How to Prevent Fire Damage at Home | SERVPRO® of Greater Waco

8/14/2023 (Permalink)

a home with fire damage to the roof

Your home is the place where you feel most comfortable, which is why it’s important to take steps to protect it from all types of risks, including the potential for fire damage. Fire accidents can cause devastating damage and losses that can often be prevented by implementing a few preventive measures at home. 

If you’ve been the victim of a fire incident, know that we can help! Our team of professionals at SERVPRO® of Greater Waco are always a phone call away for fire damage restoration and repair services. 

Our technicians have the training, equipment and expertise necessary to handle fire damage restoration jobs of all sizes! When you need a helping hand, we’ve got your back.

Now that you know what to do in the aftermath of a fire, here’s what you can do to prepare. These are some critical steps you can take to safeguard your home and protect your family:

Install and Maintain Smoke Alarms
Smoke alarms are the first line of defense against fires. Install smoke detectors on every level of your home, including inside bedrooms and near kitchens. 

Regularly test and replace the batteries at least twice a year. Early detection is key! 

Practice Safe Cooking Habits
Cooking-related incidents are a common cause of home fires. Never leave your stove, oven or other appliance unattended, and keep flammable items, such as dish towels and rags, away from the stove. 

In the event of a grease fire, smother it with a lid or a damp cloth. Many people don’t realize that using water can actually exacerbate flames.

Check Electrical Appliances
Inspect electrical cords for signs of fraying and replace damaged ones right away. 

Avoid overloading outlets, and use power strips with surge protectors. Lastly, remember to unplug appliances when not in use!

Create an Evacuation Plan
Develop a fire escape plan with your family and practice it regularly. Identify easily accessible escape routes and designate a meeting point outside the house. 

Make sure everyone knows how to call emergency services once they’ve safely made it outside the house. 

Maintain Your HVAC System
Regularly clean and maintain your HVAC system to stay safe at home and prevent possible fires! Clogged filters and ducts can increase the risk of fire, especially if dust and debris buildup near any electrical components.

Call a Professional for Fire Damage Restoration
Despite our best intentions and safe practices, accidents can still happen! In the event of a fire, remember that everything in your home is replaceable except for people and act accordingly.

In the aftermath, we can help you restore any structural damage as well as remove soot, smoke residue, and other odors from the site. 

When you need fire damage restoration services in the Greater Waco area, contact us for help!

Home Office Upgrades

6/17/2022 (Permalink)

Want to completely remodel your office? We can help! Call SERVPRO® of Greater Waco 254-224-5999

Due to Covid-19, working from home has become the new normal. Since home offices are becoming a staple in homes, now’s a good time to upgrade from a temporary set up to something more permanent and comfortable, to make you the best working version of yourself.  Here’s a few ways to upgrade your office space to something of design envy.

1. An ergonomic office chair. If you’re going to be spending 8 plus hours at a desk, make it comfortable. For high end models, look for refurbished to save a few dollars.  You an also find brick and mortar offices having close-out sales.
2. Organize your cables. You aren’t plugging and unplugging for a potential move back to the office so now is the time to get the spiderweb in check. Upgrade your keyboard and mouse to wireless to eliminate cables and clip and label others to keep the back of your system neat and tidy.
3. Upgrade your desk. Everyone purchased an inexpensive minimalist desk that was meant to be temporary but now that you’re in a permanent state go for something more long term functional and comfortable.  Look into a standing desk so you don’t have to sit all day or something bigger that you can spread everything you need, out on.
4. Repaint and upgrade your lighting- Set the perfect productive mood with a new coat of paint and clear lighting with immediately put you in a great mood. For a more calming effect, go for something with a light blue or violet undertone. For brightening, go for yellow or green. For lighting, go for LED with at least 600 lumens.
5. Set-up a coffee cart. Create your own office mini bar by adding a single serve coffee machine with upgraded teas and coffees as well as a few of your favorite snacks. Tiny refrigerators are also budget friendly and reduce the need for kitchen runs.
6. Upgrade your speakers. Since you don’t have cubicle mates or HR staring over your shoulder, go for a higher end Bluetooth speaker. When you aren’t on calls or meetings, you can jam out to your favorite tunes while being productive. Who said work has to be lame?
7. Go personal. No need to limit yourself to a single-family photo.  Create a vision board or a whole collage of your loved ones. Your space should inspire you to greatness!
8. Add a relaxation corner. Got a stressful job?  Create a corner with a bean bag chair, hanging seat or anything comfortable. Accent it all with pillows and throw blankets then mist with lavender for an extra dose of relaxation.  It’s perfect for a lunch time siesta, a post meeting cool down or just a lounge and veg out on paperwork while not at your desk.
9. Add plants. They immediately bring a little bit of outside in while improving your mood and reducing fatigue.

Want to completely remodel your office? We can help! Call SERVPRO® of Greater Waco 254-224-5999

Mother’s Day Gift Giving Guide

5/4/2022 (Permalink)

Can't figure out what to get Mom for Mother's day? We've got you covered!

Mother’s Day is the one day a year where we celebrate just how amazing our moms are at being our best friend, confidant and secret recipe cookie baker.  Here’s a few gifts that may put you on mom’s “favorite child” list.

-Gift card to her favorite lunch spot- Gift cards are usually seen as impersonal but in 2022 they are the perfect staple for the mom on the go that’s hard to shop for.  It’s convenient and takes the ease of planning a lunch off her plate.

-Custom charcutier board- Charcutier is all the rage right now and a custom board is sure to surprise her.  Throw in a few artisanal cheeses and a bottle of wine and you’ll be the hit of the holiday.

-A bluetooth smartphone printer- Mom can print her favorite photos of friends, loved ones or pets with the quick push of a button.

-A neutral colored crossbody bag- Every woman needs, has or wants another neutral crossbody bag that goes with every outfit.  All it needs to be is something that can hold a phone, wallet, keys and a few small key items.  It’s perfect for vacation or on the run errands.

-Custom artwork- Nothing says “I love you” more than picking up a canvas and painting something for mom.  Can’t afford paint and canvas?  A simple drawing and remembering her on her special day will always make her heart melt.

