Fire and Smoke Restoration Service

4/11/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Delray Beach is here to help remediate disasters caused by fire.  Whether you’re dealing with a home or office fire, we can help.  Our goal is to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Disasters are upsetting for everyone involved.

• Focus on the positive
• Recognize your own feelings
• Realize that emotional recovery can take time
• Call SERVPRO of Delray Beach: 561-272-5180

SERVPRO of Delray Beach has the IICRC certified skills to provide restoration services in compliance with globally recognized standards. Our specialty is extracting water left over from extinguishing fires. Our skilled crew will evaluate the extent of the fire's damage and take care of the cleanup and restoration of the damaged areas. Our expert team will thoroughly clean your home, removing soot from the walls, rugs, and furniture. We will also take care of clearing smoke and eliminating smoke smells.  We thoroughly document all damages, take numerous photos, and work with your insurance to give you complete peace of mind throughout the restoration process. 

Fire Safety Tips for Your Family

4/26/2023 (Permalink)

According to the American Red Cross, if there is a fire in your home, you may have as few as two minutes to escape. Two minutes sounds like an impossibly small amount of time. However, through fire safety techniques such as prevention, preparedness, and practice, you can keep your family safe. Use the following tips to minimize fire damage to your loved ones and your home.

Fire Prevention

Effective fire prevention measures minimize the risk of fire damage to your home. These are things you can do before a home fire is even a threat.

• Equip your house with smoke alarms on every floor, and both inside of and outside of wherever people sleep.
• Test smoke alarms monthly. Replace batteries when needed.
• When cooking, keep fire safety at the forefront of your mind. Cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries.
  • Never use the oven or the stove in an impaired state.
  • Keep children away from hot ovens.
  • Always stay in the kitchen when frying, boiling, broiling, and grilling food.
  • Keep flammable items away from the stovetop.
• Never leave portable heaters, space heaters, fireplaces, candles, etc. unattended. Keep flammable items at least three feet from these types of heating devices. Children and pets should be kept away from space heaters.
• No smoking in the home.
• Keep an eye out for damaged or frayed electrical cords and wires. Replace these types of fire hazards to minimize fire damage to your home.
• Matches and other fire starters should be kept in a locked cabinet away from children.

Fire Preparedness

Many home fires are preventable. Still, accidents happen. When fire prevention strategies fail, ensure you and your family are prepared to deal with a potential fire.

• Install fire extinguishers in your home. Contact the local fire department for training on how to use the fire extinguisher. Use proper fire extinguisher protocol and do not delay in calling 911.
• All fire safety measures call for a fire escape plan. Create a home fire escape plan with your family. Ensure all family members know what to do and can escape within two minutes. Include animals in the plan.
• Have a designated meeting place outside of your home once all family members have escaped.
• In the case of a fire, get out of the home and stay out of the home!
• Part of the fire safety plan should be to teach children how to get out of the house on their own, in the event an adult is unable to get to them. Tell children that they should never hide in an emergency fire situation.
• Once everyone is in a safe place outside of the home, call 911.

Fire Practice

Establish your family’s fire safety plan and be certain that everyone practices at least twice per year. Practice during the day and during the night to adequately prepare for any emergency fire situation.

• Educate all family members in fire safety protocol.
• Ensure your family knows about the fire escape plan. Go over the plan with younger family members in an age-appropriate manner.
• Practice the fire escape plan at least twice per year. Test the speed with which family members evacuate the home. Try to move at a quicker pace with each drill.
• Instruct children when to stop, drop, and roll, and to low crawl.
• Reiterate the importance of remaining calm in an emergency situation. The adults should set a positive example for a deliberate, practiced, composed escape from the situation.

Fire damage can be a catastrophic event. Fires destroy homes and lives. The best way to protect your family and your home is to be prepared. Institute fire safety precautions and have a plan in place should the precautions fail. As always, call on the fire damage experts at SERVPRO of Delray Beach for all of your fire and smoke cleanup needs.

4 Reasons Why Your Fire Alarm Will Not Stop Beeping

7/26/2022 (Permalink)

Your Fire Alarm Won't Stop Beeping

If you live in Delray Beach, FL and your fire alarm keeps beeping, you might be wondering what is going on with it. The alarm is not going off like it would when there is a fire, and you see no signs of smoke damage or that you will need a fire damage specialist. So, what is going on? It sounds like your alarm is malfunctioning. Here are four reasons why your alarm will not stop beeping.

