Electrical Fires Can Be Dangerous

2/2/2024 (Permalink)

An electrical fire can be scary and extremely dangerous, but there are some guidelines to help keep your home safe from electrical fires.

Preventing Electrical Fires

• Be sure not to plug in too many devices into one outlet. If the wiring gets overloaded it can spark a fire.
• Check your outlets regularly for excessive heat, burn marks, and buzzing or crackling sounds.
• Make sure you have at least one smoke detector on every floor of your home, and test them regularly to keep them in good working order.

Common Appliances that Could Start a Fire

• Dishwashers contain heating elements that dry your dishes. Old or faulty elements can start a fire. Never turn on a dishwasher before leaving your home or overnight.
• Dryers need to have the lint trap cleaned often. The lint buildup in a dryer can start a fire.  Never run your washing machine or dryer when leaving your home or overnight.
• Microwaves can be very dangerous. There have been complaints in the past about microwaves starting on their own and causing a fire.
• Refrigerators can have an overheated compressor or an electrical short which can cause a fire.
• Toasters can fail or not turn off or have crumbs stuck to the heating elements which may start a fire.

If you have an electrical fire in your home or business, call SERVPRO of Medina County, Gateway, Western Lake County for your fire cleaning services.  1-800-933-7179.

How to prevent a dryer fire

4/28/2023 (Permalink)

Taking proper precautions and maintenance to your dryer may prevent a fire in the future.

You can do your part as a homeowner to prevent a dryer fire taking place in your home through proper installation, cleaning, and maintenance. Even if your dryer seems to be running fine right now, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Take these steps to prevent a dryer fire:

Read the manufacturers’ instructions and warnings upon installation and be sure that your dryer is installed by a knowledgeable professional and that the correct electrical plug and outlet are used

Clean the dryer lint filter before and after each load of laundry

Clean the filter with a nylon brush at least once every six (6) months or more often if it becomes clogged

Completely clean lint out of the vent pipe every three (3) months

Check occasionally through the venting system behind the dryer to ensure it isn’t damaged

Put a cover on outside wall dampers to keep out the elements

Ensure the outdoor vent cover opens when the dryer is on

Check your lint traps inside the dryer

Consider having a professional clean all your dryer venting just to be sure you and your family are safe

Call SERVPRO of Western Lake County if you experience a dryer fire in your home.  800-933-7179

COMMERCIAL BUILDING FIRES CAN BE PREVENTED

8/23/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial building fires put all types of businesses at risk.  Commercial buildings should have smoke and fire alarms throughout the building. Fire alarms are not only necessary to extinguish a fire, but they also help to save lives.

Cooking fires remain at the top of the list as a cause of non-residential fires. The fires sometimes started because of human error while cooking and sometimes by an appliance malfunctioning. A strong effort should be taken to make sure that a kitchen area is adequately protected. Sprinklers, alarms and easily accessible fire extinguishers are an absolute must.

Arson, or an intentional fire, is the next common cause of a non-residential fire.  An arsonist may start a fire anywhere, but bathrooms, trash cans, dumpsters and garages are likely spots. This is why you should have fire detection and prevention systems in unlikely places, such as behind the building.

Human error or unintentional fires are near the top of the list.  There are many reasons why a fire might occur accidentally; therefore employee fire safety training is extremely important. 

HVAC and Electrical systems should be inspected for any problems or potential malfunctions that may cause a fire.    Having a smoke alarm in the areas should be an important part of a fire safety and prevention system.

If you or your business experienced a fire in a commercial building, call SERVPRO of Medina/Gateway/Western Lake County for your fire clean up services.  Call us at 800-933-7179.

Medina County Smoke and Soot Cleanup

7/20/2022 (Permalink)

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

Smoke and soot facts:

Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.

Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.

The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Medina County 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 – 330-722-4343

Grab a blanket, relax and let the experts handle the fireworks show in Medina County!

6/29/2022 (Permalink)

Enjoy fireworks at a public display. Leave it to the professionals! Fireworks can start fires if not done properly.

It’s that time of year again for fireworks and sparklers.   The National Safety Council advises everyone to enjoy fireworks at public displays conducted by professionals, and not to use any fireworks at home.

Many people die or get injured badly enough to require medical treatment after fireworks-related incidents. Many of the injuries were from small firecrackers and sparklers.

Additionally, fireworks can start structure fires and vehicle fires.

The National Safety Council wants everyone to be sure to follow the following safety tips if using fireworks that are legal in your area:

*Never allow young children to handle fireworks

*Older children should use them only under close adult supervision

*Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol

*Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear

*Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands

*Never light them indoors

*Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material

*Never point or throw fireworks at another person

*Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting

*Never ignite devices in a container

*Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks

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

*Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don't go off or in case of fire

If your home or business experiences a fire from fireworks, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Medina County/Gateway/Western Lake County at 800-933-7179.

Cleaning your belongings after a fire

5/18/2022 (Permalink)

A fire can leave soot and fire extinguisher dust to be cleaned up by a professional.

The Packout:

A crew will come in and box up your home, room by room, using a careful labeling system.

The Cleaning:

While the cleaning process varies depending on the item, you can rest assured that only proven effective techniques are used that won’t do further damage to your items.

If there is a noticeable odor, they will be placed in a special room with equipment that has the ability to remove that odor.

There are also proven processes in place to restore expensive electronics like computers and even restore meaningful items full of sentimental value like photos or books.

The Storage:

Depending on the severity of the fire, your contents may need to be stored at our facility while your property is restored. Again, rest assured your items have been carefully inventoried and will be stored in a climate-controlled environment until your home is livable again.

Returning Items:

This has to be the most exciting part of the process.  Just as crews carefully boxed up items by room, the boxes will be strategically returned to those rooms for you, rugs placed back in their original places, and window treatments rehung.

If your home has a fire, call SERVPRO of Medina/Gateway/Western Lake County 800-933-7179

Charcoal Grill Safety in Medina County/Gateway/Western Lake County

4/27/2022 (Permalink)

Summer is just about here and we will be spending a lot of our time outdoors.  Grilling will be a large part of our summer routine.  Some people prefer using a charcoal grill over a gas grill. 

The benefits of using charcoal are that it burns hotter than gas; therefore you can control the temperature by moving the briquettes around.  By doing so, you can sear your meat and then move it to a cooler area to finish cooking.  Also, many people prefer the smoke flavor that the charcoal grill provides.

Before you throw the meat on the charcoal grill, there are a few things you need to be aware of:

*Do not light the grill inside the house, garage or any indoor space

*Keep the grill approximately 10 feet from any structure

*Make sure the grill is on a flat and stable nonflammable surface

*Keep the grill lid open when lighting it

*Do not wear loose clothing or have long hair hanging down when lighting

*Close up the lighter fluid immediately and place in a safe space

Even after precautions have been taken, sometimes fires still ignite outside of the grill and cause damage to your home or structure.  If you have fire damage due to a grilling accident, call the experts at SERVPRO of Medina County/Gateway/Western Lake County to clean up your fire damaged home at 800-933-7179.