-A subscription to her favorite box - There are a ton of boxes ranging from jewelry, wine, food…You name it, it comes monthly or quarterly in a box. Pay for a few shipments and watch her light up with every surprise box.  It’s the gift that keeps on giving.

-A smart device- Got a mom that’s not tech savvy?  Make her feel like she is with your favorite smart hub.  Hook it up, program it and show her all of the cool things she can do with just voice activated convenience. It listens better than we ever did growing up.

-A gift basket- A classic gift that always hits the spot. Fill it with her favorite snacks, beverages or spa products but make it centered around her.  Avoid the premade isle of box retail store baskets.  Mom won’t approve and the only place it will be a staple, is in the guest bathroom.

-Family Photos- Get a quality photographer, coordinate all of the outfits, purchase the package and then surprise mom the day of.  Instant heart melt moment and for the first time, she wasn’t the one doing all of the work. 

-A smart garden- Plants are all the rage right now. Smart gardens can be programmed to automatically water themselves and adjust to optimal lighting. You can grow everything from plants and herbs to flowers and vegetables.

Need emergency restoration services? We can help! Call SERVPRO® of Greater Waco 254-224-5999

What to do After a House Fire

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

Got a house fire? We can help! Call SERVPRO® of Greater Waco 254-224-5999

A house fire is one of the most traumatic times in your life but with a little basic research, it can be much less stressful. Here’s a checklist to go through that may help.

1. Find somewhere safe to stay. You may not know if your home is safe or not so find a place where you can get your thoughts together and relax.  From here, you can set up a post and find out from the fire department if your home is safe or not and start the rebuilding process.
2. Call your insurance company. Depending on your policy, they may have emergency resources immediately available to cover housing, food or clothing. You’ll want to document everything and even purchases made with your own funds may be reimbursable.
3. Help your furry family. While this may be traumatic for you, pets feel it too with less understanding of what is going on.  Find a family member or friend who can temporarily take care of them while you figure out the next steps.
4. Get in touch with your mortgage lender or landlord. For a rental, the homeowner’s policy will most likely cover the structure but you may need your rental insurance to cover any destroyed contents and personal belongings.
5. If safe, start retrieving any personal belongings from the home and get the home secured. If your money is burnt, you can take it to your nearest Federal Reserve Bank. If you are unsure of how to get your money replaced, you can go to your local bank and they may have resources on where to send it or be able to replace it for you. You’ll want to lock any doors and have windows boarded up and if needed, the roof tarped.  You’ll also want to collect anything of value or with personal information on it.
6. Check with your local American Red Cross or in Texas, call 2-1-1, for a list of local community resources to assist with everything from temporary housing to food banks.
7. Call SERVPRO of Greater Waco. We can do a full 360-degree digital scan, evaluation and give you a plan of action to get you back to normal.

Got a house fire? We can help! Call SERVPRO® of Greater Waco 254-224-5999

A Guide to Home Smart Devices

2/9/2022 (Permalink)

Need fire restoration services? Call SERVPRO® of Greater Waco 254-224-5999

Smart devices are all the rage but they expand much further than just your watch or phone and can make your home super convenient and money saving.   Check out some of these items to upgrade your home.

-Smart bulb- Smart Bulbs use 75% less energy and last 25 times longer because they are LED.  Best of all, they can connect to your phone or smart hub. Never fumble looking for the light switch again.

-Smart plugs- Got items that aren’t smart enabled but wan the smart functions?  Smart plugs are the way to go.  You can plug things like lamps, TVs or window air conditioner units into them and immediately get the smart function to power them on and off from your phone.

-Smart thermostat- Optimize your energy use with a smart thermostat.  They can now learn your habits and keep your home comfortable but at the most optimal money saving settings.  They are also great in Texas where you may get four seasons in one day. 40 in the morning but 85 when you get home?  No problem, just turn on the heat or air conditioning from the convenience or programing of an app and have your home comfortable 24/7.

- Smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors- These are great for keeping your family safe even if someone isn’t home and can notify you through your phone or can alert emergency personnel. They can even alert you if their batteries are running low without the annoying chimes in the middle of the night. You can also do random safety checks and get full reports sent to your phone.

-Smart alarms- Need a home alarm system, cameras and digital unlocking? They have all of that now all in one.  Let your self in your home with a push of a button instead of fighting with a dozen keys.  Kids partying on mom and dad’s weekend away? Catch them on camera.  You can even let the delivery man drop packages in your home from the convenience of your phone.

-Smart hubs- Need something to control them all?  Smart hubs are a great way to link all devices and control them all from one app.  You even get added features like a blue tooth speaker to play from streaming services, search for your favorite recipe while not fighting with a cook book and setting a timer for the oven without touching a device.

The big thing to research before investing in a bunch of smart devices is compatibility.  Wanting to control everything from one app?  You’ll want to research the best hub and what devices they connect with.  You can also research the individual apps to see which are the easiest to use and how simple the devices are to connect and link up.

Need fire restoration services? Call SERVPRO® of Greater Waco 254-224-5999

Fire Safety Tips for Pets

1/26/2022 (Permalink)

Need fire restoration services? Call SERVPRO® of Greater Waco 254-224-5999

Everyone always has a plan of action of their family but so many forget their fur family. Here are few tips on how to integrate your pet into your evacuation plan and how to pet proof your home from fire dangers.

-Place candles or other flammable objects out of reach of pets….and their tails. Everyone always thinks about high a pet can reach but never about that swinging object behind them that tends to knock over items unintentionally. Fun fact: the tail is an extension of your pet’s spine.

-Make sure your pet is microchipped and has an identification tag. During an emergency, most pets fight or flight kicks in with most running and hiding out of fear.  Make sure your pet is identifiable in case it’s away from the home so they can be safely returned.

-Keep food and water away from electrical sources.  Splashing and innocent playing can turn into fire hazard around electrical plug and cables. 

-Speaking of electrical hazards, keep electrical cables out of reach of pets.  The lamp cable may look like a toy to the new puppy and potentially harm an inquisitive pet.

-Get signs for windows. Pet stores or online sources offer window clings or printable signs that can be placed in windows and notify emergency personnel that pets are in the home. Make sure to add how many  and what types of pets you have.

