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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Archived Fire Damage Blog Posts

Fire damage

9/19/2023 (Permalink)

When fire and water take control of your life, we help you take it back.

SERVPRO® provides 24-hour fire and water damage restoration services. 

Fire damage can be devastating for you and your family. Feelings of confusion are common you need an expert to help you through this crisis.

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.

Our goal is to help make it ... "Like it never even happened."

Have Questions? Call Us Today? (513) 422-9200

Here to help

12/15/2021 (Permalink)

When disaster strikes your home or business it can be overwhelming.  You don’t know what to do, how to clean it, or who to even call first to help in the situation.  SERVPRO is here for you.  If you find standing water in your home or commercial property, give us a call.  If you find mold growing on your property, give us a call.  If you have had damage from a fire, give us a call.

SERVPRO of Middletown Springboro has the expertise and the proper equipment to mitigate whatever disaster strikes your property.  We use cleaners that cannot be purchased in stores and they are designed specifically for SERVPRO, to help get your property back to looking “Like it never even happened.”  Our products are used to decontaminate, deodorize, clean wood and leather, and we have all the proper equipment to help dry out wet floors, walls, and ceilings.  We think of your property as our own so each job is treated with a thorough cleaning and attention to detail.  

SERVPRO is locally owned and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Our technicians are highly trained in water, fire, and mold restoration. 

Until help arrives

10/25/2021 (Permalink)

It is very important to know what actions to take yourself when catastrophe strikes and you're waiting on your area's SERVPRO of Middletown Springboro crew. In some scenarios, taking action and doing what you can do is the difference between the problem being easily managed and it getting worse. I'm going to list a couple "do's and don't's" when it comes to fire and smoke damage. 

One thing that anyone can do in the instance of fire or smoke damage is to limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpet. Another thing you can do is to tape a double layer of cheesecloth over air registers to stop particles of soot from getting in or out of the HVAC system. 

One thing not to do is to attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water. Another big thing to keep in mind is to not consume any food or beverages that may have been stored close to fire, heat or water.

Content cleaning

10/6/2021 (Permalink)

When you go through something devastating, such as a home fire, there are many emotions that you generally process. We strive to make that process a bit easier with the mentality in place that we will work to restore all that we can instead of having to completely replace all of it.  We know there are some things that cannot be replaced such as family heirlooms and those special sentimental pieces. 

Our fire team will go in and help you make a list of the contents of the home and make a report of items in your home; they take a room by room inventory, including pictures, to help better understand what can be restored and this can also be beneficial in most insurance claims. 

Once we have the list, the team can pack up the items that are to be restored and move it all back to the warehouse where the items are then cleaned to the condition it was before the fire using a few different types of cleaning methods, determined by the item itself. Not all things are made the same and some things require special care and attention than others during the cleaning process. 

When the items have been cleaned, they are boxed up and can be stored in our dry, temperature-regulated warehouse until the customer is ready to have the items moved to their home. 

Renters insurance

10/4/2021 (Permalink)

It is true that renters insurance is like a lot of things in life: it can seem over-complicated at first, but with a little explanation it becomes more understandable. If you rent a property, obtaining insurance is a good idea whether you own a lot of valuable items or even if you do not. That's because insurance has the ability to cover you for damage caused by a fire that affects other people and their belongings. As with all types of insurance, each policy may have unique features and it is important to understand what is covered and what might be excluded.

What Is Typically Covered

In general, the primary purpose of renters insurance is to cover your contents in the case of a residential fire or other disaster. Your clothes, furniture, jewelry, paintings and books could all be rendered useless by fire damage, and insurance is designed to cover those losses. A policy that includes replacement costs will provide bigger compensation for losses, but it may also include a higher premium than a cash value policy. Other types of coverage could include the following:

  • Liability coverage in case you negligently cause a fire
  • Medical payment coverage to others (though this is usually limited)
  • Loss of Use coverage in case you need a place to stay while the apartment is being fixed
  • Fire restoration coverage by a qualified fire mitigation company

For the best insurance, it pays to check around. Get the coverage that is suited to your needs and fits your budget.

What Might Not Be Covered
In general, a fire is a fire, and with renters insurance you should be protected. If you own an item that has a high value, such as an expensive bicycle, you could need to specifically insure that item. It always is a good idea to talk at least once a year to your insurance agent to make sure your insurance is not out of date due to changes in your lifestyle.

Soot damage

10/4/2021 (Permalink)

The longer you allow smoke and odors to linger, the deeper they soak into walls, furniture, and carpets. You should ventilate your house as quickly as possible and turn off your heating and air and replace the air filters. Additionally, your HVAC system could make the problem worse by spreading smoke, soot, and ashes throughout your home. Heavily damaged items may need to be disposed of. Consider throwing away food items that weren't sealed in airtight containers that came in contact with smoke damage.