Fireplace Safety in Cleveland Ohio

3/23/2022 (Permalink)

Fireplaces can be a fire hazard. Home fires caused by a chimney fire can spread rapidly.

Having a fireplace in your home can have many benefits.  Many home buyers look for a fireplace as an added amenity when looking for a new home.  There are many benefits to having a fireplace.

1. Fireplaces offer a cozy and warm setting for family gatherings or just getting cozy with a good book.
2. Fireplaces offer heat and light when the electricity goes out.
3. Fireplaces can help reduce the cost of electricity when using as a heating source.
4. A wood burning stove can offer heat, light and also a fire to cook on.

Fireplaces can also be a fire hazard.  It is important to have the chimney cleaned and inspected regularly. 

A chimney fire can be very hot and very dangerous.  Home fires caused by a chimney fire can spread very rapidly due to the intense heat.  Slow burning chimney fires might not get enough air or fuel to be a large fire, but because of the high temperature, can cause just as much damage as a blazing fire.

If you experience a chimney or fireplace fire in your home, call SERVPRO of Medina County/Gateway/Western Lake County to clean up the soot, fire extinguisher dust or even any water damage that may occur from putting the fire out.  Call us 24/7 at 800-933-7179.

SERVPRO of Medina County, Gateway and Western Lake County can help you with the smoke damage from a fire.

1/19/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke damage to your home can be overwhelming. Cleaning the soot as soon as possible can reduce the smell of smoke.

One of the most difficult situations that a homeowner can deal with is a house fire.  The stress over the fire and also the loss of your personal possessions can be overwhelming.  It can wreak havoc on you and your home for some time after.

Calling for a smoke damage restoration company, such as SERVPRO, as quickly as possible can help reduce some damage to your home as well as reduce some of your stress.

Removing the smell of smoke and the odor from your home can be difficult.  Removing any affected debris to include furniture, curtains, clothing, carpet and even ceiling tiles can reduce the chance that the odor will linger.  Removing any other soot or burned items can also help reduce the smell of smoke.  Cleaning the soot and smoke is an important part of reducing the odor from your home.

SERVPRO of Medina County, Gateway and Western Lake County can help you with the smoke, soot and odor damage from a house fire.  Call us at 1-800-933-7179.

Electrical Fires Can Be Dangerous

12/1/2021 (Permalink)

Appliances can cause fires if not properly maintained.

An electrical fire can be scary and extremely dangerous, but there are some guidelines to help keep your home safe from electrical fires.

Preventing Electrical Fires

• Be sure not to plug in too many devices into one outlet. If the wiring gets overloaded it can spark a fire.
• Check your outlets regularly for excessive heat, burn marks, and buzzing or crackling sounds.
• Make sure you have at least one smoke detector on every floor of your home, and test them regularly to keep them in good working order.

Common Appliances that Could Start a Fire

• Dishwashers contain heating elements that dry your dishes. Old or faulty elements can start a fire. Never turn on a dishwasher before leaving your home or overnight.
• Dryers need to have the lint trap cleaned often. The lint buildup in a dryer can start a fire.  Never run your washing machine or dryer when leaving your home or overnight.
• Microwaves can be very dangerous. There have been complaints in the past about microwaves starting on their own and causing a fire.
• Refrigerators can have an overheated compressor or an electrical short which can cause a fire.
• Toasters can fail or not turn off or have crumbs stuck to the heating elements which may start a fire.

If you have an electrical fire in your home or business, call SERVPRO of Medina County, Gateway, Western Lake County for your fire cleaning services.  1-800-933-7179.

Keep your home safe this Halloween

10/27/2021 (Permalink)

Halloween festivities can make the holiday special for kids and adults alike.  Watching the children run door to door to trick-or-treat and enjoying the decorations that are displayed can be very exciting, but also a danger.  Glowing jack-o-lanterns, dried cornstalks and flowing costumes together can become a fire risk.  Taking some fire safety precautions can help ensure a safe holiday full of fun. 

According to the National Fire Protection Association, the following are the top five Halloween fire safety tips:

  *Use a battery-operated candle or glow stick in jack-o-lanterns

  *When choosing costumes, stay away from long trailing fabric

  *Teach children to stay away from open flames, including jack-o-lanterns with candles in them.

  *Dried flowers, cornstalks, and crepe paper catch fire easily. Keep all decorations away from open flames and other heat sources like light bulbs and heaters

  *Provide children with flashlights to carry for lighting or glow sticks as part of their costume.

By planning ahead, you can help make this Halloween fire-safe. 

If you do experience a house fire during this Halloween season, call SERVPRO of Medina County/Gateway/Western Lake County at 1-800-933-7179.

Areas Where Many House Fires Originate in Medina Ohio

8/4/2021 (Permalink)

Many fires start in the kitchen. You should never leave the area when cooking anything on the stove.

House fires start in some places more than others. Here are some of the more common places fires begin:

#1: Kitchen

Many house fires start in the kitchen. It’s really no surprise since it’s where you do the most cooking and keep many appliances. You should keep an eye on the oven, and keep combustible items away from the stove.

#2: Bedroom

There are many house fires that start in the bedroom. Mattresses can be very flammable unless they’re new. If you have a mattress that was made before 2007, it probably doesn’t abide by the Federal Mattress Flammability Standard. Mattresses made after 2007 are flame retardant and held to a higher safety standard.

#3: Chimney

House fires happen in chimneys because people neglect to have them serviced. Every time you have a fire, you are coating the inside of your chimney with residue and it builds up. You should have the chimney professionally cleaned to prevent fires.

#4: Living Room

Living rooms or family rooms often contain candles, fireplaces, and electronics. Along with couches and other flammable items, fires often start here.

#5: Laundry Room

Dryer lint is a main cause of laundry room fires. If you don’t clean vents and filters regularly, the heat could cause lint to catch fire.

#6: Outside

House fires also start outside.  This is where people keep their grills, they smoke, have bonfires, and light off fireworks.

If you experience a house fire call SERVPRO of Medina County, Gateway and Western Lake County at 800-933-7179.

Medina County Smoke and Soot Cleanup

7/7/2021 (Permalink)

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

Smoke and soot facts:

Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.

Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.

The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Medina County 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 – 330-722-4343

Grab a blanket, relax and let the experts handle the fireworks show!

6/23/2021 (Permalink)

It’s that time of year again for fireworks and sparklers.   The National Safety Council advises everyone to enjoy fireworks at public displays conducted by professionals, and not to use any fireworks at home.

Many people die or get injured badly enough to require medical treatment after fireworks-related incidents. Many of the injuries were from small firecrackers and sparklers.

Additionally, fireworks can start structure fires and vehicle fires.

The National Safety Council wants everyone to be sure to follow the following safety tips if using fireworks that are legal in your area:

*Never allow young children to handle fireworks

*Older children should use them only under close adult supervision

*Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol

*Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear

*Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands

*Never light them indoors

*Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material

*Never point or throw fireworks at another person

*Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting

*Never ignite devices in a container

*Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks

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

*Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don't go off or in case of fire

If your home or business experiences a fire from fireworks, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Medina County/Gateway/Western Lake County at 800-933-7179.