-When you practice your evacuation plan, include your pets. This will help you evaluate potential hiding spots and how quickly you can evacuate the whole home.

-Create a disaster supply kit for your pet.  Include things like food, extra medications etc.  If you would pack it for yourself, consider it for your pet.

-Keep leashes and a carrier by the door.  Depending on the pet, keep easy get away items like leashes and an extra pet carrier by the door to help evacuate and secure pets in case of an emergency.

Need fire restoration services? Call SERVPRO® of Greater Waco 254-224-5999

Microwave Safety

1/4/2022 (Permalink)

Got fire damage? Call SERVPRO of Greater Waco at 254-224-5999

We can’t all be Chef Bobby Flay in the kitchen but we can be as safe as him. Follow these safety tips when creating your own microwave gourmet treats. 

1. Never use an extension cord. 
2. Always keep it clean. Small particles of food and debris can ignite later creating a much bigger issue. 
3. Never place metal or recycled paper in a microwave. Recycled paper can contain metal flakes and ignite the unit. 
4. Check the wattage versus time instructions and compare it to your model of microwave for proper cooking. A little math goes a long way! 
5. Always read the instruction manual. It will give you safety, instillation instructions and tips on cooking your favorite foods as accurate as possible. 
6. Never leave a microwave unsupervised. While it’s usually a push and go method of cooking, Microwaves cook from the inside out with radios waves penetrating water and fat molecules. That also makes them highly combustible. 
7. Make sure to use cookware made for microwaves. Metal can combust and some plastic containers can melt. 
8. Never use a microwave to heat up water. Any slight disturbance in boiling water can cause the water to violently erupt. 
9. Make sure to remove items with a heat safe towel or mit. An estimated 120 injuries were caused from microwave related burns between 2010 and 2014. 
10. Make sure the door shuts tight and doesn’t operate with the door open. While microwaves are safe with the door closed, they can cause injury if left open. It’s also a sign that it’s time to dispose of your microwave. 

Got fire damage? Call SERVPRO of Greater Waco at 254-224-5999 

Fire Pit Safety

10/11/2021 (Permalink)

Need fire restoration services? Call SERVPRO® of Greater Waco 254-224-5999

Fire pits have become the backyard must have item this fall season. They provide warmth and add ambience to any outdoor space.  The best part about them is they require minimal maintenance and can bring you years of enjoyment. Here’s a few safety tips to keep in mind when considering a fire pit.

-Only use your fire pit outside and in an open space.  Keep it away from low hanging foliage or anything flammable.  It’s also recommended that you keep it 6-feet away from a home, deck, fence or anything flammable.  The circle of safety!

-Never use or burn plastic materials in your fire pit. Plastic releases toxic fumes into the air and can ruin the surface of a fire pit.

-For wood burning fire pits, only use dry split wood in the fire.  Hardwoods like oak, birch and maple are great for longer fires and stay hotter longer while softer woods like cedar and pine have a higher tendency to spark, create more smoke and may burn faster.

-Just like children and pets, never leave the fire pit unattended.

-Never cook on your gas fire pit.  While it may seem like a great alternative to a grill, fire pits are made differently and food can damage expensive burner components.

- Make sure to read your owner’s manual and find the best method to extinguish the flame.  While the fire may appear to be out, embers can reignite for up to 12 hours. A spark screen is a great addition to any wood burning fire pit.

-Regularly inspect the gas line, fitting, burners or any other components on your gas fire pit. 

-Consider purchasing a cover for your fire pit or storing in a covered area during inclement weather.  If it does get wet, make sure to drain all of the water and let it dry before igniting.

-Check the owner’s manual for recommended cleaning products and procedures but most fire pits can be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild soapy water.

-Keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of an emergency.  Sand is also a great way to quickly put out a fire without damaging a fire pit.  Avoid using water which can weaken and potentially crack a fire pit.

Need fire restoration services? Call SERVPRO® of Greater Waco 254-224-5999

Smoke Alarm Safety

10/1/2021 (Permalink)

Need fire restoration services? Call SERVPRO® of Greater Waco 254-224-5999

According to the National Fire Protection Association, almost 3 out of 5 home fire deaths were caused in properties with no smoke alarms or smoke alarms that failed to operate. Hardwired alarms functioned 94 percent of the time while battery-powered alarms operated 82% of the time. Here are some tips to help keep your home safe in case of a fire.

-When your smoke alarm chirps, it means it’s time to change the batteries.

-The two most common types of smoke alarms are ionization and photoelectric. Ionization is more reactive to flaming fires whereas photoelectric are more responsive to fires that begin with a long period of smoldering. It’s recommended to use both types of alarms but combination alarms are available.

-Smoke Alarms should be tested at least once a month by pushing the test button, to make sure it works.

-Conduct a home fire drill at least twice a year.  One during the day and one during the night while practicing different ways to get out of the home.  Also, make sure to teach small children how to get out on their own.

-Choose an outside meeting place where firefighters can easily see you.

-Smoke alarms should be placed on a ceiling or high on a wall with an alarm at least 10 feet from a kitchen appliance to prevent false alarms.

-Make sure everyone in the home knows how to dial 911.

-Interconnected alarms are the most recommended because when one smoke alarm sounds, they all sound.

-Make sure everyone knows two ways out of every room.

-Smoke alarms should be placed in every bedroom and outside of every sleeping area with an alarm on every floor of the home, including the basement.

-All fire alarms need to be replaced when they are 10 years old from the date of manufacture.

- A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire.

-Make sure to never reenter a burning home

By doing simple safety checks on your alarm and preparing your family, you can keep your family safe.

Need fire restoration services? Call SERVPRO® of Greater Waco 254-224-5999

How to inspect your home foundation

8/30/2021 (Permalink)

Need a professional foundation inspection? Call SERVPRO® of Greater Waco at 254-224-5999

With a higher-than-normal amount of rain this year, the calls for water damage have increased dramatically, with foundation and slab issues at the peak of calls. While we always recommend having a professional inspect your home, there are a few signs to check for that it may be time to get professionals involved. Here are some things to keep an eye out for when doing a routine inspection on your home’s foundation.

