment on fire damage restoration.

Beware of your Dryer!

9/18/2020 (Permalink)

If someone was to ask you what causes a house fire, what would you say? Odds are you would think it would have something to do with a kitchen appliance, a candle, or maybe even lightning, right? Well there’s another danger that is often forgotten about and can have just as catastrophic results. Clothes dryers, if not properly maintained, can pose a serious risk to your home. Here is a brief checklist that you can follow to lessen the risk of a dryer-related disaster in your home.

Always remember:

1. Clean the lint tray between every load.
2. Do not run the dryer if you are not home.
3. Clean the dryer vent duct work yearly.
4. Check behind the dryer for dust (and be sure to clean it!)

The Anatomy of Smoke & Fire

9/4/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot are incredibly invasive. They can and will invade all kinds of nooks and crannies within your home, potentially resulting in hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage and help you 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

Closely Related but Very Different

There are two different types of smoke– wet and dry. Different types of smoke mean different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration can begin, our team will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage has occurred. The information collected during these pretests determine what cleaning procedures we will follow. 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. 

Getting Back to Normal

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

SERVPRO of Stoneham/Wakefield specializes in fire and water damage restoration, which means we have specific training, personnel, and equipment to get your home back to normal quickly. As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of Stoneham/Wakefield is close by and ready to help you out of your emergency. 

Make a Plan

9/2/2020 (Permalink)

It’s September which means it is once again National Preparedness Month. This week’s theme is Make a Plan. In the spirit of planning ahead, we have a few steps you can take to prepare in case you ever find yourself in a fire.

1. Make an exit plan: In the event of a fire, knowing your exit strategy ahead of time is vital. Different rooms in your home or office may require a different plan, so be sure to inform everyone of each different exit strategy.
2. Have a defined meeting place: Establishing a meeting place ahead of time eases anxieties of where to go and allows you to more easily account for everyone who was inside and make sure no one is missing.
3. Keep valuables somewhere safe: By keeping important files and other valuables in a central, safe location, they can be more easily gathered in a short amount of time. Another option to consider is a fire-proof lock box or safe to store valuables.

After a House Fire

9/2/2020 (Permalink)

Often, the hardest part for residents after a home fire is knowing where to begin and who to contact. These tips taken from FEMA provide information on what to do after experiencing a tragic home fire.

Your Next Steps After a Fire

Here are the steps to follow after a fire in your home:

• Contact your local disaster relief service, such as the American Red Cross. This will help you find a place to stay and to find food, clothing and medicine.
• If you have insurance, contact your insurance company. Ask what you should do to keep your home safe until it is repaired. Ask who you should talk to about cleaning up your home. If you are not insured, try contacting community groups for aid and assistance.
• Check with the fire department before entering your home to ensure it is safe. Be very careful when you go inside, floors and walls may not be as safe as they look.
• The fire department will tell you if your utilities (water, electricity, and gas) are safe to use. If they are deemed to be unsafe, firefighters will have them shut off before they leave. Do not try to turn them back on by yourself as this could be very dangerous.
• Contact your landlord or mortgage company to inform them of the fire.
• If you leave your home, call the local police department to let them know that the site will be vacant.
• Begin saving receipts for any purchases made in relation to the loss. These receipts may be needed later by the insurance company and are needed to prove any losses claimed on your income tax.
• Check with an accountant or the IRS regarding special benefits for people recovering from a fire loss.

Stay Safe While Grilling

8/11/2020 (Permalink)

This grill caught fire and left half of a house and the deck it was placed on utterly destroyed.

Grilling season is back in full swing and so are grill-related disasters. No matter your level of experience, it is important to remember that no one is immune from grill fires. There are, however, some steps you can take to help minimize your chances of ending up in a bad situation.

1. Keep your grill away from the house- This means keeping it off of the deck as well. The general rule is to keep the grill at least 10 feet from a standing structure.
2. Be careful of grass- Grass, especially if it’s dead, can pose a significant fire hazard. If ashes fly out of a grill and land on the grass, the grass could catch and cause serious damage.
3. Pay attention- Don’t leave your grill unattended for extended periods of time. Fires can start in the blink of an eye, so be sure to supervise anytime your grill is on.

Remember to use common sense when using a grill and if you are unsure of something, look it up. Stay safe and enjoy the rest of the summer!

Every Second Counts

4/2/2020 (Permalink)

Most people think of escape plans and prevention when they think about fire safety but there is a much neglected and overlooked resource to consider.