What happens to your belongings after a fire

5/26/2021 (Permalink)

The Packout:

A crew will come in and box up your home, room by room, using a careful labeling system.

The Cleaning:

While the cleaning process varies depending on the item, you can rest assured that only proven effective techniques are used that won’t do further damage to your items.

If there is a noticeable odor, they will be placed in a special room with equipment that has the ability to remove that odor.

There are also proven processes in place to restore expensive electronics like computers and even restore meaningful items full of sentimental value like photos or books.

The Storage:

Depending on the severity of the fire, your contents may need to be stored at our facility while your property is restored. Again, rest assured your items have been carefully inventoried and will be stored in a climate-controlled environment until your home is livable again.

Returning Items:

This has to be the most exciting part of the process.  Just as crews carefully boxed up items by room, the boxes will be strategically returned to those rooms for you, rugs placed back in their original places, and window treatments rehung.

If your home has a fire, call SERVPRO of Medina/Gateway/Western Lake County 800-933-7179

Charcoal Grill Safety in Medina County/Gateway/Western Lake County

5/5/2021 (Permalink)

Summer is just about here and we will be spending a lot of our time outdoors.  Grilling will be a large part of our summer routine.  Some people prefer using a charcoal grill over a gas grill. 

The benefits of using charcoal are that it burns hotter than gas; therefore you can control the temperature by moving the briquettes around.  By doing so, you can sear your meat and then move it to a cooler area to finish cooking.  Also, many people prefer the smoke flavor that the charcoal grill provides.

Before you throw the meat on the charcoal grill, there are a few things you need to be aware of:

*Do not light the grill inside the house, garage or any indoor space

*Keep the grill approximately 10 feet from any structure

*Make sure the grill is on a flat and stable nonflammable surface

*Keep the grill lid open when lighting it

*Do not wear loose clothing or have long hair hanging down when lighting

*Close up the lighter fluid immediately and place in a safe space

Even after precautions have been taken, sometimes fires still ignite outside of the grill and cause damage to your home or structure.  If you have fire damage due to a grilling accident, call the experts at SERVPRO of Medina County/Gateway/Western Lake County to clean up your fire damaged home at 800-933-7179.

Fireplace Safety in Cleveland Ohio

4/7/2021 (Permalink)

A fireplace fire can cause tremendous damage to your home.

Having a fireplace in your home can have many benefits.  Many home buyers look for a fireplace as an added amenity when looking for a new home.  There are many benefits to having a fireplace.

1. Fireplaces offer a cozy and warm setting for family gatherings or just getting cozy with a good book.
2. Fireplaces offer heat and light when the electricity goes out.
3. Fireplaces can help reduce the cost of electricity when using as a heating source.
4. A wood burning stove can offer heat, light and also a fire to cook on.

Fireplaces can also be a fire hazard.  It is important to have the chimney cleaned and inspected regularly. 

A chimney fire can be very hot and very dangerous.  Home fires caused by a chimney fire can spread very rapidly due to the intense heat.  Slow burning chimney fires might not get enough air or fuel to be a large fire, but because of the high temperature, can cause just as much damage as a blazing fire.

If you experience a chimney or fireplace fire in your home, call SERVPRO of Medina County/Gateway/Western Lake County to clean up the soot, fire extinguisher dust or even any water damage that may occur from putting the fire out.  Call us 24/7 at 800-933-7179.

Using space heaters can ignite a fire if placed too close to things that burn!

1/20/2021 (Permalink)

Fires can cause smoke damage to all areas of your home.

Using space heaters in a home or office are typically used to raise the temperature in a specific room. Radiant heaters directly heat the people and the area around the heater rather than the whole room.  They are usually heating a single room for a few hours.  But, they can ignite a fire because they are typically located near objects that may be flammable materials such as clothing, bedding or furniture.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission urges consumers to be alert to hidden hazards in the home, especially during winter’s colder months.

• Keep material, such as curtains, sofas, beds, clothes and papers at least three feet away from space heaters.
• Always plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet. Never plug a space heater into a power strip. Overloaded powers strips can catch fire.

If using a portable heater under a desk in an office, it’s important to remember to turn it off at the end of the day.  A heater left on could heat up materials that could start a fire.  Employees should be reminded to shut them off and keep combustible materials away from the heater.

If you have a fire in your business or home that was caused by a portable space heater, call SERVPRO of Medina County/ Gateway / Western Lake County for your fire cleaning services.  Our highly experienced and trained professionals will take care of you, your home and your business.  Call us at 800-933-7179.

Use Extra Caution and Stay FIRE safe during pandemic

12/2/2020 (Permalink)

Unattended or distracted cooking can cause fires in the kitchen.

In the response to COVID-19, many households are dealing with unusual routines to include working from home and kids schooling from home.  The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is urging everyone to use added caution around home fire safety.

Cooking is one of the leading causes of home fires.  Unattended cooking or distracted cooking during these unusual and out of the ordinary routines can occur if we are not keeping our eyes on what we are doing in the kitchen.

Heating equipment is another cause of home fires according the NFPA.  With everyone at home, our heating systems may be running for more hours than usual.

Distribution of electric or lighting equipment may also cause home fires.  With everyone plugging into the outlets to charge phones, computers, laptops or to add more lighting may present a fire hazard.

Remember to stay fire-safe during the COVID-19 pandemic and always.

If you experience a fire in your home, call SERVPRO of Medina County/Gateway/Western Lake County for any of your needed fire cleaning services.   

What To Do If An Electrical Appliance Catches Fire

8/12/2020 (Permalink)

An electrical fire can be scary and extremely dangerous, but there are some guidelines to help keep your home safe from electrical fires.

Preventing Electrical Fires

• Be sure not to plug in too many devices into one outlet. If the wiring gets overloaded it can spark a fire.
• Check your outlets regularly for excessive heat, burn marks, and buzzing or crackling sounds.
• Make sure you have at least one smoke detector on every floor of your home, and test them regularly to keep them in good working order.

Common Appliances that Could Start a Fire

• Dishwashers contain heating elements that dry your dishes. Old or faulty elements can start a fire. Never turn on a dishwasher before leaving your home or overnight.
• Dryers need to have the lint trap cleaned often. The lint buildup in a dryer can start a fire.  Never run your washing machine or dryer when leaving your home or overnight.
• Microwaves can be very dangerous. There have been complaints in the past about microwaves starting on their own and causing a fire.
• Refrigerators can have an overheated compressor or an electrical short which can cause a fire.
• Toasters can fail or not turn off or have crumbs stuck to the heating elements which may start a fire.

If you have an electrical fire in your home or business, call SERVPRO of Medina County, Gateway, Western Lake County for your fire cleaning services.  1-800-933-7179.

SERVPRO of Medina County, Gateway and Western Lake County can help you with the smoke damage from a fire.

7/22/2020 (Permalink)

Removing affected debris, such as this refrigerator can help reduce the smell of smoke in your home.

One of the most difficult situations that a homeowner can deal with is a house fire.  The stress over the fire and also the loss of your personal possessions can be overwhelming.  It can wreak havoc on you and your home for some time after.