1. The most obvious is cracks and discoloration in the foundation itself. Horizontal cracks are the biggest things to worry about and are a sign of the wall breaking down by outside pressure. Vertical cracks are usually caused by shrinkage and are the easiest to repair if caught early and repaired.
2. Check your walls. Walls my show signs by having cracks or discoloration from settling, shifting or potential water damage to the foundation.
3. Check your basement and crawlspace. Have you noticed any unwelcome bugs or insects?  Is there a musty or mildew smell?  All of these things can be potential culprits or signs of foundation or water damage.
4. Check your doors and windows. Something as simple as windows and doors not opening smoothly can be signs that your foundation has shifted and may need to be inspected or repaired.
5. Check your floors. Have you noticed that they are sitting uneven or that flooring is beginning to pull away from the walls or is buckling?  That’s usually a sure sign that the support structure may need to be checked out.
6. Check your plumbing. Any plumbing issues that have been leaking over an extended amount of time can cause your foundation and supports to bulge and crack and cause erosion to the soil supporting your foundation. In contrast, foundation shifting can also cause your plumbing to leak, crack or even break.

Need a professional foundation inspection? Call SERVPRO® of Greater Waco at 254-224-5999

Home Fire Prevention with SERVPRO of Greater Waco

6/1/2021 (Permalink)

Need duct cleaning? Call SERVPRO® of Greater Waco 254-224-5999

As seasons change, it’s always a good opportunity to do a safety check and make sure your home is ready for warmer temperatures. Let SERVPRO of Greater Waco help with your fire safety checklist.

-Clean your stove and oven. Little particles like to hide under burners and crevices.  Now’s a great time to deep clean those areas to prevent them from catching fire and creating a bigger issue.  Also, make sure to keep flammable items like dish towels and cook books at a safe distance away from burners to prevent any accidents.

-Check your fire alarms.  The National Fire Protection Association recommends changing your fire alarm batteries every 6 months with some companies offering long life alarms that offer a 10-year battery life span.   To test most alarms, simply push the button on the front and listen for the tone.  A weak tone or light signal usually indicates that the battery needs to be changed or the alarm is malfunctioning.

-Check your chimney.  The National Fire Protection Association recommends that your fireplace and vents should be inspected at least once a year for correct clearance and free of deposits.

-Check your fire extinguishers. For non-refillable extinguishers check the push to test button and that the release pin is secure and in place.  You can also check manufactures website for particular checkpoints based upon your individual model.

-Check power chords and electronics. Make sure power chords aren’t tangled, frayed or damaged.  Also, make sure electronics aren’t in a space where they could potentially over heat.

Check your candles.  Make sure candles are away from curtains, books or any other flammable items.  Make sure that glass candle holders are free from chips and cracks. Also, make sure candles are burning evenly and aren’t at risk for tipping over.

-Check your dryer and air conditioning vents. Both collect lint and other small debris that can easily ignite.  For your convenience, SERVPRO of Greater Waco offers vent and duct cleaning services. 

Need duct cleaning? Call SERVPRO® of Greater Waco 254-224-5999

Post-Holiday Pack-Out with SERVPRO of Greater Waco

1/27/2021 (Permalink)

ERVPRO® of Greater Waco offers full service packing solutions to make emergency restoration a breeze

Post-Holiday Pack-Out with SERVPRO of Greater Waco

The holidays are almost a second job between the decorating, cooking, and shopping.  After all of the time and effort invested; the biggest hassle is still packing it all back up and still having it readily available for the next season.  Let the professionals of SERVPRO® of Greater Waco help you with a few handy professional tips to make packing an organized breeze.

Just like on a job site, the first thing that needs to be done is an initial scope. This helps begin the process of organizing by determining what needs to be packed up and what additional supplies will be needed to complete the job at hand.

To ensure your Christmas pack up flows smoothly, make sure to have enough packing supplies. Items such as packing tape, box labels, boxes, wrapping paper, markers, bubble wrap and a small folding table to use as a staging area, are just a few things you’ll need.

Here are a few handy holiday specific packing tips:

*Wrap Christmas lights around hangers or a square piece of cardboard to keep them tangle free.

*Pack glass ornaments in plastic fruit trays or containers then pop into a box with crumpled paper for safe keeping.

*Hang wreaths on clothes hangers and cover with plastic bags.

*Consider storing wrapping paper in garment bags.

*Use vacuum seal bags for items like stockings, Christmas tree skirts or table runners.

*Wrap candle sticks in tissue paper and store them in paper towel cardboard tubes.

*Plastic-wrap your tree.  It makes the take down a breeze and keeps branches manageable.

*Under bed storage containers work great for garland.

Whatever you do make sure that items are packed securely, but not too tight, to prevent damage and make sure items are labeled easy identification.  We recommend putting the room name on the tags and to organize boxes based upon the room they will be used in.

Need a packing service? Call SERVPRO® of Greater Waco 254-224-5999

Don’t Let Injuries Skyrocket

12/17/2020 (Permalink)

Fireworks explode in the skies above a military instillation

“Hey! Watch this!”, famous last words before throwing the lighter instead of the firecracker leading to tears, a blistered hand and a paranoid father who thought small fireworks were harmless. According the Consumer Product Safety Commission 2019 Fireworks Annual Report, there were an estimated 800 emergency department-treated injuries associated with firecrackers. Of these, an estimated 24 percent were associated with small firecrackers, 16 percent with large firecrackers, 3 percent with illegal firecrackers, and the remaining 57 percent were associated with firecrackers of an unspecified size. The parts of the body most often injured were hands and fingers (an estimated 30 percent); legs (an estimated 23 percent); eyes (an estimated 15 percent); head, face, and ears (an estimated 15 percent); and arms (an estimated 10 percent) with burns being the most common injury.

Here are a few tips from the Consumer Product Safety Commission to make your holiday fire season just a little safer:

• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
• Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.
• Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Parents don't realize that young children suffer injuries from sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees - hot enough to melt some metals.
• Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
• Never try to re-light or pick-up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
• Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
• Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
• After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.
• Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.

It’s Gettin’ Hot in Here

12/2/2020 (Permalink)

A single lit candle in a cathedral.