The Forgotten Red-Head! 

Prevention and a plan are obviously high priority, but when is the last time you thought about that fire hydrant up the street from your home or business? Keeping it clear of snow can save valuable time when time is of the essence.

If you have thought of it, but your thoughts go something like "It's not my responsibility to clear it of snow" you should reconsider.

Saving Valuable Seconds

Depending on the city or town you live in, keeping the hydrant clear of snow and debris could quite possibly be your responsibility. Check with your local fire department or town hall to find out the laws in your area.  

Beyond that, keeping it clear only benefits you. If you are the victim of a fire, what do you want the firemen spending their time on? Clearing the hydrant or fighting the fire? Be smart. Be a good neighbor. Do what's Right.

After A Fire

If you are the unfortunate victim of a fire, we're here to help. After the fire trucks leave, your home likely suffers from fire and smoke damage and extensive water damage from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO of Stoneham/Wakefield has the specialized fire restoration training needed to restore your home to pre-fire conditions.

Have Questions About Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Today – (781) 245-0011

Smoke Alarms

9/19/2019 (Permalink)

When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast. Working smoke alarms give you early warning so you can get outside quickly.

Smoke alarms save lives. Smoke alarms that are properly installed and maintained play a vital role in reducing fire deaths and injuries. If there is a fire in your home, smoke spreads fast and you need smoke alarms to give you time to get out. 

Here's what you need to know!

• A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home. 
• Smoke alarms should be interconnected. When one sounds, they all sound. 
• Large homes may need extra smoke alarms.
• Test your smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
• There are two kinds of alarms. Ionization smoke alarms are quicker to warn about flaming fires. Photoelectric alarms are quicker to warn about smoldering fires. It is best to use of both types of alarms in the home.
• When a smoke alarm sounds, get outside and stay outside.
• Replace all smoke alarms in your home every 10 years.

More about installation and maintenance of home smoke alarms.

Fire Damage-What to do.

9/8/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Stoneham/Wakefield is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to clean up the aftermath of fire in your home or business.

What Can Someone Do When They Experience a Fire Loss?

Getting life back to normal when someone’s home or business has been affected by fire damage is extremely stressful. An individual may experience emotional as well as financial hardship. Loss of valuables and family keepsakes may leave a person feeling helpless. Fire in their home or a fire in their business is a terrible site for an owner to encounter.

The property owner experiencing the fire loss may find it necessary to seek help from a professional fire cleanup company. The owner may not be able to enter the property when faced with a fire in their home or a fire in their business. The strong odors from smoke damage can be harmful to their health. 

What Types of Damages Can a Fire in a Home or a Fire in a Business Cause?

Coming up against a fire in the home may become an extremely difficult situation. Types of damages an owner can expect include soot damage, smoke damage, and the air quality in the home is affected. Overall a fire loss can be an upsetting -as well as costly- experience. 

Soot damage on rugs, upholstery, and curtains may be more costly to clean. In some cases, it may be easier to replace these items. Air quality may not improve until fire cleanup begins, and odors from smoke damage are removed. Fire damage to a home or business can seem like a nightmare.

Known Dangers of Commercial Fire Damage

All fires to any structure can be dangerous. A fire in a business can spread quickly to nearby areas. Commercial fire damage may involve dangerous gasses leaking and even explosives depending on the type of business in place. If not handled quickly a commercial fire damage can result in a long-term loss. Certain substances, like combustible metals often in industrial locations can emit undesirable chemicals making the air quality problematic. 

Dealing with the aftermath of a fire in the business property can also put a dent on the finances for an owner. Especially when they solely rely on income produced from their business. 

Not only can a commercial fire damage result in the destruction of items they have invested in, but also dealing with the repairs can be extremely costly. Heavy soot damage on clothing in retail shops, for instance, cannot be sold and is a complete loss to the owners. 

Certain types of commercial fire damage may be compensated by an insurance company to help owners recover from a fire loss, however, it will likely not happen as quickly as they would like. The same can be said for homeowners that need to recover from the effects of a fire in their home. Beginning the fire cleanup process is imperative to prevent further destruction from fire damage. 

What Does a Fire Cleanup Professional Do?

Fire cleanup professionals provide a variety of services to those that have experienced a fire loss. They have the equipment to clean areas affected by soot damage, and machines that improve air quality by eliminating pervasive odors due to smoke damage. Fire damage can go beyond what a home or business owner may see. 