Calling for a smoke damage restoration company as quickly as possible can help reduce some damage to your home as well as reduce some of your stress.

Removing the smell of smoke and the odor from your home can be difficult.  Removing any affected debris to include furniture, curtains, clothing, carpet and even ceiling tiles can reduce the chance that the odor will linger.  Removing any other soot or burned items can also help reduce the smell of smoke.

SERVPRO of Medina County, Gateway and Western Lake County can help you with the smoke, soot and odor damage from a house fire.  Call us at 1-800-933-7179.

Sometimes Fireworks can start fires in Medina County!

6/24/2020 (Permalink)

Do you know that many reported fires on or around Independence Day are caused by Fireworks?

Fire prevention is important when fireworks are involved.  They can cause damage to homes and other structures, vehicles and even start forest fires.  The most likely cause is user error.  Debris and sparks from fireworks and even a firecracker can start a fire.  Also if a hot firework is improperly disposed of or dropped near flammable materials including dry grass or leaves, it could spark a fire.

Fireworks and firecrackers should never be ignited indoors.   They should always be set off in a safe area away from any buildings and houses.  Sometimes a fire will ignite in a trash can where the fireworks were lit.  A fire extinguisher should be kept nearby in case of an emergency.  The area where the fireworks will be lit should be hosed down and the ground, bushes and tree limbs should be wet.   Soaking down the area afterwards is a good idea as well.

If you experience a fire from fireworks this Independence Day, call SERVPRO of Medina County, Gateway and Western Lake County at 1-800-933-7179

Grill Safety Tips to Help Keep Your Medina County Home from Experiencing a Fire

5/14/2020 (Permalink)

This summer, many people will be firing up their grills.  Unfortunately, many home fires occur each year as a result of gas grills.  It is more often equipment malfunction, than operator error that causes a fire to break out.

Even the most experienced of grillers may not be aware of a few simple precautions that could save your home from disaster. 

*Always grill outside, and keep the grill well away from the house, deck railings, overhanging branches and all furniture.

*At the start of grilling season, check your propane tank hose for leaks.

*Never use charcoal lighter fluid to try to start a gas grill. 

*Clean your grill trays regularly.  The less grease on or around your grill, the better.

*Keep pets and children away from the grill.  Pets can knock over a grill and cause tremendous damage.  Keep your home safe by keeping children and pets away until the cooking is done.

*Lastly, stay by the grill at all times while it’s on. 

If you experience a grill fire to your Medina County home, call SERVPRO of Medina County at 330-722-4343

What Happens to My Belongings After A Fire in my Eastlake OH home

3/13/2020 (Permalink)

Here’s a look at how it all works:

The Packout:

A crew will come in and box up your home, room by room, using a careful labeling system.

The Cleaning:

While the cleaning process varies depending on the item, you can rest assured that only proven effective techniques are used that won’t do further damage to your items.

If there is a noticeable odor, they will be placed in a special room with equipment that has the ability to remove that odor.

There are also proven processes in place to restore expensive electronics like computers and even restore meaningful items full of sentimental value like photos or books.

The Storage:

Depending on the severity of the fire, your contents may need to be stored at our facility while your property is restored. Again, rest assured your items have been carefully inventoried and will be stored in a climate-controlled environment until your home is livable again.

Returning Items:

This has to be the most exciting part of the process.  Just as crews carefully boxed up items by room, the boxes will be strategically returned to those rooms for you, rugs placed back in their original places, and window treatments rehung.

If your Eastlake home has a fire, call SERVPRO of Western Lake County 800-933-7179

How to prevent a dryer fire in Medina OH

3/3/2020 (Permalink)

Dryer vents can cause a fire if not properly cleaned and inspected regularly.

You can do your part as a homeowner to prevent a dryer fire taking place in your home through proper installation, cleaning, and maintenance. Even if your dryer seems to be running fine right now, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Take these steps to prevent a dryer fire:

Read the manufacturers’ instructions and warnings upon installation and be sure that your dryer is installed by a knowledgeable professional and that the correct electrical plug and outlet are used

Clean the dryer lint filter before and after each load of laundry

Clean the filter with a nylon brush at least once every six (6) months or more often if it becomes clogged

Completely clean lint out of the vent pipe every three (3) months

Check occasionally through the venting system behind the dryer to ensure it isn’t damaged

Put a cover on outside wall dampers to keep out the elements

Ensure the outdoor vent cover opens when the dryer is on

Check your lint traps inside the dryer

Consider having a professional clean all your dryer venting just to be sure you and your family are safe

Call SERVPRO of Medina County if you experience a dryer fire in your home.  330-722-4343

Cooking With Caution in Wadsworth OH

2/14/2020 (Permalink)

Stove that had caught fire causing smoke damage to the home.

During these cold winter days, we love to have our comfort foods.  We cook for our families and friends when we come together for meals and special times.  But according to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home injuries.

By following a few safety tips in the kitchen, you can prevent these types of fires:

*If you are feeling sleepy or have consumed alcohol don’t use the stove or stovetop.

*You should always stay in the kitchen while you are frying, boiling, grilling, or broiling food. If you need to leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.

*If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, stay home while food is cooking, and use a timer.

*Have a “kid-free zone” of at least 3 feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried.

The facts are that the leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking and most cooking fires in the home involve the kitchen stove.

If you do experience a fire in your home, call SERVPRO of Medina County at 330-722-4343.

Cooking Fire Damage in Willoughby, OH

11/21/2019 (Permalink)

This Eastlake, OH home suffered from a fire after a stove caught on fire during the holiday season. The home had extensive smoke and soot damage.

Cooking Fires in Willoughby, OH are a leading cause of fire damage. Here's a few tips how to prevent them:

Cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires in Willoughby, OH, and they’re responsible for almost half the injuries from home fires. Most kitchen fires involve the stove. This time of the year cooking fires are most common because more people are cooking due to the holiday season. Keep these things in mind while you're cooking:

• Be sure to turn the stove off.
• Timers that notify you when the time is done can lend a major helping hand. Always use timers so that you don’t lose track of time.
• Paper, packaging, towels, oven mitts and wooden cooking are all flammable items and should be kept away from the stove while cooking.
• Never pour water on a grease fire.
• If you decide to (and it is safe to) fight the fire, smother it by turning off the burner and covering it with a metal or glass lid or pot. If you can’t extinguish the fire, leave the room, close the door and call 911.

Smoke and Soot Damage to your Medina, OH home

9/14/2019 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your Medina, OH home or business 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 MEDINA 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 – 330-722-4343

Tips to Prevent Fire Damage to your Medina, OH home

9/14/2019 (Permalink)

Dealing with the aftermath of a fire damage in your Medina, OH home can be costly, time-consuming, and emotional. This is why it’s so important to take certain precautions to prevent or decrease the likelihood of a fire. These helpful tips provided by the NPFA can reduce the probability of a fire in your home or office;

1.       Watch your cooking!  You should always stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling or broiling food. Remember to never let young children near the stove or oven while you are cooking.