The holidays are here but SERVPRO Greater Waco is still on alert for your mistletoe mischief, since according to the National Fire Protection Association, Christmas lights cause an estimated 40% of Christmas tree fires.   To fend off the resting Grinch face, we’ve compiled a list of holiday saving tips to keep your holiday season merry and bright.

• Make sure to only purchase UL-listed lights with UL being the industry standard in safety certifying products
• Be careful not to overload extension cords. Before you start plugging in, find out the wattage rating of your extension cord, as well as the power requirements of any lights or decorations you’re planning to plug into it. A wattage rating is the amount of electricity that an extension cord is built to carry, and if the combined power requirements (or “pull”) of your lights and decorations exceed that rating.
• Always turn off all Christmas lights and decorations before going to bed or leaving the house.
• If you’re planning to decorate outdoors, make sure that you use lights and decorations that are rated for outdoor use. Indoor products exposed to the elements can cause a shocking surprise and fire hazard.
• If you need to replace a bulb in a string of Christmas lights, make sure that the wattage rating of the replacement bulb you’re using matches that of the light strand. Using a bulb with too high a wattage can cause the light string to overheat, creating a fire risk.

• Make sure to not run chords or lights behind furniture
• Make sure to throw away damaged lights or chords with wires showing
• If using a real tree, make sure to water it daily to prevent drying out and increasing a fire hazard

• Blow out lit candles and turn off all light strings and decorations when leaving the room or going to bed.

California Wildfires - What To Know

9/18/2020 (Permalink)

States affected: California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho

• Approx. 5 million acres burned
• Some wildfires have been contained but many still burning at this time.
• Air quality is poor and although residents are being evacuated, the death toll continues to rise.

Deaths: 33 (updated: September 14th, 2020)

Causes: There are several, some accidental, some not so much. Due to the climate and drought, a malfunctioning gender reveal party smoke bomb ignited a fire which spread rapidly. There are also at least 2 separate reports of individuals purposely starting fires. 

How to Help

Donating to The Red Cross and the California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Relief Fund are both ways you can help those affected by California Wildfires. You can also use www.charitynavigator.org to search for other ways to donate.

https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation.html/

https://connect.calfund.org/give/wildfirerelief

https://redrover.org/join-us/donate/

Resources

https://www.latimes.com/wildfires-map/

https://climate.gov/sites/default/files/USDrought_July2019August2020_ani_lrg.gif

https://climate.gov/news-features/event-tracker/colorado-summer-drought-wildfires-and-smoke-2020

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/2020/09/inside-california-race-to-contain-devastating-wildfires/

https://time.com/5888449/wildfires-smoke-california-oregon-washington-satellite-space/

Electrical Fires: Outdoor Safety

8/27/2020 (Permalink)

Know when you can DIY and when you need to call a professional. Safety first!

Are you a homeowner taking advantage of the extra time at home making some needed repairs? Some of these projects might require the outdoor use of electrical equipment which need to be handled with care. 

The National Fire Protection Association (www.nfpa.org) reported that in 2014-2018, 10% of home fires were caused by electrical equipment, which included outdoor lighting, wiring and power cords. 

Electricity is used daily and it's important that we always keep safety in mind. Here are some safety tips from the NFPA when working with electricity outdoors:

• Cords and Lighting:
• check for damage before using and dispose and replaced damaged cords
• use cords that are marked for outdoor use for only short-term use & ensure that they are listed by a qualified test laboratory
• Electrical Tools
• make sure they are made for outdoor use and listed by a qualified test laboratory
• store electrical tools indoors and away from children
• Outside Electrical Work
• use a qualified electrician to do all electrical work
• ensure that all outside electrical receptacles are grounded (GFCI= ground-fault circuit interrupter).
• use a professional tree removal service to trim branches near power lines
• utilize a wooden or fiberglass ladder at least 10 feet away from power lines

Call 8-1-1 before digging on your property to locate and 

For more tips, statistics and research, go to: www.nfpa.org

Electrical Fires

6/25/2020 (Permalink)

According to the National Fire Protection Association, in 2014-2018 10% of home fires were due to electrical equipment. This would include wiring, lighting, cords, and plugs. Extension cords or plugs were involved in 7% of documented deaths. 

Electricity is used daily and it's important that we keep safety in mind when utilizing it. Here are some safety tips from the NFPA:

• Inspect your living space for hidden electrical hazards. This could include:
• damaged, cracked or loose wires
• remove cords running across doorways or under carpets
• all receptacle outlets and switches must have faceplates
• use only one heat producing appliance into an outlet at a time
• major appliances should be plugged directly into a wall receptacle outlet
• Call a qualified electrician or landlord if you have any of the following issues
• frequent problems with blowing fuses or tripping circuit breakers
• a tingling feeling when you touch an electrical appliance
• discolored or warm wall outlets
• a burning or rubbery smell coming from an appliance
• flickering or dimming lights
• sparks from an outlet

For more tips, statistics and research, go to: www.nfpa.org

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

https://www.nfpa.org//-/media/Files/Public-Education/Resources/Community-tool-kits/electric-kit/Electrical_Safety_Checklist.pdf

It's almost Memorial Day Weekend!

5/13/2020 (Permalink)

Use these helpful tips to keep your loved ones and yourself safe this Memorial day weekend.

If your plan is to grill up some good grub this Memorial Day weekend or any weekend for that matter, keep reading for some helpful tips to keep everyone safe!

•  Maintain cleanliness! Grill fires are often caused by fat and oil buildup on the grill and the tray underneath the grill.  Use a wire brush to clean up excess fat and oil while the grill is still hot.  Try to clean your grill thoroughly at least 2 to 3 times a year.
• Gas grills:  Be sure to check for any leaks on the propane tank.  A thorough examination does not take long and can help prevent a dangerous accident.
• Do not leave the grill unattended.  This may seem like common sense, but it does lead to fires more often than you’d think! Also, grills stay hot up to an hour after use, so keep that in mind when you’re finished grilling for the day.

• Wear proper clothing. If your clothing has long sleeves or hanging tassels/ strings, consider changing into a tee shirt. Clothing that has loose ends and hanging strings can catch fire easily.
• Keep the grill outside.  It is best to keep the grill at least 10 feet from your house.  Almost one-third of grill fires happen on the porch or balcony of a residence. It is safer to be as far from the home as possible.