Visual inspection can show the soot damage around the structure, and the odors from smoke damage will affect the air quality, and the odors can linger on. An important step taken by a fire damage restoration company is to inspect behind walls and under flooring for additional fire damage. Working with a trusted company can help owners get their life back in order.

SERVPRO of Stoneham / Wakefield is here to help! For more information, please contact us at (781) 245-0011.

Emergency Tips If You Have Fire Damage

9/3/2019 (Permalink)

Fire Damage Emergency Tips

What you can do until help arrives

After any fire damage situation, your primary focus should be safety:

• Is it safe to stay in the house?
• Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
• Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
• Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!

Have A Fire or Smoke Damage Emergency? 

Call SERVPRO of Stoneham/Wakefield 781-245-0011

What To Do After A Fire

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
• Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
• Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
• Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
• Change HVAC filter.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

What NOT To Do After A Fire

• Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting your SERVPRO Franchise Professional.
• Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
• Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
• Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

Emergency Ready Profile - Fire Damage

9/3/2019 (Permalink)

A fire in your home or business is nothing you ever planned on. But it is something you can plan for by calling on the fire and water, cleanup and restoration specialists at SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield at 781-245-0011. That’s where you’ll find a team of professionals who are committed to helping you develop a plan to make sure you’re ready for whatever happens. With an Emergency Ready Profile from SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield you’ll take confidence in knowing that when the things that matter most are on the line they will be too because you can’t keep fire damage from taking control of your home or business. But with an Emergency Ready Profile, you can make sure it doesn’t take control of your life. So before fire or water damage strikes, make sure you’re ready for whatever happens with SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield at 781-245-822. Helping make fire and water damage “Like it never even happened."

Common Causes of Wildfires

8/27/2019 (Permalink)

Common causes of wildfires.

A wildfire is the potentially deadly catalyst that starts as an uncontrolled fire in a large undeveloped and un-populated area. If the response to these fires is not timely they can quickly get out of control and end up destroying homes and agriculture and killing animals and human life in their path. As many as 90 percent of wildfires in the United States are caused by human carelessness or criminal intent. An unattended campfire, the burning of debris, negligently discarded cigarettes as well as intentional acts of arson are some of the ways that people cause tragedy. Wildfires can also be caused by an accumulation of dead matter (leaves, twigs, and trees) that create enough heat in some instances to spontaneously combust and ignite the surrounding area. Man-made combustion from arson, carelessness and lack of fire safety cause wildfire disasters every year. However, weather conditions contribute to the occurrence of wildfires as well. Lightning strikes or extended dry spells causing drought are weather related agitators. Lightning strikes the earth over 100,000 times a day and 10% to 20% of these lightning strikes can cause fire. An average of 1.2 million acres of US woodland burn every year. And sadly a large wildfire is even capable of modifying the local weather conditions and producing its own weather.

Summer is coming and many of us will be camping in the woods. We have known Smokey the Bear all our lives and have the responsibility to share his critical message with the next generation of campers. I love the commercial where Smokey comes out of the woods and gives a young camper a hug for carefully putting out his campfire. You can't help but smile. The message is stated subtly but is a good reminder of the detailed instructions Smokey has provided for years on how together we can prevent forest fires. As Smokey advises,keep campfires at a manageable size, allow wood to burn to ash completely, and pour a substantial amount of water on all embers until hissing sound stops. If you do not have water, stir up the dirt or sand into the embers with a shovel and bury the fire making absolutely sure no embers are exposed and still smoldering. One last word of caution from the Bear who knows,“If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.”

Fire Damage Emergency Tips

3/19/2019 (Permalink)

What you can do until help arrives

After any fire damage situation, your primary focus should be safety:

• Is it safe to stay in the house?
• Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
• Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
• Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!

Have A Fire or Smoke Damage Emergency? 
Call 781-245-0011

What To Do After A Fire

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
• Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
• Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
• Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
• Change HVAC filter.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

What NOT To Do After A Fire

• Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting your SERVPRO Franchise Professional.
• Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
• Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
• Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

Adding Duct Cleaning to Your House Cleaning List

9/21/2018 (Permalink)

Very often, when a fire or smoke damage occurs, the air ducts in your home can be affected. Here is some information on getting them cleaned from Home Advisor: The cost of cleaning your air ducts is determined by the size of your air duct system and the extent of contamination. On average, homeowners spend between $265 and $471, with $352 being the national average.