Don't let a fire ruin your life. The devastation can be disheartening. React quickly, the faster you start the smoke cleaning process, the less extensive the damage will be. Call SERVPRO of Middletown Springboro if you experience any damages or if you just have a question.

Types of smoke

9/22/2021 (Permalink)

In the restoration business, SERVPRO of Middletown/Springboro gets called to building fires on a regular basis. Did you know that smoke damage is treated differently? There are 4 main types that we treat: 

  • Wet Smoke. (Plastic and Rubber) Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, and 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.  
  • Fuel Oil Soot. (Furnace puff backs) While “puff backs” can create havoc for homeowners, SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park can, in most cases, restore the contents and structure quickly.  
  • Other Types. (Tear gas, fingerprint powder, and fire extinguisher residue) Special loss situations require special care.  

SERVPRO of Middletown/Springboro technicians are IICRC trained to handle even the toughest of losses. The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process, but trust professionals to make it “Like it never even happened.” 

Smoke damage

12/10/2020 (Permalink)

Fire Damage Cleanup? Call 513-783-3005 to help make it "Like it never even happened."

When you suffer a home fire, the smoke and fire damage can be severe.  The home should be inspected quickly and cleaning and recovery actions should be in place to avoid permanent damage.  

When it's safe for you to return to your home, call your insurance company and ask for a cleanup and restoration company to help you with the fire and smoke damage to help restore your home.

Be sure to arrange for an inspection to make sure that the foundation and the structure of your home are safe.

When a fire has consumed your furniture and belongings, you have a wet, scorched mess left behind. Leather, fabric, and wood can trap smoke smells and usually can be restored. In addition, smoke and soot particles can get trapped inside of your air duct system.

SERVPRO of Middletown Springboro will remove the wet, burned, scorched mess and take your salvageable contents to clean in our warehouse.  We also have the capability to help restore your fire and water damaged documents and photos.  When this process is completed, then we can address the soot, water, and fire damage restoration to your home and to your air duct system.

Fire pit safety tips

10/26/2020 (Permalink)

Backyard Fire Pit Safety Tips:

  • Whether you prefer a built-in or portable fire pit, choose one that is not too large for the area. The pit should be a minimum of 10 feet away from any structures or combustible materials as well as away from trees, fences, sheds, power lines, and telephone wires.
  • Make sure that the seating area is large enough and properly placed for comfort and ventilation.
  • Check wind direction before lighting a fire.
  • Don’t use flammable fluids (gasoline, lighter fluid, etc.) to light or relight fires.
  • To start the fire, use a lighter to ignite crumpled pieces of paper covered with small sticks. Then, add larger sticks and a log or two to keep it burning. 
  • Burn only dry material. Damp material will create excess smoke. 
  • Don’t wear flammable clothing (like nylon) or any loose-fitting clothing.
  • Never leave the fire unattended, and keep pets and children far away from the fire as they will be attracted to it.
  • Keep a fire extinguisher, garden hose, or bucket of water nearby.
  • As the fire dies down, use a shovel and spread out the ashes to allow them to cool down. Then slowly pour water over those ashes and watch them closely to be sure that no burning embers remain or reignite. Put the cooled ashes in a specially designated ash storage metal can. 

Dealing with soot

10/7/2020 (Permalink)

More Problems Caused By Fire

After a fire is put out, property owners expect the need to replace any items that have burned. What many do not consider is the items that were not destroyed by the fire, but affected by the smoke. Smoke, the byproduct of materials burning, creates a lasting odor that is difficult to remove. 

As smoke rises, it can seep into your walls, ceiling, and roof. Once the smoke fills your your attic or crawl space, it increases the likelihood of moving into your HVAC. 

How SERVPRO Restores Your Property After A Fire

SERVPRO of Middletown Springboro is trained and has years of experience in removing and replacing insulation before your HVAC is affected. We get right to the root of the issue when dealing with smoke and soot. When we are on the job, we ensure that not only will your property be restored, but it is handled quickly before further damage ensues. Your job is to rest assured your odor problems are being taken of, and our job is to make it "Like it never even happened."

Fire damage

10/5/2020 (Permalink)

There are many things inside of your home that can cause fire damage. Some of them are even objects that you use every day of your life, such as your stove. At first glance, they are merely a part of your home and nothing to worry over, as they should be. However, if these devices are misused, they can cause a fire. Accidentally leaving your stove on, after you finish cooking, is an unfortunately common way to set a fire in your home.

Detecting a burning odor and hearing your smoke alarm in your Minneapolis home are significant indications that fire damage is occurring. The bacon grease left in your pan from cooking breakfast has caught fire and then spread to your nearby paper towel roll and cooking ingredients. By the time you use the fire extinguisher to smother the flames, your cupboards and belongings have already been covered in soot. Additionally, whatever foodstuffs were in the area have been burnt up by the fire.