 Remember these simple tips to stay safe while grilling.  We want you to have the most enjoyable time with your families for the upcoming holiday weekend and the entire summer.

FIRE FACTORS

4/18/2020 (Permalink)

It doesn’t take long for a house fire to become extremely dangerous or even life-threatening.  There are a few factors to consider when it comes to a fire as well as some preventative measures you can take to help you and others in your home if you are faced with a fire.

               There are a few important factors to consider during a house fire:

• SPEED: A fire can turn into a major disaster in minutes or even seconds.  Never underestimate how quickly a fire can spread and become even more dangerous.
• TEMPERATURE: A fire produces extremely hot air which can affect your breathing as well as burn your skin.
• SMOKE: Smoke can be more dangerous than flames!  Smoke inhalation is the leading cause of fatalities in house fires.

Here are a few preventative measures we can take to be better prepared in the event of a fire at home:

• Smoke Alarms. There are several types of smoke alarms available.   Just be sure to check the batteries regularly!
• Plan a Fire Escape. Find the quickest and safest ways to exit your home.  Try to have more than one way to exit your home from each room if possible.
• Fire Extinguishers.
• Home Sprinkler Systems.
• Sleep With Doors Closed.

Always keep in mind that a house fire is very dangerous and can be deadly.  Your first priority should always be to get you and your loved ones out of the house. SERVPRO® of Greater Waco can help you with fire cleanup and restoration.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

2/18/2020 (Permalink)

In our line of work, SERVPRO® technicians come into contact with hazards that could cause injury and must use special personal protective equipment or PPE. Some examples of these hazards could be environments with dust, fumes, smoke or some that pose a biological or chemical threat if exposed. All technicians are trained in identifying when PPE is necessary on a jobsite, what and how to wear each item. It is also extremely important to understand the limitations of the personal protective equipment, useful life and proper disposal procedures.

On a CAT 3 site, you would see the following PPE on a SERVPRO® of Greater Waco technician:

• Goggles: to protect technician’s eyes from hazardous materials
• Respirator: to protect technician’s lungs from airborne contaminants
• Suit/gloves: one-time use, disposable protective wear used to protect the technician’s skin from coming into contact with hazardous materials

For more info on OSHA approved PPE visit: https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/personalprotectiveequipment/

Fire Safety and Kids

1/9/2020 (Permalink)

Teach your children fire safety messages that will remain with them for years to come.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, half of fire deaths are those of children aged 4 and younger. Their joint efforts with Sesame Workshop created the Sesame Street Fire Safety Program. There are printable coloring pages for children of preschool age, and additional educational materials for parents, families and educators. You can also find songs and stories on the USFA website that can be used to help children further understand the importance of fire safety.

Some of the fire safety messages they discuss in their program are:

Having awareness of what is hot, and what is not. If children know what is hot, they know that it can burn and to stay away from them

Kitchen safety tips for adults. Children also learn by observing what we do and ensuring that we are promoting a safe kitchen environment.

A home fire escape map for ensuring your family is safe in the event of a fire emergency. Creating a plan together and practicing is a great way to help children be aware of what to do and where to go in case there is a fire.

Smoke alarm safety. This is an area that is often overlooked because they are high on a ceiling or wall but an integral part of fire safety in the home.

Exits found in the home. Being able to self-evacuate the home is crucial for children’s safety and understanding where exits are would help in the event of a fire in the home. Practicing a fire escape plan twice a year is encouraged.

Firefighters and First Responders are helpful friends in our community. Letting children know that first responders are not individuals to feel fearful about, and to follow their instructions if there is an emergency.

For more information on fire safety, check out www.usfa.fema.gov .

Fireworks Safety

12/31/2019 (Permalink)

Keep your loved ones safe during this joyous New Year celebration

It’s New Year’s Eve and that means fireworks galore!!! Fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires each year which include 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires and 17,000 other fires. That is why it is important for us to take a moment to look over some of the safety tips from the  National Safety Council on handling fireworks:

Never allow young children to handle fireworks

Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol

Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands

Only use fireworks away from people, houses and flammable material

Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding

Never use illegal fireworks

We want to thank everyone for a great 2019, and wish you all a safe and Happy New Year!

-SERVPRO® of Greater Waco

Thanksgiving Safety Tips

11/18/2019 (Permalink)

Stay safe this Thanksgiving.

As many folks prepare their homes and recipes for Thanksgiving meets and eats, we want to take a moment to share a few cooking and fire safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association:

• Stay in the home when cooking and check on your turkey frequently.
• Steam and splash from liquids could cause serious burns; keep children away at least 3 feet from the stove.
• Keep floors clear so as to avoid tripping hazards.
• Matches and lighters should be kept out of reach of children; this also includes lit candles.
• Test smoke alarms.

[Check out more safety tips HERE.]

It is reported that Thanksgiving is the leading day of the year for home fires involving cooking equipment. We hope that you and yours have a wonderfully blessed and safe Thanksgiving holiday. 

Restoration Dream Team

10/18/2019 (Permalink)

Our production team and office team work together to create the SERVPRO® of Greater Waco Dream Team.

One of the many reasons SERVPRO® of Greater Waco can make it “Like it never even happened." when restoring your home or business is because of our office operations. Our office is the central hub where we support sales and marketing efforts, maintain financial records, complete job files, scheduling and handle a myriad of other tasks. Together with our production crew, we strive to provide you with high quality services we are best known for.

Exceptional job file documentation: Ordinarily, restoration companies can write you a one-page estimate when called to inspect and provide a quote for restoration services. We like to provide our customers with as much information when providing estimates so that the best decision can be made for the restoration of a home or business. The same attention to detail goes into our itemized billing. Every charge is listed per room and contains a description of why it was performed.

Communication: Along with documenting our job files thoroughly, we also ensure to stay in constant communication with our customers regarding our progress and with the customer’s insurance company. This ensures that each job is completed in a timely fashion and that all work completed has been approved and will be covered.

October Fire Safety

9/23/2019 (Permalink)

Educating our children can ensure they have a safe and fun month of October.