Did you know that cleaning your ducts and vents can help airflow and increase energy efficiency? According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), keeping your air ducts and vents clear can increase energy efficiency and indoor air quality. While the cost to clean ducts and vents might sound high, the benefits to homeowners?especially those sensitive to allergens?is worth considering.

When looking to have your ducts cleaned, or any other part of your home, for any reason, give SERVPRO^® of Stoneham/ Wakefield a call (781-245-0011)! We are here to help you make it "Like it never even happened."

Emergency Fire Tips

9/4/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Stoneham/ Wakefield will work neatly and efficiently to help you regain control of your property when a damaging event has taken over

The first 48 hours after fire damage can make the difference between restoring versus replacing your property and personal belongings. SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield can help prevent fire damage from creating long-term problems. We provide timely response with mitigation services ranging from fire, smoke and soot removal to contents claims inventory and document restoration. These services help ensure your property, belongings and memories are restored to preloss condition when possible.

• Limit movement to prevent further damage
• Place clean towels or old linens on carpeted traffic areas to prevent more soiling
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open
• Clean and protect chrome on kitchen and bathroom faucets and appliances with light coating of petroleum jelly
• Don’t attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting SERVPRO^®
• Don’t attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture without first consulting SERVPRO^®
• Don’t attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire or water damage without consulting a repair service.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpet
• Do not send clothing to a dry cleaner since improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

So before you risk doing further damage by attempting to clean up the damage yourself, call the fire damage cleanup and restoration professionals at (781) 245-0011. SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield has worked for over 40 years to help make fire damage “Like it never even happened."

Wildfire Tips

9/4/2018 (Permalink)

Wildfires can occur at any time throughout the year, but the potential is always higher during periods with little or no rainfall.

A wildfire can occur anywhere-in fact, in 2014, wildfire occurrences were  recorded in all 50 states. What is a wildfire? It is an unplanned, unwanted fire burning in a natural area, such as a forest, grassland, or prairie. A wildfire can destroy homes, businesses, agriculture, and damage natural resources while threatening the safety of the public and the firefighters who protect our forests and communities.  Wildfires can occur at any time throughout the year, but the potential is always higher during periods with little or no rainfall, which make brush, grass, and trees dry and burn more easily. High winds can also contribute to spreading the fire.

If you live or work in an area prone to wildfires, consider the following safety tips to help prevent the spread of wildfire.

Wildfire Safety Tips

• Clear leaves and other debris from gutters, eaves, porches and decks. Remove dead  vegetation from under your deck and within 10  feet  of the  house.  This  prevents  embers from igniting your home.
• Remove anything stored underneath decks or porches. Screen or box-in areas below patios and decks with wire mesh to  prevent debris from accumulating.
• Ensure flammable materials (firewood stacks, propane tanks, dry vegetation) are more than 30 feet from your home or business's foundation and outbuildings.
• Wildfire can spread to tree tops. If you have trees on your property, prune so the lowest branches are 6 to 10 feet from the ground.
• Keep your lawn hydrated and maintained. If it is brown, cut it down to reduce fire intensity. Dry grass and shrubs are fuel for wildfire.

How to Prevent Attic Fires

9/4/2018 (Permalink)

Attic Fires

Did you know that more than 40% of attic fires are the result of electrical malfunctions?

So how do we help prevent an attic fire? Here are three things firefighters suggest you hire have a professional to do:

1. Have your chimney inspected by a professional who will check the interior and exterior of the chimney, including the part running through the attic

1. Check the wiring in your attic, preferably by an electrician, looking for signs of damage, cracked insulation (wire sheathing), and exposed or disconnected wires

1. Look for signs of burning and charring in the insulation and wood

A common mistake is that everybody typically plugs in their space heaters to help supplement their heat. And then, they'll put them on a long extension cord so that they are able to reach areas with less heat. So, the longer the extension cord is, the more ampage it will draw on the circuit.

Another common fire hazard is that homeowners choose voltage incandescent light bulbs in ceiling fixtures that is a higher voltage than required is also afire hazard. That heat that is trapped within the light fixture goes straight up into the attic and in the wires and essentially cook the wires, starting a fire.

