We Can Clean the Mess Left by Your Fire Emergency System

5/20/2022 (Permalink)

One of the many areas of the factory that was covered in white powder that we cleaned.

We respond to all manner of fire related emergencies.  From large kitchen blazes to contained cigarette fires put out quickly, we have the experience and expertise to mitigate and reconstruct any damage.  Sometimes, we even get calls for an overly sensitive fire emergency system.

For instance, a small fire at a commercial factory set off their relatively new fire emergency system.  Instead of just focusing where the fire was, the system spread fire suppressing foam across the entire facility.  After it had disintegrated, the foam left a thick white powder that covered everything.  In short, the clean up of the powder far outstripped the clean up of the actual fire.  It was nothing our team couldn’t handle, though, and the factory was as good as before in no time.

Obviously, its better to have a sensitive fire emergency system than one that doesn’t work at all.  However, if you can check, at least once a year, that your system is properly calibrated, you can save a lot of time and money on potential clean up.

Electrical Fires Are No Joke

5/16/2022 (Permalink)

Even the TV was melted in this electrical fire.

We here at SERVPRO encounter many different fire damage emergencies, from gas stoves improperly turned off, to faulty heaters.  Arguably, electrical fires can be the most sinister.  They are mostly preventable if you take the proper precautions, like not overloading any one outlet or not running cords underneath carpets.  Sometimes though, they just short out, like at this job we finished recently.

When the wall outlet on the second level bedroom of this townhouse blew, it started a fire that consumed the whole floor.  The walls, ceiling, and floor of each room suffered massive damage and were beyond repair.  Our mitigation team was forced to completely gut the entire area, stripping away everything to just floorboards and studs.

The only precaution that may have avoided this disaster is making sure that every ten years, a licensed electrician checks the home’s entire electrical system.  Aside from that, you can always count on our mitigation team to clear out the damage, and our construction team to then rebuild it.

Experienced A Fire Loss? Call the professionals at SERVPRO!

1/28/2022 (Permalink)

We are always ready to respond to your fire damage emergency!

Available 24-hours a day, we here at SERVPRO of Alexandria are primed to react “faster to any size disaster,” whether that be a small electrical fire or a huge gas leak blaze.  Every fire loss is unique, requiring different techniques and equipment to completely restore the damage.  Our team is IICRC trained and certified to handle them all, ensuring our customers the very best results. 

Call Today! (703) 739-2800

The fire damage restoration process starts with our Production Team disposing all the unsalvageable debris from the fire.  Once cleared away, they work to save any smoke and soot affected valuables and furniture, eliminating any nasty odors that may have set in.  Finally, our Construction Team steps in to fully restore any structural damage to walls and flooring.  When finished, they make your home or business look “Like it never even happened.”

All along the way, we make sure to keep our customers informed of the process.  Fire damage doesn’t just devastate physical buildings.  Fire damage can also take quite a heavy emotional toll on those that live and work in those buildings.  This is why we are so committed to providing the most caring and transparent guidance in the industry.  Helping our customers navigate such a difficult time in their lives is a huge responsibility we do not take lightly.  When all is said and done, we strive to offer the most complete fire restoration service to our customers.

Preventing Winter Fires

1/6/2022 (Permalink)

Simple prevention measures can help keep you from experiencing fire damage like this.

It’s easy to overlook, but the risk of house fires actually increases in the winter months.  In fact, “half of all home heating fires occur in December, January, and February” according to the U.S. Fire Administration.  Many factors contribute to this, including unkempt fireplaces, improper electrical appliance usage, and candles.  All of these made worse by the colder weather.  So, before you get too cozy indoors this winter, take a moment to enact some simple fire prevention steps.

It may be simple, but before you start using your fireplace, have a professional clean and inspect your chimney and vents to make sure they are safe to use.  Optimally, this should be done every year.  You should also make sure to store the cooled ashes from your fireplace in a tightly covered metal container and keep the container outside at least 10 feet away from any buildings.

To reduce the risk of electrical fires, make sure you plug only one heat-producing appliance directly into a wall outlet at a time.  This includes space heaters and kitchen appliances like microwaves and toasters.  Also, it is important to never use an extension cords with these appliances, as it increases the chance of sparks.

As for candle safety, the most important tip is to make sure you keep all lit candles at least 12 inches away from anything flammable.  In fact, it is recommended to use battery-operated flameless candles instead of real ones in the event of power outages.

With these simple tips in your back pocket, you can rest easy, and enjoy the warmth and comfort of your house during these cold months.  For more information on preventing winter fires, make sure to visit the National Fire Protection Association’s website here: https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Seasonal-fire-causes/Put-A-Freeze-on-Winter-Fires.  And if you do experience a fire this winter, we are always here to help restore your house “Like it never even happened."