2.       Give space heaters space! It’s best to keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn.

3.       Keep matches and lighters out of reach! The safest place to keep matches and lighters is in high cabinets, preferably under a child lock.

4.       Inspect electrical cords! You should replace cords that are cracked, damaged, have broken plugs, or loose connections.

5.       Be careful when using candles! Be sure to keep candles at least one foot away from anything that will burn.

Not all fires are caused by things we have control of. Some fires can be caused by unavoidable acts of nature or unpredictable accidents. Just in case one of these catastrophes may happen, keep in mind that a fire escape plan for your crew or family is always a good idea! Try practicing it at least twice a year. In the event of fire damages SERVPRO of Medina County is available 24/7 to offer exceptional response time and trained professionals ready to restore your property. 330-722-4343

Helpful tips to prevent fire damage to your Medina home

9/6/2019 (Permalink)

Dealing with the aftermath of a fire in your Medina, OH home or business can be costly, time-consuming, and emotional. This is why it’s important to take certain precautions to prevent or decrease the likelihood of a fire. These helpful tips provided by the NPFA can reduce the probability of a fire in your home or office;

1. Watch your cooking! You should always stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling or broiling food. Remember to never let young children near the stove or oven while you are cooking.
2. Give space heaters space!It’s best to keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn.
3. Keep matches and lighters out of reach!The safest place to keep matches and lighters is in high cabinets, preferably under a child lock.
4. Inspect electrical cords!You should replace cords that are cracked, damaged, have broken plugs, or loose connections.
5. Be careful when using candles!Be sure to keep candles at least one foot away from anything that will burn.

Not all fires are caused by things we have control of. Some fires can be caused by unavoidable acts of nature or unpredictable accidents. Just in case one of these catastrophes may happen, keep in mind that a fire escape plan for your crew or family is always a good idea! Try practicing it at least twice a year. In the event of fire damage SERVPRO of Medina County is available around the clock to offer exceptional response time and trained professionals ready to restore your property! Call 330-722-4343

Smoke Alarms Save Lives!

8/27/2019 (Permalink)

Smoke Alarms Save Lives!

Smoke alarms in your Medina home play a vital role in saving lives, and when properly installed, can reduce the risk of fire injury in half.* The National Fire Protection Association recommends smoke alarms be installed in every bedroom, outside all sleeping quarters and on every level of the house. Business owners should consult the local Fire Marshall to ensure specific building fire codes and smoke detector requirements are met.

Smoke alarms work best when paired with a fire escape plan. A plan allows your family, employees or clients to escape quickly and safely in an emergency situation.

SMOKE ALARM SAFETY TIPS:

Review the following tips regarding smoke detector installation and maintenance.

Install smoke alarms on every level of the home, including the basement.

Smoke alarms should be installed away from the kitchen to prevent false alarms.

Generally, they should be at least 10 feet from a cooking appliance.

Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button.

Replace batteries in all smoke alarms at least once a year. If an alarm “chirps,” the battery is low and should be replaced right away.

Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.

*Tips and statistics provided by the National Fire Protection Association.

If you have fire damage in Medina or Brunswick and are in need of cleanup or repair, call SERVPRO of Medina County today 330-722-4343

Medina County Fire Damage Information

7/28/2019 (Permalink)

The Basics of Bel Air Fire Damage

While flooding and mold can be scary, there’s nothing quite like a fire to remind homeowners how fragile a building can be. For all homes and businesses in Medina, fire damage is something that needs to be dealt with quickly and professionally. Once the immediate emergency has been taken care of, it is time to call in the restoration experts from SERVPRO.

How Long Does Fire Damage Restoration Take? 
Clearly, this will depend on how extensive the damage is. If you’ve had a small kitchen fire, for example, but it was put out quickly, the work will probably be quite efficient. If the damage is mostly superficial – burn marks on the outer surface of walls – painting and redecorating should be easy and uncomplicated. 

If the damage is more extensive, the restoration could take months. SERVPRO of Medina County never rushes or compromises on the quality of a job, in order to get occupants back inside faster, because this can put lives at risk. The best way to stay in the loop is to work with our fire damage restoration company that keeps you constantly updated during each stage of the repair process. 

Can a Restoration Team Eliminate Smoke Damage? 
Yes, our skilled restoration team will use a combination of fogging and ozone deodorization techniques to remove the smell and sight of smoke from the building. Both methods involve heavy duty equipment, so you shouldn’t try to tackle them independently. Let our experts do the job efficiently and professionally, so that you can get back to enjoying your home. 

Can You Hire a Fire Damage Team Without Insurance? 
Strictly speaking, you don’t need to be covered by fire damage insurance to hire a restoration team. However, it is strongly advised. If you don’t have any type of cover in place, you will be responsible for paying the cost of repair and restoration, in full. As this kind of work requires specialist skills and equipment, it can be expensive. Make certain that you have an insurance policy, so that the expense doesn’t become another disaster. If you are not the homeowner, renters insurance is so important. The homeowners policy will cover the structure but not your contents and personal belongings.

To get more information and advice on the best ways to deal with fire damage in Medina, talk to the experts at SERVPRO of Medina County.

Your Solution to Fire Damage in Medina

7/9/2019 (Permalink)

There are some things you should understand before attempting to combat secondary damages produced by a fire including how to protect yourself, your family, or anyone else that might enter your home while restoration is underway.

Common Causes of Fires to Brunswick Homes

7/9/2019 (Permalink)

Here are top 5 most common causes of Brunswick house fires as identified by the National Fire Protection Association.

1. Candles

From 2007-2011, the NFPA says there were an average of 10,630 fires in the U.S. that were started by candles, causing 115 deaths, 903 injuries and approximately $418 million in property damage. That is an average of 29 candle fires per day.

Safety tips:

• Never leave a candle burning near flammable items.
• Never leave a candle burning in a child’s room or an unoccupied room.
• Make sure candles fit securing into candle holders so they won’t tip over.
• Blow out any candles before leaving a room or going to sleep

1. Smoking

While the number of fires caused by smoking is trending downward, the NFPA found that there were still an average of 17,600 related fires per year resulting in 490 deaths and more than $516 million in property damage.

Safety tips:

• If you smoke, consider smoking outside.
• Use wide, sturdy ashtrays to catch butts and ashes.
• Look for cigarette butts under furniture and between seat cushions to make sure no lit butts have fallen someplace where they can’t be seen.
• Don’t smoke in bed, when you’re tired or around medical oxygen.

1. Electrical & Lighting

According to the NFPA, in 2011 approximately 47,700 home structure fires were caused by some sort of electrical failure or malfunction. These resulted in 418 deaths, 1,570 injuries and $1.4 billion in property damage.

Safety tips:

• Don’t overload outlets or electrical cords.
• Make sure you have the right cord for the job – inside cords for inside, heavy duty/outside cords for outdoor use.
• Don’t leave Christmas lights, Christmas trees, or halogen lights on overnight or when not at home.
• Consider having an electrician perform an annual checkup of your home’s wiring.

1. Dryers & Washing Machines

Clothes dryer fires happen more often than one might think, accounting for 16,800 home structure fires in 2010 and doing more than $236 million in property damage. 