1. Batteries

Batteries do not last forever and when they get low in your alarm, it will begin to beep. If the batteries have not been changed in more than six months, try putting in some fresh batteries to see if that resolves the problem. To change the batteries, take the cover off with a screwdriver, remove the old battery, and then put in a new one. Put the alarm back together and test it to see if it is working properly now.

2. Dust

Dust in your alarm can make it faulty. Check it periodically to give it a good cleaning to make sure it can do its job when needed. You do not want dust to clog up your device and cause it to malfunction during a real fire emergency.

3. Past Its Prime

Alarms are not built to last forever. If yours is more than 10 years old, it is time to get a new one.

4. Bugs

Small bugs can easily get into your fire alarm and cause it not to work properly. Open your alarm and look through it to make sure there are no bugs inside. If there are, remove them and close the alarm back up.

A beeping fire alarm can be a worrisome concern. However, beeping does not always mean there is a fire. Beeping can also be caused by old batteries, dust, an old alarm, and bugs.

After a Home Fire Remediate Fire and Water Damage

6/1/2022 (Permalink)

Repairing Fire And Water Damage After A House Fire

Once the fire department stops the blaze, homeowners in Delray Shores, FL, are left with the daunting task of repairing the fire damage. First thoughts likely revolve around fixing the charred walls and smoky odor; much of the property's trouble, though, could actually stem from water damage. In fact, a fire restoration company must attend to the moisture issues first before eliminating the ash. Here are three things to understand about tending to the premise's destruction.

1. Why Is Water Troublesome?

To eliminate the flames, the fire crew used hoses and tons of water. At the time, it was absolutely necessary in order to minimize the home's harm. Water damage, however, can cause issues such as rot, mildew and mold. The fluid soaks into porous materials, and it doesn't dry up easily. This humidity can trigger fungal spore growth.

To avoid this complication, experts assess the structure and begin to dry it out immediately. They run dehumidifiers around the clock, use moisture readers to ensure appropriate levels are reached and extract drenched materials that cannot be salvaged.

2. What Do Teams Do About the Ash?

With mold spread under control, the specialists tend to the fire damage. Using highly specialized equipment, ash and soot are removed from surfaces, including ceilings, walls and floors. The entire vicinity is washed and then sanitized. Content cleaning crews assess and salvage personal belongings and electronics as well. It may seem lost, but it's possible, with the right techniques, it's okay to keep.

3. How Is Odor Eliminated?

The fire hose took out the conflagration, but it didn't remove the unpleasant aroma. Opening windows may provide some relief, but it's hard to handle this stench on your own. Remediation employees investigate the source of the smell and use sophisticated technology to eradicate it from the residence.

Fire damage alone is a lot to handle, but it's essential for homeowners to realize that water damage is pivotal too. To get the home back in order, residents should care for both issues.

Why You Need Business Interruption Coverage

5/11/2022 (Permalink)

Why Is Business Interruption Insurance Necessary?

Flames, smoke and soot can wreak havoc on a building. If your commercial property in Delray Beach, FL, is damaged in a fire, your company's income may take a hit. After all, it's hard to do business if you don't have a place to operate. Interruption insurance helps you by compensating for the income lost as the result of a covered peril.

Income Loss Covered by Interruption Insurance

The main thing business interruption coverage ensures is that your company can continue to run even while fire damage remediation experts repair your building. It allows you to keep up with your monthly expenses:

• Payroll
  
• Loan payments
  
• Utilities
  
• Inventory
  
  

While interruption insurance policies do typically have a coverage limit, they may continue to pay for a little while after you move back into the building when the restoration is complete. This usually occurs when your business is forced to go on hiatus during repairs, as it allows for you to get it up and running again.

Extra Expenses Paid by Business Interruption Policy

Sometimes, there are additional expenses that come up when your building has significant smoke and soot damage. For example, if you have to relocate your whole operation while the fire restoration process is underway, you need money to pay for the temporary space. Keeping customers happy may also require a change in your shipping costs or an answering service to take messages while your staff is away from your building.

Depending on how many facets of your business you need to move or adapt, the expenses that you incur after a fire can be daunting. With an adequate interruption insurance policy in place, though, you should still be able to cover your basic expenses to stay afloat. Even a temporary relocation shouldn't affect your bottom line in the long run.