3 Important Home Fire Safety Equipment

12/13/2021 (Permalink)

Help prevent fire damage like this with these 3 fire safety equipment.

As the weather gets colder and colder outside, we turn more to our houses for refuge. But when our time spent indoors with our fireplaces and heaters increases, so does the risk of house fires. With that in mind, we put together a quick, easy list of important fire safety equipment everyone should have in their house to help prevent fires.

Fire Extinguisher –

While this may seem obvious, having a working ABC-class fire extinguisher in the house is often overlooked.  Cooking fires are the number one cause of house fires according to the National Fire Protection Association, so it is strongly recommended to keep at least one of these in the kitchen

Smoke Detectors –

Probably the first line of defense for those unaware a fire has even started, it is recommended to place at least one in a centralized area of each floor of your house, including one for each bedroom.  In fact the National Fire Protection Association reports that almost two-thirds of fire related casualties happen in homes without a working smoke detector.  To help with the chore of keeping your smoke detectors working, you can even purchase some with sealed 10-year batteries.

Carbon Monoxide Alarms –

Just as important, these alarms detect the deadly, colorless gas Carbon Monoxide.  A CO leak in tandem with a fire can be devastating.  You can even find combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.  Like smoke detectors, make sure to place them in centralized locations on each floor of your house as well as in the bedrooms. And regularly test them to ensure they are working properly.

We hope that this quick reminder on the importance of these 3 pieces of fire safety equipment will help keep you and your home safe this winter. And if you do experience any fire damage, you can always count on us to clean it up “Like it never even happened.”

Thanksgiving Safety Tips

11/23/2021 (Permalink)

Tips for your delicious turkey!

Thanksgiving dinner is one of most special meals of the year for any family, but without proper care and attention, it may turn disastrous. In fact. according to the National Fire Protection Association, “Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires with more than three times the daily average.” This is why it is so important to practice the proper fire safety when cooking your delicious turkey. Check out these tips listed below to ensure your Thanksgiving doesn’t go up in flames.

For general oven and stovetop cooking:

• Always stay in the kitchen to attend your food while cooking on the stove.
• Frequently check the oven where your turkey is being cooked.
• Keep children and pets away from any hot surfaces.
• Keep all cooking surfaces clear of unneeded items, including the floor to avoid trips and falls.
• Test your smoke alarms before starting
• Know where you keep your fire extinguisher and make sure it hasn’t expired.

If you prefer your turkey deep fried:

• Only use a deep fryer outside, at least 10 feet away from your house and anything flammable.
• Make sure the fryer is at ground level on a flat and sturdy surface
• Place the turkey in the pot with water before using oil to test the correct amount needed for cooking.
• Wear long protective gloves that cover your hands and arms.
• Thaw the turkey completely before frying.
• Frequently use a cooking thermometer so that the oil doesn’t overheat.
• DO NOT use water on a grease fire so make sure to always keep a fire extinguisher handy.

Bonus tip:

• If you don’t have a working fire extinguisher on hand, you can use baking soda in an emergency.

The most important safety tip, however, is to call 911 when a fire grows out of control.

We hope that this friendly fire safety reminder will help you and your family enjoy Thanksgiving to the fullest.  And if your family does experience a fire, know that our family is just a phone call away, fully prepared to clean up any damage. For more fire safety tips, you can visit https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Seasonal-fire-causes/Thanksgiving and https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/outreach/cooking.html

Lingering Smoke Smell or Visible Soot in Your Alexandria Home?

5/21/2021 (Permalink)

Our highly trained professionals follow strict protocol and procedures when restoring the damage caused by fire. Call SERVPRO of Alexandria for help.

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

Smoke and soot facts:

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

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Alexandria 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.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?

Call Us Today – (703)739-2800

Let SERVPRO of Alexandria Provide Turn Key Services After a Fire

5/20/2021 (Permalink)

Our Fire Restoration Experts, and in-house Reconstruction Team are Ready to Assist After Fires in Alexandria!

We handle everything from the fire restoration, to the storage and cleaning of the smoke on your home's contents, to the reconstruction.

• demolition
• storage and cleaning of the client's contents
• fire restoration 
• insurance negotiation
• material selection
• building permitting process
• reconstruction

What to do if a Fire Strikes your Alexandria Home

4/16/2021 (Permalink)

Our highly trained professionals follow strict protocol and procedures when restoring the damage caused by fire. Call SERVPRO of Alexandria for help.

Limit Traffic in the Home

Once the fire department releases the home to you, keep the number of people walking through the house to a minimum. Things like soot and other debris can quickly grind into carpets and upholstered items, and it will be much harder for the restoration company to remove from the fabric.

If you do need to move around in the house, lay down some plastic runners in the traffic areas, and try to keep everyone out that does not need to be in the building. People often want to see the aftermath of the fire, but if they don't need to be in the house, they just add to the potential problems and could be a safety concern. 