Common Causes of Wildfires

5/12/2018 (Permalink)

A wildfire is the potentially deadly catalyst that starts as an uncontrolled fire in a large undeveloped and un-populated area. If the response to these fires is not timely they can quickly get out of control and end up destroying homes and agriculture and killing animals and human life in their path. As many as 90 percent of wildfires in the United States are caused by human carelessness or criminal intent. An unattended campfire, the burning of debris, negligently discarded cigarettes as well as intentional acts of arson are some of the ways that people cause tragedy. Wildfires can also be caused by an accumulation of dead matter (leaves, twigs, and trees) that create enough heat in some instances to spontaneously combust and ignite the surrounding area. Man-made combustion from arson, carelessness and lack of fire safety cause wildfire disasters every year. However, weather conditions contribute to the occurrence of wildfires as well. Lightning strikes or extended dry spells causing drought are weather related agitators. Lightning strikes the earth over 100,000 times a day and 10% to 20% of these lightning strikes can cause fire. An average of 1.2 million acres of US woodland burn every year. And sadly a large wildfire is even capable of modifying the local weather conditions and producing its own weather.

Summer is coming and many of us will be camping in the woods. We have known Smokey the Bear all our lives and have the responsibility to share his critical message with the next generation of campers. I love the commercial where Smokey comes out of the woods and gives a young camper a hug for carefully putting out his campfire. You can't help but smile. The message is stated subtly but is a good reminder of the detailed instructions Smokey has provided for years on how together we can prevent forest fires. As Smokey advises,keep campfires at a manageable size, allow wood to burn to ash completely, and pour a substantial amount of water on all embers until hissing sound stops. If you do not have water, stir up the dirt or sand into the embers with a shovel and bury the fire making absolutely sure no embers are exposed and still smoldering. One last word of caution from the Bear who knows,“If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.”

What to do if you suffer from a Fire Loss

5/1/2018 (Permalink)

What Can Someone Do When They Experience a Fire Loss?

Getting life back to normal when someone’s home or business has been affected by fire damage is extremely stressful. An individual may experience emotional as well as financial hardship. Loss of valuables and family keepsakes may leave a person feeling helpless. Fire in their home or a fire in their business is a terrible site for an owner to encounter.

The property owner experiencing the fire loss may find it necessary to seek help from a professional fire cleanup company. The owner may not be able to enter the property when faced with a fire in their home or a fire in their business. The strong odors from smoke damage can be harmful to their health. 

What Types of Damages Can a Fire in a Home or a Fire in a Business Cause?

Coming up against a fire in the home may become an extremely difficult situation. Types of damages an owner can expect include soot damage, smoke damage, and the air quality in the home is affected. Overall a fire loss can be an upsetting -as well as costly- experience. 

Soot damage on rugs, upholstery, and curtains may be more costly to clean. In some cases, it may be easier to replace these items. Air quality may not improve until fire cleanup begins, and odors from smoke damage are removed. Fire damage to a home or business can seem like a nightmare.

Known Dangers of Commercial Fire Damage

All fires to any structure can be dangerous. A fire in a business can spread quickly to nearby areas. Commercial fire damage may involve dangerous gasses leaking and even explosives depending on the type of business in place. If not handled quickly a commercial fire damage can result in a long-term loss. Certain substances, like combustible metals often in industrial locations can emit undesirable chemicals making the air quality problematic. 

Dealing with the aftermath of a fire in the business property can also put a dent on the finances for an owner. Especially when they solely rely on income produced from their business. 

Not only can a commercial fire damage result in the destruction of items they have invested on, but also dealing with the repairs can be extremely costly. Heavy soot damage on clothing in retail shops, for instance, cannot be sold and is a complete loss to the owners. 

Certain types of commercial fire damage may be compensated by an insurance company to help owners recover from a fire loss, however, it will likely not happen as quickly as they would like. The same can be said for homeowners that need to recover from the effects of a fire in their home. Beginning the fire cleanup process is imperative to prevent further destruction from fire damage. 

What Does a Fire Cleanup Professional Do?

Fire cleanup professionals provide a variety of services to those that have experienced a fire loss. They have the equipment to clean areas affected by soot damage, and machines that improve air quality by eliminating pervasive odors due to smoke damage. Fire damage can go beyond what a home or business owner may see. 

Visual inspection can show the soot damage around the structure, and the odors from smoke damage will affect the air quality, and the odors can linger on. An important step taken by a fire damage restoration company is to inspect behind walls and under flooring for additional fire damage. Working with a trusted company can help owners get their life back in order.