Safety tips:

• Clean the lint screen frequently and don’t run the dryer without it.
• For gas and propane dryers, make sure there aren’t any leaks in the lines.
• Vent the dryer to the outside of the house and ensure nothing blocks the vent pipe.
• Clean the vent pipe and the area where the screen is housed.
• Keep the area around the dryer free of combustible materials.

Do you know how to properly use a fire extinguisher?

5/30/2019 (Permalink)

As the weather gets warmer house fires from grilling and BBQs increase. Fire damage can happen when you least expect it. Being prepared is the most important thing. A lot of people keep fire extinguishers in their kitchens and by grills but don’t know how to properly use them.

Portable fire extinguishers can be life and property saving tools when used correctly.  In order to operate an extinguisher, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) suggests remembering the word PASS:

• Pull the pin.  Hold the nozzle pointing away from you and release the locking mechanism.
• Aim low.  Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
• Squeeze the level slowly and evenly.
• Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side.

Read the instructions on the fire extinguisher and become familiar with then before a fire breaks out.  Remember, extinguishers do have limitations.  It is also important to ensure you have the correct type of extinguisher for your facility.  To find more information on choosing the appropriate class of extinguisher, please visit the NFPA website at www.nfpa.org.

Common Causes of Home Fires in Brunswick, OH

5/17/2019 (Permalink)

Common Causes of House Fires in Brunswick, OH

Fires can have a devastating effect on your home and are also a life-threatening emergency. There are many causes of a fire damage and knowing what these are will help you to take preventative measures to avoid such an incident occurring.

Kitchen Fires 
One of the biggest causes or fire damages in Brunswick, OH we see at SERVPRO of Medina County is cooking fires. While dry cooking fires usually cause minimal damage and are easy to put out, a fire started from grease has the potential to spread rapidly and cause significant destruction to your property. One of the simplest ways to prevent such fires from happening is never to leave pans unattended when cooking. 

Electrical Fires 
Electricity is such an integral part of modern life; it is easy to take it for granted and not fully appreciate the associated dangers of its use. Exposed wires, hot sockets, overheated plugs, blown fuses and overloaded extension leads can all result in a fire. Electrical heating appliances should always be connected into a GFCI, a ground fault circuit interrupter both for personal safety and to reduce the chance of arcing or circuits tripping.

Smoking 
Our team at SERVPRO of Medina County is often called to houses needing fire damage restoration following a smoking incident started by a cigarette that was not properly put out. The best way to avoid this is not to smoke inside your home. If you do, make sure cigarettes are properly extinguished. 

Candles 
Candles are a fantastic way to create mood lighting, and the scented varieties bring a lovely aroma to your home. However, if you are not careful, they can easily cause a fire. Not placing them close to curtains, other soft furnishings and anything flammable will reduce the risk of a fire.

If you are ever in the unfortunate position of needing your home restored following fire damage please call us 24/7. SERVPRO of Medina 330-722-4343 .  Our team is always on call to help 24/7.

The Facts About Cleaning Smoke Damage After a House Fire

4/19/2019 (Permalink)

The Facts About Cleaning Smoke Damage After a House Fire

Many homeowners think that they can clean-up smoke damage to their home after it has been burned in a fire. Unfortunately, that is never a good idea. Cleaning up smoke and soot damage requires professionals to do the job.

Bring in the Fire Damage Pros

First off, a house that has been burned in a fire is typically not safe to enter or spend time in. The integrity of walls and floors may have been damaged, along with other hazards. It’s important not to enter the home until professionals tell you it is safe to do so.

While you should not undertake trying to clean up smoke and soot damage from a house fire yourself, you should get the professionals into your as soon as possible. Ash and smoke, if left untreated, will cause corrosion, discoloration and a lingering powerful and offensive odor. Ash, specifically, will start causing damage and discoloration almost immediately and the damage may be permanent and irreversible. Anything that was made of plastic will begin discoloring within minutes. Metals will easily tarnish and corrode, and fiberglass will begin to yellow.

If you get fire damage restoration professionals in soon enough after a house fire, they can mitigate or eliminate the smoke and ash damage from the fire and prevent further damage to your property. Unfortunately, if you don’t get the pros in early, the damage becomes worse and worse and the costs to repair will begin to skyrocket within just a few weeks!

Know Who to Hire

Many companies claim to be fire damage restoration specialists, but they may not actually have the proper training and certification to do the job. The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is the primary oversight agency for the industry. Companies recognized, registered and certified by the IICRC will have taken extensive coursework to earn their certification.

What a Trained and Certified Fire Damage Restoration Professional Does

A trained and certified fire damage restoration professional will first identify all affected materials and the source of odors, if possible. They will be extremely thorough. They will identify what can be salvaged and cleaned and what cannot be and must be completely replaced. They will then begin the clean-up process by removing built-up ash residue. Once the ash is cleaned, they can better identify the sources of odors, which they will treat with special detergents made to neutralize the odors. Once fire damaged materials are treated, they will be sealed to prevent future odors from emitting into your home.

If you or anyone you know is in need of smoke or fire damage restoration services.

We are here to help! Contact us today.

American Red Cross Home Fire Campaign

4/5/2019 (Permalink)

It’s time to spring forward! As people TURN their clocks forward one hour, the American Red Cross reminds everyone to TEST their smoke alarms.

This weekend is also a good time for everyone to take these lifesaving steps to help prepare households for home fires, the nation’s most frequent disaster:

• Check smoke alarms and replace batteries if needed. Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire by half. Test smoke alarms once a month. Change the batteries at least once a year, if your model requires it. Place smoke alarms on every level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms, and sleeping areas.
• Create and practice your home fire escape plan. Fire experts agree that people may have as little as two minutes to escape a burning home before it’s too late. This weekend, create a home fire escape plan with your household and practice it until everyone can escape in less than two minutes. Escape plans should include at least two ways to escape from every room and a meeting spot at a safe distance away from your home, such as your neighbor’s home or landmark like a specific tree in your front yard, where everyone knows where to meet.

HOME FIRE CAMPAIGN SAVING LIVES

Each year, the Red Cross responds to more than 62,000 disasters—the vast majority of which are home fires. Every day, seven people die in home fires, and most tragedies occur in homes without working smoke alarms. That’s why the Red Cross launched the Home Fire Campaign with community partners in 2014 to reduce needless deaths and injuries.

So far, the Home Fire Campaign has reached more than 1.7 million people and is credited with saving more than 500 lives across the country. The campaign’s volunteers and partners have also:

• Installed more than 1.5 million free smoke alarms
• Reached more than 1.3 million children through youth preparedness programs
• Made more than 660,000 households safer from the threat of home fires

People can visit redcross.org/homefires for free resources and to learn more about how to protect themselves and their loved homes from fire, or contact their local Red Cross to find out about smoke alarm installation events in their community.

Getting Rid of Soot Odors after Fire Damage

3/27/2019 (Permalink)

Getting Rid of Soot Odors after Fire Damage

Any Medina homeowner who is unfortunate enough to face a house fire of any size knows that the lingering smell of soot is unpleasant. We at SERVPRO see this all the time in our work – even after restoration is complete and the affected area is thoroughly cleaned, the smell of soot often lingers and is very distressing for homeowners.