The month of October is nearly upon us which cues us to bring out the spooky decor and pick out costumes for frightful parties to be held for Hallows Eve. We wanted to take a moment to provide some Halloween Fire Safety Tips, retrieved from the National Fire Protection Association website:

• Make safe costume choices: Avoid costumes that are long with fabric that trails (some fabrics are more flammable than others), and ensure that children’s masks have eye openings that they can easily see out of. Provide children with flashlights or glow-sticks to carry with them.
• Decorate safely: Materials such as paper products, cornstalks and dried flowers are highly flammable so it is important to be very aware that these items are not placed near flames, light bulbs and heaters. Instead of candles, opt for battery operated candles or glow-sticks for decorations such as jack-o-lanterns. If you must absolutely use real candles, use extreme caution and ensure that children are watched at all times, that the placement of candles be a good distance from areas where trick-or-treaters will be walking and from anything that could easily burn.
• Plan for emergencies: Keep exits clear of decorations or obstructions so that escape routes may be easily accessed in case of an emergency. Test and ensure that all smoke alarms in the building are working and discuss with your children to look for ways out of the home and have a plan in place in the event of an emergency. Sit down with children and address the importance of staying away from open flames including fun decor such as jack-o-lanterns with real candles in them. Educate them on what to do if their costume catches on fire:  STOP-DROP-AND ROLL. Have them practice this by (1) Stopping immediately, (2) Dropping to the ground, (3) Covering their face with their hands, (4) Rolling over and over to put the flames out.

With these few tips we can ensure that our little monsters have a safe and fun Halloween.

Grilling Fire Safety

6/26/2019 (Permalink)

Safe grilling is best grilling.

Summer is in full swing bringing cookouts, fireworks and hot dry weather. We want everyone to enjoy their summer to the fullest and to also best prepare you with some grilling safety tips to ensure that your barbecue goes off without a hitch.

Check out the following tips provided by fema.gov:

• 3 Feet: Only grill outside and keep it at minimum 3 feet from any siding, deck rails and eaves.
• Safe Zone: Keep a 3-foot safe zone around your grill to ensure that kids and pets remain safe.
• Open your gas grill before lighting.
• Monitor: Keep an eye on your grill, fire pit or patio torches while lit.
• Clean your grill after each use. This will remove grease that can start a fire.
• Place the coals from your grill in a metal can with a lid once they have cooled.

Taking a few precautions will help create a safe environment for your summer fun. If you need more information on our fire and water restoration services, please give us a call at 254-224-5999.

Fire Damage: Smoke, Soot and Smells

5/31/2019 (Permalink)

At first glance, this might look overwhelming. SERVPRO of Greater Waco can handle it.

Home is your safe place, but the destruction a house fire leaves behind can leave you feeling hopeless, stressed and wondering if you will ever be able to get back to the way it was before. In the event of a fire in your home, we are ready to respond to your needs and lend a compassionate hand as we guide you through the restoration process of your home from start to finish.

You might notice that after the fire has been safely put out that there is damage to your home in areas far from where the fire originated. As the temperature rises inside a building, air expands carrying soot into cooler areas. Smoke will migrate into upper areas of a structure, allowing it to permeate other things like your ventilation system. Smoke and soot staining not only are unsightly and difficult to remove, they also produce odors which could be harmful if inhaled.

Before we begin the restoration process on your home, we assess the damage and pre-test the affected materials to determine the appropriate cleaning procedure. We then use the results to specifically tailor the cleaning procedure we will use in your home to provide you with the best plan to appropriately address your loss. Not every fire loss is cleaned in the same manner.

Unsure if restoration is possible? Give us a call at 254-224-5999 and let SERVPRO® of Greater Waco show you how we make disasters “Like it never even happened.”

Fire Safety Tips Part 1

1/29/2019 (Permalink)

This Fire was caused by a cigarette that did not make it into the ashtray properly. SERVPRO® of Greater Waco was called out to clean up the aftermath.

With the holidays behind us hopefully everyone has put up their Christmas decorations. As homeowners it is essential to be mindful of the presence of fire hazards and to minimize the possibility of them causing a structure fire. A good example is keeping around a severely dehydrated, and highly flammable Christmas tree too long. SERVPRO® of Greater Waco has compiled the following prevention tips for some areas in your home to help keep you and your loved ones safe from possible fire hazards throughout the new year.

In the kitchen:

• Avoid leaving cooking food unattended. If a grease fire occurs, use baking soda to extinguish it. NEVER use water on a grease fire. You can smother the fire in the pan by starving it of oxygen by placing a lid over it. Always supervise children that are cooking and educate on the dangers of fire and cooking appliances.

• Be aware of where you leave pot holders, dish towels, aprons and any cooking utensils.

• Ensure that electrical appliances are far from sinks, flames or hot plates

• Invest in carbon monoxide detector if your home does not already have one if you use natural gas for heating and cooking.

In living areas & bedrooms:

• Make your home a smoke free environment if possible, or at least ensure that cigars, cigarettes, and pipes are properly extinguished prior to disposal as they may continue to burn and may reignite.

• Recycle and replace appliances with damaged electrical cords

• Avoid running electrical wires or cords under the weight of heavy furniture and rugs

• If you feel that you often have to unplug an appliance to plug in another because your outlet is overloaded, reconsider spacing out appliances to other outlets

• Be aware that clothing or draperies do not rest atop lighting such as desk lamps.

Take a moment from your day to check the areas in your home and see if there are any possible fire hazards.

Check out our next blog for fire safety prevention tips for your bathrooms and garage from SERVPRO® of Greater Waco.

Fire Safety Tips Part 2

1/29/2019 (Permalink)

This home window was melted from the heat of a fire, it suffered no direct contact with the flames, but melted due to its proximity of the flame.

In our previous blog SERVPRO® of Greater Waco covered some fire safety tips for the kitchen, living areas, and bedrooms. Here you’ll find more suggestions on locating possible fire hazards that exist in your home and reminders of how to keep you and your loved ones safe from structure fires.