At first glance, the damage may seem like something you can handle at home. After all, it has mostly been caused by smoke. However, only professionals, like SERVPRO, know specifically what cleaning method to use on the remains of a fire.

Soot adheres at a high temperature but selecting a method of remediation also depends on the temperature of the surface area. SERVPRO Of Middletown/Springboro knows precisely how to remediate the fire damage left behind in your home. Our technicians can carefully investigate your kitchen and figure out what cleaning methods to use. In fact, we may have to use more than one as it is common for multiple types of soot and staining to be left behind. To handle the soot, we can use lubricative, chemical, or abrasive cleaning techniques.

Fire damage

10/5/2020 (Permalink)

If you have experienced fire damage in your home or business, here is what to expect from us:

One Hour: Within one hour from notice of loss, a priority responder will contact you.

Four Hours: Within four hours of loss notification, our certified technicians will be onsite to assess the damage.

Eight Hours: Within eight hours of on-site arrival, certified technicians will be working neatly and efficiently to clean, restore, and deodorization. Pre-cleaning for restoration, to prevent any further damage from soot and smoke.

Detailed Explanation: A trained and uniformed technician will walk you through the job process step-by-step, explaining what to expect and the anticipated outcome. We then use state-of-the-art restoration techniques to ensure your home or business is back to normal in an appropriate timeframe.

Final Walk-through: After the work has been completed, a final walk-through will be conducted with you to help ensure your satisfaction.

Your house and smoke

9/23/2020 (Permalink)

Fall is here! With the change in seasons, people will be active both outside and indoors. Cooking inside is the #1 cause of house fires. Consider the following tips to ensure your family is safe.

  • Test Smoke Detector batteries every month
  • Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement, both inside and outside of sleeping areas.
  • Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
  • Position barbecue grills at least 10 feet away from siding and deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
  • Never use a stove range or oven to heat your home.

Smoke Damage Cleanup

Smoke damage can leave a lasting impact on your house and make rooms unbearable to breathe in.

Before you begin cooking inside, it is important to understand the risks of smoke damage.

SERVPRO Of Middletown Springboro can help you eliminate smoke and fire damage professionally.

Fire damage

12/11/2019 (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 Middletown Springboro 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.

Fire in the fall

10/25/2019 (Permalink)

How To Have A Fire Free Fall 

We are officially in the fall season! Which means we are in for cooler weather, beautiful colors, and a plethora of outdoor activities. With the temperature going down, SERVPRO of Middletown Springboro begins to see a rise in fires. Be sure to plan ahead this fall season to ensure its fire-free. Below are a few tips you can use to make sure you have a fire-free fall.

Highly flammable fall decorations, like dried flowers, cornstalks, and other decorations should be kept away from open flames and heat sources, including lightbulbs and heaters. Remember emergency exits should be clear of decorations, so nothing blocks escape routes. Remember safety first when choosing a Halloween costume. Avoid billowing fabric as it can easily ignite. Lit pumpkins should be kept away from anything that can burn and out of the way from doorsteps, walkways, and yards.

Fire damage

10/8/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Middletown Springboro is available 24/7 to assist you in the event of a fire damage!  Our professionals hustle to get you back in your home faster. Our crew, is the first to arrive to assess the damage and get you the assistance needed.  Our cleaning crew arrives shortly thereafter to begin cleaning your home and its contents to get you back to everyday living faster.  We know it is burdensome to not be able to live in your home.  We put effort in making sure we clean every surface properly and faster than the rest to get you back into your home.

If you have any questions regarding fire damage, smoke damage, or impossible odors give our office a call.  We are ready by the phone to assist you with getting you the help you need as quickly as possible. 

SERVPRO of Middletown Springboro is ready to provide you with an appointment for an onsite inspection.  (513)422-9200

 

Fire puff back

10/7/2019 (Permalink)

A puff back is the puff of smoke and soot from a malfunctioning heating unit inside your furnace that brings gunk into your home. When a furnace works properly, it combines fuel and oxygen in balanced amounts for good, controlled combustion. The correct mix produces a steady flame and burns the fuel almost completely. The puff back happens when the mix is unbalanced. For example, when the rate of combustion in your furnace slows, but the fuel injected into the heating system remains constant, a sudden combustion may occur.

For example when a car backfires, a puff back can cause a “boom” and a big vibration. This vibration shakes loose  soot in the heating system as well as the duct work. The air stream of forced air that normally brings heat into your home instead brings these soot particles. Think of how the heat moves into all the areas of your home. The soot from a puff back will take the same path.

Residue from a puff back is usually an oily, sticky film whose base is petroleum. It has a strong distinct smell and makes a mess that permeates everything. Because the puff back is backed up by a little explosion, these soot particles get a boost getting into the combination of nooks and small crevices, propulsion and a petroleum base makes the mess caused by a puff back so difficult to tackle. Often traditional cleaning methods make the mess even worse than when you started. In some cases they also use sealants to preventing re-contamination.In most cases, an immediate response by a trained professional from SERVPRO is recommended.