In some cases, the best way to remove smoke smells after fire damage is utilizing a piece of equipment called an ozone machine. Ozone machines are odor removal powerhouses. They are capable of removing even pungent soot odors and making a home smell fresh and clean once more.

There is only one drawback of ozone machines, and that is that we cannot use them in places where there are people, plants or pets. That means that they are not suitable for use in fire restoration situations where you are still living in your home during cleaning. However, if you have to move out for a few days during restoration, ozone is an ideal solution for post-fire smells.

Ozone is a naturally occurring gas. Ozone occurs after lightning strikes or during thunderstorms and is responsible for the fresh, clean smell you notice in the air after a storm passes.

Ozone is also known as nature’s deodorizer due to its ability to remove unpleasant smells. SERVPRO of Medina County uses it in fire restoration situations because it has a powerful deodorizing effect on lingering soot smells.

How does ozone act as a deodorizer? It is a straightforward process. Ozone is an unstable molecule, and it reacts quickly to other molecules when it comes into contact with them. The extra oxygen atom in the ozone binds to odor particles and destroys them. This chemical reaction takes the molecules apart and thus gets rid of the smell.

We train our certified technicians to apply ozone with due care and attention. We properly contain the affected area, and our team knows just how much ozone to apply for maximum effect.

Because ozone has a short life, your home is safe to inhabit very soon after the treatment is complete.

For situations where it seems impossible to get rid of that lingering smell, ozone is a powerful solution.

For help dealing with the cleanup after a fire, call SERVPRO of Medina County for help.

Let us handle the fire damage in Medina, OH

3/13/2019 (Permalink)

Fires inside the home can be a terrifying ordeal. Flames, smoke, and ash can destroy many of your personal belongings and can also damage floors, carpets, and furniture inside the house. Once firefighters extinguish fires, dirt, debris, and strong smoke odors can remain inside the structure. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster, which is why calling us can be helpful.

SERVPRO professional fire damage teams in Medina, OH are certified and can restore your house if possible. The techs may employ fans, and top-grade air scrubbing and fogging equipment to eliminate heavy smoke odors fast. Plus, the crew can use industrial cleaning products to remove ash, soot, and debris from the affected surfaces such as your ceilings, counter-tops, walls, and floors. The team may also apply odor removal deodorants to remove smoke odors from materials affected by the flames such as upholstery, curtains, and carpeting.

In some cases, we may need to utilize portable ozone machine to get rid of offensive and lingering smoke odors. Ozone machines use activated oxygen to neutralize and eliminate strong smells and to purify the atmosphere inside the structure. If we employ this type of equipment, all occupants and any pets inside the structure must leave the house until the job is complete due to the strong chemicals. You can rely on us to make sure the air quality inside your home is safe when you return.

If necessary, the team can perform minor repairs to secure the structure such as boarding a window or door or covering and sealing a hole in the roof. Securing the home can help prevent human and wildlife intruders from invading your house. If significant repairs are necessary, SERVPRO can help make any necessary repairs. The crew can also remove burned or charred contents from the structure like carpeting, tables, chairs, clothing, and drapes. The technicians can clean, sanitize and store any materials they remove from the house and keep them in a safe storage area on or off-site until the job is complete.

SERVPRO of Medina County offers fast and reliable fire damage restoration that can return your home to its preloss condition. Contact us at 330-722-4343 any time of the day or night. We are close by and here to help.

What to Do Until We Arrive During a Fire Damage

3/3/2019 (Permalink)

House fire damage

A fire can be devastating. It leaves behind soot, smoke damage and a host of other problems. Fire damages can affect ceilings, walls, woodwork, carpeting, and floors will often need thorough professional cleaning. If your home or business suffers a fire, it is important to take the appropriate steps to prevent further damage until your local SERVPRO of Medina County arrives. The following tips may help reduce damage and increase the chances of a successful restoration:

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpet
• Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls, and woodwork. n Place dry, colorfast towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery, and carpet traffic areas
• If electricity is off, empty freezer/ refrigerator completely and prop doors open to help prevent odor
• Wipe soot from chrome kitchen/ bathroom faucets, trim and appliances, then protect these surfaces with a light coating of lubricant
• If heat is off during winter, pour RV antifreeze in sinks, toilet bowls, holding tanks and tubs to avoid freezing pipes and fixtures
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers to stop particles of soot from getting in or out of the HVAC system

 Call SERVPRO of Medina County at 330-722-4343, if you've had a fire or would like to know how we can help in the event you do.

Ways to Prevent Fire Damage Part 1

2/15/2019 (Permalink)

Soot covering walls after a Christmas Eve house fire

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 Medina County 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 Medina County.

Ways to Prevent Fire Damage Part 2

2/15/2019 (Permalink)

Bathroom fire damage after Christmas Eve house fire.

In our previous blog SERVPRO of Medina County 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 hair styling 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 Medina County 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 330-722-4343

Home Restoration After a Fire

12/14/2018 (Permalink)

When the firefighters leave a fire, it might seem like everything is safe. However, if a restoration company doesn't clear the smoke damage, your home may never get back to its fighting shape. The principles of fire damage restoration seem simple but fixing fire damage requires a significant amount of experience and power. For this reason, homeowners should never attempt a fire cleanup by themselves.

Why Fire Cleanup Experts Should Take Care of Your Fire Damage

In almost all cases, it is the fire that acts as the immediate danger. Once the fire has stopped, the fire damage and smoke damage that it leaves behind will negatively affect your home or business. Ash and smoke damage, if it does not get treated, will cause extensive corrosion from fire in home or fire in business, discoloration, and even a bothersome smoke smell. Fire damage restoration experts who take care of soot damage and commercial fire damage can put a stop to these things before it becomes a problem. But the fire cleanup experts can only take care of the board up, smoke smell, and soot damage if they get contacted as soon as possible. While many companies claim that they can do board up and smoke smell services, as well as fix damage from fire in home and fire in business, you should only contact commercial fire damage experts who have the proper training and credentials. In this case, you should consider companies that have received credentials from the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification. This oversight agency requires every registrant to undergo coursework before they get certified. This certification serves as a symbol of excellence. Any restoration company that receives certification from the IICRC can provide you and your family with excellent fire damage restoration services.

Get Certified Experts to Do The Job

IIRC certified professionals can clean soot damage and fire damage and restore any of your items that got ruined by fire in home or fire in business. However, you have to bring these things in before the smoke damage renders them useless. Ash discolors most surfaces in your home. Plastic and other types of items that were close to the fire damage will get melted within minutes of the fire starting, while fiberglass and appliances will get discolored within hours after a fire. At this time, your metals might get tarnished by fire in home or fire in business. Soot damage may also cause your walls, clothing, and upholstery to get discolored. You may also need to replace or refinish any wood or vinyl that you have in your home. While you're going through your fire damaged items, you should also board up your home.