What Do You Need To Make a Fire Claim?

2/10/2022 (Permalink)

What Are The Requirements For Filing A Fire Claim?

Accidental fires are covered perils in most homeowners insurance policies. It is not difficult to file a claim to cover fire restoration costs, which can cost up to $40,000. Here are three things that can streamline the filing process.

1. Homeowners Insurance Coverage

It is only possible to file a claim if a residence is currently covered by a homeowners insurance policy. It is advisable to review the policy and check limits prior to making a claim. If a fire only resulted in minor damage, it may be worth paying out of pocket to avoid a premium hike. Determine whether you want to file a claim prior to notifying an insurer about damage. Some companies require agents to report any information they receive.

2. Proof of Damage

An adjuster will need to see evidence of damage. Take plenty of photos or record videos before taking any steps toward mitigation. Try not to touch anything and spread out towels or sheets over the path you plan to take to avoid grinding soot into flooring. It can be helpful to provide footage of the same parts of a home prior to the fire. Adjusters will also make a home visit to inspect damage firsthand.

3. A Fire Restoration Estimate

An estimate of restoration costs is another helpful piece of information. Insurance companies prefer to work with certified restoration professionals who have extensive experience. An all-in-one damage mitigation and restoration company may be able to provide a more complete estimate including fire and smoke cleaning as well as rebuilding.

Insurance may be more likely to cover fire restoration if a homeowner thoroughly documents damage and pursues timely mitigation. Contact a damage mitigation company that provides board-up services to limit losses and secondary damage. All of these measures can make it easier to file a fire insurance claim for a residence in Delray Beach, FL

Do I Need Business Interruption Insurance?

1/10/2022 (Permalink)

Is Business Interruption Insurance Required?

While the physical damage of a business fire is bad, the impact of interrupted business can be crippling. Clients can be lost, competitors can gain an edge, and income decimated. Fortunately, there are fail safes to keep Highland Beach, FL, business owners from going under after a fire accident. Learn how business interruption insurance can help you remain solvent after a fire catastrophe.

Do I Need Business Interruption Insurance?

Nobody expects a fire, so investing in this type of insurance can seem like a pointless expense. But you could truly benefit from this insurance if you:

• Operate a food establishment with cooking appliances
• Derive more than half of your monthly income from your business
• Have high staff overhead

What Is It?

BI insurance, also known as business income insurance, is simply insurance to cover income lost if your building is in a disaster. It typically covers the income loss associated with closing entirely or not running the business during fire cleaning. Unlike property insurance, which only covers physical damage, this insurance is mean to keep your business afloat by covering fiscal damage.

How Do I Get It?

Unlike standard property insurance, this type of coverage is not a standalone policy. Rather it’s an add on and can be tailored to fit your specific needs. This can cover profits as well as:

• Fixed costs
  
• Temporary relocation
  
• Extra expenses

Getting a policy is as simple as letting your property insurer know your interest and adding it on based on your typical income and expenses.

How Much Do I Need?

When choosing a policy, don’t shortchange yourself. Plan for expenses covering more than a few days as it can take quite a while for your business to get back on track.

Commercial fires can be destructive, but they don’t have to destroy your hard work. Look into business interruption insurance so you’ll be secure while fire remediation is taking place.

What To Know About Renter’s Insurance and Fire Coverage

12/1/2021 (Permalink)

What You Need To Know About Fire And Renter's Insurance.

If you’re a renter and your home in Delray Beach, FL, is damaged by fire, you need to understand that the value of your personal belongings is not protected by the insurance coverage your landlord holds. Your landlord’s insurance takes care of structural damage. What can you do to recover the value of your personal belongings? Consider renter’s insurance. Each policy is different so here are some coverage types you want to know about before you call an agent.

Coverage Considerations.

Insurance policies may encompass different types of coverage. Here are some common features of these plans:

• Loss of Use. This piece of the policy can help you pay for a place to stay if your rental abode is damaged.
• Liability. This is a common feature of most renter’s insurance policies and is important to protect you from financial destitution in the case that you or your family may have accidently started the fire.
• Medical Payments to Others. These are usually smaller payments for minor, no-fault injuries, but are still an important part of coverage.

Make sure you discuss these with your agent and decide what selections are right for you.