Fire prevention

10/3/2019 (Permalink)

Fire Prevention Week 2019 is October 6th through the 12th

Plan and Practice Your Escape
In a typical home fire, you may have as little as one to two minutes to escape safely from the time the smoke alarm sounds. Escape planning and practice can help you make the most of the time you have, giving everyone enough time to get out.

In a fire, just seconds can mean the difference between a safe escape and a tragedy. Fire safety education isn’t just for school children. Teenagers, adults, and the elderly are also at risk in fires, making it important for every member of the community to take some time every October during Fire Prevention Week to make sure they understand how to stay safe in case of a fire.

When it comes to fire safety, maybe you’re already a hero in your household or community. If not, maybe you’re feeling inspired to become one. It's easy to take that first step - make your home escape plan, when it comes to fire you can never over plan.

Source, NFPA Online

Different types of smoke damage

9/23/2019 (Permalink)

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 Middletown Springboro 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 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.

Different types of fire damage.

9/4/2019 (Permalink)

Dry Smoke

Dry smoke damage is caused when substances such as  are the fuel for the fire. These fires are fast burning, have high temperatures and the heat rises therefore the smoke rises. Because the residue is powdery and dry, it is often simpler to clean since it is easy to wipe off. However, it can fall into cracks and porous surfaces, and while the soot may be hidden from view, the smell will remain.

Wet Smoke

Wet smoke damage typically comes from fires in which plastic, rubber and other synthetic materials have burned. These fires are a lower temperature. They can be described as having a smoldering, pungent odor and they leave a sticky and thick residue that is more difficult to remove. 

Protein Residue

Protein residue is left behind after the evaporation of organic material such as food. The residue is produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire. The residue is almost invisible however it discolors varnishes, paints, and finishes. It also gives off a strong, offensive odor that our techs know well and can easily identify. Because it is invisible to the eye, however, a homeowners might get frustrated with the pungent smell since they can’t see the source.

When we inspect your fire damaged structure, we will determine which method of cleaning is required. Depending on the type of smoke damage and the surface that is affected, we may utilize the following cleaning methods to remove smoke and soot damage.

  • Dry Sponging
  • Wet Cleaning
  • High Efficiency Particulate Air-filtration (HEPA) Vacuuming
  • Thermal Fogging

Fire/smoke damage

7/25/2019 (Permalink)

Cleaning smoke stains off walls and ceilings can be a difficult task. Even if the fire was small like a cooking fire, the smoke can quickly discolor your ceilings and walls. Since smoke rises, the smoke usually damages your ceilings first as the smoke spreads across the ceiling leaving smoke residue. While smoke can usually be cleaned easily off metal and smooth surfaces like counters and ovens, ceilings and walls are not so easy to clean, specially if you have very high ceilings.

While we all hope we never have to suffer through the experience of a house fire, it is important to know what to do if one should happen. Obviously, the first thing you should do is ensure the fire has been extinguished completely.

This can be done by someone in the home if the fire is small and can be put out easily and safely. Or by the fire department if the fire is too big and dangerous to safely extinguish by the homeowner. It’s important to note that it’s always best to call the fire department right as soon as a fire is spotted and to get everyone out of the home quickly and safely.

SERVPRO of Middletown Springboro is available 24/7 365 for any emergency you may have, (513) 422-9200.

Damaged contents from a fire

10/9/2018 (Permalink)

A house fire is never planned for or expected. Many of our favorite and most treasured items are the once that are irreplaceable. Some examples are pictures, handmade items and antiques. Good thing for our customers, SERVPRO of Middletown Springboro specializes in cleaning all types of contents. 

Many times some of the things, like photos, documents, that get wet and stick together and seem like they are a loss, can actually be saved if you act quickly. SERVPRO of Middletown Springboro has the knowledge, expertise and training to clean and restore all of your property after a house fire. 

Generally fire affected contents will be wet from the fire department putting out the fire. This can cause extra issues as well but these items can usually be still be saved. We make it our priority to clean and restore your contents as if they were our own.

If you experience a fire and soot damage give our office a call at(513)422-9200. 

Fire and soot damage

10/8/2018 (Permalink)

You should make notes about what items are ruined or damaged and take photographs too. You’ll be contacting your insurance company and a restoration contractor, so you want to be sure about your circumstances. Misunderstandings are common, but if you have photos and notes, you’ll be in a better position to know the extent of the fire damage and what needs to be restored or replaced. This should be done within hours after the fire is extinguished.

Once you have a clear picture of the damage, call your insurance company. Hopefully, you can do this the next day. It is important to call them as soon as possible, so they will send an insurance adjustor to your home or office quickly.

Call a Reputable Fire Damage Restoration Contractor

When searching for a local cleaning and restoration contractor, make sure they are Institution of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) certified. These professionals have been trained in the latest restoration technology and have health and safety certification. They will have experience in a wide range of fire restoration projects. You should also ask for proof or the proper licenses and insurance.

SERVPRO of Middletown Springboro is a restoration contractor who also does reconstruction. This will save you a lot of time and money. They will first board up your home or office so vandals or thieves cannot enter. They will also work directly with your insurance company to create a restoration plan that will return your property to its pre-fire condition. They’ll inform your adjustor about the items that can be cleaned and restored and the ones that need to be replaced. Your restoration contractor should also be able to safely store some of your possessions during recovery.

commercial Fire

10/3/2018 (Permalink)

Why use professional fire restoration?

After the fire has been put off, the professionals can plan and know how to handle the fire damage issue. They first ensure that the sources of fire are under control and put off completely including the utility room fire. They also seal off the area from intruders and onlookers who could interfere with their work. The professionals sort out the things that have burned and put those items that can be repaired in a safe place.

The commercial fire damage services also assist in the documentation to ensure that you do not struggle while filing for compensation. They would also clean up the charred mess and water that has been spilled while putting out the fire. Fire restoration also begins with an inspection of the building to assess whether the fire causes further damages.

Professional fire restoration services are well equipped and skilled to handle any issue that may arise in the process. Fire damage leads to a major loss in the office and other utilities. Some would require replacement while others can be repaired.

Soot damage and smoke damage restoration

Fire damage has many consequences, which include smoke damage and soot damage. The smoke damage leaves a odor from the chemical burnt in plastics and wood among other. It makes other rooms have the same smell. Soot damage results from the dark part of the smoke that paints on the walls as well as dust and spiderwebs. The professional’s at SERVPRO OF Middletown Springboro have ideas on how to clean it up to its original state.

Recover business from a fire damage

10/3/2018 (Permalink)

Fire tragedies can occur anytime anywhere. Most likely, it can be an electrical fire. Electrical fire is very common in the modern days. Electrical fire can be caused by different things such as using a faulty electrical appliance. It is always recommended that people understand the precautions against electrical fires.

How To Fight The Fire

Immediately after fire breaks in on the premises, the person in charge should call their local firefighters even if the fire suppression system has put out the fire. Firefighters should search the building for any dangerous situations; it could be live wires or fallen parts of the structure. The fire sprinkler system should be tested at least once a year. Contact a professional to test and set fire sprinklers. Fire sprinklers should always be turned on and ready for emergencies.

How To Restore The Fire Damages - Fire Cleanup

It is always good to put proper measures to know how to deal with fire damage restoration. After the fire incidence, fire restoration has to take place immediately because business has to continue. A utility room fire might suffer fire damages, smoke damages, soot damages and also water damages from the firefighters.

Fire damage restoration can be a very difficult task to undertake. Your utility room fire already looks messed up with smoke damage and soot damage, not to mention the losses of the totally burnt items inside the premises. It is always advisable not to undertake the fire restoration process yourself since you do not know the degree of damages and different situations. It’s possible to cause even more damage trying to take on a fire restoration yourself not having the expertise as one of SERVPROS highly trained professionals.

Call SERVPRO of Middletown Springboro at (513)422-9200

Smoke damage and soot

9/26/2018 (Permalink)

When it comes to smoke or fire damage restoration, fast action is important. Following the initial fire or smoke-related incident, smoke and soot will settle on surfaces creating additional damage to the structure and your contents.  Smoke contains a wide variety of chemicals and by products, many of them aggressive in nature.

Material in furniture and flooring is often synthetic and when burned, creates chemical reactions. After only a short period of time, items can go from cleanable to unsalvageable. The longer acid or corrosive gasses stay on at-risk surfaces, the worse pitting or etching becomes. Pre-cleaning methods neutralize the acid and protect metal and glass, marble, china, chrome and more. We have them expertise and chemicals to make a situation like it never even happened.

Contact SERVPRO of Middletown Springboro at (513)422-9200 to learn more about our smoke and fire damage restoration. We are a 24 hour emergency services company.

Dangers of DIY fire restoration

9/21/2018 (Permalink)

Homeowners Often Take on Unnecessary Risks to Cleanup Up Their Properties After a Fire Loss

One of the most troubling things about a disaster in your home is the uncertainty of when your home can ever look or feel the same again. With a situation like a fire in your residence, you want to correct the effects of this incident as quickly as possible to ensure that you do not allow for the situation to get worse. The temptation is probably high to immediately start to dry and clean or restore your damaged home on your own; there are many concerns that you should know.

As much as you want to save money and do things yourself, your hoke offers requires a professional restoration company.  There are too many variables and threats that exist within the house that the average homeowner is ill-prepared to face. Our SERVPRO of Middletown Springboro team of professionals can respond quickly and help to mitigate further damages while we prepare a plan to restore your home.

One of the most significant risks that a homeowner faces, once their home is affected by fire damages, is environmental exposure. With dirt, debris, soot, and smoke circulating throughout the air in the affected areas of your house, these contaminants to the atmosphere can lead to illness or breathing concerns for an individual without the appropriate protective equipment. Our technicians have the safety gear to prevent exposure in hazardous areas such as full-face respirators.

Another potential concern for the homeowner after a fire has gotten extinguished is a weakening of structural components and construction materials. It is not at all uncommon for ceilings to collapse, floors to give way, or walls to fall over. This risk is one that our SERVPRO of Middletown Springboro professionals assume as we seek to begin the restoration process, but not one that you should.

As tempting as it might be to save yourself the cost of restoration, most homeowners would find that to restore their home to their insurance company’s standards correctly and safely, they need professional and experienced specialists. Our SERVPRO of Middletown Springboro team is available 24/7 by calling (513)422-9200

Restore after a fire

9/18/2018 (Permalink)

After a fire, cleaning the contents and the structure as a whole is part of the restoration services. Different types of fire damage require different cleaning methods, and it is the work of our SERVPRO technicians to determine the most appropriate way of cleaning. The initial cleaning can be enough for some situations, while in others, we may advise you to do some refinishing and repainting.

After cleaning the various areas and contents, it is time to conduct deodorization. The process aims at getting rid of the unpleasant odors that are left behind after a fire. In most cases, identifying the sources of these smells is a difficult task since some of them may be coming from hard to access areas like cracks. We have the right tools that spray deodorizers into those spaces and neutralize the odor sources.

When it is not possible to conduct the restoration when your contents are still in place, we may recommend a move-out. Such is necessary when our SERVPRO team analyzes the situation and finds out the materials can accrue more loss if we do not relocate them to another area. During the move-out, it is our job to do the inventory together with any detailed cleaning and deodorization.

At SERVPRO of Middletown Springboro, We’re Faster To Any Size of mold, water, storm, and fire damaging incidents. Call us today at (513)422-9200 and be served by an industry leader.

Fire and soot damage

9/11/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Middletown Springboro is highly trained in smoke and soot removal. 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.

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. Our team at SERVPRO of Middletown Springboro have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call SERVPRO of Middletown Springboro Today – 513-422-9200

We are highly trained professionals

8/21/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Middletown Springboro  is here to help when fire affects your home or business. We know that you may have ever experienced a fire(nor you never do). We specialize in fire restoration cleaning and mitigation. We are here to help when a fire affects the structure and/or contents.  We are a full service restoration company. You can depend on us to help you make decisions as you/we work through the process. We clean structure as well as contents. We provide demolition services. We work and manage with dependable subcontractors to help in the rebuilding process. We work with and communicate all documentation with insurance programs and the insured to make sure all know the status and progress of the job. We are here to help when a fire occurs. We are a 24/7 emergency services locally owned company that’s only one phone call away. 

What do after a fire ??

8/21/2018 (Permalink)

What To Do After A Fire

  • Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
  • Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
  • If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
  • Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
  • Change HVAC filter.
  • Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

What NOT To Do After A Fire

  • Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting your SERVPRO of Middletown Springboro Franchise Professionals.
  • Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
  • Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.
  • Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
  • Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor and ruin your clothes.

Grill safety

8/21/2018 (Permalink)

There is nothing better than grilling out in the summertime or a nice fall day. Everyone love’s to see fire in the grill, under hot dogs and burgers at any outdoor party or family cookout. However, if a grill is not managed properly, an unwelcomed fire can turn your family cookout into a catastrophe. Here are some tips for keeping everyone at the party safe while grilling out:

General Grilling Tips

  • Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors and preferable off of wooden decks.
  • The grill should be placed well away from the house, deck railings and out from under leaves and overhanging branches.
  • Keep children and pets away from the grilling area.
  • Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
  • Never leave your grill unattended.

If you have any questions or need help call SERVPRO of Middletown Springboro at (513)422-9200.

Smoke alarms

8/21/2018 (Permalink)


Test smoke alarms monthly using the test button. Smoke alarms with non-replaceable batteries need the entire smoke alarm unit replaced every ten years or sooner . Other alarms need batteries replaced every year at least, and the unit replaced every ten years. If the alarm chirps signaling low battery(yes that annoying chirp that a lot of us listen to for months before changing), take the proper steps to replace the unit or the batteries immediately. Never disable or remove the battery from an alarm. Almost half of fires where smoke alarms were present but did not activate had missing or disconnected batteries. If you need help installing, testing or changing batteries in your smoke alarms, contact your local fire department, an electrician or the American Red Cross. Be sure your home has a fire emergency plan in place and conduct regular fire drills with your family.

For more information on Emergency Preparedness, contact your local SERVPRO of Middletown Springboro.