SERVPRO of Stoneham / Wakefield is here to help! For more information, please contact us at (781) 245-0011.

Fire Damage Emergency Tips

3/23/2018 (Permalink)

What you can do until help arrives

After any fire damage situation, your primary focus should be safety:

• Is it safe to stay in the house?
• Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
• Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
• Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!

Have A Fire or Smoke Damage Emergency? 
Call 781-939-6990

What To Do After A Fire

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
• Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
• Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
• Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
• Change HVAC filter.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

What NOT To Do After A Fire

• Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting your SERVPRO Franchise Professional.
• Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
• Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
• Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

Fire Damage - Emergency Ready Profile

9/29/2017 (Permalink)

A fire in your home or business is nothing you ever planned on.  But it is something you can plan for by calling on the fire and water, cleanup and restoration specialist at SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield at 781-245-0011. That’s where you’ll find a team of professionals who are committed to helping you develop a plan to make sure you’re ready for whatever happens.   With an Emergency Ready Profile from SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield you’ll take confidence in knowing that when the things that matter most are on the line they will be too because you can’t keep fire damage from taking control of your home or business.  But with an Emergency Ready Profile, you can make sure it doesn’t take control of your life.  So before fire or water damage strikes, make sure you’re ready for whatever happens with SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield at 781-245-8222.  Helping make fire and water damage “Like it never even happened”.

Fire Prevention Week

9/28/2017 (Permalink)

he National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) holds their Fire Prevention Week activities in October; this year it’s October 8th-14th.

SERVPRO is proud to announce our sponsorship and participation during this time. Our local fire fighters visit children at school and hold open houses. The kids enjoy these visits and learn the basics of fire prevention.

SERVPRO has provided fire safety coloring books and crayons to the communities of North Reading, Wilmington, Winchester and Stoneham. The fire fighters will distribute these gifts during their visits. It’s a fun way to support our local fire fighters and give back to the community.

In winter, we see an increased risk for household fires. Below are four of the top six causes of fires. Notice the presence of danger increases in winter, due to an increase of usage in these categories:

• Candles 
• Cooking 
• Electrical 
• Heating 

In the spirit of fire prevention, we’d like to remind you to:

• Replace smoke detector batteries.
• Replace smoke alarms every 10 years.
• Have an escape plan and meeting place.
• Space heaters need adequate space around them. Don’t place objects to close.
• Thoroughly clean your dryer of lint.
• Never use a candle if an oxygen tank is used in the home.

Smoke Alarms

9/28/2017 (Permalink)

Smoke alarms save lives. Smoke alarms that are properly installed and maintained play a vital role in reducing fire deaths and injuries. If there is a fire in your home, smoke spreads fast and you need smoke alarms to give you time to get out. 

Here's what you need to know!

• A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home. 
• Smoke alarms should be interconnected. When one sounds, they all sound. 
• Large homes may need extra smoke alarms.
• Test your smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
• There are two kinds of alarms. Ionization smoke alarms are quicker to warn about flaming fires. Photoelectric alarms are quicker to warn about smoldering fires. It is best to use of both types of alarms in the home.
• When a smoke alarm sounds, get outside and stay outside.
• Replace all smoke alarms in your home every 10 years.
• More about installation and maintenance of home smoke alarms.

Fire Damage in Home

9/11/2017 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield we understand how badly some fires can affect our customers. Not only do they do damage to the homes and businesses to so many individuals but they also cause a tremendous amount of stress.  We are here to alleviate that stress and restore your home back to the way it once was prior to damage.  This job classifies as fire damage as you can see the amount of debris on the floor when looking at the picture. Our crew went in with the proper tools to get rid of all the garbage and debris the fire left behind to make this house look like a home again. Our customer was very happy with the level of professionalism we provided. It’s easy to get worked up when something like this happens to you but don’t worry SERVPRO is #heretohelp.

Emergency Fire Tips for Homeowners and Business Owners

9/8/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefiled will work neatly and efficiently to help you regain control of your property when a damaging event has taken over.

The first 48 hours after fire damage can make the difference between restoring versus replacing your property and personal belongings. SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield can help prevent fire damage from creating long-term problems. We provide timely response with mitigation services ranging from fire, smoke and soot removal to contents claims inventory and document restoration. These services help ensure your property, belongings and memories are restored to preloss condition when possible.