Item Valuation.

Another important detail to check is if your plan covers replacement costs or cash value for items with fire damage. You don’t really want a policy that will only pay you cash value. That means that your belongings are depreciated and have a lesser value. This makes sense that the television you’ve had for ten years may only fetch a few bucks, but if you need to replace a TV damaged by fire, you would certainly have to pay more than that.

Recovery.

If a fire does strike, a renter’s insurance policy can help protect you financially by helping with injuries, money for a place to live temporarily and replacement of your belongings. You may also benefit from calling a professional for damage assessment to see if any of your personal items may be recoverable. Professionals specialize in fire restoration and may be able to clean smoke or soot from your personal items.

3 Tips To Make Your Grill a Safe Grill

10/26/2021 (Permalink)

3 Tips For Keeping Your Grill Safe

Grilling season is almost upon Delray Beach, FL, and proper grill maintenance is often key to preventing a grease fire. Grill cleaning can be an important safety measure, so here are some tips to keep your grill in top shape.

1. Understand Grill Maintenance Basics

There are usually several steps to cleaning your grill after use that apply no matter what type of grill you have. First, cook off food debris by heating the grill for 15 minutes. Once cooled, scrub the grates with a long-handled wire brush, though balled up aluminum foil may work in a pinch. Wipe vegetable oil on the grates with paper towels to prevent rust and food accumulation. Finally, clean the inside of the grill with dish soap and warm water.

2. Take Extra Steps, Pre and Post Season

Besides grill cleaning after each use, there are a few things you should do each year before you grill for the first time and at the end of the season. One of them is to get a new wire brush each year. Be sure to clean the inside and outside of your grill with dish soap and water and use a grill cover when you store it.

3. Know How To Clean Gas and Charcoal Grills

Gas grills have heat deflectors over the burners that should be cleaned with other removable grill parts. The burners can be removed to clean the gas ports. Blocked gas ports can affect the efficiency of your grill.

Charcoal grills are often a bit simpler with regards to cleaning. After each use, remove the briquettes and brush out the ash. Otherwise, clean it with dish soap and warm water like you would clean a gas grill.

Backyard cookouts are a fun tradition in Delray Beach, FL, and grill cleaning should be an essential task to prevent fires. Enjoy your steaks knowing that your grill is clean and safe.

3 Things Every Homeowner Should Know About Fire Extinguishers

8/9/2021 (Permalink)

Three Valuable Things About These Tools

A home fire is possibly the worst nightmare of many homeowners and families. Fire restoration companies in Highland Beach, FL, spend time every year educating the public and assessing properties for fire prevention. Unfortunately, one of the most vital tools in any family's fire prevention arsenal is mostly misunderstood. When is the last time you used a fire extinguisher or even looked at one? Every homeowner should understand at least three things about these valuable tools.

1. Class
2. Size
3. Use
   
   

Class
A significant aspect of fire preparedness is understanding the classifications of extinguishers. The tool is often broken into three categories: A, B, and C. Class A extinguishers are used for wood, paper, or trash fires; Class B for grease or liquid; and Class C for electrical fires. Some extinguishers have a number preceding the letter, indicating the efficiency of the tool. For example, a 4-A extinguisher is more effective than a 3- or 2-A.

Size
You can purchase a fire extinguisher in several weights or sizes. 2-pounds or smaller are great for portable options and some are disposable. 5-pound extinguishers are often rechargeable, and people are encouraged to have one mounted in the kitchen and laundry. 10-pound models are the largest available, and many experts recommend this size for workshops or garages.

Use
Having the extinguisher in your home is only part of the preparation; you also need to know how to use it. PASS is a simple acronym to teach you how to use the extinguisher. You pull the safety pin, aim the nozzle, squeeze the trigger, and sweep the flame source with the extinguisher substance.
Every home needs a fire extinguisher or some form of fire prevention. While the fear of a fire may not dissipate, homeowners can rest assured that they are taking every precaution necessary. Contact your local fire mitigation specialist to discuss your concerns and assess your property.

Safety Tips for Grilling Season

7/27/2021 (Permalink)

Grilling Safety Tips

Nothing says backyard fun like firing up the grill and cooking outdoors. Nothing puts a damper on that fun, however, as much as a grill fire. To keep the party going in Lake Ida, FL and the local fire department at bay, here are a few safety tips for grilling season.

1. Establish a Perimeter

An outdoor grill needs space to breathe. Anything that puts off that much heat should be kept at a respectable distance from both objects and people. Keep children and pets away from the grill any time it is in use. To avoid a BBQ fire when you open the lid, make sure there is plenty of space for it to vent. Fire restoration experts recommend that you not use the grill while it is under low-hanging eaves or branches of a nearby tree. You want to keep BBQ smoke damage off your house. Save the char for the steaks.

2. Monitor Flammable Substances

No matter what kind of grill you own, you likely have some substance, whether gas or charcoal lighting fluid, to get the fire started in the grill. To keep a manageable flame from turning into a full-fledged grill fire, you need to monitor these substances. If you smell gas when your propane grill is in use, don't ignore it. If necessary, call the fire department. Keep lighter fluid out of the reach of children.

3. Clean After Use

Built-up grease is a fire waiting to happen. Clean your grill after every use. A wire brush and water with a little dish soap is all it takes to ensure that your grill is clean and ready to store. Most grills have removable grates that make cleaning even easier. Just take them off, scrub them and rinse them with a garden hose.

Avoiding a grill fire is actually pretty easy. You only need to be mindful of your surroundings and make sure you don't let grease build up over time. By following these tips, you can have a safe and happy grilling season.

How to Handle the Aftermath of a Fire in Your Home

6/29/2021 (Permalink)

What Happens After House Fire

A house fire in Highland Beach, FL can leave you and your family scared and overwhelmed, but by keeping a few things in mind, you can get on the path to restoring your home life back to normal. While you may need to use caution and avoid entering your damaged home, there are steps that can be taken right away to start the fire restoration process.

Staying Safe

Even if it may look like the fire is completely gone, you should wait for the fire department to tell you it’s safe before entering your home. Fires can reignite and may still be present in the walls or attic. The fire, as well as the water used in putting it out, can damage and contaminate your utilities. They may be turned off by the fire department if they are unsafe for use. It can be best if you don’t try to turn them back on. You should also be careful not to touch any of your house’s contents right away.

Evaluating the Damage

One of the first things you can do after a fire is to contact your insurance company. They may ask you to evaluate the extent of the damage and give them a list of everything that was lost. Fire insurance can be helpful in paying for fire restoration services. Insurance may also help you replace or pay for items that were burned.

Hiring A Restoration Service

In the aftermath of a fire, few things are more helpful than hiring a restoration service. Having experts to help with tasks such as repairs and smoke cleaning can take a lot of stress off you. You can rest assured that a fire restoration company will probably be able to handle the damage much better than you would on your own.

Fires can leave your home damaged and burned, but there are things you can do to get it back to its previous state. That being said, your first priority should always be keeping yourself and your family safe.

The Importance of Smoke Odor Remediation After a Fire

4/1/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke Odor Remediation After A fire

The approximately 350,000 home fires that happen each year in the U.S. range from small fires to complete burndowns, but nearly all of them have one thing in common: the presence of smoke odors. As many homeowners know, getting rid of a pervasive smoke smell is not always easy. Home techniques and ordinary cleaning companies often do not utilize the proper equipment or methods. Professional smoke cleaning is often necessary. Experts identity persistent smells through testing and understand the science needed to remove odors without leaving a trace. A trained and certified fire restoration company in  Highland Beach, FL, will not take shortcuts or settle for temporary solutions to an odor problem.

Specialized Equipment for Smoke Damage
The right training and equipment are needed to tackle pervasive odors after a fire. An odor control technician has the following tools at his or her disposal:

• Air filtration devices
  
• Ozone machines
  
• Thermal foggers
  
• Industrial air scrubbers
  
• Effective cleaning and sanitizing agents
  
  

Some or all of these are used in professional smoke cleaning after a home fire. It is also important to match the optimal cleaning methods for any soiled fabrics or surfaces. For example, experienced technicians know that sending damaged garments out for ordinary dry cleaning can lock in smells and make them harder to eliminate.

Advanced Methods for Total Fire Remediation
The removal of soot damage and smoke odor from all surfaces is just one part of a comprehensive cleanup. Much effort is put into cleaning and repair of household items and structures after a fire. The final restoration process often includes repairs to drywall, painting and carpeting. After major fires, whole rooms might need to be reconstructed. It is crucial that everything in the home is restored to its best possible condition. Quality smoke cleaning makes sure that odors are eliminated and that homeowners can enjoy their homes with complete satisfaction.