The Importance of Getting Experts To Do The Job

If you don't hire a restoration company to clean commercial fire damage and board up any windows, your fire damage restoration costs will go up exponentially after a couple of weeks. You may need to replace metals; your carpet may get discolored from commercial fire damage. Your glass items may also need to get replaced because they were etched due to the fire. At this time, the smoke smell may cause problems for the fire cleanup efforts. Ash contains acid, so you don't want to wait to hire a restoration company. If you hesitate to hire local fire cleanup experts, it could cause trouble for a lot of people.

When the professionals come onto the scene of a former fire, they will look at all the affected items and find the source of the fire smell. Professionals will always thoroughly clean any damage from the fire, such as ash and soot. Ash can get distributed throughout a building after a fire, so almost everything will need to get restored. The restoration experts will determine what can and can't be salvaged. They will also remove residue that coats all of your critical surfaces. Restorers will also look for the source of the fire smell and use detergents to neutralize the odors. Once restorers treat the affected materials, they will seal them to prevent any odors from getting into the air.

Call SERVPRO of Medina County to help restore your home after fire damage. 330-722-4343

House Fire Plan

10/10/2018 (Permalink)

Every second counts during a fire. Fire experts agree, people have as little as two minutes to escape a burning home before it’s too late to get out.

In a matter of moments, a small flame can become a major fire, making it critical to be prepared with an escape plan in place. A survey conducted by the American Red Cross shows only 26 percent of families have developed and practiced a home fire escape plan. Once a plan is developed, it is critical that everyone in the home understands the plan; the best way to do this is by practicing the escape plan at least twice a year. Increase your chance of surviving a fire by ensuring you have working smoke detectors in place, building an escape plan, and then practicing the escape plan. The following are a few steps to help you develop an emergency escape plan:

Draw a map of each level of your home and show all doors and windows. Find two ways to get out of each room. Make sure all doors and windows that lead outside open easily.

Consider escape ladders for sleeping areas on the second and third floors. Only purchase collapsible escape ladders evaluated by a recognized testing laboratory. Store them near the window where they will be used.

Choose an outside meeting place a safe distance from your home where everyone can meet after they’ve escaped. Make sure to mark the meeting location on your escape plan. Teach children how to escape on their own in case you cannot help them. Plan for everyone in your home with special considerations for elderly or disabled individuals. Practice your fire escape plan at night and during the daytime. SERVPRO of Medina County wants you to stay safe and prepare now to ensure you are ready for any disaster.

Fire Damage Restoration

10/10/2018 (Permalink)

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

Smoke and soot facts:

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

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Medina County 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 SERVPRO of Medina County Today 330-722-4343

Protect your Pets from a Fire

7/27/2018 (Permalink)

Approximately 500,000 pets are affected by fires every year, according to the United States Fire Administration. Promote the safety of the people and animals in your home in the event of a fire emergency by planning ahead. From preventative caution to making an evacuation plan that includes pet safety, here are three pet preparation steps you can take today.

1. Avoid open flames. Cats or dogs may knock candles over or singe their tails in open flames. Try a flameless candle alternative instead. You should also consider the risk posed by knobs on a gas stove. If you leave your pets unconfined at home while you are away, you may want to block the kitchen entrance or install protective covers to prevent pets from accidentally turning on the gas. 

2. Include pets in fire safety and evacuation plans. Prepare to safely evacuate pets along with the rest of your family in a fire emergency. Obtain and put up a front window cling to inform firefighters of the number and types of pets living in your home.

3. Gather pet records and supplies in a fire box. Store this box near an exterior door so that you can quickly grab all of these items during an evacuation. Make sure to include ownership and vaccination records as well as spare collars and leashes in case you need to control or restrain a frightened pet.

These simple steps can help you prevent fires and promote pet safety in the event of a fire emergency. You may also want to keep other home ownership or insurance records in a place where you can also easily find and take them in the event of an evacuation.

Safety of the Fireplaces

2/20/2018 (Permalink)

One of the best things on a cold night is a hot fire and a good book.  With a few tips, you can have a safe and cozy night at home.

• Only burn dry, cured wood.  That means wood that has dried for 8-12 months.  Green wood can cause soot build up in your chimney.
• Don't burn treated or construction wood.  It can be chemically treated and produce dangerous fumes when burned.
• Never leave a fire unattended, especially around children.
• Place a nonflammable rug in front of your fireplace to absorb any sparks that could damage your carpet.
• Install carbon monoxide and smoke detectors.
• Use your fireplace doors.
• Keep a fire extinguisher on hand just in case.
• Build your fire slowly.
• Get your chimney cleaned twice a year and inspected once a year.
• Call SERVPRO Of Medina County for any Emergency clean ups. at 1-800-933-7179

Make Your Home Fire Safe

12/14/2017 (Permalink)

Protecting your family in your home is important and fire is something nobody wants to think about. Unfortunately, fires can and do happen. The best way to prevent a house fire is to take some precautionary steps and fireproof your home. 

PREVENT FIRES AND BE SAFE

12/8/2017 (Permalink)

We are approaching the season of the year when families gather, and long-separated cousins enjoy hours of play as adults converse and catch up. As we retreat into our cozy homes and get a roaring fire going on the hearth, a dose of caution is wise. It takes only a brief period of inattention for a cheery fire to turn into a destructive force. We know this well because our technicians train to turn precisely this type of tragedy around fast. 

 
Nearly 50,000 fires a year involve one or a group of individuals playing with fire. Families are not immune to this preventable cause of of fire damages.  Most of the blazes involve children finding fire starters such as matches and lighters. More than 7000 home fires annually have been reported due to children experimenting with fire. Nearly 40 percent of these fires start in the bedroom, likely as the child or children play with a box of matches or a lighter in secret. About 43 percent of the fires were set by children under the age of 6.
 
SERVPRO of Medina County  urges our community to be aware of the risk of fire held in little hands. We are skilled and experienced in cleaning surfaces and restoring structures after a fire. Fire damage remediation is a core service for our company, but no one wants to live through the terror and potential for serious harm or even death that a home fire brings.
 
Keep matches and lighters locked up or in an inaccessible place at all times, but be vigilant when you invite guests over as they may bring their own firestarters and negligently leave them within reach of the children also attending the event. Your choice to burn candles or have a fire going in the fireplace requires that you also make sure all safety precautions are taken. A log that rolls out if a curious tyke knocks it with a poker and an upended candle are genuine fire risks as well.
 
If a fire does break out, get your friends and loved ones out of the home as soon as possible. Once the fire is extinguished and the authorities permit, crews can arrive with fully equipped vehicles to assess the damage and begin putting your life back together again.

Tis The Season For Fire Prevention

10/25/2017 (Permalink)

The National Fire Protection Association reports that 1,345,500 fires were reported in 2015, up 3.4% from the previous year. Those fires led to 3,280 civilian fire deaths and 15,700 injuries and causing $14.3 billion in property damage. A fire department is responding to a fire every 23 seconds. Keep those statistics in mind as we move into the colder part of the year. Staying warm during the winter months means more people are turning up furnaces, space heaters and firing up those wood stoves. Keep the following tips in mind for keeping your family safe and warm this winter: