The Hidden Dangers of Fire Damage: It's Not Just About the Flames

4/11/2024 (Permalink)

A house fire can be a devastating event. The immediate danger of flames is clear, but even after the fire is extinguished, hidden threats can linger. SERVPRO of Southern Cuyahoga County understands that fire damage goes far beyond the char. Smoke, soot, and corrosive byproducts can spread throughout your home, causing unseen damage to walls, ceilings, and even your air ducts.

These residues can harbor harmful bacteria and odors, impacting your indoor air quality and potentially leading to respiratory problems. Furthermore, smoke and soot are acidic, and if left untreated, can continue to eat away at surfaces long after the fire.

That's where SERVPRO of Southern Cuyahoga County comes in. Our team of certified fire restoration technicians are equipped with advanced technology and expertise to not only remove visible fire damage, but also to address these hidden dangers. We can restore your home to its pre-fire condition, ensuring a safe and healthy environment for you and your family.

Don't wait to address fire damage – contact SERVPRO of Southern Cuyahoga County today and let us help you get your life back on track.

Fire Looks for Weird Options

3/27/2019 (Permalink)

Anyone who is a fan of top TV show, This Is Us, knows that the central character, Jack Pearson, died because of smoke inhalation and other issues suffered from a house fire started by a faulty crock-pot. Now this is no indictment of crock-pots or any other household appliance or gadget. But this is a cautionary tale for how home and business owners should be diligent about the operational integrity of some of their more “off the beaten path” devices. We all should know that leaving your fireplace in full flame and walking away is a serious no-no, but so is leaving a candle lit and unsupervised for any long stretch of time. Remember, both are open flames and with the passing of a pet, a curious gust of air, the unexpected shifting of a random piece of firewood, hot flames from fireplace or candle can catch rugs, drapes, table coverings or upholstery on fire. A new concern too, are plug-in air fresheners. These smell-good devices are great for keeping a burst of fragrance in the air, but because they operate with heat, they can become dangerous when the fluid reservoir become dry. Always keep these filled when they are plugged in and remove them from the wall, for refilling, once they run out.  Lastly, most of us remember our childhood magnifying glass from our fun times playing science genius, Egyptian sun god or Sherlock Holmes. How can these harmless toys be a fire hazard? Depending on the size and grind of the magnifier and the time of day, late or early sunlight could very well be enough to flow through your windows, hit the magnifier and ignite nearby paper or other loose fuels. That is, if care isn’t taken to move the magnifier out of and away from the operational line of sight. We suggest that fire always be treated with care and caution. But if, God Forbid, the worst happens and your life is derailed by a fire at work or at home, SERVPRO of Southeastern Cuyahoga County technicians are highly trained, experienced and prepared to make sure things turn out "Like it never even happened."     

Southeastern Cuyahoga County Homeowners: Tips on How to Deep Fry a Turkey Safely

11/20/2018 (Permalink)

Thanksgiving is a time for family traditions and favorite recipes. Protect yourself, your guests, and home with these helpful safety tips.

With Thanksgiving quickly approaching, here are some great tips to keep everyone safe if they are deep frying their turkey.

1. Keep outdoor fryers off decks, out of garages and a safe distance away from trees and other structures that may catch fire.
2. Make sure the turkey is completely thawed and dry before cooking. Ice or water that mixes into the hot oil can cause flare-ups.
3. Watch the weather. Never operate a fryer outdoors in the rain or snow.
4. Place the fryer on a level surface, and avoid moving it once it's in use.
5. Leave 2 feet between the tank and the burner when using a propane-powered fryer.
6. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid overfilling. Oil can ignite when it makes contact with the burner.
7. Choose a smaller turkey for frying. A bird that's 8 to 10 pounds is best; pass on turkeys over 12 pounds.
8. Never leave fryers unattended.
9. Purchase a fryer with temperature controls, and watch the oil temperature carefully. Cooking oil that is heated beyond its smoke point can catch fire. If you notice the oil is smoking, turn the fryer off.
10. Turn off the burner before lowering the turkey into the oil. Once the turkey is submerged, turn the burner on.
11. Wear goggles to shield your eyes, use oven mitts to protect your hands and arms and keep an "ABC" or grease-rated fire extinguisher close by. Do not to use water or a garden hose on a fire related to Turkey Fryers.
12. Do not stuff the turkey with stuffing or vegetables, also avoid water-based marinades.
13. Keep children and pets away from the fryer at all times.
14. Once finished, carefully remove the pot from the burner, place it on a level surface and cover to let the oil cool overnight before disposing.
15. Opt for an oil-less fryer. This uses infrared heat, rather than oil, to cook the turkey. (And it’s healthier too!!)

Furnace Maintenance Tips For Your Southeastern Cuyahoga Home

11/19/2018 (Permalink)

Keep your furnace clean and running efficiently

Like many homeowners, you may wonder what you can do to keep your furnace well-maintained and when you should perform such maintenance. After all, a functioning furnace reduces the chance of a fire and related fire cleaning in your Southeastern Cuyahoga home.

Here are three tips for keeping your furnace in top shape throughout the year

1. Keep It Clean

Dirt is a troublesome yet common nuisance that can lead to furnace-related fires. The blower, motor and system itself all need regular cleaning to remove troublesome dirt and debris. Research how to clean your particular unit, or get help from a local professional. Leaving dirt to sit can cause your unit to malfunction and cause a fire-related issue.

2. Replace Filters

Your furnace filters should be replaced regularly. A good rule of thumb is to change them once before cold weather hits, and then once a month during the times that the furnace is in heavy use. Dirty filters can lead to situations that require fire cleaning, much like with other furnace components, and will also not function properly when you are relying on them to keep you and your family warm.

3. Perform Maintenance Early

One of the most important things to remember is that any repairs or other maintenance tasks need to be completed before the cold comes. Otherwise, you will risk using the furnace while it is not in top shape, possibly causing a fire and leading to smoke cleaning. You also will likely have an under-performing furnace that does not quite do its job.

Furnace maintenance is not exactly fun, but neither is a fire. You owe it to yourself and your wallet to take precautions against having a furnace malfunction at home. You will not only avoid fire cleaning in the future - you will also have better peace-of-mind knowing your furnace is ready to keep you heated.

Holiday Fire Safety In Southeastern Cuyahoga

11/13/2018 (Permalink)

Fire Prevention

• Watch out for extension cords and multiple wires that are hidden behind carpets and curtains
  • Overloading Circuits is a common mistake especially for families who possess multiple electronics because they do not split the devices and run a different circuit.
• Install an operating fire extinguisher and smoke detector
• Prepare a plan for emergencies
  • Having a plan prepared can prevent injuries and accelerating the process of leading everyone back to safety.

Fire and smoke damage should not be taken lightly due to the dangers it may cause, action should be taken immediately to prevent further destruction. Smoke can spread throughout an entire structure under a couple of minutes.

If any damages occur after a fire, SERVPRO of Southeastern Cuyahoga specializes in residential or commercial services, back to “Like it never even happened.”

Cuyahoga County Smoke and Soot Cleanup

6/13/2016 (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 Southeastern Cuyahoga 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 – 440-248-0022