Cover Your Furnishings

If the furnishings in your home are still relatively clean after the fire, put some plastic over them to keep dirt, soot, and ash off the upholstery. The upholstery may smell like smoke or other odors from the fire, but if the fabric is still clean, dealing with furnishing restoration is much easier. 

Clean Out the Fridge and Freezer

The electricity to your home is often shut off during fire suppression efforts, and if you can’t move back into the home for a while, take the time to clean out the refrigerator and the freezer so that the food does not spoil and ruin the appliances. Once all the food is out, prop the door open on both the fridge and the freezer to keep them from getting musty or growing mold inside.

Unplug Appliances and Electronics

If appliances or electronics are in the house that may turn on when the power comes on, unplug them from the outlets. If the items do not appear to have damage on them, they could have water damage inside or a short that you can’t see.

Something as simple as a wire with the insulation melted off could create a spark and start another fire when the power comes on. Unplugging the attached electronic or appliance is the safest way to isolate it and make sure everything is in working order.

Retrieve Your Important Documents

If you have documents in your home that are important like birth certificates, death certificates, your marriage license, or important insurance documents, retrieve them from the home as soon as possible. The longer these documents stay in the home, the more likely they are to sustain damage, and some of the documents will be hard to replace. 

Locate the documents and put them in something secure to protect them. Move them to a safe deposit box, or invest in a lockbox to keep with you until you are able to return to your house. If you decide to keep the documents with you, make sure the lockbox is fire-, water-, and tamper-proof so that you don't risk losing these documents again. 

Fire Prevention Tips from your local SERVPRO

4/16/2021 (Permalink)

Questions about Fire Damage, Call Us Today – (301) 856-5402

Fires in your home can be catastrophic and extremely costly. It is crucial to take the necessary steps to prevent such disasters, sparing personal belongings, and, more importantly, lives. Here are some tips from the experts at SERVPRO of Alexandria:

Smoke Detectors

By law, you are responsible for having and maintaining smoke detectors on each level of your home and basement in Maryland. Smoke detectors act as the first line of defense against ignition and spread of fire. Confirm with your local regulations as to whether or not your home is up to code. Early detection of smoke can help prevent bigger damage and expensive repairs.

Fire Extinguishers

In addition to installing smoke detectors, fire extinguishers are great to have on hand in case of an emergency. If you don’t currently have one in your home, pick up one or more of the standard five-pound extinguishers. They are lighter in weight and easier to use.

Fireproofing Techniques

Reduce the chances of spreading fire in your home by taking every necessary precaution. This includes checking the condition of your kitchen, attic, garage, roof, living room, and chimney.

When smoking indoors or in the garage, make sure there are no combustible materials nearby. When baking or cooking, keep pot handles turned in and over the stove, use oven mitts, clear greasy messes from the area.

There is no substitute for training and experience when it comes to dealing with loss from a fire. As fire damage specialists, our business is built upon fire restoration expertise. We have the knowledge and the specialized equipment to get your property back to pre-fire condition.

If You Have Questions about Fire Damage, Call Us Today – (301) 856-5402

Say "Smell ya Later" to the Odors Left Behind from Fire Damage by Calling SERVPRO of Alexandria

4/16/2021 (Permalink)

After a fire, odors can get trapped beyond the areas affected by the fire and will be absorbed into your drywall, carpet etc. Let us Help!

Fire and smoke can wreak havoc on your home or business with devastating consequences. 

In addition to the physical fire damage that occurs, it can be a trying time emotionally. After a fire, odors can get trapped beyond the areas affected by the fire and will be absorbed into the materials in your space such as carpeting, drywall, furniture, drapes, wood, and more. Let the experts at SERVPRO of Alexandria help because we know exactly what to do.

We have the training and equipment to identify and eliminate these offensive odors. By identifying the cause of the odor, and determining the conditions where it contacts surfaces, the odor can often be removed over time without a trace. Our technicians have access to several odor removal products capable of penetrating surfaces to neutralize an unpleasant odor thoroughly.

As fire restoration pros, we use 2 primary methods to eliminate odors:

1. Dry fogging- Dispenses solvent-based deodorants as very small particles
2. Ozone- Activated oxygen quickly dissipates with no residue, fragrances, or chemicals that some can be sensitive to

If your home or commercial space has been affected by a fire, contact SERVPRO of Alexandria TODAY as we can make it "Like it never even happened." 

Fire Damage Specialists on Standby Ready to Help Restore your Alexandria Home or Business

4/16/2021 (Permalink)

Call your local SERVPRO today to restore your home or business back to pre-fire conditions

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - (703)739-2800

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Alexandria has the specific fire damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in fire damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your fire damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the fire-damaged home or business
• When did the fire or fire damage occur?
• What caused the fire damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

Have Fire Damage? Call Us Today (703)739-2800