In the bathroom:

• Ensure that proper care is taken when using candles in a restroom for deodorizing and that they are snuffed out before you leave

• Use appropriate incense plates or burners; do not leave cones or sticks lying on counters, shelving or windowsills

• Turn off hairstyling irons before you walk away from it and invest in fire resistant holders

• Do not use, or charge, electronic devices near you while you are showering or bathing

• Before leaving home turn off any wax or oil potpourri pots

In the garage/storage:

• Chemicals such as fuels, solvents, cleaning agents, thinners, adhesives, and paints could ignite or explode due to improper storage. Make sure you take time to organize chemicals and to properly store them, preferably away from the house if possible. Dispose of anything that is damaged or leaking.

• Do not use stoves or barbecue grills inside the garage; you could not only start a fire, but also die from carbon monoxide inhalation

• If fire extinguishers are present in the home, ensure that everyone knows its location and how to use it. We also recommend having a fire plan in place.

Now, this is not a comprehensive list by any means, but these tips should be covered with family and/or roommates so that everyone understands where fire hazards exist for everyone’s safety and well-being. SERVPRO® of Greater Waco hopes you never have to experience the effects of a fire loss where you live, but we are here to help if you ever need our services. Call us 24 hours a day at (254) 224-5999.

After the Fire...

11/20/2018 (Permalink)

This was a complex Waco fire that SERVPRO of Greater Waco was able to restore all the clients personal contents back to a preloss condition.

There are a number of problems that a fire in your home or business leaves behind even after the immediate danger has passed. It is often the case that a thorough cleaning of walls, ceilings, carpeting, woodwork, and flooring will need to be professionally done. There are also a number of appropriate steps that can be taken in order to prevent further damage until SERVPRO of Greater Waco arrives on the scene. The chances of an effective restoration will be boosted by reducing damage by following a few tips:

• Try to keep movement in the home to a minimum. Soot can become ingrained in the upholstery or carpeting from repeated movement in the home.
• Use old towels or linens to cover up high traffic carpeted areas and upholstery.
• If the power is off, empty the refrigerator and freezer of all contents and prop open the door to help prevent unpleasant smells.
• Be mindful of what you are touching. Your hands can become soiled with soot and that can be transferred to other items in the home.
• If you can immediately wipe all the soot off sink faucets and metal window molding, then coat with petroleum jelly to prevent the soot from pitting the metal surfaces.

Following just a few of these steps can be a game changer in the restorability of your home and personal items. SERVPRO of Greater Waco is here to help you through a catastrophe that is a fire loss. If you suffer a fire or smoke damage remember SERVPRO of Greater Waco are your fire restoration experts backed by years of experience and a team of knowledgeable individuals.

The Holidays are coming up

11/1/2018 (Permalink)

It’s November which means it’s the beginning of the holiday season. It is the time of year that families get together for a Thanksgiving or Christmas feast. It is also the time to practice safe cooking habits so that your happy holiday does not become a holiday disaster.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking is the number one cause for fires in homes with Thanksgiving day being the day of the year with most fires reported. Let’s try to be safe this holiday season by following some guidelines:

• If you are cooking food in the kitchen, stay in the kitchen. If you must leave the kitchen, you should turn off the stove
• Keep children away from the cooking area. As much as some children like to help it is best to keep them at least 3 feet away from the cooking area, especially during a family get together when kitchen traffic may be high.
• Flammable items such as paper goods, towels, food packaging, and oven mitts need to be kept away from the oven and stovetop.
• Regularly clean the cooking area
• Purchase a fire extinguisher for your home if you don’t have one already
• Have smoke alarms installed if you don’t have them
• Always check all equipment used for cooking after you are finished and are ready for bed or leaving the house. This includes all appliances that were used as well as the stove and oven.

SERVPRO of Greater Waco wants everybody to have a safe holiday season, but in the event that the need arises we are available 24/7 and 365.

According to The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), a Home structure fire is reported every 90 seconds.

6/27/2018 (Permalink)

A dryer that a homeowner returned home to find just in time to remove before it caused significant damage to his home.

With our lives becoming more and more reliant on electronics are we more at risk for a fire? Think about the number of items in your home that have electronic circuitry, each one has the potential to malfunction and could be the cause of a fire in your home. While we keep adding devices in our homes, we also keep increasing the demand on our home’s electrical system. Are we creating a higher risk with each and every device we bring home and plug in?

Are you the type that leaves home with one or more of your appliances running in your absence? A recent homeowner took to Facebook to share his near miss with a malfunctioning dryer. Luckily the owner returned home in time to pull the dryer out of the house before it caused significant damage. While SERVPRO of Greater Waco is here to help you if your home suffers are fire or smoke loss, we are also here to help provide tips that could possibly prevent a fire from ever starting in your home.

Here are SERVPRO of Greater Waco’s Top 10 things you can do to help prevent a fire in your home:

• Test your smoke detectors regularly, we recommend replacing the batteries every six months for peace of mind to know that they will operate properly when you most need them to.
• Consider replacing old appliances before it is too late. As appliances age they become more likely to malfunction which could result in an ignition spark.
• Avoid overloading electrical circuits, most in home circuits are rated for 15amps. A general rule of thumb is not to put more than 80% load (12amps) on any 15-amp breaker, or risk overloading the circuit.
• Clean your dryer lint trap after each cycle and manually inspect your dryer vent at least once a year.
• Unplug toasters after each use and do no not store them on countertops where pets may knock them off.
• Do not run appliances when you are not home, especially your dishwasher, dryer, or washing machine.
• Do not use water, or flour, to put out a grease fire. Smothering or Baking Soda are the preferred methods.
• Select the proper gauge extension cord for the job, be careful not to overload them which causes them to overheat.
• Create and practice a home evacuation plan with all members of your family.
• Purchase and install fire extinguishers, they are handy when you need them.

Doing these simple things could help reduce your chances of experiencing a fire loss in your home. SERVPRO of Greater Waco is committed to helping reduce home fires to create a safer environment for your family.

We are always here to help, feel free to contact us at 254-224-5999 for all your Waco area Fire and Smoke needs.

SERVPRO of Greater Waco Smoke and Soot Cleanup

6/15/2018 (Permalink)

Smoke and Soot Damage Can Cause a Pervasive Odor beyond the Obvious damage in your Waco home or business.

Smoke and soot are very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allow us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.

Smoke and Soot facts:

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

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Greater Waco will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

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

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?

Call Us Today – 254-224-5999