The Effects of Lightning on Your Home

12/10/2020 (Permalink)

The Effects of Lightning on Your Home

In your average storm, lightning discharges thousands of times. It can strike trees, ground, buildings and homes. These bolts are powerful, unpredictable forces of nature that have the potential to cause a tremendous amount of damage. When it strikes your home, it can result in a lightning fire, electrical failure and shockwave damage if you don't have some form of suppression.

Fire Damage
Fire is by far the biggest threat this powerful form of electricity poses. The electrical current produced can pass through and burn materials such as:

• Wood
• Metal
• Drywall
• Wiring

These materials are easy to ignite, creating the perfect conditions for a house fire. If you have a fire inside your home, you will need to make sure it is safe again. To do this, call a fire damage remediation company in Delray Beach, FL.

Electrical Failure
Lightning can also cause a very powerful surge of electricity. This surge seeks to find its way to the ground and will follow any path that is conductive. It will damage wiring, electronics and anything else in its way. It easily melts the conduit and can certainly fry most appliances, including air conditioners, water heaters and refrigerators.
This form of electricity is so powerful that a direct strike can leave scorch marks on interior and exterior walls where it followed the home's electrical system. It can also cause a lightning fire when the wiring heats up.

Shockwave Damage
When a bolt strikes the ground, it creates a shockwave, which we hear in the form of thunder. When a structure is close enough to this shockwave, it can be very dangerous. The shockwaves can easily crack concrete, wood, cinderblock, stone and other materials. It has also been known to shatter windows, blow out walls, crack foundations and throw shrapnel.
Lightning fire, shockwaves and electrical surges are all very dangerous and damaging. Your home can be subjected to all three during a direct lightning strike. If you live in an area that storms frequently, you might want to find some form of electrical suppression.

5 Important Steps You Should Take After a Fire at Your Business

11/8/2020 (Permalink)

What Steps To Follow After A Fire In Your Business

Fire can be one of the most destructive forces to your business in Kings Point, FL, as it can damage property, inventory, and equipment in a single event. Even with adequate fire insurance, the aftermath can financially devastate your business. However, knowing what steps to follow after a loss can help mitigate the impact.

1. Contact Your Insurance Company
You should notify your insurance carrier about the loss as soon as reasonably possible. Initiating the claims process helps you anticipate the fire restoration process and alert you to additional requirements, such as securing the property from additional damage or theft.

2. Reach Out to Key Employees
Alert managers or other key personnel about the loss right away. They can help notify customers and staff of the interruption to operations and initiate your contingency plan to keep business moving while you deal with the fire damage.

3. Document the Loss
Once local authorities have given you permission to enter the affected area, survey the extent of the damage and take photos for your own reference. Ideally, your fire insurance company already has information about what was there before the loss, but gathering your own evidence can help with any errors or disputes down the line.

4. Salvage What You Can
The good news is that most fires are not a total loss, so there may be items you can reuse that can get your business running again. Although your insurance carrier will financially indemnify you for the loss, make sure crucial items like computer servers, physical files, or necessary machinery are put back into circulation as soon as possible.

5. Hire a Restoration Company
Cleaning up after a fire is an involved process. Besides the fire debris, you’ll also need help from a company that provides cleanup and restoration services to deal with water damage and smoke cleanup, which are sometimes worse than the fire itself.
Experiencing a fire at your business location can be devastating, but working with your fire insurance carrier and doing your part afterward can help get operations up and running again.

Why Do Smoke Alarms Suddenly Start Chirping at 2 A.M.?

9/23/2020 (Permalink)

A fire alarm is perhaps the single most cost-effective means of protecting your family in your home. However, they can have a comparatively minor downside: When the battery is low, they start making a chirping sound.
While it always seems like it begins in the middle of the night, it’s going to start happening any time the alarm detects a low battery. This noise means that your fire alarm is going to become ineffective at detecting fires soon — and it’s annoying on purpose!

Are Smoke Detectors Worth the Hassle?

Yes! This can’t possibly be overstated: A detector can be key to saving lives in a home. According to the National Fire Protection Statistics:

• Most deaths from fires happen in homes without a working detector.
  