• Limit movement to prevent further damage
• Place clean towels or old linens on carpeted traffic areas to prevent more soiling
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open
• Clean and protect chrome on kitchen and bathroom faucets and appliances with light coating of petroleum jelly
• Don’t attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting SERVPRO^®
• Don’t attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture without first consulting SERVPRO^®
• Don’t attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire or water damage without consulting a repair service.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpet
• Do not send clothing to a dry cleaner since improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

So before you risk doing further damage by attempting to clean up the damage yourself, call the fire damage cleanup and restoration professionals at (781245-0011. SERVPRO of Stoneham/ Wakefield has worked for over 40 years to help make fire damage “Like it never even happened.

5 Wildfire Safety Tips

9/8/2017 (Permalink)

Wildfires can occur at any time throughout the year, but the potential is always higher during periods with little or no rainfall

A wildfire can occur anywhere-in fact, in 2014, wildfire occurrences were  recorded in all 50 states. What is a wildfire? It is an unplanned, unwanted fire burning in a natural area, such as a forest, grassland, or prairie. A wildfire can destroy homes, businesses, agriculture, and damage natural resources while threatening the safety of the public and the firefighters who protect our forests and communities.  Wildfires can occur at any time throughout the year, but the potential is always higher during periods with little or no rainfall, which make brush, grass, and trees dry and burn more easily. High winds can also contribute to spreading the fire.

If you live or work in an area prone to wildfires, consider the following safety tips to help prevent the spread of wildfire.

Wildfire Safety Tips

• Clear leaves and other debris from gutters, eaves, porches and decks. Remove dead  vegetation from under your deck and within 10  feet  of the  house.  This  prevents  embers from igniting your home.
• Remove anything stored underneath decks or porches. Screen or box-in areas below patios and decks with wire mesh to  prevent debris from accumulating.
• Ensure flammable materials (firewood stacks, propane tanks, dry vegetation) are more than 30 feet from your home or business's foundation and outbuildings.
• Wildfire can spread to tree tops. If you have trees on your property, prune so the lowest branches are 6 to 10 feet from the ground.
• Keep your lawn hydrated and maintained. If it is brown, cut it down to reduce fire intensity. Dry grass and shrubs are fuel for wildfire.

How To Prevent Attic Fires

9/8/2017 (Permalink)

How to Prevent Attic Fires

Did you know that more than 40% of attic fires are the result of electrical malfunctions?

So how do we help prevent an attic fire? Here are three things firefighters suggest you hire have a professional to do:

1. Have your chimney inspected by a professional who will check the interior and exterior of the chimney, including the part running through the attic

1. Check the wiring in your attic, preferably by an electrician, looking for signs of damage, cracked insulation (wire sheathing), and exposed or disconnected wires

1. Look for signs of burning and charring in the insulation and wood

A common mistake is that everybody typically plugs in their space heaters to help supplement their heat. And then, they'll put them on a long extension cord so that they are able to reach areas with less heat. So, the longer the extension cord is, the more ampage it will draw on the circuit.

Another common fire hazard is that homeowners choose voltage incandescent light bulbs in ceiling fixtures that is a higher voltage than required is also afire hazard. That heat that is trapped within the light fixture goes straight up into the attic and in the wires and essentially cook the wires, starting a fire.

What Can Someone Do When They Experience a Fire Loss?

5/11/2017 (Permalink)

What Can Someone Do When They Experience a Fire Loss?

Getting life back to normal when someone’s home or business has been affected by fire damage is extremely stressful. An individual may experience emotional as well as financial hardship. Loss of valuables and family keepsakes may leave a person feeling helpless. Fire in their home or a fire in their business is a terrible site for an owner to encounter.

The property owner experiencing the fire loss may find it necessary to seek help from a professional fire cleanup company. The owner may not be able to enter the property when faced with a fire in their home or a fire in their business. The strong odors from smoke damage can be harmful to their health.

What Types of Damages Can a Fire in a Home or a Fire in a Business Cause?

Coming up against a fire in the home may become an extremely difficult situation. Types of damages an owner can expect include soot damage, smoke damage, and the air quality in the home is affected. Overall a fire loss can be an upsetting -as well as costly- experience.

Soot damage on rugs, upholstery, and curtains may be more costly to clean. In some cases, it may be easier to replace these items. Air quality may not improve until fire cleanup begins, and odors from smoke damage are removed. Fire damage to a home or business can seem like a nightmare.