The Fourth of July

7/4/2018 (Permalink)

The 4th of July is here, which means FIREWORKS! Please keep these tip in mind when you're popping Fireworks!

Firework Safety Tips

  • Follow the directions on all fireworks and don't use them for anything other than what they're intended for.
  • Don't attempt to alter or combine fireworks products.
  • Never use homemade fireworks.
  • Report illegal explosives to the nearest fire or police department.
  • When lighting fireworks, always have water handy. A hose is best, but a bucket will suffice.
  • Spectators should remain a safe distance from the fireworks being lit.
  • Whoever lights the fireworks must be sober, wear safety glasses, and keep clothing well away from the flame when lighting.
  • Only light fireworks outdoors on a smooth, flat surface, away from all flammable materials including dry leaves and paper.
  • Never try to relight fireworks that appear to be duds. Wait up to 20 minutes for a possible delayed ignition. Then if nothing happens, soak the firework in a bucket of water and dispose of it.
  • Dispose of all firework materials by first soaking them in water before putting them in the trash.
  • Keep sparklers away from clothing and other flammable materials.

Fire Hazards

7/4/2018 (Permalink)

Below are the most common Fire Hazards in your home.

  • Alcohol and Fire

It's a fact that many house fires are caused by someone attempting to cook or smoke while under the influence of alcohol. 

  • Candles

Candle fires happen in places like bedrooms and bathrooms where people use them as mood enhancers. Unfortunately, people can fall asleep with a candle still burning or leave the room without snuffing out the flame. Candles should NEVER be left burning unattended!

  • Cooking

Many items in the kitchen can catch fire easily including pot holders, dish towels, and product packaging. Keep curtains away from the stove and clean up all spills on the stove top or near by counters.

  • Electrical 

Unsafe use of electricity can be a  ticking time bomb! An electrical fire can happen at any time. Follow-up when a fuse or circuit breaker blows. Don't just reset the breaker or replace the fuse. Find out what caused the problem.

  • Cigarettes

Too many fires are caused from careless disposal of smoking materials.

Any question or concerns call SERVPRO of Middletown/Springboro at 513-422-9200

Fire Restoration

4/23/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO’s Fire Restoration Process

Every fire damage is unique and, therefore, will require a unique restoration process. However, here are steps to our typical fire restoration services:

  • Fire damage assessment: Our trained technicians will thoroughly examine the house to determine the extent of the fire, soot, and smoke damage.
  • Board-upping and Roof-tarping: If a fire damages the roof, walls, and windows, our professionals will place tarps on the damaged roofs and board-up missing walls and windows.
  • Water Removal: If there is water damage, we’ll use state-of-the-art air movers to remove the standing water and dry soaked items.
  • Smoke and soot repair: We have the right products and techniques to remove soot from walls and other surfaces.
  • Cleaning: Our skilled professionals will clean and sanitize all the restorable items damaged by the fire. We’ll also ensure that your home is free from the acidic fumes and odor of the fire.
  • Restoration: Before leaving, we will ensure your home is back to its initial condition (if not better). Our restoration services will involve installing a new carpet, painting, replacing the dry walls, and many other minor repairs in your home.

If you ever need quick and professional fire restoration services, do not hesitate to check out SERVPRO of Middletown Springboro. Whether day or night, we are always available to help you. 513-422-9200

Fire tips

4/20/2018 (Permalink)

Home fires make up the majority of disasters Red Cross responds too.

Below are eight important fire safety tips 

#1 Make sure your street number is visible from the street so that public safety personnel can quickly locate your property in case of emergency.

#2 Prevent landscaping from growing over and around fire hydrants. The time it takes to search for a fire hydrant could be critical!

#3 Turn off electrical, including ceiling fans, before leaving your residence for an extended period. Ceiling fan motors can overheat and cause fires if left on for extended periods.

#4 The sale, offering for sale, display, possession or discharge of fireworks by any person or entity within Rancho Mirage is prohibited.

#5 Do not store flammable items near a heat source, such as a hot water heater, as they can combust.

#6 Fire extinguishers should always be kept in the home and checked on an annual basis. Fire extinguishers are a requirement for businesses.

#7 Keep fresh batteries in your smoke detectors by replacing them twice a year. A good reminder is to change them when you set your clocks ahead/back for daylight saving time.

#8 Keep a wrench near your gas shut off valve at all times and consider turning off the gas when you leave your residence for an extended period.

Give us a call at SERVPRO of Middletown Springboro and we will help you in the event that there is a fire or flood in your home. We are available 24 hours a day/7 days a week/365 days a year.

SERVPRO Works with Your Insurance Company to Make the Restoration Process Easier

4/16/2018 (Permalink)

Unfortunately, home fires occur far more often than any of us would like. Every home is susceptible, so, when interacting with your insurance company following a fire damage event on your property, it helps to understand which steps to take to get you started in the right direction.