• The death rate more than doubles without a smoke alarm.
  
• 43% of smoke alarm malfunctions were caused by battery issues.
  
  

If you do nothing else for safety, get a smoke alarm. They’re cheap and they save thousands of lives in the United States every year.

What Causes an Alarm to Chirp?
As batteries age, the voltage they produce is gradually reduced. The detector doesn’t require much energy, but once the battery hits a pre-set voltage point, it triggers the alarm to issue the low-battery alert. As soon as the chirp starts sounding, your smoke detector has passed a threshold where its ability to detect fires is below an acceptable level.

How Soon Do You Need to Change the Battery?
The biggest problem with a chirping fire alarm is that people often just unplug the battery. Obviously, this renders the alarm entirely ineffective at its job. Not only is this risky for the family, but early warning of a fire can drastically reduce fire damage to your property. Ideally, you should change the battery every six months. Most experts recommend doing so at the bi-annual time changes for Daylight Savings Time.
If you’ve had smoke damage in Lake Ida, FL, an experienced fire restoration company can quickly remove the toxic residue and sanitize your home. However, with a functioning smoke alarm, you may be able to avoid such a problem altogether.

Fire Damage: How To Deal With Roof Repairs

8/10/2020 (Permalink)

Tips On Fire Cleanup On The Roof of Your Business

If you’re the owner of a business in Kings Point, FL, that has recently been damaged by a fire, there are a lot of things on your mind. The stress of dealing with a disaster that is affecting your livelihood, as well as the livelihood of your employees, can seem insurmountable. Here are a few tips to help you take care of fire cleanup on the roof of your business:

1. Assess the Damage
Especially in the case of a large commercial fire, there is a good chance that the roof of your property received a lot of damage. As you evaluate the devastation taken by your property, be sure to look for smoke issues on the ceiling and on the exterior roofing of the building. Take note of any places that may have been affected by water damage due to pipes that burst during the incident. It is a good idea to take pictures of all areas that have been affected by the fire.

2. Contact Your Insurance Provider
You’ll want to contact your insurance company quickly after the incident so that it can start working on your claim and get you the financial help that you need to begin repairs as quickly as possible. Depending on your policy, you’ll have to follow different procedures during the fire cleanup for the disbursement of money before roof repair can begin.

3. Seek Professional Help
While there are a few things you can do while you wait for the processing of your insurance claim, ultimately you’ll want to contact local fire restoration experts to help you return your business to normal. If you’re waiting on insurance money, you might look into tarp services. Placing a tarp over partially open roof areas can help keep out rain, wind, and dirt that could cause further problems for your property.
Dealing with fire cleanup after a commercial incident is never fun, but it can be made easier if you make a plan and stick to it.

Delray Beach Fire Damaged Home

5/22/2020 (Permalink)

A fire in your Delray Beach home can be devastating causing severe damage to your structure and contents. The restoration process is complex and requires expertise in fire restoration to restore your home to preloss condition. SERVPRO of Delray Beach specializes in fire and water damage restoration and have highly trained professional fire restoration technicians and a full construction department to restore your home.

The restoration process will begin when you call SERVPRO of Delray Beach for your fire damage:

• Contact SERVPRO of Delray Beach 24 Hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Our professional office personnel will schedule an estimator to your home to evaluate your loss and provide you with a detailed estimate.
• If any structure is compromised, we will schedule a crew to board-up or tarp your windows, roof or walls to protect against further damage and protect your home.
• When there is minimal or no structure damage, we will schedule a fire restoration technician to clean the soot from the structure and contents. Some items such as electronics and clothes will be removed and cleaned off site.
• When your fire loss is extensive and involves structure damage, you will not be able to stay in your home during the repairs and restoration. SERVPRO of Delray Beach will pack, tag and inventory your contents and store them in our warehouse until your home is restored. Our professionally trained contents specialist will clean and re-box the contents in our warehouse.
• SERVPRO of Delray Beach has a variety of cleaning techniques and equipment to restore your belongings to pre-fire loss condition.
• Once the soot is removed, and the demolition of affected structure is completed we will schedule our professional construction team to repair or rebuild the damaged structure.
• Your cleaned contents will be moved back to your home once the construction department has completed the rebuild

Call SERVPRO of Delray Beach at 561-272-5180 with your fire restoration needs!