Known Dangers of Commercial Fire Damage

All fires to any structure can be dangerous. A fire in a business can spread quickly to nearby areas. Commercial fire damage may involve dangerous gasses leaking and even explosives depending on the type of business in place. If not handled quickly a commercial fire damage can result in a long-term loss. Certain substances, like combustible metals often in industrial locations can emit undesirable chemicals making the air quality problematic.

Dealing with the aftermath of a fire in the business property can also put a dent on the finances for an owner. Especially when they solely rely on income produced from their business.

Not only can a commercial fire damage result in the destruction of items they have invested on, but also dealing with the repairs can be extremely costly. Heavy soot damage on clothing in retail shops, for instance, cannot be sold and is a complete loss to the owners.

Certain types of commercial fire damage may be compensated by an insurance company to help owners recover from a fire loss, however, it will likely not happen as quickly as they would like. The same can be said for homeowners that need to recover from the effects of a fire in their home. Beginning the fire cleanup process is imperative to prevent further destruction from fire damage.

What Does a Fire Cleanup Professional Do?

Fire cleanup professionals provide a variety of services to those that have experienced a fire loss. They have the equipment to clean areas affected by soot damage, and machines that improve air quality by eliminating pervasive odors due to smoke damage. Fire damage can go beyond what a home or business owner may see.

Visual inspection can show the soot damage around the structure, and the odors from smoke damage will affect the air quality, and the odors can linger on. An important step taken by a fire damage restoration company is to inspect behind walls and under flooring for additional fire damage. Working with a trusted company can help owners get their life back in order.

SERVPRO of Burlington/ Woburn is here to help! For more information, please visit our website at www.servrpoburlingtonwoburn.com or call (781) 935-8222.

Common Causes of Wildfires

5/11/2017 (Permalink)

 A wildfire is the potentially deadly catalyst that starts as an uncontrolled fire in a large undeveloped and un-populated area. If the response to these fires is not timely they can quickly get out of control and end up destroying homes and agriculture and killing animals and human life in their path. As many as 90 percent of wildland fires in the United States are caused by human carelessness or criminal intent. An unattended campfire, the burning of debris, negligently discarded cigarettes as well as intentional acts of arson are some of the ways that people cause tragedy. Wildfires can also be caused by an accumulation of dead matter (leaves, twigs, and trees) that create enough heat in some instances to spontaneously combust and ignite the surrounding area. Man-made combustion from arson, carelessness and lack of fire safety cause wildfire disasters every year. However, weather conditions contribute to the occurrence of wildfires as well. Lightning strikes or extended dry spells causing drought are weather related agitators. Lightning strikes the earth over 100,000 times a day and 10 to 20% of these lightning strikes can cause fire.  An average of 1.2 million acres of US woodland burn every year. And sadly a large wildfire is even capable of modifying the local weather conditions and producing its own weather.

     Summer is coming and many of us will be camping in the woods. We have known Smokey the Bear all our lives and have the responsibility to share his critical message with the next generation of campers. I love the commercial where Smokey comes out of the woods and gives a young camper a hug for carefully putting out his campfire. You can't help but smile. The message is stated subtly but is a good reminder of the detailed instructions Smokey has provided for years on how together we can prevent foret fires. As Smokey advises, keep campfires at a managemable size, allow wood to burn to ash completely, and pour a substantial amount of water on all embers until hissing sound stops.  If you do not have water, stir up the dirt or sand into the embers with a shovel and bury the fire making absolutely sure no embers are exposed and still smoldering. One last word of caution from the Bear who knows, “If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.”

Fire Warning

8/31/2016 (Permalink)

FIRE!

We all know that we’re in the middle of one of the worst local droughts on record. This blog is just a friendly reminder to be extra careful.

I’m sure you’re all familiar with Smokey the Bear and his fire danger meter. One fire fighter told me that it’s at “Extreme” right now. That’s as high as you can get, and it’s rare in this area.

 Your town may have ordinances (temporary or otherwise) against outdoor fires. Check with your local authorities.

http://www.mass.gov/eopss/agencies/dfs/ (The “dfs” stands for Department of Fire Services)

Even some camp grounds in New England have a temporary moratorium on fires. Check locally about that as well.

There is so much more to say about fire safety. October 9-15 is national fire prevention week and we’ll have more then. In the meantime feel free to check out the following sites.

http://www.nfpa.org/public-education/resources/safety-tip-sheets

http://www.nfpa.org/public-education/campaigns/fire-prevention-week