Obviously, you want to keep everyone in your family safe and call your insurance agent as soon as possible to report a fire damage incident on your Middletown Springboro area. They can help you locate a company that specializes in protecting what remains of your home, someone who can provide board-up services, temporary fencing, or assess structural damages.

Emergency damage restoration and mitigation companies, like SERVPRO, can help restore burnt surfaces, provide you with cleaning and deodorization services that remove soot and smoke residues, along with smoke odors after a fire. Contacting a local restoration company can help you begin cleaning up and prevent additional damage to your personal belongings, furniture, and other household contents, limiting any losses you might experience.

Your insurance company should know which restoration company in your area can do the job right for you, providing you with stress-free services that help improve your situation. SERVPRO works with your insurance company, locating temporary housing when needed to keep you and your family safe while working in your home. Ask your insurance adjuster if your policy covers food, housing, and transportation costs and keep thorough records of any expenses you accrue.

Working together, SERVPRO of Middletown Springboro  and your insurance company can help you determine whether your home is in good enough shape for restoration, or if you should consider rebuilding. Our technicians keep you informed throughout the restoration process and help you mitigate any losses you experience while working hard to restore your home after a fire.

Fire

4/11/2018 (Permalink)

A fire damage that was started in a kitchen.

Despite the specialized fire prevention and detection systems that we have in our buildings, fire damage remains a top concern. It is also worth noting that different challenges arise from different fire situations. While we expect to remove the dirt that smoke residues leave behind, there are several processes that restorers perform to retur your Middeltown Springboro home to its former state, and all that requires specific equipment and skills.

You need to treat all fire damage events in Middeltown Springboro as an emergency to prevent further damage. When our SERVPRO team arrives at your property, we perform a pretest and identify items we can replace, clean, and those that need further examination. From our inspection, it is possible to determine the scope of the loss and share with the adjuster, and after that schedule the estimated mitigation processes.

When water comes into contact with some smoke particles, odors may result. Where possible, our SERVPRO technicians remove the odor source and perform deodorization. When the smells are coming from cracks, we direct deodorizing fog or smoke into those spaces by using thermal foggers.

At SERVPRO of Middletown Springboro , We're Faster To Any Size Disaster whether it is storm, mold, fire or water related. Call us at (513)422-9200 if you want your property to return to its preloss state.

Fire damage

2/19/2018 (Permalink)

If you have experienced a fire, you are probably feeling mixed of emotions right now: anger, confusion, fear and helplessness. But don't worry, fire damage can be repaired and your home can be returned to its previous state. While you may not be able to replace everything you lost, the portion of your home destroyed by the fire can definitely be restored.

If you have already gotten the go-ahead from the Fire Department, and your insurance company has surveyed the damage, it is time to start the restoration portion. Fire cleanup has multiple steps that starts with evaluating the smoke and water damage, and ends with rebuilding your home as good or even better than it was before.

Call our office at (513)-422-9200

Fire damage

2/19/2018 (Permalink)

If you have experienced a fire, you are probably feeling mixed of emotions right now: anger, confusion, fear and helplessness. But don't worry, fire damage can be repaired and your home can be returned to its previous state. While you may not be able to replace everything you lost, the portion of your home destroyed by the fire can definitely be restored.

If you have already gotten the go-ahead from the Fire Department, and your insurance company has surveyed the damage, it is time to start the restoration portion. Fire cleanup has multiple steps that starts with evaluating the smoke and water damage, and ends with rebuilding your home as good or even better than it was before.

Call our office at (513)-422-9200

Dangers of Smoke

3/1/2016 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Middletown/Springboro, we base our work on a “restore” vs. “replace” mentality, meaning that we will work effortlessly to bring your house or place of work back to preloss condition.An example of a disaster that we often deal with concerns fire cleaning and repairs. In these types of disasters, we implement a seven-step process that our brave men and women follow in order to ensure the best possible cleaning outcome.Here at SERVPRO of Middletown/Springboro, we base our work on a “restore” vs. “replace” mentality, meaning that we will work effortlessly to bring your house or place of work back to preloss condition.

Since fire damage is no laughing matter, you and your family should be weary about the many different smoke dangers that persist after a fire has ravaged through your home or place of business. Although you may not exactly be able to see ALL of the smoke damage, smoke has the ability to latch on to certain items and fabrics that may not be easily seen by the naked eye. This is when you should take all precautions and call SERVPRO of Middletown/Springboro for our extensive smoke cleaning services. Your goods, electronic items, and even walls, if not properly taken care of, can corrode and even begin to danger you and your loved ones.  

This time of year it is not uncommon for thermostats to be turned up to warming temperatures. Space heaters, heated blankets, and other household electronics are commonly used and more often than not, misused due to neglectful behavior. These items draw large a electric charge, making them a household hazard if they are not turned off and unplugged when not in use. Protect your home and family and be mindful of when these items are in use.

Give us a call at 513-422-9200